Backhaul Link Management for RRC Idle/Inactive Repeater Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management of backhaul links in wireless communication systems, particularly when network-controlled repeaters transition to RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE states, results in improper signal forwarding and potential interference due to outdated forwarding configurations, as the base station cannot update the forwarding settings in these states.
Innovation Solution
Implement methods for determining the state of the forwarding part of the network-controlled repeater using reference signal measurements, radio link quality, timers, and cell or beam selection/reselection, allowing the base station to control and update forwarding operations even when the mobile termination is in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the mobile termination part transitions to RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, then energy saving and network resource release are improved, but the forwarding configuration becomes outdated and cannot be updated by the base station
Solution Approach 1:
The base station performs preliminary actions by establishing and maintaining a backhaul link with the wireless communication node before the MT part transitions to inactive state. The forwarding configuration is pre-configured and associated with specific cells or frequencies, allowing the node to continue forwarding packets based on this pre-established configuration even when the MT part is in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, thus resolving the contradiction between energy saving and configuration validity
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication node is segmented into functionally independent parts: the MT part (mobile termination) that handles connection management and can transition to idle states for energy saving, and the forwarding part that maintains independent packet forwarding capability based on pre-configured backhaul links. This segmentation allows the MT part to save energy while the forwarding part continues operational based on its own state and configuration
2Quantity of substance
If the base station cannot update forwarding configuration in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE states, then the mobile termination can save network resources, but improper signal forwarding and interference occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the wireless communication node monitors its own state (RRC_CONNECTED, RRC_IDLE, or RRC_INACTIVE) and the quality of backhaul links. Based on this feedback, the node autonomously determines when to apply or stop applying forwarding configurations, preventing improper signal forwarding and interference while maintaining network resource efficiency. The node can detect when a backhaul link is no longer valid and stop forwarding accordingly
3Reliability
If forwarding operation is controlled based on multiple factors including reference signal measurement and radio link quality, then backhaul link reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication node performs self-service by autonomously monitoring its own state and the quality of backhaul links using reference signal measurements. The node independently determines whether to apply forwarding configurations based on its own RRC state and link quality assessments, eliminating the need for continuous base station control and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless communication methods are disclosed. A wireless communication method includes receiving, by a wireless communication node, a forwarding configuration from a base station (BS), the forwarding configuration being associated with at least one first cell or at least one first frequency; and applying the forwarding configuration if a MT (mobile termination) part of the wireless communication node camps on the at least one first cell or at least one first frequency.