CN116636157A

CN116636157A - Techniques for using a repeater with multiple upstream nodes in wireless communications

Info

Publication number: CN116636157A
Application number: CN202180079664.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: N·阿贝迪尼; J·罗; 骆涛; A·桑佩斯; 厉隽怿
Original assignee: Qualcomm Inc
Current assignee: Qualcomm Inc
Priority date: 2020-12-04
Filing date: 2021-12-03
Publication date: 2023-08-22

Abstract

Aspects described herein relate to: establishing a control connection with at least a first node for receiving control information for providing a repeater function for two or more upstream nodes; transmitting control information from at least a first node over the control connection; and providing a repeater function between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes based on the control information.

Description

Techniques for using a repeater with multiple upstream nodes in wireless communications

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This patent application claims priority to enjoying the following applications: provisional patent application No.63/121,844, filed on month 12 and 4 of 2020 and entitled "TECHNIQUES FOR USING REPEATERS WITH MULTIPLE UPSTREAM NODES IN WIRELESS communicator", and U.S. patent application No.17/541,176, filed on month 12 and 2 of 2021 and entitled "TECHNIQUES FOR USING REPEATERS WITH MULTIPLE UPSTREAM NODES IN WIRELESS communicator", which are assigned to the assignee of the present application and are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Technical Field

Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to wireless communication systems, and more particularly, to wireless communication between an upstream node and a downstream node using a repeater.

Background

Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, and so on. These systems may be multiple-access systems capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing the available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple-access systems include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, and single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems.

These multiple access techniques have been employed in various telecommunications standards to provide a common protocol that enables different wireless devices to communicate at the urban, national, regional, and even global levels. For example, fifth generation (5G) wireless communication technologies, which may be referred to as 5G new radio (5G NR), are envisioned to extend and support a wide variety of usage scenarios and applications for current mobile network generations. In one aspect, the 5G communication technique may include: solving the enhanced mobile broadband for people-centric use cases for accessing multimedia content, services, and data; ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC) with certain specifications for latency and reliability; and may allow for a relatively large number of connected devices and large-scale machine-type communications for the transmission of relatively low amounts of non-delay-sensitive information.

In wireless communication techniques such as 5G NR, a node may beam-form antenna resources into transmit and receive beams in particular spatial directions to improve audibility of signals. In addition, repeaters may be used between nodes to receive and forward communications between them to further improve the audibility of signals and to improve the quality of communications between nodes. There are various types of repeaters that can be used in wireless communications (e.g., in 5G NR), including repeaters with amplification and forwarding functions. For example, the repeater may include a forward link with an upstream node (such as the gNB) over which the repeater may receive control information for operating the repeater function, and may also communicate with the gNB over the forward link to perform the repeater function (e.g., to receive downlink communications, forward uplink communications, etc.). Further, the repeater may include an access link with a downstream node, such as a User Equipment (UE), over which the repeater may communicate with the UE to perform repeater functions (e.g., receive uplink communications, forward downlink communications, etc.).

Disclosure of Invention

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

According to one example, there is provided a method for wireless communication at a repeater, comprising: establishing a control connection with at least a first node for receiving control information for providing a repeater function for two or more upstream nodes; receiving control information from at least the first node over the control connection, wherein the control information includes one or more Time Division Duplex (TDD) modes for providing the repeater function for the two or more upstream nodes; and providing the repeater function between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and the at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes based on the control information.

In another example, a method for wireless communication at an upstream node is provided, comprising: establishing a control connection with a repeater to provide control information to the repeater for providing a repeater function between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and the at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes; and transmitting the control information for providing the repeater function to the repeater, wherein the control information indicates one or more TDD modes for providing the repeater function for the two or more upstream nodes.

In another example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided, comprising: a transceiver; a memory configured to store instructions; a movement termination unit; a repeater unit; and one or more processors communicatively coupled with the memory and the transceiver. The one or more processors are configured to: establishing a control connection with at least a first node via the mobile termination unit for receiving control information for providing a repeater function for two or more upstream nodes; receiving control information from at least the first node over the control connection, wherein the control information includes one or more TDD modes for providing the repeater functionality for the two or more upstream nodes; and providing, via the repeater unit and based on the control information, the repeater function between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and the at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes.

In another example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided, comprising: a transceiver; a memory configured to store instructions; and one or more processors communicatively coupled with the memory and the transceiver. The one or more processors are configured to: establishing a control connection with a repeater to provide control information to the repeater for providing a repeater function between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and the at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes; and transmitting the control information for providing the repeater function to the repeater, wherein the control information indicates one or more TDD modes for providing the repeater function for the two or more upstream nodes.

In another example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided, comprising: means for establishing a control connection with at least a first node for receiving control information for providing a repeater function for two or more upstream nodes; means for receiving control information from at least the first node over the control connection, wherein the control information includes one or more TDD modes for providing the repeater functionality for the two or more upstream nodes; and means for providing the repeater function between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and the at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes based on the control information.

In another example, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided, comprising: means for establishing a control connection with a repeater to provide control information to the repeater for providing repeater functionality between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and the at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes; and means for transmitting the control information for providing the repeater function to the repeater, wherein the control information indicates one or more TDD modes for providing the repeater function for the two or more upstream nodes.

In another example, a computer-readable medium is provided that includes code executable by one or more processors for wireless communication at a repeater. The code includes code for: establishing a control connection with at least a first node for receiving control information for providing a repeater function for two or more upstream nodes; receiving control information from at least the first node over the control connection, wherein the control information includes one or more TDD modes for providing the repeater functionality for the two or more upstream nodes; and providing the repeater function between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and the at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes based on the control information.

In another example, a computer-readable medium is provided that includes code executable by one or more processors for wireless communication at an upstream node. The code includes code for: establishing a control connection with a repeater to provide control information to the repeater for providing a repeater function between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and the at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes; and transmitting the control information for providing the repeater function to the repeater, wherein the control information indicates one or more TDD modes for providing the repeater function for the two or more upstream nodes.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, one or more aspects comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various aspects may be employed and the description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.

Drawings

The disclosed aspects will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the disclosed aspects, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:

fig. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

fig. 2 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system that provides a repeater for facilitating communication between a base station and user equipment in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure;

fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a repeater device in a wireless communication system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating example components and communication links of a repeater device according to aspects of the present disclosure;

fig. 5 illustrates an example of a wireless communication network for communicating between an upstream node and a User Equipment (UE) or other downstream node using a repeater, in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure;

fig. 6 illustrates an example of a wireless communication network for communicating between a first TRP of a cell of a gNB and a UE (or other downstream node) using a relay and also communicating between a second TRP of the same cell of the gNB and the UE (or other downstream node) using the relay, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure;

Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a wireless communication network for communicating between a first cell and a UE (or other downstream node) and also communicating between a second cell and the UE (or other downstream node) using the relay, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

fig. 8 illustrates an example of a wireless communication network for communicating between a first Distributed Unit (DU) and a UE (or other downstream node) using a repeater and also communicating between a second DU and the UE (or other downstream node) using a repeater, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

fig. 9 illustrates an example of a wireless communication network for communicating between a first Centralized Unit (CU) and a UE (or other downstream node) using a relay and also communicating between a second CU and the UE (or other downstream node) using a relay, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

fig. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a repeater in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an upstream node in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

fig. 12 illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method for providing repeater functionality based on control information received from a plurality of nodes, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

Fig. 13 illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method for configuring a repeater to provide repeater functionality in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

fig. 14 illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method for providing repeater functionality for two or more upstream nodes in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

fig. 15 illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method for configuring a repeater to provide repeater functionality for two or more upstream nodes in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method for resolving conflicts in control information or other information used to provide repeater functionality in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method for avoiding collisions when configuring a repeater to provide repeater functionality in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and

fig. 18 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system including a base station and a UE in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Various aspects are now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. It may be evident, however, that such aspect(s) may be practiced without these specific details.

The described features relate generally to enabling a repeater to communicate with multiple upstream nodes, whether for control information or for providing repeater functionality. For example, the repeater may be configured to connect to one or more upstream nodes to receive control information for operating the repeater, to connect to one or more upstream nodes to receive downlink communications for forwarding to one or more downstream nodes and/or for forwarding uplink communications from one or more downstream nodes to one or more upstream nodes, and so forth. Further, the repeater may be correspondingly configured to resolve conflicts in control information received from one or more upstream nodes, resolve conflicts in communication direction configurations or beamforming configurations received from one or more upstream nodes, and so on. In other examples, the upstream nodes may coordinate with each other to avoid providing collision control information, communication direction configuration, beamforming configuration, and the like.

In some wireless communication technologies, such as fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR), an amplify-and-forward repeater may be used, which may operate in full duplex mode under some control from an upstream node. For example, the upstream nodes may include one or more of a gNB, an upstream Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, which may include a Centralized Unit (CU) or a Distributed Unit (DU), or the like. For example, AN IAB node may be a node having AN access node (AN-F) function or DU and a UE function (UE-F) or Mobile Termination (MT). For example, AN-F/DU may facilitate sending downlink communications to or receiving uplink communications from one or more downstream nodes (e.g., one or more other IAB nodes, user Equipment (UE), relay, etc.). In addition, for example, the UE-F/MF may facilitate sending uplink communications to or receiving downlink communications from one or more upstream nodes (e.g., one or more other IAB nodes, relays, base stations, etc.). A CU may be a gNB, IAB donor node, or other node that may communicate with multiple downstream DUs, which may also be a gNB, IAB node, etc., to facilitate communication with User Equipment (UE) connected to the DUs. Given a set of one or more gnbs, IAB nodes, CUs, DUs, etc., one or more repeaters may be used to receive and forward communications with one or more UEs, other repeaters, or other IAB nodes to improve wireless network coverage.

In one example, an amplify-and-forward repeater may efficiently use available resources by operating in full duplex, which may potentially increase system capacity, as compared to a decode-and-forward repeater. Further, for example, the amplification repeater may experience or exhibit less repeater delay (e.g., no additional delay for further Intermediate Frequency (IF)/baseband frequency (BB) processing, and no additional delay due to half duplex operation) when operating in full duplex, etc. However, the amplify-and-forward repeater may also amplify unwanted signals (e.g., noise and interference) along with the wanted signal, which may result in a reduction in the overall effective signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR).

In one example, an amplify-and-forward repeater (also referred to as a layer 1 (L1) millimeter wave (MMW) repeater) may perform at least one or more of the following: receiving analog signals on its Receive (RX) antenna (e.g., based on some configured RX beamforming), amplifying the power of the received analog signals, transmitting the amplified signals from its Transmit (TX) antenna (e.g., based on some configured TX beamforming), and/or communicating some control information with an upstream node or server (e.g., a serving base station or gNB, CU, DU, IAB node, etc.) via a control connection with the upstream node and/or one or more other upstream nodes. The relay may use the control information to configure certain aspects of the relay functionality, such as the direction of communication in the time period (e.g., uplink, downlink, etc. of each symbol or slot), the beam to be used when communicating during the time period, etc.

Aspects described herein relate to enabling a repeater to communicate with multiple upstream nodes, whether for control connections or when providing repeater functionality. This may allow to extend the use of the repeater to multiple upstream nodes, multiple cells, potentially multiple network operators, etc. Further, aspects are described herein as generally relating to an amplify-and-forward type repeater, although other types of repeaters may similarly use aspects to provide the functionality described herein.

The features described are given in more detail below with reference to fig. 1-18.

As used in this disclosure, the terms "component," "module," "system," and the like are intended to include a computer-related entity, such as but not limited to hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, the following: a process running on a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computing device and the computing device can be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. Furthermore, these components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. Components may communicate by way of local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network such as the internet with other systems by way of the signal).

The techniques described herein may be used for various wireless communication systems such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. A CDMA system may implement a radio technology such as CDMA2000, universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), etc. CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards. IS-2000 release 0 and a are commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1X, etc. IS-856 (TIA-856) IS commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, high Rate Packet Data (HRPD), or the like. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variations of CDMA. TDMA systems may implement radio technologies such as global system for mobile communications (GSM). OFDMA systems may implement, for example, ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, flash OFDM ^TM Etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-advanced (LTE-A) are new versions of UMTS that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-a and GSM are described in documents from an organization named "third generation partnership project" (3 GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization named "third generation partnership project 2" (3 GPP 2). The techniques described herein may be used for the systems and radio technologies mentioned above and other systems and radio technologies including cellular (e.g., LTE) communications over a shared radio frequency spectrum. However, for purposes of example, the following description describes an LTE/LTE-A system, and in most of the following description LTE terminology is used, but The techniques are applicable to applications other than LTE/LTE-a applications (e.g., to fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) networks or other next generation communication systems).

The following description provides examples without limiting the scope, applicability, or examples set forth in the claims. Changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements discussed without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Various examples may omit, replace, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Furthermore, features described with respect to some examples may be combined into other examples.

Various aspects or features will be presented in terms of systems that may include a number of devices, components, modules, and the like. It is to be understood and appreciated that the various systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc. and/or may not include all of the devices, components, modules etc. discussed in connection with the figures. Combinations of these methods may also be used.

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and an access network 100. A wireless communication system, also referred to as a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN), may include a base station 102, a UE 104, an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) 160, and/or a 5G core (5 GC) 190. Base station 102 may include a macrocell (high power cellular base station) and/or a small cell (low power cellular base station). The macrocell may include a base station. Small cells may include femto cells, pico cells, and micro cells.

A base station 102 configured for 4G LTE, which may be collectively referred to as an evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), may interface with EPC 160 over a backhaul link 132 (e.g., using an S1 interface). A base station 102 configured for 5G NR, which may be collectively referred to as a next generation RAN (NG-RAN), may interface with a 5gc 190 over a backhaul link 184. Base station 102 may perform, among other functions, one or more of the following functions: transmission of user data, radio channel encryption and decryption, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection establishment and release, load balancing, distribution of non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, radio Access Network (RAN) sharing, multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (MBMS), user and device tracking, RAN Information Management (RIM), paging, positioning, and delivery of alert messages. Base stations 102 may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., through EPC 160 or 5gc 190) over backhaul link 134 (e.g., using an X2 interface). The backhaul link 134 may be wired or wireless.

The base station 102 may communicate wirelessly with one or more UEs 104. Each of the base stations 102 may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area 110. There may be overlapping geographic coverage areas 110. For example, the small cell 102 'may have a coverage area 110' that overlaps with the coverage area 110 of one or more macro base stations 102. A network comprising both small cells and macro cells may be referred to as a heterogeneous network. The heterogeneous network may also include a home evolved node B (eNB) (HeNB), which may provide services to a restricted group, which may be referred to as a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG). The communication link 120 between the base station 102 and the UE 104 may include Uplink (UL) (also referred to as a reverse link) transmissions from the UE 104 to the base station 102 and/or Downlink (DL) (also referred to as a forward link) transmissions from the base station 102 to the UE 104. Communication link 120 may use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna techniques including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and/or transmit diversity. The communication link may be through one or more carriers. The base station 102/UE 104 may use a spectrum of up to Y MHz (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 100, 400, etc., MHz) per carrier allocated in carrier aggregation for transmissions in DL and/or UL directions up to a total yxmhz (e.g., for x component carriers). The carriers may or may not be adjacent to each other. The allocation of carriers may be asymmetric with respect to DL and UL (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated for DL than for UL). The component carriers may include a primary component carrier and one or more secondary component carriers. The primary component carrier may be referred to as a primary cell (PCell), and the secondary component carrier may be referred to as a secondary cell (SCell).

In another example, certain UEs 104 may communicate with each other using a device-to-device (D2D) communication link 158. The D2D communication link 158 may use the DL/UL WWAN spectrum. The D2D communication link 158 may use one or more sidelink channels, such as a Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH), a Physical Sidelink Discovery Channel (PSDCH), a Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH), and a Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH). D2D communication may be through a wide variety of wireless D2D communication systems, e.g., flashLinQ, wiMedia, bluetooth, zigBee, wi-Fi based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, LTE, or NR.

The wireless communication system may also include a Wi-Fi Access Point (AP) 150 that communicates with Wi-Fi Stations (STAs) 152 via a communication link 154 in the 5GHz unlicensed spectrum. When communicating in the unlicensed spectrum, STA 152/AP 150 may perform Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) prior to communicating in order to determine whether a channel is available.

