Pre-configured Resource Allocation Pattern for 5G Self-Backhaul

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G New Radio (NR) wireless communication systems, especially in TDD scenarios, the half-duplex constraint limits radio resource allocation and scheduling for backhaul and access links, leading to increased latency and complexity in multi-hop self-backhauling scenarios, where relay nodes cannot transmit and receive at the same time, affecting the efficient propagation of resource allocation information.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a pre-configured periodic resource allocation pattern that allows for dynamic slot allocation between backhaul and access links, with a fixed or configurable length to adapt to varying hop counts, enabling efficient propagation of resource allocation information and feedback, thus minimizing latency and ambiguity in multi-hop chains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If relay nodes operate under half-duplex constraint in TDD scenarios, then radio resource allocation becomes more restrictive, but transmission and reception cannot occur simultaneously causing increased latency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio resource allocation reliabilityVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring resource allocation patterns and slot formats before actual data transmission. The network device pre-allocates time-frequency resources for backhaul and access links, and pre-configures slot format indicators (SFI) that relay nodes can use immediately without real-time negotiation, thus reducing latency while maintaining reliable resource allocation under half-duplex constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling flexible adaptation of resource allocation patterns. The network device can dynamically adjust slot formats, switch between different resource allocation patterns, and modify backhaul slot configurations based on real-time traffic conditions and radio environment, allowing the system to optimize between reliability and latency trade-offs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic slot allocation is implemented between backhaul and access links, then adaptability to traffic conditions improves, but resource allocation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to traffic conditionsVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the resource allocation into distinct, pre-configured patterns for different scenarios. Instead of continuous complex optimization, the system segments resource allocation into discrete slot formats and patterns that can be independently configured and switched, simplifying the control complexity while maintaining adaptability to different traffic conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing flexible adjustment of key parameters such as slot format indicators, backhaul slot configurations, and resource allocation patterns. These parameter changes enable the system to adapt to varying traffic conditions without requiring complete reconfiguration, thus balancing adaptability with manageable complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of stationary object

If resource allocation information propagates through multi-hop chains, then coverage is extended, but latency and ambiguity increase with each hop

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage rangeVSAvoidpropagation latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring resource allocation patterns and slot formats at the network device, which are then propagated to relay nodes and ultimate nodes. This pre-configuration allows each node in the multi-hop chain to operate with known resource allocations without real-time coordination delays, significantly reducing propagation latency while extending coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the slot format indicator (SFI) as an intermediary mechanism that carries resource allocation information through the multi-hop chain. The SFI acts as a standardized interface that allows efficient propagation of allocation information from network device through relay nodes to ultimate nodes, minimizing ambiguity and latency at each hop

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Use of energy by moving object

If in-band backhaul operation is enabled using the same carrier for backhaul and access links, then spectrum efficiency improves, but interference between backhaul and access transmissions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum efficiencyVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the time-frequency resources into separate allocations for backhaul and access links. Through pre-configured slot formats and resource patterns, the system segments transmissions so that backhaul and access use different time slots or frequency resources within the same carrier, maintaining spectrum efficiency while reducing interference through orthogonal resource separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by using periodic slot format indicators and periodic resource allocation patterns. The system alternates between backhaul-dominated and access-dominated time periods in a structured manner, allowing each type of transmission to occur during its designated periodic intervals, thus enabling in-band operation while managing interference through time-division periodicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3741169B1Method, system and apparatus for resource allocation in multi-hop systems
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP3741169B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3741169B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3741169B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to support for a determined period at least one hop within a multi-hop self-backhaul communications, wherein the determined period comprises: a first part within which information for controlling dynamic allocation between backhaul and access links within resource slots is passed between the apparatus and at least one further apparatus in the multi-hop self-backhaul communications; and a second part within which a dynamic slot pattern is implemented based on the information for controlling dynamic allocation between backhaul and access links within resource slots is passed between the apparatus and at least one further apparatus in the multi-hop self-backhaul communications.