IAB Donor Link Switching for Reduced Interruption Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) network experiences long link interruption delays due to its complex link switching flow, which hampers network flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an information transmission method where an entity part of an IAB donor transmits instructions to a Distributed Unit (DU) for timely link status switching, enabling the DU to determine and manage link status information and resource allocation, thereby simplifying the link switching process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the IAB network uses a complex link switching flow to manage link status, then link management reliability is improved, but link interruption delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the link switching process into distinct phases: a first link switching phase for control plane signaling and a second link switching phase for user plane data transmission. This segmentation allows the control plane to prepare switching instructions in advance while the user plane executes the actual switch, reducing overall interruption delay while maintaining reliable link management through structured phase separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the control plane generate and transmit link switching instructions before the actual link switch is needed. The donor gNB prepares the switching command in advance and sends it to the IAB node, which then executes the switch when conditions are met, thereby reducing the actual interruption time while ensuring reliable switching through pre-prepared instructions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the IAB network implements hierarchical relay structures with multiple levels, then network deployment flexibility is improved, but link switching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control plane entity (donor gNB) that centralizes the link switching decision-making process. The control plane generates switching instructions based on network conditions and sends them to IAB nodes, which then execute the switches. This intermediary approach simplifies the complexity at individual nodes while maintaining the flexibility of hierarchical structures, as the centralized controller manages the complexity rather than distributed nodes.
3Reliability
If the IAB network uses traditional link switching procedures, then link status control is maintained, but switching speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link switching where the actual switching time and execution are flexible rather than fixed. The control plane can generate switching instructions at any time based on network conditions, and the IAB node can execute the switch when ready, creating a dynamic switching mechanism that maintains control reliability while achieving faster switching speeds compared to rigid traditional procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An information transmission method and apparatus are provided. In the method, an entity part of an IAB donor transmits information to a DU, wherein the information is used for instructing the DU to perform link status switching. A storage medium and an electronic apparatus are also provided.