The small cell 102' may operate in licensed and/or unlicensed spectrum. When operating in unlicensed spectrum, the small cell 102' may employ NR and use the same 5GHz unlicensed spectrum as used by Wi-Fi AP 150. Small cells 102' employing NRs in the unlicensed spectrum may improve coverage and/or increase the capacity of the access network.

Base station 102, whether small cell 102' or a large cell (e.g., macro base station), may comprise an eNB, a gndeb (gNB), or other type of base station. Some base stations (e.g., gNB 180) may operate in the conventional below 6GHz spectrum, in millimeter wave (mmW) frequencies, and/or near mmW frequencies to communicate with UEs 104. When the gNB 180 operates in mmW or near mmW frequencies, the gNB 180 may be referred to as a mmW base station. Extremely High Frequency (EHF) is a part of the RF in the electromagnetic spectrum. The EHF has a range of 30GHz to 300GHz and has a wavelength between 1 millimeter and 10 millimeters. The radio waves in this band may be referred to as millimeter waves. The near mmW can be extended down to a frequency of 3GHz with a wavelength of 100 mm. The ultra-high frequency (SHF) band extends between 3GHz and 30GHz, also known as centimetre waves. Communications using mmW/near mmW radio frequency bands have extremely high path loss and short distances. The mmW base station 180 may utilize beamforming 182 with the UE 104 to compensate for extremely high path loss and short distances.

EPC 160 may include a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 162, other MMEs 164, a serving gateway 166, a Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) gateway 168, a broadcast multicast service center (BM-SC) 170, and a Packet Data Network (PDN) gateway 172.MME 162 may communicate with a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 174. The MME 162 is a control node that handles signaling between the UE 104 and the EPC 160. In general, MME 162 provides bearer and connection management. All user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are transmitted through the serving gateway 166, which itself is connected to the PDN gateway 172. The PDN gateway 172 provides UE IP address allocation as well as other functions. The PDN gateway 172 and BM-SC 170 are connected to an IP service 176.IP services 176 may include the internet, intranets, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), packet Switched (PS) streaming services, and/or other IP services. The BM-SC 170 may provide functionality for MBMS user service provisioning and delivery. The BM-SC 170 may act as an entry point for content provider MBMS transmissions, may be used to authorize and initiate MBMS bearer services within a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), and may be used to schedule MBMS transmissions. The MBMS gateway 168 may be used to distribute MBMS traffic to base stations 102 belonging to a Multicast Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) area broadcasting a particular service and may be responsible for session management (start/stop) and collecting charging information related to eMBMS.

The 5gc 190 may include an access and mobility management function (AMF) 192, other AMFs 193, a Session Management Function (SMF) 194, and a User Plane Function (UPF) 195. The AMF 192 may communicate with a Unified Data Management (UDM) 196. The AMF 192 may be a control node that handles signaling between the UE 104 and the 5gc 190. In general, AMF 192 may provide QoS flows and session management. All user Internet Protocol (IP) packets (e.g., from one or more UEs 104) may be transmitted through the UPF 195. The UPF 195 may provide UE IP address assignment for one or more UEs, as well as other functions. The UPF 195 is connected to an IP service 197. The IP services 197 may include the internet, intranets, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), PS streaming services, and/or other IP services.

A base station may also be called a gNB, a node B, an evolved node B (eNB), an access point, a base transceiver station, a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver functional unit, a Basic Service Set (BSS), an Extended Service Set (ESS), a transmission-reception point (TRP), or some other suitable terminology. The base station 102 provides an access point for the UE 104 to the EPC 160 or 5gc 190. Examples of UEs 104 include a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a laptop, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a satellite radio, a global positioning system, a multimedia device, a video device, a digital audio player (e.g., MP3 player), a camera, a game console, a tablet, a smart device, a wearable device, a vehicle, an electricity meter, an air pump, a large or small kitchen appliance, a healthcare device, an implant, a sensor/actuator, a display, or any other similarly functioning device. Some of the UEs 104 may be referred to as IoT devices (e.g., parking meters, air pumps, ovens, vehicles, heart monitors, etc.). IoT UEs may include Machine Type Communication (MTC)/enhanced MTC (eMTC), also known as Category (CAT) -M, CAT M1) UEs, NB-IoT (also known as CAT NB 1) UEs, and other types of UEs. In this disclosure, eMTC and NB-IoT may refer to future technologies that may evolve from or may be based on these technologies. For example, eMTC may include FeMTC (further eMTC), eFeMTC (further enhanced eMTC), eMTC (large scale MTC), etc., while NB-IoT may include eNB-IoT (enhanced NB-IoT), feNB-IoT (further enhanced NB-IoT), etc. The UE 104 may also be referred to as a station, mobile station, subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, or some other suitable terminology.

In one example, the base station 102 may communicate with the UE 104 via one or more repeaters, as further described with reference to fig. 2. The repeaters may include one or more of a class a repeater, a class B repeater, or a class C repeater, which may have different control levels by the base station 102 or other network components, as described.

Referring to fig. 2, an example of another wireless communication access network 200 using a repeater is depicted in accordance with various aspects described herein. The wireless communication access network 200 may include one or more upstream nodes 202 (which may include a gNB or other base station, IAB node, CU, DU, etc.) that may communicate with one or more UEs 104 and/or repeaters 204. The relay may be located between one or more upstream nodes 202 (and/or one or more intermediate upstream relays) and the UE 104 (and/or one or more intermediate downstream relays). The upstream node may also be referred to herein as a control node because it may control the repeater 204 to provide repeater functionality, as described herein. In one example, the repeater 204 may be a repeater of an amplify-and-forward type that allows some control (e.g., for beamforming, uplink/downlink communication direction indication, etc.) by one or more upstream nodes 202, and may provide an amplify-and-forward function for communications to/from the UE 104. Further, in one example, the repeater 204 may operate in half duplex or full duplex.

In one example, repeater 204 can optionally include components for amplifying and forwarding transmissions and for sending control data to and/or receiving control data from other nodes, such as one or more upstream nodes 202. For example, the repeater 204 may include a controller 220, and the controller 220 may control one or more phased arrays 222, 224 (e.g., antenna arrays) or a variable gain function 226 for amplifying the received signals. For example, the repeater 204 may receive signals from the upstream node 202, the UE 104, or another upstream or downstream node (e.g., another repeater) via the phased array 222. Repeater 204 may amplify the received signal via variable gain 226 and may transmit the signal to UE 104, upstream node 202, or another downstream or upstream node (e.g., another repeater) via the same phased array 222 or another phased array 224. In one example, repeater 204 may communicate under full duplex by concurrently receiving signals via phased array 222 and transmitting signals via phased array 224. Further, control interface 228 can communicate control information to one or more upstream nodes 202 and/or UEs 104 (e.g., via modem 240 and/or communication component 242, as further described herein), and/or can receive control information from one or more upstream nodes 202 and/or UEs 104.

In one particular example, the communication component 242 of the repeater 204 can communicate with a plurality of upstream nodes 202 and/or communicate with a plurality of upstream nodes 202 over a control connection to provide repeater functionality for the plurality of upstream nodes 202, as described herein. In one example, the set of one or more upstream nodes 202 providing control connections may be the same as or different from the set of one or more upstream nodes 202 for which the repeater 204 is configured to provide repeater functionality. The scheduling component 246 (e.g., via the modem 244) can utilize the control information to configure one or more repeaters 204 to provide repeater functionality (e.g., for an upstream node 202 having the scheduling component 246 or otherwise), or can configure one or more repeaters 204 with resources to communicate thereon to provide repeater functionality, as further described herein.

Further, for example, the upstream node 202, the repeater 204, and/or the UE 104 can each beamform antenna resources to transmit beams to and/or receive beams from each other. Beamforming the antenna resources may include selectively applying power to the antenna resources to achieve spatial directivity for the antenna resources that may be used to transmit or receive signals. In this regard, beamforming may optimize communication between nodes. In one example, the nodes may provide feedback to each other as to which of a plurality of possible beams should be used or desired to be used. For example, a node may perform a beam management procedure (e.g., beam training) in which multiple beams may be transmitted by one node (e.g., upstream node 202) and measured by other nodes (e.g., repeater 204 and/or UE 104) to determine which beam is optimal. Other nodes may indicate the desired beam to the one node and the one node may transmit and/or receive based on the beam. Other nodes may receive and/or transmit based on the reciprocal beam.

In one example, in Downlink (DL) operation, repeater 204 may receive an analog signal from upstream node 202 (e.g., an intermediate (higher layer) repeater, upstream IAB node, gNB, CU, DU, etc.) using an RX beam, then amplify the signal and forward the signal on a TX beam toward the UE or another downstream node (e.g., a lower layer repeater, downstream IAB node, gNB, CU, DU, etc.). For example, in Uplink (UL) operation, repeater 204 may receive an analog signal on the RX beam from UE 104 or a downstream repeater (e.g., an intermediate (lower layer) repeater), then amplify the signal and forward the signal on the TX beam toward upstream node 202 or another upstream repeater (e.g., a higher layer repeater).

In some wireless communication networks, the functionality of a base station and/or other components of the network may be distributed across multiple entities. Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a wireless communication network 300 that may be utilized in some aspects of the present disclosure. In this example, a network entity, such as a Base Station (BS) 102, is coupled to a remote network 304, such as a main backhaul network or a mobile core network. In wireless communication network 300, wireless spectrum may be used for a forward-going (FH) link 306 between base station 102 (or other upstream node) and relay 204, and for an access link 310 between relay 204 and UE 104 (or other downstream node). FH link 306 and access link 310 may each be over a Uu radio interface or some other suitable wireless communication interface. In some examples, the wireless spectrum may utilize mmW frequencies and/or carrier frequencies below 6 GHz.

The wireless communication network 300 may include other base stations, UEs, or repeaters (not shown). In the example of fig. 3, base station 102 may be referred to as a donor node because base station 102 provides a communication link to remote network 304. The donor node may include, for example, a wire (e.g., fiber, coaxial cable, ethernet, copper wire), microwave, or another suitable link to the remote network 304.

Base station 102 may be an enhanced gNB that includes functionality for controlling wireless communication network 300. In some examples (e.g., as shown in fig. 3), base station 102 may include a Central Unit (CU) 314 and one or more Distributed Units (DUs) 316.CU 314 is configured to operate as a centralized network node (or central entity) within wireless communication network 300. For example, CU 314 may include Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer functions and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer functions to control/configure other nodes (e.g., relays or UEs) within network 300. In some aspects, RRC signaling may be used for various functions including, as one example, setting up and releasing user data bearers. In some examples, RRC signaling messages may be transmitted on signaling bearers (e.g., signaling Radio Bearers (SRBs) 1 and SRB 2).

The DU 316 may be configured to operate as a scheduling entity to schedule a scheduled entity (e.g., a repeater or UE) of the base station 102. For example, the DU 316 may operate as a scheduling entity to schedule the relay 204 and the UE 104. In some examples, DU 316 may include Radio Link Control (RLC), medium Access Control (MAC), and Physical (PHY) layer functions to enable operation as a scheduling entity.

The F1 interface provides a mechanism for interconnecting CUs 314 (e.g., PDCP layer and higher layer) and DUs 316 (e.g., RLC layer and lower layer). In some aspects, the F1 interface may provide control plane functions and user plane functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). F1AP is an application protocol for F1 that defines signaling procedures for F1 in some examples. The F1 interface supports F1-C on the control plane and F1-U on the user plane.

To facilitate wireless communication between the base station 102 and UEs (e.g., UE 104) served by the base station 102, the repeater 204 may be configured to operate as a scheduled entity. The repeater 204 may include a Mobile Termination (MT) unit 318 to implement the scheduled entity functions. For example, MT unit 318 may include UE functionality to connect to base station 102 and be scheduled by base station 102. The repeater 204 also includes a Repeater Unit (RU) 320 that relays signals between the base station 102 and the UE 104. RU may also be referred to as a relay unit, a remote unit, etc.

Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a wireless communication network 400 including an upstream node 202, a repeater 204, and a UE 104. The upstream node 202 may correspond to a gNB or other base station, its CU or DU, IAB node, etc., as described herein. Further, the UE 104 may be the UE 104 or other downstream node immediately downstream of the repeater 204. Millimeter wave communications have a higher frequency and shorter wavelength than other types of radio waves used for communications (e.g., communications below 6 GHz). Thus, millimeter wave communication may have a shorter propagation distance than other types of radio waves, and may be more easily blocked by obstacles. For example, wireless communications using radio waves below 6GHz can penetrate a wall of a building or structure to provide coverage of an area on the opposite side of the wall from a base station that communicates using radio waves below 6 Gz. However, millimeter waves may not penetrate the same wall (e.g., depending on the thickness of the wall, the material from which the wall is constructed, etc.). Thus, the repeater device may be used to increase the coverage area of the base station, extend coverage to the UE without a line of sight to the base station (e.g., due to an obstacle), and so on.

For example, obstructions between the UE and the base station or other upstream nodes may block or otherwise reduce the quality of the link between the base station and the UE. However, the repeater device may be placed such that there are no or fewer obstructions between the repeater device and the UE and between the repeater device and the base station. Thus, communications between the base station and the UE via the repeater device may be of higher quality than direct communications between the base station and the UE.

In some examples, the repeater device may perform directional communication by: beamforming is used to communicate with the base station via a first beam pair (e.g., a forward beam pair) and to communicate with the UE via a second beam pair (e.g., an access beam pair). The term "beam pair" may refer to a transmit (Tx) beam used by a first device to transmit information and a receive (Rx) beam used by a second device to receive information transmitted by the first device via the Tx beam.

Referring to fig. 4, the repeater 204 includes an MT unit 318 and an RU 320.MT unit 318 communicates with upstream node 202 via FH link 416. In some examples, FH link 416 may implement a reduced functionality Uu interface that may be modified to support repeater device functions. FH link 416 may provide a control path 412 between MT unit 318 and upstream node 202 (e.g., a DU in base station 102, not shown). In some examples, control path 412 carries UL and DL signals to configure repeater 204. Control path 412 may be implemented using a relatively small bandwidth portion (BWP) that is in-band with the BWP allocated for UL and/or DL transmissions between upstream node 202 and UE 104. In some examples, FH link 416 may operate within the FR2 frequency range as defined by the 5G NR.

RU 320 may provide repeater functionality (e.g., repeating, receiving, amplifying, and transmitting) to enable signals from upstream node 202 to reach UE 104 and/or to enable signals from UE 104 to reach upstream node 202. In some examples, RU 320 may be an analog pass-through device (e.g., without store and forward capabilities). In other examples, RU 320 may include store and forward functionality. Signals to and from upstream node 202 are carried on the data paths of FH link 416 and access link 418. The access link 418 provides a data path carrying analog UL and DL signals to and from the UE 104. In some examples, access link 418 may operate at the FR2 frequency range.

RU 320 and access link 418 may be controlled by upstream node 202 (e.g., by DUs in base station 102, not shown). For example, the upstream node 202 may schedule UL and DL transmissions on the access link 418 (e.g., by sending control information to the UE 104). Further, upstream node 202 may control the operation of the RU through MT unit 318. For example, upstream node 202 may configure MT unit 318 via the control path described above, such that MT unit 318 configures RU 320. To this end, MT unit 318 may generate control signaling carried by signal path 414 for controlling the operation of RU 320.

Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a wireless communication network 500 for communicating between an upstream node 202 and a UE 104 (or other downstream node) using a repeater 204. Upstream node 202 may include a gNB, a cell, a TRP, and the like. In another example, upstream node 202 may include multiple cells of a given gNB. In the case where the repeater 204 is connected to a single gNB, cell, or TRP, for example, the MT unit of the repeater 204 may be connected singly to the gNB, cell, or TRP (e.g., the MT unit of the repeater 204 may reside on one cell without Carrier Aggregation (CA), dual Connectivity (DC), or the like). In this example, relay 204 may receive control information and/or configuration from upstream node 202 in Downlink Control Information (DCI), medium Access Control (MAC) -Control Element (CE), radio Resource Control (RRC), or other signaling, which may include receiving control messages from a single source/single beam. Further, in this example, the repeater 204 may be configured with a single search space for searching for control information (e.g., in the control information from the upstream node 202), and/or may be configured with a single Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) to receive repeater configuration commands from the upstream node 202 and/or other upstream nodes. Further, in this example, repeater 204 may use one serving beam on its FH, one Time Domain Duplex (TDD) mode for providing repeater functionality to/from the upstream node 202, one beam mode on the access link to UE 104, etc. For example, as described herein, TDD mode may relate to a mode for a communication direction (e.g., uplink (UL), downlink (DL), flexible (F) direction) over multiple time periods or a mode for beamforming information (also referred to as beam mode individually) over multiple time periods. The plurality of time periods may include a plurality of symbols, such as Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, a plurality of slots, where each slot includes a plurality of symbols in time, and so on. In this configuration, no collision in control information received from a single gNB, cell or TRP can be expected.

