Patent Description:
Examples of such multiple-access systems include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, (e.g., a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system). A wireless multiple-access communications system may include a number of access nodes, each simultaneously supporting communication for multiple communication devices, which may be otherwise known as user equipment (UE).

Wireless communications systems may include access nodes to facilitate wireless communication between user equipment and a network. For example, an LTE base station may provide a mobile device access to the internet via the LTE wireless network. Access nodes typically have a high-capacity, wired, backhaul connection (e.g., fiber) to the network. In some deployments, however, it may be desirable to deploy a larger number of access nodes in a small area to provide acceptable coverage to users. In such deployments, it may be impracticable to connect each access node to the network via a wired connection.

<NPL>, describes methods for collision avoidance between UL access and UL backhaul.

The described techniques provide for a backhaul network that may be established between access nodes and/or base stations. To support communications via the backhaul network, a synchronized frame structure and unique network topologies may be established. Resources may be allocated to different wireless communication links based at least in part on the synchronized frame structure. Occupancy/availability indications are shown and described, which enable the local redistribution of resources to account for variations in signal quality and/or variations in traffic experienced by the backhaul network.

A method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium according to the invention are defined by the independent claims. Further preferred examples are defined by the dependent claims.

The embodiments related to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are comprised within the scope of the claims.

According to some aspects of the disclosure, wireless backhaul links may be used to couple an access node (AN) to a network in place of high-capacity, wired backhaul link (e.g., fiber). For example, a first AN may establish a wireless backhaul link to a second AN, which has a high-capacity, wired backhaul link. In this manner, the first AN may communicate access traffic to the network via the second AN through the combination of the wireless backhaul link and the wired backhaul link. In some examples, a backhaul network may use multiple wireless backhaul links before reaching a wired backhaul link. The backhaul network should also provide robustness via topological redundancy. In such an ad-hoc network, large-scale resource coordination schemes may be necessary.

Such a backhaul network, however, may also present some disadvantages for providing network access. First, such large-scale coordination schemes tend to be inflexible to local variations in load or channel conditions. In a backhaul network, each AN has equal permissions to send and receive. As a result, the link between each AN may be symmetric. However, such a symmetry in links may create large amounts of signaling to mediate conflicts that may arise in the backhaul links. Second, wireless backhaul links may interfere with the access networks supported by each AN. For example, a wireless backhaul link may interfere with a wireless communication link established between the AN and user equipment (UE).

Techniques are described to address some of the shortcomings of a backhaul network. To address the inflexibility of large-scale communication schemes, a backhaul network may be configured to allow an AN to release resources to other ANs via an occupancy/availability signaling scheme. When the load conditions change or when the network topology changes, e.g. due to changes in channel conditions, link failure or addition/departure of nodes, the network-wide resource plan may become suboptimal. Due to its network-wide extension, the update of the resource plan may require significant signaling overhead and it may take considerable time. It may therefore be desirable to have a mechanism to swiftly and locally shift resources in response to availability and demand.

A number of wireless backhaul links may be established between ANs. Each wireless backhaul link may be pre-assigned a resource based on a synchronized frame structure, a resource plan, or a schedule. To reduce overhead in establishing and maintaining wireless backhaul links between ANs, an asymmetric link may be established between ANs. Each wireless backhaul link in the backhaul network may be terminated by an Access-Node Function (ANF) at a first AN and a UE-Function (UEF) at a second AN. The ANF may control resource allocation on the link based on a large-scale resource schedule. The UEF may communicate using the link, after receiving the permission of the link's ANF. If an ANF determines that it is not using one of its assigned resources for a certain time period, the ANF may make the resource available to neighboring wireless backhaul links by signaling availability/occupancy indications to neighboring ANs.

To reduce interference with other signals, frequencies different from those used for the access network may be used to establish wireless backhaul links. For example, millimeter waves, such as those used in <NUM> cellular technologies, may be used to establish wireless backhaul links between ANs. In addition, beamforming techniques may be used to direct a wireless communication link to a neighboring AN. It should be appreciated that wireless links between ANs are suitable for beamforming techniques because ANs are stationary (i.e., they do not change physical locations) and ANs may have large antenna arrays that may be capable of producing highly focused pencil beams.

Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of a wireless communications system. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to dynamic resource allocation in a wireless network.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a wireless communications system <NUM> in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system <NUM> includes access nodes <NUM>, UEs <NUM>, and a core network <NUM>. In some examples, the wireless communications system <NUM> may be a <NUM>, LTE, or LTE-Advanced network. Wireless communications system <NUM> may support one or more node functions that enable resource allocation and scheduling between access nodes <NUM>.

Access nodes <NUM> may wirelessly communicate with UEs <NUM> via one or more access node antennas. Each access node <NUM> may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area <NUM>. Communication links <NUM> shown in wireless communications system <NUM> may include UL transmissions from a UE <NUM> to an access node <NUM>, or DL transmissions, from an access node <NUM> to a UE <NUM>. UEs <NUM> may be dispersed throughout the wireless communications system <NUM>, and each LTE <NUM> may be stationary or mobile. A UE <NUM> may also be referred to as a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communications device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable terminology. A UE <NUM> may also be a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a personal electronic device, a handheld device, a personal computer, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, a machine type communication (MTC) device, an appliance, an automobile, or the like.

Access nodes <NUM> may communicate with the core network <NUM> and with one another. For example, access nodes <NUM> may interface with the core network <NUM> through a first set of backhaul links <NUM> (e.g., S1, etc.). Access nodes <NUM> may communicate with one another over a second set of backhaul links <NUM> (e.g., X2, etc.) either directly or indirectly (e.g., through core network <NUM>). Such backhaul links <NUM> may be wired or wireless. In addition, such backhaul links may form an ad-hoc backhaul network to rely traffic from an originating access node <NUM> to an access node <NUM> with a wired connection to the desired network. Access nodes <NUM> may perform radio configuration and scheduling for communication with UEs <NUM>, or may operate under the control of an access node controller (not shown). In some examples, access nodes <NUM> may be macro cells, small cells, hot spots, or the like. Access nodes <NUM> may also be referred to as eNodeBs (eNBs) <NUM>.

Examples of such multiple-access systems include CDMA systems, TDMA systems, FDMA systems, and OFDMA systems. A wireless multiple-access communications system may include a number of access nodes, each simultaneously supporting communication for one or more multiple communication devices, which may be otherwise known as a user equipment (UE).

Some wireless communications systems may operate in millimeter wave (mmW) frequency ranges, e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc. Wireless communication at these frequencies may be associated with increased signal attenuation, e.g., path loss, which may also be influenced by various factors, such as temperature, barometric pressure, diffraction, etc. As a result, signal processing techniques, such a beamforming, may be used to coherently combine energy and overcome path losses at these frequencies. Further, wireless communication links achieved through beamforming may be associated with narrow beams (e.g., "pencil beams") that are highly directional, minimize inter-link interference, and provide high-bandwidth links between access nodes. Dynamic beam-steering and beam-search capabilities may further support, for example, discovery, link establishment, and beam refinement in the presence of dynamic shadowing and Rayleigh fading. Additionally, communication in such mmW systems may be time division multiplexed, where a transmission may be directed to one wireless device at a time due to the directionality of the transmitted signal.

Wireless communications networks may employ backhaul links (e.g., backhaul link <NUM> or backhaul link <NUM>) as a connection between a core network and wireless nodes within the wireless communications network. For example, wireless communications system <NUM> may include multiple access nodes <NUM> (e.g., base stations, remote radio heads, etc.), where at least one access node <NUM> is coupled to a wireline backhaul link, such as an optical fiber cable. However, due to the widespread deployment of access nodes <NUM> within a given region, installing wireline backhaul links to each access node <NUM> within a network may be cost prohibitive. Therefore, some of the access nodes <NUM> within wireless communications system <NUM> may not be directly coupled to the core network <NUM> or to another access node <NUM> via a wired backhaul link, and may use other means, such as wireless backhaul links, to communicate backhaul traffic. For instance, cellular RATs may be used to provide backhaul links between multiple access nodes <NUM> and a core network <NUM>. In such cases, the access nodes <NUM> may wirelessly communicate backhaul access traffic to a high-capacity fiber point (e.g., a location where a wireless node is coupled with a wireline link to core network <NUM>).

