Layer-2 IAB Architecture for Multi-RAT Backhauling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP standardization processes for integrated access backhaul (IAB) architecture face challenges in seamlessly backhauling LTE and non-3GPP radio access technologies without significant architectural modifications, particularly when deploying 5G new radio (NR) networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a layer-2 based IAB architecture with an internet protocol tunnel between wireless network devices and core network devices, allowing data to be transmitted from one radio access technology to another, such as from LTE to NR or Wi-Fi, through the establishment of internet protocol addresses and tunnels, enabling flexible backhauling of traffic across different radio access technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a layer-2 based IAB architecture with IP tunneling is implemented, then the ability to backhaul multiple radio access technologies (3GPP and non-3GPP) is improved, but the device complexity and architectural modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The IAB node is designed with multi-functionality to handle both 3GPP (LTE/NR) and non-3GPP (Wi-Fi) radio access technologies through a unified layer-2 architecture. The node can simultaneously perform backhauling for different RAT types by establishing separate IP tunnels for each technology while sharing common protocol stack components and resource management functions, thereby achieving universal backhauling capability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
An Internet Protocol (IP) tunnel is introduced as an intermediary layer between the IAB node and the core network. This IP tunneling mechanism acts as a mediator that encapsulates and transports traffic from multiple radio access technologies (LTE, NR, Wi-Fi) over a unified backhaul connection, enabling seamless integration of different RATs without requiring separate backhaul infrastructures for each technology
2Ease of manufacture
If seamless backhauling of LTE and non-3GPP RATs is achieved without significant architectural modifications, then the ease of deployment is improved, but the adaptability to handle diverse traffic types may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The backhaul architecture is segmented into distinct functional layers: the lower layer maintains the unified layer-2 IAB structure for seamless deployment, while the upper layer implements technology-specific IP tunnels and protocol adaptations. This segmentation allows the base architecture to remain simple and easy to deploy, while the upper-layer tunneling mechanisms provide the necessary adaptability to handle diverse traffic types from different radio access technologies
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in the IP tunnel configuration to adapt to different radio access technologies. By dynamically adjusting tunnel parameters such as encapsulation headers, QoS markings, and routing identifiers, the architecture can accommodate various traffic types from LTE, NR, and Wi-Fi without requiring fundamental structural changes, thus maintaining deployment ease while achieving traffic handling flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed herein provide for the provisioning of backhaul links over a 5G N R (New Radio) integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network for access nodes using non-5G radio access technologies. In this way, the IAB network can service devices that are connected to the core network via older 3GPP technologies, or even non-3GPP technologies such as Wi-Fi. An IAB mobile terminal can be provided at the end point access node to make the access node an IAB node. Using an existing internet protocol (IP) routing in the IAB network, or providing for an IP tunnel between the endpoint access node and the core network can then facilitate providing backhaul services for the non-5G access node.