However, in another example, upstream node 202 may include multiple collocated cells for a given gNB, which may be cells at corresponding TRPs operating on the same gNB or on different frequency bands (e.g., for two cells collocated, frequency 1 (F1) and frequency 2 (F2)). In one such example, the MT unit of the repeater 204 may be singly connected to one cell of the gNB (e.g., the MT unit of the repeater 204 may reside on one cell without CA or DC, etc.). In this example, the relay 204 may receive control information and/or configuration from the cell in DCI, MAC-CE, RRC, etc., which may include receiving control messages from a single source/single beam. Further, in this example, the repeater 204 may be configured with a single search space for searching for control information (e.g., in control information from a cell), and/or may be configured with a single RNTI to receive repeater configuration commands from a cell for communication therewith and/or with other cells or other upstream nodes. Further, in this example, repeater 204 may use one service beam on its FH.

In this example, the repeater 204 may receive one TDD mode for providing repeater functionality to/from multiple cells of the upstream node 202. The TDD mode may be an aligned TDD common or dedicated configuration (e.g., TDD-TL-DL-ConfigCommon or TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated as defined in 5G NR). In this example, the TDD mode may be a mode created specifically for the repeater 204, which is a combination of modes of two cells. The mode of these two cells may be indicated in the form of TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated or a new separate TDD mode (to manage duplicate operation). In another example, the repeater 204 may receive multiple TDD modes, which may include a TDD mode for each collocated cell (e.g., per-cell identifier, a common index that may be associated with one of the cells, etc.). Similarly, in this example, the repeater 204 may receive one beam pattern to be used on an access link to the UE 104 and/or a forward link towards one or more upstream nodes, or may receive multiple beam patterns including a beam pattern for each collocated cell (e.g., per-cell identifier, a common index that may be associated with one of the cells, etc.).

Further, in this example, multiplexing may be configured for providing repeater functionality for multiple collocated cells. For example, the repeater 204 may be configured to use Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) to simultaneously and/or transparently multiplex communications for each of a plurality of collocated cells. In this example, the repeater 204 may provide repeater functionality for each cell on a different frequency band. In another example, the repeater 204 may be configured to provide multiplexing of repeater function communications for multiple collocated cells using Time Division Multiplexing (TDM). In this example, the repeater 204 may use TDM in a transparent manner based on the implementation of the repeater 204 to select one of the cells for which the repeater function is to be performed in each time period (e.g., in each symbol or slot). As described, for a given cell, the repeater functionality may include one or more of the following: the downlink signal is received from the cell and forwarded to the UE 104, or the uplink signal is received from the UE 104 and forwarded to the cell. In another example, the repeater 204 may be configured to use TDM as dynamically indexed in control information, such that control information from a cell (e.g., received in DCI) may indicate the cell, communication direction, beamforming information, etc. for which the repeater function is to be performed, and the repeater 204 may perform the repeater function for that cell accordingly. In yet another example, the repeater 204 can be configured to use TDM as indicated in a semi-statically provided TDM pattern (e.g., in RRC signaling), where the TDM pattern can indicate cells, communication directions, beamforming information, etc., for which repeater functions are to be performed. In this configuration, no collision can be expected in the control information received from the collocated cell of the upstream node.

In another example (where upstream node 202 may include multiple collocated cells for a given gNB, the multiple collocated cells may operate on different frequency bands (e.g., frequency 1 (F1) and frequency 2 (F2) for two cells that are collocated), the MT unit of repeater 204 may be connected singly to one cell of the gNB, or reside on multiple cells of the gNB in a CA. In this example, relay 204 may receive control information and/or configuration in DCI from multiple collocated cells, which may include receiving control messages from multiple cells based on a single or multiple beams. In one example, the primary cell may send control information and the CA may be supported with another cell to improve FH performance and/or beam measurements. Further, in this example, repeater 204 may use one service beam on its FH.

In this example, the repeater 204 may receive multiple TDD modes for providing repeater functionality to/from multiple cells of the upstream node 202. The TDD mode may be indicated as a TDD common or dedicated configuration (e.g., TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon or TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated as defined in 5G NR) and may be conflicting or non-conflicting. In one example, the TDD mode may be created specifically for the repeater 204, and may be a combination of modes of two cells. The mode of these two cells may be indicated in the form of TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated or a new separate TDD mode (to manage duplicate operation). Similarly, in this example, the repeater 204 may receive one beam pattern to be used on the access link to the UE 104, or may receive multiple beam patterns including a beam pattern for each collocated cell (e.g., per-cell identifier, a common index that may be associated with one of the cells, etc.).

Further, in this example, multiplexing may be configured for providing repeater functionality for multiple collocated cells. For example, the repeater 204 may be configured to multiplex communications for each of a plurality of collocated cells simultaneously and/or transparently using FDM. In this example, the repeater 204 may provide repeater functionality for each cell on a different frequency band. In another example, the repeater 204 can be configured to provide multiplexing of repeater function communications for multiple collocated cells using TDM. In this example, the repeater 204 may use TDM in a transparent manner based on the implementation of the repeater 204 to select one of the cells for which the repeater function is to be performed in each time period (e.g., in each symbol or slot). In another example, the repeater 204 may be configured to use TDM as dynamically indexed in control information, such that control information from a cell (e.g., received in DCI) may indicate the cell, communication direction, beamforming information, etc. for which the repeater function is to be performed, and the repeater 204 may perform the repeater function for that cell accordingly. In yet another example, the repeater 204 can be configured to use TDM as indicated in a semi-statically provided TDM pattern (e.g., in RRC signaling), where the TDM pattern can indicate cells, communication directions, beamforming information, etc., for which repeater functions are to be performed.

Furthermore, in this example, no collision in the control information received from the collocated cell of the upstream node may be expected. In one example, cells may communicate to avoid providing conflicting information. In another example, control information received from different cells or scheduling information received from different cells may include conflicting information. In this example, the repeater 204 may determine one or more rules for resolving the conflict and may use control information or determine scheduling (e.g., TDD mode for communication direction or beamforming) based on the conflict resolution accordingly. For example, the relay 204 may prioritize information received from one cell (e.g., a primary cell), cancel conflicting information, send feedback indicating a conflict and/or resolution to one or more of the collocated cells, and so forth.

Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a wireless communication network 600 for communicating between a first TRP 602 of a cell of a gNB and a UE 104 (or other downstream node) using a relay 204 and also communicating between a second TRP 604 of the same cell of the gNB and the UE 104 (or other downstream node) using the relay 204. In this example, the MT unit of the repeater 204 may be singly connected to the cell of the gNB via TRP 602 and/or TRP 604 (e.g., the MT unit of the repeater 204 may reside on one cell without CA or DC, etc.). In this example, the relay 204 may receive control information and/or configuration in DCI, MAC-CE, RRC, etc. from one TRP (e.g., TRP 602 or TRP 604) of the cell, which may include receiving the control message from a single source/single beam. In another example, the relay 204 may receive control information and/or configuration from multiple TRPs (e.g., TRP 602 and TRP 604) of a cell in DCI, MAC-CE, RRC, or the like, which may include receiving control messages from multiple sources/multiple beams. Further, in this example, repeater 204 may use multiple service beams (e.g., beams for each TRP 602 and 604) on its FH.

In this example, repeater 204 may receive one TDD mode for providing repeater functionality for multiple TRPs to/from upstream node 202. The TDD mode may be an aligned TDD common or dedicated configuration (e.g., TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon or TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated as defined in 5G NR). In this example, the TDD mode may be a mode created specifically for the repeater 204, which is a combination of modes of two TRPs. The pattern of these two TRPs may be indicated in the form of a TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedimated or a new separate TDD pattern (to manage the repeated operation). In another example, the repeater 204 may receive multiple TDD modes, which may include a TDD mode for each TRP (e.g., per TRP identifier or index, FH beam index associated with TRP, generic index that may be associated with one of the TRPs, etc.). Similarly, in this example, the repeater 204 may receive one beam pattern to be used on the access link to the UE 104, or may receive multiple beam patterns including a beam pattern for each TRP (e.g., per TRP identifier or index, FH beam index associated with a TRP, a generic index that may be associated with one of the TRPs, etc.).

Further, in this example, multiplexing may be configured for providing repeater functionality for multiple TRPs. For example, the repeater 204 may be configured to provide repeater functionality using different physical or virtual antenna arrays or associated antenna elements, thereby using Space Division Multiplexing (SDM) in half duplex or full duplex. In another example, the repeater 204 can be configured to provide multiplexing of repeater function communications for multiple TRPs using TDM. In this example, the repeater 204 may use TDM between two TRPs and use the associated beam based on a semi-static or dynamic configuration of time periods to select one of the TRPs for which to perform the repeater function in each time period (e.g., in each symbol or slot), as described. This may be used, for example, to provide load balancing between TRPs to find a desired beam pair link for communication between the repeater 204 and the TRPs, and so on.

Further, in this example, no collision in the control information received from the TRP can be expected. In one example, the gNB may avoid providing conflicting information for the TRP. In another example, control information received from different TRPs or scheduling information received from different TRPs may include conflicting information. In this example, the repeater 204 may determine one or more rules for resolving the conflict and may use control information or determine scheduling (e.g., TDD mode for communication direction or beamforming) based on the conflict resolution accordingly. For example, the repeater 204 may prioritize information received from one TRP, cancel conflicting information, send feedback indicating a conflict and/or resolution to the gNB via one or more of the TRPs, and so forth.

Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a wireless communication network 700 for communicating between a first cell 702 and a UE 104 (or other downstream node) using a relay 204, and also for communicating between a second cell 704 and the UE 104 (or other downstream node) using the relay 204. Thus, the cells in this example are non-collocated and each cell may have one or more associated TRPs in communication with the repeater 204. In one example, the MT unit of the repeater 204 may be singly connected to the cell 702 or 704 (e.g., the MT unit of the repeater 204 may reside on one cell without CA or DC, etc.). In this example, the repeater 204 may receive control information and/or configuration from the cell 702 or 704 in DCI, RRC, MAC-CE or the like, which may include receiving control messages from a single source/single beam. Further, in this example, repeater 204 can use a single serving beam (e.g., a beam for a given cell 702 or 704) on its FH for at least control information. In another example, repeater 204 may use multiple beams (e.g., beams for each given cell 702 and 704) on its FH when performing the repeater function.

In this example, the repeater 204 may receive one TDD mode for providing repeater functionality to/from multiple non-collocated cells 702 and 704. In another example, the repeater 204 may receive multiple TDD modes, which may include a TDD mode for each cell 702 and 704 (e.g., a per-cell identifier or a common index that may be associated with one of the cells, etc.). Similarly, in this example, the repeater 204 may receive one beam pattern to be used on the access link to the UE 104, or may receive multiple beam patterns including a beam pattern for each cell (e.g., a per-cell identifier or a common index that may be associated with one of the cells, etc.).

Further, in this example, multiplexing may be configured for providing relay functionality for multiple cells. For example, the repeater 204 may be configured to provide repeater functionality by using different physical or virtual antenna arrays or associated antenna elements, thereby using SDM in half-duplex or full-duplex. In another example, the repeater 204 can be configured to provide multiplexing of repeater function communications for multiple cells using TDM. In this example, the repeater 204 may use TDM between two cells and use the associated beam based on a semi-static or dynamic configuration of time periods in order to select one of the cells for which to perform the repeater function in each time period (e.g., in each symbol or slot), as described. In another example, as described above, TDM may be transparent or opaque to the cell. Further, in this example, no collision in the control information received from the cells may be expected.

In another example, the MT unit of the repeater 204 may be connected singly to the cell 702 or 704, and the MT unit of the repeater 204 may reside on multiple cells in the CA (e.g., on the cells 702 and 704). In this example, the relay 204 may receive control information and/or configuration in DCI, MAC-CE, RRC, etc. from the two cells 702 and 704, which may include receiving multiple control messages using multiple beams. Further, in this example, repeater 204 may use multiple serving beams (e.g., beams for each cell 702 and 704) on its FH.

In this example, the repeater 204 may receive multiple TDD modes for providing repeater functionality to/from multiple cells 702 and 704. The TDD mode may be indicated as a TDD common or dedicated configuration (e.g., TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon or TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated as defined in 5G NR) and may be conflicting or non-conflicting. In another example, the TDD mode may be created specifically for the repeater 204. In yet another example, the repeater 204 may receive a single TDD mode, which may be a combination of modes of two cells that may be aligned, as further described herein. Similarly, in this example, the repeater 204 may receive one beam pattern to be used on the access link to the UE 104, or may receive multiple beam patterns including a beam pattern for each cell (e.g., per-cell identifier, a generic index that may be associated with one of the cells, etc.).

Further, in this example, multiplexing may be configured for providing repeater functionality for multiple cells 702 and 704. For example, the repeater 204 may be configured to provide repeater functionality by using different physical or virtual antenna arrays or associated antenna elements, thereby using SDM in half-duplex or full-duplex. In another example, the repeater 204 can be configured to provide multiplexing of repeater function communications for multiple cells using TDM. In this example, the repeater 204 may use TDM between two cells and use the associated beam based on a semi-static or dynamic configuration of time periods in order to select one of the cells for which to perform the repeater function in each time period (e.g., in each symbol or slot), as described.

Further, in this example, no collision in the control information received from the cells may be expected. In one example, a cell may avoid providing conflicting information. In another example, control information received from different cells or scheduling information received from different cells may include conflicting information. In this example, the repeater 204 may determine one or more rules for resolving the conflict and may use control information or determine scheduling (e.g., TDD mode for communication direction or beamforming) based on the conflict resolution accordingly. For example, the relay 204 may prioritize information received from one cell, cancel conflicting information, send feedback to one or more cells indicating conflicts and/or resolution, and so forth.

Fig. 8 illustrates an example of a wireless communication network 800 for communicating between a first DU 802 and a UE 104 (or other downstream node) using a repeater 204, and also communicating between a second DU 804 and the UE 104 (or other downstream node) using the repeater 204. In this example, DUs may each provide a cell in communication with repeater 204, which in this example is non-collocated. In one example, the MT unit of the repeater 204 may be singly connected to the DU 802 or 804 (e.g., the MT unit of the repeater 204 may reside on one cell without CA or DC, etc.). In this example, the relay 204 may receive control information and/or configuration in DCI, MAC-CE, RRC, etc. from the DU 802 or 804 (or corresponding cell or TRP), which may include receiving control messages from a single source/single beam. In another example, the repeater 204 may include multiple MTs (multi-MTs), two or more of which may be connected to two or more DUs 802 and 804. In this example, relay 204 may receive control information and/or configuration from multiple DUs 802 and 804 (or corresponding cells or TRPs) in DCI, MAC-CE, RRC, etc., via multiple MTs, which may include receiving multiple control messages using multiple beams. Further, in this example, repeater 204 may use a single service beam (e.g., with one DU 802 or 804) on its FH. In another example, repeater 204 may use multiple service beams on its FH (e.g., one service beam for each MT in communication with DU 802 or 804).

In this example, the repeater 204 may receive multiple TDD modes for providing repeater functionality to/from multiple DUs 802 and 804. The TDD mode may be indicated as a TDD common or dedicated configuration (e.g., TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon or TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated as defined in 5G NR) and may be conflicting or non-conflicting. The TDD mode may be a per-cell identifier of a DU, a generic index that may be associated with one of the DUs, etc. In another example, the TDD mode may be created specifically for the repeater 204. In yet another example, repeater 204 may receive a single TDD mode, which may be a combination of modes of two DUs that may be aligned, as further described herein. The mode of these two DUs may be indicated in the form of TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated or a new separate TDD mode (to manage duplicate operations). Similarly, in this example, the repeater 204 may receive one beam pattern to be used on the access link to the UE 104, or may receive multiple beam patterns including a beam pattern for each DU (e.g., per cell identifier, a generic index that may be associated with one of the DUs, etc.).

