Slot Format Configuration for Wireless Backhaul and Access Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, especially in the context of 5G NR, there is a challenge in coordinating transmission and reception directions and timings between backhaul and access links, leading to interference and complexity in network operations, particularly when supporting diverse services like eMBB, mMTC, and URLLC, and requiring flexible numerologies.
Innovation Solution
A method is proposed where a first node in a wireless communication system performs data transmission or reception on an access link based on a first timing case during an access time duration and on a backhaul link based on a second timing case, with downlink and uplink timings aligned for the first node and second node, allowing for time-division-multiplexing of access and backhaul time durations and using different slot formats for backhaul and access links to mitigate interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same slot format is used for both backhaul and access links, then device complexity is reduced, but interference occurs between downlink and uplink transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the slot format configuration into separate configurations for backhaul links and access links. The donor base station independently determines slot formats for backhaul connections (with other base stations) and access connections (with UEs), allowing each link type to have optimized timing characteristics without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different slot format characteristics to different link types based on their specific requirements. Backhaul links use slot formats optimized for base station-to-base station communication, while access links use slot formats optimized for base station-to-UE communication, ensuring each link operates with locally optimal parameters.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If different slot formats are used for backhaul and access links, then interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal slot format determination mechanism at the donor base station that handles both backhaul and access link configurations through a single unified process. The donor base station uses its scheduling capability to determine appropriate slot formats for multiple link types, reducing overall system complexity despite the diversity of slot format requirements.
3Productivity
If downlink and uplink timings are aligned in the first node, then coordination efficiency is improved, but flexibility in handling diverse services is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic timing alignment where the first node adjusts its downlink and uplink transmission timings based on service requirements and traffic conditions. The node can dynamically switch between aligned timing modes (for efficiency) and staggered timing modes (for service diversity), allowing flexible adaptation to different service types including eMBB, mMTC, and URLLC.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for data transmission or reception performed by a first node in a wireless communication system, the method including: performing a first data transmission or reception to or from a UE on an access link on the basis of a first timing case in an access time duration; and performing a second data transmission or reception to or from a second node or a donor base station on a backhaul link on the basis of a second timing case in a backhaul time duration, wherein downlink transmission timings over the donor base station, the first node, the second node and the UE are aligned in the first timing case, and downlink and uplink transmission timings or downlink and uplink reception timings are aligned in the first node in the second timing case.