Method and apparatus for controlling transmission of signals

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling transmission of a signal. The method is performed by a NodeB including a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The method comprises transmitting, from the CU to the DU, a first channel indication and a first data unit, the DU transmitting a multicast and broadcast service (MBS) configuration to a user equipment (UE) on a first channel indicated by the first channel indication, the DU receiving a first completion indication from the UE, and transmitting, from the DU to the CU, the first completion indication. The first data unit includes the MBS configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to wireless communication technology, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for transmitting control signals. Background Technology

[0002] The work project on New Radio (NR) support for Multicast and Broadcast Services (MBS) has been agreed upon in version 17 (i.e., RP-201038). At the RAN3#109e meeting, it was agreed to use the existing Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture to support NR MBS. In the existing NG-RAN architecture, the gNodeB (gNB) internal structure is divided into two parts: the gNB Central Unit (CU) and the gNB Distributed Unit (DU). The two gNB units can focus on different layers. Seamless and reliable signaling and transmission of control signals are highly beneficial for services (e.g., MBS). Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide at least one technical solution for multicast and broadcast services.

[0004] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a method performed by a NodeB. The NodeB may include a Central Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU). The method may include: transmitting a first channel indication and a first data unit from the CU to the DU; transmitting the first data unit (containing MBS configuration) to a User Equipment (UE) on a first channel indicated by the first channel indication; receiving a first completion indication from the UE by the DU; and transmitting the first completion indication from the DU to the CU. The first data unit may contain MBS configuration.

[0005] Some other embodiments of this disclosure provide a method performed by a NodeB. The NodeB may include a Central Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU). The method may include generating an MBS configuration, transmitting control channel information containing the MBS configuration from the CU to the DU, and transmitting the MBS configuration to a User Equipment (UE) on a control channel.

[0006] Some embodiments of this disclosure also provide an apparatus comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, at least one receiver, at least one transmitter, and at least one processor coupled to the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium, the at least one receiver, and the at least one transmitter. The computer-executable instructions are programmed to implement any of the methods described using the at least one receiver, the at least one transmitter, and the at least one processor.

[0007] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a technical solution for multicast and broadcast services. Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure can provide superior signaling between the CU and DU in a gNodeB (gNB) or between the UE and the gNB. Attached Figure Description

[0008] To illustrate the advantages and features of this application, the description of this application is presented by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of this application and should therefore not be construed as limiting its scope.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary NodeB according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating exemplary communications according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a method for signaling MBS configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating exemplary communications according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for signaling MBS configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for signaling MBS configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary control channel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a method for signaling multicast control channel (MCCH) configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method for signaling MCCH configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a method for signaling MBS configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 11This is a flowchart of a method for signaling MBS configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a method for gNB according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a method for gNB according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0022] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of a method for gNB according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The detailed description of the accompanying drawings is intended to illustrate the presently preferred embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to represent the only form in which this disclosure may be practiced. It should be understood that the same or equivalent functionality may be achieved through different embodiments intended to be covered within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0024] Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of this disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding, embodiments are provided in specific network architectures and new service scenarios, such as 3GPP 5G New Radio (NR), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) Release 8, etc. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that, with the development of network architectures and new service scenarios, the embodiments in this disclosure are also applicable to other similar technical problems.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary gNB 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, gNB 100 may include at least one gNB central unit (gNB-CU) and at least one gNB distributed unit (gNB-DU). gNB 100 is compatible with any type of network capable of transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals. For example, gNB 100 is compatible with wireless communications, cellular phones, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), LTE, 3GPP, 3GPP 5G NR, satellite communications, high-altitude platforms, and / or other communication networks. gNB 100 may be referred to as a base station, base station unit, base, access point, access terminal, macro cell, Node B, Enhanced Node B (eNB), Home Node B, Relay Node, apparatus, remote unit, or other terms used in the field. gNBs may be distributed across a geographical area. Typically, a gNB is part of a radio access network, which may include one or more controllers communicatively coupled to one or more corresponding base stations.

[0027] A gNB is typically communicatively coupled to one or more packet core networks (PCNs), which may be coupled to other networks, such as packet data networks (PDNs) (e.g., the Internet) and public switched telephone networks, as well as other networks. These and other elements of the radio access and core networks are not described but are generally well known to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more base stations may be communicatively coupled to a mobility management entity (MME), a serving gateway (SGW), and / or a packet data gateway (PGW). For example, one or more base stations may be communicatively coupled to access and mobility management functions (AMF), user plane functions (UPF), and / or session management functions (SMF) in a 5G core network.

[0028] The embodiments disclosed herein can be provided in network architectures employing various service scenarios, such as (but not limited to) 3GPP 3G, LTE, LTE-A Advanced, 3GPP 4G, 3GPP 5G NR (New Radio), 3GPP LTE Release 12 and later, etc. It is understood that the terminology listed herein may change as 3GPP and related communication technologies evolve, and this should not affect the principles of this application.

[0029] Specifically, for illustrative purposes, gNB 100 may include one gNB-CU 110 and two gNB-DUs 121 and 123. Although in Figure 1 A specific number of gNB-CUs and gNB-DUs are depicted, but it is considered that the wireless communication system 10 may contain any number of gNB-CUs and gNB-DUs.

[0030] The core network can be coupled to the gNB 100. The core network can be a 5G core network interconnecting a wide area network (e.g., an Internet Protocol (IP) service network) and radio access network nodes (e.g., eNB radio access network nodes, 5G gNB radio access network nodes, and gNB 100). The core network can be one or more devices or services between the wide area network and the radio access network nodes.

