Multicast and broadcast service status reporting

Abstract

Methods, apparatuses, and systems are disclosed that are capable of reporting reception status associated with multicast and broadcast services. In one example aspect, a method of wireless communication includes receiving, by a communication device, configuration information from a network node, the configuration information configuring information indicating reception status of multicast and broadcast services. Data for the multicast and broadcast services is carried in one or more bearers. The method further includes sending, by the communication device, information indicating the reception status to the network node based on measurement results.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present patent application generally relates to wireless communication. BACKGROUND

[0002] Mobile communication technology is pushing the world towards an increasingly interconnected and networked society. The rapid growth of mobile communications and advances in technology have led to greater demands for capacity and connectivity. Other aspects, such as energy consumption, device cost, spectrum efficiency, and latency, are also important in meeting the needs of various communication scenarios. Various technologies are being discussed, including new approaches that provide higher quality of service, longer battery life, and improved performance. SUMMARY

[0003] The present patent application describes, among other things, techniques that enable reporting of reception status associated with multicast and broadcast services.

[0004] In one example aspect, a method of wireless communication includes receiving, by a communication device, configuration information from a network node, the configuration information configuring information indicating reception status of a multicast and broadcast service. Data for the multicast and broadcast service is carried in one or more bearers. The method further includes transmitting, by the communication device, information indicating reception status to the network node based on measurement results. The information indicating reception status indicates reception status of the multicast and broadcast service.

[0005] In another example aspect, a method of wireless communication includes transmitting, by a network node, configuration information to a communication device, the configuration information configuring information indicating reception status of a multicast and broadcast service. Data for the multicast and broadcast service is carried in one or more bearers. The method further includes receiving, by the network node, information indicating reception status from the communication device based on measurement results. The information indicating reception status indicates reception status of the multicast and broadcast service.

[0006] In another example aspect, a communication apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a processor configured to implement the above-described methods.

[0007] In yet another example aspect, a computer program storage medium is disclosed. The computer program storage medium includes code stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement the described methods.

[0008] These and other aspects are described in the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 An example radio access network (RAN) node in a fifth generation (5G) communication system is shown.

[0010] Figure 2An example signaling sequence for a communication device to provide feedback regarding multicast and broadcast services (MBS) is shown in accordance with the present technology.

[0011] Figure 3 is a flowchart representation of a method for wireless communication in accordance with the present technology.

[0012] Figure 4 is a flowchart representation of a method for wireless communication in accordance with the present technology.

[0013] Figure 5 An example signaling sequence for transmission mode switching is shown in accordance with the present technology.

[0014] Figure 6 Another example signaling sequence for transmission mode switching is shown in accordance with the present technology.

[0015] Figure 7 An example of a wireless communication system in which the techniques in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology can be applied is shown.

[0016] Figure 8 is a block diagram representation of a portion of a wireless station in which one or more embodiments of the present technology can be applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The use of section headings in this application is only for readability and does not limit the scope of the embodiments and techniques disclosed in each section to the section heading. Examples are described using fifth generation (5G) wireless protocols. However, the applicability of the disclosed techniques is not limited to only 5G wireless systems.

[0018] Broadcast technology, known as evolved multimedia broadcast multicast service (eMBMS) in long term evolution (LTE) communication systems, is designed for semi-static video programs. That is, the network transmits content to user equipment (UE) transmissions, both in the air interface and in the service layer, without obtaining feedback from the UE to the network. Due to the lack of feedback, the network cannot effectively change the broadcast area, or balance the occupied radio resources, to improve transmission reliability.

[0019] For example, eMBMS relies on service level switching to switch between unicast and broadcast transmission. When the traffic exceeds a certain threshold, certain content that is initially transmitted over unicast network can be transitioned to MBMS user service to efficiently use network resources. This dynamic transition from unicast transmission to MBMS transmission is also referred to as “MBMS offloading”. There are two types of MBMS offloading: UE-selected offloading and network-selected offloading. In both types, there can be a network proxy / server to detect whether unicast traffic for the same service or content exceeds a certain threshold and indicate this to a broadcast multicast service center (BM-SC) to enable MBMS offloading. However, service level switching is limited by long service interruption time. These limitations hinder the widespread use of eMBMS in many scenarios. In certain services, such as mission critical push-to-talk (MCPTT) services for public safety, long time service interruption is intolerable.

[0020] The first release of 5G multicast / broadcast system introduces new services with different requirements such as ad-hoc multicast / broadcast streaming, transparent Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) / IPv6 multicast transmission, IPTV, wireless software transmission, group communication and broadcast / multicast IoT applications, V2X applications, and / or public safety. Some of these services require higher reliability, and therefore there is still a need to enable the network to dynamically change the transmission mode or configuration to support best effort transmission (e.g., to achieve service continuity in mobility scenarios) and provide power saving.

