Wireless Backhaul Relay Nodes for 5G Network Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and time-consuming nature of deploying wired backhauls, such as fiber optic or copper cabling, for cellular backhaul, especially in rural areas or for small cell deployments, makes it impractical for many applications.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing relay nodes in a mesh configuration to provide wireless backhaul links and access links in 5G networks, leveraging higher frequency bands to enable efficient multiplexing of access and backhaul links, thereby eliminating the need for physical wired connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired backhaul infrastructure (fiber optic or copper cabling) is deployed to connect cell sites to the core network, then reliable backhaul connectivity is achieved, but deployment cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired backhaul system (fiber optic or copper cabling) with a wireless communication system using radio frequency signals. Relay nodes establish wireless backhaul links to connect cell sites to the core network, eliminating the need for physical cable deployment while maintaining reliable connectivity through protocol-layer solutions for synchronization and resource management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces relay nodes as intermediary devices that establish wireless backhaul links between cell sites and the core network. These relay nodes act as mediators that forward traffic and provide synchronization functions, enabling wireless connectivity without direct wired connections to the core network
2Ease of manufacture
If wireless backhaul using relay nodes is deployed to reduce cost and deployment time, then ease of deployment is improved, but resource allocation complexity and interference management become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless spectrum into dedicated resources for backhaul communications and access communications. By dividing time, frequency, or spatial resources between relay transmission points and user equipment, the system manages interference and simplifies resource allocation while maintaining deployment advantages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where relay transmission points can switch between serving as backhaul nodes and providing access services. The system dynamically adjusts resource assignments based on traffic conditions, channel quality, and network demands, reducing complexity through adaptive rather than static configurations
3Ease of manufacture
If relay nodes are used to provide both backhaul and access communications, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but synchronization between relay transmission points becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where relay transmission points exchange synchronization information and channel state feedback with the network. This feedback enables dynamic timing adjustment and phase alignment, achieving precise synchronization without requiring complex pre-coordination or fixed infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary synchronization actions during relay node initialization and connection establishment. Synchronization signals and timing information are exchanged and configured before full operational traffic begins, establishing a synchronized baseline that simplifies ongoing operations while reducing infrastructure requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques are discussed herein for providing wireless backhaul using relay nodes in a cellular network. Using techniques described herein, the higher frequency bands available in 5G networks are utilized to provide both wireless backhaul links and access links. A mesh of wireless nodes, such as Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) nodes can be utilized to provide wireless backhaul links and access links in a 5G network. One or more relay nodes may be wirelessly coupled to a base station node, such as gNodeB, that includes a wired connection to the core network. The wireless backhaul extends coverage to user equipment (UE) that are not directly connected to a gNodeB base station. The allocation and scheduling of bandwidth may be determined by the relay nodes (i.e., IABs) and/or the wired nodes (i.e., gNodeBs).