Selective Reference Signal Measurements in IAB Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated access and backhaul (IAB) wireless communication systems, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently utilizing time domain resources for both reference signal measurements and data communication, particularly in minimizing interference and optimizing resource allocation for multi-hop relaying scenarios, especially on higher frequency bands where coverage may be problematic and require automated self-configuration.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves configuring IAB nodes to selectively use time domain resources for either reference signal measurements or data communication based on determined requirements, allowing unused measurement opportunities to be utilized for data and control transmissions, and enabling flexible resource configurations to optimize communication between parent and child nodes, including the use of Synchronization Signals or Channel State Information Reference symbols for discovery and measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time domain resources are allocated for reference signal measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but data communication efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the mobile termination unit selectively performs reference signal measurements based on determined requirements. The system transitions from static dedicated measurement resources to dynamic shared resources, allowing time domain resources to be allocated for measurements only when needed, and for data communication otherwise, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and data communication efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables time domain resources to serve multiple functions - both reference signal measurements and data communication. The mobile termination unit is configured to use the same time domain resources for different purposes depending on operational requirements, making the resource allocation system universal and multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single purpose
2Productivity
If time domain resources are allocated for data communication, then communication throughput is improved, but reference signal measurement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts resource allocation based on real-time requirements. When data communication is the priority, time domain resources are allocated for communication throughput. When measurement accuracy becomes critical, the same resources are reallocated for reference signal measurements. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for whichever function is currently more important
3Reliability
If reference signal measurements are performed continuously, then link quality monitoring is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous reference signal measurements, the patent implements selective measurements based on determined requirements. The mobile termination unit performs measurements partially - only when link quality monitoring is actually needed rather than continuously. This partial action approach maintains adequate link quality monitoring while avoiding excessive resource consumption from unnecessary continuous measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated determination of measurement requirements. The mobile termination unit autonomously decides when reference signal measurements are needed based on current operational conditions, eliminating the need for continuous external control signals. This self-service mechanism improves resource utilization by avoiding wasteful continuous measurements while maintaining adequate monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
According to the disclosure there is provided an apparatus comprising means for performing: receiving a configuration for a distributed unit of the apparatus for transmitting reference signals using a time domain resource of the apparatus, in accordance with a time domain transmission pattern; and receiving a configuration for a mobile termination unit of the apparatus for reception of reference signals using the time domain resource of the apparatus, in accordance with a time domain reception pattern; and selectively measuring received reference signals in dependence on a determination of whether measurement of received reference signals is required.