Wireless Backhaul Path Selection via Donor Node Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Future wireless communications networks need to efficiently support a wide range of devices with different data traffic profiles, including reduced complexity devices, machine type communication devices, and high-resolution video displays, while effectively selecting communications routes between infrastructure equipment and the core network over wireless backhaul links.
Innovation Solution
A method where a donor node in the wireless communications network determines the existence of multiple communications paths from an end node to the donor node via relay nodes, transmits an indication of these paths to the end node, and allows the end node to select the most suitable path based on link quality, load, latency, and bit rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If wireless backhaul links are used to connect infrastructure equipment to the core network, then network coverage and flexibility are improved, but route selection complexity and communication reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The end node autonomously selects the communication path based on locally available topology information and measured link qualities, without requiring centralized route determination. This self-service approach simplifies network management while enabling flexible wireless backhaul connectivity across extended coverage areas
Solution Approach 2:
The donor node pre-determines and transmits topology information indicating multiple possible communication paths to the end node before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary provision of route options enables the end node to make informed selection decisions based on current network conditions
2Reliability
If multiple communications paths are available for data transmission, then communication reliability is improved, but path selection complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end node evaluates multiple communication paths by measuring and comparing link qualities (such as signal strength, latency, or error rates) of different available paths. By changing the evaluation parameter from simple path count to quality-based metrics, the system achieves improved reliability through selective path usage while managing complexity through automated quality assessment
3Productivity
If the donor node determines and manages all communication paths, then route optimization is improved, but network control complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The donor node extracts and transmits only the essential topology information indicating multiple available communication paths to the end node, rather than managing all path selections centrally. This extraction approach maintains route optimization capabilities while significantly reducing network control complexity and signaling overhead by delegating final path selection to the end node
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling communications within a wireless communications network is provided. The method comprises determining, by a first of the infrastructure equipment acting as a donor node connected to a core network part of the wireless communications network, that a plurality of different communications paths exist from a second infrastructure equipment to the first infrastructure equipment via one or more other infrastructure equipment acting as relay nodes, transmitting, by the first infrastructure equipment, an indication at least part of each of one or more of the plurality of different communications paths to the second infrastructure equipment, and selecting, by the second infrastructure equipment based on the indication received from the first infrastructure equipment, at least one of the plurality of different communications paths for communicating with the first infrastructure equipment.