[0031] In the existing NG-RAN architecture, the internal structure of the gNB is divided into gNB-CU and gNB-DU, such as Figure 1 As shown in the image. gNB-CU and gNB-DU can be connected via interface F1. Figure 1In this configuration, gNB-CU 110 and gNB-DU 121 are connected via interface F1 131, and gNB-CU 110 and gNB-DU 123 are connected via interface F1 132. gNB-CU 110 can focus on the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer 145, the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer 146, and the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer 144. gNB-DU 121 or 123 can focus on the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer 143, the Media Access Control (MAC) layer 142, and the Physical (PHY) layer 141.

[0032] In LTE single-cell point-to-multipoint (SC-PTM) service, in order to receive SC-PTM service, the user equipment (UE) needs to read system information, namely System Information Block (SIB) 20, to obtain the single-cell multicast control channel (SC-MCCH) configuration. The SC-MCCH configuration may include the SC-MCCH modification period, the SC-MCCH repetition period, and the SC-MCCH subframe offset.

[0033] Radio systems (e.g., NR or LTE systems) can provide SC-PTM configuration information on logical channels (e.g., SC-MCCH). Upon receiving SC-PTM configuration information for the SC-MCCH, the UE can know a list of all ongoing Multimedia Broadcast / Multicast Service (MBMS) sessions or MBS sessions transmitted on one or more Single Cell Multicast Traffic Channels (SC-MTCH). The UE can also know the Temporary Mobile Group Identifier (TMGI), Optional Session Identifier (ID), associated Group Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI), and scheduling information for each SC-PTM service. SC-PTM configuration information can be transmitted via RRC messages (e.g., SCPTMConfiguration) in each SC-MCCH repetition cycle. When control information regarding the SC-MCCH changes, the UE can monitor whether a change notification is announced in the SC-MCCH modification cycle.

[0034] The NR system can include two signaling schemes in the control plane. In the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, NR MBS can use the LTE SC-PTM class scheme. In some embodiments, in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, service (e.g., 5G MBS) configuration information can be provided on the MCCH (Multicast Control Channel). In the RRC_CONNECTED state, service (e.g., 5G MBS) configuration information can be directly provided to the UE via RRC-specific signaling.

[0035] When providing 5G MBS configuration information to the UE via MCCH, the transmission of MCCH configuration parameters and MCCH information between gNB-CU and gNB-DU may be crucial.

[0036] If NR MBS configuration information is transmitted to the UE via dedicated RRC signaling, then 5G MBS PTM configuration parameters can be transmitted between the gNB-CU and gNB-DU, and the gNB-DU can map lower-layer resources to the corresponding radio bearers associated with the UE. When 5G MBS configuration information is provided directly to the UE via dedicated RRC signaling, the transmission of 5G MBSPTM configuration parameters between the gNB-CU and gNB-DU may be critical. Furthermore, the mapping between the lower-layer resources responsible for the gNB-DU and the radio bearers used for the US may similarly be critical.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating exemplary communications according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 Transmission of 5G MBS configuration information via a dedicated RRC message. Figure 2 In the RRC_CONNECTED state, 5G MBS configuration information can be directly provided to the UE via RRC dedicated signaling.

[0038] Figure 2 The system discloses the ability to transmit 5G MBS configuration information to the UE on a dedicated signaling radio bearer (SRB), and also on a new SRB (which may be a radio bearer (RB) used only for transmitting RRC messages or Non-Access Stratum (NAS) messages). For example, SRB0 is used for RRC messages using the Common Control Channel (CCCH) logical channel; SRB1 is used for RRC messages (which may contain backed NAS messages) and NAS messages before SRB2 is established, all using the dedicated control channel (DCCH) logical channel; and SRB2 is used for RRC messages containing recorded measurement information and NAS messages, all using the DCCH logical channel.

[0039] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a novel type of SRB is defined. This novel SRB can be used to transmit dedicated RRC messages containing 5G MBS configuration information. For example, SRBx can be introduced to transmit RRC messages containing 5G MBS configuration information, and SRBx can be executed using a DCCH or MCCH logical channel.

[0040] according to Figure 2RRC messages can be encapsulated in RRC container 152. RRC container 152 can be transmitted in RRC connection 160 on the F1 interface (e.g., F1 application protocol; F1-AP) between gNB-CU 110 and gNB-DU 121. SRB type indication 151 is transmitted from gNB-CU 110 to gNB-DU 121. Through SRB type indication 151, gNB-CU 110 and gNB-DU 121 can identify the SRB type and map the RRC container to the corresponding PDCP entity and RLC entity, respectively. For dedicated RRCs configured for 5G MBS, a new SRB type indication is used. For example, SRB type indication 151 can be an SRBx type indication (e.g., SRBx ID) used to transmit dedicated RRCs configured for 5G MBS.

[0041] according to Figure 2 RRC container 154 can be launched on SRB1 171 according to the corresponding SRB type indication. RRC container 156 can be launched on SRB2 173 according to the corresponding SRB type indication. RRC container 158 can be launched on SRBx 175 according to the corresponding SRB type indication.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a method 300 for signaling MBS configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 In this context, 5G MBS configuration can be signaled via a dedicated RRC signaling scheme on the new SRB type. According to... Figure 3 The signaling notification method may include two phases, for example, an SRBx establishment phase 310 and a 5G MBS configuration phase 320. In the SRBx establishment phase 310, SRB1 can be used to establish SRBx. In the 5G MBS configuration phase 320, SRBx can be used for MBS configuration.

