Mobile IAB Node Power States for Overlap Interference Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Interference and power inefficiency in mobile integrated access and backhaul (IAB) networks due to overlapping coverage areas of mobile IAB nodes, leading to redundant communication and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Mobile IAB nodes dynamically adjust their power states based on proximity to other access nodes, turning off when within a defined proximity and turning on when isolated, using signal strength or distance thresholds, with configuration parameters set by a central unit (CU) to manage handovers and reduce interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If mobile IAB nodes operate continuously to provide coverage, then network coverage is maintained, but power consumption increases and interference occurs when nodes are in close proximity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidnetwork coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power state transitions for IAB nodes based on real-time proximity detection. Nodes switch between active and inactive states according to their spatial relationship with neighboring nodes, enabling adaptive power management that responds to changing network conditions rather than operating in fixed states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where IAB nodes continuously monitor proximity to neighboring nodes and adjust their power states accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that nodes only activate when necessary for coverage, preventing both unnecessary power consumption and interference from redundant transmissions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Area of stationary object

If multiple IAB nodes operate simultaneously in close proximity, then coverage area is expanded, but interference between nodes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the problematic simultaneous operation of closely spaced nodes by implementing selective activation. When proximity detection indicates that nodes are too close, the system deactivates redundant nodes, removing the source of interference while maintaining necessary coverage through the remaining active nodes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different operational states to different nodes based on their local spatial context. Each node's power state is determined by its specific proximity relationship with neighboring nodes, allowing the network to optimize coverage and minimize interference through localized decision-making at each node

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-generated harmful factors

If IAB nodes continuously monitor for neighboring nodes to optimize power states, then interference is reduced, but signaling overhead and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterferenceVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

IAB nodes autonomously perform proximity detection and power state determination without requiring complex centralized control for each decision. The nodes self-manage their operational states based on local measurements and pre-configured parameters, reducing the signaling overhead and processing complexity that would result from continuous centralized coordination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4062663B1Dynamically controlling a power state of a mobile integrated access and backhaul node
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4062663B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4062663B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4062663B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described to enable a mobile access node to enter a new power state based on detection of a second access node. The second access node may be detected by the mobile access node or a central unit (CU). The mobile access node or the CU may determine for the mobile access node to enter a new power state and may notify the other of the determination. The mobile access node may enter a lower power state if the second access node is within a defined proximity or if one or more thresholds are exceeded. The mobile access node may enter a higher power state if no other access nodes are within the defined proximity or if the one or more thresholds are not exceeded. Configuration parameters for a power state change procedure may be configured by control signaling from a CU.