IAB Node Adaptation Layer for Control Signaling Reliability

The patent introduces an adaptation layer as an intermediary between the RLC layer and upper layers in IAB nodes. This adaptation layer processes control signaling packets by adding or removing adaptation packets, enabling proper routing and handling of control signaling between IAB nodes, the IAB donor, and the core network. The adaptation layer acts as a mediator that resolves the contradiction by providing necessary processing functionality without requiring complete protocol stack implementation in each IAB node.

The patent segments the protocol stack functionality by separating adaptation layer processing from the core RLC and PDCP layers. The adaptation layer is specifically responsible for handling control signaling packets, while other layers maintain their standard functions. This segmentation allows IAB nodes to implement only the necessary adaptation layer functionality for control signaling relay, rather than implementing the complete protocol stack, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining transmission reliability.

The adaptation layer is designed with multi-functionality to handle various control signaling packet types (RRC, F1-AP, Xn-AP, S1-AP, NG-AP) through a unified processing mechanism. By providing a universal adaptation layer that can process different control signaling protocols through the same adaptation packet structure and handling procedures, the patent reduces the need for separate processing logic for each protocol type, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving control signaling reliability.