Backhaul Resource Mapping Across Multiple NR Subcarrier Spacings

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing LTE relay solutions are not applicable to NR scenarios due to the use of fixed subcarrier spacings, leading to inefficiencies in resource utilization, and there is a need for a transmission method that supports multiple types of subcarrier spacings in integrated access and backhaul systems.

Innovation Solution

A data transmission method that utilizes a second subcarrier spacing for backhaul resources, allowing for improved resource utilization by configuring backhaul links with subsets of resources based on different subcarrier spacings, such as 60 kHz and 120 kHz, to enhance spectral efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If LTE relay solutions with fixed subcarrier spacing are used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates in NR scenarios with multiple subcarrier spacings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission solution complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic subcarrier spacing configuration where the relay node can adaptively switch between different subcarrier spacings (e.g., 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz) based on channel conditions and traffic requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize resource utilization for different service types while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the subcarrier spacing parameter to match different transmission scenarios. Specifically, it configures the relay node to use a second subcarrier spacing for backhaul links that may differ from the first subcarrier spacing used for access links, enabling optimal parameter selection for each link type while maintaining system compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If different subcarrier spacings are used for backhaul and access links, then spectral efficiency is improved, but timing synchronization complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidtiming synchronization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the timing advance mechanism into link-specific components. It introduces separate timing advance parameters (e.g., TA1 for access link, TA2 for backhaul link) that can be independently configured and adjusted, allowing each link to be optimized without affecting the other, thereby managing synchronization complexity while maintaining spectral efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the network device as an intermediary to coordinate timing between relay nodes with different subcarrier spacings. The network device provides centralized timing advance commands and synchronization references that mediate the timing relationships between access and backhaul links, simplifying the synchronization task for individual nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If wireless relay nodes are deployed to reduce optical fiber deployment costs, then deployment cost is reduced, but resource allocation complexity increases due to multiple subcarrier spacings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment costVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal resource allocation framework that works across multiple subcarrier spacings. The same resource allocation procedures, signaling mechanisms, and scheduling algorithms are designed to be spacing-agnostic, allowing the system to handle 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, and 120 kHz configurations through a single unified approach, thereby managing complexity while enabling cost-effective wireless relay deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3849265B1Method and apparatus for transmitting data
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3849265B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3849265B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3849265B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This application provides a data transmission method and an apparatus, to improve resource utilization. The method includes: A first node obtains reference information, where the reference information includes information about a first subcarrier spacing and information about a first backhaul resource. The first mode transmits data on a second backhaul resource by using a second subcarrier spacing, where the second backhaul resource includes one or more sub-resources, each sub-resource includes M resource units, M is an integer greater than 1, M is determined based on the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing, the second subcarrier spacing is greater than the first subcarrier spacing, and the second backhaul resource is a subset of the first backhaul resource. In a scenario of a plurality of types of subcarrier spacings, when a relay node or an IAB node transmits data, resource utilization ) can be improved.