On-Demand CSI-RS Backhaul Link Management in 5G IAB

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G network technologies face challenges in efficiently managing and measuring backhaul links, particularly in integrated access backhaul systems, due to high overhead and scheduling restrictions caused by frequent SSB transmissions, which impact data transmission and resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that uses CSI-RS for radio resource management, beam management, and topology/route management measurements, allowing for on-demand inter-IAB node discovery and aperiodic resource link management, reducing overhead and optimizing resource configuration and periodicity based on event criteria and link quality metrics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If frequent SSB transmissions are used for backhaul link management, then measurement coverage and reliability are improved, but overhead and scheduling restrictions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackhaul link management reliabilityVSAvoidoverhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the measurement function from frequent SSB transmissions and implements it using CSI-RS resources instead. This separation allows SSB to focus on synchronization and basic broadcast functions while CSI-RS handles detailed channel state information and backhaul link management measurements, thereby reducing the overhead burden of frequent SSB transmissions while maintaining measurement reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes CSI-RS resources multi-functional by using them for both access link channel state information and backhaul link management measurements. This universal resource utilization eliminates the need for separate dedicated resources for backhaul measurements, reducing overall overhead while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If frequent SSB transmissions are used for backhaul link management, then measurement coverage is improved, but scheduling restrictions and resource allocation flexibility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidscheduling flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic and flexible CSI-RS resource configuration for backhaul link management, allowing the network to adaptively allocate measurement resources based on actual traffic conditions, link quality, and scheduling requirements. This dynamic approach replaces the rigid periodic SSB transmissions, providing both comprehensive measurement coverage and high scheduling flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the configuration parameters of CSI-RS resources to optimize for backhaul link management, including adjustable periodicity, subframe offset, and resource element positions. These parameter changes enable the system to achieve thorough measurement coverage while maintaining adaptability to varying scheduling demands and traffic patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If CSI-RS resources are configured with finer granularity, then beam management precision and resource allocation efficiency are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam management precisionVSAvoidresource configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the overall CSI-RS resource configuration into distinct components for access link and backhaul link measurements, with further segmentation into beam-specific and non-beam-specific resources. This structured segmentation enables fine-grained beam management precision while organizing the complexity into manageable, standardized configurations that simplify implementation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10834773B2On-demand backhaul link management measurements for integrated access backhaul for 5G or other next generation network

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

The same or similar physical signals can be used for both user equipment (UE) and an integrate access backhaul (IAB) node. Different configurations of the resources and/or transmission periods of the signals can be used for initial access for access UEs and IAB nodes. In addition, to support topology formation, mobility/multi-connectivity procedures, and backhaul link management, periodic measurements and reports can be configured by a parent IAB node to a child IAB node UE function. This can comprise radio resource management (RRM), radio link monitoring (RLM), and beam management (L1-BM) measurements and reports.