Prosecution Insights
Last updated: July 17, 2026
Application No. 17/077,780

REDUCING FEEDBACK LATENCY FOR NETWORK CODING IN WIRELESS BACKHAUL COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Oct 22, 2020
Priority
Oct 25, 2019 — provisional 62/926,381
Examiner
ALI, SYED
Art Unit
2463
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Qualcomm Incorporated
OA Round
10 (Final)
82%
Grant Probability
Favorable
11-12
OA Rounds
0m
Est. Remaining
99%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 82% — above average
82%
Career Allowance Rate
437 granted / 530 resolved
+24.5% vs TC avg
Strong +59% interview lift
Without
With
+59.4%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 11m
Avg Prosecution
33 currently pending
Career history
564
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
0.6%
-39.4% vs TC avg
§103
71.7%
+31.7% vs TC avg
§102
25.6%
-14.4% vs TC avg
§112
0.9%
-39.1% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 530 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Response to Amendment This action is in response to the application filed on May 01, 2026 Claims 1-24, 26-37, 39-42, 44-46 and 48-59 are under examination. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made. The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows: 1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art. 2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue. 3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art. 4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness. Claims 1-24, 26-37, 39-42, 44-46 and 48-59 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Mao et al. (USP 2021/0058826) in view of YANG et al. (USP: 2012/0157089). Asper claim 1 Mao teaches a method for wireless communications by a first access node of a wireless backhaul communications network, comprising: receiving, from a central unit node of the wireless backhaul communications network (Paragraph 0010, 0227 FIG. 6 shows an example protocol architecture for RRC connectivity between a UE and an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) donor in a multi-hop IAB network, in accordance with various embodiments), a configuration indicating that network coding is activated for a packet flow (Paragraph 0045, 0046, 0093, each path takes turns to be activated and each time one network coded packet segment is sent to the activated path. network coding can be used for enhancing network reliability and reducing delay. When multiple paths from source to destination exists, the network coded packet segments need to be routed to different paths.), the network coding comprising a linear network coding operation or a fountain coding operation(Paragraph 0050, 0222 FIG. 1. A packet is broken into several segments and network coding (i.e., linear combination) is performed on these segments to produce more encoded segments. These encoded segments are distributed to the multiple paths between source and destination); receiving, from a second access node of the wireless backhaul communications network, a first packet of the packet flow via a first wireless link (Paragraph 0052, 0191, 0228 Based on this IAB node 2 selects IAB node 1 as parent and is integrated into the network. ), and transmitting, via a second wireless link, a first encoded packet that is generated based at least in part on performing the network coding for encoding the first packet and at least one additional packet of the packet flow in accordance with the configuration (Paragraph 00223-0225, 0265, 0347 perform Uplink Traffic verification (e.g., SDF to QoS flow mapping), transport level packet marking in the uplink and downlink, and perform downlink packet buffering and downlink data notification triggering. UPF 2702 may include an uplink classifier to support routing traffic flows to a data network. Regardless of, each node keeps track of how many encoded segments of each packet has been transmitted on every outgoing link. If there are already enough segments for the required reliability (reaching the predefined number mentioned above), we stop the transmission of any additional segments from the same packet on the corresponding link. ) However Mao does not explicitly disclose a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform the network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when the address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address, the address mismatch indicating that the packet destination address is different from the address of the first access node, wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node YANG teaches a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration (Paragraph 0016, 0029, 0044 an IP router, make a routing decision based on the IP address, and repackage the IP packet into a new Ethernet frame on the transport side. The IP path between eNodeB and other EPC NEs are: eNodeB-SIAD/MSN-EPC NEs. The MSN will aggregate and route eNodeB traffic (S1c and S1u) to the EPC (MME and SGW) locations. The X2 traffic between eNodeBs is also routed via the MSN); wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address, the address mismatch indicating that the packet destination address is different from the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0065, 0067 In another embodiment, the automatic logical test checks for eNodeB hardware address and logical configuration data mismatch between the data stored in the eNodeB system and the configuration data retrieved from the NID in step 225. For example, a hardware address mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows an IPv6 address type while the stored configuration data residing in the eNodeB indicates an IPv4 address type. A hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match with the hardware device ID stored in the eNodeB..), wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0078, the SIAD is a device that provides wireless traffic aggregation and backhaul from a cell site to an EPC network. An MSN provides layer 2 and layer 3 networking functions for wireless service between one or more SIADs and the EPC network and the eUTRAN is the air interface of the 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE) specifications for mobile networks. Namely, the eUTRAN comprises a radio access network standard that will replace previous generations of air interface standards. In one embodiment, the role of the X2 User Plane Interface 550 (X2-U or X2 User plane interface) is to transport user data packets between eNodeBs. This interface is only used for limited periods of time, when the terminal moves from one eNodeB to another, and provides buffered packet data forwarding..); Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Mao to include the teaching of YANG so a hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match.... (See YANG Paragraph 0065). As per claim 2 Mao-Yang teaches the method of claim 1, wherein receiving the configuration comprises: receiving the configuration that indicates a path selection function, wherein the first encoded packet comprises a path identifier of a first path of a plurality of different paths that is selected based at least in part on the path selection function and is transmitted via the second wireless link along the first path (Paragraph 0218-0222, 0391 selecting one of the multiple routes for respective data packets based on the configuration information. In an IAB network, between a source and a destination there may exist multiple paths, each of which may be composed of multiple hops. On each path data packets/packet segments are usually forwarded along the links without additional processing, which can be called the direct-forwarding strategy.). As per claim 3 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 2, further comprising: transmitting a second encoded packet that is generated based at least in part on the coding the first packet (Paragraph 0050, A packet is broken into several segments and network coding (i.e., linear combination) is performed on these segments to produce more encoded segments. These encoded segments are distributed to the multiple paths between source and destination. ). As per claim 4 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 3, wherein transmitting the second encoded packet comprises: transmitting the second encoded packet along a second path of the plurality of different paths that is selected based at least in part on the path selection function (Paragraph 0173, 0228 This is followed by a routing update phase which includes configuration of BAP routing identifiers and updating of routing tables of the IAB donor DU and all IAB nodes on the path to the IAB node. Following that, in the IAB DU setup phase, the DU functionality of the IAB node is configured (which includes setting up of the F1-C connection between the IAB node and the IAB donor CU). Once this is completed, the IAB node can provide service to UEs ). As per claim 5 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 2, wherein the path selection function indicates to evenly or unevenly distribute encoded packets amongst the plurality of different paths (Paragraph 0219, 0228 where at the donor each UE's packet segments are distributed to each available path with a probability in proportion to the corresponding supported data rate.). As per claim 6 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving feedback indicating that at least one packet of a fraction of data of the packet flow was not successfully received, the fraction of data including the first packet; and transmitting a second encoded packet that is generated based at least in part on the network coding the first packet in response to the feedback (Paragraph 0090, 0312 If there is no data traffic activity for an extended period of time, then the platform 2900 may transition off to an RRC Idle state, where it disconnects from the network and does not perform operations such as channel quality feedback, handover, etc ). As per claim 7 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving feedback indicating that each packet from a first fraction of data of the packet flow was successfully received, the first fraction of data including the first packet; and transmitting a second encoded packet that is generated based at least in part on performing the network coding a second packet from a second fraction of data of the packet flow based at least in part on the feedback (Paragraph 0093, 0103The access IAB node may be configured to adjust split on its own from the ratio configured by the CU, based on flow control BAP layer feedback received from its parent IAB nodes. For