Wireless Backhaul via Virtualized UPF Parent Base Station

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless backhaul technologies face limitations in 5G networks, particularly in dense deployments, due to spectrum scarcity, high costs, and the need for reliable and efficient backhaul links, especially in millimeter wave (mmW) bands, where propagation characteristics and short-term blocking affect link quality and require multiple hops to find wireline connectivity.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a child base station with limited or no wireline backhaul connecting to a parent base station with wireline backhaul capability from a different operator, using virtualized User Plane Function (UPF) to establish a direct wireline backhaul link and leveraging the air interface for wireless backhaul, allowing for optimized path routing and adaptive connectivity to maintain service quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If wireless backhaul is used in dense 5G deployments, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but spectrum scarcity and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidspectrum availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional 2D ground-based wireless backhaul to 3D aerial connectivity using balloons and drones. This vertical dimension expansion provides additional propagation paths and spatial diversity, enabling networks to overcome spectrum scarcity by utilizing previously inaccessible aerial frequencies and paths for backhaul communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The aerial platforms (balloons and drones) serve multiple functions: they act as both user equipment for access communication and as relay nodes for backhaul connectivity. This multi-functionality allows the same aerial infrastructure to simultaneously provide wireless access to end users and establish backhaul links to the core network, efficiently utilizing limited spectrum resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If aerial platforms are used for wireless backhaul, then deployment flexibility and range extension are improved, but system complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment flexibilityVSAvoidsystem control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the aerial platforms and the core network. This gateway simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a standardized interface point, managing the complexity of aerial platform control, and handling protocol conversions, thereby reducing the burden on individual aerial nodes while maintaining deployment flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional layers: aerial platforms (balloons/drones) for mobility and access, gateway devices for coordination and protocol management, and core network elements for data processing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while preserving deployment adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If traditional wired backhaul is used, then connection reliability is improved, but deployment cost and infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackhaul connection reliabilityVSAvoiddeployment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired backhaul infrastructure with wireless communication links using aerial platforms. This substitution eliminates the need for physical cable installation, drilling, and civil works, significantly reducing deployment costs while maintaining connection reliability through diverse wireless paths and adaptive routing protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The aerial platforms are designed with autonomous capabilities including self-positioning, self-configuration, and automatic link establishment. They can independently manage their own connectivity, perform health monitoring, and adapt to changing environmental conditions, reducing the need for expensive manual installation and maintenance infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11570705B2Method of securing wireless backhaul, a child base station, a parent base station and methods in the child and parent base stations

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 1FINITY INC

AI summary

A method of securing wireless backhaul for a child base station in a first network provided by a first operator, including: any parent base station with wireline backhaul capability and configured to virtualise a core network User Plane Function, UPF, advertises that it supports a wireless backhaul service; the child base station in the first network connects over an air interface to one or more parent base stations in a second network provided by a second operator; the child base station sends a backhaul service request to a connected parent base station; when the backhaul service request is accepted, the connected parent base station uses a virtualised UPF to enable a direct wireline backhaul link between the parent base station and a data network; and the child base station uses the air interface as a wireless backhaul link and the wireline backhaul link of the connected parent base station for backhaul.