IAB SSB Muting Patterns for Coordinated Inter-Node Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

In IAB networks, the half-duplex constraint prevents IAB nodes from transmitting and measuring SSBs simultaneously, leading to complex optimization problems with limited SMTC windows, and existing solutions like muting SSB transmission can negatively impact other nodes without proper coordination.

Innovation Solution

A method for IAB nodes to acquire muting pattern information through a network function, enabling coordinated decisions on SSB transmission and measurement by exchanging muting-related information among nodes, using STC and MeasObj/SMTC configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If IAB nodes mute their own SSB transmissions to enable inter-IAB cell search, then inter-node measurement capability is improved, but UE cell search and measurement capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinter-node measurement capabilityVSAvoidUE cell search and measurement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments SSB transmission into two distinct sets: one set (first SSBs) dedicated for UE cell search and measurement, and another set (second SSBs) for inter-IAB node cell search and measurement. This segmentation allows each function to operate independently without mutual interference, resolving the contradiction between improving inter-node measurement while maintaining UE cell search capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by configuring different SSB transmission properties for different purposes. The first SSBs are configured with specific time-domain positions and periodicity optimized for UE access, while the second SSBs are configured with different parameters optimized for inter-IAB node measurements. Each SSB set has localized optimization for its specific function, allowing both functions to coexist

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If IAB nodes use TDM orthogonal SSB transmissions for inter-IAB cell search, then inter-node measurement is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinter-node measurement capabilityVSAvoidSSB configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the SSB transmission framework universal by extending the existing Release 15 SSB configuration mechanisms to serve dual purposes. The same STC (SSB Transmission Configuration) and SMTC (SS/PBCH Measurement Timing Configuration) frameworks are used for both UE cell search and inter-IAB node measurements, reducing the need for separate complex configuration systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple STCs and SMTCs with different time-domain positions and periodicities before operation. This allows the system to establish orthogonal TDM patterns in advance, avoiding complex real-time coordination and reducing operational complexity during actual inter-node measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12550083B2Muting pattern signaling in IAB inter-node measurement

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

In one aspect, a wireless relay node operating in a wireless communications network obtains (602), for each of one or more other wireless relay nodes, information indicating a muting pattern for muting of synchronization signal blocks, SSBs, by the other wireless relay node. The wireless relay node performs (604) measurements of SSBs and muting of SSB transmissions based on the obtained information.