[0043] The operations in SRBx establishment phase 310 are as follows. In operation 311, gNB-CU 110 may determine or decide to set the SRBx for transmitting 5G MBS configuration. In some embodiments, operation 311 may be performed by gNB-CU 110 upon receiving an MBS session start indication from the core network. Operation 311 may be performed by gNB-CU 110 upon receiving an indication from the core network that the UE has joined an MBS session. Operation 311 may be performed by gNB-CU 110 upon receiving an indication from the UE that the UE is interested in one or more MBS sessions.

[0044] In operation 312, gNB-CU 110 may transmit an "SRBx pending setup indication" to gNB-DU 121. The "SRBx pending setup indication" indicates that SRBx will be set. The "SRBx pending setup indication" may be transmitted in an F1-AP message. The "SRBx pending setup indication" may contain the SRB ID to be set.

[0045] Upon receiving an "SRBx to be set indication," gNB-DU 121 can generate a low-level configuration for the SRBx to be set (e.g., relevant parameters in the RLC, MAC, or PHY layers of the SRBx). In operation 313, gNB-DU 121 can transmit an "SRBx setting response" to gNB-CU 110. The "SRBx setting response" may contain RRC information from gNB-DU 121 to gNB-CU 110. The "SRBx setting response" may contain the low-level configuration of the SRBx.

[0046] Upon receiving an "SRBx Setup Response," gNB-CU 110 can generate an "RRCReconfiguration" message. The "RRCReconfiguration" message may contain SRBx configuration parameters (e.g., low-level configuration and high-level configuration). In operation 314, gNB-CU 110 may send an RRC container along with an SRB type indication to gNB-DU 121. The RRC container sent in operation 314 may contain an "RRCReconfiguration" message. The "RRCReconfiguration" message may be an "RRCReconfiguration" for SRBx. Figure 3 In this context, RRC container and SRB type indications can be transmitted from gNB-CU 110 to gNB-DU 121 via the DL RRC message transmission procedure. Figure 3 In this context, RRC containers and SRB type indications can be transmitted from gNB-CU110 to gNB-DU 121 via the DL RRC message transmission procedure. Figure 3 In operation 314, the SRB type indicator transmitted is SRB1, and in subsequent operations, the "RRCReconfiguration" message can be transmitted on SRB1.

[0047] Upon receiving the RRC container and SRB type indication, in operation 315, gNB-DU 121 may transmit an "RRCReconfiguration" message to UE 200 on the SRB indicated by the SRB type indication. Figure 3 In operation 315, gNB-DU121 can transmit the “RRCReconfiguration” message to UE 200 on SRB1.

[0048] Upon receiving the “RRCReconfiguration” message, UE 200 can use the SRBx configuration parameters in the “RRCReconfiguration” message to set or configure SRBx. Once UE 200 completes the SRBx setting, UE 200 can send a completion indication to gNB 100. In operation 316, UE 200 can send an “RRCReconfigurationComplete” message to gNB 100 or gNB-DU 121. In operation 316, the “RRCReconfigurationComplete” message can be sent from UE 200 to gNB-DU 121 (or gNB 100) on SRB1.

[0049] Upon receiving the “RRCReconfigurationComplete” message, gNB-DU 121 may transmit or forward the message to gNB-CU 110. In operation 317, gNB-DU 121 may transmit or forward the “RRCReconfigurationComplete” message to gNB-CU 110 via the UL RRC message transmission procedure. In operation 317, the message from gNB-DU 121 to gNB-CU 110 may contain an SRB type indication. According to... Figure 3 In one embodiment, the SRB type indication transmitted in operation 317 may be SRB1.

[0050] The operations in 5G MBS configuration phase 320 are as follows.

[0051] In operation 321, gNB-CU 110 may determine or decide to set the 5GMBS configuration for one or more 5G MBS sessions or bearers. In some embodiments, operation 321 may be performed by gNB-CU 110 upon receiving an MBS session start indication from the core network.

[0052] In Operation 322, gNB-CU 110 can transmit an "MBS Configuration Pending Setting Indication" to gNB-DU 121. The "MBS Configuration Pending Setting Indication" can be used for one or more 5G MBS sessions or bearers. The "MBS Configuration Pending Setting Indication" can be transmitted in an F1-AP message.

[0053] Upon receiving an "MBS Configuration Pending Setting Instruction," gNB-DU 121 can generate the lower-layer configuration (e.g., parameters in the RLC, MAC, or PHY layers) of the 5G MBS session or bearer to be configured. In operation 323, gNB-DU 121 can transmit an "MBS Configuration Setting Response" to gNB-CU 110. The "MBS Configuration Setting Response" may contain RRC information from gNB-DU 121 to gNB-CU 110. The "MBS Configuration Setting Response" may contain the lower-layer configuration of the 5G MBS session or bearer.

[0054] Upon receiving the "MBS Configuration Setting Response," the gNB-CU 110 can generate a "5G MBS Configuration" message. The "5G MBS Configuration" message may contain 5G MBS configuration parameters (e.g., low-level configuration and high-level configuration). In operation 324, the gNB-CU 110 can transmit the RRC container along with an SRB type indication to the gNB-DU 121. The RRC container transmitted in operation 324 may contain the "5G MBS Configuration" message and related parameters. Figure 3 In this context, RRC containers and SRB type indications can be transmitted from gNB-CU110 to gNB-DU 121 via the DL RRC message transmission procedure. Figure 3 In operation 324, the SRB type indication is SRBx, and the 5G MBS configuration can be transmitted on SRBx.

[0055] Upon receiving the RRC container and SRB type indication, gNB-DU 121 can transmit a "5G MBS configuration" message to UE 200 on the SRB indicated by the SRB type indication received by gNG-DU 121. Figure 3 In operation 325, gNB-DU 121 can transmit a “5G MBS configuration” message to UE 200 on SRBx.

