IAB Node Signal-Based Multiplexing for Simultaneous DU–MT Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IAB nodes operate with DU and MT in time division multiplexing (TDM), limiting simultaneous operation and leading to potential power sharing and interference issues, which are not addressed in future wireless communication systems considering no-TDM operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for IAB nodes that include a DU and MT, enabling simultaneous operation by receiving configuration information to identify specific resources based on signal types, determining appropriate multiplexing types, and reducing power sharing and interference through TDM operation when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TDM operation is used for DU and MT in IAB nodes, then power sharing and interference issues are reduced, but simultaneous operation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation mode selection that allows IAB nodes to switch between TDM and no-TDM operations based on traffic conditions, service requirements, and resource availability. The network can dynamically configure whether DU and MT operate simultaneously or in time-division mode, enabling adaptive optimization of both simultaneous operation capability and interference control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configurable parameters including a first parameter indicating whether no-TDM operation is supported, and a second parameter indicating whether simultaneous operation is actually performed. These parameters allow flexible adjustment of operational characteristics to balance between simultaneous operation productivity and power sharing reliability.
2Productivity
If no-TDM operation is implemented for simultaneous DU and MT operation, then productivity is improved, but power sharing and interference management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network-side controller (gNB-CU) that acts as an intermediary to manage and coordinate simultaneous DU and MT operations. The controller receives capability information from IAB nodes, determines appropriate operation modes, and provides configuration instructions, thereby offloading the complexity of power sharing and interference management from the IAB node itself to the centralized controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the control plane and user plane functions, with the gNB-CU handling control decisions regarding operation modes and resource allocation, while the IAB node focuses on executing configured operations. This segmentation allows complex interference management to be handled at the control plane level while simplifying the operational complexity at the radio access level.
3Productivity
If configuration information for resource allocation is provided for both DU and MT, then resource utilization is optimized, but identification of specific resources for simultaneous operation requires additional processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration where the network provides resource allocation information for both DU and MT in advance through RRC signaling before simultaneous operation begins. By pre-configuring resource allocations and providing capability indicators, the system prepares all necessary resource information beforehand, eliminating the need for complex real-time resource identification and reducing processing complexity during actual simultaneous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method of operating an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node including a mobile terminal (MT) and a distributed unit (DU) in a wireless communication system, and an apparatus using the method. The method identifies a specific resource supporting the simultaneous operation of the MT and the DU, and according to a type of a first signal that the MT intends to communicate in the specific resource and a type of a second signal that the DU intends to communicate in the specific resource, a multiplexing type to be applied to the specific resource is determined.