JP5699151B2 - Method for facilitating radio communication, radio signal repeater apparatus, radio communication method, and mobile station apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention generally relates to wireless communication, and more particularly, to a wireless communication method including a plurality of wireless channels and an apparatus implementing the method.

  Numerous standards for wireless communication are known. For example, the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard is a wireless communication standard for mobile phones, and defines a radio frequency in the range of approximately 380 MHz to 2 GHz. Other wireless communication standards for mobile phones include the TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) standard and the CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) standard, which generally further reduce radio frequencies below approximately 2.5 GHz. Stipulate. The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 and 802.16 standards are other communication standards that define radio signals having frequencies lower than approximately 5 GHz. These standards generally define radio signals at relatively low radio frequencies. In general, a low radio frequency results in a lower operating bandwidth than a high radio frequency.

  However, high radio frequencies generally have a shorter range than low radio frequencies and are sensitive to environmental interference (eg, rain, oxygen absorption, etc.). Such short ranges require radio frequency repeaters that are close together. However, placing known repeaters in close proximity together can disadvantageously cause interference between the signals of the repeaters. Thus, many known standards for wireless communication avoid the disadvantages of such high radio frequencies and define radio signals at relatively low radio frequencies in order to use commercial radio hardware. However, it disadvantageously results in low bandwidth and is disadvantageously limited to available radio frequency bands.

  In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, a method for facilitating wireless communication is provided. The method comprises: receiving a first radio signal encoded with a first message on a first radio channel from a first remote radio station at a radio signal repeater; and receiving the first radio signal Afterwards, transmitting from the radio signal repeater to a second remote radio station a second radio signal encoded using the first message on a second radio channel different from the first radio channel; Receiving a third radio signal encoded with a second message on a third radio channel different from the first and second radio channels from the second remote radio station at a repeater; After receiving the radio signal, the second message is used from the radio signal repeater to the first remote radio station on a fourth radio channel different from the first, second and third radio channels. Including; transmitting a fourth radio signal encoded Te phase and.

  The first, second, third and fourth radio channels may be frequency division multiplexed in different first, second, third and fourth radio frequency bands, respectively.

  The first and fourth radio channels may be time division multiplexed in a first radio frequency band, and the second and third radio channels may be time division multiplexed in a second radio frequency band different from the first radio frequency band. .

  The method includes the configuration of a configuration information signal in a configuration radio frequency band in the radio signal repeater that is different from the radio frequency bands of the first, second, third, and fourth radio channels. Receiving the encoded configuration information.

  The configuration radio frequency band may be between approximately 57 GHz and approximately 64 GHz.

  The first, second, third and fourth radio channels may each have a radio frequency between approximately 57 HGz and approximately 64 GHz.

Transmitting the second radio signal may include amplifying the first radio signal, and transmitting the fourth radio signal may include amplifying the third radio signal. Transmitting the second radio signal includes: decoding the first message from the first radio signal by digital processing; and encoding the decoded first message for the second radio signal. Transmitting the fourth radio signal includes: decoding the second message from the third radio signal by digital processing; and decoding for the fourth radio signal. Encoding the second message.

  The method includes determining a first signal-to-noise ratio representing a ratio of the strength of the first wireless signal to noise of the first wireless signal in the wireless signal repeater; and in the wireless signal repeater, Determining a second signal-to-noise ratio that represents a ratio of the strength of the third wireless signal to noise of the third wireless signal. If the first signal to noise ratio meets a first criterion, transmitting the second radio signal may include amplifying the first radio signal. If the first signal-to-noise ratio does not satisfy the first criterion, transmitting the second radio signal includes decoding the first message from the first radio signal by digital processing; Encoding the decoded first message for the second wireless signal. If the second signal to noise ratio meets a second criterion, transmitting the fourth radio signal may include amplifying the third radio signal. If the second signal-to-noise ratio does not meet the second criterion, transmitting the fourth radio signal comprises decoding the second message from the third radio signal by digital processing; Encoding the decoded second message for the fourth wireless signal.

  The first signal-to-noise ratio satisfies the first criterion if it exceeds a first threshold, and the first signal-to-noise ratio does not meet the first criterion if it does not exceed the first threshold . The second signal-to-noise ratio satisfies the second criterion if it exceeds a second threshold, and the second signal-to-noise ratio does not meet the second criterion if it does not exceed the second threshold .

The method includes: a fifth radio encoded with the first message in the second radio channel from the first remote radio station before transmitting the second radio signal in the radio signal repeater; Receiving a signal, wherein the first radio signal is stronger than the fifth radio signal; to determine that the first radio signal is stronger than the fifth radio signal; And comparing respective signal strengths of the fifth wireless signal. Transmitting the second radio signal instead of the first radio channel for the second radio signal in response to determining that the first radio signal is stronger than the fifth radio signal; The method may include selecting the second radio channel.

  The method comprises: receiving, at the wireless signal repeater, a sixth wireless signal encoded using a third message on the first wireless channel from the first remote wireless station; and The seventh radio signal encoded using the third message on a fifth radio channel different from the first, second, third and fourth radio channels, to the third remote radio station. Transmitting, at the radio signal repeater, receiving an eighth radio signal encoded using a fourth message on the fifth radio channel from the third remote radio station; and the eighth radio Transmitting a ninth radio signal encoded with the fourth message to the first remote radio station on the fourth radio channel after receiving the signal.

  The fifth radio channel may have a radio frequency lower than approximately 5 GHz.

  Receiving the sixth radio signal may include receiving the sixth radio signal on a subchannel of the first radio channel associated with the third remote radio station. Transmitting the seventh radio signal may include transmitting the seventh radio signal on a subchannel of the fifth radio channel associated with the third remote radio station. Receiving the eighth radio signal may include receiving the eighth radio signal on the subchannel of the fifth radio channel associated with the third remote radio station. Transmitting the ninth radio signal may include transmitting the ninth radio signal on a subchannel of the fourth radio channel associated with the third remote radio station.

  The sixth radio signal may include a destination field including destination data indicating the third remote radio station.

  The method comprises: receiving the second radio signal from the radio signal repeater at the second remote radio station; and receiving the second radio signal and then receiving the second remote radio on the first radio channel. Transmitting a tenth radio signal encoded using the first message from the station to a fourth remote radio station.

  The method includes: the eleventh encoded with the second message from the fourth remote station on the fourth radio channel before transmitting the third radio signal at the second remote station. The method may further include receiving a wireless signal.

  According to another exemplary embodiment, equipment for receiving a first radio signal encoded with a first message on a first radio channel from a first remote radio station; Equipment for transmitting a second radio signal encoded using the first message to a second remote radio station on a second radio channel different from the first radio channel after receiving; Equipment for receiving a third radio signal encoded using a second message on a third radio channel different from the first and second radio channels from a remote radio station; receiving the third radio signal; A fourth radio signal encoded with the second message on a fourth radio channel different from the first, second and third radio channels, for transmitting to the first remote radio station Wireless communication with equipment; Repeater device is provided.

  In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, an interface for facilitating wireless communication with the first and second remote radio stations on different first, second, third and fourth wireless channels; and communicating with said interface A wireless signal repeater apparatus is provided. The processor receives, via the interface, a first radio signal encoded with a first message on the first radio channel from the first remote radio station; after receiving the first radio signal; Causing the interface to transmit a second radio signal encoded with the first message on the second radio channel to the second remote radio station; Receiving a third radio signal encoded with a second message from the second remote radio station; receiving the third radio signal at the interface; A fourth radio signal encoded with the message is transmitted to the first remote radio station;

  The first, second, third and fourth radio channels may be frequency division multiplexed in different first, second, third and fourth radio frequency bands, respectively.

The first and fourth radio channels are time division multiplexed in a first radio frequency band,
The second and third radio channels may be time division multiplexed in a second radio frequency band different from the first radio frequency band.

  The processor, by the interface, encodes configuration information in a configuration information signal in a configuration radio frequency band different from each radio frequency band of the first, second, third, and fourth radio channels. It may be further configured to receive.

  The configuration radio frequency band may be between approximately 57 GHz and approximately 64 GHz.

  The first, second, third and fourth radio channels may each have a radio frequency between approximately 57 HGz and approximately 64 GHz.

  The processor is configured to cause the interface to transmit the second radio signal by amplifying the first radio signal, and further, the processor amplifies the third radio signal to the interface. Thus, the fourth radio signal can be transmitted.

