IAB Timing Advance Control via Backhaul Difference
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) wireless communication systems, wireless backhaul links face timing issues that are difficult to address, particularly in scenarios where timing advance (TA) settings are not directly controlled by the parent node, leading to misalignments and inefficiencies in transmission timing across IAB nodes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine a new timing advance based on the received timing difference between the reception of an uplink signal and transmission of a downlink signal over a wireless backhaul link, allowing for adjustments to be made by the child node to align its transmission timings with those of the parent node, even when the parent node does not directly control the child node's timing advance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If timing advance is not directly controlled by the parent node, then IAB nodes have more autonomy in timing management, but timing misalignments occur across the wireless backhaul link
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the child node measures the timing difference between its uplink transmission and downlink reception, then reports this timing difference back to itself (or parent node) to calculate and adjust the timing advance value. This closed-loop feedback ensures timing alignment is maintained while allowing the child node autonomy in the adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The child node independently calculates its own timing advance value based on the measured timing difference, rather than having the parent node directly control it. The child node uses the formula TA = timing difference + offset to determine its timing advance, enabling self-service timing management while maintaining synchronization.
2Device complexity
If child nodes calculate timing advance independently, then control complexity is reduced, but timing misalignments and transmission inefficiencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The simple feedback loop where the child node measures timing difference and adjusts TA accordingly maintains low complexity while ensuring transmission efficiency. The mechanism uses basic measurements and calculations that avoid complex control protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the timing advance parameter dynamically based on measured timing differences. By changing the TA parameter in response to observed timing misalignments, the system maintains efficient transmissions without requiring complex control mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If timing advance is adjusted frequently, then timing alignment accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies timing advance adjustments selectively based on measured timing differences. Rather than continuously adjusting TA, the system adjusts only when timing misalignment is detected, reducing unnecessary signaling overhead while maintaining adequate timing alignment accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a method comprising: receiving an indication of a timing difference over a wireless backhaul link, the indication received at a first node in a wireless communication system and received from a second node in the wireless communication system, the timing difference between a first time at which the second node received uplink signal on the wireless backhaul link from the first node and a second time at which the second node transmitted downlink signal on the wireless backhaul link to the first node; determining by the first node a new timing advance based on a current timing advance and on the received timing difference; and using the determined new timing advance for one or more transmissions by the first node over one or more wireless links.