[0056] Upon receiving a “5G MBS Configuration” message, UE 200 can use the relevant parameters specified in the “5G MBS Configuration” message to set or configure related functions or services. Once UE 200 has completed the setting of the 5G MBS-related functions or services, UE 200 can send a completion indication to gNB 100. In operation 326, UE 200 can send a “5G MBS Configuration Complete” message to gNB 100 or gNB-DU 121. In operation 326, a “5G MBS Configuration Complete” message can be sent from UE 200 to gNB-DU 121 (or gNB 100) on SRBx.

[0057] Upon receiving a "5G MBS configuration complete" message, gNB-DU 121 can transmit or forward the message to gNB-CU 110. In operation 327, gNB-DU 121 can transmit or forward the "5G MBS configuration complete" message to gNB-CU 110 via the UL RRC message transmission procedure. In operation 327, the message from gNB-DU 121 to gNB-CU 110 may contain an SRB type indication. Figure 3 In one embodiment, the SRB type indication transmitted in operation 327 may be SRBx.

[0058] exist Figure 2 and 3 In the disclosed scheme, the new SRB type (e.g., SRBx) is defined by a dedicated RRC message and used for 5G MBS configuration information. The gNB-CU 110 can transmit an RRC container along with an SRB type indication to the gNB-DU 121, where the RRC container may contain a "5G MBS Configuration" message along with related parameters and information. The "5G MBS Configuration" message can be transmitted by the gNB-DU 121 on the new SRB type (e.g., SRBx) indicated by the SRB type indication received by the gNB-DU 121. Figure 2 and 3 The scheme disclosed herein is available in the RRC_CONNECTED state.

[0059] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating exemplary communications according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 and 3 The embodiments shown are different. Figure 4 The dedicated RRC container for 5G MBS configuration information shown in the figure can be transmitted on the MCCH (Multicast Control Channel) instead of on the new SRB type. Figure 4 The public can transmit 5GMBS configuration information to the UE on the MCCH.

[0060] according to Figure 4 RRC messages can be encapsulated in RRC container 152. RRC container 152 can be transmitted in RRC connection 160 on the F1 interface (e.g., F1 Application Protocol; F1-AP) between gNB-CU 110 and gNB-DU 121. MCCH type indication 181 is transmitted from gNB-CU 110 to gNB-DU 121. Similar to... Figure 2The scheme shown herein allows the MCCH indicated by MCCH type indicator 181 to be used for downlink RRC message transmission from gNB-CU 110 to gNB-DU 121, and also for uplink and downlink RRC message transmission from gNB-DU to gNB-CU. Through MCCH type indicator 181, gNB-CU 110 and gNB-DU 121 can identify the MCCH and map the RRC container to the corresponding PDCP entity and RLC entity, respectively. MCCH type indicator 181 is used for dedicated RRCs configured for 5G MBS. For example, MCCH type indicator 181 can indicate the MCCH for transmission of dedicated RRCs configured for 5G MBS. In some embodiments, the MCCH type indicator can be implicitly indicated by the message name.

[0061] according to Figure 4 RRC container 154 can be transmitted on DCCH 191 according to the corresponding DCCH type indication. RRC container 156 can be transmitted on DCCH 193 according to the corresponding DCCH type indication. RRC container 158 can be transmitted on MCCH 193 according to the corresponding MCCH type indication.

[0062] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method 500 for signaling MBS configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 In this process, a dedicated RRC signaling scheme can be used to send signals on the MCCH to notify the 5G MBS configuration.

[0063] In operation 501, gNB-CU 110 may determine or decide to set the 5GMBS configuration for one or more 5G MBS sessions or bearers. In some embodiments, operation 501 may be performed by gNB-CU 110 upon receiving an MBS session start indication from the core network.

[0064] In Operation 502, the gNB-CU 110 can transmit an "MBS Configuration Pending Setting Indication" to the gNB-DU 121. The "MBS Configuration Pending Setting Indication" can be used for one or more 5G MBS sessions or bearers. The "MBS Configuration Pending Setting Indication" can be transmitted in an F1-AP message.

[0065] Upon receiving an "MBS Configuration Pending Setting Instruction," gNB-DU 121 can generate the low-level configuration (e.g., parameters in the RLC, MAC, or PHY layers) of the 5G MBS session or bearer to be configured. In operation 503, gNB-DU 121 can transmit an "MBS Configuration Setting Response" to gNB-CU 110. The "MBS Configuration Setting Response" may contain RRC information from gNB-DU 121 to gNB-CU 110. The "MBS Configuration Setting Response" may contain the low-level configuration of the 5G MBS session or bearer.

[0066] Upon receiving the "MBS Configuration Setting Response," gNB-CU 110 can generate a "5G MBS Configuration" message. The "5G MBS Configuration" message may contain 5G MBS configuration parameters (e.g., low-level configuration and high-level configuration). In operation 504, gNB-CU 11 can transmit an RRC container along with an MCCH type indication to gNB-DU 121. The RRC container transmitted in operation 504 may contain the "5G MBS Configuration" message and related parameters. The MCCH type may be explicitly indicated by the message name or Information Entity (IE) name. Figure 5 In this context, RRC container and MCCH type indications from gNB-CU 110 to gNB-DU 121 can be transmitted via the DL RRC message transmission procedure.

[0067] Upon receiving the RRC container and MCCH type indication, gNB-DU 121 can transmit a "5G MBS configuration" message to UE 200 on the MCCH indicated by the MCCH type indication received by gNG DU 121. Figure 5 In operation 505, gNB-DU121 can transmit a “5G MBS configuration” message to UE 200 on the MCCH.

