IAB Node Downlink Timing via Offset Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) networks, determining downlink transmission timing for IAB network nodes is challenging due to timing offsets between downlink and uplink transmissions, which complicates the estimation of propagation time and suitable timing for downlink transmissions.
Innovation Solution
The IAB network node is provided with a timing offset (T′Δ) to determine its downlink transmission timing, using this offset along with measured relative uplink time alignment, allowing it to perform downlink transmissions effectively even when there are timing offsets at the parent IAB network node.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the IAB network node uses measured relative uplink time alignment to determine downlink transmission timing, then the timing determination becomes simpler, but timing accuracy deteriorates due to timing offsets at the parent node
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a timing offset parameter (TΔ) as an intermediary that mediates between the simple measured relative uplink time alignment and the accurate downlink transmission timing. The IAB network node receives this offset information from the parent node and uses it to compensate for timing errors, thereby achieving accurate downlink timing determination without increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The parent IAB network node provides feedback information (timing offset TΔ) to the child IAB network node about the timing characteristics of the backhaul link. This feedback enables the child node to adjust its downlink transmission timing accurately, resolving the contradiction between simple timing determination and high timing accuracy
2Stability of the object's composition
If the parent IAB network node aligns uplink reception timing with downlink transmission timing, then timing synchronization is improved, but flexibility in receiver timing alignment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the timing alignment dynamic by allowing the parent node to independently adjust its uplink reception timing and downlink transmission timing without strict alignment requirements. The timing offset TΔ becomes a dynamic parameter that can be adjusted to optimize different operating conditions, providing flexibility while maintaining synchronization through information exchange
3Device complexity
If the IAB network node determines downlink transmission timing without timing offset information, then the system complexity is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates due to timing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The parent IAB network node performs preliminary measurement and determination of the timing offset TΔ before the child node needs to transmit downlink signals. This pre-determined offset information is then provided to the child node, enabling it to achieve accurate timing without increasing its own complexity, thereby maintaining communication reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and apparatus are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a network node configured to communicate with a wireless device (WD) is provided. The network node configured to, and/or including a radio interface and/or including processing circuitry configured to: receive information indicating a timing offset (T′Δ), determine transmission timing for downlink transmission based on the timing offset (T′Δ) and at least one estimated timing value, and perform downlink transmission based on the determine transmission timing.