IAB Radio Node Mode Switching and Guard Symbol Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current radio communication systems, particularly in Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) nodes, lack provisions for switching between single and simultaneous operation modes, and effective handling of guard symbols during mode transitions, which can lead to resource contention and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A radio node and communication method that enable switching between single and simultaneous operation modes by an IAB-MT and IAB-DU, based on reports and indications from the parent node, and manage guard symbols to avoid resource contention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an IAB node performs simultaneous communication operation (both first communication with child node and second communication with parent node), then communication efficiency and resource utilization are improved, but device complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidoperation mode control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between simultaneous operation mode and single operation mode based on communication conditions. The IAB node can flexibly transition between operating modes (simultaneous first communication and second communication, or single communication) according to traffic demands and resource availability, making the system adaptable rather than static

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The IAB node is designed with multi-functional capability to perform both simultaneous operation (acting as both MT and DU concurrently) and single operation (acting as either MT or DU). This universal design allows the same node to fulfill different functional roles based on network requirements, reducing the need for separate dedicated nodes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an IAB node switches between simultaneous operation and single operation modes, then adaptability to different communication scenarios is improved, but switching control complexity and signal processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation mode adaptabilityVSAvoidswitching control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the IAB node reports its operation mode status and communication conditions to the network, and receives control signals in response. This closed-loop control allows the node to adapt its operation mode based on real-time network conditions while maintaining coordinated control through feedback-based decision making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism where the parent node or network controller acts as a mediator to manage the switching between operation modes. The intermediary receives requests from the IAB node, evaluates network conditions, and issues appropriate mode switching commands, thereby simplifying the control complexity at the IAB node itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If an IAB node performs single communication operation (either first or second communication only), then power consumption and processing load are reduced, but resource utilization and communication efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidresource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic switching between single operation mode and simultaneous operation mode based on traffic patterns and communication demands. The IAB node alternates between low-power single communication operation and high-performance simultaneous operation, optimizing the balance between energy consumption and resource utilization over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20240348413A1Radio node and radio communication method
Publication Date: 2024.10.17 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • US20240348413A1 patent drawing
  • US20240348413A1 patent drawing
  • US20240348413A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A radio node that has: a communication unit that performs a simultaneous communication operation whereby a first communication with a child node or a terminal and a second communication with a parent node are conducted simultaneously and an independent communication operation whereby either the first communication or the second communication is performed; and a control unit that, on the basis of either a report to the parent node or a notification from the parent node, or both, makes a determination to switch between the simultaneous communication operation and the independent communication operation.