[0068] Upon receiving a "5G MBS Configuration" message, UE 200 can use the relevant parameters specified in the "5G MBS Configuration" message to set or configure related functions or services. Once UE 200 has completed the setting of the 5G MBS-related functions or services, UE 200 can send a completion indication to gNB 100. In operation 506, UE 200 can send a "5G MBS Configuration Complete" message to gNB 100 or gNB-DU 121. In operation 506, a "5G MBS Configuration Complete" message can be sent from UE 200 to gNB-DU 121 (or gNB 100) on the MCCH.

[0069] Upon receiving a “5G MBS configuration complete” message, gNB-DU 121 may transmit or forward the message to gNB-CU 110. In operation 507, gNB-DU 121 may transmit or forward the “5G MBS configuration complete” message to gNB-CU 110 via the UL RRC message transmission procedure. In operation 507, the message from gNB-DU 121 to gNB-CU 110 may contain an MCCH type indication (e.g., MCCH type indication 181).

[0070] exist Figure 4 and 5 In the disclosed scheme, an RRC message for 5G MBS configuration information is transmitted on the MCCH. The gNB-CU 110 can transmit an RRC container and an MCCH type indication to the gNB-DU 121, where the RRC container may contain a "5G MBS configuration" message and related parameters and information. The gNB-DU 121 can transmit the "5G MBS configuration" message to the UE 200 on the MCCH indicated by the MCCH type indication. Figure 4 and 5 The scheme disclosed herein is available in the RRC_CONNECTED state.

[0071] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method 600 for signaling MBS configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6 In this context, a dedicated RRC signaling scheme on a dedicated logical channel can be used to signal the 5G MBS configuration. According to... Figure 6 The signaling notification method may include two phases, for example, a dedicated logical channel establishment phase 610 and a 5G MBS configuration phase 620. In the dedicated logical channel establishment phase 610, SRB1, MCCH, or other logical channels can be used to establish SRBx. In the 5G MBS configuration phase 620, the established logical channel can be used for MBS configuration.

[0072] The operations in the dedicated logical channel establishment phase 610 are as follows. In operation 611, the gNB-CU 110 may determine or decide to set up a dedicated logical channel for transmitting 5G MBS configuration. In some embodiments, operation 611 may be performed by the gNB-CU 110 upon receiving an MBS session start indication from the core network. Operation 611 may be performed by the gNB-CU 110 upon receiving an indication from the core network that the UE has joined an MBS session. Operation 611 may be performed by the gNB-CU 110 upon receiving an indication from the UE that the UE is interested in one or more MBS sessions.

[0073] In operation 612, gNB-CU 110 can transmit a "Logical Channel to be Set Up Indicator" to gNB-DU 121. The "Logical Channel to be Set Up Indicator" indicates that a dedicated logical channel will be set up. The "Logical Channel to be Set Up Indicator" can be transmitted in an F1-AP message. The "Logical Channel to be Set Up Indicator" may contain the logical channel identifier (LCID) to be set up. The "Logical Channel to be Set Up Indicator" indicates the logical channel required for 5G MBS control signaling.

[0074] Upon receiving a "Logical Channel to be Set Instruction," gNB-DU 121 can generate a low-level configuration for the logical channel to be set (e.g., relevant parameters in the RLC, MAC, or PHY layers for the logical channel). In operation 613, gNB-DU 121 can transmit a "Logical Channel Setting Response" to gNB-CU 110. The "Logical Channel Setting Response" may contain RRC information from gNB-DU 121 to gNB-CU 110. The "Logical Channel Setting Response" may contain the low-level configuration of the logical channel. gNB-DU 121 may assign an LCID and transmit it to gNB-CU 110 in an F1-AP message.

[0075] Upon receiving a "Logical Channel Setup Response," gNB-CU 110 can generate an "RRCReconfiguration" message. The "RRCReconfiguration" message may contain configuration parameters (e.g., lower-layer and higher-layer configurations) for the dedicated logical channel to be configured. In operation 614, gNB-CU 110 may transmit an RRC container along with an SRB type indication to gNB-DU 121. The RRC container transmitted in operation 614 may contain an "RRCReconfiguration" message for the dedicated logical channel to be configured. Figure 6 In this context, RRC container and SRB type indications can be transmitted from gNB-CU 110 to gNB-DU 121 via the DL RRC message transmission procedure. Figure 6 In operation 614, the SRB type indication transmitted is SRB1, and an "RRCReconfiguration" message can be transmitted on SRB1 in subsequent operations. In some embodiments, in operation 614, an RRC container and MCCH type indication can be transmitted from gNB-CU 110 to gNB-DU 121, and an "RRCReconfiguration" message can be transmitted on the MCCH in subsequent operations. In other embodiments, in operation 614, an RRC container and logical channel type indication can be transmitted from gNB-CU 110 to gNB-DU 121, and an "RRCReconfiguration" message can be transmitted on another logical channel in subsequent operations.

[0076] Upon receiving the RRC container and SRB type indication, in operation 315, gNB-DU 121 may transmit an "RRCReconfiguration" message to UE 200 on the SRB indicated by the SRB type indication. Figure 6 In operation 315, gNB-DU121 may transmit an “RRCReconfiguration” message to UE 200 on SRB1. In some embodiments, the transmission of the “RRCReconfiguration” message on the MCCH in operation 615 may be indicated based on the MCCH type transmitted in operation 614. In other embodiments, the transmission of the “RRCReconfiguration” message on another logical channel in operation 615 may be indicated based on the logical channel type transmitted in operation 614.