example, if the IAB donor receives flow control feedback to indicate that congestion has occurred on the route corresponding to a BAP routing ID, it can modify the fractions of data carried over the routes to reduce the data flow over the congested route. ). As per claim 8 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 1, wherein the first encoded packet is generated based at least in part on network encoding the first packet and at least one additional packet of the packet flow (Paragraph 0007, 0046, 0050 FIG. 3 illustrates simulation results to compare packet success rate (ratio of timely received packets) of round-robin routing and a rate-proportional routing scheme, in accordance with various embodiments. A packet is broken into several segments and network coding (i.e., linear combination) is performed on these segments to produce more encoded segments.). As per claim 9 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 1, wherein receiving the first packet of the packet flow via a first wireless link comprises: determining a destination address of the first packet; and identifying a mismatch between an address of the first access node and the destination address (Paragraph 0078, 0079 The BAP routing id (carried in the BAP header) consists of BAP address and BAP path ID. The path ID is used to distinguish different routes to the same BAP address. Each BAP address defines a unique destination (unique for IAB network of one Donor, either an IAB access node, or the IAB donor) ). However Mao does not explicitly disclose a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address. YANG teaches a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration (Paragraph 0016, 0029, 0044 an IP router, make a routing decision based on the IP address, and repackage the IP packet into a new Ethernet frame on the transport side. The IP path between eNodeB and other EPC NEs are: eNodeB-SIAD/MSN-EPC NEs. The MSN will aggregate and route eNodeB traffic (S1c and S1u) to the EPC (MME and SGW) locations. The X2 traffic between eNodeBs is also routed via the MSN....); wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address, the address mismatch indicating that the packet destination address is different from the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0065, 0067 In another embodiment, the automatic logical test checks for eNodeB hardware address and logical configuration data mismatch between the data stored in the eNodeB system and the configuration data retrieved from the NID in step 225. For example, a hardware address mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows an IPv6 address type while the stored configuration data residing in the eNodeB indicates an IPv4 address type. A hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match with the hardware device ID stored in the eNodeB..), wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0078, the SIAD is a device that provides wireless traffic aggregation and backhaul from a cell site to an EPC network. An MSN provides layer 2 and layer 3 networking functions for wireless service between one or more SIADs and the EPC network and the eUTRAN is the air interface of the 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE) specifications for mobile networks. Namely, the eUTRAN comprises a radio access network standard that will replace previous generations of air interface standards. In one embodiment, the role of the X2 User Plane Interface 550 (X2-U or X2 User plane interface) is to transport user data packets between eNodeBs. This interface is only used for limited periods of time, when the terminal moves from one eNodeB to another, and provides buffered packet data forwarding..); Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Mao to include the teaching of YANG so a hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match.... (See YANG Paragraph 0065). As per claim 10 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 9, further comprising: However Mao does not explicitly disclose providing the first packet for the network coding based at least in part on the configuration indicating to perform network coding when address mismatch is identified YANG teaches a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration (Paragraph 0016, 0029, 0044 an IP router, make a routing decision based on the IP address, and repackage the IP packet into a new Ethernet frame on the transport side. The IP path between eNodeB and other EPC NEs are: eNodeB-SIAD/MSN-EPC NEs. The MSN will aggregate and route eNodeB traffic (S1c and S1u) to the EPC (MME and SGW) locations. The X2 traffic between eNodeBs is also routed via the MSN....); wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address, the address mismatch indicating that the packet destination address is different from the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0065, 0067 In another embodiment, the automatic logical test checks for eNodeB hardware address and logical configuration data mismatch between the data stored in the eNodeB system and the configuration data retrieved from the NID in step 225. For example, a hardware address mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows an IPv6 address type while the stored configuration data residing in the eNodeB indicates an IPv4 address type. A hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match with the hardware device ID stored in the eNodeB..), wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0078, the SIAD is a device that provides wireless traffic aggregation and backhaul from a cell site to an EPC network. An MSN provides layer 2 and layer 3 networking functions for wireless service between one or more SIADs and the EPC network and the eUTRAN is the air interface of the 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE) specifications for mobile networks. Namely, the eUTRAN comprises a radio access network standard that will replace previous generations of air interface standards. In one embodiment, the role of the X2 User Plane Interface 550 (X2-U or X2 User plane interface) is to transport user data packets between eNodeBs. This interface is only used for limited periods of time, when the terminal moves from one eNodeB to another, and provides buffered packet data forwarding..); Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Mao to include the teaching of YANG so a hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match.... (See YANG Paragraph 0065). As per claim 11 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 10, wherein the configuration indicates to perform the network coding when address mismatch is identified based at least in part on a condition on at least one of the address of the first packet, a path identifier of the first packet, the first wireless link, the second wireless link, or any combination thereof (Paragraph 0096, 0111 The CU determines the ratios of traffic to be carried on the different routes based on its knowledge of link conditions between nodes along the routes. When link conditions change, the CU can update the configured information for splitting the data. There will be variations in the amount of time taken due to the number of hops and signal conditions.). As per claim 12 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 11, wherein the first wireless link is an ingress link or a radio link control channel (Paragraph 0100 This split information can include the fraction of the ingress data that should be transmitted on each of the egress links. ). As per claim 13 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 11, wherein the second wireless link is an egress link or a radio link control channel (Paragraph 0250 Some embodiments may use concepts for resource allocation for control channel information that are an extension of the above-described concepts. For example, some embodiments may utilize an EPDCCH that uses PDSCH resources for control information transmission. ). As per claim 14 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 1, However Mao does not explicitly disclose further comprising: receiving a second packet via the first wireless link; determining a destination address of the second packet; and identifying a mismatch between an address of the first access node and the destination address YANG teaches a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration (Paragraph 0016, 0029, 0044 an IP router, make a routing decision based on the IP address, and repackage the IP packet into a new Ethernet frame on the transport side. The IP path between eNodeB and other EPC NEs are: eNodeB-SIAD/MSN-EPC NEs. The MSN will aggregate and route eNodeB traffic (S1c and S1u) to the EPC (MME and SGW) locations. The X2 traffic between eNodeBs is also routed via the MSN....); wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address, the address mismatch indicating that the packet destination address is different from the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0065, 0067 In another embodiment, the automatic logical test checks for eNodeB hardware address and logical configuration data mismatch between the data stored in the eNodeB system and the configuration data retrieved from the NID in step 225. For example, a hardware address mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows an IPv6 address type while the stored configuration data residing in the eNodeB indicates an IPv4 address type. A hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match with the hardware device ID stored in the eNodeB..), wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0078, the SIAD is a device that provides wireless traffic aggregation and backhaul from a cell site to an EPC network. An MSN provides layer 2 and layer 3 networking functions for wireless service between one or more SIADs and the EPC network and the eUTRAN is the air interface of the 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE) specifications for mobile networks. Namely, the eUTRAN comprises a radio access network standard that will replace previous generations of air interface standards. In one embodiment, the role of the X2 User Plane Interface 550 (X2-U or X2 User plane interface) is to transport user data packets between eNodeBs. This interface is only used for limited periods of time, when the terminal moves from one eNodeB to another, and provides buffered packet data forwarding..); Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Mao to include the teaching of YANG so a hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match.... (See YANG Paragraph 0065). As per claim 15 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 