Over-the-air Synchronization in Mobile IAB Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR and LTE, lack efficient mechanisms for updating or configuring timing adjustment factors (T_delta) to respond to changes in delays across integrated access and backhaul (IAB) networks, especially considering the mobility state of mobile IAB nodes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of mechanisms to determine, signal, and calculate T_delta values for IAB communications, taking into account the mobility state of IAB nodes, using L2 or L3 signaling, and configuring timing adjustments to synchronize IAB transmissions effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional synchronization mechanisms are used in IAB networks, then basic communication functionality is maintained, but the system cannot dynamically respond to changes in delays caused by mobile IAB nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network entity receives timing adjustment factor values from wireless nodes and uses this feedback to determine and communicate updated timing adjustment factors. This closed-loop feedback system enables dynamic adaptation to delay changes while maintaining synchronization reliability through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic timing adjustment factors that can be updated based on mobility states and delay changes. Instead of static synchronization parameters, the system dynamically adjusts timing adjustment factors in response to changing network conditions, enabling the system to adapt to mobile IAB nodes while maintaining reliable synchronization.
2Measurement precision
If timing adjustment factors are frequently updated to track delay changes, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the timing adjustment factor parameter based on mobility states and delay measurements. By dynamically adjusting this key parameter in response to measured delay changes, the system achieves high synchronization accuracy without requiring complete reconfiguration of the synchronization system, thus avoiding excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity acts as an intermediary that receives timing adjustment factor values from wireless nodes, processes this information, and communicates updated timing adjustment factors back to the nodes. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the synchronization control logic, reducing the complexity burden on individual wireless nodes while maintaining high synchronization accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for over-the-air synchronization of integrated access and backhaul communications. An example method that may be performed by a network entity includes receiving, from a first wireless node, an indication of a value of a timing adjustment factor associated with a communication between the first wireless node and a second wireless node and communicating with the first wireless node or the second wireless node based on the value of the timing adjustment factor.