Relay system and device information forwarding

Abstract

Techniques for traffic forwarding in a wireless relay system are disclosed. In one implementation, a method of wireless communication includes performing, by a first network device, measurement operations on one or more neighboring cells to determine neighboring cell information, and sending, by the first network device, the cell information to a second network device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent document generally relates to wireless communication. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile communication technology is driving the world towards an increasingly interconnected and networked society. The rapid growth and technological advancements in mobile communications have led to greater demands for capacity and connectivity. Other factors, such as energy consumption, device cost, spectrum efficiency, and latency, are also important for meeting the needs of various communication scenarios. Various technologies are being discussed, including new methods to provide higher service quality, longer battery life, and improved performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Among other things, the patent document describes a technique for service forwarding in a wireless relay system.

[0004] In one aspect, a method for data communication is disclosed. The method includes: a first network device performing measurement operations on one or more neighboring cells to determine neighboring cell information, and the first network device sending the cell information to a second network device.

[0005] In another aspect, a method for data communication is disclosed. The method includes: a first network node receiving a first message from a second network node containing information about a third network node, enabling the first network node to establish a communication interface between the first and third network nodes; the first network node sending a second message to the third network node to set up or update the communication interface; and performing communication using the established communication interface.

[0006] In another aspect, a data communication method is disclosed. The method includes: receiving a handover request message from a second network node by a third network node; in response to the handover request message, sending a handover request confirmation message to the second network node by the third network node; and receiving a communication interface setting request message or a network node configuration update message from a first network node by the third network node, to set the communication interface or update the network node configuration.

[0007] In another aspect, a method for data communication is disclosed. The method includes: performing a migration process on a first network node connected to a source network node in a wireless access and backhaul network, and sending first information.

[0008] In another example, a wireless communication device is disclosed, which includes a processor configured to implement the methods described above.

[0009] In another example, a computer storage medium is disclosed on which code for implementing the above methods is stored.

[0010] These and other aspects are described in this patent document. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 Examples of wireless communication systems based on some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology are shown.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a block diagram representation of a portion of an apparatus based on some embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0013] Figure 3 An example of a wireless access and backhaul architecture is shown.

[0014] Figure 4 An example architecture for WAB-MT migration is shown.

[0015] Figure 5 Another example architecture for WAB-MT migration is shown.

[0016] Figure 6 Examples of wireless communication processes based on some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology are shown.

[0017] Figure 7 Another example of a wireless communication process based on some example embodiments of the disclosed technology is shown.

[0018] Figure 8 Another example of a wireless communication process based on some example embodiments of the disclosed technology is shown.

[0019] Figure 9 Another example of a wireless communication process based on some example embodiments of the disclosed technology is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The section headings used in this document are for ease of understanding only and do not limit the scope of the embodiments to the sections describing them. Furthermore, while embodiments are described with reference to 5G examples, the disclosed techniques can be applied to wireless systems using protocols other than 5G or 3GPP protocols.

[0021] Figure 1An example of a wireless communication system (e.g., a Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, or NR cellular network) including a BS 120 and one or more user equipment (UE) devices 111, 112, and 113 is shown. In some embodiments, uplink transmissions (131, 132, 133) may include uplink control information (UCI), higher-layer signaling (e.g., UE assistance information or UE capabilities), or uplink information. In some embodiments, downlink transmissions (141, 142, 143) may include DCI or higher-layer signaling or downlink information. The UE may be, for example, a smartphone, tablet, mobile computer, machine-to-machine (M2M) device, terminal, mobile device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a block diagram representation of a portion of an apparatus based on some embodiments of the disclosed technology. Apparatus 205, such as a network device, base station, or wireless device (or UE), may include processor electronics 210, such as a microprocessor implementing one or more technologies proposed in this document. Apparatus 205 may include transceiver electronics 215 for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals via one or more communication interfaces, such as antenna 220. Apparatus 205 may include other communication interfaces for transmitting and receiving data. Apparatus 205 may include one or more memories (not explicitly shown) configured to store information such as data and / or instructions. In some implementations, processor electronics 210 may include at least a portion of transceiver electronics 215. In some embodiments, apparatus 205 is used to implement at least some of the disclosed technologies, modules, or functions.

[0023] Radio access and backhaul architectures, such as Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) or Radio Access Backhaul (WAB), support radio access and backhaul via NR (New Radio), enabling flexible and dense deployment of NR cells while reducing the need for wired transmission infrastructure.