14, further comprising: transmitting the second packet via the second wireless link or a third wireless link based at least in part on the configuration indicating to perform packet forwarding when address mismatch is identified. However Mao does not explicitly disclose a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration wherein the configuration further indicates to perform the network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when the address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address. YANG teaches a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration (Paragraph 0016, 0029, 0044 an IP router, make a routing decision based on the IP address, and repackage the IP packet into a new Ethernet frame on the transport side. The IP path between eNodeB and other EPC NEs are: eNodeB-SIAD/MSN-EPC NEs. The MSN will aggregate and route eNodeB traffic (S1c and S1u) to the EPC (MME and SGW) locations. The X2 traffic between eNodeBs is also routed via the MSN....); wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address, the address mismatch indicating that the packet destination address is different from the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0065, 0067 In another embodiment, the automatic logical test checks for eNodeB hardware address and logical configuration data mismatch between the data stored in the eNodeB system and the configuration data retrieved from the NID in step 225. For example, a hardware address mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows an IPv6 address type while the stored configuration data residing in the eNodeB indicates an IPv4 address type. A hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match with the hardware device ID stored in the eNodeB..), wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0078, the SIAD is a device that provides wireless traffic aggregation and backhaul from a cell site to an EPC network. An MSN provides layer 2 and layer 3 networking functions for wireless service between one or more SIADs and the EPC network and the eUTRAN is the air interface of the 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE) specifications for mobile networks. Namely, the eUTRAN comprises a radio access network standard that will replace previous generations of air interface standards. In one embodiment, the role of the X2 User Plane Interface 550 (X2-U or X2 User plane interface) is to transport user data packets between eNodeBs. This interface is only used for limited periods of time, when the terminal moves from one eNodeB to another, and provides buffered packet data forwarding..); Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Mao to include the teaching of YANG so a hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match.... (See YANG Paragraph 0065). As per claim 16 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 15, wherein the configuration indicates to perform packet forwarding when address mismatch is identified based at least in part on a condition on at least one of the address of the first packet, a path identifier of the first packet, the first wireless link, the second wireless link, the third wireless link, or any combination thereof. However Mao does not explicitly disclose a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address. YANG teaches a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration (Paragraph 0016, 0029, 0044 an IP router, make a routing decision based on the IP address, and repackage the IP packet into a new Ethernet frame on the transport side. The IP path between eNodeB and other EPC NEs are: eNodeB-SIAD/MSN-EPC NEs. The MSN will aggregate and route eNodeB traffic (S1c and S1u) to the EPC (MME and SGW) locations. The X2 traffic between eNodeBs is also routed via the MSN....); wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address, the address mismatch indicating that the packet destination address is different from the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0065, 0067 In another embodiment, the automatic logical test checks for eNodeB hardware address and logical configuration data mismatch between the data stored in the eNodeB system and the configuration data retrieved from the NID in step 225. For example, a hardware address mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows an IPv6 address type while the stored configuration data residing in the eNodeB indicates an IPv4 address type. A hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match with the hardware device ID stored in the eNodeB..), wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0078, the SIAD is a device that provides wireless traffic aggregation and backhaul from a cell site to an EPC network. An MSN provides layer 2 and layer 3 networking functions for wireless service between one or more SIADs and the EPC network and the eUTRAN is the air interface of the 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE) specifications for mobile networks. Namely, the eUTRAN comprises a radio access network standard that will replace previous generations of air interface standards. In one embodiment, the role of the X2 User Plane Interface 550 (X2-U or X2 User plane interface) is to transport user data packets between eNodeBs. This interface is only used for limited periods of time, when the terminal moves from one eNodeB to another, and provides buffered packet data forwarding..); Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Mao to include the teaching of YANG so a hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match.... (See YANG Paragraph 0065). As per claim 17 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 16, wherein the first wireless link is an ingress link or a radio link control channel (Paragraph 0250 Some embodiments may use concepts for resource allocation for control channel information that are an extension of the above-described concepts. For example, some embodiments may utilize an EPDCCH that uses PDSCH resources for control information transmission. ). As per claim 18 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 16, wherein the second wireless link is an egress link or a radio link control channel (Paragraph 0250 Some embodiments may use concepts for resource allocation for control channel information that are an extension of the above-described concepts. For example, some embodiments may utilize an EPDCCH that uses PDSCH resources for control information transmission. ). As per claim 19 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 1, wherein the configuration indicating that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a modification of a network topology (Paragraph 0046, 0111 Traditional routing algorithm uses round-robin method to distribute packet segments across different paths, where each path takes turns to be activated and each time one network coded packet segment is sent to the activated path. As ). As per claim 20 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 1, wherein the configuration indicating that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a radio link failure report (Paragraph 0437, 0863 RLF Radio Link Failure segment, protocol data unit (PDU), or message as described in or related to any of examples 1-45, or portions or parts thereof, or otherwise described in the present disclosure. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various embodiments. ). As per claim 21 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 1, wherein the configuration indicating that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a buffer status reporting indicating congestion(Paragraph 0226, 0229 Note that for each link there are two buffers for transmission, a pre-Tx buffer and a Tx buffer. a UE 2501 from an SeNB for user data; information of PDCP PDUs that were not delivered to a UE 2501; information about a current minimum desired buffer size at the SeNB for transmitting to the UE user data; and the like). As per claim 22 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 1, wherein the configuration indicating that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on establishment, or release, or modification, of a radio link control channel (Paragraph 0046, 0111 Traditional routing algorithm uses round-robin method to distribute packet segments across different paths, where each path takes turns to be activated and each time one network coded packet segment is sent to the activated path. ). As per claim 23 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 1, wherein receiving the configuration comprises: receiving radio resource control signaling or application protocol signaling that indicates the configuration (Paragraph 0010, 0071 FIG. 6 shows an example protocol architecture for RRC connectivity between a UE and an IAB donor in a multi-hop IAB network, in accordance with various embodiments. The Radio resource control (RRC) functionality is placed in the CU of the donor IAB node. Each IAB node functions as a DU. The IAB node is controlled by the IAB donor in a manner similar to the DU control by the CU. ). As per claim 24 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 1, further comprising: determining that an amount of data from one or more received packets of the packet flow satisfies the network coding threshold (Paragraph 0185, 0187 The threshold is used by IAB nodes to determine whether to select the node the node indicating the threshold as a parent.); and performing the network coding operation on the one or more received packets of the packet flow based at least in part on the network coding threshold being satisfied (Paragraph 0187 -0191 The IAB donor indicates a signal level threshold (-65 dBm for example). IAB nodes perform measurements for parent selection. For example, IAB node 1 performs measurements and finds that the RSRP of the IAB donor's signal is at least -65 dBm. IAB node 1 selects the IAB donor as parent, performs access and follows). 