Dynamic Soft Resource Indication in IAB Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) networks face challenges in dynamically indicating the availability of soft time-domain resources, which are crucial for efficient resource allocation and communication in multi-hop routing scenarios, as existing methods lack precision in signaling soft resource availability to nodes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using two Slot Format Indicators (SFIs) in Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages to indicate soft time-domain resources, where one SFI specifies slot formats for communication with a parent node and another for child nodes, enabling dynamic scheduling and resource utilization within IAB networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single Slot Format Indicator (SFI) is used in RRC messages, then the message structure remains simple, but the precision of signaling soft resource availability to IAB nodes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the slot format indication into two separate SFIs: one SFI for indicating slot formats for parent link communication and another SFI for indicating slot formats for child link communication. This segmentation allows precise signaling of soft resource availability for different link types while maintaining a structured and manageable RRC message format, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
2Productivity
If soft time-domain resources are dynamically indicated with high precision, then resource allocation efficiency improves, but the signaling overhead and message complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different SFI configurations tailored to specific link types (parent link vs. child link). Each SFI is optimized for its specific purpose, allowing precise resource allocation for each link type without unnecessarily increasing overall signaling overhead. This localized approach improves resource allocation efficiency while minimizing redundant information transmission.
3Measurement precision
If multiple SFIs are used to indicate different slot formats for parent and child links, then resource allocation precision improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring resource availability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the RRC message structure is designed to carry multiple SFIs in a standardized and organized manner. This intermediary structure facilitates the transmission and interpretation of multiple slot format indicators, making it easier for IAB nodes to detect and measure resource availability despite the increased precision requirements. The standardized RRC message format acts as a mediator that simplifies the complexity of handling multiple SFIs.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods, systems, apparatus, and computer programs for determining availability of soft time-domain resources for a node in an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from the IAB donor; determining, based on the RRC message, whether soft time-domain resources are available for the IAB node; and in response to determining that soft time-domain resources are available, scheduling a transmission with a child node using the available soft time-domain resources.