IAB Frequency Resource Configuration via Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) networks face challenges in configuring frequency-domain resource utilization, particularly in indicating Hard (H)/Soft (S)/Not Available (NA) attributes per resource type, which affects flexibility, cross-link interference, and latency in Release 17 IAB enhancements.

Innovation Solution

A centralized network function unit determines a configurable frequency part size and mode of frequency-domain resource utilization for each frequency part of the available bandwidth, sending this configuration to IAB nodes to enable efficient frequency multiplexing between Mobile Termination (MT) and Distributed Unit (DU), considering interference and resource availability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If frequency-domain resource utilization is configured with H/S/NA attributes per resource type in IAB networks, then resource allocation flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The available bandwidth is divided into multiple frequency parts, allowing independent configuration of H/S/NA attributes for each frequency part. This segmentation enables flexible resource allocation while maintaining manageable configuration complexity through structured organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic configuration of frequency-domain resource utilization modes for different frequency parts, enabling the network to adapt resource allocation based on varying traffic conditions, interference levels, and service requirements without requiring complete reconfiguration of the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If frequency-domain resource utilization is configured for each frequency part, then cross-link interference is reduced, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-link interferenceVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Different H/S/NA attributes are assigned to different frequency parts based on local interference conditions and service requirements. This allows targeted interference mitigation in specific frequency regions without requiring uniform configuration across the entire bandwidth, reducing unnecessary signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system configures specific parameters (H/S/NA attributes) for each frequency part to control resource utilization behavior. By changing these parameters locally rather than globally, the system achieves interference reduction with minimized signaling overhead through selective configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If centralized network function unit determines frequency-domain resource utilization mode, then resource coordination efficiency is improved, but network latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource coordination efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The centralized network function unit determines and configures frequency-domain resource utilization modes in advance based on predicted traffic patterns and network conditions. This preliminary configuration reduces the need for frequent real-time adjustments, improving coordination efficiency while minimizing the impact of configuration latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If frequency parts are configured with different utilization modes, then frequency multiplexing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency multiplexing efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bandwidth is segmented into frequency parts that can be independently configured with different utilization modes (Hard, Soft, Not Available). This segmentation enables efficient frequency multiplexing between MT and DU operations while maintaining manageable configuration complexity through structured organization and standardized configuration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240089940A1Configure IAB frequency-domain resource utilization

Publication Date: 2024.03.14 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Systems and methods for configuration of Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) frequency-domain resource utilization are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method performed by a network node that implements a centralized network function unit for frequency-domain resource utilization configuration of an IAB node comprises determining a configurable frequency part size(s) for a frequency-domain resource utilization configuration of an IAB node and determining a mode of frequency-domain resource utilization for each of at least some of a plurality of frequency parts of an available bandwidth of the IAB node, the available bandwidth being divided into the plurality of frequency parts in accordance with the configurable frequency part size(s). The method further comprises sending the frequency-domain resource utilization configuration to the IAB node.