[0077] Upon receiving the “RRCReconfiguration” message, UE 200 can use the configuration parameters in the “RRCReconfiguration” message to set or configure a dedicated logical channel. Once UE 200 has completed the setup of the dedicated logical channel, UE 200 can transmit a completion indication to gNB 100. In operation 616, UE 200 can transmit an “RRCReconfigurationComplete” message to gNB 100 or gNB-DU 121. In operation 616, the “RRCReconfigurationComplete” message can be transmitted from UE 200 to gNB-DU 121 (or gNB 100) on SRB1. In some embodiments, in operation 616, the “RRCReconfigurationComplete” message can be transmitted on the MCCH. In other embodiments, in operation 616, the “RRCReconfigurationComplete” message can be transmitted on another logical channel.

[0078] Upon receiving the “RRCReconfigurationComplete” message, gNB-DU 121 may transmit or forward the message to gNB-CU 110. In operation 617, gNB-DU 121 may transmit or forward the “RRCReconfigurationComplete” message to gNB-CU 110 via the UL RRC message transmission procedure.

[0079] The operations in 5G MBS configuration phase 620 are as follows.

[0080] In operation 621, the gNB-CU 110 may determine or decide to set up a 5G MBS session or bearer 5GMBS configuration. In some embodiments, operation 621 may be performed by the gNB-CU 110 upon receiving an MBS session start indication from the core network.

[0081] In Operation 622, the gNB-CU 110 can transmit an "MBS Configuration Pending Setting Indication" to the gNB-DU 121. The "MBS Configuration Pending Setting Indication" can be used for one or more 5G MBS sessions or bearers. The "MBS Configuration Pending Setting Indication" can be transmitted in an F1-AP message.

[0082] Upon receiving an "MBS Configuration Pending Setting Instruction," gNB-DU 121 can generate a low-level configuration (e.g., parameters in the RLC, MAC, or PHY layers) for the 5G MBS session or bearer to be configured. In operation 623, gNB-DU 121 can transmit an "MBS Configuration Setting Response" to gNB-CU 110. The "MBS Configuration Setting Response" may contain RRC information from gNB-CU 110 to gNB-DU 121. The "MBS Configuration Setting Response" may contain the low-level configuration of the 5G MBS session or bearer.

[0083] Upon receiving the "MBS Configuration Setting Response," the gNB-CU 110 can generate a "5G MBS Configuration" message. The "5G MBS Configuration" message may contain 5G MBS configuration parameters (e.g., low-layer configuration and high-layer configuration). In operation 624, the gNB-CU 110 can transmit the RRC container along with a logical channel indication to the gNB-DU 121. The RRC container transmitted in operation 324 may contain the "5G MBS Configuration" message and related parameters. Figure 6 In this context, RRC containers and logical channel indications from gNB-CU110 to gNB-DU 121 can be transmitted via the DL RRC message transmission process. Figure 6 In operation 624, the logical channel indication transmitted indicates the dedicated logical channel established in the dedicated logical channel establishment phase 610, and the 5G MBS configuration can be transmitted on the dedicated logical channel.

[0084] Upon receiving the RRC container and logical channel indication, gNB-DU 121 can transmit a "5G MBS configuration" message to UE 200 on the dedicated logical channel indicated by the logical channel indication received by gNG-DU 121. In such cases... Figure 6 In operation 625 shown in the diagram, gNB-DU 121 can transmit a “5G MBS configuration” message to UE 200 on a dedicated logical channel.

[0085] Upon receiving a “5G MBS Configuration” message, UE 200 can use the relevant parameters specified in the “5G MBS Configuration” message to set or configure related functions or services. Once UE 200 completes the setting of 5G MBS-related functions or services, UE 200 can send a completion indication to gNB 100. In operation 626, UE 200 can send a “5G MBS Configuration Complete” message to gNB 100 or gNB-DU 121. In operation 626, the “5G MBS Configuration Complete” message can be sent from UE 200 to gNB-DU 121 (or gNB 100) on a dedicated logical channel.

[0086] Upon receiving a “5G MBS configuration complete” message, gNB-DU 121 may transmit or forward the message to gNB-CU 110. In operation 327, gNB-DU 121 may transmit or forward the “5G MBS configuration complete” message to gNB-CU 110 via the UL RRC message transmission procedure.

[0087] exist Figure 6 In the disclosed scheme, a dedicated RRC for 5G MBS configuration information is transmitted on a specific logical channel. gNB-DU 121 can assign a corresponding Logical Channel Identifier (LCID) and transmit it to gNB-CU 110. gNB-CU 110 can transmit an RRC container and a logical channel ID to gNB-DU 121, where the RRC container can contain a "5G MBS configuration" message along with related parameters and information. gNB-DU 121 can then transmit the "5G MBS configuration" message to UE 200 on the indicated logical channel. Figure 6 The scheme disclosed herein is available in the RRC_CONNECTED state.

[0088] As mentioned above, Figures 2 to 6 The disclosed scheme involves transmitting 5G MBS configuration information via dedicated RRC messages in the RRC_CONNECTED state. In other words, the 5G MBS configuration information can be directly provided to the UE via dedicated RRC signaling. However, different schemes are required for transmitting 5G MBS configuration information in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE states.

[0089] Similar to LTE SC-PTM, 5G MBS introduces two new logical channels for broadcast data and control information: the Multicast Control Channel (MCCH) and the Multicast Service Transport Channel (MTCH). The MCCH can carry information and configurations for different services. For example, the MCCH can transmit a "5G MBS PTM Configuration" message. This message indicates active 5G MBS sessions and scheduling information (e.g., scheduling period, scheduling window, and start offset) for each session or bearer. Information carried by the MCCH can be transmitted periodically with configurable repetition periods. 5G MBS user data can be carried by the MTCH (e.g., a logical channel). Typically, the MCCH configuration is provided in the system information. The MCCH configuration may include the MCCH modification period, the MCCH repetition period, and the MCCH subframe offset.

