IAB Node Simultaneous Connectivity in 5G Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in optimizing simultaneous connectivity for integrated access and backhaul networks, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and network performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method where a first base station establishes a connection with an IAB node and requests a second base station to do the same, with both stations indicating whether they will serve as IAB donors, allowing for dual connectivity and resource sharing between access and backhaul networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single base station serves as IAB donor for an IAB node, then the network structure is simple and easy to manage, but the connectivity reliability and resource allocation flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IAB donor functionality by allowing multiple base stations to simultaneously serve as IAB donors for the same IAB node. This creates multiple independent connectivity paths, where each base station can independently provide donor services, thereby improving reliability through diversification rather than through structural simplification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables different base stations to have different local qualities in terms of donor capability. Each base station can be configured with specific donor parameters and resources, allowing the IAB node to selectively utilize optimal resources from each donor based on local conditions, thus improving reliability without requiring a completely complex centralized structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple base stations simultaneously serve as IAB donors for the same IAB node, then resource allocation flexibility and connectivity reliability improve, but the complexity of connection management and coordination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the IAB node can flexibly switch between multiple IAB donors based on real-time conditions. The resource allocation is not static but dynamically adjustable, allowing the system to adapt to changing network conditions while managing complexity through automated dynamic control rather than rigid static configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The IAB node acts as an intermediary that manages connections to multiple IAB donors. It coordinates resource allocation and connection management centrally at the IAB node level, which simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a single point of control rather than requiring complex inter-base-station coordination mechanisms
3Productivity
If an IAB node connects to multiple base stations simultaneously, then network performance and connectivity are improved, but the complexity of establishing and maintaining multiple connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple IAB donor connections and their associated parameters before actual data transmission begins. The connection establishment procedures, resource allocations, and donor configurations are prepared in advance, which simplifies real-time operations and reduces the complexity of dynamic connection management during network operation
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node may establish a first connection with a first base station, establish a second connection with a second base station, and receive an indication, from the first base station or the second base station, that indicates at least one of the first base station or the second base station is to serve as an IAB donor for the IAB node. The first base station may indicate to the second base station, based on the second connection being established with the IAB node, that at least one of a first base station or the second base station is to serve as an IAB donor for the IAB node.