[0021] The present patent application discloses techniques that can be implemented in various embodiments to enable a UE to report service reception status of MBS, thereby allowing the network side to efficiently perform transmission mode change (e.g., fast switching between unicast transmission mode and multicast transmission mode) in order to provide higher service reliability or wireless resource efficiency. Note that unicast transmission mode is also referred to as point-to-point (PTP) transmission mode, in which service data (e.g., MBS service data) is transmitted from a network node (e.g., gNB) to a specific communication device (e.g., UE) in PTP or unicast manner. Multicast transmission mode is also referred to as point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission mode, in which service data (e.g., MBS service data) is transmitted from a network node (e.g., gNB) to one or more communication devices (e.g., UEs) in PTM or multicast manner.

[0022] Figure 1An example radio access network (RAN) node in a 5G communication system is shown. In 5G New Radio (NR) technology, a RAN node can be divided into two logical units, a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). A gNB-centralized unit (gNB-CU) is a logical node that hosts radio resource configuration (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP). The gNB-CU also controls the operation of one or more gNB-distributed units (gNB-DU). The gNB-CU terminates the F1 interface connected with the gNB-DU. A gNB-DU is a logical node that hosts the radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layers of the node. Its operation can be partially controlled by the corresponding gNB-CU. One gNB-DU can support one or more cells. The gNB-DU terminates the F1 interface connected with the gNB-CU. The CU node and the DU node of a gNB can be deployed separately or together.

[0023] Figure 2 An example signaling sequence 200 for a communication device to provide a reception status report on MBS is shown according to the present technology. Some example operations are described as follows:

[0024] Operation 201: A network node (e.g., a CU node of a gNB) sends configuration information to a UE to configure the UE to report a reception status on MBS service reception to the network node. The MBS reception status report from the UE can enable the network node to decide how to effectively transmit MBS data and / or improve the transmission reliability of MBS. For example, the network node can adjust physical layer parameters such as modulation and coding scheme (MCS), or perform transmission mode switching (e.g., from PMP to P2P) to achieve the required reliability / efficiency.

[0025] Operation 202: The UE performs MBS reception and measurement to collect metrics or statistical information on MBS service reception status.

[0026] Operation 203a: The UE can periodically send a MBS reception status report to the CU node. Alternatively or additionally, the UE can be triggered by the network or a defined event to send a MBS reception status report (i.e., the reception status reporting is aperiodic).

[0027] Operation 203b: If the MBS reception status report is sent at the MAC / PHYS layer, the UE can also send a MBS reception status report to the DU node (periodically or in an aperiodic manner).

[0028] In some embodiments, the network node can perform additional operations after operation 203a or 203b to send new or additional configuration information to configure a new transmission mode or update a current transmission configuration.

[0029] In some embodiments, the configuration information sent in operation 201 indicates how the UE should measure and report the MBS reception status. For example, the configuration information can depict the content of the MBS reception status report (e.g., what metrics and / or statistics are included need to be in the report) and how the UE should send the MBS reception status report (e.g., via RRC signaling message, MAC CE, or uplink control information). As another example, the configuration information can indicate the triggering condition for triggering the UE to send the MBS reception status report. In some embodiments, the configuration information includes one or more thresholds associated with the metrics and / or statistics to be measured for the MBS. When the measured metrics and / or statistics reach, exceed, or fall below one or more respective thresholds, the UE can report the reception status, or a mode switch request included in the MBS reception status report, to request the network node to switch from one transmission mode (e.g., PTM) to a different mode (e.g., PTP). In some embodiments, the configuration information can include reception configuration of the communication mode such as bearer configuration and / or radio resource configuration information. The configuration information can be carried in a single message or multiple separate messages.

[0030] In some embodiments, the configuration information indicates the enabling information of the reception status reporting. The enabling information can also include enabling or disabling information. If enabled, the UE sends the MBS reception status report based on the above configuration. If disabled, the UE does not send the MBS reception status report.

[0031] Content of MBS reception status report

[0032] To determine the reception status of the MBS, the UE can measure metrics and / or statistics at different protocol layers. In some embodiments, the UE can report the status or related metrics at the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. For example, the UE can generate a PDCP status report that complies with the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards. In some embodiments, the UE can report the packet loss rate at the PDCP layer to the network node. For example, the UE can determine the packet loss rate as follows:

[0033] 1.1. The packet loss rate can be defined as the ratio between the number of lost packets and the total number of received packets in a time window T. One packet corresponds to one PDCP service data unit (SDU) or PDCP protocol data unit (PDU). The total number of received PDCP packets during the time window T can be defined as the gap between the highest received PDCP packet sequence number (SN) and the lowest received PDCP packet SN. The number of lost PDCP packets can be defined as the number of PDCP packets lost between the highest PDCP packet SN and the lowest PDCP packet SN during the time window T. The time window T can be a configured duration.

