IAB Node Multiplexing Capability Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) network solutions do not adequately support the concurrent use of multiple parent links, leading to inefficiencies in resource coordination, data throughput, reliability, and load balancing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of methods for IAB nodes to determine and communicate their multiplexing capability between multiple parent links, allowing ancestor nodes to coordinate resource usage and configuration, thereby facilitating concurrent link use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If IAB nodes use multiple parent links concurrently, then data throughput and reliability are improved, but resource coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary signaling mechanism where IAB nodes report their multiplexing capabilities to parent nodes, and parent nodes coordinate resource allocation based on this information. This intermediary reporting system simplifies the coordination complexity by providing structured capability information that enables automated resource management without requiring complex peer-to-peer negotiations between multiple parent nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation by introducing explicit multiplexing capability indicators that IAB nodes report to the network. These capability parameters (such as simultaneous reception/transmission capabilities, half-duplex constraints) transform the resource coordination problem from an unstructured complexity into a parameterized optimization problem that can be managed through standardized signaling and configuration procedures.
2Productivity
If IAB nodes report multiplexing capability information, then resource coordination efficiency is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing capability reporting mechanism multi-functional by using it for both traditional capability indication and the new multiplexing capability reporting. The same signaling structures and procedures are leveraged to carry additional multiplexing information, thereby avoiding the need for separate dedicated signaling channels and minimizing the incremental overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial reporting where IAB nodes report only the specific multiplexing capability parameters that are relevant to their operation and configuration. Rather than reporting all possible capability parameters unconditionally, the system reports only those parameters that affect resource coordination decisions, reducing unnecessary signaling overhead while maintaining coordination efficiency.
3Productivity
If resource configuration is coordinated across multiple parent nodes, then load balancing is improved, but coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where IAB nodes report their multiplexing capabilities and resource usage status to parent nodes, which then use this feedback information to coordinate resource allocation across multiple parent nodes. This feedback loop enables dynamic load balancing decisions based on actual node capabilities and current network conditions, simplifying the coordination complexity through information-driven automated management.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments include methods for an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node configured to communicate with first and second parent nodes in a wireless network. Such methods include determining the IAB node's multiplexing capability between a first parent link with the first parent node and a second parent link with the second parent node, and sending an indication of the multiplexing capability to one or more ancestor nodes in the wireless network. Other embodiments include complementary methods for the first parent node and an IAB donor centralized unit (CU) configured to communicate with the IAB node via at least the first parent node. Other embodiments include IAB nodes and IAB donor CUs configured to perform such methods.