Wireless Controller Base Station Split for Low-Latency IIoT Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems in IIoT environments face challenges in meeting stringent latency and reliability requirements due to multiple communication hops between controllers and sensor/actuators, which increase latency and complicate resource management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) framework with a semi-static split of communication resources between backhaul and access links, combined with dynamic gNB control using interrupt resources, to reduce the number of transmission hops and enhance resource allocation flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication hops are used between controllers and sensor/actuators, then system coverage and connectivity are improved, but latency increases and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into multiple functional units distributed across different locations. Each unit performs specific communication functions locally, reducing the need for multiple hops across the entire network. This segmentation allows controllers to communicate directly with sensor/actuators in the same location while maintaining broader system coverage through coordinated operation of segmented units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary communication units that act as local relays between controllers and sensor/actuators. These intermediaries establish direct communication paths within local areas, eliminating the need for messages to traverse multiple distant hops through central nodes, thereby reducing latency while maintaining system-wide connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication hops are used between controllers and sensor/actuators, then system coverage is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the communication system into distributed functional units, the patent creates multiple independent communication paths. This segmentation ensures that failures in one segment do not propagate throughout the entire system, maintaining reliability while achieving broad coverage through coordinated operation of segmented units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where communication units monitor and report on the status of local communication paths. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of communication routes, allowing the system to bypass failed hops and maintain reliable communication between controllers and sensor/actuators across the distributed network.
3Device complexity
If semi-static resource split is implemented, then resource allocation structure is simplified, but flexibility in resource allocation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines semi-static resource splitting with dynamic adjustment capabilities. The basic resource allocation structure remains semi-static for simplicity, but the system dynamically adjusts resource allocation within each segment based on real-time communication demands, maintaining both structural simplicity and allocation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting resource allocation into independent units, the patent allows each segment to be managed with simple semi-static rules while the collection of segments provides overall flexibility. Each segmented unit can allocate resources independently based on local conditions, achieving system-level adaptability through composed simple local decisions.
4Loss of time
If direct communication between controllers and sensor/actuators is enabled, then latency is reduced, but resource management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments resource management responsibilities to local communication units that enable direct controller-to-sensor/actuator communication. Each segmented unit manages its own local resources independently, preventing centralized complexity while allowing direct communication paths that reduce latency for local operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. In a system with high reliability and low latency targets, base station control can be dynamically configured. In some systems, a semi-static split with a greater duration for communications between a controller and one or more associated sensor/actuators than a duration for communications between the controller and base station can be used. In some embodiments, an interrupt can be used to allow for base station control.