[0090] Information carried on the MCCH can be modified or updated at specific radio frames. In other words, the concept of a modification period is applied to the MCCH. Within a modification period, the same information can be transmitted multiple times on the MCCH. The timing of transmitting information on the MCCH within a modification period can be defined by its scheduling. For example, the number of times information is transmitted on the MCCH within a modification period can be based on a repetition period. When the network (e.g., the core network) changes or updates (some) information carried on the MCCH, the network can notify the UE of the change or update during the first modification period. In the next modification period, the network can transmit the changed or updated information on the MCCH.

[0091] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating exemplary control channels according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. See also... Figure 7 To explain the operation of the MCCH: Information 701 can be transmitted or carried on the MCCH. Information 701 can be transmitted or repeated a number of times within the MCCH modification period. For example, information 701 can be transmitted or repeated four times within the MCCH modification period (n) 711. The number of times information 701 is transmitted or repeated within the MCCH modification period can be defined by the length of the MCCH modification period and the length of the MCCH repetition period. For example, because the length of the MCCH modification period (n) 711 is four times the length of the MCCH repetition period 721, the information can be transmitted or repeated four times within the MCCH modification period (n) 711.

[0092] In MCCH modification period (n) 711, the network transmits or broadcasts a change notification (or update notification) 730. In the next modification period (i.e., MCCH modification period (n+1) 712), change information (or update information) 702 is transmitted on the MCCH. Since the length of the MCCH modification period and the length of the MCCH repetition period remain unchanged, information 702 can be transmitted or repeated four times on the MCCH.

[0093] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a method 800 for signaling multicast control channel (MCCH) configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the MCCH configuration may be provided in system information. The MCCH configuration may include an MCCH modification period, an MCCH repetition period, and an MCCH subframe offset. The UE can receive MCCH information through the MCCH configuration.

[0094] refer to Figure 8 The parameters configured for the MCCH (e.g., MCCH modification period, MCCH repetition period, and MCCH subframe offset) can be determined or specified by the gNB-CU 110. In operation 801, the gNB-CU 110 determines the parameters configured for the MCCH.

[0095] When gNB-CU 110 determines or decides to start MBS service, gNB-CU 11 can generate a system information block for broadcasting MCCH configuration. gNB-CU 110 can transmit an RRC container to UE 200 via gNB-DU 121, where the RRC container is used to generate the SIB. In operation 802, gNB-CU 110 can transmit an RRC container to gNB-DU 121, where the RRC container from gNB-CU 110 to gNB-DU 121 is used to transmit the SIB, and the SIB is used to broadcast the parameters of the 5GMBS MCCH configuration.

[0096] In operation 803, gNB-DU 121 can transmit an SIB for 5G MBS MCCH configuration to UE 200. gNB-DU 121 can broadcast an SIB for 5G MBS MCCH configuration to UE 200.

[0097] The gNB-CU 110 can also provide MCCH configuration parameters to the gNB-DU 121 for updating MCCH information. In operation 804, the gNB-DU 121 can store 5 GMBS MCCH configuration parameters and use the parameters to update MCCH information.

[0098] exist Figure 8 In the scheme shown, gNB-CU 110 can determine or decide the parameters of MCCH configuration. gNB-CU 110 can transmit the MCCH configuration SIB to UE 200 via gNB-DU 121. gNB-CU 110 can also transmit the MCCH configuration parameters to gNB-DU 121, so that gNB-DU 121 can store the parameters and use them for MCCH-related transmissions or functions. Figure 8The scheme disclosed herein can be provided in either the RRC_IDLE state or the RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0099] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method 900 for signaling MCCH configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. (See also:) Figure 9 Some or all of the MCCH configuration parameters (e.g., MCCH modification period, MCCH repetition period, and MCCH subframe offset) may be determined or specified by gNB-DU 121. In operation 901, gNB-DU 121 determines the parameters of the MCCH configuration.

[0100] The gNB-DU can transmit MCCH configuration parameters to the gNB-CU 110. In operation 902, the parameters determined by the gNB-DU 121 can be transmitted to the gNB-CU 110 along with the RRC container 902.

[0101] Upon receiving parameters for gNB-DU 121, gNB-CU 110 can generate an SIB for broadcasting the MCCH configuration. gNB-CU 110 can then transmit an RRC container for the generated SIB to UE 200 via gNB-DU 121. In operation 903, gNB-CU 110 can transmit an RRC container to gNB-DU 121, where the RRC container from gNB-CU 110 to gNB-DU 121 is used to transmit the SIB, and the SIB is used to broadcast the MCCH configuration parameters.

[0102] In operation 904, gNB-DU 121 can transmit an SIB for MCCH configuration to UE 200. gNB-DU 121 can broadcast an SIB for MCCH configuration to UE 200.

[0103] In some embodiments of method 900, the parameters for MCCH configuration can be generated by gNB-DU 121, and the SIB used for broadcasting MCCH configuration can also be generated by gNB-DU 121. gNB 100 (e.g., gNB-DU 121) can directly transmit the SIB to UE 200. Figure 9 The scheme disclosed herein can be provided in either the RRC_IDLE state or the RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0104] The information carried on the MCCH may include a “5G MBS PTM Configuration” message. The “5G MBS PTM Configuration” can indicate the active 5G MBS sessions or bearers and the scheduling information for each session or bearer (e.g., scheduling period, scheduling window, and start offset).