[0034] 1.2. The packets can belong to one specific radio bearer, a subset of radio bearers of one specific MBS session, all radio bearers of one specific MBS session, or all radio bearers of all MBS sessions the UE is associated with. Thus, the packet loss rate can be defined with different granularity, such as per radio bearer, per MBS, or per UE. In some embodiments, the packet loss rate can be associated with an identifier (ID) of the radio bearer and / or an MBS identifier (ID) based on the granularity.

[0035] 1.3. The ratio can be further quantized to an integer (e.g., by multiplying by a number and rounding).

[0036] In some embodiments, the UE can report the status or related metrics at the MAC layer. For example, the UE can determine the error rate at the MAC layer associated with the MBS as follows:

[0037] 2.1 The error rate can be a block error rate (BLER). The BLER can be computed in a measurement period as the ratio between the number of received transport blocks that result in a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) error and the total number of received transport blocks of a specific MBS or MBS session. In some embodiments, the computation can be performed for all related hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes associated with the MBS service. The measurement period can be a configured duration.

[0038] 2.2 The error rate can be a ratio computed based on the number of errors of downlink initial transport blocks and the total number of downlink initial transport blocks.

[0039] 2.3 The error rate can have a granularity associated with the MCS. For example, the error rate only considers transport blocks using the same MCS. As another example, the error rate has a granularity of the MBS to consider all MCSs associated with the MBS.

[0040] 2.4 The error rate can be further quantized to an integer (e.g., by multiplying by a number and rounding).

[0041] In some embodiments, the UE can report the status or related metrics on the physical (PHY) layer. In some embodiments, the UE can determine, within a measurement period, the channel state information reference signal received power (CSI-RSRP) and / or the CSI reference signal received quality (CSI-RSRQ) associated with the MBS using the CSI-RS resource or the MBS ID associated with the MBS. The measurement period can be a configured duration. The measurement results can be further quantized to an integer (e.g., by multiplying a number and rounding).

[0042] The mode switching request can be included in the MBS reception status report or instead of the MBS reception status report.

[0043] Triggering conditions for the MBS reception status report or the mode switching request

[0044] When the UE should send the MBS reception status report can be configured (e.g., by the configuration information) or predefined.

[0045] In some embodiments, the MBS reception status report is sent periodically according to a period T. In some embodiments, the period T is configured by the configuration information from the network node. In some embodiments, the configuration information further includes information that can enable or disable the periodic transmission of the MBS reception status report. In some embodiments, the MBS reception status report is sent periodically after a certain condition is met, which can be a value of one of the following: 1) the packet loss rate at the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer; 2) the block error rate (BLER) at the medium access control (MAC) layer; 3) the CSI-RSRP or CSR-RSRQ in the physical layer. The condition and the threshold value can be included in the configuration information.

[0046] In some embodiments, the MBS reception status report or the mode switching request is triggered by one or more events. In some embodiments, the triggering event is indicated by one or more threshold values associated with the metrics and / or statistics to be measured for the MBS. The one or more threshold values can be predefined or included in the configuration information from the network node. When the measured metrics and / or statistics reach, exceed, or fall below one or more corresponding threshold values, the UE can send the MBS reception status report or the mode switching request to the network node. For example, the configuration information can include a threshold value for the packet loss rate at the PDCP layer or a BLER value at the MAC layer. The MBS reception status reporting is triggered if the measured value falls below the threshold value. In some embodiments, the mode switching request requests the network node to switch from one transmission mode (e.g., PTM) to a different mode (e.g., PTP).

[0047] In some embodiments, one or more events of the PDCP layer can be defined or configured. For example, for one particular data bearer of one particular MBS, if the reordering timer is enabled, the UE is triggered to send the MBS reception status report for the particular data bearer of the particular MBS at the timer expiry.

[0048] In some embodiments, the network node can send signaling to trigger the transmission of the MBS reception status report. For example, the network can send signaling on the broadcast control channel to indicate that the UE is triggered to send the MBS reception status report for one particular MBS. As another example, the signaling can be a MAC CE that is multiplexed with the MBS data or user service data for one particular UE. The network can send a MAC control element (CE) with a particular logical channel ID to indicate that the UE is triggered to send the MBS reception status report for the corresponding MBS associated with the MBS data (e.g., per MAC CE). As yet another example, the signaling message can be a downlink control information (DCI) message on the PHY layer associated with the MBS transport block. The DCI message can indicate that the UE is triggered to send the MBS reception status report for the corresponding MBS associated with the DCI.