[0024] Figure 3 An example of a wireless access and backhaul architecture is shown.

[0025] Relay nodes (e.g., IAB or WAB nodes) can support access and backhaul via NR. The terminating node of the network-side NR backhaul is called the donor node, which represents a gNB with additional capabilities to support radio access and backhaul. Backhaul can occur via single hops or multiple hops. Figure 3 An example of a wireless access and backhaul architecture is shown in the diagram. Figure 3In this configuration, the UE connects to the network via the WAB node. UE services between the UE and its users' plane functions (UPF) are forwarded via the UPF of the WAB node, the WAB donor node, and the optional MT (Mobile Terminal). In another example, the MT's UPF can be co-located with the WAB donor node.

[0026] WAB nodes support gNB functionality to provide NR access to UEs and terminate Xn / NG protocols (e.g., interfaces between NG-RAN nodes) to donor nodes, AMF (Access Management Function), and / or UPF. In addition to gNB functionality, relay nodes also support a subset of UE functions known as MT, including, for example, physical layer, Layer 2, Radio Resource Control (RRC), and Non-Access Stratum (NAS) functions, to connect to another WAB node or WAB donor node, and to connect to the core network.

[0027] Figure 4 An example architecture for WAB-MT migration is shown.

[0028] When deploying WAB nodes on a vehicle, a migration process (e.g., switchover) can be initiated for the MT of the WAB node (WAB-MT). During the MT migration, the WAB-MT is migrated from the source donor node of the MT to the target donor node of the MT. In such cases... Figure 4 In one example architecture of the WAB-MT migration shown, the MT's UPF resides in the core network. In another example, the MT's UPF can be co-located with the WAB donor node.

[0029] Neighboring communities Problem: Since the WAB node acts as a gNB, it needs to maintain neighboring cell relationships with other cells. The question is how the WAB node can quickly and efficiently obtain neighboring cell information.

[0030] Solution 1 : WAB-MT based measurement and reporting Step 1: The MT performs measurements and sends a measurement report to the donor node. In some implementations, the measurement report includes at least one of the following: the Physical Cell ID (PCI) of the neighboring cell, the NR Cell Global Identifier (NCGI) of the neighboring cell, the WAB donor node information of the neighboring cell (e.g., gNB ID, cell ID), and the Transport Network Layer (TNL) address lookup indication. In other implementations, the WAB-MT receives the WAB donor node information of the neighboring cell from the cell's system information.

[0031] Step 2: The WAB donor node sends the TNL address of the adjacent gNB to the WAB node via Xn or RRC.

[0032] Step 3: Optionally, the WAB node initiates the Xn setting process to the neighboring gNB.

[0033] Solution 2: UE based measurement and reporting Step 1: The UE performs measurements and sends a measurement report to the WAB node. In some implementations, the measurement report includes at least one of the following: the PCI of the neighboring cell, the NCGI of the neighboring cell, and the WAB donor node information of the neighboring cell (e.g., gNBID, cell ID). In other implementations, the UE receives the WAB donor node information of the neighboring cell from the cell's system information.

[0034] Step 2: The WAB node sends an Xn / RRC message to the donor node to query the TNL address of the neighboring gNB.

[0035] Step 3: The WAB donor node sends the TNL address of the adjacent gNB to the WAB node via Xn or RRC.

[0036] Step 4: Optionally, the WAB node initiates the Xn setting process to the neighboring gNB.

[0037] Neighboring cell relationships in migration scenarios Problem: When deploying WAB nodes on vehicles, a migration process (e.g., handover) can be initiated for the MT of the WAB node (WAB-MT). After the MT migration, the MT is served by the target donor node. The problem is how to maintain the relationship with neighboring cells in the migration scenario.

[0038] Solution: Step 0: Optionally, the source WAB donor node of the WAB node / MT / gNB sends the target donor node information (e.g., TNL address, gNB ID) to the WAB node via Xn or RRC to trigger the WAB node to establish an Xn interface with the target donor node.

[0039] Step 1: The WAB node sends an Xn setup / NG RAN node configuration update message to the target donor node. In some implementations, the message includes at least one of the following: WAB-MT ID, direct connection indication. In some implementations, the WAB-MT ID includes at least one of the following: the serving cell's NCGI, the serving cell's PCI, C-RNTI, and IP address. The direct connection indication indicates that the WAB's gNB function (WAB-gNB) intends to establish an Xn connection directly with the target donor node, for example, without going through another gNB / WAB donor node.

