Method, system and apparatus for resource allocation in multi-hop systems

A method comprising:

• supporting multi-hop self-backhaul communications in an apparatus for a determined period and at least one hop, wherein the determined period comprises:
• a first part within which information for controlling dynamic allocation between backhaul and access links within resource slots is passed between the apparatus and at least one further apparatus in the multi-hop self-backhaul communications;
• and
• a second part within which a dynamic slot pattern is implemented based on the information for controlling dynamic allocation between backhaul and access links within resource slots is passed between the apparatus and at least one further apparatus in the multi-hop self-backhaul communications;
• receiving information for controlling dynamic allocation between backhaul and access links within resource slots between the apparatus and a higher hop apparatus in the multi-hop self-backhaul communications;
• generating the information for controlling dynamic allocation between backhaul and access links within resource slots between the apparatus and the lower hop apparatus at least based on the received information for controlling dynamic allocation between backhaul and access links within resource slots between the apparatus and the higher hop apparatus;
• and
• transmitting the generated information for controlling dynamic allocation between backhaul and access links within resource slots between the apparatus and the lower hop apparatus.

An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to:

• support for a determined period at least one hop within a multi-hop self-backhaul communications, wherein the determined period comprises:
• a first part within which information for controlling dynamic allocation between backhaul and access links within resource slots is passed between the apparatus and at least one further apparatus in the multi-hop self-backhaul communications;
• and
• a second part within which a dynamic slot pattern is implemented based on the information for controlling dynamic allocation between backhaul and access links within resource slots is passed between the apparatus and at least one further apparatus in the multi-hop self-backhaul communications;
• receive information for controlling dynamic allocation between backhaul and access links within resource slots between the apparatus and a higher hop apparatus in the multi-hop self-backhaul communications;
• and
• forward the information for controlling dynamic allocation between backhaul and access links within resource slots between the apparatus and a higher hop apparatus as the information for controlling dynamic allocation between backhaul and access links within resource slots between the apparatus and the lower hop apparatus to the lower hop apparatus.