Further, in this example, multiplexing may be configured for providing repeater functionality for multiple DUs. For example, the repeater 204 may be configured to provide repeater functionality by using different physical or virtual antenna arrays or associated antenna elements, thereby using SDM in half-duplex or full-duplex. In another example, repeater 204 can be configured to provide multiplexing of repeater function communications for multiple DUs using TDM. In this example, the repeater 204 may use TDM between two DUs and use the associated beam based on a semi-static or dynamic configuration of time periods in order to select one of the DUs for which to perform the repeater function in each time period (e.g., in each symbol or slot), as described.

Further, in this example, no collision in the control information received from the DU can be expected. In one example, DUs (or corresponding CUs or gnbs) may communicate with each other to avoid providing conflicting information. In another example, control information received from different DUs or scheduling information received from different DUs may include conflicting information. In this example, the repeater 204 may determine one or more rules for resolving the conflict and may use control information or determine scheduling (e.g., TDD mode for communication direction or beamforming) based on the conflict resolution accordingly. For example, repeater 204 may prioritize information received from a DU, cancel conflicting information, send feedback to one or more DUs indicating conflicts and/or resolution, and so forth.

Fig. 9 illustrates an example of a wireless communication network 900 for communicating between a first CU 902 and a UE 104 (or other downstream node) using a relay 204, and also communicating between a second CU 904 and the UE 104 (or other downstream node) using the relay 204. In this example, CUs may each provide a cell in communication with relay 204 or may provide DUs or the like for providing a cell in communication with relay 204, which in this example are non-collocated. In one example (where CUs correspond to gnbs operating for the same mobile network operator), repeater 204 may operate similarly to that described above in fig. 8, and CUs 902 and 904 may communicate to coordinate control information, scheduling information, etc. to avoid collisions.

In one example, where multiple CUs 902 and 904 correspond to gnbs operating for different mobile network operators (which may be referred to as Radio Access Network (RAN) sharing), repeater 204 may establish control connections with both CUs 902 and 904 for corresponding control information to provide repeater functionality.

In this example, the multiplexing may be configured to provide repeater functionality for multiple CUs. For example, the repeater 204 may be configured to provide repeater functionality by using different physical or virtual antenna arrays or associated antenna elements, thereby using SDM in half-duplex or full-duplex. In another example, the repeater 204 may be configured to provide multiplexing of repeater function communications for multiple CUs using TDM. In another example, the repeater 204 may be configured to provide multiplexing of repeater function communications for multiple CUs using the same or different beams using FDM.

In one example, the repeater 204 may connect to one CU (or CU cell) to receive control information. In this example, there may be some rough/semi-static agreement between the mobile network operators on how to use the repeater (in terms of TDD), such as how to divide the TDM resources, spatial resources, or how to set up a common access link beam for the repeater, etc. For example, the relay may be agnostic to the second CU. In this example, the repeater may be configured to provide measurements of the cell, such as Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements, which may be reported to its serving CUs (e.g., to determine beamforming information, which CUs to connect to, etc.).

In another example, the repeater 204 may be connected to multiple CUs 902 and 904 for receiving control information (e.g., via multiple MT units). In this example, the repeater 204 may receive dynamic control from one of the CUs 902 or 904, both CUs 902 and 904, or not from either of them (where the repeater is configured with a semi-static configuration and thus support for dynamic (re) configuration may not be needed). In this example, repeater 204 may determine one or more rules for resolving conflicts in the configuration for CUs 902 and 904, and may use control information or determine scheduling (e.g., TDD mode for communication direction or beamforming) based on the conflict resolution accordingly. For example, the repeater 204 may prioritize information received from one CU, cancel conflicting information, send feedback to one or more CUs indicating conflicts and/or resolution, and so forth.

Turning now to fig. 10-17, aspects are depicted with reference to one or more components and one or more methods that may perform the actions or operations described herein, where aspects with dashed lines may be optional. Although the operations described below in fig. 12-17 are presented in a particular order and/or performed by exemplary components, it should be appreciated that the acts and the ordering of components to perform the acts may vary depending on implementation. Furthermore, it should be understood that the acts, functions, and/or components described below may be performed by a specially programmed processor, a processor executing specially programmed software or a computer readable medium, or any other combination of hardware and/or software components capable of performing the described acts or functions.

Referring to fig. 10, one example of an implementation of repeater 204 can include various components, some of which have been described above and further described herein, including components such as one or more processors 1012 and memory 1016 that communicate via one or more buses 1044 and a transceiver 1002, which can operate in conjunction with modem 240 and/or communication component 242 to report parameters to a base station to facilitate scheduling UEs or other downstream nodes and facilitating communication between the base station and the UEs or other downstream nodes. For example, the communication component 242 may optionally include: an MT unit 318 for communicating control information with one or more upstream nodes; an RU unit 320 for providing repeater functionality between one or more upstream nodes and one or more downstream nodes; and/or a collision resolution component 1048 for resolving potential collisions in received control information or other information used to operate the repeater 204 (such as scheduling information, communication direction, beamforming, etc.).

In one aspect, the one or more processors 1012 may include a modem 240 using one or more modem processors and/or may be part of the modem 240. Thus, various functions associated with communication component 242 may be included in modem 240 and/or processor 1012, and in one aspect may be performed by a single processor, while in other aspects different ones of these functions may be performed by a combination of two or more different processors. In addition, the repeater 204 may include other components for communication described with reference to fig. 2 (e.g., the controller 220, the phased arrays 222, 224, the variable gain function 226, etc., which may be part of the RF front end 1088; the control interface 228, which may communicate via the communication component 242 to report and/or receive certain information to/from upstream nodes, etc., as further described herein). For example, in one aspect, the one or more processors 1012 may include any one or any combination of the following: a modem processor, or a baseband processor, or a digital signal processor, or a transmit processor, or a receive processor, or a transceiver processor associated with transceiver 1002. In other aspects, some of the features of the one or more processors 1012 and/or modems 240 associated with the communication component 242 may be performed by the transceiver 1002.

Further, the memory 1016 may be configured to store data used herein and/or a local version of the application 1075 executed by the at least one processor 1012 or the communication component 242 and/or one or more of its subcomponents. Memory 1016 may include any type of computer-readable medium usable by the computer or the at least one processor 1012, such as Random Access Memory (RAM), read Only Memory (ROM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, optical disk, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and any combination thereof. In one aspect, for example, the memory 1016 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more pieces of computer-executable code for defining the communication component 242 and/or one or more of its subcomponents, and/or data associated therewith, when the repeater 204 is operating the at least one processor 1012 to execute the communication component 242 and/or one or more of its subcomponents.

The transceiver 1002 may include at least one receiver 1006 and at least one transmitter 1008. The receiver 1006 may include hardware, firmware, and/or software code executable by a processor for receiving data, the code including instructions and being stored in a memory (e.g., a computer readable medium). The receiver 1006 may be, for example, a Radio Frequency (RF) receiver. In one aspect, the receiver 1006 may receive signals transmitted by an upstream node, a downstream node, or the like. In addition, the receiver 1006 may process these received signals and may also obtain measurements of the signals, such as, but not limited to, ec/Io, SNR, reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), and the like. The transmitter 1008 may include hardware, firmware, and/or software executable by a processor for transmitting data, including instructions, and stored in a memory (e.g., a computer-readable medium). Suitable examples of transmitter 1008 may include, but are not limited to, an RF transmitter.

Further, in one aspect, the repeater 204 can include an RF front end 1088 that can be in communication with one or more antennas 1065 and transceivers 1002 for receiving and transmitting radio transmissions, e.g., wireless communications sent by at least one base station 102 or wireless transmissions sent by UEs or other downstream nodes. The RF front end 1088 may be connected to one or more antennas 1065 and may include one or more Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) 1090, one or more switches 1092, one or more Power Amplifiers (PAs) 1098, and one or more filters 1096 for transmitting and receiving RF signals.

In one aspect, LNA 1090 may amplify the received signal to a desired output level. In one aspect, each LNA 1090 may have a specified minimum gain value and maximum gain value. In one aspect, the RF front-end 1088 may use one or more switches 1092 to select a particular LNA 1090 and its designated gain value based on the desired gain value for the particular application.

Further, for example, the RF front end 1088 may use one or more PAs 1098 to amplify signals for RF output at a desired output power level. In one aspect, each PA1098 may have a specified minimum gain value and maximum gain value. In one aspect, the RF front end 1088 may use one or more switches 1092 to select a particular PA1098 and its designated gain value based on the desired gain value for the particular application. .

Further, for example, the RF front end 1088 may filter the received signal using one or more filters 1096 to obtain an input RF signal. Similarly, in one aspect, for example, the output from a respective PA 1098 may be filtered using a respective filter 1096 to produce an output signal for transmission. In one aspect, each filter 1096 may be connected to a particular LNA 1090 and/or PA 1098. In one aspect, the RF front-end 1088 may use one or more switches 1092 to select a transmit path or receive path using a designated filter 1096, LNA 1090, and/or PA 1098 based on a configuration as designated by the transceiver 1002 and/or processor 1012.

Thus, the transceiver 1002 may be configured to transmit and receive wireless signals through one or more antennas 1065 via the RF front end 1088. In one aspect, transceiver 1002 may be tuned to operate at a designated frequency such that repeater 204 may communicate with, for example, one or more upstream nodes (e.g., base station 102, upstream IAB node, CU, DU, other repeater, etc.) or one or more cells associated with one or more upstream nodes, one or more downstream nodes (e.g., UE 104, downstream IAB node, other repeater, etc.), etc. In one aspect, for example, modem 240 may configure transceiver 1002 to operate at a specified frequency and power level based on the configuration of repeater 204 and the communication protocol used by modem 240.

In one aspect, modem 240 may be a multi-band, multi-mode modem that may process digital signals and communicate with transceiver 1002 such that digital data is transmitted and received using transceiver 1002. In one aspect, modem 240 may be multi-band and may be configured to support multiple frequency bands for a particular communication protocol. In one aspect, modem 240 may be multi-mode and configured to support multiple operating networks and communication protocols. In one aspect, modem 240 may control one or more components of repeater 204 (e.g., RF front end 1088, transceiver 1002) based on a specified modem configuration to enable transmission and/or reception of signals from a network or UE, upstream node or downstream node, etc. In one aspect, the modem configuration may be based on the mode of the modem and the frequency band in use. In another aspect, the modem configuration may be based on configuration information associated with the repeater 204 (as provided by the network during cell selection and/or cell reselection or initial access).

In one aspect, the processor 1012 may correspond to one or more of the processors described in connection with the repeater 204 in fig. 18. Similarly, memory 1016 may correspond to the memory described in connection with repeater 204 in fig. 18.

Referring to fig. 11, one example of an implementation of upstream node 202, which may include a gNB or other base station, IAB node, CU, DU, etc., and which may include various components in addition to the following, some of which have been described above: components such as one or more processors 1112 and memory 1116 and transceiver 1102 may operate in conjunction with modem 244 to provide backhaul access to a core network. Further, one or more processors 1112 and memory 1116 and transceiver 1102, etc. may optionally operate with a scheduling component 246 for scheduling a repeater or other downstream node to communicate. In one example, the scheduling component 246 may optionally include: a repeater configuration component 1142 for configuring a repeater to provide repeater functionality for the upstream node 202 or one or more other upstream nodes; and/or a collision avoidance component 1146 for generating a configuration for the repeater that avoids collisions with another configuration generated by another upstream node for the repeater or between scheduling information, communication directions, beamforming, etc. for the repeater providing the repeater functionality for the plurality of upstream nodes.

The transceiver 1102, receiver 1106, transmitter 1108, one or more processors 1112, memory 1116, applications 1175, bus 1144, RF front-end 1188, LNA 1190, switch 1192, filter 1196, PA 1198, and one or more antennas 1165 may be the same as or similar to corresponding components of repeater 204 as described above, but configured or otherwise programmed for base station 102 as opposed to repeater operation.

In one aspect, the processor 1112 may correspond to one or more of the processors described in connection with the base station in fig. 18, as described. Similarly, memory 1116 may correspond to the memory described in connection with the base station in fig. 18, as described.

Fig. 12 illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method 1200 for providing repeater functionality based on control information received from a plurality of nodes. In one example, repeater 204 may perform one or more of the functions described in method 1200 using one or more of the components described in fig. 2 and 10.

In method 1200, at block 1202, a control connection with at least a first node and a second node may be established for receiving control information for providing a repeater function between two or more wireless nodes. In one aspect, the MT unit 318 (e.g., in conjunction with the communication component 242, processor 1012, memory 1016, transceiver 1002, etc.) can establish a control connection with at least a first node and a second node for receiving control information for providing repeater functionality between two or more wireless nodes. In one example, the node providing the control information may be the same as the node for which the repeater 204 is providing the repeater functionality. Thus, in this example, the two or more wireless nodes may include at least a first node and a second node and one or more downstream nodes. In another example, the node providing the control information may include at least a portion of the node for which the repeater 204 is providing repeater functionality, or may be entirely different from the node for which the repeater 204 is providing repeater functionality.

In one example, the MT unit 318 may establish a connection with at least a first node and a second node as upstream nodes for receiving control information to control repeater functions. In the various configurations described above, at least the first node and the second node may comprise different cells of a single gNB or other base station, different TRPs of a single gNB or other base station, different cells of different gnbs or other base stations, different DUs of the same or different CUs, different CUs associated with the same or different mobile network operators, etc. In some examples, MT unit 318 may reside on a plurality of nodes and may receive control information from one or more of the plurality of nodes. Examples of such may include: at least the first node and the second node comprise a plurality of collocated cells, a plurality of TRPs of the same cell, a plurality of non-collocated cells, and the like. In some examples, MT unit 318 may reside on or be connected to multiple nodes (e.g., in CA, DC, or using multiple MT units), and may receive control information from multiple nodes. Examples of such may include: at least the first node and the second node comprise a plurality of collocated cells, a plurality of non-collocated cells, a plurality of DUs, a plurality of CUs, and the like. In some examples, receiving control information from multiple nodes may result in a collision of the control information, as further described herein. In some examples, the repeater 204 may resolve such conflicts.

In a particular example, the MT unit 318 of the repeater 204 may be connected to multiple nodes or TX/RX points. In the first case without DC/CA, the MT unit 318 may have only a single serving cell (no DC, no CA), may be connected to multiple TRPs of the serving cell (via multiple serving beams), or may forward signals associated with other cells. In the second case with CA but no DC (e.g., with a Master Cell Group (MCG)), the MT unit 318 may camp on multiple cells (one primary cell and one or more secondary cells). In the third case with DC, the MT unit 318 may be configured with both MCG and Secondary Cell Group (SCG). In a fourth scenario, the repeater 204 may have multiple MT units 318, where each MT unit may be individually connected to one or more cells/TRPs. In this case, for example, the network may be indicated that there are multiple collocated MT units at the repeater 204. In another example, the configuration of multiple MTs may be shared in this regard.

In method 1200, at block 1204, control information may be received over a control connection from one or more of at least a first node or a second node. In one aspect, the MT unit 318 (e.g., in conjunction with the communication component 242, the processor 1012, the memory 1016, the transceiver 1002, etc.) can receive control information over the control connection from one or more of at least the first node or the second node. Thus, in some examples, although the repeater 204 may be connected with multiple nodes for control connections, the repeater 204 may or may not receive control information from all nodes. For example, the relay 204 may receive control information only from a primary cell connected to multiple cells (e.g., in CA). However, in other examples, the repeater 204 may receive control information from multiple cells (e.g., in a DC or multi-MT). In one example, the control information may include scheduling information indicating resources for operating the repeater 204, communication directions for one or more time periods (e.g., uplink, downlink, flexible, etc. for one or more symbols, time slots, etc.), beamforming information indicating beams for one or more symbols, time slots, etc., transmit/receive beam peering, etc.

In one example, receiving control information for the repeater configuration may include receiving control information from at least the first node or the second node as DCI (e.g., using a new DCI format), MAC-CE, and/or RRC message. In one example, as described above, the repeater 204 may be configured to receive the repeater's configuration from only one cell (or one TRP, e.g., the primary cell). In another example, the repeater 204 may be configured to receive a configuration of repeaters from multiple cells (or multiple TRPs). In yet another example, the relay 204 may receive different configurations from different cells (TRPs), e.g., receive relay-specific RRC configurations from a primary cell, while being configured to monitor dynamic control (e.g., DCI) over (or from) multiple cells.

