IAB Node Selection via Hop Count and Link Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems employing relay nodes, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently selecting target integrated access and backhaul nodes during handover and route re-establishment procedures, especially when backhaul links are blocked by moving objects or seasonal changes, leading to vulnerabilities in wireless backhaul links.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for receiving and reporting hop number information and end-to-end link quality associated with multiple IAB nodes, including serving and neighbor IAB nodes with active routes, to facilitate target IAB node selection, enabling efficient route switching and re-establishment in multi-hop relay networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If relay nodes are deployed to enhance coverage area and improve throughput, then mobile devices in coverage holes or far from base station can achieve better signal quality, but wireless backhaul links become vulnerable to blocking by moving objects or seasonal changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic route selection and switching mechanisms that allow relay nodes to adaptively change their backhaul paths based on real-time link quality conditions. The system continuously monitors backhaul link status and dynamically switches between primary and alternative routes, transforming the static backhaul architecture into a dynamic one that can respond to blocking conditions caused by moving objects or environmental changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes preliminary alternative routes and pre-configures backup backhaul paths before blocking events occur. By proactively setting up multiple potential routes in advance and pre-evaluating their qualities, the system ensures that when a backhaul link is blocked, an alternative route is already available for immediate switching, thus maintaining connectivity without service interruption.
2Area of stationary object
If multi-hop relay paths are established to extend network reach, then coverage is improved, but the complexity of target IAB node selection during handover and re-establishment procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where relay nodes continuously report link quality information, hop counts, and route status to the network controller. This feedback enables the system to automatically evaluate and rank available IAB nodes based on real-time conditions, simplifying the target node selection process during handover and re-establishment by providing pre-processed, relevant metrics rather than requiring complex real-time calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network controller or donor base station as an intermediary that centralizes the complexity of multi-hop route management and target IAB node selection. Instead of individual relay nodes independently making complex selection decisions, the intermediary collects information from multiple nodes, evaluates alternative routes, and provides selection guidance, thereby reducing the computational burden and complexity at each relay node during handover procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiment of the present application is directed to a method and apparatus for target IAB node selection. According to an embodiment of the present application, the method includes receiving hop number information and end-to-end link quality information associated with a plurality of IAB nodes, wherein the plurality of IAB nodes include serving IAB nodes of an IAB node and at least one neighbor IAB node of the IAB node, and each of the serving IAB nodes and the at least one neighbor IAB node is associated with at least one active route. The method may further include reporting end-to-end link quality information associated with each of the at least one neighbor IAB node.