IAB Base Station Slice Signaling for Accurate UE Connectivity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In IAB networks, IAB nodes far from the donor may incorrectly notify UEs about supported network slices, leading to suboptimal service quality due to unsupported configurations.

Innovation Solution

A communication device and method that determines and transmits appropriate network slice information to IAB nodes and UEs by considering path and status information, using BAP or RRC protocols, ensuring accurate slice support and connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data communication is performed between base stations in a distributed antenna system, then communication coverage and capacity are improved, but power consumption increases due to additional communication activities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capacityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The base station controller receives load information from each base station and dynamically adjusts resource allocation based on actual traffic conditions. When traffic load is low, resources are reduced or deactivated; when traffic load is high, resources are increased. This feedback mechanism ensures that power consumption is optimized according to actual communication needs rather than maintaining constant high capacity readiness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts resource allocation and power consumption levels based on real-time traffic load conditions. Base stations can transition between different operational states (full power, reduced power, sleep mode) depending on demand, allowing the system to maintain high productivity when needed while minimizing energy consumption during low-demand periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If resources are allocated to handle peak traffic loads, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases during low traffic periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary resource allocation based on predicted or expected traffic patterns while maintaining the capability to rapidly scale resources up or down. Base stations are pre-configured with resource allocation schemes that can be activated based on actual demand, allowing the system to maintain reliability without continuously consuming peak-level power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters such as transmission power, resource block allocation, and antenna activation based on traffic load conditions. During low traffic periods, parameters are adjusted to reduce power consumption while maintaining sufficient capacity to handle incoming traffic surges, thus balancing reliability and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If base stations operate at full power continuously, then communication quality is maintained, but energy waste occurs during periods of low traffic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic monitoring of traffic load and adjusts base station operational parameters accordingly. Rather than operating continuously at full power, base stations transition between different power states in response to periodic traffic patterns, maintaining communication quality during high-demand periods while reducing energy waste during low-demand periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Base stations autonomously adjust their power consumption levels based on local traffic conditions and controller directives, without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates to maintain communication quality while minimizing energy waste by activating or deactivating resources based on actual service needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4333499B1Communication device, control method for communication device, and program
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 CANON KK
  • EP4333499B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4333499B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4333499B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

A communication device functioning as a base station in a communication network comprises: receiving means for receiving, from a node that relays communication between the communication device and a user equipment, first information regarding a path between the node and the communication device and second information regarding a status of the node; determining means for determining a type of network slice supported by the node, based on the first information and the second information; and informing means for informing the node of the determined type of network slice.