While mobile access may sometimes be associated with single-hop communication links between a source and destination (e.g., an asymmetric link), wireless backhaul communications may support multi-hop transport and provide robustness through topological redundancy (e.g., alternative paths for data exchange within a wireless communications network). Accordingly, underlying links using wireless backhaul communications may be symmetric in nature and use large-scale resource coordination among the wireless communication links.

In some cases, cellular RATs, such as mmW-based RATs, may be used to support access traffic between UEs <NUM> and access nodes <NUM>, in addition to backhaul access traffic among multiple access nodes <NUM>. Moreover, both access and backhaul traffic may share the same resources (e.g., as in the case of integrated access and backhaul (IAB)). Such wireless backhaul or IAB solutions may be increasingly beneficial with the evolution of cellular technologies due to enhancements in wireless link capacity and reduction in latency. Further, the use of wireless backhaul links may reduce the cost of dense small cells deployments.

In some cases, an access link using a mmW-based RAT may be designed as an asymmetric single-hop link, which may be used for assigning control and scheduling tasks to an access node <NUM> while providing instruction to one or more UEs <NUM> for scheduling communication. In such cases, an access node <NUM> may coordinate wireless resources among multiple UEs <NUM>, while each UE <NUM> may be assigned to one access node <NUM> at a time. In some cases, inter-access node links may be symmetric in nature and may form mesh topologies for enhanced robustness, where wireless transport may occur along multiple hops.

Thus, using a RAT may enable wireless backhaul communication using one or more node functions at a wireless node, such as a base station or access node. Additionally, multiple wireless nodes may communicate in a backhaul network using a schedule that is aligned with a frame structure. For example, a wireless node may establish a link with different wireless nodes using a RAT that supports a synchronized frame structure, such as a mmW RAT. The wireless nodes may instantiate one or more node functions, such as an ANF and a UEF. The wireless nodes may then communicate according to active and suspended modes using the node functions, where the communication is based on a schedule aligned with the frame structure.

In addition, occupancy/availability signaling may be used to enable dynamic resource allocation of the resources defined in the synchronized frame structure between different wireless communication links. For example, if a particular wireless communication link is not using some of its dedicated resources, it may signal to neighboring communication links that such resources are available to be used. Upon receiving an indication signal that non-dedicated resources are available to be used, the neighboring communication link may schedule data to be transmitted using those available resources.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a backhaul network <NUM> for dynamic resource allocation in a wireless network. In some cases, backhaul network <NUM> may be an example of a wireless communications network that communicates using mmW frequency ranges. The backhaul network <NUM> may include a number of access nodes <NUM> that communicate over a number of different communication links <NUM>, where the communication links <NUM> may be associated with a same or different set of wireless resources. The access nodes <NUM> may be examples of the access nodes <NUM> described in reference to <FIG>. The backhaul network <NUM> may support the use of one or more node functions to enable efficient resource allocation for wireless backhaul communications. In such cases, the access nodes <NUM> may instantiate one or more node functions to coordinate signaling and resource allocation. That is, the access nodes <NUM> may instantiate one or more ANFs <NUM>, one or more UEFs, or any combination thereof.

For example, access node <NUM>-a may be located at a central point of a star, and may be coupled with a wireline backhaul link <NUM> (i.e., an optical fiber cable). In some cases, access node <NUM>-a may be the only access node <NUM> in backhaul network <NUM> that is coupled with the wireline backhaul link <NUM>. Access node <NUM>-a may instantiate an ANF <NUM>, and the access nodes <NUM> at the leaves of the star (access node <NUM>-b and access node <NUM>-c) may each instantiate a UEF <NUM>. Access node <NUM>-a may then communicate with access node <NUM>-b and access node <NUM>-c using communication link <NUM>-a according to an active mode or a suspended mode using the node functions. In some cases, communication link <NUM>-a may be associated with a first set of wireless resources.

The ANF <NUM> and the UEFs <NUM> may be assigned the same functionalities and signaling protocols for resource allocation as defined by a RAT. That is, resource coordination of a backhaul star can be managed via the RAT, such as a mmW RAT. Furthermore, wireless resource use among access nodes <NUM> within a star may be coordinated via a large-scale (e.g., network-wide) schedule. Within each star, signaling and resource management may be regulated by the RAT and a resource sub-schedule may be generated by a star's ANF <NUM> (such as the ANF <NUM> instantiated at access node <NUM>-a).

In some examples, access node <NUM>-b may instantiate an ANF <NUM> in addition to the UEF <NUM>. Access node <NUM>-b may accordingly communicate with access node <NUM>-c using communication link <NUM>-b according to an active or a suspended mode using the node functions. In some cases, communication link <NUM>-b may be associated with a second set of wireless resources.

In another example, access node <NUM>-d may instantiate an ANF <NUM> and communicate with a UEF <NUM> at access node <NUM>-a over communication link <NUM>-c. In some examples, communication link <NUM>-c may be associated with the second set of resources. That is, communication link may use the same resources as communication link <NUM>-b. Additionally, the ANF <NUM> at access node <NUM>-d may be used for mobile access, where access node <NUM>-d may communicate with one or more UEs <NUM> over communication link <NUM>-d. As a result, access node <NUM>-d may forward data between the one or more UEs <NUM> and access node <NUM>-a. Accordingly, IAB may be accomplished by including the additional star with access node <NUM>-d at the center and the UEs <NUM> at the leaves of the star.

In some cases, ANFs <NUM> may support transmission of a downlink control channel, reception of an uplink control channel, scheduling of downlink and uplink data transmission within a resource space assigned to a link or to a set of links, transmission of synchronization signals and cell reference signals (e.g., as a primary synchronization symbol (PSS) or secondary synchronization symbol (SSS) on a synchronization channel), transmitting beam sweeps, and transmitting downlink beam change requests. Additionally, UEFs <NUM> may support reception of a downlink control channel, transmission of a uplink control channel, requesting scheduling of uplink data transmissions, transmission of random access preambles on a random access channel, listening to beam sweeps and reporting beam indexes and beam signal strength detected, and executing downlink beam change requests. In some cases, there may be other features that differentiate the ANF and the UEF implemented at a node. As described above, an access node <NUM> node may implement a combination of one or more node functions, such as multiple ANFs <NUM>, multiple UEFs <NUM>, or combinations thereof.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a backhaul network <NUM> for dynamic resource allocation in a wireless network. In some cases, the backhaul network <NUM> may be an example of a wireless communications network that communicates using mmW frequency ranges. The backhaul network <NUM> may include a number of access nodes <NUM> that communicate over a number of different communication links <NUM>, where the communication links <NUM> may be associated with a same or different set of wireless resources. The access nodes <NUM> may be examples of the access nodes <NUM> described in reference to <FIG> and/or <NUM>. The backhaul network <NUM> may be an example of a wireless communications system that supports multiple hops and topological redundancy for backhaul links using a RAT.

In some examples, complex backhaul topologies may be handled by composing the topology from multiple stars that mutually overlap. For instance, backhaul network <NUM> may comprise a mesh topology with two interfaces to a wireline network (e.g., access nodes <NUM>-e and <NUM>-g coupled with wireline backhaul links <NUM>-a and <NUM>-b). Such a topology may comprise multiple stars, where some stars mutually overlap. An ANF may be allocated to an access node <NUM> at the center of each star (e.g., access nodes <NUM>-e, <NUM>-g, <NUM>-h, etc.,) and further includes a UEF at the access node <NUM> at each of the leaves. As a result, a backhaul node may include multiple ANFs and UEFs.

