Dynamic Beam Coordination for Full-Duplex IAB Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes in wireless networks face challenges in managing cross-link interference (CLI) and self-interference (SI) due to dynamic traffic variations and differing download/upload frame structure patterns across hops, which affect the performance of both parent and child nodes.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of dynamic beam selection and coordination using over-the-air signaling, allowing for adaptive time/frequency and spatial resource allocation at the IAB node level, with coordination between parent and child nodes to optimize multiplexing capabilities and resource utilization, including the use of 'hard', 'soft', and 'not available' resource configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If dynamic beam selection and coordination is implemented, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic beam selection and coordination mechanisms that adapt to changing traffic conditions and interference levels. The system dynamically adjusts beam configurations, resource allocations, and multiplexing strategies based on real-time network state, transforming static resource management into a flexible, adaptive process that improves efficiency while managing complexity through structured dynamic control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where parent and child nodes exchange coordination information about beam selections, resource usage, and interference conditions. This feedback loop enables the system to learn from actual performance and adjust configurations iteratively, improving resource utilization while maintaining complexity through systematic information exchange rather than uncontrolled system growth

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If adaptive resource allocation is implemented, then latency is reduced, but coordination overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelatencyVSAvoidcoordination overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary beam selection and resource coordination actions before actual data transmission occurs. By pre-configuring beams and resources based on predicted traffic patterns and interference conditions, the system reduces transmission latency while managing coordination overhead through advance planning rather than reactive adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements adaptive resource allocation that responds dynamically to changing conditions, adjusting beam configurations and resource assignments in real-time. This dynamic approach reduces latency by optimizing resources for current traffic demands while managing coordination overhead through structured, event-driven adjustment mechanisms rather than continuous reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If full-duplex operation is enabled, then spectral efficiency is improved, but cross-link interference and self-interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidcross-link interference and self-interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different beam configurations and resource allocations to different spatial directions and link types (access vs. backhaul). By optimizing local beam qualities and directions for each specific transmission pair, the system enables full-duplex operation with improved spectral efficiency while minimizing cross-link and self-interference through spatial separation and targeted beamforming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms interference conditions into useful information by using measured cross-link and self-interference levels to optimize beam selections and resource allocations. The system deliberately probes and measures interference characteristics, then uses this knowledge to configure beams and resources that exploit favorable interference conditions while mitigating harmful ones, converting the previously purely negative interference effect into a factor that can be managed and even utilized

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS11902219B2Dynamic resource coordination for full-duplex integrated access and backhaul (IAB)

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, performing dynamic beam selection and coordination to support space division multiplexing (SDM) and Full Duplex operation for integrated access and backhaul (IAB) in 5G new radio (NR) networks. The subject disclosure further describes how an IAB node and a serving parent node can coordinate beams used for access and backhaul links dynamically with over-the-air signaling. Other embodiments are described in the subject disclosure.