Path selection for integrated access and backhaul

A method may include identifying paths from a user equipment (UE) device to an anchor station, determining that a first path corresponds to a direct wireless link to the anchor station and determining, in response to determining that the first path corresponds to a direct wireless link, a signal quality and a congestion associated with the direct wireless link. The method may also include selecting, in response to determining that the signal quality satisfies a signal quality threshold and the congestion satisfies a congestion threshold, the first path for the UE device to use when communicating with the anchor station. The method may further include identifying, in response to determining that the signal quality does not satisfy the signal quality threshold or the congestion does not satisfy the throughput threshold, another path for the UE device to use when communicating with the anchor station.