For example, access node <NUM>-f may include multiple instances of a UEF, where it may communicate with the ANFs at access nodes <NUM>-e, <NUM>-g, and <NUM>-h. Additionally, access nodes <NUM>-g and <NUM>-h may each communicate with each other using at least one ANF and at least one UEF, and may form overlapping stars. In such cases, access node <NUM>-g and access node <NUM>-h may communicate over communication links <NUM>-e and <NUM>-f that provide topological redundancy for the backhaul network <NUM>. In some cases, communication links <NUM>-e and <NUM>-f may be associated with different sets of resources, where the resources are cooperatively allocated according to a schedule established by the ANFs. Multiple stars may use techniques to coordinate wireless resources, which may efficiently handle any system constraints (e.g., half-duplexed communications, inter-link interference, etc.). For instance, inter-link interference may be managed using spatial division multiple access (SDMA) techniques (e.g., through the use of narrow beams), and inter-node beam coordination may account for any remaining interference.

Additionally or alternatively, mobile access may be integrated into such a star topology through additional stars with UEs <NUM> at their leaves and an access node <NUM> at their center. In some examples, mobile access links may also be added to existing stars. In an example, access node <NUM>-i may communicate with access node <NUM>-j using communication link <NUM>-g. Access node may further communicate with one or more UEs <NUM> over communication links <NUM>-h. In this example, communication links <NUM>-g and <NUM>-h both share the same set of wireless resources to provide integrated access and backhaul. As can be seen in <FIG>, a range of ANF and UEF combinations may be instantiated in an access node <NUM>. Additional or different combinations of UEF and ANF instances in access nodes <NUM>, as well as different topologies not shown in <FIG>, may be possible.

To coordinate timing of transmission and reception, all links may be coordinated using time synchronization, where a frame structure supported by a cellular RAT may be used. For instance, time synchronization may be achieved through a determination of timing parameters associated with another wireless node, e.g., another wireless node may transmit an indication of synchronization signal transmission timing. In some examples, further coordination between wireless nodes may be used since different wireless nodes may implement multiple ANFs and/or UEFs.

In some examples, access node <NUM> may include multiple node function instances, which may further use a routing function that makes decisions on forwarding of data among node functions residing on the same node. The routing function may be executed or instantiated, for example, on any one of a number of protocol layers (e.g., the routing function may be executed on an Internet Protocol (IP) layer). In some cases, the access node <NUM> may access a routing table, and may forward data between node functions based on the routing table. Additionally or alternatively, a routing function or a routing table may be used to forward data between different access nodes <NUM>.

In some examples, a large-scale or network-wide time division multiplexed (TDM) schedule (e.g., a super schedule) may be used to assign resources to the various access nodes <NUM> within in a coordinated manner. For example, adjacent stars (e.g., different stars with leaves that share at least one node) or overlapping stars (e.g., stars with one common leaves) may use different wireless resources. At the same time, disjoint stars (e.g., stars that are neither adjacent nor overlapping) may reuse the same wireless resources. The schedule may be followed by all participating wireless nodes through a mutual time synchronization and the frame structure, which may be defined by the RAT.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a schedule <NUM> for dynamic resource allocation in a wireless network. Schedule <NUM> may illustrate an example of time-multiplexing wireless resources for multiple access nodes that form a mesh topology. For example, schedule <NUM> may illustrate a schedule used by a backhaul network <NUM> that comprises seven access nodes <NUM> that form three different stars. In some examples, the backhaul network <NUM> includes both wireless and wired communication links.

Schedule <NUM> may be aligned to a synchronized and slotted frame structure for uplink and downlink transmissions. For example, a frame structure <NUM> may be supported by a RAT (e.g., a mmW RAT) and be used to coordinate signaling and resource allocation in a wireless backhaul network, such as backhaul network <NUM> or backhaul network <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, or backhaul network <NUM>. Within frame structure <NUM>, a frame may occupy a time slot <NUM>, and each frame may include control portions <NUM> (e.g., a portion that includes downlink control and a portion that includes uplink control at the beginning and end of the frame, respectively) and a data portion <NUM> (e.g., a portion that is used for the transmission of uplink and downlink data). For instance, each time slot <NUM> may include a downlink control channel in a first sub-slot, a downlink or uplink data channel in a second sub-slot, and an uplink control channel in a third sub-slot. In some examples, a time slot <NUM> may represent a frame or a subframe. In the example of the schedule <NUM>, downlink data and control may be transmitted between an ANF and a UEF, and uplink data and control may be transmitted between a UEF and an ANF.

In some examples, the schedule <NUM> may be based on a network topology (e.g., the topology of the backhaul network <NUM>), where the schedule <NUM> divides resources into multiple groups (e.g., respective groups for ANF and UEFs). The schedule <NUM> may assign alternating time slots <NUM> to these resources, where a first time slot <NUM>-a is associated with a first set of wireless resources and a second time slot <NUM>-b is associated with a second set of wireless resources.

An access node <NUM> within backhaul network <NUM> may communicate with one or more other access node <NUM> using one or more node functions, such as an ANF and a UEF, as described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. Accordingly, communication may take place between a first access node <NUM> using an ANF and one or more access nodes <NUM> using a UEF over communication links <NUM>-a. Similarly, a second access node <NUM> and a third access node <NUM> using an ANF may respectively communicate with one or more other access nodes <NUM> over communication links <NUM>-b and <NUM>-c. In some examples, the communication links <NUM> may be associated with respective sets of resources. That is, communication links <NUM>-a and communication links <NUM>-c may use the first set of wireless resources and communication link <NUM>-b may use the second set of wireless resources. The access nodes <NUM> may be examples of the access nodes <NUM> described in reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and/or <NUM>.

A node function may operate according to an active mode and a suspended mode based on schedule <NUM>. That is, a node function may be active or suspended in respective time slots <NUM> according to a resource schedule <NUM>. As an example, access nodes <NUM> using communication links <NUM>-a and <NUM>-c (and using the same set of resources) may communicate using resource schedule <NUM>-a and resource schedule <NUM>-c, respectively. In such cases, the access nodes <NUM> may communicate using control portions <NUM> and data portions <NUM> in the first time slot <NUM>-a during an ANF active mode, and may refrain from transmitting during the second time slot <NUM>-b during an ANF suspended mode. Further, an ANF at an access node <NUM> using communication links <NUM>-b may refrain from communicating during the first time slot <NUM>-a, but communicate according to resource schedule <NUM>-b during an ANF active mode in second time slot <NUM>-b.

In some cases, an ANF may use every resource schedule <NUM> for designated time slots <NUM> for communication between the UEFs that the ANF controls. In some cases, within each resource allocation established by the schedule <NUM>, each ANF may schedule resources among one or more UEFs, and an access node <NUM> may further sub-schedule resources among multiple UEs <NUM> (not shown). In some examples, other resource allocation schemes for the schedule may be possible. That is, more time slots <NUM> may be allocated to a wireless resource than for another wireless resource. Additionally or alternatively, a greater number of resources may be scheduled based on a network topology.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a communication swim diagram <NUM> for dynamic resource allocation in a wireless network. The diagram <NUM> shows communications for a communications network <NUM>. The communications network <NUM> is a wireless backhaul network. The communications network <NUM> includes a first communication link <NUM> established between a first access node <NUM> and a second access node <NUM> and a second communication link <NUM> established between the first access node <NUM> and a third access node <NUM>. In some examples, the access nodes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may embodied as access nodes <NUM> or base stations for a <NUM> or LTE access network.

Resources of the communications network <NUM> may be allocated to the first communication link <NUM> and the second communication link <NUM> according to the schedule <NUM>. In some examples, the schedule <NUM> may be the synchronized frame structure <NUM> or the synchronized frame structure <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The resources defined by the schedule <NUM> may be time slots, time intervals, frequency bands, codes, antenna beams, antenna ports, or any combination thereof. In the illustrative example, the schedule <NUM> assigns time intervals to each communication link such that a first subset of resources are dedicated to the first communication link <NUM> and a second subset of resources are dedicated to the second communication link <NUM>. In other examples, when there are additional communication links, the synchronized subframe may define additional subsets of resources.

