Mobile IAB PCI Allocation for Collision-Free Wireless Backhaul
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of Next Generation mobile networks, such as 5G, in densely populated areas with existing fiber optic cabling poses challenges due to costly and time-consuming fiber optic transport connectivity, and mobile IAB nodes require dynamic PCI management to avoid collisions and ensure reliable wireless backhaul communication.
Innovation Solution
A PCI management system dynamically allocates non-colliding Physical Layer Cell Identifiers (PCIs) to mobile IAB nodes based on scanned neighbor cell signals and relative qualities, or reserves a pool of PCIs for static allocation, ensuring seamless wireless backhaul connectivity as the nodes move within the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fiber optic transport connectivity is deployed in densely populated areas, then network capacity and speed are improved, but deployment cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical installation process of fiber optic cabling with wireless backhaul technology. Mobile IAB nodes establish wireless connections to provide backhaul capacity without requiring physical fiber deployment, thereby maintaining network capacity improvements while eliminating the time-consuming and costly mechanical installation process in densely populated areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile IAB nodes use dynamic PCI allocation, then resource utilization and network flexibility are improved, but risk of PCI collisions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where mobile IAB nodes scan and detect PCIs of neighboring cells before selecting their own PCI. The node continuously monitors the radio environment and adjusts its PCI selection based on detected neighbor PCIs, ensuring that the chosen PCI does not collide with any neighbor. This feedback loop maintains high network flexibility while preventing PCI collisions through real-time environmental awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs PCI selection and validation as a preliminary action before the mobile IAB node begins wireless backhaul communication. The node scans neighbor PCIs, selects an appropriate PCI from the available range (0-1007), and validates the selection to ensure no collisions will occur. This preliminary PCI configuration ensures reliable operation from the start of communication.
3Reliability
If mobile IAB nodes scan and select PCIs dynamically, then PCI collision prevention is improved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of PCI selection from a complex, iterative optimization process to a straightforward scanning and selection process within the standardized PCI range of 0-1007. The mobile IAB node scans neighbor PCIs and selects the first available PCI that does not collide with neighbors, rather than performing complex optimization calculations. This parameter simplification maintains collision prevention while reducing processing time and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device obtains a Physical Layer Cell Identifier (PCI) pool for allocating to ad-hoc mobile Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) nodes traversing a wireless network. The network device selects a first PCI for allocation to a first ad-hoc mobile IAB node located in the wireless network based on PCIs contained in the PCI pool, and allocates the first PCI to the first ad-hoc mobile IAB node. The network device pushes the allocated first PCI to the first ad-hoc mobile IAB node for use by the first ad-hoc mobile IAB node to establish User Equipment (UE) wireless access to the wireless network via wireless backhaul.