IAB Resource Availability Rules for Multi-Hop Slot Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The availability of resources in Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) networks is difficult to determine, particularly in the context of New Radio access technology cells, due to the introduction of multi-hop relays and the need for forward compatibility in resource configuration.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for determining the availability of first-type resources in IAB networks, involving a first node that determines resource availabilities based on agreed rules and/or resource configuration signaling, and a second node that indicates these availabilities to the first node using agreed rules and signaling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multi-hop relay is introduced in IAB networks, then network flexibility and deployment density are improved, but resource availability determination becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidresource configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments resource configuration into two distinct functional units: MT (Mobile Terminal) resources for backhaul communication and DU (Distributed Unit) resources for access communication. This segmentation allows independent management and determination of resource availabilities, simplifying the overall resource configuration in multi-hop relay networks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes predetermined rules and agreements between parent and child nodes regarding resource configuration before actual communication occurs. These preliminary agreements define how resource availabilities are determined and signaled, enabling efficient resource management without complex real-time negotiations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If forward compatibility is ensured in DU resource configuration, then future-proofing is achieved, but resource availability determination becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforward compatibilityVSAvoidresource availability determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent configures DU resources with forward compatibility considerations in advance, establishing resource pools that can accommodate future service requirements. The availability determination follows predetermined rules that maintain consistency with future network evolutions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Each node autonomously determines the availability of its own DU resources based on pre-configured rules and local conditions, without requiring complex centralized coordination. This self-service approach simplifies resource availability determination while maintaining forward compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12557111B2Resource determination method and device, storage medium and electronic device

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 ZTE CORP

AI summary

A resource determination method and device, a storage medium and an electronic device are provided. The method includes the following operations. A first node determines availabilities of first-type resources of one or more slots according to an agreed rule and/or according to a resource configuration signaling. The technical problem in the related art that the availability of resources is difficult to determine is solved.