[0049] The UE can send the MBS reception status report or the mode switch request in an RRC signaling message, a MAC CE, or a PHY layer signaling message (e.g., an uplink control information message). As described above, the MBS reception status report or the mode switch request can have different levels of granularity (e.g., per radio bearer, per MBS, or per UE). In some embodiments, the MBS reception status report or the mode switch request is associated with a corresponding radio bearer and / or MBS ID.

[0050] Figure 3 is a flowchart representation of a method 300 for wireless communication in accordance with the present technology. The method 300 includes receiving, by a communication device from a network node, configuration information that configures information indicating reception status of a groupcast and broadcast service, at operation 310. Data for the groupcast and broadcast service is carried in one or more radio bearers. The method 300 includes sending, by the communication device to the network node, information indicating the reception status based on measurement results, at operation 320.

[0051] In some embodiments, the configuration information includes enablement information indicating whether transmission of information indicating reception status is enabled or disabled. In some embodiments, the configuration information includes information triggering transmission of information indicating reception status. In some embodiments, the configuration information includes a periodicity triggering transmission of information indicating reception status. In some embodiments, the configuration information includes information enabling or disabling periodic triggering of transmission of information indicating reception status. In some embodiments, the configuration information includes information regarding an event triggering transmission of information indicating reception status. In some embodiments, the event is indicated by one or more thresholds associated with the multicast and broadcast service or a radio bearer associated with the multicast and broadcast service, and wherein the thresholds include one of: 1) a packet loss rate at a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer; 2) a block error rate (BLER) at a medium access control (MAC) layer; 3) a channel state information reference signal received power (CSI-RSRP) in a physical layer, or (4) a channel state information reference signal received quality (CSI-RSRQ) in a physical layer.

[0052] In some embodiments, the information indicating reception status includes a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) status report. In some embodiments, the information indicating reception status includes a packet loss rate at a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. In some embodiments, the information indicating reception status includes a block error rate (BLER) in a medium access control (MAC) layer, a CSI-RSRP in a physical layer, or a CSR-RSRQ in a physical layer. In some embodiments, the information indicating reception status is sent to the network node using a radio resource control (RRC) signaling message, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), or a physical layer signaling message.

[0053] In some embodiments, each of the one or more radio bearers is associated with a transmission mode. The information indicating reception status includes a mode switch request requesting a switch from a first transmission mode to a second transmission mode for at least one radio bearer carrying data for the multicast and broadcast service. In some embodiments, the information indicating reception status including the mode switch request has a granularity corresponding to at least one of: (1) each of the one or more radio bearers for the multicast and broadcast service, (2) the multicast and broadcast service, or (3) the communication device. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving, by the communication device, a mode switch response information from the network node in response to the mode switch request from the communication device. The mode switch response information is optionally associated with at least one of (1) an identifier of a radio bearer, (2) an identifier of the multicast and broadcast service.

[0054] In some embodiments, the transmission mode includes a point-to-point transmission mode or a point-to-multipoint transmission mode. In some embodiments, the network node includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU).

[0055] Figure 4 is a flowchart representation of a method 400 for wireless communication according to the present technology. The method 400 includes, at operation 410, transmitting, by a network node, configuration information to a communication device, the configuration information configuring information indicating a reception status of a multicast and broadcast service. Data for the multicast and broadcast service is carried in one or more bearers. The method 400 also includes, at operation 420, receiving, by the network node, information indicating the reception status from the communication device based on a measurement result.

[0056] In some embodiments, the configuration information includes enabling information indicating whether transmission of the information indicating the reception status is enabled or disabled. In some embodiments, the configuration information includes information triggering transmission of the information indicating the reception status. In some embodiments, the configuration information includes a periodicity triggering transmission of the information indicating the reception status. In some embodiments, the configuration information includes information enabling or disabling periodic triggering of transmission of the information indicating the reception status. In some embodiments, the configuration information includes information about an event triggering transmission of the information indicating the reception status. In some embodiments, the event is indicated by (1) one or more thresholds associated with the multicast and broadcast service or a radio bearer associated with the multicast and broadcast service, and wherein the thresholds include one of: 1) a packet loss rate at a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer; 2) a block error rate (BLER) at a medium access control (MAC) layer; 3) a channel state information reference signal received power (CSI-RSRP) in a physical layer, or 4) a channel state information reference signal received quality (CSI-RSRQ) in a physical layer.

[0057] In some embodiments, the information indicating the reception status includes a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) status report. In some embodiments, the information indicating the reception status includes a packet loss rate at a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. In some embodiments, the information indicating the reception status includes a block error rate (BLER) in a medium access control (MAC) layer, a CSI-RSRP in a physical layer, or a CSR-RSRQ in a physical layer. In some embodiments, the information indicating the reception status is carried in a radio resource control (RRC) signaling message, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), or a physical layer signaling message.