In method 1200, at block 1206, a repeater function may be provided between two or more wireless nodes based on the control information. In one aspect, RU unit 320 (e.g., in conjunction with communication component 242, processor 1012, memory 1016, transceiver 1002, etc.) can provide repeater functionality between two or more wireless nodes based on control information. For example, RU unit 320 may provide repeater functionality between two or more wireless nodes, including at least one of: (1) Receiving a downlink signal from an upstream node, optionally amplifying the downlink signal, and forwarding the downlink signal to a downstream node; or (2) receive the uplink signal from the downstream node, optionally amplify the uplink signal, and forward the uplink signal to the upstream node. As described, the two or more wireless nodes may include a first node and a second node with which the repeater 204 establishes a control connection, or may include different nodes.

In one example, providing the repeater functionality may include: RU unit 320 determines a beam to use for a given time period based on the beamforming information indicated in the control information (e.g., as a beam or beam pair to use, which may be indicated via a Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state or corresponding index), and uses the beam to transmit or receive communications in the time period. In another example, providing the repeater function may include: RU unit 320 determines a communication direction (e.g., for TDM) for the time period, which may also be based on control information or related scheduling information received from a node for which the repeater functionality is provided.

In providing the repeater functionality to the plurality of upstream nodes, optionally at block 1208, downlink transmissions received over the FH link from at least the first wireless node and the second wireless node may be multiplexed and forwarded to the third wireless node. In one aspect, RU unit 320 (e.g., in conjunction with communication component 242, processor 1012, memory 1016, transceiver 1002, etc.) can multiplex downlink transmissions received from at least a first wireless node and a second wireless node (e.g., as an upstream node) and can forward the downlink transmissions to a third wireless node (e.g., as a downstream node). Similarly, optionally at block 1210, uplink transmissions received from the third wireless node may be multiplexed to be forwarded as a first uplink transmission to the first wireless node and as a second uplink transmission to the second wireless node over the FH link. In one aspect, RU unit 320 (e.g., in conjunction with communication component 242, processor 1012, memory 1016, transceiver 1002, etc.) can multiplex uplink transmissions received from a third wireless node to forward as a first uplink transmission to a first wireless node and as a second uplink transmission to a second wireless node on an FH link. For example, the multiplexing may include TDM, FDM, SDM (in half-duplex or full-duplex) or the like, as described above.

For example, to multiplex communications for multiple cells/TRPs, RU unit 320 may use FDM (which may be single beam based). In this example, if the repeater 204 can reach both cells/TRPs using the same FH beam (e.g., if the two cell/TRP points are collocated, or the repeater uses a wide beam), the repeater 204 can forward the FDM communications of both cells/TRPs simultaneously (e.g., in different frequency bands or channels). In another example, the repeater 204 may forward wideband (FDM) signals for one or more UEs. For example, for the downlink, the repeater 204 may provide single-input single-output or single-input multiple-output (split and amplified). For example, for the uplink, the repeater 204 may provide single-input single-output or multiple-input single-output (combining and forwarding).

In another example, to multiplex communications for multiple cells/TRPs, RU unit 320 may use SDM half duplex, where repeater 204 can create multiple simultaneous FH beams (e.g., multiple available antenna arrays) to forward communications between multiple cells/TRPs and one or more UEs. While communication may still be subject to half duplex constraints: (DL, DL) or (UL, UL). In another example, to multiplex communications for multiple cells/TRPs, RU unit 320 may use SDM full duplex, where repeater 204 may be able to forward multiple simultaneous communications in different directions (UL, DL). SDM full duplex capability may depend on: (1) The capabilities of the repeater, or (2) whether satisfactory full duplex performance can be achieved (depending on beam, TX power, required link budget, etc.). In another example, to multiplex communications of multiple cells/TRPs, RU unit 320 may use TDM, where repeater 204 may switch between multiple cells/TRPs in time (e.g., based on a direction of communication for a period of time (such as a symbol or slot), as described herein).

In some examples, the repeater 204 may send a capability indication for performing one or more of the above functions. For example, in method 1200, optionally at block 1212, a capability to support at least one of CA, DC, or multi-MT functions may be indicated on the control connection. In one aspect, MT unit 318 (e.g., in conjunction with communication component 242, processor 1012, memory 1016, transceiver 1002, etc.) may indicate on the control connection the capability to support at least one of CA, DC, or multi-MT functions. For example, the MT unit 318 may indicate the capability in RRC signaling or other procedures for communicating with at least the first node or the second node. The node may use this information to determine how to provide control information to the relay 204 (e.g., via only one cell, via multiple cells, etc.).

In another example, in method 1200, optionally at block 1214, capabilities for supporting one or more multiplexing types for the repeater functionality may be indicated based on attributes of two or more wireless nodes. In one aspect, MT unit 318 (e.g., in conjunction with communication component 242, processor 1012, memory 1016, transceiver 1002, etc.) may indicate the capability to support one or more multiplexing types for repeater functionality based on attributes of two or more wireless nodes. For example, the MT unit 318 may indicate this capability in RRC signaling or other procedures in communication with at least the first node or the second node. The node may use this information to determine scheduling information, communication directions, beamforming information, etc. for providing to the repeater 204 to provide repeater functionality for multiple nodes. In one example, the capability may indicate support for at least one of: advanced multiplexing (SDM half duplex or SDM full duplex), or for a given set of cell/TRP/beam/measured RX power/target TX power/UE, whether the repeater 204 can support FDM/SDM/full duplex, or whether the repeater supports TDM only. In this regard, in one example, the attributes indicated for two or more nodes may correspond to at least one of: an identification of a cell, an identification of a TRP, an identification of a beam, an identification of a user, a receive power threshold, or a transmit power threshold associated with two or more wireless nodes for which the repeater is capable of supporting one or more multiplexing types. In any case, at least the first node or the second node may determine the selected mode of operation and associated configuration for the repeater 204 and may indicate to the repeater 204 in control information, as described.

Further, the control information may configure RRM measurements to be performed to determine multiplexing capability. In this regard, for example, in method 1200, optionally at block 1216, measurements of signals associated with two or more wireless nodes may be performed, or an indication of the measurements may be sent. In one aspect, MT unit 318 (e.g., in conjunction with communication component 242, processor 1012, memory 1016, transceiver 1002, etc.) may perform measurements of signals associated with two or more wireless nodes based on control information, or send an indication of the measurements. For example, MT unit 318 may perform RRM measurements on the received signals and may report the measurements to at least the first node or the second node over the control connection. In this regard, at least the first node or the second node may determine control information, such as multiplexing capability of the repeater 204, beam peering to be used in communicating with the plurality of wireless nodes, based on RRM measurements.

Fig. 13 illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method 1300 for configuring a repeater to provide repeater functionality. In one example, upstream node 202 may perform one or more of the functions described in method 1300 using one or more of the components described in fig. 2 and 11.

In method 1300, at block 1302, a control connection may be established with a repeater to provide control information to the repeater for providing repeater functionality between two or more wireless nodes. In one aspect, a relay configuration component 1142 (e.g., in conjunction with the scheduling component 246, the processor 1112, the memory 1116, the transceiver 1102, etc.) can establish a control connection with the relay to provide the relay with control information for providing relay functionality between two or more wireless nodes. As described, for example, the upstream node 202 may be one upstream node to which the MT unit 318 of the repeater 204 in the plurality of upstream nodes is connected for controlling the connection (e.g., whether as a primary cell or a secondary cell on which the MT unit 318 resides, etc.).

In method 1300, optionally at block 1304, control information for providing repeater functionality may be generated for the repeater. In an aspect, the repeater configuration component 1142 (e.g., in conjunction with the scheduling component 246, the processor 1112, the memory 1116, the transceiver 1102, etc.) can generate control information for providing repeater functionality for the repeater. For example, the repeater configuration component 1142 may generate control information to indicate the type of multiplexing to be used and the corresponding configuration information, beamforming information for beams to be used in certain time periods (e.g., symbols, time slots, etc.), communication directions within the time periods (e.g., for TDM or for half/full duplex SDM), which frequencies to use in FDM, which antenna elements to use in SDM, which wireless nodes, etc. In one example, generating control information may include determining control information based on parameters received for two or more wireless nodes for which a repeater function is to be provided, for one or more other nodes with which a repeater establishes a control connection, and so on, as further described herein.

In method 1300, at block 1306, control information to provide repeater functionality may be sent to a repeater. In one aspect, the repeater configuration component 1142 (e.g., in conjunction with the scheduling component 246, the processor 1112, the memory 1116, the transceiver 1102, etc.) can send control information to the repeater for providing repeater functionality. For example, the repeater configuration component 1142 may send control information to the repeater 204 over a control connection. In one example, another node may also send control information (e.g., in CA, DC, multi-MT, etc.) to the relay 204 over the control connection.

In method 1300, optionally at block 1308, an indication of a capability to support at least one of CA, DC, or multi-MT functions may be received over a control connection. In an aspect, the repeater configuration component 1142 (e.g., in conjunction with the scheduling component 246, the processor 1112, the memory 1116, the transceiver 1102, etc.) can receive an indication of the capability for supporting at least one of CA, DC, or multi-MT functions over a control connection. In this example, the repeater configuration component 1142 can determine to generate and/or transmit control information for the repeater 204 based on the indicated capabilities. For example, the relay configuration component 1142 may determine which wireless nodes to send control information for based on the indication. In one example, the repeater configuration component 1142 may transmit control information relating to all of the two or more wireless nodes without receiving an indication of capability or without indicating CA, DC, or multi-MT. However, in the case of CA, DC, or multi-MT support, the relay configuration component 1142 may generate and send control information as part of multiple control information transmissions from other nodes, cells, etc.

In method 1300, optionally at block 1310, an indication of capabilities for supporting one or more multiplexing types for repeater functionality based on attributes of two or more wireless nodes is received. In an aspect, the repeater configuration component 1142 (e.g., in conjunction with the scheduling component 246, the processor 1112, the memory 1116, the transceiver 1102, etc.) can receive an indication of capabilities for supporting one or more multiplexing types for repeater functionality based on attributes of two or more wireless nodes. For example, as described, the repeater configuration component 1142 can receive an indication of whether advanced multiplexing (e.g., SDM half duplex/full duplex) is supported, an indication of the type of multiplexing supported for a set of RX power/target TX power/UEs for a given cell/TRP/beam/measurement, and so forth. In any event, the repeater configuration component 1142 can determine one or more parameters for control information to configure repeater functions based on the capabilities, which can include configuring beamforming information, communication directions, scheduling information, and the like.

In method 1300, optionally at block 1312, measurements of signals associated with two or more wireless nodes may be received from a repeater. In an aspect, the repeater configuration component 1142 (e.g., in conjunction with the scheduling component 246, the processor 1112, the memory 1116, the transceiver 1102, etc.) can receive measurements of signals associated with two or more wireless nodes from a repeater. For example, the upstream node 202 may configure the repeater 204 (e.g., via control information or a separate configuration) to perform RRM measurements. For example, the measurements may include RRM measurements, and the repeater configuration component 1142 may use the RRM measurements (e.g., along with the indicated capabilities) in generating control information for the repeater 204 to determine the multiplexing type or related configuration parameters. In another example, the repeater configuration component 1142 can use RRM measurements to determine beamforming information for use by the repeater 204 in providing repeater functionality. For example, the beamforming information may indicate a receive beam to be used for receiving downlink communications from an upstream node, a transmit beam to be used for forwarding downlink communications to a downstream node, a receive beam to be used for receiving uplink communications from a downstream node, a transmit beam to be used for forwarding uplink communications to an upstream node, and so on.

Fig. 14 illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method 1400 for providing repeater functionality for two or more upstream nodes. In one example, repeater 204 may perform one or more of the functions described in method 1400 using one or more of the components described in fig. 2 and 10.

In method 1400, at block 1402, a control connection with at least a first node may be established for receiving control information for providing a repeater function for two or more upstream nodes. In one aspect, the MT unit 318 (e.g., in conjunction with the communication component 242, processor 1012, memory 1016, transceiver 1002, etc.) can establish a control connection with at least a first node for receiving control information for providing repeater functionality for two or more upstream nodes. In one example, the node providing the control information may be the same as or different from the upstream node for which the repeater 204 is providing repeater functionality. In one example, as described above, the MT unit 318 may establish a connection with at least a first node that is an upstream node (or multiple upstream nodes) for receiving control information for controlling repeater functions.

In method 1400, at block 1404, control information may be received over a control connection from at least a first node for providing repeater functionality for two or more upstream nodes. In one aspect, the MT unit 318 (e.g., in conjunction with the communication component 242, processor 1012, memory 1016, transceiver 1002, etc.) can receive control information over a control connection from at least a first node for providing repeater functionality for two or more upstream nodes. In one example, the control information may include one or more TDD modes for providing repeater functionality for two or more upstream nodes in TDD (or in other multiplexing schemes, such as half duplex/full duplex SDM). Further, for example, as described, the repeater 204 may be connected with one or more nodes for controlling connections and may receive control information from the one or more nodes. The control information may include information for one or more of the two or more upstream nodes. Thus, in one example, the control information may include separate control information for each upstream node or control information generated for a combination of multiple upstream nodes.

In one example, each cell or TRP may have its own TDD configuration for communication direction or beamforming information per symbol or slot, etc. In one example, MT unit 318 may receive control information in the form of a single TDD mode through one or more cells on which it resides (e.g., a single UL/DL/F state may exist for any given symbol/slot). In one example, RU 320 may use a single TDD mode to determine repeater functionality. In this example, a single TDD mode may be determined (e.g., by any of the serving cell, DU, CU, network) based on the TDD modes of multiple cells or TRPs. In another example, a single TDD mode may be determined additionally based on a decision on scheduling of the relay 204, UEs being served by the relay, and associated cells/TRPs, etc. In one example, a single TDD mode may be indicated as TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated (in which case, based on using legacy messages, the fact that the mode is for multiple upstream nodes may be transparent to the repeater 204). In another example, a single TDD mode may be indicated as a new TDD-UL-DL-Configuration message, which may be sent as an RRC message or MAC-CE. The repeater 204 may or may not be aware that it is forwarding communications for multiple cells/TRPs. In a particular example (where TDD mode for N slots/symbols of cell 1/TRP 1= [ D uff F U ] (e.g., n=7), and TDD mode for N slots/symbols of cell 2/TRP 2= [ D uff F ]), a single TDD mode= [ D U F D U ] indicated to the repeater so that flexible slots/symbols for one TDD description can afford UL or DL, depending on the direction of the same slot/symbol index for the other TDD mode. In another example, if the scheduling of the repeater is such that it should forward communications for cell/TRP i in slot/symbol n, the TDD mode of that slot/symbol may be determined based on the TDD mode of cell/TRP i for slot/symbol n.

In another example, the MT unit 318 may receive control information in the form of a plurality of TDD modes, where each TDD mode may correspond to one of a plurality of cells/TRPs. For example, multiple TDD modes may be provided to the repeater 204 by one or more cells on which it resides. In one example, RU unit 320 may use multiple TDD modes to determine repeater functionality. In one example, each TDD mode of the plurality of TDD modes may be determined (by any one of a serving cell, DU, CU, network) based on the TDD mode of one or a subset of the plurality of cells or TRPs. In one example, each TDD mode of the plurality of TDD modes may be indicated as TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated (in which case the fact that the mode is for multiple upstream nodes may be transparent to the repeater 204 based on using legacy messages). In another example, each of the plurality of TDD modes may be indicated using a new TDD-UL-DL-Configuration message that may be sent as an RRC message or MAC-CE. In this example, each mode may be appropriately indexed, where the index may refer to a cell identifier, a TRP identifier, a beam identifier (e.g., TCI state), or a generic index number, so that RU unit 320 may determine the upstream node to which the TDD mode relates. In one example, the TDD mode may include a cell-specific or dedicated TDD configuration received in association with the established control connection.

In one example, MT unit 318 may receive control information (which may be dynamically provided or updated control information) that indicates an index (or indices) referencing an associated TDD mode. For example, MT unit 318 may also receive control information indicating one or more index values corresponding to each upstream node. The index value may then be used to reference the TDD mode for the upstream node. Thus, for example, MT unit 318 may determine a TDD mode (or associated communication direction or beamforming) for each of one or more symbols or time slots based on the received one or more index values, first TDD mode, and second TDD mode. In one example, the control information may indicate one or more index values received dynamically or semi-statically, wherein the one or more index values are associated with a periodic pattern or schedule for the repeater, the downstream node being served by the repeater, or at least one of the two upstream nodes.