  The processor is configured to digitally decode the first message from the first radio signal to the interface and encode the decoded first message for the second radio signal. Configured to cause a second radio signal to be transmitted, the processor decoding the second message from the third radio signal by digital processing to the interface and decoding the second message for the fourth radio signal The fourth message may be transmitted by encoding a second message.

  The processor may be further configured to determine a first signal-to-noise ratio that represents a ratio of the strength of the first wireless signal to noise of the first wireless signal at the interface. The processor may be configured to cause the interface to transmit the second radio signal by amplifying the first radio signal when the first signal-to-noise ratio meets a first criterion. The processor, when the first signal to noise ratio does not satisfy the first criterion, digitally decodes the first message from the first radio signal to the interface; and It may be configured to transmit the second radio signal by encoding the decoded first message for a signal. The processor may be further configured to determine a second signal-to-noise ratio that represents a ratio of the strength of the third wireless signal to noise of the third wireless signal at the interface. The processor may be configured to cause the interface to transmit the fourth radio signal by amplifying the third radio signal when the second signal-to-noise ratio meets a second criterion. The processor, when the second signal-to-noise ratio does not satisfy the second criterion, digitally decodes the second message from the third radio signal to the interface, and further, the fourth radio It may be configured to transmit the fourth radio signal by encoding the decoded second message for a signal.

  The first signal-to-noise ratio satisfies the first criterion if it exceeds a first threshold, and the first signal-to-noise ratio does not meet the first criterion if it does not exceed the first threshold . The second signal-to-noise ratio satisfies the second criterion if it exceeds a second threshold, and the second signal-to-noise ratio does not meet the second criterion if it does not exceed the second threshold .

The processor is encoded with the first message in the second radio channel from the first remote radio station before transmitting the second radio signal, and is the same as the first radio signal A fifth radio signal that is not strong is received by the interface; the respective signal strengths of the first and fifth radio signals are compared; and the first radio signal is stronger than the fifth radio signal; Selecting the second radio channel instead of the first radio channel for the second radio signal;
Can be further configured.

  The processor receives, via the interface, a sixth radio signal encoded with a third message on the first radio channel from the first remote radio station; after receiving the sixth radio signal; A seventh radio signal encoded using the third message in a fifth radio channel different from the first, second, third and fourth radio channels to the interface to a third remote radio station. Receiving, by the interface, an eighth radio signal encoded with a fourth message on the fifth radio channel from the third remote radio station; after receiving the eighth radio signal; Further comprising: causing the interface to transmit a ninth radio signal encoded using the fourth message on the fourth radio channel to the first remote radio station; It can be.

  The fifth radio channel may have a radio frequency lower than approximately 5 GHz.

  The processor may be configured to receive the sixth radio signal on a subchannel of the first radio channel associated with the third remote radio station. The processor may be configured to transmit the seventh radio signal on a subchannel of the fifth radio channel associated with the third remote radio station. The processor may be configured to receive the eighth radio signal on the subchannel of the fifth radio channel associated with the third remote radio station. The processor may be configured to transmit the ninth radio signal on a subchannel of the fourth radio channel associated with the third remote radio station.

  The sixth radio signal includes a destination field including destination data, and the processor includes the sixth radio signal when the destination field of the sixth radio signal includes destination data indicating the third remote radio station. In response to receiving a wireless signal, the interface may be configured to transmit the seventh wireless signal.

  In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a wireless communication method is provided. The method comprises: at a mobile station, receiving a first radio signal on a first radio channel from a first remote radio station; and a second different from the first radio channel associated with the first radio channel. Transmitting a second radio signal from the mobile station to the first remote radio station over a radio channel; a third different from the first and second radio channels from the second remote radio station in the mobile station; Receiving a third radio signal on a radio channel; on a fourth radio channel associated with the third radio channel and different from the first, second and third radio channels, on the second remote from the mobile station Transmitting a fourth radio signal to the radio station.

  The first, second, third and fourth radio channels may be frequency division multiplexed in different first, second, third and fourth radio frequency bands, respectively.

The first and second radio channels are time division multiplexed in a first radio frequency band,
The third and fourth radio channels may be time division multiplexed in a second radio frequency band different from the first radio frequency band.

  In the mobile station, the configuration information encoded in the configuration information signal of the configuration radio frequency band different from each radio frequency band of the first, second, third and fourth radio channels is provided. May be further received.

  The configuration radio frequency band may be between approximately 57 GHz and approximately 64 GHz.

  Each of the first, second, third and fourth radio channels may have a radio frequency between approximately 57 HGz and approximately 64 GHz.

  According to another exemplary embodiment: a facility for receiving a first radio signal on a first radio channel from a first remote radio station; and the first radio associated with the first radio channel A facility for transmitting a second radio signal to the first remote radio station on a second radio channel different from the channel; from a second remote radio station on a third radio channel different from the first and second radio channels A facility for receiving a third radio signal; a fourth radio signal associated with the third radio channel on a fourth radio channel different from the first, second and third radio channels; Equipment for transmitting to a remote radio station is provided.

  According to another exemplary embodiment: an interface for facilitating wireless communication with the first and second remote radio stations on different first, second, third and fourth radio channels; And a processor in communication with the mobile station apparatus. The processor: receives a first radio signal from a first remote radio station on a first radio channel by the interface; differs from the first radio channel associated with the first radio channel on the interface Sending a second radio signal to the first remote radio station on a second radio channel; from the second remote radio station on a third radio channel different from the first and second radio channels by the interface; Receiving a third radio signal; sending a fourth radio signal to the interface on a fourth radio channel associated with the third radio channel different from the first, second and third radio channels; Configured to transmit to a remote radio station;

  The first, second, third and fourth radio channels may be frequency division multiplexed in different first, second, third and fourth radio frequency bands, respectively.

  The first and second radio channels may be time division multiplexed in a first radio frequency band, and the third and fourth radio channels may be time division multiplexed in a second radio frequency band different from the first radio frequency band. .

  The processor receives encoded configuration information in a configuration information signal of a configuration radio frequency band different from each radio frequency band of the first, second, third, and fourth radio channels from the interface. It may be further configured to receive.

  The configuration radio frequency band may be between approximately 57 GHz and approximately 64 GHz.

  The first, second, third and fourth radio channels may each have a radio frequency between approximately 57 HGz and approximately 64 GHz.

  Other examples and features will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on the following review of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic top view of an exemplary wireless communication system. 2 is a schematic diagram of a base station of the wireless communication system of FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a downlink code of the base station of FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a downlink signal transmitted by the base station wireless communication interface of FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an uplink code of the base station of FIG. 2. 3 is a schematic diagram of an uplink signal received at the wireless communication interface of the base station of FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a configuration code of the base station of FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of configuration signals transmitted by the wireless communication interface of the base station of FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a wireless signal repeater of the wireless communication system of FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a downlink code of the wireless signal repeater of FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an uplink code of the wireless signal repeater of FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a configuration code of the wireless signal repeater of FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a mobile station in the wireless communication system of FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the downlink code of the mobile station of FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the uplink code of the mobile station of FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a configuration code of the mobile station of FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of exemplary signals transmitted and received in the wireless communication system of FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary signal transmitted and received in the wireless communication system of FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary signal transmitted and received in the wireless communication system of FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary signal transmitted and received in the wireless communication system of FIG.

  This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 61 / 245,349 (filed September 24, 2009), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

  With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary wireless communication system is shown generally at 100, with a base station 102, wireless signal repeaters 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130 and 132 and mobile stations 134, 136, 138 and 140. In the illustrated embodiment, mobile station 134 communicates wirelessly with wireless signal repeater 106, mobile station 136 communicates with wireless signal repeaters 106 and 120, and mobile station 140 communicates wirelessly with wireless signal repeater 118. In general, the base station 102 and the wireless signal repeaters 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, and 132 have respective wireless communication ranges. The respective wireless communication ranges overlap and collectively communicate with mobile stations such as mobile stations 134, 136, 138 and 140 in the coverage area 142 surrounding the base station 102. The base station 102, the radio signal repeaters 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130 and 132, and the mobile stations 134, 136, 138 and 140 are: It may simply be called a radio station.