[0040] Step 2: The target donor node sends a response message to the WAB node. In some implementations, the response message includes serving cell and / or neighboring cell / gNB information, such as TNL address, donor node indication, WAB node indication, and WAB cell indication, so that the WAB can maintain its neighboring cell relationships and quickly obtain the TNL address of neighboring gNBs.

[0041] Step 3: The donor node sends an NG RAN node configuration update message to the neighboring gNB. In some implementations, this message includes at least one of the following: WAB node information, such as WAB node indication, WAB node gNB ID, cell information, donor node information, TNL address, WAB node location, and WAB node speed. This allows neighboring cell relationships to be established between the WAB cell and neighboring cells, and supports UE handover (HO) between macro cells and WAB cells without the UE needing to read and report the NCGI of neighboring cells.

[0042] Neighboring cell relationships based on mobility status Problem: For steps 2 and 3 of the adjacent cell relationship in the migration scenario described above, if the WAB node is in a mobile state, there may be no UE handover (HO) from / to the WAB cell. Therefore, it may not be necessary to maintain the Xn interface or NCR with the adjacent gNB / cell (and vice versa), and steps 2 or 3 of the adjacent cell relationship in the migration scenario can be skipped. The problem is how the WAB donor node determines whether to send WAB / adjacent cell information to the adjacent gNB / WAB node.

[0043] Solution: Step 1: The WAB donor node sends neighbor cell information / WAB information to the WAB node / neighboring base station (gNB) based on requests / information from the WAB node. Specifically, the WAB node sends an Xn message (e.g., an Xn setup request or NG RAN node configuration update) to the target WAB donor node. In some implementations, the Xn message includes at least one of the following: mobility status, mobility state, speed, a request for neighbor cell information indication, or a request for neighbor cell relationship (NCR) indication.

[0044] Alternatively, the WAB donor node determines whether to send neighboring cell information / WAB information to the WAB node / neighboring gNB, for example, based on the WAB-MT's location, OAM configuration, and / or mobility status.

[0045] Step 2: Similar to steps 2 and 3 in the migration scenario above regarding neighboring cell relationships, if necessary, the WAB donor node sends neighboring cell information to the WAB node. Alternatively, if necessary, the WAB donor node sends WAB information to the neighboring gNB.

[0046] The physical cell ID, tracking area code (TAC), and / or RAN-based notification area code (RANAC) of the WAB cell. Problem: When a WAB node is deployed in a vehicle, it moves with the vehicle. In this case, it may be necessary to reassign the Physical Cell ID (PCI) of the WAB cell, as the PCI may conflict with other cells. Additionally, the TAC / RANAC (RAN area code) of the WAB cell may need to be reassigned to reflect the actual physical location of the WAB node. The question is how to reconfigure the PCI, TAC, and / or RANAC of the WAB cell.

[0047] Solution: Step 1: The source donor node of WAB-MT sends a handover (HO) request message to the target donor node of WAB-MT. In some implementations, the HO request message may include the old cell configuration of the WAB cell, such as PCI / TAC / RANAC, resource configuration, and resource reuse information.

[0048] Step 2: The target donor node of WAB-MT sends a HO request acknowledgment (ACK) to the source donor node of WAB-MT. In some implementations, the HO request ACK message may include an RRC reconfiguration message. In some implementations, the source donor node of WAB-MT sends an RRC reconfiguration message to WAB-MT. Optionally, the RRC reconfiguration message includes at least one of the following: the new cell configuration of the WAB-gNB cell, and the IP address of the target donor node of WAB-MT. In some implementations, the new cell configuration of the WAB-gNB cell includes at least one of the following: IP address, PCI / TAC / RANAC, resource configuration, and resource reuse information.

[0049] Step 3: The WAB-gNB sends an Xn setup request or an NG-RAN node configuration update message to the target donor node. In some implementations, the message includes at least one of the following: WAB-MT ID, direct connection indication. In some implementations, the WAB-MT ID includes at least one of the following: the serving cell's NCGI, the serving cell's PCI, C-RNTI, and IP address. In some implementations, the direct connection indication is used to indicate that the WAB-gNB intends to establish an Xn connection directly with the target donor node, for example, without going through another gNB / WAB donor node.

