Backhaul Adaptation Protocol Routing for Multi-Hop 5G IAB Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of routing in Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) networks for 5G New Radio (NR) wireless communication networks has not been fully resolved, particularly due to the need for flexible network topology adaptation and efficient handling of wireless backhaul links that are vulnerable to blockage and require multi-hop configurations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a routing method and apparatus that utilizes a Backhaul Adaptation Protocol (BAP) with a routing table and mapping information to determine the next hop and egress channel for data packets, incorporating identifiers such as C-RNTI, cell identifiers, and BAP addresses, along with QoS considerations and congestion feedback, to optimize data transmission in IAB nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless backhaul links are used to reduce network deployment costs and enhance network flexibility, then network flexibility and deployment cost efficiency are improved, but the wireless backhaul links become vulnerable to blockage and require complex multi-hop configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backhaul transmission path into multiple hops through IAB nodes, where each node independently handles routing and transmission. This segmentation allows the system to maintain flexibility while managing reliability through distributed routing decisions and alternative path selection when blockages occur.
Solution Approach 2:
IAB nodes serve as intermediaries between the core network and UEs, providing relay functionality that enables flexible network topology adaptation. These intermediary nodes can dynamically select transmission paths and handle routing decisions to mitigate blockage vulnerabilities in wireless backhaul links.
2Productivity
If routing information including BAP addresses and mapping information is maintained at each IAB node, then efficient next hop determination is achieved, but signaling overhead and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring routing tables and mapping information at each IAB node before data transmission begins. This allows rapid next-hop determination during operation without real-time signaling overhead, as routing decisions can be made locally based on pre-stored BAP addresses and mapping relationships.
3Ease of manufacture
If integrated access and backhaul sharing is implemented, then network deployment cost is reduced and topology reconfiguration is enabled, but routing challenges and resource management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing IAB nodes that perform multiple functions: they serve as access points for UEs, relay nodes for backhaul transmission, and routing decision-makers for multi-hop paths. This multi-functionality consolidates complex routing management into standardized node operations while enabling cost-effective integrated access and backhaul deployment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of operating a first node in a wireless communication network is provided. The method comprises: receiving an ingress data packet; determining routing; and transmitting the ingress data packet. Determining routing may comprise determining a next hop node for the ingress data packet taking account of first level routing information indicating target next hop nodes. Alternatively, determining routing may comprise determining, for a target next hop node, a channel on which to transmit the ingress data packet taking account of second level routing information.