Integrated Backhaul Node for Shared RRN and BTS Hardware

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing hardware structure of remote relay nodes (RRN) and base transceiver stations (BTS) in wireless backhaul systems results in hardware cost wastage due to similar configurations, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective solution.

Innovation Solution

A backhaul device is introduced that combines the functions of RRN and BTS, utilizing a shared hardware structure with distinct beamforming techniques to separate backhaul and access functions, reducing hardware redundancy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate RRN and BTS hardware structures are used to implement backhaul and access functions, then functional separation is achieved, but hardware costs increase due to redundancy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional separationVSAvoidhardware redundancy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the RRN and BTS into a single integrated backhaul device that performs both backhaul and access functions. The device includes a backhaul module for wireless backhaul communication and an access module for terminal access, sharing common hardware resources such as baseband processing units, radio frequency units, and antennas, thereby eliminating hardware redundancy while maintaining functional separation through software or module-level division.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The backhaul device is designed as a multi-functional unit that can simultaneously perform backhaul transmission and terminal access functions. The device includes configurable modules that can be dynamically assigned to different functions based on operational requirements, allowing a single device to replace what previously required separate RRN and BTS hardware installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If beamforming is used to separate backhaul and access beams in TDD standard, then spatial isolation is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference between backhaul and accessVSAvoidbeamforming system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wireless communication functions into distinct backhaul and access modules within the integrated device. Each module has dedicated beamforming capabilities that can independently control beam directions and patterns. The backhaul module communicates with donor nodes using separate beams from those used by the access module for terminal communication, providing spatial isolation through segmented beam management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different beamforming characteristics to different functional modules. The backhaul module uses beamforming parameters optimized for long-range communication with donor nodes, while the access module uses parameters optimized for shorter-range terminal communication. This local optimization of beam quality for each function reduces interference while maintaining efficient communication for each purpose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4145932B1Data transmission method and related device
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4145932B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4145932B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4145932B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Embodiments of this application disclose a data transmission method and a related device, to save hardware resources. A backhaul device is a device that can implement both backhaul and access, and a hardware structure of the backhaul device is similar to a hardware structure of an RRN or a BTS. The RRN and the BTS of similar hardware structures are replaced with one backhaul device, thereby reducing hardware costs.