[0050] Step 4: Optionally, the target donor node sends the new cell configuration of the WAB-gNB cell to the WAB-gNB, for example, via RRC or Xn Application Protocol (XnAP) messages.

[0051] WAB node mobility and NG-U service redirection Figure 5 Another example architecture for WAB-MT migration is shown.

[0052] Problem: If Packet Data Unit (PDU) sessions are used for service backhaul, then user plane (UP) or control plane (CP) services will be forwarded via the MT's User Plane Function (UPF). If the WAB node is deployed on a vehicle, a migration process (e.g., switchover) can be initiated for the WAB node's MT (WAB-MT). After the MT migration, it may be necessary to reallocate the MT's UPF, for example, as... Figure 5 As shown, a new UPF is selected for the MT. If the MT's UPF is reassigned, the UE's NG-U services between the UE's UPF and the WAB-gNB need to be redirected via the new MT's UPF. The question is how to ensure that downlink (DL) services from the UE's UPF can be transmitted to the new MT's UPF and then to the WAB donor node / WAB node.

[0053] Solution: Step 0: Perform the MT migration process on WAB-MT and select the new UPF as the MT service.

[0054] Step 1: The WAB node sends the new MT's UPF information to the UE's Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or Session Management Function (SMF), for example, via Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP) messages. Alternatively, the WAB donor node sends the new MT's UPF information to the UE's AMF or SMF, for example, via NGAP messages. In some implementations, the MT's UPF information includes at least one of the following: the UPF's identifier and the UPF's IP address.

[0055] How to select a suitable target donor node for MT to avoid UE handover? Problem: Assume a WAB-MT is migrating from a source donor node to a target donor node. If the target donor node of the MT does not have an NG / IP connection with the UE's AMF, a UE handover needs to be performed, and a new AMF needs to be selected for the UE. The question is how to select a suitable target donor node for the MT to avoid unnecessary UE HOs as much as possible.

[0056] Solution: Step 1: The WAB node sends AMF information to the source donor node of the MT via RRC or Xn. The AMF information includes one or more identifiers of the AMF that provides services to the UE serving the WAB node.

[0057] Step 2: The source donor node of the MT selects the target gNB for MT migration based on the AMF information received from the WAB node. For example, the source donor node of the MT selects the target donor node that has an Xn connection / IP connection with the AMF serving the UE.

[0058] Figure 6 Examples of wireless communication processes based on some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology are shown.

[0059] In some implementations, the process 600 for wireless communication may include, at 610, a first network device performing measurement operations on one or more neighboring cells to determine neighboring cell information, and at 620, the first network device sending cell information to a second network device.

[0060] Figure 7 Another example of a wireless communication process based on some example embodiments of the disclosed technology is shown.

[0061] In some implementations, the process 700 for wireless communication may include: at 710, a first network node receiving a first message from a second network node including information about a third network node, so that the first network node establishes a communication interface between the first network node and the third network node; at 720, the first network node sending a second message to the third network node to set the communication interface or update the configuration; and at 730, performing communication using the established communication interface.

[0062] Figure 8 Examples of wireless communication processes based on some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology are shown.

[0063] In some implementations, the process 800 for wireless communication may include, at 810, a third network node receiving a handover request message from a second network node; at 820, in response to the handover request message, the third network node sending a handover request confirmation message to the second network node; and at 830, the third network node receiving a communication interface setting request message or a network node configuration update message from a first network node to set the communication interface or update the network node configuration.

[0064] Figure 9 Another example of a wireless communication process based on some example embodiments of the disclosed technology is shown.

[0065] In some implementations, the process 900 for wireless communication may include: at 910, performing a migration process on a first network node connected to a source network node in a wireless access and backhaul network, and at 920, sending first information.

[0066] It should be understood that this document discloses techniques that can be implemented in various embodiments to determine downlink control information in a wireless network. The disclosed embodiments and other embodiments, modules, and functional operations described in this document can be implemented in digital electronic circuits, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this document and their structural equivalents, or in a combination of one or more of them. The disclosed and other embodiments can be implemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more computer program instruction modules encoded on a computer-readable medium for execution by or control of the operation of a data processing apparatus. The computer-readable medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a storage device, a composition of substances affecting machine-readable propagation signals, or one or more of these. The term "data processing apparatus" includes all means, devices, and machines for processing data, such as a programmable processor, a computer, or a plurality of processors or computers. In addition to hardware, the apparatus may also include code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, for example, code constituting processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more of these. A propagation signal is a man-made signal, such as an electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal generated by a machine, which is generated to encode information for transmission to a suitable receiver device.