[0058] In some embodiments, each of the one or more radio bearers is associated with a transmission mode. The information indicating the reception status includes a mode switch request requesting a switch from a first transmission mode to a second transmission mode for at least one radio bearer carrying data for the multicast and broadcast service. In some embodiments, the information indicating the reception status includes a mode switch request has a granularity corresponding to at least one of: (1) each of the one or more radio bearers for the multicast and broadcast service, (2) the multicast and broadcast service, or (3) the communication device. In some embodiments, the method includes: sending, by the network node, mode switch response information to the communication device in response to the mode switch request. The mode switch response information is associated with at least one of: (1) an identifier of the radio bearer, (2) an identifier of the multicast and broadcast service.

[0059] In some embodiments, the transmission mode includes a point-to-point transmission mode or a point-to-multipoint transmission mode. In some embodiments, the network node includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU).

[0060] Some examples of the disclosed technology are further described in the following example embodiments.

[0061] Embodiment 1

[0062] Figure 5 An example signaling sequence 500 for transmission mode switching according to the present technology is shown. The example operations are described as follows:

[0063] Operation 501: A network node (e.g., a CU node of a gNB) sends a configuration of an MBS reception status report to a UE to configure the UE to report an MBS reception status report to the network node, and optionally, a bearer configuration associated with the MBS.

[0064] Operation 502: The UE performs MBS reception and measurements to collect metrics or statistics about the MBS service reception status.

[0065] Operation 503a: Based on the measurement results and one or more threshold values (e.g., included in the configuration information) or periodic timers, the UE sends an MBS reception status report to the CU node of the gNB. The UE can use an RRC signaling message to carry the request.

[0066] Operation 503b: Alternatively, the UE can send the MBS reception status report to the DU node of the gNB. The UE can use a MAC CE or uplink control information (UCI) signaling to carry the report. The UE can also use other message formats on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and / or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0067] Operation 504a: The CU node of the gNB sends mode switch command information (e.g., via RRC signaling message) to the UE. The mode switch command information can include the bearer configuration of the target transmission mode associated with the MBS.

[0068] Operation 504b: Alternatively, the DU node of the gNB can send mode switch command information (e.g., via MAC CE or DCI signaling message) to the UE.

[0069] In this example, the UE can be configured with a trigger condition such that the UE sends the MBS reception status report when the trigger condition is met.

[0070] In some embodiments, the configuration information indicates enabling information of information indicating reception status. The enabling information can also include enabling or disabling information. If enabled, the UE sends the MBS reception status report based on the configuration described above. If disabled, the UE does not send the MBS reception status report.

[0071] The MBS reception status report can be a PDCP status report for each radio bearer associated with the relevant MBS. In another example, the MBS reception status report can be a packet loss rate in the PDCP layer of a specific radio bearer associated with the MBS.

[0072] The MBS reception status report can have different granularity. For example, the MBS reception status report per radio bearer can be transmitted on a specific radio bearer of the MBS. The request can include information such as radio bearer ID and / or MBS to identify the bearer of the MBS. As another example, the MBS reception status report per MBS can be transmitted on all bearers of the MBS. The MBS reception status report can include information such as MBS ID identifying the MBS. As yet another example, the MBS reception status report per UE can be transmitted on all MBS of the UE. The MBS reception status report can include information such as UE ID.

[0073] The mode switch command information from the network (CU or DU) can include at least one of corresponding radio bearer ID, MBS ID, and / or UE ID. In some embodiments, the mode switch command information is per radio bearer or per MBS.

[0074] After receiving the mode switch command information from the network node to indicate switching from the initial transmission mode to the target transmission mode, if the target transmission mode has been pre-configured, the UE can apply the target transmission mode configuration and start receiving MBS data using the target transmission mode.

[0075] Embodiment 2

[0076] Figure 6 An example signaling sequence 600 for transmission mode switching according to the present technology is shown. The example operation is described as follows:

[0077] Operation 601: The network node (e.g., CU node of gNB) sends configuration information to the UE to configure the measurements performed by the UE to reflect the MBS reception status, and the conditions for the UE to send a mode switching request to the network node, and optionally the bearer configuration associated with the MBS.

[0078] Operation 602: The UE performs MBS reception and measurements to collect metrics or statistics about the MBS service reception status.

[0079] Operation 603a: Based on the measurement results and one or more threshold values (e.g., included in the configuration information), the UE sends a mode switching request to the CU node of gNB. The UE can use an RRC signaling message to carry the request.

[0080] Operation 603b: Alternatively, the UE can send a mode switching request to the DU node of gNB. The UE can use a MAC CE or uplink control information (UCI) signaling to carry the request. The UE can also use other message formats on the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and / or physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0081] Operation 604a: The CU node of gNB sends mode switching response information to the UE to confirm the reception of the request (e.g., via an RRC signaling message).

