5G NR IAB TΔ Broadcasting for Child Node Timing Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated access and backhaul (IAB) networks, there is a misalignment between downlink (DL) transmit timing and uplink (UL) receive timing, leading to timing misalignment gaps that affect proper timing and synchronization for child nodes and user equipment (UEs).
Innovation Solution
The timing misalignment gap (TΔ) is signaled from a parent node to all child nodes and UEs, using methods such as MAC commands, MIB, SIB, and DCI messages broadcast over PDCCH, ensuring aligned UL RX timing across all child nodes and UEs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If timing misalignment information is broadcast to all child nodes and UEs, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by determining whether timing misalignment information is common to multiple child nodes and UEs before broadcasting. The parent node identifies specific groups of child nodes that share the same timing misalignment characteristics, and only broadcasts information to those groups rather than all nodes universally. This selective broadcasting approach reduces signaling overhead while maintaining synchronization accuracy for the affected nodes.
2Reliability
If timing misalignment gap is signaled using multiple methods (MAC commands, MIB, SIB, DCI), then reliability of timing synchronization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes multiple existing signaling mechanisms (MAC commands, MIB, SIB, DCI messages) to broadcast timing misalignment information. Each of these signaling methods serves its traditional function while also carrying the timing misalignment gap information. This multi-functional approach improves reliability by providing multiple paths for timing information delivery without requiring entirely new signaling infrastructure, thus managing system complexity while enhancing synchronization reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to embodiments broadcasting timing misalignment (TΔ or T_ delta or Tdelta) information in a fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network. Tdelta information associated with an IAB node is determined based on a downlink (DL) transmit (TX) timing associated with the IAB node and an uplink (UL) receive (RX) timing associated with the IAB node. A determination is made whether the Tdelta information is to common to at least one child node associated with the IAB node and at least one child user equipment (UE) associated with the IAB node. A message having the Tdelta information is generated in response to the determination that the Tdelta information is common to at least one child node associated with the IAB node and at least one child UE associated with the IAB node. The message is broadcast to the child nodes associated with the IAB node and the child UEs associated with the IAB node.