IAB Node Backhaul Link Failure Detection and Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, especially those employing multi-hop relays, backhaul link failures due to blockages or other environmental changes can disrupt communication, leading to service discontinuation and packet loss, as downstream nodes are not promptly informed of connectivity losses in the backhaul link.
Innovation Solution
A method for transmitting radio link information associated with the backhaul link, allowing IAB nodes to detect and declare Radio Link Failures (RLFs), recover links, and inform downstream nodes, enabling alternative route switching and duplication functions to ensure reliable data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If relay nodes are deployed to enhance coverage, then communication coverage is improved, but backhaul link reliability deteriorates due to potential blockages and failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by having IAB nodes continuously monitor backhaul link status and prepare alternative routes before failures occur. The system proactively detects link degradation and triggers recovery procedures in advance, preventing complete communication failure rather than reacting after disruption occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where IAB nodes transmit radio link information about backhaul link status to downstream nodes. This continuous feedback loop enables the network to detect failures, notify affected nodes, and initiate recovery procedures, thereby maintaining reliability despite the presence of relay nodes in potentially blocked environments.
2Reliability
If backhaul link monitoring is implemented, then link failure detection is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the radio link information transmission mechanism to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same monitoring and notification infrastructure used for backhaul link failure detection also supports alternative route switching, duplication function activation, and overall network resilience, thereby avoiding the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
3Reliability
If alternative route switching is enabled, then data transmission reliability is improved, but latency increases due to route switching overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring alternative routes and maintaining updated routing information at IAB nodes. When a backhaul link failure is detected, the system can quickly switch to pre-prepared alternative routes without performing complex real-time pathfinding, thereby reducing switching latency while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where IAB nodes continuously report their routing status and available alternative paths to downstream nodes. This enables faster route switching decisions by having routing information already gathered and communicated in advance, rather than discovering alternative routes after failure occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses. According to some embodiments of the disclosure, a method includes: transmitting radio link information, wherein the radio link information is associated with a backhaul link.