Wireless Backhaul Link Establishment Using mmWave Self-Backhauling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in establishing efficient and cost-effective wireless backhaul networks for cellular networks, particularly in hierarchical cell structures, where reducing the cost and increasing flexibility of backhaul networks is desirable.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing millimeter wave (mmW) radio access technologies for self-backhauling among access points (APs) by employing synchronization and resource-efficient spectrum utilization, including dynamic beam-steering and beam-search capabilities to overcome half-duplex constraints and inter-link interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless backhaul networks are established using traditional radio access technologies, then network coverage can be extended, but the cost increases and flexibility decreases due to reliance on fiber backhaul infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-backhauling where access points use their own radio resources to establish backhaul connections to the core network, eliminating the need for separate fiber infrastructure. Each AP independently performs beam-search and synchronization to establish wireless backhaul links, making the system self-sufficient and reducing external infrastructure dependencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables access points to perform multiple functions simultaneously - providing access to user equipment and establishing backhaul connections to the core network using the same radio resources. This multi-functionality allows a single infrastructure to serve both access and backhaul purposes, reducing overall system cost and increasing flexibility.
2Productivity
If millimeter wave frequencies are used for backhaul connections, then bandwidth and capacity increase, but susceptibility to blockage and interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam-steering where access points continuously adjust their beam directions based on real-time channel conditions and interference levels. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to overcome blockages by redirecting beams around obstacles and to select optimal frequencies dynamically, maintaining high capacity while mitigating blockage susceptibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs frequency hopping and dynamic frequency selection where the system transitions between different millimeter wave frequencies based on interference conditions and blockage detection. By changing the operating frequency parameter dynamically, the system maintains high-capacity connections while avoiding frequencies affected by blockage or interference.
3Use of energy by moving object
If access points perform both access and backhaul functions simultaneously, then resource efficiency improves, but interference between access and backhaul links increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radio resources by assigning different time slots, frequency resources, or spatial beams for access and backhaul functions. This resource segmentation allows simultaneous operation of access and backhaul links while minimizing interference through orthogonal resource allocation, maintaining both resource efficiency and link quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces interference coordination mechanisms that act as intermediaries between access and backhaul functions. The system uses scheduling algorithms and power control as mediators to coordinate resource allocation, ensuring that access and backhaul transmissions do not interfere with each other while still achieving resource-efficient simultaneous operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A solution to enable synchronization and establishing links among the APs using available RATs with minimum modifications is provided. In one aspect, an apparatus may determine a first set of resources to be used for establishing network access for a set of UEs. The apparatus may determine a second set of resources for establishing backhaul links with a set of base stations. A resource schedule of the apparatus may include the first set of resources and the second set of resources. In another aspect, an apparatus may be a first base station. The first base station may receive a set of reports from a set of base stations. The first base station may determine a resource schedule for a second base station within the set of base stations based on the set of reports. The first base station may transmit the resource schedule to the second base station.