QoS-Aware Route Selection in Integrated Access Backhaul Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communications networks with integrated access and backhaul, there is a need for efficient route selection that meets quality of service (QoS) requirements, especially in scenarios with multiple RAN nodes, where QoS handling is complex and requires transparent core network functions, and existing methods struggle to maintain target QoS levels without impacting the radio network topology.

Innovation Solution

A method for assisting route selection in wireless communications networks by receiving QoS inquiries from nodes, determining supportability, and configuring communication routes that meet target QoS parameters, involving multiple hops and using statistical data to optimize resource allocation and route configuration, allowing for dynamic switching between primary and secondary routes based on QoS thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If integrated access and backhaul is implemented with multiple RAN nodes, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but QoS management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverage and capacityVSAvoidQoS management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a QoS handling mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the core network and multiple RAN nodes. This mechanism transparently manages QoS requirements by intercepting and processing QoS-related information in signaling messages, thereby simplifying QoS management complexity while maintaining improved network coverage and capacity through integrated access and backhaul with multiple RAN nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments QoS management functions by separating core network QoS handling from RAN node QoS handling. The core network maintains overall QoS policy control while individual RAN nodes execute specific QoS enforcement actions based on received signaling information, thereby reducing overall QoS management complexity in multi-node integrated access and backhaul scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If QoS requirements are strictly enforced in multi-hop relay backhauling, then service quality is improved, but route selection flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidroute selection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic route selection that adapts to QoS requirements. The system evaluates multiple potential routes and dynamically selects the most appropriate route based on current network conditions and QoS parameters. This dynamic approach maintains service quality by enforcing QoS constraints while preserving route selection flexibility by allowing the system to adaptively choose from multiple valid routes rather than being constrained to a fixed path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes routing parameters based on QoS requirements. By modifying route selection parameters such as priority levels, bandwidth allocations, and delay constraints according to specific service requirements, the system can enforce strict QoS when needed while maintaining flexibility to adjust parameters for different service types, thereby balancing service quality with route selection adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If core network functions are made transparent to radio network topology, then network operation simplicity is improved, but control over radio resources decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork operation simplicityVSAvoidcontrol over radio resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a QoS handling mechanism as an intermediary layer between the core network and radio network topology. This intermediary transparently translates core network QoS requirements into radio network-specific parameters and actions, thereby maintaining network operation simplicity by keeping core network functions topology-agnostic while preserving control over radio resources through specialized QoS enforcement at the radio access level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If statistical data is collected for route optimization, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but information processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidinformation processing overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial statistical data collection focused specifically on QoS-relevant parameters rather than comprehensive network state monitoring. By collecting only the necessary statistical information needed for route optimization decisions (such as queue lengths, transmission success rates, and delay metrics), the system improves resource allocation efficiency while minimizing information processing overhead by avoiding unnecessary data collection and processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4224939A1Route selection and QOS support in a wireless access network
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 JRD COMM (SHENZHEN) LTD
  • EP4224939A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4224939A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4224939A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A wireless communications network comprises a plurality of nodes which support integrated wireless access and backhaul between a core network and user equipment (UE). A method of assisting route selection in a wireless communications network comprises receiving, at a first node, an inquiry request relating to a communication path between the core network and a user equipment (UE). The request comprises target quality of service (QoS) information for the communication path. The first node determines if the communication path can be supported and sends a message to the requesting node indicating whether the communication path can be supported by the first node.