  With reference to FIG. 2, a base station 102 (also shown in FIG. 1) is schematically illustrated. Base station 102 includes a microprocessor 144, program memory 146, input / output (I / O) module 148, and configuration memory 150 in the illustrated embodiment. Program memory 146 in the illustrated embodiment includes random access memory (RAM) that is encoded with code that instructs microprocessor 144 to perform the functions of base station 102. The I / O module 148 includes a wireless communication port 152 that communicates with the wireless antenna 154. The I / O module 148 further includes a backhaul port 156 for communicating with a backhaul 158 of the base station 102. The backhaul 158 is between a mobile station in the coverage area 142 (shown in FIG. 1), a mobile station outside the coverage area (142), and computers on other telephones or the Internet (not shown), for example. To facilitate communication, the base station 102 is connected to other base stations in the wireless communication network and to other communication networks such as a telephone network and the Internet. The configuration memory 150 in the illustrated embodiment is also a RAM and generally stores data for configuring the base station 102. The base station 102 in the illustrated embodiment includes a microprocessor 144, a program memory 146, an I / O module 148, and a configuration memory 150, but instead, for example, a hard drive or ASIC (application-specific integrated circuits), Additional or alternative parts may be included.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the radio antenna 154 in the illustrated embodiment relates to at least five different radio channels, ie, first and second downlink radio channels 160, 162, first and second uplink radios. Facilitates wireless communication with the wireless signal repeaters 104, 106, 108, 110 with respect to the channels 164, 166 and the configuration and control wireless channel 204. For simplicity, in FIG. 1, radio channels 160, 162, 164, 166 and 204 are shown only between base station 102 and radio signal repeater 106 and between radio signal repeaters 106 and 120. However, in the illustrated embodiment, base station 102 also communicates wirelessly with wireless signal repeaters 106, 108, 110, and 112, and wireless signal repeater 104 is wireless over all wireless channels 160, 162, 164, 166, and 204. The radio signal repeater 106 communicates wirelessly with the wireless signal repeaters 118 and 120, the wireless signal repeater 108 communicates wirelessly with the wireless signal repeaters 122 and 124, and the wireless signal repeater 110 Wireless signal repeaters 126 and 128 communicate wirelessly, and wireless signal repeater 112 communicates wirelessly with wireless signal repeaters 130 and 132. Accordingly, the wireless antenna 154 functions as a wireless communication interface to the wireless signal repeaters 104, 106, 108, 110, and 112, or simply functions as an interface in the illustrated embodiment.

  Here, the “radio channel” refers to a multiplexed communication channel in one or more radio or other electromagnetic frequency bands. In the illustrated embodiment, the base station 102 can be configured to multiplex the radio channels 160, 162, 164, and 166 using frequency division multiplexing. In this case, the radio channels 160, 162, 164, and 166 are multiplexed on different radio frequency bands, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the base station 102 can be further configured to multiplex the radio channels 160, 162, 164, and 166 using time division multiplexing. In this case, the first downlink radio channel 160 and the first uplink radio channel 164 are time-division multiplexed in the first radio frequency band, and the second downlink radio channel 162 and the second uplink radio The channel 166 is time division multiplexed in a second radio frequency band different from the first radio frequency band. However, in all cases of the illustrated embodiment, the configuration and control radio channel 204 is multiplexed in a frequency band that is different from the frequency bands of the radio channels 160, 162, 164, and 166. Another base station may multiplex the radio channels 160, 162, 164, 166, and 204 using different multiplexing techniques, and the configuration memory 150 in the illustrated embodiment provides base station 102 specific multiplexing. Store configuration data that identifies the technology.

  In the illustrated embodiment, radio channels 160, 162, 164, 166, and 204 are respective radio frequency bands within a radio frequency band between approximately 57 GHz and approximately 64 GHz. They are called “60 GHz” for simplicity and are not allowed in the United States. In an alternative embodiment, the radio channels 160, 162, 164, 166, and 204 are, for example, other radio frequencies known as Extremely High Frequencies (EHF) between approximately 30 GHz and 300 GHz. May have other radio frequencies. The respective radio frequency bands of the radio channels 160, 162, 164, 166 and 204 are also identified in the configuration memory 150 in the illustrated embodiment.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the program memory 146 includes a downlink code 168 that includes a block of code to instruct the microprocessor 144 to transmit a downlink signal. Referring to FIG. 3, the downlink code 168 is schematically represented. Downlink code 168 begins 170 in response to receiving a downlink message from backhaul 158 (shown in FIG. 2). At 170, downlink messages received from the backhaul (158) are directed to any message destined for mobile stations in the coverage area 142 (such as mobile stations 134, 136, 138 and 140 shown in FIG. 1). Including, for example, voice messages, data messages or configuration messages. Downlink code 168 proceeds to block 172. Block 172 transmits to the wireless antenna 154 a downlink signal encoded on the first downlink radio channel 160 using the downlink message received at 170, including modulation and spreading code operations. The microprocessor (144) is instructed to do so. Downlink code 168 proceeds to block 174. Block 174 directs the microprocessor (144) to transmit a downlink signal encoded using the downlink message received at 170 on the second downlink radio channel 162. Next, the downlink code 168 ends.

  Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the base station (102) receives downlink messages from the backhaul (158), and the base station (102) receives both on the first and second downlink radio channels 160, 162. , Transmit a downlink signal including the message. An alternative base station may transmit signals on only one of the first and second downlink radio channels 160,162. In this case, one of the blocks 172, 174 may be omitted. In addition, another alternative base station may use one of the first and second downlink radio channels 160, 162 for downlink signals directed to a particular radio signal repeater that is in radio communication with the base station. You may choose.

  With reference to FIG. 4, an exemplary downlink signal transmitted in response to the code in block 172 or 174 (shown in FIG. 3) is indicated generally at 176. The downlink signal includes a destination identifier field 178 for storing the identifier of the destination of the downlink signal and a message field 180 for storing the message received at 170. Thus, the downlink signal in the illustrated embodiment is a digital data packet. However, in alternative embodiments, the downlink signal may be an analog signal or a digital data stream signal that is not transmitted as a digital data packet, for example.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the program memory 146 receives an uplink signal from one of the wireless signal repeaters 104, 106, 108, 110 and 112 (shown in FIG. 1) in the illustrated embodiment. Further included is an uplink code 182 for instructing the microprocessor 144 (shown in FIG. 2). Referring to FIG. 5, the uplink code 182 is schematically shown. Uplink code 182 starts at radio antenna 154 (shown in FIG. 2) in response to an uplink signal received on first uplink radio channel 164 (184) or at radio antenna (154) Triggered in response to an uplink signal received on the two uplink radio channels 166 (186). In either case, the uplink code 182 proceeds to block 188. Block 188 instructs the microprocessor (144) to send the message encoded in the signal received at 184 or 186 to the backhaul 158 (shown in FIG. 2). Thus, returning to FIG. 1, in the illustrated embodiment, the base station 102 receives uplink signals from the radio signal repeaters 104, 106, 108, 110 and 112 on the first and second uplink radio channels 164, 166. In addition, it sends the encoded messages in those uplink signals to the backhaul 158 (shown in FIG. 2).

  With reference to FIG. 6, exemplary uplink signals received at 184, 186 (shown in FIG. 5) are generally indicated at 190. An exemplary uplink signal is a source identifier for storing an identifier of the source of the uplink message (eg, one of the mobile stations 134, 136, 138 and 140 shown in FIG. 1). Field 192) and a message field 194 for storing the message. The uplink message in the uplink message field 194 may include data for voice communication or other data, for example. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, uplink signal 190 is a digital packet. However, in alternative embodiments, the uplink signal may include an analog signal or a digital data stream signal that is not split into packets, for example.

  Returning to FIG. 2, program memory 146 further includes configuration code 196 for instructing microprocessor 144 (shown in FIG. 2) to receive and transmit configuration information. Here, “configuration information” also refers to control information, and “configuration signal” also refers to a signal including control information. Referring to FIG. 7, in the illustrated embodiment, configuration code 196 begins 198 in response to receiving configuration information from backhaul 158 (shown in FIG. 2). The configuration information received at 198 includes, for example, multiplexing techniques, frequency bands of the radio channels 160, 162, 164, 166, and 204, and other general information for the wireless communication system 100 (shown in FIG. 1). The configuration information for identifying the configuration information of the first and second configurations may be included. The configuration code 196 proceeds to block 200. Block 200 instructs microprocessor 144 (shown in FIG. 1) to store the configuration information received at 198 in configuration memory 150 (shown in FIG. 2). The configuration code 196 proceeds to block 202. Block 202 instructs the microprocessor (144) to transmit a configuration signal encoded with configuration information on the configuration and control radio channel 204.

