Relay Node Control Signaling Transmission in IAB Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communication systems, the existing IAB network architecture does not effectively transmit control signaling between relay nodes, limiting network performance and coverage extension.
Innovation Solution
A method for transmitting control signaling between relay nodes in an IAB network, utilizing F1AP messages and SRB bearers, with specific processing and transmission procedures for F1AP and RRC messages, enabling efficient communication between relay nodes and the central unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control signaling is only transferred inside the donor node via F1 interface, then the existing protocol architecture is maintained, but relay nodes cannot effectively transmit control signaling between them, limiting network performance and coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new control signaling transmission mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the existing F1 interface architecture and the required relay-to-relay communication. Specifically, it enables control signaling to be carried over user plane resources (SRB bearers) between relay nodes, while maintaining compatibility with the central unit's F1 interface management. This intermediary approach allows relay nodes to exchange control information directly without requiring modification of the core F1 interface protocol, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining architectural integrity and enabling extended functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the user plane resources (SRB bearers) multi-functional by enabling them to carry both user data and control signaling between relay nodes. This universality allows the same transmission infrastructure to serve dual purposes: traditional user data transmission and new control signaling exchange between relays. By making resources multi-functional, the system achieves improved control signaling reliability without requiring dedicated new infrastructure, thereby maintaining adaptability for network coverage extension.
2Area of stationary object
If the IAB network architecture is extended with relay nodes, then network coverage is improved, but the conventional control signaling transmission method cannot support relay-to-relay communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control signaling transmission function into two distinct paths: (1) control signaling between central unit and donor node continues to use the existing F1 interface, and (2) control signaling between relay nodes uses the new SRB bearer mechanism. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized independently - the F1 interface maintains its proven reliability for CU-DU communication, while relay-to-relay communication leverages the flexible user plane resources. By dividing the transmission function, the system extends coverage through additional relay nodes without unnecessarily complicating the core control plane architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the control plane (F1 interface) to support relay-to-relay communication, the patent inverts the approach by utilizing user plane resources (SRB bearers) for control signaling transmission. This inversion leverages the already-established and robust user plane infrastructure to carry control information between relays, avoiding the complexity of modifying the control plane architecture. The approach maintains simplicity in the control plane while enabling extended functionality through the user plane.
3Productivity
If control signaling transmission between relay nodes is enabled, then network performance and coverage are enhanced, but new transmission mechanisms and protocols must be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables relay nodes to self-configure and self-manage control signaling transmission between them using the new SRB bearer mechanism. The central unit provides the initial configuration parameters, but individual relay nodes autonomously establish and maintain their control signaling connections with neighboring relays. This self-service capability reduces the operational complexity of managing extended relay networks, as each node independently handles its own control signaling requirements without requiring complex centralized coordination for every transmission, thereby improving network efficiency while keeping implementation complexity manageable.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). According to the present application, a method for transmitting control signaling in a relay network comprises: a second relay node acquires a first control signaling and a second control signaling, wherein the first control signaling contains an F1AP message; the second relay node processes the first control signaling and the second control signaling in the same manner or different manners; and the second relay node transmits the first control signaling and the second control signaling to a first relay node.