The access node <NUM> may implement an access node function for the first communication link <NUM> that allows the access node <NUM> to schedule transmissions on the first communication link <NUM>. The access node <NUM> may implement a user equipment function for the first communication link <NUM> that allows the access node <NUM> to communicate via the first communication link <NUM>. However, the UEF implemented by the access node <NUM> may request that the access node <NUM> receive permission from the corresponding ANF (i.e., access node <NUM>) of the first communication link <NUM> before transmitting on the first communication link <NUM>. Similarly, the access node <NUM> may implement an ANF for the second communication link <NUM> and the access node <NUM> may implement a UEF for the second communication link <NUM>. In this manner, the access node <NUM> may be able to communicate via both the first communication link <NUM> and the second communication link <NUM>.

The swim diagram <NUM> illustrates an example of occupancy/availability signaling between access nodes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The occupancy/availability signaling may be used to dynamically allocate local resources between the access nodes. The swim diagram <NUM> is presented for illustrative purposes of the basic principles of occupancy/availability signaling.

At block <NUM>, the access node <NUM> may determine a demand for the resources, or scheduled resources, dedicated to the first communication link <NUM>. The access node <NUM> may predict a pending need for a particular resources, such as time slots defined by the schedule <NUM> that are dedicated to the first communication link <NUM>. The determination of demand may include link quality measurements to gauge the channel conditions and the corresponding transmission rate. The determination of demand may also be based on queuing load, for instance. The access node <NUM> may evaluate these properties on one single link or on multiple links (e.g. if the ANF multiplexes its resource over these multiple links). This evaluation may include measurements of DL link quality and load and UL link quality and load. The UL load may, for instance, be signaled to the ANF via UL transmission requests <NUM> (e.g., scheduling requests). In some examples, the access node <NUM> may use machine learning, past historical data, or other more global data to estimate demand for resources on the first communication link <NUM>.

Based on the determination of demand, the access node <NUM> may also determine whether one or more resources dedicated to the first communication link <NUM> are occupied or available at a future time. For example, the access node <NUM> may determine that based on requests for transmissions by either the access node <NUM> or the access node <NUM> the dedicated resources of the first communication link <NUM> are occupied for the foreseeable future. In other examples, the access node <NUM> may determine that at least some of the resources dedicated to the first communication link <NUM> are available at certain time intervals in the future.

At block <NUM>, the access node <NUM> may determine the demand for resources dedicated to the second communication link <NUM>. It should also be noted that the access node <NUM> may send UL transmission requests <NUM> to the access node <NUM>. If such is the case, the access node <NUM> would determine that the resources dedicated to the second communication link <NUM> are occupied. However, if the resources of the second communication link <NUM> are unoccupied, or are available, the access node <NUM> may release its available resources to other neighboring communication links and neighboring access nodes (e.g., first communication link <NUM>). It should be appreciated that the determinations for demand of resources dedicated to the first communication link <NUM> and the second communication link <NUM> are performed by the communication link's respective ANF. In the illustrative example, the ANF for the first communication link <NUM> is access node <NUM> and the ANF for the second communication link <NUM> is access node <NUM>.

Based upon determining that at least some resources dedicated to the second communication link <NUM> are available for use by neighboring communication links, the access node <NUM> may generate an indication message <NUM> and send that indication message <NUM> to neighboring access nodes (e.g., access node <NUM>). In some examples, the indication message <NUM> is sent when one state is determined to be true (e.g., if the resources are available). In such examples, a non-receipt of an indication message <NUM> may indicate that the other state is true (e.g., if the resources are occupied). In this way, a receiver may derive information from the reception as well as the absence of reception of the indication message <NUM>. In the illustrative example, the indication message <NUM> indicates that resources are available. However, in other examples, the indication message <NUM> may indicate that resources are occupied. In some examples, a neighboring access node may conclude that a resource is available if no indication message is received, which is sent to flag occupancy.

The communication links and the access nodes that receive the indication message <NUM> about the available resources of the second communication link <NUM> may depend on the local network topology and resource allocation. Additional examples of more complex network topologies are shown in <FIG>. The indication message <NUM> may be sent on different links at different times. The indication message <NUM> may include additional information about the available resources. Such additional information may include, what type of resources are available/occupied (e.g., time slots, frequencies, etc.), when the resources are available/occupied (e.g., at the next time interval or at a time interval several slots in the future), whether a fraction of the resource is available/occupied, other resource specific information, or any combination thereof. A neighboring ANF may listen for indication messages during the control portions <NUM> of selected communication links. For example, the access node <NUM> may listen for the indication message <NUM> during the control portions <NUM> of scheduled resource of the second communication link <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the access node <NUM> (e.g., the neighboring ANF) may determine that it has received an indication message <NUM> from the first communication link <NUM>. The access node <NUM> may then process the indication message <NUM>, determine what information it includes, and identify what resources are available to be used by the access node <NUM>. If the first communication link <NUM> has a demand for resources that exceeds its dedicated resources, the access node <NUM> may determine to use the available resources of the second communication link <NUM> to send additional data traffic across the first communication link <NUM>.

The access node <NUM> may transmit a scheduling message <NUM> to the relevant access nodes running UEFs for the first communication link <NUM>. The scheduling message <NUM> may indicate which entity using the first communication link <NUM> (e.g., access node <NUM> or access node <NUM>) has permission to transmit using a particular scheduled resource. The scheduling message <NUM> may be transmitted during the control portion <NUM> of the scheduled resource dedicated to the first communication link <NUM>. In some examples, the scheduling message <NUM> only indicates how one scheduled resource should be used. For example, the scheduling message <NUM> may indicate how the next resource dedicated to the first communication link <NUM> is to be used. In other examples, the scheduling message <NUM> may be used to indicate how multiple scheduled resources are to be used. For example, the scheduling message <NUM> may indicate how a first scheduled resource dedicated to the first communication link <NUM> is to be used and how a subsequent second scheduled resource dedicated to the second communication link <NUM> is also to be used.

At message <NUM>, data may be communicated via the first communication link <NUM> based upon the scheduling message <NUM>. The data may be transmitted by either the access node <NUM> or the access node <NUM>. The data may be transmitted during the data portion <NUM> of the scheduled resource.

A scheduling message <NUM> may sent prior to communicating data using a scheduled resource dedicated to the second communication link <NUM> but made available by the ANF of the second communication link <NUM>. The scheduling message <NUM> may be similarly embodied as the scheduling message <NUM>. In some examples, the scheduling message <NUM> is not transmitted because the scheduling message <NUM> includes the information to schedule the newly available resources dedicated to the second communication link <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In some examples, the scheduling message <NUM> may be transmitted during the data portion of the resources dedicated to second communication link <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In such a manner, the control portions <NUM> of the resources dedicated to the second communication link <NUM> are still preserved to network purposes. For example, even though the second communication link <NUM> data resources are available for other communication links to use, indication messages may still be transmitted across the second communication link <NUM> during a particular time interval or time slot.

At message <NUM>, data may be communicated via the first communication link <NUM> using the resources made available by the ANF of the second communication link <NUM>. Generally, the schedule <NUM> would not permit the first communication link <NUM> to transmit using these resources, except that the resources have been released by the relevant ANF (e.g., access node <NUM> running the ANF). The data may be transmitted by either the access node <NUM> or the access node <NUM>. The data may be transmitted during the data portion <NUM> of the scheduled resource.

While the swim diagram <NUM> shows communications across the communication links <NUM>, <NUM> and three access nodes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the methods described herein may be expanded to include additional communication links and additional access nodes.

The access nodes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be examples of access nodes <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. The ANFs may be examples of the ANFs described with reference to <FIG>. The UEFs may be examples of the UEFs described with reference to <FIG>. The communication links <NUM>, <NUM> may be examples of the communication links described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate examples of network connection diagrams of a communications network <NUM> for dynamic resource allocation in a wireless network. <FIG> illustrate examples of occupancy/availability signaling as it occurs in different network topologies.

