UE Migration Across IAB Nodes Using Transferred Scheduling Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing procedures for replacing child IAB nodes in integrated access and backhaul networks result in unacceptably long interruptions of ongoing services for User Equipment (UEs), particularly in mission-critical operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for migrating UEs from a serving IAB node to a replacement IAB node, involving a donor IAB node that coordinates the scheduling information transfer and initiates the UE migration, ensuring seamless transition without service disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If existing procedures for replacing child IAB nodes are used, then the replacement process is simple, but the service interruption time becomes unacceptably long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the target IAB node prepare and store scheduling information from the source IAB node before the actual replacement occurs. The donor IAB node retrieves this scheduling information in advance and provides it to the target IAB node, so that when the UE switches from source to target node, the target node is already configured with the necessary scheduling data, eliminating service interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the donor IAB node as an intermediary to coordinate the replacement process. The donor IAB node acts as a mediator that retrieves scheduling information from the source IAB node and transfers it to the target IAB node, enabling seamless UE migration without direct interaction between source and target nodes, thus reducing complexity while minimizing service interruption.
2Reliability
If child IAB nodes are replaced frequently to maintain coverage, then network coverage is improved, but service continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining uninterrupted service during IAB node replacement. The target IAB node is pre-configured with scheduling information before the UE switches, ensuring that the useful action of providing network coverage continues without interruption. This allows frequent replacement of child IAB nodes to maintain coverage while preserving service continuity.
3Loss of time
If scheduling information is transferred during UE migration, then service interruption is minimized, but the migration process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a duplicate of the scheduling information from the source IAB node and transferring it to the target IAB node. The donor IAB node retrieves the scheduling information and provides a copy to the target node, allowing the UE to switch without service interruption while keeping the migration process relatively simple through automated information copying rather than complex reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided mechanisms for migrating UEs from node to an R-IAB node. A method is performed by a D-IAB node of the S-IAB node and the R-IAB node. The method comprises obtaining a request for replacement of the S-IAB node. The method comprises providing, to the S-IAB node, an indication of replacement of the S-IAB node. The method comprises obtaining, from the S-IAB node, scheduling information for the UEs served by the S-IAB node. The method comprises forwarding, to the R-IAB node, the scheduling information. The method comprises initiating migration of at least a subset of the UEs from the S-IAB node to the R-IAB node by providing instructions, via the S-IAB node, to at least the subset of the UEs to switch from is served by the S-IAB node to is served by the R-IAB node.