Wireless Node Scanning Circuitry for Backhaul Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile networks face challenges in providing sufficient coverage and capacity, especially in urban environments where signal attenuation from infrastructure is significant, and handover issues arise due to noise or changes in link performance, necessitating improved techniques for selecting and maintaining optimal backhaul nodes.

Innovation Solution

A node configured with scanning circuitry to detect upstream nodes, connection circuitry to form and manage connections, and processing circuitry to perform scanning based on triggers, allowing for controlled selection and reselection of backhaul nodes based on performance characteristics and operator-defined criteria, thereby optimizing network throughput and reducing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If handover is disabled to prevent node reselection during use, then network stability is improved, but the ability to adapt to changing network conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoidability to adapt to changing network conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic handover mechanisms that allow the system to transition between stable operation and adaptive reselection based on network conditions. The node can maintain a stable connection under normal conditions while automatically initiating scanning and reselection procedures when performance thresholds are breached, achieving both stability and adaptability through conditional dynamic behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If scanning is performed frequently to detect upstream nodes, then the ability to select optimal backhaul nodes is improved, but network throughput deteriorates due to connection breaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to select optimal backhaul nodesVSAvoidnetwork throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic scanning triggered by performance thresholds rather than continuous scanning. The system monitors link performance continuously and initiates scanning only when predefined thresholds are breached, creating a periodic action pattern that balances measurement precision with throughput maintenance by limiting scanning to necessary moments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-assessment of link performance and autonomously decides when scanning is necessary based on monitored metrics. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external control signals, allowing the node to independently determine optimal scanning moments based on its own performance state, thereby balancing selection accuracy with throughput preservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Duration of action of stationary object

If connection to upstream node is maintained continuously, then network coverage is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to signal attenuation and interference from urban infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverage continuityVSAvoidresistance to signal attenuation and interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary scanning and candidate identification before connection failures occur. By proactively identifying alternative upstream nodes and monitoring link performance, the system prepares backup connections in advance, allowing seamless switching when attenuation or interference degrades the current connection, thus maintaining coverage continuity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3704887B1Apparatus and method for providing network configurability in a wireless network
Publication Date: 2022.08.17 AIRSPAN IP HOLDCO LLC
  • EP3704887B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3704887B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3704887B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A node is provided to operate in a wireless network. The node comprises scanning circuitry to perform a scanning process to detect one or more upstream nodes of said wireless network; connection circuitry to form a connection to one of said one or more upstream nodes in response to said scanning circuitry completing said scanning process, wherein said connection is broken as a consequence of said scanning process; storage circuitry to store one or more triggers; and processing circuitry to cause said scanning circuitry to perform said scanning process in response to one of said one or more triggers.