IAB Node Simultaneous TxRx Beam Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current integrated access and backhaul (IAB) networks in 5G deployments face challenges in managing simultaneous reception and transmission across multiple links, particularly in coordinating beam management parameters and transmission scheduling between parent and child nodes and user equipment (UEs) to ensure efficient data transfer without interference.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of advanced beam management and scheduling mechanisms within next-generation NodeBs (gNBs) to dynamically configure and synchronize beam parameters and transmission timing across backhaul and access links, allowing for simultaneous data exchange with parent and child nodes and UEs, while prioritizing traffic based on link conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If beam management parameters and transmission scheduling are coordinated between parent and child nodes, then interference is reduced and data transfer efficiency is improved, but the complexity of parameter management and scheduling coordination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidparameter management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The beam management and scheduling coordination is segmented into hierarchical levels: parent gNB establishes initial parameters, child gNB receives and applies them, and each node independently manages its own access link scheduling. This segmentation reduces overall coordination complexity while maintaining data transfer efficiency through localized decision-making at each hierarchical level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Beam management parameters and transmission scheduling are configured in advance through preliminary signaling from parent to child gNBs before actual data transfer occurs. This preliminary configuration establishes the framework for efficient data transfer while avoiding real-time coordination complexity during active transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If simultaneous reception and transmission are enabled across multiple links, then network capacity and performance are improved, but interference management and signal quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different beam management parameters are applied to different links (backhaul links between gNBs and access links to UEs) based on their specific requirements. Each link receives customized parameters optimized for its local conditions, allowing simultaneous operations with minimized interference through link-specific parameter tuning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Beam management parameters such as beamwidth and direction are dynamically adjusted based on current transmission and reception requirements. The system can switch between narrow beams for high-gain point-to-point links and wider beams for coverage scenarios, enabling simultaneous operations while managing interference through adaptive parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If beam management parameters are dynamically adjusted for simultaneous operations, then transmission reliability is improved, but the overhead for parameter signaling and processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The beam management parameter framework is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it enables simultaneous reception and transmission, provides interference management, and ensures transmission reliability. This multi-functionality reduces overall signaling overhead by consolidating multiple control objectives into a unified parameter set that achieves multiple goals at once.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If scheduling is performed to align DL and UL transmissions for simultaneous reception, then resource utilization is improved, but the flexibility in scheduling independent links is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidscheduling flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Scheduling is segmented into hierarchical levels with independent decision-making authority at each level. The parent gNB schedules backhaul links while child gNBs independently schedule their access links, allowing simultaneous operations with optimized resource utilization at each level without requiring centralized coordination that would reduce flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12256237B2Enhancements to simultaneous transmit/reception in an integrated access and backhaul node

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 APPLE INC

AI summary

A first next generation Node B (gNB) is configured to establish a first backhaul communication link with a second gNB as a parent gNB, schedule at least one of a third gNB or a UE for a UL transmission to the first gNB using UL beam management parameters and UL transmission parameters, indicate to the second gNB first beam management parameters for the second gNB to use for transmitting a DL transmission to the first gNB on the first backhaul link and first DL transmission parameters for the DL transmission so that the DL transmission will be received simultaneously with the UL transmission and when the first beam management parameters and the first DL transmission parameters are determined to be used by the second gNB, receiving the DL transmission from the second gNB simultaneously with the UL transmission from the at least one of the third gNB or the UE.