<FIG> shows a local network topology for a communications network <NUM>. The communications network <NUM> may be a wireless backhaul network. The communications network <NUM> includes a primary communication link <NUM>, a first auxiliary communication link <NUM>, and a second auxiliary communication link <NUM>. The communication links <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be similar to the other communication links discussed above (e.g., communication links <NUM>, <NUM>). The primary communication link <NUM> may be assigned a first subset of resources by the schedule <NUM>. The auxiliary communication links <NUM>, <NUM> may be assigned a second subset of resources by the schedule <NUM>. The auxiliary communication links <NUM>, <NUM> may utilize the same subset of resources because they may be separated enough spatially that they will not interfere with one another.

An access node <NUM> may communicate with an access node <NUM> via the primary communication link <NUM>. In addition, the access node <NUM> may communication with other access nodes via the first auxiliary communication link <NUM> and the access node <NUM> may communicate with other access nodes via the second auxiliary communication link <NUM>. In the illustrative example, the access node <NUM> implements an ANF <NUM> for the primary communication link <NUM> and the access node <NUM> implements a UEF <NUM> for the primary communication link <NUM>. In other examples, however, the functions of the access nodes <NUM>, <NUM> may be reversed. As used in this disclosure, the terms primary and auxiliary are not meant to denote differences in technical features, importance, priority but to denote that different resources are dedicated for each link by the resource plan (e.g., schedule <NUM>).

The ANF <NUM> of the primary communication link <NUM> (e.g., access node <NUM>) may receive a first indication message <NUM> regarding the occupancy/availability of resources on the first auxiliary communication link <NUM> and a second indication message <NUM> regarding the occupancy/availability of resources on the second auxiliary communication link <NUM>. Due to high resource demand, the ANF <NUM> may wish to also use resources from its adjacent links (e.g., links <NUM>, <NUM>). If both of the indication messages <NUM>, <NUM> indicate that both the resources of both neighboring communication links (e.g., links <NUM>, <NUM>) are available during a particular time interval, the ANF <NUM> may then utilize the available resource of the auxiliary communication links for its own traffic.

<FIG> shows a similar local network topology for the communications network <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, except an additional access node <NUM> is added to the communications network <NUM>. The access node <NUM> is coupled to the access node <NUM> via a second primary communication link <NUM>. The second primary communication link <NUM> utilizes the same subset of resources defined by the schedule <NUM> as the first primary communication link <NUM>. The access node <NUM> may be coupled to other access nodes via a third auxiliary communication link <NUM>, which uses the same subset of resources defined by the schedule <NUM> as the other auxiliary communication links <NUM>, <NUM>. The access node <NUM> may implement a UEF <NUM> for the second primary communication link <NUM>. The access node <NUM> may transmit a third indication message <NUM> regarding the occupancy/availability of resources for the third auxiliary communication link <NUM> to the ANF <NUM>.

Before using any resources dedicated to any of the auxiliary communication links <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the ANF <NUM> (e.g., access node <NUM>) may determine whether each of the auxiliary communication links <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are available. For example, before transmitting via the second primary communication link <NUM>, the ANF <NUM> may determine whether all auxiliary communication links <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> have made resources available to the ANF <NUM> during the particular time interval. In some examples, however, to transmit using the second primary communication link <NUM>, resources from the first auxiliary communication link <NUM> and the third auxiliary communication link <NUM> are made available. In some instances of these examples, no other resources are made available. In some examples, to transmit using the first primary communication link <NUM>, resources from the first auxiliary communication link <NUM> and the second auxiliary communication link <NUM> are made available. In some instances of these examples, no other resources are made available.

<FIG> shows a similar local network topology for the communications network <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, except that the access node <NUM> is coupled to other access nodes via a tertiary communication link <NUM> instead of the second auxiliary communication link <NUM>. The tertiary communication link <NUM> may utilize a third subset of resources defined by the schedule <NUM> different from the first subset and the second subset of resources utilized by the primary communication links <NUM>, <NUM> and the auxiliary communication links <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> respectively.

The ANF <NUM> may utilize the resources of the auxiliary communication link <NUM> or the tertiary communication link <NUM> based at least in part on their respective occupancy/availability. For example, if the first indication message <NUM> indicates that resources dedicated to the auxiliary communication link <NUM> are available, the ANF <NUM> may decide to transmit data across the primary communication link <NUM> using those resources. In another example, if the second indication message <NUM> indicates that resources dedicated to the tertiary communication link <NUM> are available, the ANF <NUM> may decide to transmit data across the primary communication link <NUM> using those resources.

It should be appreciated that different network topologies may include any combination of the topologies discussed above. For example, a network topology may include four different communication links using four different subsets of resources. In other examples, each communication link may have any number of connections that an ANF may check before utilizing resources not dedicated to a particular communication link.

The access nodes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be examples of access nodes <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. The ANF <NUM> may be examples of the ANFs described with reference to <FIG>. The UEF <NUM> may be examples of the UEFs described with reference to <FIG>. The communication links <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be examples of the communication links described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate examples of indication message transmission diagrams for dynamic resource allocation in a wireless network <NUM>. Depending on the network topology of the wireless network <NUM>, indication messages may be forwarded, transmitted, and/or relied in different ways. <FIG> are intended to demonstrate basic principles of indication message travel and communication. Various network topologies may deviate from these principle are may use any combination of these principles.

<FIG> illustrates a network topology that includes an access node <NUM> coupled with other access nodes via a first communication link <NUM> and a second communication link <NUM>. The communication links <NUM>, <NUM> utilize different subsets of resources defined by the schedule <NUM>. In the illustrative example of <FIG>, the access node <NUM> implements an ANF <NUM> for the first communication link <NUM> and implements an ANF <NUM> for a second communication link <NUM>. The ANFs communicate with associated UEFs <NUM>, <NUM>. The UEFs <NUM>, <NUM> may be implemented by other access nodes that are not depicted here.

It may be determined that resources dedicated to the second communication link <NUM> are available to be used by other communication links. For example, the ANF <NUM> of the second communication link <NUM> may determine that certain resources of the second communication link <NUM> may be available for a certain time interval. Because both the ANF <NUM> of the first communication link <NUM> and the ANF <NUM> of the second communication link <NUM> are implemented on the access node <NUM>, the ANF <NUM> may send an indication message <NUM> directly to the ANF <NUM> internal to the access node <NUM>. In such a situation, no signaling across the wireless network may be performed. In this regard, the indication message <NUM> of <FIG> is inconsistent with the appended claims, and it is presented for illustration purposes only.

<FIG> illustrates a similar network topology to that shown in <FIG> except that the access node <NUM> implements the UEF <NUM> of the second communication link <NUM> instead of the ANF <NUM> of the second communication link <NUM>. In order to make resources dedicated to the second communication link <NUM> available to the first communication link <NUM>, two indication messages may be used. The ANF <NUM> may first determine that certain resources are available to be used by other communication links. At which time, the ANF <NUM> may generate and transmit an indication message <NUM> to its related UEFs being implemented by neighboring access nodes (e.g., access node <NUM>). Once the UEF <NUM> receives the indication message <NUM>, the UEF <NUM> may generate the intra-access node indication message <NUM> and send it to the ANF <NUM> for the first communication link <NUM>. In this manner, indication messages may be received by ANFs of the relevant communication links.

