IAB Node Slot Format Configuration for Direction Mismatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, the mismatch in data transmission/reception directions between the distributed unit (DU) and the mobile termination (MT) leads to operational challenges, affecting the efficiency of IAB node operations.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where the IAB node receives a message configuring a slot format from a base station, allowing communication based on a slot format that includes specific orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, with distinct parts for uplink, flexible, and downlink symbols, ensuring operation alignment with unidirectional transmission/reception characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the IAB node uses bidirectional communication slots, then resource utilization is improved, but transmission/reception direction mismatch occurs between DU and MT
Solution Approach 1:
The slot format is segmented into distinct parts: a beginning part with uplink symbols, a middle part with flexible symbols, and an end part with downlink symbols. This segmentation allows the DU and MT to operate in different directions within the same slot without conflict, resolving the direction mismatch problem while maintaining resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot format is made dynamic through the inclusion of flexible symbols in the middle part, which can be configured to support either uplink or downlink transmission based on real-time requirements. This dynamic flexibility allows the system to adapt to varying transmission needs while preventing direction conflicts between DU and MT.
2Ease of operation
If the slot format is fixed with symmetric uplink/downlink symbols, then operational simplicity is improved, but adaptability to unidirectional characteristics is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the slot format are assigned different qualities and functions: the beginning part is optimized for uplink, the end part for downlink, and the middle part with flexible symbols can be locally adjusted to match unidirectional characteristics. This local differentiation maintains overall operational simplicity while providing necessary adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot format structure is designed to be universal, supporting both bidirectional and unidirectional operation modes. The flexible symbols in the middle part can be configured for various purposes, making the same slot format applicable to different operational scenarios without requiring complete redesign.
3Device complexity
If the IAB node operates without slot format configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but communication efficiency is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The slot format configuration is applied periodically to all slots, establishing a repeating pattern of beginning (uplink), middle (flexible), and end (downlink) parts. This periodic structure provides communication efficiency through predictable resource allocation while keeping device complexity low by avoiding slot-by-slot individual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. The disclosure discloses a method and a device for allocating resources of an IAB node.