Wireless Backhaul Resource Sharing for Dense Access Node Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, deploying a large number of access nodes in a small area without wired backhaul connections is impractical, leading to insufficient backhaul resources due to variations in signal quality and traffic demand.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless backhaul network with dynamic resource allocation between access nodes and user equipment functions, allowing for redistribution of resources such as time, frequency, and spatial resources through coordinated scheduling and beamforming techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large number of access nodes are deployed in a small area without wired backhaul connections, then network coverage is improved, but backhaul resources become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where backhaul resources are not statically assigned but dynamically adjusted based on real-time traffic demand and signal quality conditions. ANFs can request additional resources from UEFs when needed, and resources are redistributed according to varying network conditions, allowing the system to adapt to changing demands without requiring proportional increases in physical backhaul infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables wireless backhaul links to serve multiple functions simultaneously - they provide both access communication and backhaul connectivity. The same wireless infrastructure and spectrum resources are utilized for multiple purposes, reducing the need for dedicated wired backhaul connections for each access node and allowing more nodes to be deployed with shared backhaul resources.
2Quantity of substance
If wired backhaul connections are deployed for each access node, then backhaul resource sufficiency is improved, but deployment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the backhaul functionality from dedicated wired connections and implements it through wireless communication. Instead of requiring physical wired backhaul infrastructure for each access node, the system uses wireless backhaul links that leverage existing wireless infrastructure, thereby reducing deployment complexity while maintaining adequate backhaul resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-organizing backhaul network where access nodes and base stations automatically establish wireless backhaul links and perform resource allocation without requiring manual configuration or complex centralized control. The ANFs autonomously request resources and the system self-adjusts to maintain adequate backhaul capacity.
3Ease of operation
If backhaul resources are statically allocated, then resource allocation simplicity is improved, but adaptability to traffic variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where ANFs monitor their backhaul resource usage and traffic demand, then automatically request additional resources from UEFs when needed. The system continuously adjusts resource allocation based on real-time conditions, with ANFs signaling resource requirements and the network responding by redistributing available resources, thereby achieving both simplicity and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Backhaul resources may be allocated to different wireless communication links between different base stations, and local redistribution of resources among base stations may be utilized to account for variations in signal quality and/or variations in traffic experienced by different nodes of the backhaul network. A first access node function (ANF) may determine a need for additional backhaul resources, and may transmit a request message to one or more user equipment functions (UEFs) for additional backhaul resources. A UEF that receives the request message may forward the request to an associated second ANF. The second ANF, if it has backhaul resources available that the first ANF can use, may send a response to the first ANF, via the associated UEF, and the first ANF may use the additional resources that were originally allocated to the second ANF.