Option C can be considered in order to eliminate timing dependency between links. In this option, a link for the gNB function and a link for the UE function can be TDMed in view of a node.
A node has two functions of the gNB function and the UE function. The gNB function supports and communicates with UEs and child nodes and the UE function connects to and communicates with a parent node. Accordingly, a backhaul link with a parent node is related to the UE function and a backhaul link with a child node and an access link is related to the gNB function.
TDM of the gNB function and the UE function may mean TDM of an even-numbered hop and an odd-numbered hop, and scheduling of this option can be composed of four steps which are illustrated in
(1) Step 1: DL of access/backhaul links for an odd-numbered hop
(2) Step 2: UL of access/backhaul links for an odd-numbered hop
(3) Step 3: DL of access/backhaul links for an even-numbered hop (DL of an access link of +DgNB)
(4) Step 4: UL of access/backhaul links for an even-numbered hop (DL of an access link of +DgNB)
The main purpose of this option is to generate an independent Tx/Rx timing between links.
In view of a DgNB, the DgNB has no backhaul link with a parent node. Accordingly, the DgNB may not pay attention to a backhaul link timing for a time duration for the UE function, and thus the access link of the DgNB can be used.