IAB Node Soft Resource Allocation via Dynamic Request Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) networks face challenges in efficiently coordinating and assigning soft resources between IAB nodes, particularly in half-duplex operation modes, where traditional resource allocation methods do not account for dynamic interactions and topological adjacency, leading to suboptimal capacity utilization and resource management.

Innovation Solution

The proposed method involves an IAB node sending requests for soft resources to a parent node, with mechanisms for resending requests if not granted and suspending further requests temporarily, and the parent node determining resource allocation based on availability and conditions such as guaranteed reception periods, enabling flexible and controlled sharing of semi-statically assigned soft resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional resource allocation methods are used in IAB networks, then the network structure is simple, but capacity utilization is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacity utilizationVSAvoidresource coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where IAB nodes can request soft resources from parent nodes based on real-time traffic conditions. The system transitions from static pre-assigned resources to dynamic on-demand resource allocation, allowing nodes to adapt to changing network conditions and optimize capacity utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where IAB nodes send resource requests to parent nodes, and the parent node responds with grants or denials based on current resource availability. This feedback loop enables continuous optimization of resource distribution and resolves the contradiction between simplicity and capacity utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If soft resources are allocated without waiting mechanisms, then resource assignment is fast, but resource management becomes uncontrolled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource sharing flexibilityVSAvoidresource allocation control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic retry mechanisms where IAB nodes can resend resource requests after a predetermined time interval if initially denied. This periodic action pattern provides structured flexibility while maintaining control through defined retry limits and time intervals, preventing uncontrolled resource requests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes preliminary conditions for resource allocation where the parent node evaluates whether to grant soft resources based on pre-defined criteria such as traffic conditions and network state. This preliminary evaluation ensures controlled and reliable resource distribution while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If IAB nodes continuously send resource requests, then resource acquisition is aggressive, but network congestion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource acquisition efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork congestion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic retry with predetermined time intervals between requests. Instead of continuous aggressive requesting, IAB nodes wait for a determined amount of time between retry attempts, reducing network congestion while maintaining efficient resource acquisition through structured periodic requests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Adaptability or versatility

If soft resources are shared without eligibility checks, then resource distribution is simple, but resource misuse occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource sharing flexibilityVSAvoidresource usage reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements eligibility verification where the IAB node determines whether it is eligible for granted soft resources before utilizing them. The parent node provides feedback information about resource availability and conditions, and the IAB node confirms eligibility before deployment, ensuring reliable resource usage while maintaining sharing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3909349B1Integrated access and backhaul distributed unit soft resources
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3909349B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3909349B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3909349B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

Systems and methods for receiving soft resource reservation or allocation from a parent node, performed by an IAB node are included. One exemplary method includes sending a request for a soft resource to a parent node, receiving a grant or denial of a soft resource from the parent node, when a grant is received, determining whether the IAB node is eligible for the granted soft resource, and utilizing the soft resource to communication data with the parent node via a backhaul link or with a user equipment via an access link.