Mobile Relay Architecture for 5G Integrated Access and Backhaul

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) solutions from 3GPP do not support full mobility of relay nodes, limiting the deployment of mobile relays in advanced wireless communication networks like 5G and 6G, as they require fixed relay nodes and do not allow for dynamic route switching and topology adaptation at the time scales needed for mobility events.

Innovation Solution

A system model and architecture that separates the control plane and user plane architectures, with a star-type control plane architecture and a multi-hop user plane architecture, enabling each relay node to maintain separate connections for master and secondary cell groups, allowing for independent topology management and supporting full mobility of relay nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If fixed relay nodes are used in current IAB solutions, then network topology stability is improved, but relay node mobility is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork topology stabilityVSAvoidrelay node mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection between relay nodes and donor nodes into multiple possible paths (first connection and second connection). The relay node can switch between different donor nodes or paths, enabling mobility while maintaining network topology stability through controlled segmentation of connectivity options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic path selection and switching mechanisms that allow relay nodes to change their connectivity configuration in real-time based on mobility events. The system dynamically adjusts which donor node serves which relay node, enabling full mobility support while maintaining overall network stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate connections for master and secondary cell groups are implemented, then topology adaptability is improved, but system complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetopology adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the relay node capable of universal connectivity to multiple donor nodes through both first and second connections. The same relay node infrastructure serves multiple topological configurations, allowing it to adapt to different network scenarios without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each connection type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a centralized controller or coordination mechanism that mediates between the multiple connections and the relay nodes. This intermediary manages the complexity of separate master and secondary cell group connections by centralizing the control logic, thereby reducing distributed system complexity while maintaining topology adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic route switching is enabled for mobility events, then relay node mobility is improved, but handover latency is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelay node mobilityVSAvoidhandover latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes preliminary connections and prepares routing paths in advance before mobility events occur. By pre-configuring multiple potential connections (first and second connections) and maintaining them ready, the system reduces the time needed for handover during actual mobility events, as the switching path is already prepared.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables rapid switching between connections during mobility events by skipping intermediate configuration steps. The pre-established second connection allows the relay node to quickly transition to a new donor node without going through full reconfiguration procedures, thereby reducing handover latency while maintaining mobility capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentUS11349557B2System model and architecture for mobile integrated access and backhaul in advanced networks

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Facilitating operation and support of mobile relays based on an integrated access and backhaul concept for advanced networks (e.g., 4G, 5G, 6G, and beyond) is provided. An embodiment relates to a communication network architecture that can comprise a control plane architecture of a relay node device. The control plane architecture can comprise a star-type architecture. Further, the communication network architecture can comprise a user plane architecture of the relay node device. The user plane architecture can be separated from (or independent of) the control plane architecture. Further, the user plane architecture can comprise a multi-hop architecture. The relay node device can be configured to operate according to a fifth generation wireless network communication protocol, or other advanced communication protocols.