arrow
Return

Network-Controlled Repeater-An Introduction

delete2026-03-01
delete2
PRE
AI
F
Fco. Italo G. Carvalho
R
Raul Victor de O. Paiva
T
Tarcísio F. Maciel
V
Victor Farias Monteiro *
F
Francisco Rafael Marques Lima
D
Darlan C. Moreira
D
Diego A. Sousa
B
Behrooz Makki
M
Magnus Åström
L
Lei Bao
DOI:10.1109/MCOMSTD.2025.3595035delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
In the fifth generation (5G) wireless cellular networks, millimeter wave spectrum opens room for several potential improvements in throughput, reliability, and latency, among other aspects. However, it also brings challenges, such as a higher influence of blockage which may significantly limit the coverage. In this context, network-controlled repeaters (NCRs) are network nodes with low complexity that represent a technique to overcome coverage problems. In this paper, we present the NCR concept, analyze its performance gains, and explore deployment options. Particularly, we present NCR aspects standardized by the third generation partnership project (3GPP) in Release 18, e.g., NCR architecture, NCR beamforming capability controlled by a gNodeB (gNB) and NCR-gNB side control information exchange. Furthermore, we analyze different NCR deployments in an urban scenario and compare its performance with alternative deployments. As demonstrated, with a proper network planning and beamforming design, NCR is an attractive solution to cover blind spots the gNBs may have.
Keywords:
Array signal processing
Repeaters
3GPP
Backhaul networks
Planning
Interference
Radio frequency
5G mobile communication
Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces
Millimeter wave communication
Network-controlled repeater
network densification
5G
beamforming
millimeter wave communications

Journal

I
IEEE Communications Standards Magazine
IF:
0
Papers:
196
Citations:
0

Organization

U
universidade federal do ceará
Scholars:
931
Papers: 295
Citations: 0
E
ericsson
Scholars:
129
Papers: 64
Citations: 0