IAB Resource Allocation for Priority UEs in Public Safety Networks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Public safety communication systems face challenges with low on-demand coverage and availability, especially in large networks, and current resource multiplexing in IAB designs is not optimized for UEs with different priorities and service requirements, leading to poor connections for priority UEs and inadequate service for non-priority UEs.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive IAB network method that prioritizes resource allocation and routing for priority UEs, using alternate links and dead periods to ensure quick, reliable coverage while serving non-priority UEs, with offline determination of resource allocation and topology adaptation based on channel measurements and traffic predictions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If resource multiplexing in IAB designs is used to serve multiple UEs, then network coverage is extended, but service quality for priority UEs deteriorates due to non-optimal resource allocation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidconnection reliability for priority UEs
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments network resources into priority and non-priority resource pools, and segments time into dead periods and active periods. Priority UEs are allocated dedicated resources in priority resource pools during active periods, while non-priority UEs use non-priority resource pools during dead periods. This segmentation ensures that priority UEs receive guaranteed resources regardless of network load, resolving the contradiction between extended coverage and reliable connection for priority users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the network transitions between dead periods (serving non-priority UEs) and active periods (prioritizing priority UEs). During dead periods, resources are allocated to non-priority UEs to extend coverage, while during active periods, resources are dynamically reallocated to priority UEs to ensure reliable connections. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting resource distribution to varying service requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If resources are allocated to non-priority UEs during dead periods, then coverage for non-priority UEs is improved, but access delay for priority UEs increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage area for non-priority UEsVSAvoidaccess delay for priority UEs
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic alternation between dead periods and active periods. During dead periods, resources are allocated to non-priority UEs to provide coverage, while during active periods, resources are allocated to priority UEs to minimize their access delay. This periodic action ensures that non-priority UEs receive coverage opportunities without permanently blocking priority UE access, resolving the contradiction between coverage extension and access delay reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The network performs preliminary determination of dead periods and active periods based on channel measurements and traffic predictions. By pre-planning resource allocation patterns and identifying periods suitable for serving non-priority UEs, the system ensures that priority UE resources are reserved in advance during active periods, minimizing access delay while still providing coverage opportunities for non-priority UEs during predetermined dead periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If IAB nodes are deployed to densify the network, then channel quality improves, but resource allocation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel qualityVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temporal parameter of resource allocation by introducing dead periods and active periods, and changes the resource pool parameter by creating separate priority and non-priority pools. These parameter changes simplify the allocation complexity at IAB nodes by providing clear, time-based rules for resource distribution, while the densified IAB network topology maintains high channel quality through multiple available paths and reduced transmission distances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4147518B1Network resource allocation for public safety communications
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4147518B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4147518B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4147518B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method (600) in a network comprising a control node, a first access node, and a second access node, wherein there is a first link between the control node and the first access node and there is a second link between the first access node and the second access node, and wherein the second access node provides network access to a non-priority UE. The method includes the control node determining that a priority UE is attempting to establish a connection with the network. The method also includes, after determining that the priority UE is attempting to establish a connection with the network, the control node prioritizing at least the first link for the priority UE. The method also includes the control node determining an alternate link to the second access node for use in carrying traffic to and/or from the non- priority UE to which the second access node provides access, wherein the alternate link does not include the first link between the control node and the first access node.