Mobile IAB Relay Handover for Multi-Hop Wireless Backhaul
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-frequency carriers in 5G communication systems face challenges with limited coverage and costly fiber deployment, necessitating efficient wireless backhaul solutions for enhanced coverage and connectivity, particularly in multi-hop IAB networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing integrated access and backhaul (IAB) technology with mobile wireless network nodes that facilitate handover and migration of UEs between base stations, utilizing dual connectivity and multi-hop relays to ensure reliable communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multi-hop backhauling is used to extend coverage in high-frequency radio systems, then coverage extension is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into IAB donors, IAB nodes, and UEs, with each node having specific functions. IAB donors provide anchor points with fiber backhaul, while IAB nodes provide wireless backhaul relay services. This segmentation allows complex multi-hop operations to be managed through standardized interfaces and protocols at each segment, reducing overall system complexity while extending coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces F1 interface as an intermediary layer between IAB nodes and IAB donors. This standardized interface simplifies the interaction between nodes by providing predefined protocols for setup, configuration, and management, thereby reducing the complexity of managing multi-hop wireless backhaul connections.
2Reliability
If wireless network nodes migrate between base stations to improve connectivity, then transmission reliability is improved, but handover management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary F1 interface setup between the migrating IAB node and the target IAB donor before the actual handover occurs. This preliminary action ensures that the target node is ready to receive the IAB node, reducing handover failure risks and improving reliability while streamlining the handover process through pre-established connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where IAB nodes report their status, signal quality, and connection information to IAB donors. This feedback enables automated handover decisions and smooth transitions, reducing the complexity of handover management by allowing the system to self-regulate based on real-time conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile relays are deployed to provide opportunistic coverage, then coverage availability is improved, but system coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs IAB nodes with multi-functionality, allowing them to operate both as mobile relays providing opportunistic coverage and as fixed relay nodes providing stable backhaul connections. This universal design enables the same hardware to adapt to different deployment scenarios, improving coverage availability without requiring separate complex systems for mobile and fixed operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to communication in an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network. According to some embodiments of the disclosure, a first BS may: receive, from a wireless network node or a second BS, a first indication indicating F1 interface setup completion between the wireless network node and the second BS, wherein the wireless network node is allowed to serve as a relay node between at least one of the first BS and the second BS and a UE, and the wireless network node migrates from the first BS to the second BS; and transmit, to the second BS, a first handover request message to hand over at least one UE served by the wireless network node from the first BS to the second BS in response to receiving the first indication.