IAB Downlink Control for Node Disconnection and F1-U Traffic Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated access and backhaul (IAB) networks, existing technologies fail to efficiently manage the control of downlink transmissions, resulting in packet loss and resource waste due to unawareness of the disconnection of an IAB node, and thus, existing systems fail to efficiently manage the control of downlink transmissions, resulting in packet loss and resource waste.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a centralized unit (CU-CP) of the IAB-donor, which may have an overview of the whole network topology/path, may be employed for the topology change or adaptation. However, the implementation of a centralized unit (CU) of the IAB-donor, which may have an overview of the whole network topology/path, may be employed for the topology change or adaptation. The CU-CP of the IAB-donor may determine an IAB node, which for example is to disconnect from or connect (or reconnect) to a parent node in the IAB network, and for which DL transmission(s) for at least one F1-U interface between the CU-UP and the DU of the determined IAB node (for example, all F1-U interfaces associated with the determined IAB node, or all GTP tunnels for a F1-U interface between the CU-UP and the DU of the determined IAB node, or some GTP tunnels for a F1-U interface between the CU-UP and the DU of the determined IAB node) is to be controlled (for example, to be stopped in a case of disconnection, or to be started in a case of connection or reconnection).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing technologies are used to manage downlink transmissions in IAB networks, then the system operates with simple architecture, but packet loss and resource waste occur due to unawareness of IAB node disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control plane apparatus (CU-CP) as an intermediary between the user plane apparatus (CU-UP) and IAB nodes. This mediator receives notifications about IAB node disconnections and sends control signaling to stop downlink transmissions, thereby preventing packet loss without requiring complex changes at each transmission point
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control plane apparatus receives status information about IAB node connections and responds by adjusting downlink transmission control. This feedback loop ensures transmissions are stopped when nodes disconnect, improving reliability while maintaining manageable system complexity through centralized control
2Reliability
If centralized control is implemented to prevent packet loss, then transmission reliability improves, but signaling load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control plane apparatus sends stop signaling for downlink transmissions when it anticipates or detects IAB node disconnection. This preliminary action prevents packets from being transmitted to disconnected nodes, avoiding packet loss while managing signaling load through proactive control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control function from the user plane function, with the control plane apparatus handling signaling and the user plane apparatus handling data transmission. This segmentation allows centralized reliability control while keeping signaling load manageable by separating control messages from data traffic
3Reliability
If downlink transmissions are controlled for disconnected nodes, then packet loss is reduced, but resource waste occurs from unnecessary transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The control plane apparatus receives feedback about IAB node connection status and uses this information to control downlink transmissions. When disconnection is detected, the system stops transmissions to affected nodes, preventing both packet loss and unnecessary resource consumption through informed decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own control signaling infrastructure to automatically detect and respond to IAB node disconnections. This self-service mechanism prevents resource waste by stopping transmissions without external intervention, improving both reliability and resource efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods for controlling downlink transmissions in an integrated access and backhaul network. An example method may include determining to control a first downlink transmission for a first interface between a second apparatus associated with a user plane of the central unit of the donor and a node in the integrated access and backhaul network, and transmitting, to the second apparatus, a first non UE-associated signaling request to control the first downlink transmission for the first interface, the first non UE-associated signaling request including information associated with the node. Related apparatuses and computer readable media are also disclosed.