25. (Canceled) As per claim 26 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 1, further comprising: network encoding a first fraction of data of the packet flow that comprises a first subset of packets of the packet flow to generate the first coded packet, the first subset of packets including the first packet (Paragraph 0407, 1049 The term "Secondary Cell Group" refers to the subset of serving cells comprising the PSCell and zero or more secondary cells for a UE configured with DC, wherein the second set of nodes is a subset of the first set of nodes for which the measurements are above the corresponding thresholds; and selecting as a parent a second node in the second set of nodes such that the measurement of the second node is the better than the measurement of the other nodes in the second set).. As per claim 27 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 26, further comprising: network encoding a second fraction of data of the packet flow that comprises a second subset of packets of the packet flow to generate a second encoded packet (Paragraph 0407, 1049, wherein the second set of nodes is a subset of the first set of nodes for which the measurements are above the corresponding thresholds. The term "Secondary Cell Group" refers to the subset of serving cells comprising the PSCell and zero or more secondary cells for a UE configured with DC). As per claim 28 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 27, wherein the second subset of packets comprises at least one packet from the first subset of packets (Paragraph 0408 wherein the second set of nodes is a subset of the first set of nodes for which the measurements are above the corresponding thresholds). As per claim 29 Mao teaches a method for wireless communications by a first access node of a wireless backhaul communications network, comprising: receiving, from a central unit node of the wireless backhaul communications network (Paragraph 0010, 0227 FIG. 6 shows an example protocol architecture for RRC connectivity between a UE and an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) donor in a multi-hop IAB network, in accordance with various embodiments), a configuration indicating that network coding is activated for a packet flow (Paragraph 0045, 0093,, network coding can be used for enhancing network reliability and reducing delay. When multiple paths from source to destination exists, the network coded packet segments need to be routed to different paths. For example, if the IAB donor receives flow control feedback to indicate that congestion has occurred on the route corresponding to a BAP routing ID, it can modify the fractions of data carried over the routes to reduce the data flow over the congested route.); the network decoding comprising a linear network decoding operation or a fountain decoding operation (Paragraph 0050, 0222 FIG. 1. A packet is broken into several segments and network coding (i.e., linear combination) is performed on these segments to produce more encoded segments. These encoded segments are distributed to the multiple paths between source and destination), and the configuration indicates that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a radio link failure report; receiving, from one or more access nodes of the wireless backhaul communications network via one or more wireless links (Paragraph 0052, 0191, 0228 Based on this IAB node 2 selects IAB node 1 as parent and is integrated into the network. ), a plurality of encoded packets of the packet flow; transmitting in accordance with the configuration a first packet of a plurality of packets recovered by the network decoding of the plurality of encoded packets via a first wireless link along a first path of a plurality of different paths, the first packet comprising a first path identifier (Paragraph 0023-0225 Regardless of, each node keeps track of how many encoded segments of each packet has been transmitted on every outgoing link. If there are already enough segments for the required reliability (reaching the predefined number mentioned above), we stop the transmission of any additional segments from the same packet on the corresponding link. ); and transmitting a in accordance with the configuration second packet of the plurality of packets recovered by network decoding of the plurality of encoded packets via a second wireless link along a second path of the plurality of different paths, the second packet comprising a second path identifier (Paragraph 0218-0222, 0391 selecting one of the multiple routes for respective data packets based on the configuration information. In an IAB network, between a source and a destination there may exist multiple paths, each of which may be composed of multiple hops. On each path data packets/packet segments are usually forwarded along the links without additional processing, which can be called the direct-forwarding strategy.). However Mao does not explicitly disclose a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when the address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when the address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address. wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node and the configuration indicates that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a radio link failure report; YANG teaches and the configuration indicates that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a radio link failure report (Paragraph 0070, Error messages associated with the eNodeB include messages indicating cell capacity problem, radio link failure, handover failure rate over a predefined threshold, or radio interference. ); a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration (Paragraph 0016, 0029, 0044 an IP router, make a routing decision based on the IP address, and repackage the IP packet into a new Ethernet frame on the transport side. The IP path between eNodeB and other EPC NEs are: eNodeB-SIAD/MSN-EPC NEs. The MSN will aggregate and route eNodeB traffic (S1c and S1u) to the EPC (MME and SGW) locations. The X2 traffic between eNodeBs is also routed via the MSN....); wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address, the address mismatch indicating that the packet destination address is different from the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0065, 0067 In another embodiment, the automatic logical test checks for eNodeB hardware address and logical configuration data mismatch between the data stored in the eNodeB system and the configuration data retrieved from the NID in step 225. For example, a hardware address mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows an IPv6 address type while the stored configuration data residing in the eNodeB indicates an IPv4 address type. A hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match with the hardware device ID stored in the eNodeB..), wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0078, the SIAD is a device that provides wireless traffic aggregation and backhaul from a cell site to an EPC network. An MSN provides layer 2 and layer 3 networking functions for wireless service between one or more SIADs and the EPC network and the eUTRAN is the air interface of the 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE) specifications for mobile networks. Namely, the eUTRAN comprises a radio access network standard that will replace previous generations of air interface standards. In one embodiment, the role of the X2 User Plane Interface 550 (X2-U or X2 User plane interface) is to transport user data packets between eNodeBs. This interface is only used for limited periods of time, when the terminal moves from one eNodeB to another, and provides buffered packet data forwarding..); Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Mao to include the teaching of YANG so a hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match.... (See YANG Paragraph 0065). As per claim 30 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 29, wherein the first path differs from the second path (Paragraph 0219, 0228 where at the donor each UE's packet segments are distributed to each available path with a probability in proportion to the corresponding supported data rate.). As per claim 31 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 29, wherein receiving the configuration comprises: receiving radio resource control signaling or application protocol signaling that indicates the configuration(Paragraph 0090, 0312 If there is no data traffic activity for an extended period of time, then the platform 2900 may transition off to an RRC Idle state, where it disconnects from the network and does not perform operations such as channel quality feedback, handover, etc ). As per claim 32 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 29, wherein receiving the plurality of encoded packets of the packet flow comprises: receiving a first encoded packet of the plurality of encoded packets that comprises the first path identifier; and receiving a second encoded packet of the plurality of encoded packets that comprises the second path identifier (Paragraph 0416- 0418 a sufficient number of encoded segments have been received at a node; decoding a packet based on said determining the sufficient number has been received; and determining a number of encoded segments sent on one or more outgoing links is less than a predefined number. ). As per claim 33 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 32, wherein the first path identifier differs from the second path identifier (Paragraph 077, 0126 The Backhaul Adaptation protocol (BAP) layer performs the routing functions at the IAB donor and at the IAB nodes. The routing is based on BAP routing identifiers). As per claim 34 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 29, wherein receiving the plurality of encoded packets comprises: determining a packet destination address of a first encoded packet of the plurality of encoded packets; identifying a mismatch between an address of the first access node and the packet destination address of the first encoded packet; ; and providing the first encoded packet for the network decoding based at least in part on a condition in the configuration indicating to perform network decoding when the address mismatch is identified (Paragraph 0224 When there is enough number of coded segments for a packet received, a node decodes the packet and checks how many encoded segments each outgoing link has sent. If it is less than a predefined number that matches the needed link reliability, then the node encodes the packet into more segments and supplies the link with these extra coded segments until the predefined number is reached). However Mao does not explicitly disclose a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address. and the configuration indicates that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a radio link failure report; YANG teaches and the configuration indicates that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a radio link failure report (Paragraph 0070, Error messages associated with the eNodeB include messages indicating cell capacity problem, radio link failure, handover failure rate over a predefined threshold, or radio interference. ); a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration (Paragraph 0016, 0029, 0044 an IP router, make a routing decision based on the IP address, and repackage the IP packet into a new Ethernet frame on the transport side. The IP path between eNodeB and other EPC NEs are: eNodeB-SIAD/MSN-EPC NEs. The MSN will aggregate and route eNodeB traffic (S1c and S1u) to the EPC (MME and SGW) locations. The X2 traffic between eNodeBs is also routed via the MSN....); wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address, the address mismatch indicating that the packet destination address is different from the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0065, 0067 In another embodiment, the automatic logical test checks for eNodeB hardware address and logical configuration data mismatch between the data stored in the eNodeB system and the configuration data retrieved from the NID in step 225. For example, a hardware address mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows an IPv6 address type while the stored configuration data residing in the eNodeB indicates an IPv4 address type. A hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match with the hardware device ID stored in the eNodeB..), wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0078, the SIAD is a device that provides wireless traffic aggregation and backhaul from a cell site to an EPC network. An MSN provides layer 2 and layer 3 networking functions for wireless service between one or more SIADs and the EPC network and the eUTRAN is the air interface of the 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE) specifications for mobile networks. Namely, the eUTRAN comprises a radio access network standard that will replace previous generations of air interface standards. In one embodiment, the role of the X2 User Plane Interface 550 (X2-U or X2 User plane interface) is to transport user data packets between eNodeBs. This interface is only used for limited periods of time, when the terminal moves from one eNodeB to another, and provides buffered packet data forwarding..); Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Mao to include the teaching of YANG so a hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match.... (See YANG Paragraph 0065). As per claim 35 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 34, wherein the condition is on the packet destination address of the first encoded packet, a path identifier of the first encoded packet, or both (Paragraph 0078 The BAP routing id (carried in the BAP header) consists of BAP address and BAP path ID. The path ID is used to distinguish different routes to the same BAP address. ). As per claim 36 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 29, further comprising: receiving an unencoded packet; identifying a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address of the unencoded packet; and transmitting the unencoded packet via an egress wireless link or a radio link control channel based at least in part on a condition in the configuration indicating to perform the packet forwarding when the address mismatch is identified (Paragraph 0094, 0099 The intermediate IAB node which has multiple egress links forwards the packets via one of the egress links based on the BAP routing ID.). However Mao does not explicitly disclose a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address. and the configuration indicates that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a radio link failure report; YANG teaches and the configuration indicates that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a radio link failure report (Paragraph 0070, Error messages associated with the eNodeB include messages indicating cell capacity problem, radio link failure, handover failure rate over a predefined threshold, or radio interference. ); a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration (Paragraph 0016, 0029, 0044 an IP router, make a routing decision based on the IP address, and repackage the IP packet into a new Ethernet frame on the transport side. The IP path between eNodeB and other EPC NEs are: eNodeB-SIAD/MSN-EPC NEs. The MSN will aggregate and route eNodeB traffic (S1c and S1u) to the EPC (MME and SGW) locations. The X2 traffic between eNodeBs is also routed via the MSN....); wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address, the address mismatch indicating that the packet destination address is different from the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0065, 0067 In another embodiment, the automatic logical test checks for eNodeB hardware address and logical configuration data mismatch between the data stored in the eNodeB system and the configuration data retrieved from the NID in step 225. For example, a hardware address mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows an IPv6 address type while the stored configuration data residing in the eNodeB indicates an IPv4 address type. A hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match with the hardware device ID stored in the eNodeB..), wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0078, the SIAD is a device that provides wireless traffic aggregation and backhaul from a cell site to an EPC network. An MSN provides layer 2 and layer 3 networking functions for wireless service between one or more SIADs and the EPC network and the eUTRAN is the air interface of the 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE) specifications for mobile networks. Namely, the eUTRAN comprises a radio access network standard that will replace previous generations of air interface standards. In one embodiment, the role of the X2 User Plane Interface 550 (X2-U or X2 User plane interface) is to transport user data packets between eNodeBs. This interface is only used for limited periods of time, when the terminal moves from one eNodeB to another, and provides buffered packet data forwarding..); Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Mao to include the teaching of YANG so a hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match.... (See YANG Paragraph 0065). As per claim 37 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 36, wherein the condition is on the packet destination address of the unencoded packet, a path identifier of the unencoded packet, or both (Paragraph 0126a routing update phase which includes configuration of BAP routing identifiers and updating of routing tables of the IAB donor DU and all IAB nodes on the path to the IAB node.). However Mao does not explicitly disclose a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address. and the configuration indicates that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a radio link failure report; YANG teaches and the configuration indicates that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a radio link failure report (Paragraph 0070, Error messages associated with the eNodeB include messages indicating cell capacity problem, radio link failure, handover failure rate over a predefined threshold, or radio interference. ); a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration (Paragraph 0016, 0029, 0044 an IP router, make a routing decision based on the IP address, and repackage the IP packet into a new Ethernet frame on the transport side. The IP path between eNodeB and other EPC NEs are: eNodeB-SIAD/MSN-EPC NEs. The MSN will aggregate and route eNodeB traffic (S1c and S1u) to the EPC (MME and SGW) locations. The X2 traffic between eNodeBs is also routed via the MSN....); wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address, the address mismatch indicating that the packet destination address is different from the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0065, 0067 In another embodiment, the automatic logical test checks for eNodeB hardware address and logical configuration data mismatch between the data stored in the eNodeB system and the configuration data retrieved from the NID in step 225. For example, a hardware address mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows an IPv6 address type while the stored configuration data residing in the eNodeB indicates an IPv4 address type. A hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match with the hardware device ID stored in the eNodeB..), wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0078, the SIAD is a device that provides wireless traffic aggregation and backhaul from a cell site to an EPC network. An MSN provides layer 2 and layer 3 networking functions for wireless service between one or more SIADs and the EPC network and the eUTRAN is the air interface of the 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE) specifications for mobile networks. Namely, the eUTRAN comprises a radio access network standard that will replace previous generations of air interface standards. In one embodiment, the role of the X2 User Plane Interface 550 (X2-U or X2 User plane interface) is to transport user data packets between eNodeBs. This interface is only used for limited periods of time, when the terminal moves from one eNodeB to another, and provides buffered packet data forwarding..); Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Mao to include the teaching of YANG so a hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match.... (See YANG Paragraph 0065). 