[0082] Operation 604b: Alternatively, the DU node of gNB can send mode switching response information to the UE to confirm the reception of the request (e.g., via a MAC CE or DCI signaling message).

[0083] In this example, the UE can be configured with a trigger condition such that when the trigger condition is satisfied, the UE sends the request.

[0084] In some embodiments, the configuration information indicates an enabling information for the mode switching request. The enabling information can also include an enabling or disabling information. If enabled, the UE sends the mode switching request based on the configuration described above, e.g., when the conditions are satisfied. If disabled, the UE does not send the mode switching request.

[0085] The request can have different granularity. For example, a per radio bearer mode switch request can be sent to request mode switching on a specific radio bearer of the MBS. The request can include information such as a radio bearer ID and / or MBS to identify the bearer of the MBS. As another example, a per MBS request can be sent to request mode switching on all bearers of the MBS. The request can include information such as a MBS ID to identify the MBS. As yet another example, a per UE request can be sent to request mode switching on all MBSs of the UE. The request can include information such as a UE ID.

[0086] The mode switch response information from the network (CU or DU) can include at least one of a corresponding radio bearer ID, MBS ID, and / or UE ID. In some embodiments, the mode switch response information can include information of ACK / NACK to the mode switch request.

[0087] After receiving the mode switch response information from the network node to confirm the switch from the initial transmission mode to the target transmission mode, the UE can apply the appropriate configuration and start receiving the MBS data using the target transmission mode if the target transmission mode has been pre-configured or included in the mode switch response information.

[0088] In some embodiments, the UE can suspend the MBS data reception by the initial transmission mode. For example, the UE does not release the configuration of the initial transmission mode but stores the configuration.

[0089] Embodiment 3

[0090] In some embodiments, the UE receives configuration information of two radio bearers (RBs). One RB is associated with a first transmission mode of PTP type and the other RB is associated with a second transmission mode of PTM type. The configuration information can include at least one quality of service (QoS) flow belonging to a MBS session. The QoS can be mapped to the two radio bearers respectively. Each radio bearer is further associated with a PDCP configuration and an RLC bearer configuration. The above-mentioned RBs can be further associated with a MBS session ID, a service ID, an ID capable of uniquely identifying the MBS session between the UE and the RAN, or a combination thereof.

[0091] Alternatively, the UE can be configured with RBs associated with two types of RLC bearers. One RLC bearer is of PTP type, while the other RLC bearer is of PTM type. The configuration information can include at least one QoS flow belonging to an MBS session and mapped to one radio bearer. The radio bearer is further associated with one PDCP configuration and two RLC bearer configurations. One of the RLC bearers corresponds to MBS service data reception in PTP mode, while the other corresponds to MBS service data reception in PTM mode.

[0092] The UE can be further configured with radio resources for the transmission mode (e.g., PTM), which can include cell information and resource allocation information associated with the transmission. In some embodiments, the UE can receive configuration information regarding mode switch conditions.

[0093] If the mode switch condition is satisfied (e.g., the reception condition of the MBS is worse than a defined threshold), the UE can issue a mode switch request (e.g., as shown in operation 503a or 503b). The mode switch request can include one or more associated RB IDs, one or more MBS session IDs, a combination thereof. In some implementations, the mode switch request indicates the need for mode switch only without specifying the RBs or MBS information. Figure 5

[0094] In some embodiments, the mode switch request indicates the need for mode switch. In some embodiments, the mode switch request indicates the need for mode switch for a specific RB (characterized by an RB ID) or a specific MBS session (characterized by an MBS ID).

[0095] In some embodiments, the mode switch request can further indicate a mode switch profile. The profile can include at least one of:

[0096] a. from PTP to PTM mode,

[0097] b. from PTM to PTP mode,

[0098] c. from PTP to PTM together with PTP mode,

[0099] d. from PTM to PTM together with PTP mode,

[0100] e. from PTM together with PTP to PTP mode, or

[0101] f. from PTM together with PTP to PTM mode.

[0102] In some embodiments, the network node can reject the mode switch request. The network node provides a reason value indicating the reason for the request being rejected. ​

[0103] In some embodiments, the network node can send mode switch response information to the UE to acknowledge the mode switch request and respond to the UE with the acknowledgement. The acknowledgement can be associated with one or more RB IDs, one or more MBS IDs, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the network can include a target transmission mode configuration (e.g., PTM or PTP type of RB configuration) associated with the MBS session, resource allocation information (e.g., cell information, time and frequency domain information), or both. The mode switch response information or the mode switch request information can be carried in RRC signaling, or a MAC CE or Layer 1 / PHY signaling.

