Slot Format Indicator Soft Resource Indication in IAB Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) network architectures face challenges in dynamically indicating soft resource availability, limiting the efficient utilization of resources in wireless communication networks.
Innovation Solution
The proposal involves using the slot format indicator (SFI) procedure to dynamically indicate soft resource availability through new entries in the slot formats table, either with one SFI and new entries or with two SFIs, allowing for explicit transmission of soft resource-related information from parent nodes to IAB nodes, enabling the use of idle resources for child links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional slot format indicator is used without soft resource indication, then the signaling structure remains simple, but soft resource availability cannot be dynamically indicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges soft resource availability indication with the existing slot format indicator by introducing new entries in the slot formats table. These new entries include soft resource indicators that can be transmitted using the same SFI signaling mechanism, thereby combining multiple functions (slot format indication and soft resource availability indication) into a single signaling structure without requiring separate signaling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic indication of soft resource availability by allowing the network to configure different slot format entries dynamically. The slot formats table can be updated with new entries that include soft resource indicators, enabling the system to adaptively signal soft resource availability based on current network conditions without requiring static pre-configured signaling for every possible scenario.
2Productivity
If soft resource availability is dynamically indicated via SFI procedure, then resource utilization efficiency improves, but signaling processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the slot format indicator universally applicable by enabling it to perform multiple functions: indicating traditional slot formats and simultaneously indicating soft resource availability. The same SFI signaling mechanism and slot format entries are used for both purposes, eliminating the need for separate signaling procedures and reducing overall processing complexity despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the slot format indicator by introducing new entries in the slot formats table that include soft resource indicators. Instead of modifying the fundamental SFI structure, the system adds new parameter sets (soft resource availability information) to the existing table, allowing the same signaling mechanism to handle both traditional and soft resource indications through parameter variation rather than structural redesign.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple slot format indicators are used for different IAB nodes, then resource allocation flexibility improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource allocation control by introducing separate slot format entries for different IAB nodes and link types (parent backhaul link and child access link). Each IAB node can have its own configured slot format entries that are specifically tailored to its role in the network, allowing independent optimization of resource allocation for different links while using the same overall SFI signaling framework.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for use in a wireless network for dynamic indication of soft resource availability. Some embodiments are directed to an apparatus in an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node. The apparatus includes processor circuitry and radio front circuitry. The radio front end circuitry can be configured to receive, from a second IAB node, a slot format indicator (SFI). The SFI can include a slot format entry including a soft symbol indicating availability of a soft resource. The processor circuitry can be configured to use the slot format entry to communicate with a third IAB node, different from the second IAB node, using the soft resource as indicated by the soft symbol.