BEAMFORMING INFORMATION SIGNALING FOR NETWORK-CONTROLLED REPEATERS

Smart overview of the Invention

The patent application discusses a system for signaling directive beamforming information specifically designed for network-controlled repeaters in wireless networks. These repeaters help enhance network coverage, which is a crucial aspect of cellular network deployment. The approach offers an alternative to deploying regular, full-stack cells, providing mobile operators with increased flexibility in their network configurations.

Technical Background

Network-controlled repeaters are introduced as a solution to improve coverage in areas where deploying full-stack cells is not feasible or economically viable. Traditional radio-frequency (RF) repeaters simply amplify signals, but the proposed network-controlled repeaters can also process control information from base stations. This capability allows them to perform operations like amplify-and-forward more efficiently, reducing noise amplification and enhancing spatial directivity.

System Architecture

The system involves several components including user equipment (UE), a base station, and a network-controlled repeater (NC repeater). The base station provides wireless access cells that UEs can use to communicate. In this system, UEs connected directly to the base station are referred to as G-UEs, while those connected via the NC repeater are known as R-UEs. The NC repeater serves as an intermediary, forwarding signals between the base station and R-UEs.

Signal Processing

The NC repeater improves signal processing by utilizing side control information received from the base station. This information allows the repeater to optimize its operations, such as minimizing unnecessary noise amplification and improving the directionality of signal transmissions and receptions. By doing so, it simplifies integration with existing networks and enhances overall performance.

Terminology and Implementation

The application includes a glossary of terms used throughout the document, such as "circuitry," "processor circuitry," "interface circuitry," and "user equipment." These terms help clarify the components involved in implementing the described system. The detailed description also notes that various embodiments may be practiced beyond the specific examples given, allowing for flexibility in implementation.