  As described above, in the illustrated embodiment, the configuration and control radio channel 204 also exists between approximately 57 GHz and approximately 64 GHz, but in a frequency band that is different from the frequency bands of the radio channels 160, 162, 164, and 166. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the configuration information is transmitted in a different radio frequency band than the uplink and downlink signals. This advantageously provides greater flexibility for timing the constituent signals in embodiments. Alternatively, the configuration and control radio channel 204 may be multiplexed within the same radio frequency band, for example, as radio channels 160, 162, 164, and 166.

  Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary configuration signal transmitted at block 202 (shown in FIG. 7) is indicated generally at 326. The example configuration signal includes a configuration information field 208 for storing configuration information, such as the configuration information received at 198.

  Referring to FIG. 9, a wireless signal repeater 106 (also shown in FIG. 1) in the illustrated embodiment is schematically shown. The wireless signal repeater 106 includes a microprocessor 210, a configuration memory 212, a program memory 214, a temporary memory 216, and an I / O module 218 that are all in communication with the microprocessor 210. Configuration memory 212 in the illustrated embodiment includes RAM and stores information for configuring wireless signal repeater 106, such as configuration information received in configuration signal 206 (shown in FIG. 8). The program memory 214 in the illustrated embodiment also includes RAM and generally stores code for instructing the microprocessor 210 to perform the functions of the wireless signal repeater 106. The temporary memory 216 in the illustrated embodiment includes RAM and stores various data that is generated and accessed during operation of the wireless signal repeater 106. The I / O module 218 includes a wireless antenna port 220 that communicates with a wireless antenna 222, and in the illustrated embodiment, the wireless antenna 222 communicates with the base station 102 and wireless signals through wireless channels 160, 162, 164, 166 and 204. Facilitates wireless communication with repeaters 118, 120 (shown in FIG. 1). Accordingly, the wireless antenna 222 functions as a wireless communication interface or simply functions as an interface for wireless communication with the base station (102) and the wireless signal repeaters (118 and 120). Although the wireless signal repeater 106 is illustrated in the illustrated embodiment with a microprocessor 210, configuration memory 212, program memory 214, temporary memory 216, and I / O module 218, an alternative wireless signal repeater may be, for example, a hard drive It may include different parts, such as ASIC and ASIC.

  Program memory 214, in the illustrated embodiment, is generally microprocessor responsive to downlink signals transmitted by base station 102 (shown in FIG. 1) at block 172 or 174 (shown in FIG. 3). 210 is instructed.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the downlink code 224 is schematically illustrated. The downlink code is the downlink signal 176 (in FIG. 4) on the first downlink radio channel 160 in response to the code in block 172 (shown in FIG. 3) at the radio antenna 222 (shown in FIG. 9). In response to reception of the downlink signal (176) on the second downlink radio channel 162 in response to reception of the code in block 174 (shown in FIG. 3). (228) Start.

  If the downlink code 224 begins at 226, the downlink code 224 proceeds to block 230. Block 230 directs microprocessor 210 (shown in FIG. 9) to measure the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal received on first downlink radio channel 160, and further includes temporary memory 216 (shown in FIG. 9). The first signal-to-noise ratio store 232 is instructed to store the signal-to-noise ratio. Downlink code 224 proceeds to block 234. Block 234 instructs the microprocessor (210) to determine whether a signal encoded with the same data has been further received on the second downlink radio channel 162. A signal encoded with the same data may be further received on the second downlink radio channel 162, depending on the code of block 174 (shown in FIG. 3).

  In block 234, if a signal encoded with the same data is further received on the second downlink radio channel 162, the downlink code 224 further begins at 228 and proceeds to block 236. Block 236 instructs the microprocessor (210) to measure the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal on the second downlink radio channel 162, and further, the second signal pair in the temporary memory 216 (shown in FIG. 9). Instruct the noise ratio store 238 to store the signal to noise ratio. Downlink code 224 proceeds from block 236 to block 240. Block 240 instructs the microprocessor (210) to determine whether a signal encoded with the same data has been further received on the first downlink radio channel 160.

  In block 234, a signal encoded with the same data is further received on the second downlink radio channel 162, or in block 240, a signal encoded with the same data is If further received on the first downlink radio channel 160, the downlink code 224 proceeds to block 242. Block 242 instructs the microprocessor (210) to determine if the signal on the first downlink radio channel 160 is stronger than the signal on the second downlink radio channel 162. In the illustrated embodiment, at block 242, the code compares the signal to noise ratio stored in the first and second signal to noise ratio stores 232, 238 (shown in FIG. 9) to the microprocessor (210). And the signal of the first downlink radio channel 160 when the first signal to noise ratio store (232) stores a larger signal to noise ratio than the second signal to noise ratio store (238). Instructs the microprocessor (210) to determine that is stronger than the signal of the second downlink radio channel 162.

  In block 242, if the signal of the first downlink radio channel 160 is stronger than the signal of the second downlink radio channel 162, or in block 234, using the same data on the second downlink radio channel 162. If there is no encoded signal, the downlink code 224 proceeds to block 244. Block 244 configures the microprocessor (210 to configure the uplink transmit radio channel store 246 in temporary memory 216 (shown in FIG. 9) to set the first uplink radio channel 164 as the uplink transmit radio channel. ) Downlink code 224 proceeds to block 248. Block 248 configures the microprocessor (210 to configure the uplink transmit radio channel store 246 in temporary memory 216 (shown in FIG. 9) to set the first downlink radio channel 160 as the downlink receive radio channel. )

  Returning to FIG. 1, in the illustrated embodiment, the wireless signal repeater 106 communicates wirelessly with the mobile station 134 over the mobile station radio channel 252. In the illustrated embodiment, radio channels 160, 162, 164, 166, and 204 are in the 60 GHz band, while mobile station radio channel 252 is in the GSM radio band of approximately 2 GHz. In alternative embodiments, the radio signal repeater can communicate with the mobile station in various radio frequency bands, such as, for example, GSM, CDMA, TDMA, and IEEE 802.11 or 802.16. And such radio station radio channels are generally at lower radio frequencies than the radio frequency bands of radio channels 160, 162, 164, 166 and 204 in the illustrated embodiment.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the downlink code 224 proceeds from block 248 to block 254. Block 254 directs the microprocessor (210) to determine whether the destination identifier field 178 (shown in FIG. 4) of the signal received at 226 indicates the downlink radio channel of the mobile station radio channel 252. . In the illustrated embodiment, the destination identifier in the destination identifier field (178) is in wireless communication with the wireless signal repeater (106) over the mobile station radio channel 252 (such as the mobile station 134 of FIG. 1 in the illustrated embodiment). When indicating a mobile station, the destination identifier in the destination identifier field (178) indicates the downlink radio channel of the mobile station radio channel 252. In block 254, if the destination identifier in the destination identifier field (178) indicates the downlink radio channel of the mobile station radio channel 252, the downlink code 224 proceeds to block 256. Block 256 causes the microprocessor (210) to configure the downlink transmit radio channel store 258 in temporary memory 216 (shown in FIG. 9) to set the mobile station radio channel 252 as the downlink transmit radio channel. Instruct. Otherwise, the downlink code 224 proceeds to block 260. Block 260 instructs the microprocessor (210) to configure the downlink transmit radio channel store (258) to set the second downlink radio channel 162 as the downlink transmit radio channel.

  After block 256 or 260, the downlink code 224 proceeds to block 262. Block 262 causes the microprocessor (210) to determine whether the signal band noise ratio of the downlink received radio channel exceeds a threshold stored in the threshold store 264 of the configuration memory 212 (shown in FIG. 9). Instruct. If, at block 248, the downlink received radio channel is configured as the first downlink radio channel 160, then at block 262, the code determines the signal to noise ratio stored in the first signal to noise ratio store 232; Compare with the threshold stored in the threshold store 264. If the signal to noise ratio of the downlink received radio channel exceeds the threshold at block 262, the downlink code 224 proceeds to block 266. Block 266 amplifies the signal received from the downlink receive radio channel (identified by downlink receive radio channel store 250) to radio antenna 222 (shown in FIG. 9), thereby transmitting the downlink transmit radio channel. Instructs microprocessor 210 to transmit a downlink signal (identified by downlink transmit radio channel store 258 shown in FIG. 9). However, if the signal to noise ratio of the downlink received radio channel does not exceed the threshold at block 262, the downlink code 224 proceeds to block 268. Block 268 digitally processes messages received from the downlink receive radio channel (identified by the downlink receive radio channel store 250) to the radio antenna (222), decodes, demodulates, Downlink signal (included by the downlink transmission radio channel store 258 shown in FIG. 9) in the downlink transmission radio channel (including operation by spreading code) and encoding for the downlink signal. 176) to instruct the microprocessor 210 to transmit. After block 266 or block 268, the downlink code 224 ends.

  Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the wireless signal repeater (106) simply amplifies the received uplink signal (as in block 266) or decodes the received message by digital processing and then By encoding (as in block 268), the received message can be repeated. If the signal to noise ratio of the received signal is above the threshold, the wireless signal repeater (106) can simply amplify the signal. This is because a signal having a high signal band noise ratio is expected to have fewer errors. However, if the signal-to-noise ratio is below a threshold, the signal may contain more errors, and the digital decoding and encoding of the message will improve the quality of the repeated signal (especially , When the signal contains redundant data correction information, for example). In an alternative embodiment, the code at block 262 is omitted and the downlink code 224 may go directly to the code at block 266 or the code at block 268, for example. In still other embodiments, the configuration memory 212 (shown in FIG. 9) may include configuration information that determines whether to execute the code at block 266 or the code at block 268. Further, if the downlink and uplink signals are purely analog, the codes of blocks 262 and 268 are omitted and the downlink code 224 goes directly to the code of block 266.

  Still referring to FIG. 10, if at block 240 no further signal encoded with the same data is received on the first downlink radio channel 160 or at block 242 the first downlink. If the radio channel 160 signal is not stronger than the second downlink radio channel 162 signal, the downlink code 224 proceeds to block 270. Block 270 instructs the microprocessor (210) to configure the uplink transmit radio channel store 246 (shown in FIG. 9) to set the second uplink radio channel 166 as the uplink transmit radio channel. .

  Downlink code 224 proceeds to block 272. Block 272 directs the microprocessor (210) to configure the downlink receive radio channel store 250 (shown in FIG. 9) to set the second downlink radio channel 162 as the downlink receive radio channel. . Downlink code 224 proceeds to block 274. Block 274 determines whether the destination identifier in the destination identifier field 178 of the downlink signal 176 (shown in FIG. 4) received at 228 indicates the downlink radio channel of the mobile station radio channel 252. (210) is instructed. Thus, the code of block 274 is substantially the same as the code of block 254 (the code of block 254 is responsive to the destination identifier in the destination identifier field (178) of the downlink signal (176) received at 226). Instructing the microprocessor (210) to respond and the code of block 274 to respond to the destination identifier in the destination identifier field (178) of the downlink signal (176) received at 228. ). In block 274, if the destination identifier in the destination identifier field (178) indicates the downlink radio channel of the mobile station radio channel 252, the downlink code 224 proceeds to block 256 as discussed above. Otherwise, the downlink code 224 proceeds to block 276. Block 276 directs the microprocessor (210) to configure the downlink transmit radio channel store 258 (shown in FIG. 9) to set the first downlink radio channel 160 as the downlink transmit radio channel. To do. The downlink code 224 proceeds to block 262 as described above (if the downlink received radio channel is set as the second downlink radio channel 162 in block 272, the code in block 262 is (Except for comparing the signal to noise ratio stored in the two signal to noise ratio store 238 (shown in FIG. 9) with the threshold stored in the threshold store 264 (shown in FIG. 9)).

Returning to FIG. 1, the wireless signal repeater 106 in the illustrated embodiment may further receive uplink signals from the wireless signal repeaters 118 and 120 or the mobile stations 134 and 136. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9, the program memory 214 is generally the uplink from one of the wireless signal repeaters 118 and 120 or one of the mobile stations 134 and 136 in the illustrated embodiment. Further included is an uplink code 278 for instructing the microprocessor 210 to respond to the signal 190. Referring to FIG. 11, an uplink code 278 is schematically shown and starts with one of the following:
280 in response to receiving an uplink signal (190) on the first uplink radio channel 164 at the radio antenna 222 (shown in FIG. 9);
282 in response to receiving an uplink signal (190) on the second uplink radio channel 166 at the radio antenna (222);
In response to reception of an uplink signal (190) on the mobile station radio channel 166 at the 284 radio antenna (222);
After either 280, 282 or 284, the uplink code 278 proceeds to block 288. Block 288 instructs the microprocessor (210) to measure the signal to noise ratio of the uplink signal received at 280, 282 or 284. Uplink code 278 proceeds to block 290. Block 290 instructs the microprocessor (210) to determine whether the signal to noise ratio measured at block 288 exceeds a threshold stored in a threshold store 264 (shown in FIG. 9). If the signal to noise ratio exceeds the threshold at block 290, the uplink code 278 proceeds to block 292. Block 292 amplifies the signal received at 280, 282, or 284 to uplink signal 190 on the uplink transmit radio channel (identified by uplink transmit radio channel store 246, shown in FIG. 9). Instructs the microprocessor (210) to transmit (shown in FIG. 6). Otherwise, the uplink code 278 proceeds to block 294. Block 294 digitally decodes the message received at 280, 282 or 284 and encodes the decoded message to identify the uplink transmit radio channel (uplink transmit radio channel store 246). ) Instruct the microprocessor (210) to transmit the uplink signal (190).

  Accordingly, with respect to blocks 262, 266, and 268 (shown in FIG. 10), as discussed above, the codes of blocks 290, 292, and 294 may cause the signal-to-noise ratio of the received uplink signal to exceed a threshold. May instruct the microprocessor (210) to simply amplify the received uplink signal and, if the signal to noise ratio of the received uplink signal is lower than the threshold, digitally process the received message. Instructs microprocessor (210) to decode and encode. A signal received with a lower signal-to-noise ratio may have extra errors. Extra errors can be removed by decoding and encoding the message digitally. Further, in alternative embodiments, the code of block 290 may be omitted. The uplink code 278 may then go directly to the code of block 292 or the code of block 294, for example. In yet another embodiment, the configuration memory 212 (shown in FIG. 9) may include configuration information that determines whether to execute the block 292 code or the block 294 code. Further, in embodiments where the downlink and uplink signals are pure analog, the codes of blocks 290 and 294 may be omitted so that the uplink code 278 goes directly to the code of block 292.

  Returning to FIG. 9, the program memory 214 generally instructs the microprocessor 210 to respond to a configuration signal 206 (shown in FIG. 8) transmitted in response to, for example, the code of block 202 (shown in FIG. 7). A configuration code 296 is further included for indicating. Referring to FIG. 12, the configuration code 296 is schematically shown. Configuration code 296 begins at 298 in response to receiving configuration signal (206) at wireless antenna 222 (shown in FIG. 9). The configuration code 296 proceeds to block 300. Block 300 is configured to store configuration information in configuration signal field 208 (shown in FIG. 8) of configuration signal (206) received at 298 in configuration memory 212 (shown in FIG. 9). (Shown in FIG. 9). The configuration code 296 proceeds to block 302. Block 302 instructs the microprocessor (210) to cause the wireless antenna (222) to transmit the configuration signal (206) on the configuration and control radio channel 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the code in block 302 causes the wireless signal repeater 106 to transmit the configuration signal (206) to the wireless station repeaters 118 and 120 shown in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 1, wireless signal repeaters 104, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130 and 132 are substantially the same as wireless signal repeaters 106 in the illustrated embodiment. Are identical. However, in operation, the wireless signal repeaters 104, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130 and 132 in the illustrated embodiment are shown in FIG. 1 and above. As such, it communicates wirelessly with other such wireless stations.

  With reference to FIG. 13, a mobile station 136 is schematically illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the mobile station 136 is configured to perform a microprocessor 304, a configuration memory 306 for storing configuration information of the mobile station 136 that communicates with the microprocessor 304, and generally performs the functions of the mobile station. A program memory 308 for instructing the microprocessor 304, a temporary memory 310 for storing data generated and accessed during operation of the mobile station 136, and an I / O module 312. In the illustrated embodiment, configuration memory 306, program memory 308, and temporary memory 310 are RAM. The I / O module 312 includes a wireless antenna port 314 for communicating with the wireless antenna 316. The mobile station 136 further includes a user interface 317 that communicates with the I / O module 312. User interface 317 represents various I / O components for interacting with a user of mobile station 136, and in the illustrated embodiment includes a screen, microphone, speaker, and keypad (all not shown).

