IAB Node Signaling With Mapped Multiplexing Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Efficient communication between IAB nodes in multiplexing modes is challenging due to the large number of possible values for multiplexing adaptation parameters, leading to high signaling overhead.
Innovation Solution
An IAB donor configures mappings between possible values of a field in a message to possible values of a multiplexing adaptation parameter, allowing for reduced signaling overhead by using a subset of the full set of values, thereby facilitating efficient communication between IAB nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the full set of possible values for multiplexing adaptation parameters is signaled between IAB nodes, then complete adaptability of multiplexing modes is achieved, but signaling overhead increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the full set of multiplexing adaptation parameter values into multiple subsets. Each subset is assigned to a specific field value in the MAC message, allowing the system to signal only a portion of possible values at any given time. This segmentation reduces the number of bits required in the MAC message while preserving the ability to signal different parameter subsets as needed, thus resolving the contradiction between complete adaptability and signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configuration where the mapping between field values and parameter value subsets can be changed through RRC signaling. The network can dynamically adjust which subset of parameter values is associated with each field value based on current network conditions and requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain adaptability while optimizing signaling overhead for different operational scenarios.
2Loss of information
If a larger field size is used in MAC messages to signal all possible parameter values, then complete parameter coverage is achieved, but message size and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the parameter value space into multiple subsets, each mappable to a field value. This allows the field to use fewer bits while still providing access to the complete parameter space through different mappings. The segmentation approach ensures that no parameter information is lost (as all values are covered across different subsets) while reducing the immediate message size and processing complexity by only signaling a subset at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping layer between the MAC message field and the actual parameter values. The field values serve as intermediaries that point to larger parameter value subsets configured through RRC signaling. This intermediary approach allows compact MAC messages to represent larger parameter spaces indirectly, reducing message processing complexity while maintaining complete parameter information coverage.
3Measurement precision
If more bits are allocated to the field in MAC messages, then more parameter values can be signaled directly, but signaling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the parameter value space into multiple subsets that can be efficiently encoded with fewer bits in the MAC message. By dividing the full parameter space into manageable subsets and using RRC signaling to configure which subset is active, the system achieves both precise parameter signaling (through the subset mapping) and high signaling efficiency (through compact MAC messages). This segmentation resolves the contradiction between precision and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration through RRC signaling to establish the mapping between field values and parameter value subsets before MAC message transmission. This preliminary action pre-organizes the parameter space so that subsequent MAC messages can efficiently signal precise parameter values using fewer bits. The pre-configured mapping enables high signaling efficiency without sacrificing parameter signaling precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a first integrated access backhaul, IAB, node (12A). The first IAB node (12A) receives, from an IAB donor (14), signaling (19) that indicates which one or more possible values (18-1 . . . 18-X) of a field (18) are mapped to which one or more possible values (20-1 . . . 20-M) of a multiplexing adaptation parameter (20). In some embodiments, the multiplexing adaptation parameter (20) facilitates or governs adaptation of in which multiplexing mode, if any, a multiplexing IAB node operates for multiplexing communication on a parent IAB link with communication on a child IAB link. The first IAB node (12A) also transmits to, or receives from, a second IAB node (12B) a message (16) that includes the field (18) set to one of the one or more possible values (18-1 . . . 18-X) of the field (18) indicated by the signaling (19). In some embodiments, the multiplexing IAB node is the first IAB node (12A) or the second IAB node (12B).