IAB Node Buffer Monitoring for Relay Data Loss Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly with LTE technology, multi-hop relay configurations face challenges in processing data efficiently, leading to increased signaling delays and data loss due to congestion in relay nodes, with no effective method to prevent data loss when a relay node becomes heavily congested.

Innovation Solution

An integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node method that includes receiving configuration information, monitoring buffer statuses, and transmitting buffer status information to a donor base station or parent IAB node, enabling proactive management of data transmission and preventing data loss by adjusting scheduling and retransmission strategies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multi-hop relay configuration is deployed to expand cell coverage, then coverage area is improved, but signaling delay increases and data processing efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell coverage areaVSAvoidsignaling delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The relay node is segmented into two functional parts: a mobile termination (MT) function for wireless communication with parent nodes and UEs, and a distributed unit (DU) function for backhaul communication and data forwarding. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function, reducing overall signaling delay while maintaining multi-hop relay capabilities for coverage extension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The IAB node acts as an intermediary between the donor base station and UEs, with the MT function handling wireless access and the DU function handling backhaul transmission. This intermediary structure enables efficient data processing at each hop, preventing accumulation of signaling delays across multiple relay nodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple relay nodes are deployed to extend coverage, then coverage area is improved, but data processing complexity and congestion risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoiddata processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the relay node into MT and DU functions with distinct responsibilities, each function processes only its specific data type (wireless access data vs. backhaul data), reducing overall processing complexity despite multiple relay nodes being deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each IAB node's MT function is optimized for wireless communication tasks while the DU function is optimized for backhaul data forwarding. This local optimization of function-specific processing reduces congestion and simplifies data handling at each relay node.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If relay node processes all data types, then service capability is improved, but processing delay increases when congestion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice capabilityVSAvoidprocessing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The relay node processes different data types in separate functional modules: MT function handles uplink/downlink wireless data while DU function handles backhaul data. This segmentation maintains versatile service capability while reducing processing delay by preventing data type mixing and congestion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer status monitoring mechanism proactively detects congestion conditions before they severely impact processing. By monitoring buffer status in advance and enabling early intervention, the system prevents severe delays that would occur if all data types were processed in a single congested queue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Reliability

If buffer status monitoring is implemented to prevent data loss, then data reliability is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements partial monitoring by focusing buffer status checks only on the DU function's backhaul data buffers, rather than monitoring all data paths. This selective monitoring prevents data loss in the critical backhaul path while minimizing additional signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The IAB node autonomously monitors its own buffer status and makes local decisions about data prioritization and forwarding without requiring constant external control signaling. This self-service approach improves data reliability through continuous monitoring while reducing overall signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11910230B2Method for processing data in relay node, and device therefor

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 KT CORP

AI summary

Provided are methods and apparatuses of processing data in an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node using new radio (NR) wireless communication technology. The method of an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node processes data, includes: configuring a mobile-termination (MT) function and a distribute unit function of the IAB node; monitoring an uplink buffer state or a downlink buffer state in the IAB node; and transmitting downlink buffer state information or uplink buffer state information to the donor base station or an associated parent IAB node on the basis of a monitoring result of the uplink buffer state or the downlink buffer state.