IAB Node Access Signaling for Non-Public Network Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of Non-Public Networks (NPN) and Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) nodes in cellular communication systems lacks effective communication control methods, preventing IAB nodes from accessing NPN cells.
Innovation Solution
A communication control method involving a cell broadcasting an NPN information block that includes an NPN identifier and IAB node support information, allowing IAB nodes to determine access permission based on this information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cell belonging to a Non-Public Network (NPN) broadcasts system information without IAB node support information, then the NPN can maintain its private network security and access control, but IAB nodes cannot determine access permission and thus cannot access the NPN cell
Solution Approach 1:
The system information block is segmented to include separate IAB node support information fields for different NPN identifiers. This allows the base station to selectively indicate support for IAB nodes in specific NPNs while maintaining access control for others, resolving the contradiction between security and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The IAB node support information is applied locally to each NPN identifier rather than globally to all NPNs. This enables the base station to grant IAB node access permission to specific NPNs while maintaining restricted access to other NPNs, thus balancing security requirements with IAB node functionality.
2Measurement precision
If the system information block includes detailed NPN information for each NPN identifier, then IAB nodes can determine access permission accurately, but the information block size and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The IAB node support information is extracted as a separate, standardized field within the system information block, associated with each NPN identifier. This extraction approach provides precise access control information without significantly increasing overall system complexity, as the added structure is localized and followable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the base station broadcasts IAB node support information for all NPN identifiers, then all IAB nodes can potentially access any NPN cell, but this reduces the ability to control and restrict access to specific NPNs
Solution Approach 1:
The IAB node support information is applied locally to each NPN identifier rather than globally. This enables selective access control where the base station can grant IAB node support for specific NPNs while maintaining restricted access to others, thus balancing adaptability with ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication control comprises broadcasting, by a cell belonging to a Non-Public Network (NPN), a system information block comprising an NPN information; and receiving, by an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node configured to perform relaying between a user equipment and a network, the system information block from the cell, the IAB node including a Distributed Unit (DU) and a Mobile Terminal (MT). The NPN information comprises a NPN identifier identifying the NPN and an IAB node support information associated with the NPN identifier, and the IAB node support information indicates that the cell supports the IAB node configured to perform relaying between the user equipment and the network.