IAB Node Migration Route Biasing for Low-Overhead Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Future wireless communications networks need to efficiently support a wide range of devices with varying data traffic profiles and ensure stable, reliable links between infrastructure equipment, particularly when a node moves away from its connection to the core network, which can lead to increased signaling overhead and service interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to influence the migration of communications nodes in a wireless backhaul network by biasing the selection of attachment points to either intra-donor or inter-donor migrations, minimizing signaling overhead and service interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a migrating communications node changes its attachment point in the wireless backhaul network, then the node can maintain connectivity and adapt to network changes, but signaling overhead increases and service interruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the cost metric used in route selection to include migration cost components. When a node's attachment point changes, the system calculates route costs that account for intra-donor versus inter-donor migration differences, thereby controlling signaling overhead through optimized parameter selection rather than allowing unrestricted attachment changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating route costs and migration impacts before actual node attachment changes occur. The system evaluates potential attachment point changes in advance, selecting migration paths that minimize signaling overhead while maintaining network connectivity, thus preventing excessive signaling before it occurs
2Adaptability or versatility
If a migrating communications node changes its attachment point in the wireless backhaul network, then the node can adapt to network changes, but service interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-evaluating potential attachment point changes and their impact on service continuity. The system calculates route costs that factor in migration disruptions, selecting attachment changes that minimize service interruptions while maintaining necessary network adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses route cost calculation as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the need for node attachment flexibility and service continuity. By introducing this intermediate evaluation layer, the system can assess attachment changes before execution, reducing direct impact on service reliability while preserving adaptability
3Loss of energy
If intra-donor migration is preferred over inter-donor migration, then signaling overhead is reduced, but node migration flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting route cost parameters based on donor type. The system modifies the cost metric to reflect different signaling overhead characteristics of intra-donor versus inter-donor migrations, allowing flexible migration decisions that adapt to current network conditions rather than rigidly preferring one migration type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the migration preference dynamic rather than static. The route cost calculation adapts to current network state, allowing the system to prefer intra-donor migration when appropriate for reducing signaling overhead, while permitting inter-donor migration when network conditions warrant greater flexibility, thus achieving both efficiency and adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of communications nodes are configured to form a wireless backhaul network to communicate data from a core network of the wireless communications network for transmitting to one or more communications devices or to communicate data to the core network received from the one or more communications devices. At least a first and a second of the plurality of communications nodes are donor communications nodes formed from radio network infrastructure equipment having a physical connection to the core network. According to example embodiments, a migrating communications node determines that it should migrate from a first attachment point in the wireless backhaul network in which the migrating node communicates the data to or from the core network via the first donor communications node. The term “attachment point” is used to express a link of a communications node to other nodes in the backhaul network. The radio communications links are formed to communicate data to and from the core network via donor communications nodes and may be also via one or other nodes according to an established hierarchy of the wireless backhaul network. The migrating communications node determines a second attachment point in the wireless backhaul network to which the migrating communications node should attach to the wireless backhaul network to communicate the data to or from the core network, and the migrating communications node migrates from the first attachment point to the second attachment point. The second attachment point is determined by biasing a selection of the second attachment point either to provide the migrating communications node with radio communications resources from the first donor communications nodes when attached to the wireless backhaul network at the second attachment point as an intra-donor migration, or to provide the migrating communications node with radio communications resources from the second donor communications node when attached to the wireless backhaul network at the second attachment point as an inter-donor migration.