Backhaul Adaptation Protocol Congestion Control in Multi-Hop Relay Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems employing Relay Nodes, congestion management in multi-hop backhauling and multi-connectivity scenarios is challenging due to increased complexity and difficulty in pinpointing and addressing congestion at intermediate nodes, leading to potential service quality degradation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a communication device that receives configuration information from a base station to determine congestion based on data volume thresholds, transmitting a congestion indication to parent nodes via Backhaul Adaptation Protocol signaling, and the base station taking actions to reduce congestion, such as deactivating parent nodes, to alleviate data overload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multi-hop backhauling and multi-connectivity are deployed to extend coverage and improve throughput, then the coverage area and service quality are enhanced, but congestion management becomes more complex and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backhaul network into multiple hops with intermediate relay nodes, allowing coverage extension while managing congestion locally at each node. Each relay node independently monitors its own buffer status and applies flow control, breaking down the complex end-to-end congestion management into manageable local decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where relay nodes continuously monitor their buffer status and report congestion conditions to parent nodes. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of data transmission rates and routing decisions, allowing the system to adapt to changing network conditions and maintain performance despite the increased complexity of multi-hop architecture.
2Length of moving object
If intermediate relay nodes are added to enable multi-hop backhauling, then the network range is extended, but congestion detection and control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures relay nodes with pre-defined buffer thresholds and congestion detection criteria before deployment. Each relay node is pre-programmed to monitor specific buffer levels and trigger congestion indications when thresholds are exceeded, enabling automated congestion detection without requiring complex real-time analysis at each intermediate node.
Solution Approach 2:
Each relay node autonomously monitors its own buffer status and generates congestion indications based on local conditions. The nodes self-manage their congestion control by independently evaluating their buffer levels and initiating appropriate flow control actions, eliminating the need for centralized congestion detection across all intermediate nodes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parent nodes and child nodes are connected to an intermediate relay node to support multi-connectivity, then network flexibility and coverage are improved, but flow control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different flow control strategies to different links based on local conditions. Each relay node independently manages its buffer status and applies flow control to specific parent or child nodes based on their individual congestion conditions, allowing flexible multi-connectivity while maintaining manageable flow control complexity through localized decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses. According to some embodiments of the disclosure, a method performed by a communication device, includes: receiving, from a base station, a first configuration information indicating a threshold to configure the communication device, wherein the threshold is associated with data volume; determining whether congestion happens at the communication device based on the threshold; and transmitting a congestion indication to a first parent node via a Backhaul Adaptation Protocol (BAP) signaling message when it is determined that the congestion happens at the communication device.