A Study on Conversion of NLoS to LoS conditions using Sidelink in Smart Factory Environments

This paper proposes a method to change propagation path conditions for devices from non-line-of-sight (NLoS) conditions to line-of-sight (LoS) conditions using sidelink. In smart factory environments, although there are many obstacles that creates NLoS conditions for devices, many of such obstacles are also IoT devices that include a 5G transceiver. In this case, the obstacles can be relay nodes for devices nearby that are in NLoS area for base stations (BS). Thus, if the sidelink is employed for a link between the relay node and devices in NLoS conditions, a reliable wireless link is highly probable to establish. Moreover, because there are many relay node candidates for NLoS areas located devices in smart factories, devices located in NLoS area can flexibly choose an appropriate relay node as a sidelink repeater, which can enhance sidelink performances. Computer simulation confirms that the proposed scheme is very effective in enhancement of the area coverage.