For example, the control information may configure the repeater 204 to forward the communication of the cell/TRP i within the next slot/symbol by an index indicating the cell id/TRP id or associated TDD mode. By doing so, in this example, the control information may not need to include the associated TDD information. In another example, the MT unit 38 may receive the other half of the static scheduling pattern, where the pattern indicates (for each time resource, e.g., slot/symbol) which TDD pattern to use to determine the forwarding direction. For example, RU unit 320 may be determined to forward communications for cell 1 and cell 2 on even and odd timeslots, respectively. In this example, the pattern of [ cell id 1, cell id 2] would indicate how to determine the DL/UL status of each resource by referencing the TDD pattern of the associated cells 1 and 2. Whether the TDD mode is determined based on a single received TDD mode or based on multiple received TDMD modes, RU unit 320 may provide repeater functionality for multiple upstream nodes, as described.

In method 1400, at block 1406, a repeater function may be provided between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes. In one aspect, RU unit 320 (e.g., in conjunction with communication component 242, processor 1012, memory 1016, transceiver 1002, etc.) can provide repeater functionality between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes. For example, RU unit 320 may provide repeater functionality between two or more wireless nodes, including at least one of: (1) Receiving a downlink signal from an upstream node, optionally amplifying the downlink signal, and forwarding the downlink signal to a downstream node, or (2) receiving an uplink signal from the downstream node, optionally amplifying the uplink signal, and forwarding the uplink signal to an upstream node.

In one example, in method 1400, optionally at block 1408, a communication direction or beamforming for one or more symbols or slots may be determined based on the control information. In one aspect, the MT unit 318 (e.g., in conjunction with the communication component 242, processor 1012, memory 1016, transceiver 1002, etc.) can determine a communication direction or beamforming for one or more symbols or slots based on the control information. Thus, for example, RU unit 320 may determine a beam to use for a given time period (e.g., as a beam or beam pair to use, which may be indicated via a TCI state or corresponding index) based on the beamforming information and the TDD mode indicated in the control information, and may use the beam to transmit or receive communications during the time period when providing the repeater functionality. For example, as described above, RU unit 320 may determine beamforming information based on a single TDD mode (which may indicate a beam, beam pair, or set of beams to be used in each time period) or based on multiple TDD modes. In another example, RU unit 320 can determine a communication direction for a time period (e.g., for TDM or other multiplexing types), which can also be based on control information and TDD mode or related scheduling information received from a node for which repeater functionality is provided. For example, as described above, RU unit 320 may determine a communication direction based on a single TDD mode (which may indicate UL/DL/F for each time period) or based on multiple TDD modes.

Fig. 15 illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method 1500 for configuring a repeater to provide repeater functionality for two or more upstream nodes. In one example, upstream node 202 may perform one or more of the functions described in method 1500 using one or more of the components described in fig. 2 and 11.

In method 1500, at block 1502, a control connection may be established with a repeater to provide control information to the repeater for providing repeater functionality between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes. In one aspect, a repeater configuration component 1142 (e.g., in conjunction with the scheduling component 246, the processor 1112, the memory 1116, the transceiver 1102, etc.) can establish a control connection with the repeater to provide the repeater with control information for providing repeater functionality between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes. As described, for example, the upstream node 202 may be one upstream node to which the MT unit 318 of the repeater 204 in the plurality of upstream nodes is connected for controlling the connection (e.g., whether as a primary cell or a secondary cell on which the MT unit 318 resides, etc.).

In method 1500, optionally at block 1504, control information may be generated to indicate one or more TDD modes based on a plurality of TDD modes associated with two or more upstream nodes. In an aspect, the repeater configuration component 1142 (e.g., in conjunction with the scheduling component 246, the processor 1112, the memory 1116, the transceiver 1102, etc.) can generate control information to indicate one or more TDD modes based on a plurality of TDD modes associated with two or more upstream nodes. For example, the repeater configuration component 1142 may generate control information to be in the form of a single TDD mode that considers multiple TDD modes for two or more upstream nodes. As described, in one example, the repeater configuration component 1142 can generate a single TDD mode to be aligned with multiple TDD modes (e.g., change a flexible symbol or slot indicated by one mode to UL or DL based on the other mode). In another example, the repeater configuration component 1142 may determine a TDD mode for each of the upstream nodes. Further, as described, TDD mode may involve beamforming information for each time period (e.g., symbol, slot, etc.), communication direction for each time period, etc.

In method 1500, optionally at block 1506, for a plurality of TDD modes, a first TDD mode may be associated with an index of a first upstream node and a second TDD mode may be associated with a second upstream node in the control information. In one aspect, the repeater configuration component 1142 (e.g., in conjunction with the scheduling component 246, the processor 1112, the memory 1116, the transceiver 1102, etc.) can associate a first TDD mode with an index of a first upstream node and a second TDD mode with an index of a second upstream node in control information. For example, as described, the repeater configuration component 1142 may configure a repeater with indexes corresponding to two or more upstream nodes, and may then associate TDD mode information (e.g., whether for beamforming or communication direction) with the indexes to indicate with which upstream node the TDD mode is associated.

In method 1500, at block 1508, control information may be sent to a repeater for providing repeater functionality for two or more upstream nodes. In one aspect, the repeater configuration component 1142 (e.g., in conjunction with the scheduling component 246, the processor 1112, the memory 1116, the transceiver 1102, etc.) can send control information to the repeater for providing repeater functionality to two or more upstream nodes. For example, the repeater configuration component 1142 may send control information to the repeater 204 over a control connection. In one example, another node may also send control information (e.g., in CA, DC, multi-MT, etc.) to the relay 204 over the control connection.

Fig. 16 illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method 1600 for resolving conflicts in control information or other information used to provide repeater functionality. In one example, repeater 204 may use one or more of the components described in fig. 2 and 10 to perform one or more of the functions described in method 1600.

In method 1600, at block 1602, a control connection with at least a first node may be established for receiving control information for providing repeater functionality for one or more upstream nodes. In one aspect, the MT unit 318 (e.g., in conjunction with the communication component 242, processor 1012, memory 1016, transceiver 1002, etc.) can establish a control connection with at least a first node for receiving control information for providing repeater functionality for one or more upstream nodes. In one example, the node providing the control information may be the same as or different from the upstream node for which the repeater 204 is providing repeater functionality. In one example, as described above, the MT unit 318 may establish a connection with at least a first node that is an upstream node (or multiple upstream nodes) for receiving control information to control repeater functions.

In method 1600, at block 1604, control information may be received over a control connection. In one aspect, MT unit 318 (e.g., in conjunction with communication component 242, processor 1012, memory 1016, transceiver 1002, etc.) may receive control information over a control connection. In one example, the control information may include one or more TDD modes or other control information for providing repeater functionality for one or more upstream nodes in TDD (or in other multiplexing schemes, such as half duplex/full duplex SDM). Further, for example, as described, the repeater 204 may be connected with one or more nodes for controlling connections and may receive control information from the one or more nodes. The control information may include information for one or more upstream nodes. Thus, in one example, the control information may include separate control information for each of the plurality of upstream nodes.

In one example, the repeater 204 may receive (e.g., from a different node with which to establish a control connection or otherwise) a number of potentially conflicting control information or related commands or parameters. For example, the repeater 204 may be configured to monitor repeater control information over multiple search spaces (e.g., associated with different TRPs). In another example, the relay 204 may be configured to monitor relay control information over multiple cells (e.g., in a DC/CA or multi-MT). In yet another example, the repeater 204 may receive multiple configurations (via MAC-CE or RRC) from the same or multiple cells that may collide.

In method 1600, at block 1606, a conflict may be determined at the time of receiving the control information or within the control information for two or more upstream nodes. In one aspect, the conflict resolution component 1048 (e.g., in connection with the communication component 242, the processor 1012, the memory 1016, the transceiver 1002, etc.) can determine a conflict in receiving control information or a conflict within control information of two or more upstream nodes. For example, the conflict resolution component 1048 may determine a conflict as a potential conflict based on receiving multiple control information or based on analyzing the content of the control information to detect actual conflicts (e.g., different communication directions or beams indicated for the same time period).

In method 1600, at block 1608, a repeater function for one or more upstream nodes may be provided based on the control information and based on the collision. In one aspect, RU unit 320 (e.g., in conjunction with communication component 242, processor 1012, memory 1016, transceiver 1002, etc.) can provide repeater functionality for one or more upstream nodes based on control information and based on conflicts. For example, RU unit 320 may provide repeater functionality between one or more upstream nodes and one or more downstream nodes, including at least one of: (1) Receiving a downlink signal from an upstream node, optionally amplifying the downlink signal, and forwarding the downlink signal to a downstream node, or (2) receiving an uplink signal from the downstream node, optionally amplifying the uplink signal, and forwarding the uplink signal to an upstream node. Further, providing the repeater function may include determining a communication direction, beamforming information, etc. for communicating between the one or more upstream nodes and the one or more downstream nodes, which may be determined based on the received control information and the collision.

For example, in providing repeater functionality at block 1608, optionally at block 1610, control information for one of two or more upstream nodes may be prioritized. In one aspect, the conflict resolution component 1048 (e.g., in conjunction with the communication component 242, processor 1012, memory 1016, transceiver 1002, etc.) can prioritize control information of one of two or more upstream nodes. In another example, when the repeater function is provided at block 1608, optionally at block 1612, control information for one of the two or more upstream nodes may be cancelled. In one aspect, the conflict resolution component 1048 (e.g., in conjunction with the communication component 242, the processor 1012, the memory 1016, the transceiver 1002, etc.) can cancel control information of one of the two or more upstream nodes. For example, the conflict resolution component 1048 may prioritize or cancel actual control information received for one of two or more upstream nodes (or based on determining that control information is received from a given node), which may be based on determining a conflict in receiving control information. In another example, the collision resolution component 1048 may prioritize or cancel communication directions, beamforming information, etc. for one of the two or more upstream nodes in a particular symbol or slot based on determining a collision between control information indicated for the particular symbol or slot for the first and second upstream nodes. In yet another example, the conflict resolution component 1048 may cancel control information, communication direction, beamforming information, etc. for two (or all) upstream nodes based on determining a conflict.

In one example, prioritization rules may be defined for use by conflict resolution component 1048. In one example, the prioritization rules may relate to primary and secondary cells. In this example, the command received from the primary cell (or a configuration associated with the primary cell) may overwrite the command received from the secondary cell. In another example, the prioritization rules may relate to whether to prioritize MCG over SCG or SCG over MCG. In one example, if the repeater is configured for DC, the configuration associated with or received from the MCG cell may have a higher priority. In one example, the prioritization rules may involve later control overrides, where the more recently indicated configuration may override the previous configuration (e.g., based on comparing a time associated with receiving a first configuration with a time associated with receiving a second configuration to determine which is later). The priority may also be defined as beam-dependent, physical channel-dependent (in case the repeater knows the type of signal being forwarded), direction-dependent (e.g. DL has a higher priority than UL, which may be further time-dependent (e.g. symbol/slot index), etc.), etc. In other examples, new prioritization values/indices may be defined and communicated for various commands/configurations. Prioritization may be left to the implementation of the repeater. Furthermore, as described, the repeater 204 may cancel conflicting schedules.

In method 1600, optionally at block 1614, an indication of the conflict or control information may be sent to at least the first node or one or more of the two or more upstream nodes. In one aspect, the conflict resolution component 1048 (e.g., in connection with the communication component 242, the processor 1012, the memory 1016, the transceiver 1002, etc.) can transmit an indication of the conflict or control information to at least a first node or one or more of the two or more upstream nodes. This may enable at least a first node (e.g., a node providing control information) or two or more upstream nodes (e.g., nodes for which relay functionality is provided) to generate different configuration or control information and/or to indicate different configuration or control information to the relay 204 to resolve the conflict. In this regard, for example, the repeater 204 may send feedback to one or more other (serving) nodes, which may include an indication of the configuration in which a conflict exists or other conflicts are shared or a new configuration is suggested. In one example, this may be done a priori and in advance (and avoid collisions). One or more upstream nodes may update or send control information to the relay 204 accordingly, and the relay 204 may provide relay functionality based on the updated or indicated control information.

Fig. 17 illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method 1700 for avoiding collisions when configuring a repeater to provide repeater functionality. In one example, upstream node 202 may perform one or more of the functions described in method 1700 using one or more of the components described in fig. 2 and 11.

In method 1700, at block 1702, a control connection may be established with a repeater or one or more other nodes having a control connection with the repeater to provide the repeater with control information for providing repeater functionality for one or more upstream nodes. In an aspect, the relay configuration component 1142 (e.g., in conjunction with the scheduling component 246, the processor 1112, the memory 1116, the transceiver 1102, etc.) can establish a control connection with the relay or with one or more other nodes having control connections with the relay to provide control information to the relay for providing relay functionality for one or more upstream nodes. As described, for example, the upstream node 202 may be one upstream node to which the MT unit 318 of the repeater 204 in the plurality of upstream nodes is connected for controlling the connection (e.g., whether as a primary cell or a secondary cell on which the MT unit 318 resides, etc.).

In method 1700, optionally at block 1704, control information for a repeater may be determined based on information of one or more other nodes. In an aspect, the repeater configuration component 1142 (e.g., in conjunction with the scheduling component 246, the processor 1112, the memory 1116, the transceiver 1102, etc.) can determine or generate control information for the repeater based on information of one or more other nodes. In one example, the repeater configuration component 1142 can communicate with one or more other nodes to receive information related to the one or more other nodes. For example, upstream node 202 and one or more other nodes may be non-collocated cells, DUs, separate CUs, etc., and may communicate with each other over one or more backhaul links. For example, the nodes may exchange information about configuring the repeater 204 (e.g., which communication direction or beamforming information is to be used for a given time period, which nodes have priority in which time period, etc.), and the repeater configuration component 1142 may use the information or negotiations to generate control information for the repeater 204. In this regard, coordinating the repeater configuration may avoid conflicts in the control information sent to the repeater 204.

In one example, in method 1700, optionally at block 1706, information of one or more other nodes may be received from a centralized unit or directly from one or more other nodes. In an aspect, the repeater configuration component 1142 (e.g., in conjunction with the scheduling component 246, the processor 1112, the memory 1116, the transceiver 1102, etc.) can receive information of one or more other nodes from the CU or directly from the one or more other nodes (e.g., over a backhaul link).

For example, in the case where there is a single scheduler that configures the repeater functions of the repeater 204 and transmits corresponding control information or repeater configuration commands, there may be no collision. However, multiple schedulers may be involved, which may potentially lead to conflicts described herein. Thus, for example, a CU may coordinate relay configuration information. For example, where two upstream nodes (e.g., cells) are associated with different DUs (of the same CU) and are configured to use the same repeater 204, the CUs may coordinate, e.g., via exchanging information (intended configuration, schedule, TDD mode, beam mode, power configuration, etc.) between DUs. For example, a CU may determine and indicate to the DUs a configuration (e.g., deciding TDD mode, how to multiplex the repeater (e.g., TDM, FDM, SDM, full duplex mode), power configuration of the repeater, beam coordination, which UEs are being served via the repeater, etc.). One or more of the DUs may then provide configuration or related control information to the repeater 204 accordingly.

In another example, CUs may coordinate on an Xn backhaul interface between CUs. In this example, two upstream nodes (e.g., cells) may be associated with different DUs/CUs and may be configured to use the same repeater 204. In this example, the two CUs may coordinate on the Xn interface, e.g., via exchanging information (as above), requesting/suggesting a configuration, etc. One CU may be responsible for determining the configuration, as described. In another example, where two mobile network operators share relay 204, there may be semi-static agreements/coordination between the two operators, e.g., to determine common TDD mode, multiplexing mode, beam coordination, power coordination, etc. In this example, one or more of the DUs may accordingly provide configuration or related control information to the repeater 204. In either case, collisions may be avoided in this regard.

In method 1700, at block 1708, control information may be sent to a repeater or one or more other nodes for providing repeater functionality. In an aspect, the repeater configuration component 1142 (e.g., in conjunction with the scheduling component 246, the processor 1112, the memory 1116, the transceiver 1102, etc.) can send control information to a repeater or one or more other nodes for providing repeater functionality. For example, the repeater configuration component 1142 may send control information to the repeater 204 over a control connection using one or more of the plurality of upstream nodes. In one example, another node may also send control information (e.g., in CA, DC, multi-MT, etc.) to the relay 204 over the control connection.

