Backhaul Network Node Classification for 5G Small Cell Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of small base stations in 5G NR technology leads to high infrastructure costs for wired backhaul networks and complex deployments, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective method for establishing backhaul links that can share frequency resources with access links.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electronic device that categorizes base stations into primary donors, secondary donors, and member nodes, allowing for the establishment of backhaul links using the same frequency resources and infrastructure, with primary donors creating direct links to the core network, secondary donors linking through primary donors, and member nodes linking through secondary donors and primary donors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired backhaul networks use optical fibers to construct backhaul links, then the backhaul connection is stable and reliable, but the infrastructure cost and deployment complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/wired optical fiber backhaul system with a wireless backhaul system using millimeter wave frequencies. This substitution eliminates the need for physical fiber laying while maintaining backhaul connectivity, directly addressing the contradiction between connection stability and deployment complexity by using wireless technology that can be deployed more simply while providing reliable service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables base stations to serve dual purposes: both access nodes serving user equipment and backhaul nodes providing wireless backhaul connectivity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated backhaul infrastructure, reducing deployment complexity while maintaining reliable backhaul connections through the same wireless medium.
2Reliability
If conventional wireless backhaul networks use additional directional antennas for out-of-band wireless backhaul, then the backhaul link can be established without in-band interference, but the device complexity and infrastructure cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the base station's wireless interface universal by enabling it to perform both access and backhaul functions simultaneously. The same antenna system and frequency resources used for access services are also utilized for backhaul communications, eliminating the need for separate directional antennas and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the access link and backhaul link into a single integrated wireless communication system. Instead of using separate out-of-band antennas for backhaul, the invention combines both functions into one system that shares frequency resources and infrastructure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable backhaul connectivity.
3Productivity
If the cell radius is reduced in 5G NR technology, then the network capacity and spectral efficiency improve, but the number of small base stations increases leading to higher infrastructure costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables small base stations to perform multiple functions: serving local user equipment through access links and simultaneously providing backhaul connectivity to other small base stations. This multi-functionality allows a single small base station to serve multiple purposes, reducing the total number of infrastructure components needed while maintaining the high capacity benefits of small cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges access and backhaul functions into the same small base stations, eliminating the need for separate backhaul infrastructure at each small cell location. This integration reduces the overall infrastructure footprint and cost while preserving the high network capacity achieved through small cell deployment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If small base stations are deployed mobile, then deployment flexibility improves, but the stability of backhaul connections deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection and reconfiguration of backhaul paths based on real-time connection conditions. When a small base station moves or when link conditions change, the system can dynamically switch between different backhaul paths or re-establish connections, maintaining reliability despite mobile deployment flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device for a backhaul network, wherein the backhaul network comprises a first communication apparatus connected to a core network and a plurality of second communication apparatuses performing wireless communication with the first communication apparatus, includes: processing circuitry configured to perform control to cause the first communication apparatus comprising the electronic device to: operate as a primary donor; select at least one second communication apparatus of the plurality of second communication apparatuses as a secondary donor; transmit a first indicating signal to the selected at least one second communication apparatus, the first indicating signal comprising node type information indicating the secondary donor; transmit a second indicating signal to a second communication apparatus that are not selected, the second indicating signal comprising node type information indicating a member node.