[0067] Computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, scripts, or code) can be written in any programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as standalone programs or as modules, components, subroutines, or other units suited to a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored as part of a file containing other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), or as a single file dedicated to the program in question, or as multiple coordinating files (e.g., a file storing one or more modules, subroutines, or code sections). Computer programs can be deployed to execute on a single computer, located at a site, or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected via a communication network.

[0068] The processes and logic flows described in this document can be executed by one or more programmable processors, which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by manipulating input data and generating outputs. The processes and logic flows can also be executed by dedicated logic circuits, and the devices can be implemented as dedicated logic circuits, such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits).

[0069] For example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors in any type of digital computer. Typically, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic components of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to, receiving data from or forwarding data to one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or both. However, a computer does not need to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, such as semiconductor storage devices like EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. The processor and memory may be supplemented or integrated within dedicated logic circuitry.

[0070] Some embodiments may preferably implement one or more of the following solutions listed in the terms format. The following terms are supported and further described in the above embodiments and in this document. As used in the following terms and claims, a wireless device may be a user equipment, a mobile station, or any other wireless terminal including a fixed node such as a base station. Network devices include base stations, which include next-generation node B (gNB), enhanced node B (eNB), or any other device performing as a base station.

[0071] Clause 1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: performing measurement operations on one or more neighboring cells by a first network device to determine neighboring cell information; and transmitting cell information from the first network device to a second network device.

[0072] The methods of Clause 2 and Clause 1, wherein the first network device includes a mobile terminal (MT) of a Wireless Access Backhaul (WAB) node, and the second network device includes a WAB donor node.

[0073] The methods of Clause 3 and Clause 2, wherein the cell information includes at least one of the following: the physical cell ID (PCI) of the cell; the NR cell global identifier (NCGI) of the cell; the WAB donor node information of the cell; or the transport network layer (TNL) address query indication.

[0074] The methods in Clauses 4 and 3 also include: the WAB node receiving the TNL address of the neighboring base station from the WAB donor node via the Xn interface or Radio Resource Control (RRC).

[0075] The methods in Clause 5 and Clause 1 further include: receiving WAB donor node information of one or more cells from one or more cells by a first network device.

[0076] Clause 6, the method of Clause 1, wherein the first network device includes a user equipment (UE) and the second network device includes an NG-RAN node.

[0077] The methods in Clauses 7 and 6, wherein the cell information includes at least one of the following: the cell's Physical Cell ID (PCI); the cell's NR Cell Global Identifier (NCGI); or the cell's WAB donor node information.

[0078] The methods in Clauses 8 and 7, wherein the UE receives WAB donor node information from one or more cells.

[0079] The methods in Clauses 9 and 6, wherein the Xn message or RRC message used to query the TNL address of a neighboring base station is sent by the WAB node to the WAB donor node.

[0080] The methods of Clauses 10 and 9, wherein the TNL address of the adjacent base station is sent to the WAB node by the WAB donor node.

[0081] Clause 11. A method for wireless communication, comprising: a first network node receiving a first message from a second network node including information about a third network node, so as to enable the first network node to establish a communication interface between the first network node and the third network node; the first network node sending a second message to the third network node to set up the communication interface or update its configuration; and performing communication using the established communication interface.

[0082] The methods of Clauses 12 and 11 also include receiving a third message in response to the second message from the third network node by the first network node.

[0083] The methods of Clauses 13 and 12, wherein the first network node is a Wireless Access Backhaul (WAB) node, the second network node is the source WAB donor node of the migration process, and the third network node is the target WAB donor node of the migration process.

[0084] The methods of Clause 14 and Clause 13, wherein the first message includes at least one of a TNL address or a gNB ID.

[0085] The methods of Clause 15 and Clause 13, wherein the second message includes at least one of identification of the mobile terminal (MT) function of the WAB node or a direct connection indication.

[0086] The methods of Clauses 16 and 13, wherein the third message includes serving cell, neighboring cell or base station (gNB) information, which includes at least one of TNL address, donor node indication, WAB node indication or WAB cell indication.

