5G NR Backhaul Management via IB-AMF Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
The evolution of 5G wireless communication systems introduces new link management issues due to flexible access and backhaul requirements, necessitating efficient configuration and reconfiguration of wireless backhaul links as channel and traffic conditions change, to maintain reliable connections and balance network traffic loads.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an Integrated Backhaul Access and Mobility Function (IB-AMF) server, which authenticates base stations, allocates resources, and manages handovers between relay base stations based on monitoring data, to establish and reconfigure wireless backhaul links, ensuring flexible access and scalable backhaul capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless backhaul links are configured flexibly to adapt to changing channel and traffic conditions, then adaptability and reliability are improved, but device complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a backhaul management entity (BME) as an intermediary component that centralizes the management of wireless backhaul links. The BME receives configuration parameters from the core network, evaluates channel and traffic conditions, and automatically configures backhaul links between base stations and relay nodes. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing flexible adaptation through automated decision-making while reducing management complexity by centralizing control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the backhaul management entity continuously monitors channel conditions, traffic loads, and link quality metrics. Based on this feedback information, the BME dynamically adjusts backhaul link configurations, including selecting optimal relay nodes, allocating resources, and reconfiguring parameters. This closed-loop feedback system enables adaptability to changing conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through automated response to monitored parameters.
2Productivity
If multiple relay base stations are used to provide backhaul services, then backhaul capacity and network coverage are improved, but system complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backhaul management function into hierarchical levels: a central backhaul management entity that handles high-level configuration and coordination, and distributed relay base stations that execute specific link management tasks. This segmentation allows multiple relay stations to operate simultaneously with improved backhaul capacity while the central entity manages coordination to prevent complexity escalation. Each relay node handles local link configurations independently based on centralized policies.
Solution Approach 2:
The backhaul management entity is designed as a universal platform that can manage multiple relay base stations and various types of backhaul links (direct, indirect, multi-hop) through standardized procedures. This multi-functional approach enables the system to scale to multiple relay stations without proportionally increasing coordination complexity, as the same management entity handles diverse scenarios using unified algorithms and protocols.
3Reliability
If wireless backhaul links are reconfigured frequently to optimize performance, then link quality and data rates are improved, but signaling overhead and network instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic backhaul link configuration where the backhaul management entity continuously evaluates channel conditions and traffic demands to determine optimal reconfiguration timing. Rather than frequent periodic reconfigurations, the system dynamically adjusts links based on actual performance degradation thresholds and predicted traffic patterns. This dynamic approach maintains high link quality by reconfiguring only when necessary, reducing unnecessary signaling overhead and network instability while responding to actual performance needs.
Data Source
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AI summary
This document describes monitoring and managing wireless backhaul integrated with mobile access in fifth generation new radio (5G NR) wireless networks. The techniques described employ an Integrated Backhaul-Access and Mobility Function (IB-AMF) to enable authorization of a base station to access a 5G network through another base station. The techniques described also monitor channel conditions and traffic loads to manage backhaul links and facilitate handovers of base station backhaul connections between other base stations.