IAB Network Control Apparatus for Downlink Buffer Threshold Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In IAB networks, congestion between IAB nodes affects overall communication, and existing flow control processing is inadequate in managing data buffering, leading to inefficiencies in traffic management.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that determines and notifies IAB nodes of buffer threshold conditions for downlink data, triggering flow control processing based on network configuration, using a determination unit and notification unit to manage buffer loads and execute flow control through the BAP layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flow control processing is executed in IAB networks to manage congestion, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and control overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control apparatus as an intermediary entity that centrally manages flow control processing in IAB networks. This control apparatus receives buffer status reports from IAB nodes and sends flow control commands, acting as a mediator between network nodes to coordinate congestion management without requiring complex peer-to-peer control logic at each node, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through centralized control.
2Measurement precision
If buffer threshold conditions are set for each IAB node to trigger flow control, then traffic management precision is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements flow control by changing the parameter of buffer threshold values assigned to each IAB node. The control apparatus dynamically adjusts these threshold parameters based on network conditions and node characteristics. When buffer status reports indicate that thresholds are exceeded, the control apparatus modifies flow control parameters accordingly, enabling precise traffic management through parameter adjustment rather than complex structural changes at each node.
3Productivity
If downlink buffer thresholds are monitored at each IAB node, then productivity of congestion detection is improved, but loss of energy increases due to continuous reporting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic buffer status reporting where IAB nodes transmit buffer status reports to the control apparatus at predetermined intervals or when buffer thresholds are exceeded. This periodic action enables efficient congestion detection by the control apparatus while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring and reporting, as nodes only communicate when necessary based on threshold conditions rather than maintaining constant communication.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided A control apparatus for an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) network, comprising: determination unit configured to determine, for each of one or more IAB nodes in the IAB network, a condition for an amount of data being buffered in a downlink buffer of an IAB node relaying a connection between an IAB donor and user equipment via a backhaul link, by which the IAB node triggers execution of flow control processing of downlink traffic on a route including the IAB node, the determining being performed based on a network configuration of the IAB network; and notification unit configured to notify each of the one or more IAB nodes of the condition determined by the determination unit.