Per-Link Semi-Static Resource Configuration for IAB Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network architectures face challenges in efficiently managing resource allocation and mitigating cross-link interference, particularly in coordinating resources between different hops to meet half-duplex constraints, due to limitations in existing signaling methods and resource configuration schemes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a per-link semi-static resource configuration scheme that defines and aligns resource availability for child links in IAB networks, using F1 Application Protocol (F1AP) and Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling to indicate resource types such as downlink, uplink, flexible, hard, and soft resources, allowing for explicit or implicit indications to manage interference and optimize resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing signaling methods are used for resource allocation in IAB networks, then resource coordination between hops is limited, but the system complexity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments resource configuration into per-link basis, where each link (parent backhaul link and child access link) has independent resource availability configuration. This allows separate control of resources for different hops, enabling better coordination while maintaining manageable complexity through modular configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of resource configuration by defining resource availability per-link rather than globally. This dimensional change from global to per-link configuration enables fine-grained resource coordination between parent and child links without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
2Productivity
If per-link semi-static resource configuration is implemented, then resource utilization improves, but the configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements semi-static resource configuration where resource availability is predetermined and configured in advance for each link. This preliminary action allows resources to be pre-allocated and coordinated between parent and child links, improving utilization by avoiding conflicts while the semi-static nature limits complexity compared to dynamic configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the configuration parameter from global resource allocation to per-link resource availability indicators. By introducing specific parameters (NA, H, S) that can be independently set for each link, the system achieves better resource utilization through targeted control without proportionally increasing overall configuration complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If resource availability is aligned between IAB nodes, then cross-link interference reduces, but the flexibility in resource allocation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different resource availability configurations for different links. Each link can have its own NA, H, or S indicators based on local interference conditions and traffic requirements, reducing cross-link interference through targeted coordination while maintaining flexibility through link-specific customization
4Measurement precision
If explicit resource indications are used, then resource coordination accuracy improves, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by introducing compact resource availability indicators (NA, H, S) that convey precise resource coordination information with minimal signaling. These discrete parameters provide accurate resource status indication while requiring less signaling overhead compared to detailed explicit resource allocation messages
Data Source
AI summary
Resource allocation is provided for an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network, such as a distributed unit (DU) of an IAB. Methods and systems include configuring one or more resources to allocate time-domain or frequency domain availability/utilization. Configurations of resources can be aligned between one or more nodes such that resource availability of a first node can be coupled to resources of a second node. Allocated resources can include uplink, downlink, and flexible resources. Allocated resources can be indicated as not available, hard, or soft resource types. A configuration pattern can indicate a sequence of time-domain resource or frequency domain resource availability of a DU in the IAB network.