Integrated Access and Backhaul Timing Updates for Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently handling timing synchronization and resource management for integrated access and backhaul (IAB) networks, particularly in 5G New Radio (NR) environments, which impact positioning accuracy and network performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a framework for integrated access and backhaul (IAB) timing handling that includes coordinated timing adjustment and resource management across multiple base stations and UEs, utilizing quasi-collocation (QCL) relations and beamforming techniques to enhance synchronization and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coordinated timing adjustment and resource management are implemented across multiple base stations, then timing synchronization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a location management function (LMF) as an intermediary entity that coordinates timing adjustments and resource management across multiple base stations. The LMF receives positioning reference signal configurations from base stations, determines optimal configurations for positioning purposes, and manages the timing synchronization centrally, thereby improving synchronization without proportionally increasing the complexity of individual base station operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a unified resource management framework that handles multiple functions including timing synchronization, positioning reference signal allocation, and resource coordination across access and backhaul links. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate management systems, improving timing synchronization while managing complexity through integration rather than multiplication of components.
2Measurement precision
If positioning reference signals are transmitted frequently, then positioning accuracy is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of positioning reference signals with configurable intervals. The location management function determines optimal periodicity based on positioning requirements, allowing the system to achieve necessary positioning accuracy while minimizing energy consumption by transmitting signals only when needed rather than continuously. This periodic approach balances measurement precision with energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts parameters of positioning reference signals including transmission power, frequency, and timing based on positioning accuracy requirements and network conditions. The location management function modifies these parameters to achieve the minimum necessary transmission frequency for acceptable positioning accuracy, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If beamforming techniques are used for signal transmission, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary beamforming configuration where the location management function determines and pre-configures beamforming parameters before positioning measurements are performed. By preparing beamforming settings in advance based on known UE locations and network topology, the system achieves high positioning accuracy without requiring complex real-time beamforming calculations during the actual positioning process, thereby reducing operational complexity.
4Measurement precision
If multiple positioning reference signals are transmitted simultaneously, then positioning accuracy is improved, but loss of information increases due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission of positioning reference signals across different time slots, frequencies, or spatial beams. The location management function allocates resources such that multiple positioning signals can be transmitted without overlapping in a way that causes interference. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high positioning accuracy by utilizing multiple signals while preventing information loss through careful resource separation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are techniques for wireless communication. In an aspect, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node sets a downlink transmission timing of the IAB node relative to a downlink reception timing of the IAB node based on a first set of values for a set of timing parameters, receives, from a parent IAB node of the IAB node, a second set of values for the set of timing parameters, and transmits, to a positioning entity, a report indicating a change from the first set of values to the second set of values, a new downlink transmission timing based on the second set of values, or a change in downlink transmission timing.