<FIG> illustrates a similar network topology to that shown in <FIG> except that the access node <NUM> implements the UEF <NUM> of the first communication link <NUM> instead of the ANF <NUM> of the first communication link <NUM>. In order to make resources dedicated to the second communication link <NUM> available to the first communication link <NUM>, three indication messages may be used. The ANF <NUM> may determine that certain resources are available to be used by other communication links. At which time, the ANF <NUM> may generate and transmit the indication message <NUM> to its related UEFs being implemented by neighboring access nodes (e.g., access node <NUM>). Once the UEF <NUM> receives the indication message <NUM>, the UEF <NUM> may generate the intra-access node indication message <NUM> and send it to the UEF <NUM> for the first communication link <NUM>. The UEF <NUM> may then generate another indication message <NUM> to transmit via the first communication link <NUM> to the ANF <NUM>. In this manner, the access node <NUM> becomes effectively a pass-through entity for the indication messages between the ANFs <NUM>, <NUM> of the first communication link <NUM> and the second communication link <NUM>. Upon receiving the indication message <NUM>, the access node <NUM> may forward the indication message <NUM> as indication message <NUM> to the appropriate ANF (e.g., ANF <NUM>). In this manner, an access node <NUM> may forward indication messages to other access nodes.

The access node <NUM> may be an example of access nodes <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. The ANFs <NUM>, <NUM> may be examples of the ANFs described with reference to <FIG>. The UEFs <NUM>, <NUM> may be examples of the UEFs described with reference to <FIG>. The communication links <NUM>, <NUM> may be examples of the communication links described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a resource allocation in a synchronized frame structure <NUM> for dynamic resource allocation in a wireless network. The resource allocation scheme shown <FIG> illustrates how resources can be shifted among nodes within a synchronized frame structure <NUM>. A communications network <NUM> may include a chain of three communication links. The communications network <NUM> may be a wireless backhaul network. The synchronized frame structure <NUM> may be an example of the schedule <NUM>.

The communications network <NUM> includes a primary communication link <NUM>, a first auxiliary communication link <NUM>, and a second auxiliary communication link <NUM>. The communications network <NUM> includes four access nodes, a first access node <NUM>, a second access node <NUM>, a third access node <NUM>, and a fourth access node <NUM>. The first access node <NUM> may implement an ANF <NUM> for the first auxiliary communication link <NUM>. The second access node <NUM> may implement a UEF <NUM> for the first auxiliary communication link <NUM> and an ANF <NUM> for the primary communication link <NUM>. The third access node <NUM> may implement a UEF <NUM> for the primary communication link <NUM> and a UEF <NUM> for the second auxiliary communication link <NUM>. The fourth access node <NUM> may implement an ANF <NUM> for the second auxiliary communication link <NUM>.

The access nodes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be examples of access nodes <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. The ANFs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be examples of the ANFs described with reference to <FIG>. The UEFs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be examples of the UEFs described with reference to <FIG>. The communication links <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be examples of the communication links described with reference to <FIG>.

The synchronized frame structure <NUM> may include a number of resources <NUM> that include a control portion <NUM> and a data portion <NUM>. In some examples, a resource <NUM> includes two control portions <NUM>, a downlink control portion (or a DL control channel) and an uplink control portion (or a UL control channel). In the illustrative example, the resources <NUM> are embodied as frames spanning a unique time interval. A first subset <NUM> of resources <NUM> are dedicated for the primary communication link <NUM>. A second subset <NUM> of resources <NUM> are dedicated for the auxiliary communication links <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the first subset <NUM> includes resources at time intervals n+<NUM>, n+<NUM>, etc., and the second subset <NUM> includes resources at time intervals n, n+<NUM>, n+<NUM>, etc. In other examples, the synchronized frame structure <NUM> may be divided into additional subsets of resources <NUM> depending on the network topology.

The following disclosure relate to how indication messages may move between access nodes through the communications network <NUM> over time. At slot n (i.e., the time interval represented by n), the ANF <NUM> of the second auxiliary communication link <NUM> may transmit an indication message <NUM> on a control portion <NUM> of a resource <NUM>-d, which is received by the UEF <NUM> of the second auxiliary communication link <NUM> and passed on to the UEF <NUM> of the primary communication link <NUM>. The indication message <NUM> may include information indicating that the resource <NUM>-f (at time interval n+<NUM>) is available for the second auxiliary communication link <NUM>. In some examples, the information states that the second auxiliary communication link <NUM> may be available in four time slots.

At time slot n+<NUM>, the ANF <NUM> of the primary communication link <NUM> may transmit a scheduling message <NUM> during a control portion <NUM> to schedule data for transmission via the primary communication link <NUM> during this time slot. Also during the time slot n+<NUM>, the UEF <NUM> of the primary communication link <NUM> may send an indication message <NUM> to its ANF <NUM> on the UL control portion of resource <NUM>-a. The indication message may include information that resource <NUM>-f for the second auxiliary communication link <NUM> is available.

At time slot n+<NUM>, the ANF <NUM> of the first auxiliary communication link <NUM> may transmit an indication message <NUM> on the DL control portion <NUM> of resource <NUM>-b of the first auxiliary communication link <NUM>. The indication message <NUM> may include information that resource <NUM>-c for the first auxiliary communication link <NUM> is available. The indication message may be received by the UEF <NUM> for the first auxiliary communication link <NUM> and passed on to the ANF <NUM> for the primary communication link <NUM>.

At time slot n+<NUM>, the ANF <NUM> of the primary communication link <NUM> may transmit a scheduling message <NUM> to schedule data to be transmitted using resource <NUM>-b via the primary communication link <NUM>. In addition, the scheduling message <NUM> may also schedule data to be transmitted during the time slot n+<NUM> because both resource <NUM>-c and resource <NUM>-f are not being used by their respective auxiliary communication links <NUM>, <NUM>. The scheduling message may be transmitted during a control portion of the resource <NUM>-b.

At time slot n+<NUM>, a data message <NUM> may be transmitted via the primary communication link <NUM> using resources usually dedicated to the auxiliary communication links <NUM>, <NUM>. The data message <NUM> may be transmitted during the data portion of resources <NUM>-c, <NUM>-f, thereby allowing the auxiliary communication links <NUM>, <NUM> to be used to transmit network messages, such as indication messages for indicating resources that may be available in the future. In some examples, the data message <NUM> is transmitted exclusively during the data portion.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a resource allocation in a synchronized frame structure <NUM> for dynamic resource allocation in a wireless network. Another example of a resource allocation scheme is shown in <FIG>. The features of the wireless network <NUM> and the synchronized frame structure <NUM> are similarly embodied as those described in <FIG> and thus descriptions of those features are not repeated here. It should be appreciated that features having similar or identical numbers may be embodied similarly. The synchronized frame structure <NUM> may be an example of the schedule <NUM>. In the synchronized frame structure <NUM>, a data message <NUM> transmitted using resources not dedicated to the relevant communication link may include a control portion <NUM> and a data portion <NUM> and a scheduling message <NUM> may be transmitted during the control portion <NUM>.

At slot n (i.e., the time interval represented by n), the ANF <NUM> of the second auxiliary communication link <NUM> may transmit an indication message <NUM> on a control portion <NUM> of a resource <NUM>-d, which is received by the UEF <NUM> of the second auxiliary communication link <NUM> and passed on to the UEF <NUM> of the primary communication link <NUM>. The indication message <NUM> may include information indicating that the resource <NUM>-e (at time interval n+<NUM>) is available for the second auxiliary communication link <NUM>. In some examples, the information states that the second auxiliary communication link <NUM> may be available in two time slots.

At time slot n+<NUM>, the ANF <NUM> of the primary communication link <NUM> may transmit a scheduling message <NUM> during a control portion <NUM> of resource <NUM>-a to schedule data for transmission via the primary communication link <NUM> during this time slot. Also during the time slot n+<NUM>, the UEF <NUM> of the primary communication link <NUM> may send an indication message <NUM> to its ANF <NUM> on the UL control portion of resource <NUM>-a. The indication message <NUM> may include information that resource <NUM>-f for the second auxiliary communication link <NUM> is available.

