IAB Network IP Address Reuse for Seamless DU Migration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IP address management in integrated access and backhaul (IAB) networks is inadequate, particularly in scenarios involving multi-hop and dual-connectivity architectures, leading to challenges in maintaining seamless communication during wireless network node migrations.
Innovation Solution
A wireless network node migrates from one base station to another while managing IP addresses through either full or partial reuse of IP addresses from a first distributed unit, initiating an F1 interface setup with the new base station using these addresses, and handling IP address allocation and release procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless network node migrates from one base station to another in an IAB network, then network coverage and connectivity are extended, but IP address management complexity increases and communication continuity may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by allowing the wireless network node to reuse the same IP address configuration from its first DU when establishing the F1 interface with the second DU. Instead of allocating a completely new IP address during migration, the system copies the existing IP address configuration, thereby simplifying IP address management while enabling network node mobility and coverage extension.
2Ease of operation
If IP addresses are fully reused during migration, then IP address management is simplified, but potential IP address conflicts may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the local quality principle by allowing different IP address management approaches for different parts of the system. Specifically, the IP address reuse is applied locally to the F1 interface setup between the wireless network node and the second base station, while other interfaces and functions may maintain their original IP address allocations. This localized application of IP reuse simplifies management where applicable while avoiding conflicts in other areas.
3Reliability
If IP address allocation procedures are implemented during migration, then IP address uniqueness is ensured, but migration time and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the preliminary action principle by pre-configuring the IP address for the second DU using the same IP address as the first DU, before the actual migration occurs. The IP address configuration is prepared in advance as part of the migration setup, so that when the wireless network node migrates and establishes the F1 interface, the IP address is already assigned and ready to use, eliminating the need for time-consuming IP address allocation procedures during the migration execution phase.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to IP address management in an IAB network. According to some embodiments of the disclosure, a wireless network node may: receive an IP address configuration indicating an IP address of a second DU. wherein the wireless network node comprises a first DU associated with a first BS and the second DU associated with a second BS. and the wireless network node migrates from the first BS to the second BS. and wherein the IP address configuration is received from one of the first BS and the second BS or an OAM according to an IP address allocation scheme: and initiate an F1 interface setup with the second BS using the IP address of the second DU.