Network-Controlled Repeater -- An Introduction

TL;DR

This paper introduces network-controlled repeaters (NCRs) for 5G networks, analyzing their performance and deployment strategies to improve coverage in urban areas with blockage challenges.

Contribution

It presents the NCR concept, details its specifications per 3GPP Rel-18, and evaluates deployment options and performance benefits in urban scenarios.

Findings

NCRs can effectively cover blind spots with proper planning.

Deployment strategies significantly impact NCR performance.

NCRs are a promising solution for 5G coverage challenges.

Abstract

In fifth generation (5G) wireless cellular networks, millimeter wave spectrum opens room for several potential improvements in throughput, reliability, 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 introduce the NCR concept and study its performance gains and deployment options. Particularly, presenting the main specifications of NCR as agreed in 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) Rel-18, 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 base stations (BSs) may have.