At time slot n+<NUM>, the ANF <NUM> of the first auxiliary communication link <NUM> may transmit an indication message <NUM> on the DL control portion <NUM> of resource <NUM>-b of the first auxiliary communication link <NUM>. The indication message <NUM> may include information that resource <NUM>-b for the first auxiliary communication link <NUM> is available at the next time slot. The indication message <NUM> may be received by the UEF <NUM> for the first auxiliary communication link <NUM> and passed on to the ANF <NUM> for the primary communication link <NUM>.

Upon receiving indication messages <NUM>, <NUM>, the ANF <NUM> for the primary communication link <NUM> may determine that it may utilize the resources normally dedicated to the auxiliary communication links <NUM>, <NUM>. As such, the ANF <NUM> may generate a data message <NUM> to be sent via the primary communication link <NUM> during the time slot n+<NUM>. The data message <NUM> may include both a control portion <NUM> and a data portion <NUM>. The data message <NUM> is also configured to be transmitted during the data portion <NUM> of resources <NUM>-b, <NUM>-e, thereby reserving the control portions <NUM> of those resources to be used by the auxiliary communication links <NUM>, <NUM>. A scheduling message <NUM> may be transmitted during the control portion <NUM> of the data message <NUM>. The scheduling message <NUM> may be embodied similarly to other scheduling messages (e.g., scheduling message <NUM>) and may schedule data for transmission via the primary communication link during the time slot n+<NUM>.

Time slots n+<NUM> and n+<NUM> illustrate another scenario that may occur using the data message <NUM>. At time slot n+<NUM>, the ANF <NUM> of the primary communication link <NUM> may transmit a scheduling message <NUM> to schedule data to be transmitted using resource <NUM>-b via the primary communication link <NUM>.

At time slot n+<NUM>, the ANF <NUM> of the first auxiliary communication link <NUM> may transmit an indication message <NUM> on the DL control portion <NUM> of resource <NUM>-c of the first auxiliary communication link <NUM>. The indication message <NUM> may include information that resource <NUM>-c for the first auxiliary communication link <NUM> is available at the next time slot. The indication message <NUM> may be received by the UEF <NUM> for the first auxiliary communication link <NUM> and passed on to the ANF <NUM> for the primary communication link <NUM>. In addition, at time slot n+<NUM>, the ANF <NUM> of the second auxiliary communication link <NUM> may transmit an indication message <NUM> on a control portion <NUM> of a resource <NUM>-f, which is received by the UEF <NUM> of the second auxiliary communication link <NUM> and passed on to the UEF <NUM> of the primary communication link <NUM>. The indication message <NUM> may include information indicating that the resource <NUM>-f is available for the second auxiliary communication link <NUM>.

Upon receiving indication messages <NUM>, <NUM>, the ANF <NUM> for the primary communication link <NUM> may determine that it may utilize the resources normally dedicated to the auxiliary communication links <NUM>, <NUM>. As such, the ANF <NUM> may generate a data message <NUM> to be sent via the primary communication link <NUM> during the time slot n+<NUM>. The data message <NUM> may be similarly embodied as data message <NUM>. The data message <NUM> may be also configured to be transmitted during the data portion <NUM> of resources <NUM>-c, <NUM>-f, thereby reserving the control portions <NUM> of those resources to be used by the auxiliary communication links <NUM>, <NUM>. A scheduling message <NUM> may be transmitted during the control portion <NUM> of the data message <NUM>.

It should be appreciated from <FIG> and <FIG> that indication messages may be transmitted on control portions of resources <NUM>. For example, an indication message may be included in a DL control channel or an UL control channel. These control channels may use resources that are pre-allocated by a (network-wide) resource plan (e.g., the synchronized frame structure). Furthermore, resource shifting via availability/occupancy signaling may be restricted to the data portions <NUM> of resources <NUM>, while control portions <NUM> of resources <NUM> are typically reserved for the assigned communication link. This allows a communication link to sustain regular control signaling even if it has released its resource to adjacent links. Resource shifting may apply to time-multiplexed resources or frequency-multiplexed resources. The type of resource that is indicated to be available or occupied may be explicitly included in the indication message. It may also be implicitly derived from information an access node holds about the local network topology (e.g., such as the resource plan and the local connectivity). Such information may be provisioned to the access node or configured via additional signaling channels.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a wireless device <NUM> that supports dynamic resource allocation in a wireless network in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device <NUM> may be an example of aspects of an access node <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG>. Wireless device <NUM> may include receiver <NUM>, communications manager <NUM>, and transmitter <NUM>. Wireless device <NUM> may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

Receiver <NUM> may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to dynamic resource allocation in a wireless network, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receiver <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the transceiver <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

Communications manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the communications manager <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

Communications manager <NUM> may determine whether data is available to be transmitted via a first communication link using a radio access technology (RAT) that supports a synchronized frame structure, receive an indication whether a scheduled resource of a second communication link is available during a time interval defined by the synchronized frame structure, and transmit the data via the first communication link using the scheduled resource during the time interval based on the indication indicating that the scheduled resource of the second communication link is available during the time interval.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a wireless device <NUM> that supports dynamic resource allocation in a wireless network in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a wireless device <NUM> or an access node <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. Wireless device <NUM> may include receiver <NUM>, communications manager <NUM>, and transmitter <NUM>. Wireless device <NUM> may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

Communications manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the communications manager <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. Communications manager <NUM> may also include data manager <NUM> and resource availability manager <NUM>.

Data manager <NUM> may determine whether data is available to be transmitted via a first communication link using a RAT that supports a synchronized frame structure, transmit the data via the first communication link during the time interval is further based on the second communication link and the third communication link being available during the time interval, transmit the data via the first communication link during the second time interval based on the third communication link being available during the second time interval, transmit the data via the first communication link using the scheduled resource during the time interval based on the indication indicating that the scheduled resource of the second communication link is available during the time interval, transmit a second indication based on a scheduled resource of the first communication link being available, transmit the data via the first communication link during the time interval further includes: transmitting via the first communication link during the data portion of the scheduled resource of the time interval, and transmit the data during a second portion of the data portion of the scheduled resource of the time interval. In some cases, transmitting the data via the first communication link during the time interval further includes: transmitting uplink control data during a first portion of the data portion of the scheduled resource of the time interval.

Resource availability manager <NUM> may receive an indication whether a scheduled resource of a second communication link is available during a time interval defined by the synchronized frame structure, receive a second indication being indicative of whether a schedule resource of a third communication link is available during the time interval, receive a second indication being indicative of whether a scheduled resource of a third communication link is available during a second time interval, forward the indication based on what entity schedules transmissions on the first communication link, determine an availability of a scheduled resource for transmission of data on the first communication link, and transmit, by the first wireless node, a second indication received via the first communication link to the second wireless node via the second communication link. In some cases, a first wireless node receives the indication from a second wireless node. In some cases, the second wireless node transmits the indication if the scheduled resource of the second communication link is available during the time interval. In some cases, the indication includes identifying information about a scheduled resource defined by the synchronized frame structure. In some cases, the indication is transmitted via the control portion.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a communications manager <NUM> that supports dynamic resource allocation in a wireless network in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a communications manager <NUM>, a communications manager <NUM>, or a communications manager <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The communications manager <NUM> may include data manager <NUM>, resource availability manager <NUM>, backhaul function manager <NUM>, and frame structure manager <NUM>. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

Data manager <NUM> determines whether data is available to be transmitted via a first communication link using a RAT that supports a synchronized frame structure, may transmit the data via the first communication link during the time interval is further based on the second communication link and the third communication link being available during the time interval, may transmit the data via the first communication link during the second time interval based on the third communication link being available during the second time interval, transmits the data via the first communication link using the scheduled resource during the time interval based on the indication indicating that the scheduled resource of the second communication link is available during the time interval, may transmit a second indication based on a scheduled resource of the first communication link being available, may transmit the data via the first communication link during the time interval further including: transmitting via the first communication link during the data portion of the scheduled resource of the time interval, and transmit the data during a second portion of the data portion of the scheduled resource of the time interval. In some cases, transmitting the data via the first communication link during the time interval further includes: transmitting uplink control data during a first portion of the data portion of the scheduled resource of the time interval.