Fig. 18 is a block diagram of a MIMO communication system 1800 including a base station 102 and a repeater 204 (or MT units, UEs or other downstream nodes thereof). MIMO communication system 1800 may illustrate aspects of wireless communication access network 100 described with reference to fig. 1. Base station 102 may be an example of aspects of base station 102 described with reference to fig. 1. Base station 102 may be equipped with antennas 1834 and 1835 and repeater 204 may be equipped with antennas 1852 and 1853. In MIMO communication system 1800, base station 102 may be capable of transmitting data on multiple communication links simultaneously. Each communication link may be referred to as a "layer," and a "rank" of the communication link may indicate the number of layers used for communication. For example, in a 2x2 MIMO communication system in which base station 102 transmits two "layers," the rank of the communication link between base station 102 and repeater 204 is 2.

At the base station 102, a transmit (Tx) processor 1820 may receive data from a data source. The transmit processor 1820 may process data. The transmit processor 1820 may also generate control symbols or reference symbols. Transmit MIMO processor 1830 may perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding) on the data symbols, control symbols, or reference symbols, if applicable, and may provide output symbol streams to transmit modulators/demodulators 1832 and 1833. Each modulator/demodulator 1832-1833 may process a respective output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain a stream of output samples. Each modulator/demodulator 1832-1833 may further process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and upconvert) the output sample stream to obtain a DL signal. In one example, DL signals from modulators/demodulators 1832 and 1833 may be transmitted via antennas 1834 and 1835, respectively.

The repeater 204 may be an example of aspects of the repeater 204 described with reference to fig. 1-3, etc. At the repeater 204, repeater antennas 1852 and 1853 may receive DL signals from the base station 102 and may provide the received signals to demodulators/demodulators 1854 and 1855, respectively. Each demodulator/demodulator 1854-1855 may condition (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and digitize) a respective received signal to obtain input samples. Each demodulator/demodulator 1854-1855 may further process the input samples (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain received symbols. MIMO detector 1856 may obtain the received symbols from demodulators 1854 and 1855, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols (if applicable), and provide detected symbols. A receive (Rx) processor 1858 may process (e.g., demodulate, deinterleave, and decode) the detected symbols, provide decoded data for the repeater 204 to a data output, and provide decoded control information to a processor 1880 or a memory 1882.

In some cases, the processor 1880 may execute the stored instructions to instantiate the communication component 242 (see, e.g., fig. 2 and 10) for providing repeater functionality.

On the Uplink (UL), at the repeater 204, the transmit processor 1864 may receive data from a data source and process the data. The transmit processor 1864 may also generate reference symbols for reference signals. The symbols from transmit processor 1864 may be precoded by transmit MIMO processor 1866 if applicable, further processed by modulators/demodulators 1854 and 1855 (e.g., for SC-FDMA, etc.), and transmitted to base station 102 according to the communication parameters received from base station 102. At base station 102, UL signals from repeater 204 may be received by antennas 1834 and 1835, processed by demodulators/demodulators 1832 and 1833, detected by a MIMO detector 1836 (if applicable), and further processed by a receive processor 1838. The receive processor 1838 may provide the decoded data to a data output and either the processor 1840 or the memory 1842.

In some cases, the processor 1840 may execute the stored instructions to instantiate a scheduling component 246 (see, e.g., fig. 2 and 11) for configuring a repeater to provide repeater functionality.

The components of repeater 204 may be implemented individually or collectively with one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) adapted to perform some or all of the applicable functions in hardware. Each of the mentioned modules may be a unit for performing one or more functions related to the operation of the MIMO communication system 1800. Similarly, the components of base station 102 may be implemented individually or collectively using one or more ASICs adapted to perform some or all of the applicable functions in hardware. Each of the components mentioned may be a unit for performing one or more functions related to the operation of the MIMO communication system 1800.

The following aspects are merely illustrative and aspects thereof may be combined with aspects of other embodiments or teachings described herein without limitation.

Aspect 1 is a method for wireless communication at a repeater, comprising: establishing a control connection with at least a first node for receiving control information for providing a repeater function for two or more upstream nodes; receiving control information from at least the first node over the control connection, wherein the control information includes one or more TDD modes for providing the repeater functionality for the two or more upstream nodes; and providing the repeater function between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and the at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes based on the control information.

In aspect 2, the method according to aspect 1 comprises: wherein the one or more TDD modes correspond to scheduling for the repeater, a downstream node being served by the repeater, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

In aspect 3, the method according to any one of aspects 1 or 2 comprises: wherein the one or more TDD modes are configured using at least one of: RRC messages, or MAC-CEs, defined by the wireless communication technology, for configuring TDD mode between the base station and the user equipment.

In aspect 4, the method according to aspect 3 comprises: wherein the RRC message includes at least one of a cell-specific TDD configuration or a dedicated TDD configuration received in association with the established control connection.

In aspect 5, the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 4 comprises: wherein the one or more TDD modes comprise a single TDD mode for the two or more upstream nodes, wherein the single TDD mode defines a communication direction or beamforming for each of a plurality of symbols or slots.

In aspect 6, the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 4 includes: wherein the one or more TDD modes include a first TDD mode for the first upstream node and a second TDD mode for the second upstream node, wherein the first TDD mode and the second TDD mode define a communication direction or beamforming for each symbol or slot of a plurality of symbols or slots.

In aspect 7, the method according to aspect 6 comprises: a communication direction for at least one symbol or slot is determined based on the first TDD mode, wherein the at least one symbol or slot is indicated as flexible in the second TDD mode.

In aspect 8, the method according to any one of aspects 6 or 7 comprises: wherein in the control information, the first TDD mode is associated with a first index of the first upstream node and the second TDD mode is associated with a second index of the second upstream node.

In aspect 9, the method according to aspect 8 comprises: receiving second control information indicating one or more index values, wherein each index value of the one or more index values is equal to the first index or the second index and is associated with one or more symbols or slots; and determining a communication direction or beamforming for each of the one or more symbols or time slots based on the received one or more index values, the first TDD mode, and the second TDD mode.

In aspect 10, the method according to aspect 9 comprises: wherein the second control information indicative of the one or more index values is received in dynamic or semi-static signaling.

In aspect 11, the method according to any one of aspects 9 or 10 comprises: wherein the one or more index values are associated with a periodic pattern.

In aspect 12, the method according to any one of aspects 9 to 11 comprises: wherein the one or more index values are associated with a schedule for the repeater, the at least one downstream node or the another downstream node being served by the repeater, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

Aspect 13 is a method for wireless communication at an upstream node, comprising: establishing a control connection with a repeater to provide control information to the repeater for providing a repeater function between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and the at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes; and transmitting the control information for providing the repeater function to the repeater, wherein the control information indicates one or more TDD modes for providing the repeater function for the two or more upstream nodes.

In aspect 14, the method according to aspect 13 comprises: the one or more TDD modes are generated based on a plurality of TDD modes associated with the two or more upstream nodes.

In aspect 15, the method according to aspect 14 comprises: wherein generating the one or more TDD modes comprises: the one or more TDD modes are generated to indicate a communication direction or beamforming for each of a plurality of symbols or slots based on the communication direction or beamforming indicated for each of the plurality of symbols or slots in the plurality of TDD modes.

In aspect 16, the method according to any one of aspects 13 to 15 comprises: the one or more TDD modes are generated based on a schedule for the repeater, a downstream node being served by the repeater, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

In aspect 17, the method according to any one of aspects 13 to 16 comprises: wherein transmitting the control information includes: the one or more TDD modes are transmitted using at least one of an RRC message or MAC-CE defined by a wireless communication technology for configuring a TDD mode between the base station and the user equipment.

In aspect 18, the method according to aspect 17 comprises: wherein the RRC message includes at least one of a cell specific or dedicated TDD configuration transmitted in association with the established control connection.

In aspect 19, the method according to any one of aspects 13 to 18 comprises: wherein the one or more TDD modes comprise a single TDD mode for the two or more upstream nodes, wherein the single TDD mode defines a communication direction or beamforming for each of a plurality of symbols or slots.

In aspect 20, the method of aspect 19 comprises: for the single TDD mode, determining a communication direction for at least one symbol or slot based on a first TDD mode for the first upstream node, wherein the at least one symbol or slot is indicated as flexible in a second TDD mode for the second upstream node.

In aspect 21, the method according to any one of aspects 13 to 18 comprises: wherein the one or more TDD modes include a first TDD mode for the first upstream node and a second TDD mode for the second upstream node, wherein the first TDD mode and the second TDD mode define a communication direction or beamforming for each symbol or slot of a plurality of symbols or slots.

In aspect 22, the method according to aspect 21 comprises: in the control information, the first TDD mode is associated with an index of the first upstream node and the second TDD mode is associated with an index of the second upstream node.

In aspect 23, the method according to aspect 22 comprises: second control information is transmitted indicating one or more index values, wherein each of the one or more index values is equal to the first index or the second index and is associated with one or more symbols or slots.

In aspect 24, the method according to aspect 23 comprises: wherein the second control information indicating the one or more index values is sent in dynamic or semi-static signaling.

In aspect 25, the method according to any one of aspects 23 or 24 comprises: wherein the one or more index values are associated with a periodic pattern.

In aspect 26, the method according to any one of aspects 23 to 25 comprises: wherein the one or more index values are associated with a schedule for the repeater, the at least one downstream node or the another downstream node being served by the repeater, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

Aspect 27 is an apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: a transceiver; a memory configured to store instructions; a movement termination unit; a repeater unit; and one or more processors communicatively coupled with the memory and the transceiver. The one or more processors are configured to: establishing a control connection with at least a first node via the mobile termination unit for receiving control information for providing a repeater function for two or more upstream nodes; receiving control information from at least the first node over the control connection, wherein the control information includes one or more TDD modes for providing the repeater functionality for the two or more upstream nodes; and providing, via the repeater unit and based on the control information, the repeater function between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and the at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes.

In aspect 28, the apparatus of aspect 27 comprises: wherein the one or more TDD modes correspond to scheduling for the apparatus, a downstream node being served by the apparatus, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

In aspect 29, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 27 or 28 comprises: wherein the one or more TDD modes are configured using at least one of: RRC messages, or MAC-CEs, defined by the wireless communication technology, for configuring TDD mode between the base station and the user equipment.

In aspect 30, the apparatus according to aspect 29 comprises: wherein the RRC message includes at least one of a cell-specific TDD configuration or a dedicated TDD configuration received in association with the established control connection.

In aspect 31, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 27 to 30 comprises: wherein the one or more TDD modes comprise a single TDD mode for the two or more upstream nodes, wherein the single TDD mode defines a communication direction or beamforming for each of a plurality of symbols or slots.

In aspect 32, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 27 to 30 comprises: wherein the one or more TDD modes include a first TDD mode for the first upstream node and a second TDD mode for the second upstream node, wherein the first TDD mode and the second TDD mode define a communication direction or beamforming for each symbol or slot of a plurality of symbols or slots.

In aspect 33, the apparatus according to aspect 32 comprises: wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine a communication direction for at least one symbol or slot based on the first TDD mode, wherein the at least one symbol or slot is indicated as flexible in the second TDD mode.

In aspect 34, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 32 or 33 comprises: wherein in the control information, the first TDD mode is associated with a first index of the first upstream node and the second TDD mode is associated with a second index of the second upstream node.

In aspect 35, the apparatus according to aspect 34 comprises: wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: the method includes receiving second control information indicating one or more index values, wherein each of the one or more index values is equal to the first index or the second index and is associated with one or more symbols or time slots, and determining a communication direction or beamforming for each of the one or more symbols or time slots based on the received one or more index values, the first TDD mode, and the second TDD mode.

In aspect 36, the apparatus according to aspect 35 comprises: wherein the second control information indicative of the one or more index values is received in dynamic or semi-static signaling.

In aspect 37, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 35 or 36 comprises: wherein the one or more index values are associated with a periodic pattern.

In aspect 38, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 35 to 37 comprises: wherein the one or more index values are associated with a schedule for the apparatus, the at least one downstream node or the another downstream node being served by the apparatus, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

Aspect 39 is an apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: a transceiver; a memory configured to store instructions; and one or more processors communicatively coupled with the memory and the transceiver. The one or more processors are configured to: establishing a control connection with a repeater to provide control information to the repeater for providing a repeater function between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and the at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes; and transmitting the control information for providing the repeater function to the repeater, wherein the control information indicates one or more TDD modes for providing the repeater function for the two or more upstream nodes.

In aspect 40, the apparatus of aspect 39 comprises: wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: the one or more TDD modes are generated based on a plurality of TDD modes associated with the two or more upstream nodes.

In aspect 41, the apparatus according to aspect 40 comprises: wherein the one or more processors are configured to generate the one or more TDD modes at least in part by: the one or more TDD modes are generated to indicate a communication direction or beamforming for each of a plurality of symbols or slots based on the communication direction or beamforming indicated for each of the plurality of symbols or slots in the plurality of TDD modes.

In aspect 42, an apparatus according to any one of aspects 39 to 41 comprises: wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: the one or more TDD modes are generated based on a schedule for the repeater, a downstream node being served by the repeater, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

In aspect 43, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 39 to 42 comprises: wherein the one or more processors are configured to transmit the control information at least in part by: the one or more TDD modes are transmitted using at least one of an RRC message or MAC-CE defined by a wireless communication technology for configuring a TDD mode between the base station and the user equipment.

In aspect 44, the apparatus according to aspect 43 comprises: wherein the RRC message includes at least one of a cell-specific TDD configuration or a dedicated TDD configuration transmitted in association with the established control connection.

In aspect 45, an apparatus according to any one of aspects 39 to 44, comprising: wherein the one or more TDD modes comprise a single TDD mode for the two or more upstream nodes, wherein the single TDD mode defines a communication direction or beamforming for each of a plurality of symbols or slots.

In aspect 46, the apparatus of aspect 45 comprises: wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: for the single TDD mode, determining a communication direction for at least one symbol or slot based on a first TDD mode for the first upstream node, wherein the at least one symbol or slot is indicated as flexible in a second TDD mode for the second upstream node.

In aspect 47, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 39 to 44 comprises: wherein the one or more TDD modes include a first TDD mode for the first upstream node and a second TDD mode for the second upstream node, wherein the first TDD mode and the second TDD mode define a communication direction or beamforming for each symbol or slot of a plurality of symbols or slots.

In aspect 48, the apparatus according to aspect 47 comprises: wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: in the control information, the first TDD mode is associated with an index of the first upstream node and the second TDD mode is associated with an index of the second upstream node.

In aspect 49, the apparatus according to aspect 48 comprises: wherein the one or more processors are further configured to transmit second control information indicating one or more index values, wherein each of the one or more index values is equal to the first index or the second index and is associated with one or more symbols or slots.

In aspect 50, the apparatus of aspect 49 comprises: wherein the second control information indicating the one or more index values is sent in dynamic or semi-static signaling.

In aspect 51, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 49 or 50 comprises: wherein the one or more index values are associated with a periodic pattern.

In aspect 52, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 49 to 51, comprising: wherein the one or more index values are associated with a schedule for the repeater, the at least one downstream node or the another downstream node being served by the repeater, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

Aspect 53 is an apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: means for establishing a control connection with at least a first node for receiving control information for providing a repeater function for two or more upstream nodes; means for receiving control information from at least the first node over the control connection, wherein the control information includes one or more TDD modes for providing the repeater functionality for the two or more upstream nodes; and means for providing the repeater function between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and the at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes based on the control information.

In aspect 54, the apparatus according to aspect 53 comprises: wherein the one or more TDD modes correspond to scheduling for the apparatus, a downstream node being served by the apparatus, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

In aspect 55, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 53 or 54 comprises: wherein the one or more TDD modes are configured using at least one of: RRC messages, or MAC-CEs, defined by the wireless communication technology, for configuring TDD mode between the base station and the user equipment.

In aspect 56, the apparatus of aspect 55 comprises: wherein the RRC message includes at least one of a cell-specific TDD configuration or a dedicated TDD configuration received in association with the established control connection.

In aspect 57, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 53 to 56 comprises: wherein the one or more TDD modes comprise a single TDD mode for the two or more upstream nodes, wherein the single TDD mode defines a communication direction or beamforming for each of a plurality of symbols or slots.

