IAB Node Guard Symbol Scheduling for Interference Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current integrated access and backhaul (IAB) networks face challenges in managing interference during transition instances due to overlapping resource allocations between mobile termination (MT) and distributed unit (DU) functions, leading to potential interference and quality of service (QoS) issues.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of guard symbols by parent nodes to facilitate transitions between MT and DU functions, allowing for scheduled communication using the DU function based on the availability of guard symbols, thereby reducing interference and optimizing resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If resource allocations are made for both MT and DU functions simultaneously, then communication flexibility is improved, but interference between functions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the time domain by introducing guard symbols between MT and DU resource allocations. The guard symbols create distinct time intervals that separate the MT function (receiving resources from parent node) and DU function (allocating resources to child nodes), preventing simultaneous operation and resulting interference while maintaining communication flexibility through proper scheduling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-generated harmful factors

If guard symbols are introduced to prevent interference, then interference management is improved, but time efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference managementVSAvoidtime efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by introducing guard symbols only at the boundaries where MT and DU allocations overlap or could overlap, rather than inserting guard symbols throughout the entire time domain. This selective approach prevents interference at critical transition points while minimizing the overall time loss from guard symbols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If dynamic scheduling is implemented during transitions, then QoS is improved, but scheduling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveQoSVSAvoidscheduling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the parent node signal the availability of guard symbols to the child node before the actual resource allocation and transition occurs. This advance notification allows the child node to prepare its scheduling decisions in advance, reducing the complexity of real-time scheduling while maintaining QoS through coordinated transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11889540B2Interference-aware scheduling during transition instances in an integrated access and backhaul network

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

An integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node may transition between use of a mobile termination (MT) function at the wireless device and use of a distributed unit (DU) function. The IAB node may schedule communication using the DU function of the wireless device based on whether one or more guard symbols are provided for an allocation from a parent node for the MT function.