Resource availability manager <NUM> receives an indication whether a scheduled resource of a second communication link is available during a time interval defined by the synchronized frame structure, may receive a second indication being indicative of whether a schedule resource of a third communication link is available during the time interval, may receive a second indication being indicative of whether a scheduled resource of a third communication link is available during a second time interval, forward the indication based on what entity schedules transmissions on the first communication link, may determine an availability of a scheduled resource for transmission of data on the first communication link, and may transmit, by the first wireless node, a second indication received via the first communication link to the second wireless node via the second communication link. In some cases, a first wireless node receives the indication from a second wireless node. In some cases, the second wireless node transmits the indication if the scheduled resource of the second communication link is available during the time interval. In some cases, the indication includes identifying information about a scheduled resource defined by the synchronized frame structure. In some cases, the indication is transmitted via the control portion.

Backhaul function manager <NUM> may implement, at the first wireless node, an access node function for the first communication link that allows the first wireless node to schedule transmissions on the first communication link, implement, at the first wireless node, a user equipment function for the second communication link, the UEF allowing the first wireless node to communicate via the second communication link, where the first wireless node implements simultaneously the ANF for the first communication link and a UEF for the second communication link, implement, at the first wireless node, a UEF for the first communication link, and implement, at the first wireless node, a UEF for the second communication link. In some cases, the second wireless node implements an ANF for the second communication link that allows the second wireless node to schedule transmissions on the second communication link. In some cases, one of the first communication link or the second communication link is a wireless backhaul link. In some cases, the RAT includes a millimeter wave RAT.

Frame structure manager <NUM> may include information related to the synchronized frame structure. In some cases, the synchronized frame structure is for uplink transmissions and downlink transmissions and defines the scheduled resources, each scheduled resource including a control portion and a data portion. A first subset of scheduled resources defined by the synchronized frame structure are assigned to be used by the first communication link and a second subset of scheduled resources defined by the synchronized frame structure are assigned to be used by the second communication link, the first subset being different than the second subset. In some cases, the first subset or the second subset of scheduled resources includes at least one of a time interval, a frequency band, a code, an antenna beam, or a combination thereof.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a system <NUM> including a device <NUM> that supports dynamic resource allocation in a wireless network in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Device <NUM> may be an example of or include the components of wireless device <NUM>, wireless device <NUM>, or an access node <NUM> as described above, e.g., with reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. Device <NUM> may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including communications manager <NUM>, processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, software <NUM>, transceiver <NUM>, and I/O controller <NUM>. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more busses (e.g., bus <NUM>).

Processor <NUM> may include an intelligent hardware device, (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, processor <NUM> may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into processor <NUM>. Processor <NUM> may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting dynamic resource allocation in a wireless network).

The memory <NUM> stores computer-readable, computer-executable software <NUM> including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein.

Software <NUM> may include code to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including code to support dynamic resource allocation in a wireless network. Software <NUM> may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other memory. In some cases, the software <NUM> may not be directly executable by the processor but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein.

<FIG> shows a flowchart illustrating a method <NUM> for dynamic resource allocation in a wireless network in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method <NUM> may be implemented by an access node <NUM> or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method <NUM> may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference to <FIG>. In some examples, an access node <NUM> may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the access node <NUM> may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block <NUM> the access node <NUM> determines whether data is available to be transmitted via a first communication link using a radio access technology (RAT) that supports a synchronized frame structure. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described with reference to <FIG>. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a data manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the access node <NUM> receives an indication whether a scheduled resource of a second communication link is available during a time interval defined by the synchronized frame structure. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described with reference to <FIG>. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a resource availability manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the access node <NUM> transmits the data via the first communication link using the scheduled resource during the time interval based at least in part on the indication indicating that the scheduled resource of the second communication link is available during the time interval. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described with reference to <FIG>. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a data manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the access node <NUM> may receive a second indication being indicative of whether a schedule resource of a third communication link is available during the time interval. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described with reference to <FIG>. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a resource availability manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the access node <NUM> may transmit the data via the first communication link during the time interval is further based at least in part on the second communication link and the third communication link being available during the time interval. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described with reference to <FIG>. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a data manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the access node <NUM> may receive a second indication being indicative of whether a scheduled resource of a third communication link is available during a second time interval. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described with reference to <FIG>. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a resource availability manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the access node <NUM> may transmit the data via the first communication link during the second time interval based at least in part on the third communication link being available during the second time interval. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described with reference to <FIG>. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a data manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. A code division multiple access (CDMA) system may implement a radio technology such as CDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), etc. CDMA2000 covers IS-<NUM>, IS-<NUM>, and IS-<NUM> standards. A time division multiple access (TDMA) system may implement a radio technology such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).

An orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system may implement a radio technology such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) <NUM> (Wi-Fi), IEEE <NUM> (WiMAX), IEEE <NUM>, Flash-OFDM, etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunications system (UMTS). 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) are new releases of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, and Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) are described in documents from the organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP). While aspects an LTE system may be described for purposes of example, and LTE terminology may be used in much of the description, the techniques described herein are applicable beyond LTE applications.

In LTE/LTE-A networks, including such networks described herein, the term evolved node B (eNB) may be generally used to describe the access nodes. In other examples, the term base station may be used to describe the access nodes. The wireless communications system or systems described herein may include a heterogeneous LTE/LTE-A network in which different types of evolved node B (eNBs) provide coverage for various geographical regions. For example, each eNB or access node may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a small cell, or other types of cell. The term "cell" may be used to describe an access node, a carrier or component carrier associated with an access node, or a coverage area (e.g., sector, etc.) of a carrier or access node, depending on context.

Access nodes may include or may be referred to by those skilled in the art as a base transceiver station, a radio access node, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or some other suitable terminology. The geographic coverage area for an access node may be divided into sectors making up only a portion of the coverage area. The wireless communications system or systems described herein may include access nodes of different types (e.g., macro or small cell access nodes). The UEs described herein may be able to communicate with various types of access nodes and network equipment including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, relay access nodes, and the like. There may be overlapping geographic coverage areas for different technologies.

A small cell is a lower-powered access node, as compared with a macro cell, that may operate in the same or different (e.g., licensed, unlicensed, etc.) frequency bands as macro cells. A LTE may be able to communicate with various types of access nodes and network equipment including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, relay access nodes, and the like.

For synchronous operation, the access nodes may have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different access nodes may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, the access nodes may have different frame timing, and transmissions from different access nodes may not be aligned in time.

Each communication link described herein-including, for example, wireless communications system <NUM> of <FIG>-may include one or more carriers, where each carrier may be a signal made up of multiple sub-carriers (e.g., waveform signals of different frequencies).

Also, as used herein, including in the claims, "or" as used in a list of items (for example, a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of') indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C).

Claim 1:
A method for wireless communication in a wireless backhaul network, comprising:
determining (<NUM>), at a first access node (<NUM>), whether data is available to be transmitted via a first communication link (<NUM>) between the first access node (<NUM>) and a second access node (<NUM>) using a radio access technology, RAT, that supports a synchronized frame structure, wherein the first communication link is a backhaul link;
receiving (<NUM>) at the first access node (<NUM>) from a third access node (<NUM>) an indication (<NUM>) whether a scheduled resource of a second communication link (<NUM>) between the first access node (<NUM>) and the third access node (<NUM>) using the RAT, time synchronized with the first communication link, is available during a time interval defined by the synchronized frame structure, wherein a first subset of scheduled resources defined by the synchronized frame structure are assigned to be used by the first communication link and a second subset of scheduled resources defined by the synchronized frame structure are assigned to be used by the second communication link, the first subset being different than the second subset; and
transmitting (<NUM>), by the first access node (<NUM>), the data via the first communication link (<NUM>) using the scheduled resource of the second communication link during the time interval based at least in part on the indication (<NUM>) indicating that the scheduled resource of the second communication link (<NUM>) is available during the time interval.