IAB Node Address Configuration for Secure Backhaul Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack a complete solution for transport layer address configuration in Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) networks, which is essential for secure and efficient communication between IAB donor and IAB nodes in 5G wireless communication networks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves obtaining and generating address information for Internet Protocol security (IPsec) addresses and transmitting this information through radio resource control (RRC) messages or F1 application protocol (F1AP) messages between network nodes connected via backhaul links, ensuring secure communication by determining and associating IP addresses and IPsec addresses in the control and user planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless backhaul links and relay links are used to deploy dense NR cell networks, then network deployment flexibility and cost savings are improved, but transport layer address configuration complexity increases due to multi-hop relay scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the address configuration process into distinct phases: obtaining first address information (IP addresses) from OAM, generating second address information (IPsec addresses) based on the first, and transmitting appropriate address types through different interfaces (RRC for user plane, F1AP for control plane). This segmentation resolves the contradiction by making the complex multi-hop address configuration manageable through structured, phased address management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary address generation mechanism where the IAB node acts as a mediator between the OAM system and the multi-hop relay network. The node generates IPsec addresses based on received IP addresses and transmits them through appropriate interfaces, serving as an intermediary that simplifies the overall address configuration complexity while maintaining deployment flexibility.
2Reliability
If IPsec addresses are configured for secure communication in multi-hop relay backhaul links, then communication security is improved, but address management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating address management approaches for different communication planes: user plane addresses are transmitted via RRC messages while control plane addresses use F1AP messages. This localized differentiation secures each plane appropriately while managing complexity through plane-specific protocols, resolving the contradiction between security and manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes address parameters dynamically based on communication requirements: it obtains base IP addresses from OAM, transforms them into IPsec addresses with appropriate security parameters, and transmits different address types through different interfaces. This parameter transformation approach ensures security while managing complexity through systematic address derivation.
3Measurement precision
If separate address configuration methods are used for control plane and user plane, then address management precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic address management where the system adaptively selects different transmission interfaces based on the address type and communication plane: RRC messages for user plane addresses and F1AP messages for control plane addresses. This dynamic adaptation achieves precise address management for each plane while the underlying unified generation mechanism keeps system complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus and systems for address configuration for integrated access and backhaul (IAB) links are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method performed by a first network node is disclosed. The method comprises: obtaining, from an operations administration and maintenance (OAM) or a second network node, a first address information related to at least one Internet Protocol security (IPsec) address; generating, based on the first address information, a second address information; and transmitting, to the second network node, the second address information based on a radio resource control (RRC) message, wherein the first network node and the second network node are connected via a backhaul link in an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network.