Intermediate IAB Node Congestion Detection and Packet Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing F1-U flow control in integrated access and wireless access backhaul (IAB) networks is slow to react to congestion, leading to unnecessary throttling of data packets and inability to pinpoint the exact congested link, resulting in inefficient data packet handling.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where intermediate radio network nodes detect congestion and mark packets with a flag, allowing downstream nodes to report congestion information back to the central network node, enabling timely and efficient congestion control by adjusting data flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If existing F1-U flow control is used in IAB networks, then data packet transmission is maintained, but congestion reaction is slow and causes unnecessary throttling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having intermediate IAB nodes proactively detect congestion conditions and mark packets before severe throttling occurs. The congestion detection mechanism monitors buffer status and packet delay in advance, allowing the system to prepare congestion avoidance actions before the situation deteriorates, thereby improving reaction speed and preventing unnecessary throttling of data packets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a congestion report mechanism where intermediate IAB nodes send congestion status information back to the central network node. This feedback loop enables the central node to receive real-time congestion data and adjust flow control parameters accordingly, significantly improving congestion reaction speed and optimizing data packet handling efficiency by avoiding unnecessary throttling.
2Measurement precision
If existing F1-U flow control is used, then data transmission continues, but the exact congested link cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the IAB network into multiple segments with intermediate IAB nodes that independently monitor their own congestion status. Each node segments the congestion detection function, allowing precise identification of which specific link is congested rather than treating the entire path as a single unit. This segmented approach improves measurement precision while keeping individual node complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediate IAB nodes as intermediaries between the central network node and the end nodes. These intermediary nodes perform congestion detection and marking functions, acting as mediators that provide precise congestion information without requiring the central node to directly monitor every link. This intermediary approach enables accurate congested link identification while distributing complexity across multiple nodes.
3Productivity
If congestion marking is implemented at intermediate nodes, then congestion control improves, but node complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling intermediate IAB nodes to autonomously detect congestion conditions and mark packets without requiring constant central node intervention. Each intermediate node independently monitors its own buffer status and packet delay, performing congestion detection and marking functions locally. This self-service capability improves congestion control efficiency while minimizing the complexity increase at individual nodes, as they operate autonomously based on local conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a first radio network node for handling communication in a wireless communications network providing, is provided. The wireless communications network comprises the first radio network node (131) and a second radio network node (132) relaying data packets between a central network node (12) and a UE (10). The first radio network node is an intermediate network node between the second radio network node and the central network node. The first radio network node detects (701) congestion over a link towards the second radio network node. Upon detection of the congestion the first radio network node adds a marking in a header in a data packet and transmits (702) the data packet towards the second radio network node.