Template frame based MAC operation

An access node for allocating communication resources in a wireless communication network, the access node comprising:

• a processor;
• memory containing instructions executable by the processor whereby the access node is operative to:
• receive a template frame representing a grid specifying a time-frequency resource allocation of a link supporting a route between the access node and a further access node, each position in the grid specifying whether a respective time-frequency resource of the link is to be allocated to the route between the access node and the further access node;
• and
• allocate the time-frequency resources of the link based on the received time-frequency resource allocation of the link and a status of a data buffer of the access node associated with the route.

A wireless communication network comprising:

• a plurality of access nodes, each access node of the plurality of access nodes being connected to one or more access nodes of the plurality of access nodes via one or more links to provide a plurality of routes for routing data through the wireless communication network;
• wherein the plurality of access nodes comprises a first access node and a second access node, the first access node comprising:
• a processor;
• memory containing instructions executable by the processor whereby the first access node is operative to:
• receive a template frame representing a grid specifying a time-frequency resource allocation of a link supporting a route between the first access node and the second access node, each position in the grid specifying whether a respective time-frequency resource of the link is to be allocated to the route between the first access node and the second access node;
• and
• allocate the time-frequency resources of the link based on the received time-frequency resource information and a status of a data buffer of the first access node associated with the route.