  With reference to FIGS. 1 and 13, the wireless antenna 316 in the illustrated embodiment facilitates wireless communication with the wireless signal repeaters 106 and 120. However, unlike mobile station 134, mobile station 136 communicates wirelessly with wireless signal repeaters 106 and 120 over wireless channels 160, 162, 164, 166 and 204. In alternative embodiments, the mobile station 136 can communicate wirelessly with other radio signal repeaters or base stations, and more generally, the radio antenna 316 is a radio signal repeater such as the radio signal repeaters 106 and 120. It functions as a wireless communication interface or simply as an interface for wireless communication with the mobile phone.

  Returning to FIG. 13, the program memory 308 generally responds to the downlink signal 176 (shown in FIG. 4) transmitted in response to the code of block 266 or 268 (shown in FIG. 10) in the embodiment shown. A downlink code 318 for instructing the microprocessor 304 to do so. Referring to FIG. 14, the downlink code 318 is schematically illustrated. Downlink code 318 is received (320) in response to reception of a downlink signal (176) on first downlink radio channel 160 at radio antenna 316 (shown in FIG. 13) or radio antenna (316). In response to receiving a downlink signal (176) on the second downlink radio channel 162 at (322). If the downlink code 318 begins at 320, it proceeds to block 324. Block 324 may configure the microprocessor 304 (to configure the uplink transmit radio channel store 326 of the temporary memory 310 (shown in FIG. 13) to set the first uplink radio channel 164 as the uplink transmit radio channel. (Shown in FIG. 13). The code in block 324 instructs the microprocessor (304) to configure the first uplink radio channel 164 as an uplink transmit radio channel in response to a downlink signal received on the first downlink radio channel 160. To do. Accordingly, the first uplink radio channel 164 is associated with the first downlink radio channel 160.

  Downlink code 318 proceeds to block 328. Block 328 instructs the microprocessor (304) to respond to the downlink signal (176) received at 320 or 322. For example, the downlink signal received at 320 or 322 may include a message for voice communication or other data transmission. Also, the code in block 328 generally instructs the microprocessor (304) to respond to the message accordingly.

  However, if the downlink code 318 starts at 322, the downlink code 318 proceeds to block 330. Block 330 instructs the microprocessor (304) to configure the uplink transmit radio channel store (326) to set the second uplink radio channel 166 as the uplink transmit radio channel. The code in block 330 instructs the microprocessor (304) to set the second uplink radio channel 166 as the uplink transmit radio channel in response to the downlink signal received on the second downlink radio channel 162. Accordingly, the second uplink radio channel 166 is associated with the second downlink radio channel 162. Downlink code 318 proceeds to block 328 as described above.

  Returning to FIG. 13, the program memory 308 generally further includes an uplink code 332 for instructing the microprocessor 304 to transmit an uplink signal 190 (shown in FIG. 6). Referring to FIG. 15, the uplink code 332 is schematically illustrated. Uplink code 332 begins at 334 in response to receiving an uplink message. Uplink messages received at 334 may include, for example, uplink data for voice communication or other data from mobile station (136). Uplink code 332 proceeds to block 336. Block 336 is the uplink transmission radio channel identified by the uplink transmission radio channel store 326 (shown in FIG. 13), in the message field 194 of the uplink signal (190) (shown in FIG. 6) 334 The microprocessor 304 is instructed to transmit an uplink signal (190) including the uplink message received at Next, the uplink code 332 ends.

Returning to FIG. 13, the program memory 308 generally receives configuration signals 206 (see FIG. 7) received on the configuration and control radio channel 204, eg, at the radio antenna 316, depending on the code of block 202 (shown in FIG. 7). It further includes a configuration code 338 for instructing the microprocessor 304 to respond to (shown at 8). Referring to FIG. 16, the configuration code 338 is schematically illustrated. Configuration code 338 begins at 340 in response to receiving configuration signal (206) from wireless antenna (316). The configuration code 338 proceeds to block 342. Block 342 stores the configuration information from configuration information field 208 of configuration signal 206 (shown in FIG. 8) received at 340 in microprocessor 304 (shown in FIG. 13) to store in configuration memory 306 (shown in FIG. 13). 13).
Next, the configuration code 338 ends.

  Referring to FIG. 17, an exemplary sequence of signals transmitted and received in the wireless communication system 100 (shown in FIG. 1) is schematically illustrated (generally designated 344). The sequence of signals 344 is encoded by the base station 102 using the first message 348 on the first downlink radio channel 160 in response to the code of block 172 of the downlink code 168 (shown in FIG. 3). It starts when the first downlink signal 346 is transmitted. The wireless signal repeater 106 receives the first downlink signal 346. The wireless signal repeater 106 then determines whether the downlink code 224 has blocks 230, 234, 244, 248, 254, 260, 262, and either 266 or 268 (shown in FIG. 10). A downlink radio channel 162 transmits a second downlink signal 350 encoded with the first message 348. The mobile station 136 receives the second downlink signal 350 in response to the codes 330 and 328 of the downlink code 318 (shown in FIG. 14). The mobile station 136 transmits the first uplink encoded with the second message 354 on the second uplink radio channel 166 according to the code of the block 336 of the uplink code 332 (shown in FIG. 15). A signal 352 is transmitted. Next, the wireless signal repeater 106 receives the first uplink signal 352. The radio signal repeater 106 then encodes the second uplink signal 356 encoded with the second message 354 in the first uplink radio channel 164 in response to the uplink code 278 (shown in FIG. 11). Receive. Base station 102 then receives second uplink signal 356 in response to uplink code 182 (shown in FIG. 5).

  In summary, in signal sequence 344, radio signal repeater 106 receives: first downlink signal 346 encoded with first message 348 from base station 102 on first downlink radio channel 160. After receiving the first downlink signal 346, transmit the second downlink signal 350, encoded with the first message 348, on the second downlink radio channel 162 to the mobile station 136; On link radio channel 166, a first uplink signal 352 is received from mobile station 136, encoded using second message 354; after receiving first uplink signal 352, first uplink radio channel 164 is received. Then, the second uplink signal 356 encoded using the second message 354 is transmitted.

  In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 17, the base station 102 further transmits a third downlink signal 358 encoded with the first message 348 on the second downlink radio channel 162; Further, the wireless signal repeater 106 receives the third downlink signal 358 before transmitting the second downlink signal 350. However, in this alternative embodiment, the wireless signal repeater 106 is a higher signal of the first downlink signal 346 relative to the third downlink signal 358 (measured at block 236 shown in FIG. 10). The noise to noise ratio is measured (at block 230 shown in FIG. 10). Accordingly, in block 242 shown in FIG. 10, the radio signal repeater 106 determines that the first downlink signal 346 of the first downlink radio channel 160 is stronger than the third downlink signal 358 of the second downlink radio channel 162. decide. Accordingly, the downlink code 224 proceeds to blocks 244, 248, 254, 260, 262 and 266 or 268 (shown in FIG. 10) in this alternative embodiment. Thus, in this alternative embodiment, the radio signal repeater 106 is configured to transmit the second radio signal (second downlink signal 350) on the second radio channel (second downlink radio channel 162) before transmitting the second radio signal (second downlink signal 350). A fifth wireless signal (third downlink signal 358) encoded using one message 348 is further received. However, since the first signal (first downlink signal 346) is stronger than the fifth signal (third downlink signal 358), the code of block 242 (shown in FIG. 10) is sent to the radio signal repeater 106, For the second radio signal (second downlink signal 350), the second radio channel (second downlink radio channel 162) is selected instead of the first channel (first downlink channel 160) (in FIG. 10). Block 260) shown.

