Conditional Grants for IAB Node Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in the transition to 5G, face challenges in optimizing spectral efficiency and reducing latency for integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, which are essential for supporting a large number of connections and high data transfer speeds.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of conditional grants with sets of conditional parameters for uplink and downlink transmissions in IAB nodes, based on the communication status of IAB mobile terminals (MT) and distributed units (DU), allowing for dynamic adjustment of MIMO layers, transmission configurations, and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional grant-based resource allocation is used in IAB nodes, then resource allocation is simple to implement, but spectral efficiency is insufficient and latency is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple candidate resources (time, frequency, spatial) and conditional parameters before transmission occurs. The IAB node receives conditional grants with pre-defined resource sets and conditions from the parent node, allowing rapid selection without complex real-time negotiation. This pre-prepared resource pool enables efficient spectral utilization while maintaining implementation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the IAB node to dynamically select from pre-configured candidate resources based on real-time communication status. The node monitors conditions (e.g., DU buffer status, MT reception state) and adaptively chooses the most appropriate resource and transmission parameters from the conditional grant options, optimizing spectral efficiency without requiring complex real-time allocation negotiations.
2Productivity
If conditional grants with multiple candidate resources are implemented, then spectral efficiency is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the resource allocation into separate, independently selectable candidate resources (time resources, frequency resources, spatial resources). Each conditional grant contains segmented resource options with specific conditions, allowing the IAB node to evaluate and select from discrete resource sets based on current status, reducing the complexity of processing the entire resource allocation as a single complex unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by associating different candidate resources with specific communication conditions. Each conditional parameter set is optimized for particular scenarios (e.g., specific MIMO layer configurations for certain buffer states), allowing the node to select the most appropriate locally-optimized resource set for the current situation rather than processing all resources uniformly.
3Productivity
If dynamic adjustment of MIMO layers is performed based on communication status, then transmission efficiency is improved, but control signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring MIMO layer options and their corresponding triggering conditions in the conditional grant. The IAB node receives ahead of time the set of candidate MIMO configurations (e.g., 1 layer, 2 layers, 4 layers) and the conditions under which each should be applied. This eliminates the need for real-time MIMO negotiation, reducing control signaling overhead while maintaining dynamic transmission efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conditional grants are used for both uplink and downlink, then resource allocation flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by applying the same conditional grant mechanism to both uplink and downlink transmissions. The IAB node uses a unified conditional grant processing approach for both directions, where pre-configured candidate resources and conditions govern resource selection regardless of transmission direction. This multi-functional application of the same mechanism provides flexibility for both UL and DL while avoiding the need for separate complex allocation systems.
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, a parent node sends a conditional grant for UL transmission to an IAB MT of IAB node. A triggering event for the conditional grant is based at least in part on a communication status of IAB DU of the IAB node (e.g., whether IAB DU is receiving or transmitting data, depending on IAB node duplex capability). In another aspect, IAB DU of IAB node sends a conditional grant for DL transmission to child node. A triggering event for the conditional grant is based at least in part on a communication status of IAB MT of the IAB node (e.g., whether IAB MT is receiving or transmitting data, depending on IAB node duplex capability).