[0087] The methods of Clauses 17 and 13, wherein at least one of the source WAB donor node or the target WAB donor node sends a fourth message to a neighboring base station, wherein the fourth message includes WAB node information, and the WAB node information includes at least one of WAB node indication, WAB node gNB ID, cell information, donor node information, TNL address, WAB node location, or WAB node speed.

[0088] The methods of Clauses 18 and 11, wherein the first network node is a Wireless Access Backhaul (WAB) node, the second network node is the source WAB donor node of the migration process, and the third network node is the target WAB donor node of the migration process.

[0089] The methods of Clauses 19 and 18, wherein the second message is an Xn message, the Xn message including at least one of the following: mobility status, mobility state, speed, request for neighbor cell information indication or request for neighbor cell relationship (NCR) indication.

[0090] Clause 20. A wireless communication method, comprising: receiving a handover request message from a second network node by a third network node; sending a handover request confirmation message to the second network node in response to the handover request message; and receiving a communication interface setting request message or a network node configuration update message from a first network node by the third network node to set the communication interface or update the network node configuration.

[0091] The methods in Clauses 21 and 20 further include: a third network node sending a new cell configuration of the cell associated with the first network node to the first network node via an RRC message or an Xn Application Protocol (XnAP) message.

[0092] The method of any one of Clauses 22, 20 and 21, wherein the first network node is a Wireless Access Backhaul (WAB) node, the second network node is a source WAB donor node, and the third network node is a target WAB donor node.

[0093] Clause 23. A method of wireless communication, comprising: performing a migration process on a first network node connected to a source network node in a wireless access and backhaul network; and transmitting first information.

[0094] The methods of Clauses 24 and 23, wherein the first information is sent to the AMF or SMF of the Serving User Equipment (UE).

[0095] The methods of Clauses 25 and 24, wherein the first network node includes a Radio Access Backhaul (WAB) node; the source network node of the migration process includes the source User Plane Function (UPF) of the mobile terminal (MT); and the target network node of the migration process includes the target UPF of the MT.

[0096] The methods of Clauses 26 and 24, wherein the first information is sent by the WAB node or the WAB donor node to the UE’s Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or Session Management Function (SMF).

[0097] The methods of Clauses 27 and 24, wherein the first information includes at least one of the UPF's identifier or the UPF's IP address.

[0098] The methods of Clauses 28 and 23, wherein the first network node sends AMF information, the AMF information including one or more AMF identifiers of the UE served by the WAB node.

[0099] The methods of Clauses 29 and 28, wherein AMF information is sent by the WAB node to the source donor node of the MT of the WAB node.

[0100] Clause 30. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising a processor configured to perform the method of any one of Clauses 1 to 29.

[0101] Clause 31. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having code stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement the methods of any one of Clauses 1 to 29.

[0102] Some embodiments described herein are set within a general context of methods or processes. In one embodiment, these methods or processes can be implemented by a computer program product contained in a computer-readable medium, including computer-executable instructions, such as program code, that are executed by a computer in a networked environment. The computer-readable medium can include removable and non-removable storage devices, including but not limited to read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), optical disc (CD), digital versatile optical disc (DVD), etc. Therefore, the computer-readable medium can include non-transitory storage media. Typically, program modules can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform a specific task or implement a specific abstract data type. Computer or processor-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code for performing steps of the methods disclosed herein. A particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding actions for implementing the functionality described in these steps or processes.

[0103] Some of the disclosed embodiments can be implemented as devices or modules using hardware circuitry, software, or a combination thereof. For example, hardware circuitry implementations may include discrete analog and / or digital components, such as those integrated as part of a printed circuit board. Alternatively or additionally, the disclosed components or modules may be implemented as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and / or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) devices. Some implementations may additionally or alternatively include a digital signal processor (DSP), which is a special-purpose microprocessor with an architecture optimized for the operational requirements of digital signal processing related to the disclosed functions of this application. Similarly, various components or sub-components within each module can be implemented using software, hardware, or firmware. Connectivity between modules and / or components within modules can be provided using any of the connection methods and media known in the art, including but not limited to communication over the Internet, wired, or wireless networks using appropriate protocols.