[0104] In some embodiments, the configuration information for the initial transmission mode associated with the MBS is not released. The UE stores the configuration information for the initial transmission mode and then suspends or deactivates it. The UE then applies the target transmission mode configuration (e.g., the corresponding RLC bearer or RB configuration). If the target transmission mode is PTM type, the UE can monitor for MBS service data transmission in the physical layer, e.g., monitor PDCCH characterized by MBS specific Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI).

[0105] In some embodiments, the CU node and DU node of the gNB are deployed separately. When the mode switch request is low layer signaling (e.g., MAC CE or Layer 1 / PHY signaling), the DU node can send a notification to the CU node to include the transmission mode of the relevant UE and the UE ID (e.g., gNB-DU UE F1AP ID or gNB-CU UE F1AP ID).

[0106] Figure 7 An example of a wireless communication system 700 in which techniques in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology can be applied is shown. The wireless communication system 700 can include one or more base stations (BSs) 705a, 705b, one or more wireless devices 710a, 710b, 710c, 710d, and a core network 725. The base stations 705a, 705b can provide wireless service to the wireless devices 710a, 710b, 710c, and 710d in one or more wireless sectors. In some implementations, the base stations 705a, 705b include directional antennas that produce two or more directional beams to provide wireless coverage in different sectors.

[0107] The core network 725 can be in communication with one or more base stations 705a, 705b. The core network 725 provides connectivity with other wireless communication systems and wireline communication systems. The core network can include one or more service subscription databases to store information related to subscribed wireless devices 710a, 710b, 710c, and 710d. The first base station 705a can provide wireless service based on a first wireless access technology, while the second base station 705b can provide wireless service based on a second wireless access technology. The base stations 705a and 705b can be located at the same site, or can be installed at separate sites depending on the deployment scenario. The wireless devices 710a, 710b, 710c, and 710d can support multiple different wireless access technologies. The techniques and embodiments described in this application can be implemented by a base station of a wireless device described in this application.

[0108] Figure 8 is a block diagram representation of a portion of a wireless station that can be applied in accordance with one or more embodiments of the technology. A wireless station 805, such as a base station or a wireless device (or wireless device), can include processor electronics 810, such as a microprocessor implementing one or more wireless technologies proposed in this application. The wireless station 805 can include transceiver electronics 815 to transmit and / or receive wireless signals through one or more communication interfaces, such as antennas 820. The wireless station 805 can include other communication interfaces for transmitting and receiving data. The wireless station 805 can include one or more memories (not explicitly shown) configured to store information, such as data and / or instructions. In some implementations, the processor electronics 810 can include at least a portion of the transceiver electronics 815. In some embodiments, the disclosed technology, modules, or functions are implemented using the wireless station 805. In some embodiments, the wireless station 805 can be configured to perform the methods described herein.

[0109] It should be appreciated that the present application discloses techniques that can be embodied in various embodiments to enable a communication device (e.g., a UE) to report a service reception status of an associated MBS session, thereby allowing a network side to directly perform a transmission mode change to provide higher service reliability. The disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, modules, and features disclosed herein, can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, firmware, or hardware combined with software and / or firmware, which can all be collectively referred to as the “application” and / or determined in combination with one or more aspects of the application disclosed herein. In addition, the disclosed embodiments and other embodiments, modules, and features disclosed herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this application and their equivalent structures, or in combinations of one or more of them. The disclosed embodiments and other embodiments can be implemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. The computer-readable medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, a composition of matter affecting a machine-readable propagated signal, or a combination of one or more of them. The term “data processing apparatus” encompasses all apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including, by way of example, programmable processors, computers, or multiple processors or computers. In addition to hardware, the apparatus can include code that creates an execution environment for the computer programs in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more of them. A propagated signal is an artificially generated signal, e.g., a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal, that is generated to encode information for transmission to suitable receiver apparatus.

[0110] A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and are interconnected by a communication network.

[0111] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by special purpose logic circuitry, and that circuitry can be

[0112] Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical, or optical disks, or a computer program product suitable for storing a computer program and data. However, a computer need not have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0113] While this application contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any invention or of what can be claimed, but instead as describing features that can be part of certain embodiments. Certain features described herein in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described herein in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and the claimed combination can be directed to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0114] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such order, nor that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In addition, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described herein should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments.

