Multi-Parent IAB Backhaul for Bandwidth and Coverage Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks face challenges in providing quality backhaul services to locations where wired backhaul is not available, not practical, or not economical, and there is a need for efficient utilization of wireless spectrum to expand coverage while supporting multiple Radio Access Technologies and managing multi-IAB donor parent nodes to optimize network efficiency and spectrum usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless backhaul connection management system that allows multi-parental connections from child IAB nodes to multiple IAB donors, dynamically managing wireless backhaul links to optimize network resources and support multiple Radio Access Technologies, including licensed and unlicensed spectrum, to enhance efficiency and coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-parent base station relationship is used in IAB networks, then the network architecture is simple and easy to manage, but the backhaul bandwidth is insufficient to serve multiple users with quality performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple parent base stations (first parent base station and second parent base station) to serve a single child base station, creating a multi-parent IAB network architecture. This merging approach aggregates backhaul resources from multiple donors, thereby increasing the total backhaul bandwidth capacity available to the child node and its served users.
Solution Approach 2:
The child base station is configured to simultaneously receive backhaul services from multiple parent base stations, making it capable of utilizing diverse backhaul paths. This multi-functionality allows the system to dynamically select or aggregate connections based on traffic demands, improving overall backhaul bandwidth utilization.
2Productivity
If multiple parent base stations are introduced to increase backhaul bandwidth, then the backhaul bandwidth capacity is sufficient, but the network architecture becomes complex and harder to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network manager as an intermediary component that centrally controls and coordinates the multi-parent IAB network. The network manager handles connection establishment, configuration, and management between child base stations and multiple parent base stations, thereby reducing operational complexity and making the network easier to manage despite the increased architectural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the child base station reports connection status and performance metrics to the network manager, which then adjusts the multi-parent configuration optimally. This feedback loop enables dynamic optimization of the complex multi-parent architecture, simplifying management through automated adaptation.
3Reliability
If wired backhaul is deployed to cell sites, then the backhaul service quality is high and reliable, but the deployment is complicated and not economically feasible for mobile or remote sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired backhaul system with a wireless backhaul system using IAB technology. Child base stations establish wireless connections to parent base stations, eliminating the need for physical cable deployment to remote or mobile sites while maintaining backhaul service quality through coordinated multi-parent wireless links.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing backhaul wireless services to wireless base stations. An exemplary embodiment includes the steps of: receiving, at a backhaul management node, user equipment connection information for a first base station, the first base station having a first wireless backhaul connection path to a second base station; determining, by the backhaul management node, whether or not a second wireless backhaul connection path is to be established for the first base station based on the received user equipment connection request information; and in response to determining to establish the second wireless backhaul connection path for the first base station: sending, by the backhaul management node, a message to establish the second wireless backhaul connection from the first base station to a third base station, said second and third base stations being connected to a core network via a wired and/or fiber backhaul connection.