IAB Node Link Assistant Reporting for Backhaul Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The backhaul links in wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, are prone to failure due to factors like blockage and congestion, leading to service disruptions and packet loss, especially in multi-hop relay scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A method for reporting link assistant information and data transmission that involves configuring nodes with parameters for link status reporting, including timers, channel quality metrics, and candidate nodes, allowing for timely adaptation of network topology and minimizing service disruption through RLC-level retransmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If relay nodes are deployed to extend coverage and enhance backhaul links, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but the complexity of network topology and link management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidnetwork topology complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The IAB node autonomously monitors its own backhaul link quality and automatically triggers reconfiguration procedures when link assistant information indicates degradation, eliminating the need for continuous external network control and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The network pre-configures multiple candidate parent nodes and backup backhaul paths before link failure occurs. When link assistant information detects degradation, the IAB node can immediately switch to a pre-configured candidate node without complex real-time decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If link assistant information is continuously monitored and reported to detect backhaul link failures, then reliability of data transmission is improved, but signaling overhead and network latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackhaul link reliabilityVSAvoidlink failure detection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic monitoring of backhaul link quality using timers that trigger link assistant information collection and reporting at scheduled intervals, balancing timely failure detection with reduced signaling overhead compared to continuous monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The IAB node continuously monitors link quality metrics and provides feedback through link assistant information reports. When quality degradation exceeds thresholds, the system triggers immediate reconfiguration procedures, creating a responsive feedback loop that balances detection speed with resource efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple candidate nodes are configured for backhaul link reconfiguration, then adaptability of the network is improved, but device complexity and configuration overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackhaul link adaptabilityVSAvoidnode configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system configures different numbers of candidate nodes and different monitoring parameters for different IAB nodes based on their specific deployment scenarios, link conditions, and traffic requirements, rather than applying uniform complex configurations to all nodes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system configures a limited number of candidate parent nodes (e.g., 1-3 candidates) rather than exhaustively configuring all possible backup paths. This partial configuration approach provides sufficient adaptability for most failure scenarios while keeping configuration overhead manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Reliability

If RLC-level retransmissions are implemented during backhaul link failures, then data transmission reliability is improved, but processing complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidnode energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes alternative backhaul paths and candidate parent nodes before link failure occurs. When failure is detected, data can be immediately rerouted through pre-configured alternatives, reducing the need for energy-intensive retransmission protocols and complex error correction procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3912398B1Method and apparatus for reporting link assistant information and transmitting data
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 LENOVO (BEIJING) LTD
  • EP3912398B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3912398B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3912398B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses. According to some embodiments of the disclosure, a method includes: receiving, at an integrated access and backhaul node, configuration information from a base station, the configuration information comprising parameters for reporting of assistant information on a backhaul link; and transmitting a message indicating the assistant information on a backhaul link according to the configuration information.