  Returning to FIG. 1, mobile station 136 also communicates wirelessly with wireless signal repeater 120 over wireless channels 160, 162, 164, 166, and 204, such as due to interference or other environmental conditions, mobile station 136 may Wireless communication with signal repeater 106 may be lost, and instead it may begin to receive downlink signals from wireless signal repeater 120. Referring to FIG. 18, when mobile station 136 receives a downlink signal from radio signal repeater 120 instead of radio signal repeater 106, a signal is transmitted / received in radio communication system 100 (shown in FIG. 1). Another example sequence is schematically illustrated (generally denoted 374). The signal sequence 374 begins when the base station 102 transmits a first downlink signal 376 encoded with the first message 378 on the first downlink radio channel 160. The radio signal repeater 106 receives the first downlink signal 346 and transmits a second downlink signal 380 encoded with the first message 378 on the second downlink radio channel 162. The radio signal repeater 120 receives the second downlink signal 376 and transmits a third downlink signal 382 encoded with the first message 378 on the first downlink radio channel 160. Mobile station 136 receives third downlink signal 382 in response to codes in blocks 324 and 328 of downlink code 318 (shown in FIG. 14). The mobile station 136 is then encoded with the second message 386 on the first uplink radio channel 164 in response to the code of the block 336 of the uplink code 332 (shown in FIG. 15). One uplink signal 384 is transmitted. The radio signal repeater 120 then receives the first uplink signal 384 and transmits a second uplink signal 388 encoded with the second message 386 on the second uplink radio channel 166. The radio signal repeater 106 then receives the second uplink signal 388 and transmits a third uplink signal 390 encoded with the second message 386 on the first uplink radio channel 164. Base station 102 then receives third uplink signal 390.

  In summary, in the signal sequence 374, the wireless signal repeater 120: receives the second downlink signal 380 from the wireless signal repeater 106; after receiving the second downlink signal 380, on the first downlink wireless channel 160, The third downlink signal 382 encoded using the first message 378 is transmitted to the mobile station 136; from the mobile station 136, the second message 386 is encoded before the second uplink signal 388 is transmitted. The first uplink signal 384 is received.

  In summary, referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, in signal sequences 344 and 374, mobile station 136: receives second downlink signal 350 from radio signal repeater 106 on second downlink radio channel 162; A first uplink signal 352 is transmitted to the radio signal repeater 106 on the second uplink radio channel 166 associated with the second downlink radio channel 162 (by the code of block 330 shown in FIG. 14); On one downlink radio channel 160, the third downlink signal 382 is received from the radio signal repeater 120; the first up associated with the first downlink radio channel 160 (by the code of block 324 shown in FIG. 14). On the link radio channel 164, the first uplink The signal 384 is transmitted to a radio signal repeater 120.

  In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the wireless signal repeater communicates only on wireless channels 160, 162, 164 and 166. Thus, in such embodiments, the radio signal repeater need not be configured to communicate in the mobile station radio channel 252. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, blocks 254, 256 and 274 (shown in FIG. 10) may be omitted.

  Referring to FIG. 19, another example sequence of signals transmitted and received in the wireless communication system 100 (shown in FIG. 1) is schematically illustrated (generally represented as 360). Signal sequence 360 begins when base station 102 transmits first downlink signal 362 encoded on first downlink radio channel 160 using first message 364. In the illustrated embodiment, the destination identifier in the destination identifier field 178 (shown in FIG. 4) of the first downlink signal 362 indicates the mobile station 134. As shown in FIG. 1, mobile station 134 communicates with radio signal repeater 106 through mobile station radio channel 252. Accordingly, the radio signal repeater 106 receives the first downlink signal 362 and is further encoded with the first message 364 in the mobile station radio channel 252 according to the code of block 254 shown in FIG. A second downlink signal 366 is transmitted. The mobile station 134 receives the second downlink signal 366 and later transmits a first uplink signal 368 encoded with the second message 370 on the mobile station radio channel 252. The radio signal repeater 106 receives the first uplink signal 368 and further encodes using the second message 370 on the first uplink radio channel 164 in response to the uplink code 278 (shown in FIG. 11). The second uplink signal 372 is transmitted. Base station 102 then receives second uplink signal 372 in response to uplink code 182 (shown in FIG. 5).

  In summary, in an exemplary signal sequence 360, the wireless signal repeater 106 receives: a first downlink signal 362 encoded with a first message 364 on a first downlink radio channel 160; After receiving one downlink signal 362, a second downlink signal 366 encoded with the first message 364 is transmitted to the mobile station 134 on the mobile station radio channel 252; A first uplink signal 368 encoded using the second message 370 is received from the mobile station 134; after receiving the first uplink signal 368, the first message is transmitted on the first uplink radio channel 164. A second uplink signal 372 encoded using 370 is transmitted to the base station 102.

  In the exemplary signal sequence 360, the mobile station 134 communicates with the radio signal repeater 106 over the mobile station radio channel 252. Accordingly, the mobile station 134 can be considered to be in the microcell, picocell, or femtocell of the wireless signal repeater 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless signal repeaters 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130 and 132 are respectively such microcells, picocells or A femtocell can be established.

  Returning to FIG. 1, mobile station 140 communicates wirelessly with radio signal repeater 118 over mobile station radio channel 252. In the illustrated embodiment, the configuration information received at 198 (shown in FIG. 7) and transmitted in the configuration information field 208 (shown in FIG. 9) is, for example, different for each mobile station radio channel 252. Mobile stations 134 and 140 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the wireless signal repeaters 106 and 118 on the subchannel. More generally, in the illustrated embodiment, the configuration information includes various subchannels of the mobile station radio channel 252, radio signal repeaters 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122. , 124, 126, 128, 130, and 132, respectively. And one or more mobile stations communicating with one of those radio signal repeaters may be further associated with a subchannel associated with the radio signal repeater. These different subchannels are advantageous, for example, for mobile station radio channel 252 to reduce interference in transmissions from adjacent radio signal repeaters.

  The configuration information may further associate a subchannel of the mobile station radio channel 252 with a respective subchannel in each of the radio channels 160, 162, 164 and 166. In such a configuration, the codes in blocks 172 and 174 (shown in FIG. 3) and the codes in blocks 266 and 268 (shown in FIG. 10) are linked to the downlink signal 178 (shown in FIG. 4). Transmit on respective subchannels of the first and second downlink radio channels 160 and 162 associated with the destination mobile station of the signal. Then, the codes in blocks 292 and 294 (shown in FIG. 11) and the code in block 336 (shown in FIG. 15) are used to transfer the uplink signal 190 (shown in FIG. 6) to the source of the uplink signal. Transmit on the respective subchannels of the first and second uplink radio channels 164 and 166 associated with the station. Further, in such a configuration, the destination identifier field 178 (shown in FIG. 4) and the source identifier field 192 (shown in FIG. 6) may be omitted. This is because the signal destination or source can be identified by the subchannel of the downlink signal (178) or the uplink signal (190). Also, the codes in blocks 254 and 274 (shown in FIG. 10) identify the subchannel of the transmitted downlink signal (178) received at 226 or 228 (shown in FIG. 10) so that the signal becomes It can be determined whether a mobile station radio channel 252 has been specified.

  Referring to FIG. 20, a sequence of signals transmitted and received in another example wireless communication system 100 (shown in FIG. 1) is schematically illustrated (generally denoted 392). Signal sequence 392 begins when base station 102 transmits a first downlink signal 394 on a subchannel of first downlink radio channel 160 associated with mobile station 134. The radio signal repeater 106 receives the first downlink signal 394 and further transmits a second downlink signal 396 to the mobile station 134 on a subchannel of the mobile station radio channel 252 associated with the mobile station 134. To do. Later, the mobile station 134 transmits a first uplink signal 398 on a subchannel of the mobile station radio channel 252 associated with the mobile station 134. The radio signal repeater 106 also receives the first uplink signal 398 and further transmits the second uplink signal 400 on the subchannel of the first uplink radio channel 162 associated with the mobile station 134 to the base station. To 102.

  Later, in signal sequence 392, base station 102 transmits a third downlink signal 402 on a subchannel of first downlink radio channel 160 associated with mobile station 140. The radio signal repeater 106 receives the third downlink signal 402 and further transmits a fourth downlink signal 404 on a subchannel of the second downlink radio channel 162 associated with the mobile station 140. Radio signal repeater 118 receives fourth downlink signal 404 and further transmits fifth downlink signal 406 to mobile station 140 on a subchannel of mobile station radio channel 252 associated with mobile station 140. . Later, the mobile station 140 transmits a third uplink signal 408 on a subchannel of the mobile station radio channel 252 associated with the mobile station 140. The radio signal repeater 118 receives the third uplink signal 408 and further transmits a fourth uplink signal 410 on a subchannel of the second uplink radio channel 166 associated with the mobile station 140. The radio signal repeater 106 receives the fourth uplink signal 410 and further transmits a fifth uplink signal 412 on a subchannel of the first uplink radio channel 164 associated with the mobile station 140.