38. (Canceled) As per claim 39 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 29, further comprising: transmitting a feedback message, via a fourth wireless link, indicating that the network decoding of the plurality of encoded packets to recover the plurality of packets is successful or unsuccessful (Paragraph 0093, 0312 The access IAB node may be configured to adjust split on its own from the ratio configured by the CU, based on flow control BAP layer feedback received from its parent IAB nodes. For example, if the IAB donor receives flow control feedback to indicate that congestion has occurred on the route corresponding to a BAP routing ID, it can modify the fractions of data carried over the routes to reduce the data flow over the congested route. ). As per claim 40 Mao teaches a method for wireless communications by a central entity node of a wireless backhaul communications network, comprising: Identifying, based at least in part on receiving a radio link failure report, an event to trigger activation of network coding functionality for a packet flow by a first access node of the wireless backhaul communications network(Paragraph 0045, 0046, 0093,each path takes turns to be activated and each time one network coded packet segment is sent to the activated path. network coding can be used for enhancing network reliability and reducing delay. When multiple paths from source to destination exists, the network coded packet segments need to be routed to different paths.); and transmitting, to the first access node, a configuration indicating that network coding is activated for the packet flow (Paragraph 0046, 0111 where each path takes turns to be activated and each time one network coded packet segment is sent to the activated path. As a result the traffic data is distributed evenly among the paths, and each path gets the same amount of data on average. ). the network coding comprising a linear network coding operation or a fountain coding operation (Paragraph 0050, 0222 FIG. 1. A packet is broken into several segments and network coding (i.e., linear combination) is performed on these segments to produce more encoded segments. These encoded segments are distributed to the multiple paths between source and destination. ); However Mao does not explicitly disclose a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for one or more packet of the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform the network coding and packet forwarding for one or more packet of the packet flow when the address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address. and the configuration indicates that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a radio link failure report; YANG teaches and the configuration indicates that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a radio link failure report (Paragraph 0070, Error messages associated with the eNodeB include messages indicating cell capacity problem, radio link failure, handover failure rate over a predefined threshold, or radio interference. ); a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration (Paragraph 0016, 0029, 0044 an IP router, make a routing decision based on the IP address, and repackage the IP packet into a new Ethernet frame on the transport side. The IP path between eNodeB and other EPC NEs are: eNodeB-SIAD/MSN-EPC NEs. The MSN will aggregate and route eNodeB traffic (S1c and S1u) to the EPC (MME and SGW) locations. The X2 traffic between eNodeBs is also routed via the MSN....); wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address, the address mismatch indicating that the packet destination address is different from the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0065, 0067 In another embodiment, the automatic logical test checks for eNodeB hardware address and logical configuration data mismatch between the data stored in the eNodeB system and the configuration data retrieved from the NID in step 225. For example, a hardware address mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows an IPv6 address type while the stored configuration data residing in the eNodeB indicates an IPv4 address type. A hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match with the hardware device ID stored in the eNodeB..), wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0078, the SIAD is a device that provides wireless traffic aggregation and backhaul from a cell site to an EPC network. An MSN provides layer 2 and layer 3 networking functions for wireless service between one or more SIADs and the EPC network and the eUTRAN is the air interface of the 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE) specifications for mobile networks. Namely, the eUTRAN comprises a radio access network standard that will replace previous generations of air interface standards. In one embodiment, the role of the X2 User Plane Interface 550 (X2-U or X2 User plane interface) is to transport user data packets between eNodeBs. This interface is only used for limited periods of time, when the terminal moves from one eNodeB to another, and provides buffered packet data forwarding..); Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Mao to include the teaching of YANG so a hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match.... (See YANG Paragraph 0065). As per claim 41 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 40, wherein transmitting the configuration comprises: transmitting the configuration that indicates a path selection function for distributing encoded packets amongst a plurality of different paths (Paragraph 0126, 02111, 0222 a packet is broken into several segments and linear combinations of these segments are formed to produce more encoded segments, which are then distributed to the multiple paths between source and destination.. This is followed by a routing update phase which includes configuration of BAP routing identifiers and updating of routing tables of the IAB donor DU and all IAB nodes on the path to the IAB node). As per claim 42 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 41, wherein the path selection function indicates to evenly or unevenly distribute encoded packets amongst the plurality of different paths (Paragraph 0126, 02111, 0222 a packet is broken into several segments and linear combinations of these segments are formed to produce more encoded segments, which are then distributed to the multiple paths between source and destination.. This is followed by a routing update phase which includes configuration of BAP routing identifiers and updating of routing tables of the IAB donor DU and all IAB nodes on the path to the IAB node). 43. (Canceled) As per claim 44 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 40, However Mao does not explicitly disclose wherein the configuration further indicates to perform the network coding when the address mismatch is identified based at least in part on a condition on at least one of an address of a packet of the packet flow, a path identifier of the packet, a first wireless link, a second wireless link, or any combination thereof (Paragraph 0045, 0235 When multiple paths from source to destination exists, the network coded packet segments need to be routed to different paths. How routing is performed on these paths impacts the reliability performance and network load, and thus needs to be investigated. The connection 2507 can comprise a local wireless connection, such as a connection consistent with any IEEE 802.11 protocol, wherein the AP 2506 would comprise a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi®) router. In this example, the AP 2506 is shown to be connected to the Internet without connecting to the core network of the wireless system ). YANG teaches and the configuration indicates that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a radio link failure report (Paragraph 0070, Error messages associated with the eNodeB include messages indicating cell capacity problem, radio link failure, handover failure rate over a predefined threshold, or radio interference. ); a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration (Paragraph 0016, 0029, 0044 an IP router, make a routing decision based on the IP address, and repackage the IP packet into a new Ethernet frame on the transport side. The IP path between eNodeB and other EPC NEs are: eNodeB-SIAD/MSN-EPC NEs. The MSN will aggregate and route eNodeB traffic (S1c and S1u) to the EPC (MME and SGW) locations. The X2 traffic between eNodeBs is also routed via the MSN....); wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address, the address mismatch indicating that the packet destination address is different from the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0065, 0067 In another embodiment, the automatic logical test checks for eNodeB hardware address and logical configuration data mismatch between the data stored in the eNodeB system and the configuration data retrieved from the NID in step 225. For example, a hardware address mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows an IPv6 address type while the stored configuration data residing in the eNodeB indicates an IPv4 address type. A hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match with the hardware device ID stored in the eNodeB..), wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0078, the SIAD is a device that provides wireless traffic aggregation and backhaul from a cell site to an EPC network. An MSN provides layer 2 and layer 3 networking functions for wireless service between one or more SIADs and the EPC network and the eUTRAN is the air interface of the 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE) specifications for mobile networks. Namely, the eUTRAN comprises a radio access network standard that will replace previous generations of air interface standards. In one embodiment, the role of the X2 User Plane Interface 550 (X2-U or X2 User plane interface) is to transport user data packets between eNodeBs. This interface is only used for limited periods of time, when the terminal moves from one eNodeB to another, and provides buffered packet data forwarding..); Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Mao to include the teaching of YANG so a hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match.... (See YANG Paragraph 0065). As per claim 45 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 44, wherein the first wireless link is an ingress link or a radio link control channel (Paragraph 0099, 0409 This split information can include the fraction of the ingress data that should be transmitted on each of the egress links. CCCH Common Control Channel ). As per claim 46 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 44, wherein the second wireless link is an egress link or a radio link control channel (Paragraph 0409 transmitting, on one or more egress links, a second sequence of packet segments generated from the packet. ). Claim 47. (Canceled) As per claim 48 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 40, wherein the configuration further indicates to perform packet forwarding when the address mismatch is identified based at least in part on a condition on at least one of an address of a packet of the packet flow, a path identifier of the packet, a first wireless link, a second wireless link, or any combination thereof (Paragraph 0078 The BAP routing id (carried in the BAP header) consists of BAP address and BAP path ID. The path ID is used to distinguish different routes to the same BAP address. ). As per claim 49 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 48, wherein the first wireless link is an ingress link or a radio link control channel(Paragraph 0345, 0372 Instance(s) of RLC 3130 may process requests from and provide indications to an instance of PDCP 3140 via one or more radio link control service access points (RLC-SAP) ). As per claim 50 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 48, wherein the