IAB Node Resource Configuration for 5G Backhaul

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Solution Overview

Problem

Resource configuration between radio nodes and user terminals in future radio communication systems, such as 5G, has not been sufficiently considered, requiring improved methods for suitable resource management.

Innovation Solution

A radio node with a reception section for receiving configuration information and a control section to manage resource configurations for radio backhaul and access links, enabling effective resource allocation between nodes and user terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If dynamic resource coordination is implemented between MT and DU in IAB nodes, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional L1 signaling or scheduling mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the IAB node into distinct MT (Mobile Termination) and DU (Distributed Unit) functional components, allowing independent resource configuration and management for each. This segmentation enables dynamic resource coordination while maintaining manageable complexity by treating MT and DU as separate entities with specific responsibilities rather than a monolithic complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic resource coordination mechanisms that allow the IAB node to adaptively adjust resource allocation between MT and DU based on real-time network conditions, traffic demands, and link quality. This dynamic approach improves resource utilization efficiency by enabling flexible reconfiguration rather than static resource assignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible slot formats are configured for overlapping slots in IAB, then adaptability of resource allocation is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of resource allocationVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by configuring flexible slot formats that can dynamically adjust time-domain resource allocation parameters for overlapping slots. Different slot formats can be selected based on traffic patterns and link conditions, allowing the system to adapt resource allocation without requiring complete reconfiguration of the underlying physical layer parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If semi-static time-domain resource allocation is used for IAB nodes, then resource configuration stability is improved, but responsiveness to changing conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource configuration stabilityVSAvoidresponsiveness to changing conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses semi-static time-domain resource allocation where resource configurations are predetermined and pre-configured for different scenarios. This preliminary action provides stable baseline resource allocation while allowing faster adaptation when conditions change, as the system can switch between pre-configured options rather than performing complex real-time optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3879869B1Wireless node and wireless communication method
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP3879869B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3879869B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3879869B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A radio node includes: a reception section that receives first configuration information relating to a first radio backhaul link and second configuration information relating to at least one of a second radio backhaul link and a radio access link; and a control section that controls a first resource configuration for the first radio backhaul link and a second resource configuration for at least one of the second radio backhaul link and the radio access link, based on the first configuration information and the second configuration information.