Wireless Node Resource Control in Integrated Access Backhaul

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of comprehensive study on resource control in Backhaul (BH) links and/or access links of wireless nodes, particularly in integrated access and backhaul systems.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves controlling resources in BH and access links through dynamic indication of link directions and availability using DCI formats, such as DCI format 2_0, and additional signaling mechanisms like L1 signaling and MAC-CE, to optimize resource utilization in IAB nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If dynamic indication of link directions and availability is implemented using DCI formats and signaling mechanisms, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments resource control into separate DCI formats (e.g., DCI format 2_0 for slot format indication, DCI format 0_0/0_1 for uplink grants) and distinct signaling mechanisms (L1 signaling for fast control, MAC-CE for medium-term adjustments). This segmentation allows each signaling element to handle specific control functions independently, improving resource utilization efficiency while managing system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic indication of link directions and resource availability through time-varying DCI formats and signaling mechanisms. The slot format indication and resource allocation can change dynamically across different slots and frames, allowing the system to adapt to varying traffic conditions and optimize resource utilization in real-time while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized dynamic signaling procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive resource control in BH and access links is implemented, then resource allocation flexibility is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs universal DCI formats and signaling mechanisms that can control both backhaul links and access links through the same standardized procedures. The slot format indication and resource allocation mechanisms work universally across different link types, providing comprehensive resource control and high allocation flexibility while avoiding the need for separate complex control systems for each link type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary signaling elements such as slot format indication fields and resource allocation fields within DCI formats that mediate between higher-layer resource configuration and physical layer transmission. These intermediaries simplify control complexity by providing standardized translation layers that handle the complexity of comprehensive resource control across BH and access links.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple signaling mechanisms (L1 signaling and MAC-CE) are used for resource control, then control precision is improved, but information overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidinformation overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic signaling where L1 signaling provides frequent fast control updates for time-critical resource adjustments, while MAC-CE provides less frequent medium-term configuration updates. This periodic multi-timescale signaling approach achieves high control precision for dynamic resources while managing information overhead by matching signaling frequency to the actual rate of resource changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses MAC-CE signaling to pre-configure resource allocations and parameters before actual data transmission occurs. This preliminary action allows detailed resource control to be established in advance, reducing the need for extensive real-time signaling and thereby reducing overall information overhead while maintaining high control precision when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3923650B1Wireless node, and wireless communication control method
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP3923650B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3923650B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3923650B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A wireless node includes: a reception section that receives configuration information including a configuration on a resource of a first radio period and a resource of a second radio period, and indication information indicating an application of the resources; and a control section that controls a link direction of the resource of the first radio period, a link direction of the resource of the second radio period, and use of the resource of the second radio period, based on the configuration information and the indication information.