second wireless link is an egress link or a radio link control channel (Paragraph 0345, 0372 Instance(s) of RLC 3130 may process requests from and provide indications to an instance of PDCP 3140 via one or more radio link control service access points (RLC-SAP) ). As per claim 51 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 40, wherein identifying the event comprises: identifying the event based at least in part on a modification of a network topology of the wireless backhaul communications network (Paragraph 0421, 0038 Example 39 may include the method of example 36 or some other example herein, wherein the decoding and encoding is performed by a backhaul adaptation (BAP) layer of an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node). As per claim 52 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 40, wherein identifying the event comprises: identifying the event based at least in part on receiving a radio link failure report (Paragraph 0345, 0372 Instance(s) of RLC 3130 may process requests from and provide indications to an instance of PDCP 3140 via one or more radio link control service access points (RLC-SAP) ). As per claim 53 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 40, wherein identifying the event comprises: identifying the event based at least in part on receiving a buffer status reporting indicating congestion at one or more access nodes of the wireless backhaul communications network (Paragraph 0421, 0038 Example 39 may include the method of example 36 or some other example herein, wherein the decoding and encoding is performed by a backhaul adaptation (BAP) layer of an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node). As per claim 54 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 40, wherein identifying the event comprises: identifying the event based at least in part on establishment, or release, or modification, of a radio link control channel at one or more access nodes of the wireless backhaul communications network. (Paragraph 0421, 0038 Example 39 may include the method of example 36 or some other example herein, wherein the decoding and encoding is performed by a backhaul adaptation (BAP) layer of an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node.). As per claim 55 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 40, wherein identifying the event comprises: identifying the event based at least in part on a time period elapsing (Paragraph 0111 Integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes can be integrated into the network (referred to as IAB node " activation" below) in different sequences within the same area. Even if all IAB nodes are to be activated at about the same time, the completion of the node integration phases will take different durations for different IAB nodes. ). As per claim 56 Mao- Yang teaches the method of claim 40, wherein transmitting the configuration comprises: transmitting radio resource control signaling or application protocol signaling that indicates the configuration (Paragraph 0227, 0230 For reference, FIG. 6 shows a protocol architecture for IAB. Network coding in IAB is preferably performed at the Backhaul Adaptation protocol (BAP) layer. This allows network coding to operate between the IAB donor DU and the access IAB node of the UE ( IAB node 2). ). As per claim 57 Mao teaches an apparatus for wireless communications by a first access node of a wireless backhaul communications network, comprising: a processor, memory coupled with the processor(Paragraph 0284 memory and processor);; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: receive, from a central unit node of the wireless backhaul communications network(Paragraph 0010, 0227 FIG. 6 shows an example protocol architecture for RRC connectivity between a UE and an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) donor in a multi-hop IAB network, in accordance with various embodiments), a configuration indicating that network coding is activated for a packet flow (Paragraph 0045, 0093,, network coding can be used for enhancing network reliability and reducing delay. When multiple paths from source to destination exists, the network coded packet segments need to be routed to different paths. For example, if the IAB donor receives flow control feedback to indicate that congestion has occurred on the route corresponding to a BAP routing ID, it can modify the fractions of data carried over the routes to reduce the data flow over the congested route.); the network coding comprising a linear network coding operation or a fountain coding operation (Paragraph 0050, 0222 FIG. 1. A packet is broken into several segments and network coding (i.e., linear combination) is performed on these segments to produce more encoded segments. These encoded segments are distributed to the multiple paths between source and destination); receive, from a second access node of the wireless backhaul communications network, a first packet of the packet flow via a first wireless link (Paragraph 0052, 0191, 0228 Based on this IAB node 2 selects IAB node 1 as parent and is integrated into the network. ); and transmit, via a second wireless link, a first encoded packet that is generated based at least in part on performing the network coding for the first packet and at least one additional packet of the packet flow in accordance with the configuration (Paragraph 0050, 0379 As long as the destination node accumulates enough encoded segments, the original packet can be recovered and costly higher layer retransmission and congestion control can be avoided, although some of these paths may experience congestion or link-blockage.). However Mao does not explicitly disclose a packet flow the network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when the address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address. YANG teaches and the configuration indicates that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a radio link failure report (Paragraph 0070, Error messages associated with the eNodeB include messages indicating cell capacity problem, radio link failure, handover failure rate over a predefined threshold, or radio interference. ); a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration (Paragraph 0016, 0029, 0044 an IP router, make a routing decision based on the IP address, and repackage the IP packet into a new Ethernet frame on the transport side. The IP path between eNodeB and other EPC NEs are: eNodeB-SIAD/MSN-EPC NEs. The MSN will aggregate and route eNodeB traffic (S1c and S1u) to the EPC (MME and SGW) locations. The X2 traffic between eNodeBs is also routed via the MSN....); wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address, the address mismatch indicating that the packet destination address is different from the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0065, 0067 In another embodiment, the automatic logical test checks for eNodeB hardware address and logical configuration data mismatch between the data stored in the eNodeB system and the configuration data retrieved from the NID in step 225. For example, a hardware address mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows an IPv6 address type while the stored configuration data residing in the eNodeB indicates an IPv4 address type. A hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match with the hardware device ID stored in the eNodeB..), wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0078, the SIAD is a device that provides wireless traffic aggregation and backhaul from a cell site to an EPC network. An MSN provides layer 2 and layer 3 networking functions for wireless service between one or more SIADs and the EPC network and the eUTRAN is the air interface of the 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE) specifications for mobile networks. Namely, the eUTRAN comprises a radio access network standard that will replace previous generations of air interface standards. In one embodiment, the role of the X2 User Plane Interface 550 (X2-U or X2 User plane interface) is to transport user data packets between eNodeBs. This interface is only used for limited periods of time, when the terminal moves from one eNodeB to another, and provides buffered packet data forwarding..); Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Mao to include the teaching of YANG so a hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match.... (See YANG Paragraph 0065). As per claim 58 Mao teaches an apparatus for wireless communications by a first access node of a wireless backhaul communications network, comprising: a processor, memory coupled with the processor(Paragraph 0284 memory and processor); and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: receive, from a central unit node of the wireless backhaul communications network(Paragraph 0010, 0227 FIG. 6 shows an example protocol architecture for RRC connectivity between a UE and an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) donor in a multi-hop IAB network, in accordance with various embodiments), a configuration indicating that network coding is activated for a packet flow(Paragraph 0045, 0093,, network coding can be used for enhancing network reliability and reducing delay. When multiple paths from source to destination exists, the network coded packet segments need to be routed to different paths. For example, if the IAB donor receives flow control feedback to indicate that congestion has occurred on the route corresponding to a BAP routing ID, it can modify the fractions of data carried over the routes to reduce the data flow over the congested route.); the network decoding comprising a linear network decoding operation or a fountain decoding operation (Paragraph 0050, 0222 FIG. 1. A packet is broken into several segments and network coding (i.e., linear combination) is performed on these segments to produce more encoded segments. These encoded segments are distributed to the multiple paths between source and destination), and the configuration indicates that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a radio link failure report;; receive, from one or more access nodes of the wireless backhaul communications network via one or more wireless links (Paragraph 0052, 0191, 0228 Based on this IAB node 2 selects IAB node 1 as parent and is integrated into the network. ); a plurality of encoded packets of the packet flow; transmit, in accordance with the configuration a first packet of a plurality of packets recovered by network decoding of the plurality of encoded packets via a first wireless link along a first path of a plurality of different paths, the