Backhaul Path Selection for Ultra-Dense Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of providing single-hop backhaul paths through pre-configuration or Operation Administration and Maintenance (OAM) configuration cannot satisfy the backhaul requirements of small stations deployed flexibly in Ultra-Dense Networks (UDN), leading to configuration and maintenance difficulties due to the large number of nodes and inflexible deployment.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for selecting a path that involves sending a path request message to adjacent nodes to acquire a backhaul path, where each node determines if it can provide a backhaul service and responds with path information, allowing the first node to select a backhaul path based on received responses, enabling flexible and convenient determination of multiple-hop paths without pre-configuration or OAM.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-configuration or OAM configuration is used to determine donor nodes, then the backhaul path is established, but the configuration and maintenance becomes very difficult due to the large number of nodes in UDN
Solution Approach 1:
The small station autonomously selects its own backhaul path by sending path request messages to adjacent nodes and processing path response messages, eliminating the need for manual pre-configuration or OAM configuration. This self-service mechanism reduces configuration and maintenance complexity while ensuring reliable backhaul path establishment in ultra-dense networks with large numbers of nodes
Solution Approach 2:
The backhaul path selection is made dynamic and adaptive, allowing small stations to automatically determine their own backhaul paths based on real-time network conditions and node availability, rather than relying on static pre-configured paths that become difficult to maintain as the network scales
2Device complexity
If single-hop backhaul path is used, then the configuration is simpler, but it cannot support the backhaul requirements of multiple nodes in UDN
Solution Approach 1:
The backhaul path is segmented into multiple hops, where each node along the path independently processes path requests and forwards them to adjacent nodes. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple nodes in UDN by creating multi-hop backhaul paths, while each individual node maintains relatively simple configuration requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Each node in the network is designed with multi-functionality, capable of acting as an endpoint, an intermediate relay, or both simultaneously. This universal design allows any node to participate in backhaul path establishment and forwarding, enabling flexible multi-hop paths that can adapt to various network topologies and support requirements in UDN
3Ease of operation
If plug-and-play deployment is adopted for access points, then the deployment flexibility is improved, but pre-configuration by operator cannot be realized
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining the path selection mechanism and message exchange protocols that will automatically execute when a plug-and-play access point joins the network. This preliminary setup of selection criteria and communication rules enables automatic backhaul path determination without requiring operator pre-configuration of specific paths for each device
Solution Approach 2:
Plug-and-play access points automatically perform self-service by autonomously sending path request messages, receiving and processing path response messages from adjacent nodes, and independently determining their own backhaul paths. This self-service capability eliminates the need for operator pre-configuration while maintaining deployment flexibility
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the technical field of communications, and particularly relates to a method for selecting a path and device for assressing a problem in which a backhaul requirement of a small station flexibly deployed in a UDN cannot be satisfied by a method providing a single-hop backhaul path via pre-configuration or an OAM configuration. The path selection method provide in an embodiment of the present application comprises: transmitting, by a first node, a path request message for acquiring a backhaul path from the first node to the target node; and determining, by the first node, at least one backhaul path based on the received path indication message. The embodiment of the present invention enables a flexible and convenient determination of a backhaul path for a plug-and-play access point without needing to configure a single-hop backhaul path for the access point work of a network side. In addition, the embodiment of the present invention can be determine a nulti-hop backhaul path for the first node based on actual requirements, thus improving probability for finding a backhaul path satisfying a backhaul requirement of the first node.