In aspect 58, an apparatus according to any one of aspects 53 to 56 comprises: wherein the one or more TDD modes include a first TDD mode for the first upstream node and a second TDD mode for the second upstream node, wherein the first TDD mode and the second TDD mode define a communication direction or beamforming for each symbol or slot of a plurality of symbols or slots.

In aspect 59, the apparatus of aspect 58 comprises: means for determining a communication direction for at least one symbol or slot based on the first TDD mode, wherein the at least one symbol or slot is indicated as flexible in the second TDD mode.

In aspect 60, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 58 or 59 comprises: wherein in the control information, the first TDD mode is associated with a first index of the first upstream node and the second TDD mode is associated with a second index of the second upstream node.

In aspect 61, the apparatus of aspect 60 comprises: means for receiving second control information indicating one or more index values, wherein each index value of the one or more index values is equal to the first index or the second index and is associated with one or more symbols or slots; and means for determining a communication direction or beamforming for each of the one or more symbols or slots based on the received one or more index values, the first TDD mode, and the second TDD mode.

In aspect 62, the apparatus according to aspect 61 comprises: wherein the second control information indicative of the one or more index values is received in dynamic or semi-static signaling.

In aspect 63, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 61 or 62 comprises: wherein the one or more index values are associated with a periodic pattern.

In aspect 64, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 61 to 63 comprises: wherein the one or more index values are associated with a schedule for the apparatus, the at least one downstream node or the another downstream node being served by the apparatus, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

Aspect 65 is an apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: means for establishing a control connection with a repeater to provide control information to the repeater for providing repeater functionality between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and the at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes; and means for transmitting the control information for providing the repeater function to the repeater, wherein the control information indicates one or more TDD modes for providing the repeater function for the two or more upstream nodes.

In aspect 66, the apparatus according to aspect 65 comprises: generating the one or more TDD modes based on a plurality of TDD modes associated with the two or more upstream nodes.

In aspect 67, the apparatus of aspect 66 comprises: wherein the means for generating the one or more TDD modes comprises: generating the one or more TDD modes to indicate a communication direction or beamforming for each of a plurality of symbols or slots based on the communication direction or beamforming indicated for each of the plurality of symbols or slots in the plurality of TDD modes.

In aspect 68, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 65 to 67 comprises: means for generating the one or more TDD modes based on a schedule for the repeater, a downstream node being served by the repeater, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

In aspect 69, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 65 to 68 comprises: wherein the means for transmitting the control information includes: the apparatus includes means for transmitting the one or more TDD modes using at least one of an RRC message or a MAC-CE defined by a wireless communication technology for configuring a TDD mode between a base station and a user equipment.

In aspect 70, the apparatus according to aspect 69 comprises: wherein the RRC message includes at least one of a cell specific or dedicated TDD configuration transmitted in association with the established control connection.

In aspect 71, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 65 to 70, comprising: wherein the one or more TDD modes comprise a single TDD mode for the two or more upstream nodes, wherein the single TDD mode defines a communication direction or beamforming for each of a plurality of symbols or slots.

In aspect 72, the apparatus according to aspect 71 comprises: means for determining, for the single TDD mode, a communication direction for at least one symbol or slot based on a first TDD mode for the first upstream node, wherein the at least one symbol or slot is indicated as flexible in a second TDD mode for the second upstream node.

In aspect 73, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 65 to 70 comprises: wherein the one or more TDD modes include a first TDD mode for the first upstream node and a second TDD mode for the second upstream node, wherein the first TDD mode and the second TDD mode define a communication direction or beamforming for each symbol or slot of a plurality of symbols or slots.

In aspect 74, the apparatus according to aspect 73 comprises: and means for associating, in the control information, the first TDD mode with an index of the first upstream node and the second TDD mode with an index of the second upstream node.

In aspect 75, the apparatus according to aspect 74 comprises: the apparatus includes means for transmitting second control information indicating one or more index values, wherein each of the one or more index values is equal to the first index or the second index and is associated with one or more symbols or slots.

In aspect 76, the apparatus according to aspect 75 comprises: wherein the second control information indicating the one or more index values is sent in dynamic or semi-static signaling.

In aspect 77, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 75 or 76, comprising: wherein the one or more index values are associated with a periodic pattern.

In aspect 78, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 75 to 77 comprises: wherein the one or more index values are associated with a schedule for the repeater, the at least one downstream node or the another downstream node being served by the repeater, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

Aspect 79 is a computer-readable medium comprising code executable by one or more processors for wireless communication at a repeater. The code includes code for: establishing a control connection with at least a first node for receiving control information for providing a repeater function for two or more upstream nodes; receiving control information from at least the first node over the control connection, wherein the control information includes one or more TDD modes for providing the repeater functionality for the two or more upstream nodes; and providing the repeater function between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and the at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes based on the control information.

In aspect 80, the computer readable medium according to aspect 79 includes: wherein the one or more TDD modes correspond to scheduling for the repeater, a downstream node being served by the repeater, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

In aspect 81, the computer readable medium according to any of aspects 79 or 80, comprising: wherein the one or more TDD modes are configured using at least one of: RRC messages, or MAC-CEs, defined by the wireless communication technology, for configuring TDD mode between the base station and the user equipment.

In aspect 82, the computer readable medium according to aspect 81 includes: wherein the RRC message includes at least one of a cell-specific TDD configuration or a dedicated TDD configuration received in association with the established control connection.

In aspect 83, the computer readable medium according to any one of aspects 79 to 82, comprising: wherein the one or more TDD modes comprise a single TDD mode for the two or more upstream nodes, wherein the single TDD mode defines a communication direction or beamforming for each of a plurality of symbols or slots.

In aspect 84, the computer readable medium according to any one of aspects 79 to 83 comprises: wherein the one or more TDD modes include a first TDD mode for the first upstream node and a second TDD mode for the second upstream node, wherein the first TDD mode and the second TDD mode define a communication direction or beamforming for each symbol or slot of a plurality of symbols or slots.

In aspect 85, the computer readable medium according to aspect 84 comprising: code for determining a communication direction for at least one symbol or slot based on the first TDD mode, wherein the at least one symbol or slot is indicated as flexible in the second TDD mode.

In aspect 86, the computer readable medium according to any one of aspects 84 or 85, comprising: wherein in the control information, the first TDD mode is associated with a first index of the first upstream node and the second TDD mode is associated with a second index of the second upstream node.

In aspect 87, the computer readable medium of aspect 86 comprising: code for receiving second control information indicating one or more index values, wherein each index value of the one or more index values is equal to the first index or the second index and is associated with one or more symbols or slots; and determining a communication direction or beamforming for each of the one or more symbols or time slots based on the received one or more index values, the first TDD mode, and the second TDD mode.

In aspect 88, the computer readable medium of aspect 87 comprising: wherein the second control information indicative of the one or more index values is received in dynamic or semi-static signaling.

In aspect 89, the computer readable medium according to any of aspects 87 or 88, comprising: wherein the one or more index values are associated with a periodic pattern.

In aspect 90, the computer readable medium according to any one of aspects 87 to 89, comprising: wherein the one or more index values are associated with a schedule for the repeater, the at least one downstream node or the another downstream node being served by the repeater, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

Aspect 91 is a computer-readable medium comprising code executable by one or more processors for wireless communication at an upstream node. The code includes code for: establishing a control connection with a repeater to provide control information to the repeater for providing a repeater function between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and the at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes; and transmitting the control information for providing the repeater function to the repeater, wherein the control information indicates one or more TDD modes for providing the repeater function for the two or more upstream nodes.

In aspect 92, the computer readable medium according to aspect 91 includes: code for generating the one or more TDD modes based on a plurality of TDD modes associated with the two or more upstream nodes.

In aspect 93, the computer readable medium of aspect 92 comprising: wherein the code for generating the one or more TDD modes comprises: the method includes generating the one or more TDD modes to indicate a communication direction or beamforming for each of a plurality of symbols or slots based on the communication direction or beamforming indicated for each of the plurality of symbols or slots in the plurality of TDD modes.

In aspect 94, the computer readable medium according to any one of aspects 91 to 93 comprises: code for generating the one or more TDD modes based on a schedule for the repeater, a downstream node being served by the repeater, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

In aspect 95, the computer readable medium according to any one of aspects 91 to 94 comprises: wherein the code for transmitting the control information includes: the apparatus may include means for transmitting the one or more TDD modes using at least one of an RRC message or a MAC-CE defined by a wireless communication technology for configuring a TDD mode between the base station and the user equipment.

In aspect 96, the computer readable medium according to aspect 95 comprises: wherein the RRC message includes at least one of a cell specific or dedicated TDD configuration transmitted in association with the established control connection.

In aspect 97, the computer readable medium according to any of aspects 91 to 96 comprises: wherein the one or more TDD modes comprise a single TDD mode for the two or more upstream nodes, wherein the single TDD mode defines a communication direction or beamforming for each of a plurality of symbols or slots.

In aspect 98, the computer readable medium of aspect 97 comprises: determining, for the single TDD mode, a communication direction for at least one symbol or slot based on a first TDD mode for the first upstream node, wherein the at least one symbol or slot is indicated as flexible in a second TDD mode for the second upstream node.

In aspect 99, the computer readable medium according to any one of aspects 91 to 96 comprises: wherein the one or more TDD modes include a first TDD mode for the first upstream node and a second TDD mode for the second upstream node, wherein the first TDD mode and the second TDD mode define a communication direction or beamforming for each symbol or slot of a plurality of symbols or slots.

In aspect 100, the computer readable medium according to aspect 99 comprises: and means for associating, in the control information, the first TDD mode with an index of the first upstream node and the second TDD mode with an index of the second upstream node.

In aspect 101, the computer readable medium according to aspect 100 comprises: code for transmitting second control information indicating one or more index values, wherein each of the one or more index values is equal to the first index or the second index and is associated with one or more symbols or slots.

In aspect 102, the computer readable medium according to aspect 101 includes: wherein the second control information indicating the one or more index values is sent in dynamic or semi-static signaling.

In aspect 103, the computer readable medium according to any one of aspects 101 or 102, comprising: wherein the one or more index values are associated with a periodic pattern.

In aspect 104, the computer readable medium according to any one of aspects 101 to 103 comprises: wherein the one or more index values are associated with a schedule for the repeater, the at least one downstream node or the another downstream node being served by the repeater, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

The above detailed description, set forth in connection with the appended drawings, describes examples and is not intended to represent the only examples that may be implemented or within the scope of the claims. The term "example" when used in this description means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration," and not "preferred" or "advantageous over other examples. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described technology. However, the techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

Information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, computer-executable code or instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, or any combination thereof.

The various illustrative blocks and components described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed with specially programmed devices designed to perform the functions described herein, such as, but not limited to, processors, digital Signal Processors (DSPs), ASICs, field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combinations thereof. The specially programmed processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A specially programmed processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software for execution by a processor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described above may be implemented using software executed by a specially programmed processor, hardware, firmware, hardwired or a combination of any of these items. Features that are used to implement the functions may also be physically located at various locations, including being distributed such that some of the functions are implemented at different physical locations. Furthermore, as used herein (including in the claims), the use of "or" in a list of items ending in "at least one of" indicates a separate list, such that, for example, a list of "at least one of A, B or C" means a or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., a and B and C).

Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or general purpose or special purpose processor. Further, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital Subscriber Line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes Compact Disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital Versatile Disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, although elements of the described aspects and/or embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Moreover, all or a portion of any aspect and/or embodiment may be used with all or a portion of any other aspect and/or embodiment unless stated otherwise. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising:

a transceiver;

a memory configured to store instructions;

a movement termination unit;

a repeater unit; and

one or more processors communicatively coupled with the memory and the transceiver, wherein the one or more processors are configured to:

Establishing a control connection with at least a first node via the mobile termination unit for receiving control information for providing a repeater function for two or more upstream nodes;

receiving control information from at least the first node over the control connection, wherein the control information includes one or more Time Division Duplex (TDD) modes for providing the repeater function for the two or more upstream nodes; and

the repeater functionality is provided between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and the at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes via the repeater unit and based on the control information.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more TDD modes correspond to scheduling for the apparatus, a downstream node being served by the apparatus, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more TDD modes are configured using at least one of: a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message defined by wireless communication technology for configuring a TDD mode between a base station and a user equipment, or a Medium Access Control (MAC) -Control Element (CE).

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the RRC message comprises at least one of a cell-specific TDD configuration or a dedicated TDD configuration received in association with the established control connection.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more TDD modes comprise a single TDD mode for the two or more upstream nodes, wherein the single TDD mode defines a communication direction or beamforming for each of a plurality of symbols or slots.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more TDD modes comprise a first TDD mode for the first upstream node and a second TDD mode for the second upstream node, wherein the first TDD mode and the second TDD mode define a communication direction or beamforming for each symbol or slot of a plurality of symbols or slots.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine a communication direction for at least one symbol or slot based on the first TDD mode, wherein the at least one symbol or slot is indicated as flexible in the second TDD mode.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein in the control information, the first TDD mode is associated with a first index of the first upstream node and the second TDD mode is associated with a second index of the second upstream node.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:

receiving second control information indicating one or more index values, wherein each index value of the one or more index values is equal to the first index or the second index and is associated with one or more symbols or slots, and

a communication direction or beamforming for each of the one or more symbols or time slots is determined based on the received one or more index values, the first TDD mode, and the second TDD mode.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second control information indicating the one or more index values is received in dynamic or semi-static signaling.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the one or more index values are associated with a periodic pattern.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the one or more index values are associated with a schedule for the apparatus, the at least one downstream node or the another downstream node being served by the apparatus, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

13. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising:

a transceiver;

a memory configured to store instructions; and

establishing a control connection with a repeater to provide control information to the repeater for providing a repeater function between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and the at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes; and

the method further includes transmitting, to the repeater, the control information for providing the repeater function, wherein the control information indicates one or more Time Division Duplex (TDD) modes for providing the repeater function for the two or more upstream nodes.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: the one or more TDD modes are generated based on a plurality of TDD modes associated with the two or more upstream nodes.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the one or more processors are configured to generate the one or more TDD modes at least in part by: the one or more TDD modes are generated to indicate a communication direction or beamforming for each of a plurality of symbols or slots based on the communication direction or beamforming indicated for each of the plurality of symbols or slots in the plurality of TDD modes.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: the one or more TDD modes are generated based on a schedule for the repeater, a downstream node being served by the repeater, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the one or more processors are configured to transmit the control information at least in part by: the one or more TDD modes are transmitted using at least one of a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or a Medium Access Control (MAC) -Control Element (CE) defined by a wireless communication technology for configuring a TDD mode between the base station and the user equipment.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the RRC message comprises at least one of a cell-specific TDD configuration or a dedicated TDD configuration transmitted in association with the established control connection.

19. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the one or more TDD modes comprise a single TDD mode for the two or more upstream nodes, wherein the single TDD mode defines a communication direction or beamforming for each of a plurality of symbols or slots.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: for the single TDD mode, determining a communication direction for at least one symbol or slot based on a first TDD mode for the first upstream node, wherein the at least one symbol or slot is indicated as flexible in a second TDD mode for the second upstream node.

21. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the one or more TDD modes comprise a first TDD mode for the first upstream node and a second TDD mode for the second upstream node, wherein the first TDD mode and the second TDD mode define a communication direction or beamforming for each symbol or slot of a plurality of symbols or slots.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: in the control information, the first TDD mode is associated with an index of the first upstream node and the second TDD mode is associated with an index of the second upstream node.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to transmit second control information indicating one or more index values, wherein each of the one or more index values is equal to the first index or the second index and is associated with one or more symbols or slots.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the second control information indicating the one or more index values is sent in dynamic or semi-static signaling.

25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the one or more index values are associated with a periodic pattern.

26. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the one or more index values are associated with a schedule for the relay, the at least one downstream node or the another downstream node being served by the relay, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

27. A method for wireless communication at a repeater, comprising:

establishing a control connection with at least a first node for receiving control information for providing a repeater function for two or more upstream nodes;

the repeater function is provided between at least a first upstream node and at least one downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes and between at least a second upstream node and the at least one downstream node or at least another downstream node of the two or more upstream nodes based on the control information.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the one or more TDD modes correspond to scheduling for the relay, a downstream node being served by the relay, or at least one of the two or more upstream nodes.

29. A method for wireless communication at an upstream node, comprising:

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising: the one or more TDD modes are generated based on a plurality of TDD modes associated with the two or more upstream nodes.