  The wireless communication system 100 advantageously enables communication at higher radio frequencies, such as EHF frequencies, and advantageously allows for a larger operating bandwidth available at such higher radio frequencies. In practice, the base station 102 of the wireless communication system 100 can replace an existing base station that simply uses a lower radio frequency, thereby upgrading the existing base station and providing greater operating bandwidth. To do. Further, the wireless signal repeaters described above can be conveniently placed close together. Because it is required to adapt to short distances of high radio frequencies and at least two different channels for uplink signals and downlink signals of at least two different channels can advantageously reduce interference between signals It is. While various embodiments have been described and illustrated, such embodiments are to be considered merely as illustrative and limited in scope to the invention to be construed according to the appended claims. Should not.

Claims (10)

A method for facilitating wireless communication:
Receiving a first radio signal encoded with a first message on a first downlink multiplexed radio channel from a first remote radio station at a radio signal repeater;
After receiving the first radio signal, the first message is transmitted from the radio signal repeater to a second remote radio station on a second downlink multiplexed radio channel different from the first downlink multiplexed radio channel. Transmitting a second radio signal encoded using:
In the radio signal repeater, encoded from the second remote radio station using a second message in a first uplink multiplexed radio channel different from the first and second downlink multiplexed radio channels Receiving a third radio signal;
After receiving the third radio signal, from said radio signal repeater to the first remote radio station, the first downlink multiplexed radio channel, the second downlink multiplexed radio channel and the first up Transmitting a fourth radio signal encoded with the second message on a second uplink multiplexed radio channel different from the link multiplexed radio channel;
The first downlink multiplexed radio channel and the second uplink multiplexed radio channel are time division multiplexed in a first radio frequency band;
The method, wherein the second downlink multiplexed radio channel and the first uplink multiplexed radio channel are time division multiplexed in a second radio frequency band different from the first radio frequency band. Means for receiving a first radio signal encoded with a first message on a first downlink multiplexed radio channel from a first remote radio station;
After receiving the first radio signal, a second radio signal encoded by using the first message in a second downlink multiplexed radio channel different from the first downlink multiplexed radio channel, Means for transmitting to two remote radio stations;
Receiving from the second remote radio station a third radio signal encoded with a second message on a first uplink multiplexed radio channel different from the first and second downlink multiplexed radio channels; Means to do;
After receiving the third radio signal, the first downlink multiplexed radio channel, the second downlink multiplexed radio channel and a second uplink multiple different from the first uplink multiplexed radio channels Means for transmitting a fourth radio signal encoded with said second message to said first remote radio station over a coded radio channel;
It said first downlink multiplexed radio channel and the second uplink multiplexing radio channels are time division multiplexed in a first radio frequency band,
It said second downlink multiplexed radio channel and the first uplink multiplexing radio channel is time division multiplexed with the second radio frequency band different from the first radio frequency band, the radio signal repeater. An interface for facilitating radio communication with the first and second remote radio stations on at least four different multiplexed radio channels;
A processor in communication with the interface;
A wireless signal repeater device comprising:
The processor is:
Receiving, by the interface, a first radio signal encoded with a first message on a first downlink multiplexed radio channel from the first remote radio station;
After receiving the first radio signal, a second radio signal encoded using the first message is transmitted to the second remote radio station through the second downlink multiplexed radio channel to the interface. Let;
Receiving, by the interface, a third radio signal encoded with a second message on the first uplink multiplexed radio channel from the second remote radio station;
After receiving the third radio signal, a fourth radio signal encoded using the second message is transmitted to the first remote radio station through the second uplink multiplexed radio channel to the interface. Configured;
It said first downlink multiplexed radio channel and the second uplink multiplexing radio channels are time division multiplexed in a first radio frequency band,
It said second downlink multiplexed radio channel and the first uplink multiplexing radio channel is time division multiplexed with the second radio frequency band different from the first radio frequency band, the radio signal repeater. A wireless communication method:
Receiving a first radio signal at a mobile station from a first remote radio station on a first downlink multiplexed radio channel;
From the mobile station to the first remote radio station on a second downlink multiplexed radio channel associated with the first downlink multiplexed radio channel that is different from the first downlink multiplexed radio channel, Transmitting a second radio signal;
Receiving, at the mobile station, a third radio signal from a second remote radio station on a first uplink multiplexed radio channel different from the first and second downlink multiplexed radio channels;
Wherein associated with the first uplink multiplexing radio channel, the different from the first downlink multiplexed radio channel, the second downlink multiplexed radio channel and the first uplink multiplexed radio channels Transmitting a fourth radio signal from the mobile station to the second remote radio station on two uplink multiplexed radio channels;
It said first downlink multiplexed radio channel and the second uplink multiplexing radio channels are time division multiplexed in a first radio frequency band,
It said second downlink multiplexed radio channel and the first uplink multiplexing radio channel is time division multiplexed with the second radio frequency band different from the first radio frequency band, the wireless communication method. In the mobile station, the first downlink multiplexed radio channel, the second downlink multiplexed radio channels, each of said first uplink multiplexing radio channel and the second uplink multiplexed radio channels Receiving encoded configuration information in the configuration information signal of the configuration radio frequency band different from the radio frequency band of
The configuration radio frequency band is between approximately 57 GHz and approximately 64 GHz.
The wireless communication method according to claim 4. It said first downlink multiplexed radio channel, the second downlink multiplexed radio channels, the first uplink multiplexing radio channel and the second uplink multiplexing radio channel, respectively, substantially 57HGz Having a radio frequency between approximately 64 GHz,
The wireless communication method according to claim 4 or 5. A mobile station device:
Means for receiving a first radio signal on a first downlink multiplexed radio channel from a first remote radio station;
A second radio signal is transmitted to the first remote radio station on a second downlink multiplexed radio channel associated with the first downlink multiplexed radio channel that is different from the first downlink multiplexed radio channel. Equipment for transmission;
Means for receiving a third radio signal from a second remote radio station on a first uplink multiplexed radio channel different from the first and second downlink multiplexed radio channels;
Wherein associated with the first uplink multiplexing radio channel, the different from the first downlink multiplexed radio channel, the second downlink multiplexed radio channel and the first uplink multiplexed radio channels Means for transmitting a fourth radio signal to said second remote radio station on two uplink multiplexed radio channels;
It said first downlink multiplexed radio channel and the second uplink multiplexing radio channels are time division multiplexed in a first radio frequency band,
It said second downlink multiplexed radio channel and the first uplink multiplexing radio channel is time division multiplexed with the second radio frequency band different from the first radio frequency band, the mobile station apparatus. An interface for facilitating radio communication with the first and second remote radio stations on at least four different multiplexed radio channels;
A processor in communication with the interface;
A mobile station device comprising:
The processor is:
Receiving a first radio signal on a first downlink multiplexed radio channel from the first remote radio station by the interface;
A second radio signal on a second downlink multiplexed radio channel associated with the first downlink multiplexed radio channel and different from the first downlink multiplexed radio channel, Transmit to one remote radio station;
Receiving, by the interface, a third radio signal from a second remote radio station on a first uplink multiplexed radio channel different from the first and second downlink multiplexed radio channels;
To the interface, the associated with the first uplink multiplexing radio channel, the first downlink multiplexed radio channel, the second downlink multiplexed radio channel and the first uplink multiplexing radio Configured to cause a fourth radio signal to be transmitted to the second remote radio station on a second uplink multiplexed radio channel different from the channel;
It said first downlink multiplexed radio channel and the second uplink multiplexing radio channels are time division multiplexed in a first radio frequency band,
It said second downlink multiplexed radio channel and the first uplink multiplexing radio channel is time division multiplexed with the second radio frequency band different from the first radio frequency band, the mobile station apparatus. Wherein the processor is further by the interface, the first downlink multiplexed radio channel, the second downlink multiplexed radio channels, the first uplink multiplexing radio channel and the second uplink multiplexing Configured to receive the encoded configuration information in the configuration information signal of the configuration radio frequency band different from each radio frequency band of the structured radio channel,
The configuration radio frequency band is between approximately 57 GHz and approximately 64 GHz.
The mobile station apparatus according to claim 8. It said first downlink multiplexed radio channel, the second downlink multiplexed radio channels, the first uplink multiplexing radio channel and the second uplink multiplexing radio channel, each approximately 57HGz substantially Having a radio frequency between 64 GHz,
The mobile station apparatus according to claim 8 or 9.

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