[0115] Only some implementations and examples are described and other implementations, enhancements and variations can be made based on what is described and illustrated in this patent application.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, comprising: The communication device receives configuration information from the network node, the configuration information configuring information indicating the reception status of multicast and broadcast services, wherein data for the multicast and broadcast services is carried in one or more radio bearers; and The communication device measures the reception status based on the configuration information. Based on the measurement results, the communication device sends information indicating the reception status to the network node, wherein the measurement results include metrics and / or statistical information for different protocol layers, and The information indicating the reception status includes a mode switching request, which requests a switch from a first transmission mode to a second transmission mode different from the first transmission mode for at least one wireless bearer carrying data for the multicast and broadcast services. The first transmission mode and the second transmission mode include a point-to-point transmission mode or a point-to-multipoint transmission mode.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information includes enabling information, which indicates whether the transmission of information in the receiving state is enabled or disabled.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration information includes information that triggers the transmission, indicating the reception status.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The configuration information includes the period for triggering the transmission of information indicating the reception status.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The configuration information includes information that enables or disables the periodic triggering of the transmission, which indicates the reception status.

6. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The configuration information includes information about events that trigger the transmission that indicate the reception status.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The event is indicated by one or more thresholds associated with the multicast and broadcast services or by a radio bearer associated with the multicast and broadcast services, wherein the thresholds include one of the following: 1) packet loss rate at the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer; 2) block error rate (BLER) at the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer; 3) channel state information reference signal received power (CSI-RSRP) at the physical layer; or 4) channel state information reference signal received quality (CSI-RSRQ) at the physical layer.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, Information indicating the reception status includes the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) status report.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Information indicating the reception status includes the packet loss rate at the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, Information indicating the reception status includes the block error rate (BLER) in the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, the CSI-RSRP in the physical layer, or the CSR-RSRQ in the physical layer.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The information indicating the reception status is sent to the network node using Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling messages, Media Access Control (MAC) control unit (CE) messages, or physical layer signaling messages.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, Each of the one or more wireless bearers is associated with a transmission mode.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The information indicating the reception status, including the mode switching request, has a granularity corresponding to at least one of the following: 1) each of the one or more radio bearers of the multicast and broadcast services, 2) the multicast and broadcast services, or 3) the communication device.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: In response to the mode switching request from the communication device, the communication device receives mode switching response information from the network node, wherein the mode switching response message is optionally associated with at least one of the following: 1) an identifier of a radio bearer, 2) an identifier of the multicast and broadcast services.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The network nodes include centralized units (CU) and distributed units (DU).

16. A wireless communication method, comprising: A network node sends configuration information to a communication device, the configuration information configuring information indicating the reception status of multicast and broadcast services, wherein data for the multicast and broadcast services is carried in one or more bearers; and The network node receives information indicating the reception status from the communication device based on measurement results, wherein the measurement results include metrics and / or statistical information for different protocol layers, and The information indicating the reception status includes a mode switching request, which requests a switch from a first transmission mode to a second transmission mode different from the first transmission mode for at least one wireless bearer carrying data for the multicast and broadcast services. The first transmission mode and the second transmission mode include a point-to-point transmission mode or a point-to-multipoint transmission mode.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The configuration information includes enabling information, which indicates whether the transmission of the information in the receiving state is enabled or disabled.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The configuration information includes information that triggers the transmission of information indicating the reception status.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The configuration information includes the period for triggering the transmission of information indicating the reception status.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The configuration information includes information that enables or disables the periodic triggering of the transmission, which indicates the reception status.

21. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The configuration information includes information about events that trigger the transmission that indicate the reception status.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The event is indicated by one or more thresholds associated with the multicast and broadcast services or by a radio bearer associated with the multicast and broadcast services, wherein the thresholds include one of the following: 1) packet loss rate at the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer; 2) block error rate (BLER) at the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer; 3) channel state information reference signal received power (CSI-RSRP) at the physical layer; or 4) channel state information reference signal received quality (CSI-RSRQ) at the physical layer.

23. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein, Information indicating the reception status includes the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) status report.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, Information indicating the reception status includes the packet loss rate at the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

25. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein, Information indicating the reception status includes the block error rate (BLER) in the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, the CSI-RSRP in the physical layer, or the CSR-RSRQ in the physical layer.

26. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein, Information indicating the reception status is carried in Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling messages, Media Access Control (MAC) control unit (CE) messages, or physical layer signaling messages.

27. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein, Each of the one or more wireless bearers is associated with a transmission mode.

28. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein, The information indicating the reception status, including the mode switching request, has a granularity corresponding to at least one of the following: 1) each of the one or more radio bearers of the multicast and broadcast services, 2) the multicast and broadcast services, or 3) the communication device.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising: In response to the mode switching request, the network node sends mode switching response information to the communication device, wherein the mode switching response information is associated with at least one of 1) the identifier of the radio bearer and 2) the identifier of the multicast and broadcast services.

30. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein, The network nodes include centralized units (CU) and distributed units (DU).

31. A communication device comprising a processor and a memory, the processor being configured to read instructions from the memory to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 30.

32. A computer program product having code stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 30.

Images