[0104] While this document contains numerous details, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention or any potentially claimed content, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in this document within the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described within the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, although the foregoing features may be described as functioning in certain combinations, or even originally claimed in this way, in some cases one or more features from the claimed combination may be removed, and the claimed combination may refer to a sub-combination or a variation of the sub-combination. Similarly, although operations are depicted in a specific order in the drawings, this should not be construed as requiring these operations to be performed in the specific sequence or order shown, or requiring all of the shown operations to achieve the desired result.

[0105] Only a few implementations and examples are described, and other implementations, enhancements and variations may be made based on what is described and shown in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: The first network device performs measurement operations on one or more neighboring cells to determine neighboring cell information; as well as The first network device sends the cell information to the second network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first network device includes a mobile terminal (MT) of a Wireless Access Backhaul (WAB) node, and the second network device includes a WAB donor node.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The cell information includes at least one of the following: the cell's physical cell ID (PCI); the cell's NR cell global identifier (NCGI); the cell's WAB donor node information; or the transport network layer (TNL) address query indication.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: The WAB node receives the TNL address of the neighboring base station from the WAB donor node via the Xn interface or Radio Resource Control (RRC).

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The first network device receives WAB donor node information from the one or more cells.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first network device includes a user equipment (UE), and the second network device includes an NG-RAN node.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The cell information includes at least one of the following: the cell's Physical Cell ID (PCI); the cell's NR Cell Global Identifier (NCGI); or the cell's WAB donor node information.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The UE receives WAB donor node information from the one or more cells.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein, Xn or RRC messages used to query the TNL address of neighboring base stations are sent by the WAB node to the WAB donor node.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The TNL address of the adjacent base station is sent to the WAB node by the WAB donor node.

11. A method for wireless communication, comprising: The first network node receives a first message from the second network node, which includes information about the third network node, so that the first network node establishes a communication interface between the first network node and the third network node. The first network node sends a second message to the third network node to set the communication interface or update its configuration; and Use the established communication interface to perform communication.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the first network node receiving a third message in response to the second message from the third network node.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The first network node is a Wireless Access Backhaul (WAB) node, the second network node is the source WAB donor node of the migration process, and the third network node is the target WAB donor node of the migration process.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The first message includes at least one of a TNL address or a gNB ID.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The second message includes at least one of the identification of the mobile terminal (MT) function of the WAB node or a direct connection indication.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The third message includes serving cell, neighboring cell, or base station (gNB) information, which includes at least one of TNL address, donor node indication, WAB node indication, or WAB cell indication.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein, At least one of the source WAB donor node or the target WAB donor node sends a fourth message to a neighboring base station, wherein the fourth message includes WAB node information, and the WAB node information includes at least one of WAB node indication, WAB node gNB ID, cell information, donor node information, TNL address, the location of the WAB node, or the speed of the WAB node.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The first network node is a Wireless Access Backhaul (WAB) node, the second network node is the source WAB donor node of the migration process, and the third network node is the target WAB donor node of the migration process.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The second message is an Xn message, which includes at least one of the following: mobility status, mobility state, speed, a request for neighbor cell information indication, or a request for neighbor cell relationship (NCR) indication.

20. A method for wireless communication, comprising: The third network node receives the handover request message from the second network node; In response to the handover request message, the third network node sends a handover request confirmation message to the second network node; as well as The third network node receives a communication interface setting request message or a network node configuration update message from the first network node to set the communication interface or update the network node configuration.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: The third network node sends the new cell configuration associated with the first network node to the first network node via RRC message or Xn Application Protocol (XnAP) message.

22. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 21, wherein, The first network node is a Wireless Access Backhaul (WAB) node, the second network node is a source WAB donor node, and the third network node is a target WAB donor node.

23. A method for wireless communication, comprising: Perform a migration procedure on the first network node that is connected to the source network node in the wireless access and backhaul network; as well as Send the first message.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The first information is sent to the AMF or SMF of the serving user equipment (UE).

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The first network node includes a Wireless Access Backhaul (WAB) node; the source network node of the migration process includes the source User Plane Function (UPF) of the mobile terminal (MT); and the target network node of the migration process includes the target UPF of the MT.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The first information is sent by the WAB node or WAB donor node to the UE's Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or Session Management Function (SMF).

27. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the UPF's identifier or the UPF's IP address.

28. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The first network node sends AMF information, which includes one or more AMF identifiers of the UE served by the WAB node.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein, The AMF information is sent by the WAB node to the source donor node of the MT of the WAB node.

30. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising a processor configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 29.

31. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having code stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 29.

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