first packet comprising a first path identifier(Paragraph 0023-0225 Regardless of, each node keeps track of how many encoded segments of each packet has been transmitted on every outgoing link. If there are already enough segments for the required reliability (reaching the predefined number mentioned above), we stop the transmission of any additional segments from the same packet on the corresponding link. ); and transmit, in accordance with the configuration a second packet of the plurality of packets recovered by network decoding of the plurality of encoded packets via a second wireless link along a second path of the plurality of different paths, the second packet comprising a second path identifier(Paragraph 0218-0222, 0391 selecting one of the multiple routes for respective data packets based on the configuration information. In an IAB network, between a source and a destination there may exist multiple paths, each of which may be composed of multiple hops. On each path data packets/packet segments are usually forwarded along the links without additional processing, which can be called the direct-forwarding strategy.). However Mao does not explicitly disclose a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address. wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node and the configuration indicates that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a radio link failure report; YANG teaches and the configuration indicates that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a radio link failure report (Paragraph 0070, Error messages associated with the eNodeB include messages indicating cell capacity problem, radio link failure, handover failure rate over a predefined threshold, or radio interference. ); a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration (Paragraph 0016, 0029, 0044 an IP router, make a routing decision based on the IP address, and repackage the IP packet into a new Ethernet frame on the transport side. The IP path between eNodeB and other EPC NEs are: eNodeB-SIAD/MSN-EPC NEs. The MSN will aggregate and route eNodeB traffic (S1c and S1u) to the EPC (MME and SGW) locations. The X2 traffic between eNodeBs is also routed via the MSN....); wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address, the address mismatch indicating that the packet destination address is different from the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0065, 0067 In another embodiment, the automatic logical test checks for eNodeB hardware address and logical configuration data mismatch between the data stored in the eNodeB system and the configuration data retrieved from the NID in step 225. For example, a hardware address mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows an IPv6 address type while the stored configuration data residing in the eNodeB indicates an IPv4 address type. A hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match with the hardware device ID stored in the eNodeB..), wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0078, the SIAD is a device that provides wireless traffic aggregation and backhaul from a cell site to an EPC network. An MSN provides layer 2 and layer 3 networking functions for wireless service between one or more SIADs and the EPC network and the eUTRAN is the air interface of the 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE) specifications for mobile networks. Namely, the eUTRAN comprises a radio access network standard that will replace previous generations of air interface standards. In one embodiment, the role of the X2 User Plane Interface 550 (X2-U or X2 User plane interface) is to transport user data packets between eNodeBs. This interface is only used for limited periods of time, when the terminal moves from one eNodeB to another, and provides buffered packet data forwarding..); Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Mao to include the teaching of YANG so a hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match.... (See YANG Paragraph 0065). As per claim 59 Mao teaches an apparatus for wireless communications by a central entity node of a wireless backhaul communications network, comprising: a processor, memory coupled with the processor(Paragraph 0284 memory and processor); and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: identify, based at least in part on reception of a radio link failure an event to trigger activation of network coding functionality for a packet flow by a first access node of the wireless backhaul communications network (Paragraph 0010, 0227 FIG. 6 shows an example protocol architecture for RRC connectivity between a UE and an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) donor in a multi-hop IAB network, in accordance with various embodiments); and transmit, to the first access node, a configuration indicating that network coding is activated for the packet flow based at least in part on identifying the event (Paragraph 0023-0225 Regardless of, each node keeps track of how many encoded segments of each packet has been transmitted on every outgoing link. If there are already enough segments for the required reliability (reaching the predefined number mentioned above), we stop the transmission of any additional segments from the same packet on the corresponding link. ), the network coding comprising a linear network coding operation or a fountain coding operation (Paragraph 0050, 0222 FIG. 1. A packet is broken into several segments and network coding (i.e., linear combination) is performed on these segments to produce more encoded segments. These encoded segments are distributed to the multiple paths between source and destination); However Mao does not explicitly disclose a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for one or more packet of the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for one or more packet of the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address one or more packet of. wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node and the configuration indicates that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a radio link failure report; YANG teaches and the configuration indicates that the network coding is activated for the packet flow is received based at least in part on a radio link failure report (Paragraph 0070, Error messages associated with the eNodeB include messages indicating cell capacity problem, radio link failure, handover failure rate over a predefined threshold, or radio interference. ); a packet flow network encoding the first packet in accordance with the configuration (Paragraph 0016, 0029, 0044 an IP router, make a routing decision based on the IP address, and repackage the IP packet into a new Ethernet frame on the transport side. The IP path between eNodeB and other EPC NEs are: eNodeB-SIAD/MSN-EPC NEs. The MSN will aggregate and route eNodeB traffic (S1c and S1u) to the EPC (MME and SGW) locations. The X2 traffic between eNodeBs is also routed via the MSN....); wherein the configuration further indicates to perform network coding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified or the configuration further indicates to perform network coding and packet forwarding for the packet flow when address mismatch is identified, and wherein the address mismatch is based at least in part on a mismatch between an address of the first access node and a packet destination address, the address mismatch indicating that the packet destination address is different from the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0065, 0067 In another embodiment, the automatic logical test checks for eNodeB hardware address and logical configuration data mismatch between the data stored in the eNodeB system and the configuration data retrieved from the NID in step 225. For example, a hardware address mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows an IPv6 address type while the stored configuration data residing in the eNodeB indicates an IPv4 address type. A hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match with the hardware device ID stored in the eNodeB..), wherein a first packet destination address of the first packet is not the same as the address of the first access node (Paragraph 0078, the SIAD is a device that provides wireless traffic aggregation and backhaul from a cell site to an EPC network. An MSN provides layer 2 and layer 3 networking functions for wireless service between one or more SIADs and the EPC network and the eUTRAN is the air interface of the 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE) specifications for mobile networks. Namely, the eUTRAN comprises a radio access network standard that will replace previous generations of air interface standards. In one embodiment, the role of the X2 User Plane Interface 550 (X2-U or X2 User plane interface) is to transport user data packets between eNodeBs. This interface is only used for limited periods of time, when the terminal moves from one eNodeB to another, and provides buffered packet data forwarding..); Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Mao to include the teaching of YANG so a hardware device identifier (ID) mismatch can occur if the retrieved NID configuration data shows hardware device ID that does not match.... (See YANG Paragraph 0065). Response to Argument(s) Applicant’s arguments with respect to amended claims have been considered but are moot in view of the new ground(s) of rejection. Examiner’s Note Examiner is open for discussion if the applicant’s representative need further clarifications. Conclusion THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a). A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any extension fee pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to SYED ALI whose telephone number is (571)270-3681. The examiner can normally be reached on M-F. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Asad Nawaz can be reached on 571-272-3988. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov . Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /SYED ALI/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2468
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Prosecution Timeline

Show 26 earlier events
Jul 21, 2025
Response Filed
Aug 20, 2025
Final Rejection mailed — §103
Oct 20, 2025
Response after Non-Final Action
Nov 13, 2025
Request for Continued Examination
Nov 22, 2025
Response after Non-Final Action
Feb 06, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
May 01, 2026
Response Filed
Jun 10, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

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