Patent attributes
Exemplary embodiments include methods and/or procedures performed by a first intermediate node of a multi-hop, integrated access backhaul communication network. Embodiments include receiving a data packet destined for a target node of the communication network, the first intermediate node being configured to communicate with the target node via a second intermediate node of the network. Embodiments include determining an address for the data packet based on a mapping function associated with the target node, and forming a packet header, including the previously-determined address, for the data packet. Forming the packet header can include at least one of the following operations: excluding one or more higher-layer protocol headers related to the second intermediate node; and incorporating without modification a portion, associated with the target node, of an existing header of the data packet. Embodiments include sending the data packet, comprising the packet header, to the address via the second intermediate node.
