Relay Node Buffer Status Feedback for IAB Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G systems, high-frequency carriers have poor propagation characteristics and require dense small cell deployment, leading to high costs and difficulties in optical fiber backhaul, especially in multi-hop/multi-connectivity IAB networking scenarios where feedback information design for flow control is inadequate.
Innovation Solution
An information transmission method where a relay node determines and sends buffer status information at various granularities to a second node, enabling proper flow control adjustments across links, including buffer statuses at the relay node, radio bearers, and child nodes, to prevent congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fiber backhaul is deployed for densely deployed small cells, then backhaul connectivity is achieved, but deployment cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical fiber backhaul system with a wireless relay system. Instead of deploying physical optical fibers to connect small cells to the core network, the invention uses wireless relay nodes that communicate via radio signals, eliminating the need for complex fiber infrastructure while maintaining backhaul connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces relay nodes as intermediary elements between small cells and the core network. These relay nodes act as mediators that forward traffic for small cells without requiring direct optical fiber connections, thereby simplifying deployment while ensuring reliable backhaul connectivity.
2Productivity
If relay node feedback information is simplified, then information transmission overhead is reduced, but flow control accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the feedback information into multiple types, each serving specific flow control purposes. Instead of sending a single comprehensive feedback message, the system divides feedback into buffer status reports, link quality reports, and other targeted information packets, allowing precise flow control with reduced overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic feedback mechanisms where relay nodes adjust the content and frequency of feedback messages based on actual network conditions. The feedback information is adaptively selected and transmitted only when necessary, optimizing both transmission efficiency and flow control accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Example information transmission methods and apparatus are described. One example method includes determining first information by a relay node, where the first information includes at least one of the following information: a buffer status at a granularity of the relay node, a buffer status at a granularity of an RB between the relay node and at least one first node, a buffer status at a granularity of each first node in the at least one first node, and a buffer status at a granularity of an RB between each first node in the at least one first node and a child node, where the at least one first node is a child node of the relay node. A first packet that carries the first information is sent by the relay node to a second node.