IAB Node MEC Configuration for Low Latency

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in providing multi-access edge computing (MEC) functionality within integrated access and backhaul (IAB) networks, particularly in ultradense mmWave deployments, where fiber backhaul is costly and difficult to implement, leading to latency and reliability issues due to multi-hop routing.

Innovation Solution

Implementing IAB nodes with MEC functionality, where each node acts as both an access point for user equipment and a wireless backhaul link to other nodes or a donor node, utilizing a backhaul adaptation protocol for efficient routing and data transfer, and locating MEC functionality at IAB nodes instead of the core network to reduce latency and increase reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fiber backhaul is used to connect base stations in ultradense mmWave deployments, then communication reliability is improved, but deployment cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddeployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/fiber-based backhaul infrastructure with a wireless backhaul system using IAB nodes. Instead of physically laying fiber cables between base stations, the system uses wireless links where IAB nodes relay traffic between donor base stations and user equipment, thereby eliminating the need for complex fiber deployment while maintaining communication reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The IAB node is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously serves as both an access point for user equipment and a backhaul relay for other nodes. This universal functionality allows a single node to perform multiple roles in the network hierarchy, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to dedicated fiber-based solutions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multi-hop routing is used in wireless backhaul IAB networks, then deployment flexibility is improved, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network into hierarchical levels with donor base stations at the top and IAB nodes forming intermediate layers. This segmentation allows traffic to be routed through multiple hops for deployment flexibility while enabling the system to optimize paths to minimize latency by selecting appropriate routing segments based on network conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects optimal routing paths through the IAB network based on real-time network conditions, available resources, and latency requirements. This dynamic routing capability allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and select paths that balance flexibility with latency performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If MEC functionality is located at the core network, then network management simplicity is improved, but communication latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork management simplicityVSAvoidcommunication latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements MEC functionality locally at IAB nodes rather than centralizing it at the core network. Each IAB node hosts MEC functions that are geographically and functionally closer to user equipment, enabling low-latency processing and data access while maintaining simplified network management through the standardized IAB node architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system distributes MEC functionality across multiple dimensions of the network hierarchy, placing it at IAB nodes at various levels between the core network and user equipment. This dimensional distribution reduces the physical and topological distance for data transmission while preserving manageable network architecture through standardized interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12108274B2Systems and methods for configuring communication with an IAB MEC

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 APPLE INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed herein for using integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes configured to provide multi-access edge computing (MEC) functionality. An IAB node may include a MEC functionality that includes an instance of an application configured for MEC. A UE using the application connects to the network through an access link with the IAB node and establishes a PDU session for traffic of the application with a core network (CN). The CN may determine that the traffic corresponds to the application, and that an instance of the application is present on the IAB node. Accordingly, the CN may instruct the IAB donor to instantiate a remote packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer and, in some cases, a remote service data application (SDAP) layer that are configured to route the traffic from the UE for the application to the instance of the application on the IAB node.