IAB Backhaul RLC Routing and Bearer Mapping After Link Failure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of split architecture and IAB technologies in 5G networks poses challenges in configuring backhaul RLC channels, routing, and bearer mapping, particularly in scenarios involving link failures and diverse traffic types such as user plane, control plane, and operation and management traffic.
Innovation Solution
A method for configuring backhaul RLC channels and routing paths in IAB nodes by using donor CU to provide initial and subsequent configuration information via F1AP and RRC signaling, along with routing and bearer mapping tables, ensuring flexible and efficient handling of various traffic types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If split architecture and IAB technologies are integrated in 5G networks, then network flexibility and service diversity are improved, but configuration complexity of backhaul RLC channels, routing, and bearer mapping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration process into distinct phases: initial configuration of backhaul RLC channels, routing path configuration, and bearer mapping configuration. Each phase is handled separately through specific signaling procedures (F1AP for initial configuration, RRC for subsequent configuration), reducing the overall complexity by breaking down the integrated configuration task into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configuration messages as intermediary carriers that transmit routing and bearer mapping information between network entities. These configuration messages serve as intermediaries that encapsulate complex configuration data, allowing sophisticated routing and mapping configurations to be transmitted and processed without directly exposing the underlying complexity to the IAB nodes.
2Ease of operation
If routing and bearer mapping configuration is simplified, then ease of operation is improved, but ability to handle diverse traffic types and link failures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of routing paths and bearer mappings before actual data transmission begins. The donor gNB pre-configures multiple routing paths and bearer mapping relationships in advance, storing them in the IAB node's configuration data. This preliminary action enables the system to handle diverse traffic types and link failures efficiently during operation without requiring complex real-time configuration decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic parameter changes in routing and bearer mapping configurations based on traffic type and network conditions. The configuration messages include parameters that can be adjusted for different traffic types (user plane, control plane, operation and management traffic), allowing the system to maintain ease of operation while adapting to diverse traffic requirements through parameter modification rather than structural reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If multiple configuration parameters are configured, then QoS and connectivity reliability are improved, but configuration time and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple configuration parameters and settings into unified configuration messages that are transmitted together in single signaling operations. Instead of configuring each parameter separately, the system combines routing path parameters, bearer mapping parameters, and QoS parameters into integrated configuration structures, reducing the number of separate configuration transactions and minimizing configuration time while maintaining comprehensive connectivity reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of multiple parameters in batch operations during the initial setup phase. The donor gNB prepares and transmits comprehensive configuration messages containing multiple parameters simultaneously before data transmission begins. This preliminary batch configuration reduces the overall configuration time compared to incremental parameter-by-parameter configuration, while ensuring all necessary parameters are properly set for reliable connectivity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4A
AI summary
This disclosure relates to methods and devices for routing and bearer mapping configuration in an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network. In one implementation, the method may include detecting, by an IAB entity, a failure in transmitting a packet via an egress link of an original routing path. The method may further include selecting, by the IAB entity, a backhaul adaption protocol routing identifier of a backup routing path for the packet. The method may further include selecting, by the IAB entity, an egress backhaul radio link control channel on an egress link of the backup routing path for transmitting the packet.