[0105] Figure 10This is a flowchart of a method 1000 for signaling MBS configuration according to some embodiments of this disclosure. (See also...) Figure 10 The gNB-DU 121 can determine or decide to update the MCCH information. In operation 1001, the gNB-DU 121 can make an MCCH information decision to update the information carried on the MCCH.

[0106] In operation 1002, gNB-DU 121 may transmit a "MCCH information update required" message to gNB-CU 100. The "MCCH information update required" message may contain parameters of the 5G MBS PTM configuration, such as parameters of the lower layers.

[0107] Upon receiving a "Requires MCCH Information Update" message from gNB-DU 121, gNB-CU 110 may transmit a corresponding response to gNB-DU 121. In operation 1003, gNB-CU 110 may transmit an RRC container to gNB-DU 121, wherein the RRC container contains the corresponding 5G MBS PTM configuration. In operation 1003, in addition to the RRC container, gNB-CU 110 may also transmit an "MCCH Type Indication" to gNB-DU 121. The MCCH Type Indication may indicate which MCCH can carry the 5G MBS PTM configuration in the RRC container, or indicate which MCCH can be updated. In some embodiments, the "MCCH Type Indication" may be implicitly indicated by the F1-AP message name.

[0108] Upon receiving an RRC container and MCCH type indication from gNB-CU 110, gNB-DU 121 can update or modify the information carried on the MCCH according to the parameters configured in the MCCH configuration. In operation 1004, gNB-DU 121 can transmit an MCCH update notification to UE 200. In some embodiments, gNB-DU 121 can broadcast the MCCH update notification to UE 200 according to the parameters configured in the MCCH configuration. In operation 1005, gNB-DU 121 uses the 5G MBS PTM configuration transmitted from gNB-CU 110 to update the information on the MCCH.

[0109] exist Figure 10In the scheme shown, gNB-DU 121 can determine whether MCCH information will be updated or changed. gNB-DU 121 can send a "MCCH information update required" message to gNB-CU 110. gNB-CU 110 can send an RRC container (containing 5G MBS PTM configuration) and MCCH type indication to gNB-DU 121. gNB-DU 121 can send (or broadcast) an MCCH update notification to UE 200 and update the information on the MCCH according to the MCCH configuration parameters. Figure 10 The schemes disclosed herein are available in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE states.

[0110] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a method 1100 for signaling MBS configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. (See also...) Figure 11 The gNB-CU 110 can determine or decide to update the MCCH information. In operation 1101, the gNB-CU 110 can make an MCCH information decision to update the information carried on the MCCH.

[0111] gNB-CU 110 can transmit corresponding messages to gNB-DU 121. In operation 1102, gNB-CU 110 can transmit an RRC container to gNB-DU 121, where the RRC container may contain the corresponding 5G MBS PTM configuration. In operation 1003, in addition to the RRC container, gNB-CU 110 can also transmit an "MCCH type indication" to gNB-DU 121. The MCCH type indication can indicate which MCCH can carry the 5G MBS PTM configuration in the RRC container, or indicate which MCCH can be updated.

[0112] Upon receiving an RRC container and MCCH type indication from gNB-CU 110, gNB-DU 121 can update or modify the information carried on the MCCH according to the parameters configured in the MCCH configuration. In operation 1103, gNB-DU 121 can transmit an MCCH update notification to UE 200. In some embodiments, gNB-DU 121 can broadcast the MCCH update notification to UE 200 according to the parameters configured in the MCCH configuration. In operation 1104, gNB-DU 121 uses the 5G MBS PTM configuration transmitted from gNB-CU 110 to update the information on the MCCH.

[0113] exist Figure 11In the scheme shown, gNB-CU 110 can determine whether MCCH information will be updated or changed. gNB-CU 110 can transmit the RRC container (containing 5G MBS PTM configuration) and MCCH type indication to gNB-DU 121. gNB-DU 121 can transmit (or broadcast) MCCH update notification to UE 200 and update the information on the MCCH according to the MCCH configuration parameters. Figure 10 The schemes disclosed herein are available in either the RRC_IDLE state or the RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0114] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of method 1200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Method 1200 may be performed by a NodeB. The NodeB may include a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). In some embodiments, the NodeB may be gNB 100; the CU may be gNB-CU 110; and the DU may be gNB-DU 121 or 123.

[0115] exist Figure 12 In the exemplary method shown, in operation 1201, the NodeB can transmit a first channel indication and a first data unit from the CU to the DU. The first data unit may contain MBS configuration. The first channel indication may indicate a new type of SRB (e.g., SRBx), MCCH, or dedicated logical channel. The first data unit may be Radio Resource Control (RRC). The first data unit may be an RRC container information entity (IE) and its corresponding content, such as an RRC container (RRCReconfiguration of SRBx).

[0116] In operation 1203, the MBS configuration may be transmitted by the DU to the User Equipment (UE) on the first channel indicated by the first channel indication. In operation 1203, the first data element (e.g., RRC or RRC container IE) may be transmitted by the DU to the UE on the first channel indicated by the first channel indication. In operation 1205, a first completion indication from the UE may be received by the DU. In operation 1207, the first completion indication may be transmitted from the DU to the CU. In operation 1207, the first completion indication may be forwarded from the DU to the CU because the DU may not access the contents of the RRC container.

[0117] In some embodiments of method 1200, a first channel indication and a first data unit may be transmitted via F1 application protocol (AP) signaling. The F1-AP signaling may be associated with the UE.

[0118] In some embodiments, method 1200 may further include transmitting a service setting instruction from the CU to the DU, and transmitting a service setting response from the DU to the CU. The service setting response may contain a first configuration of a lower layer associated with the MBS configuration.

[0119] In some embodiments of method 1200, the first channel indication may include a logical channel type indication. The logical channel indication may indicate a multicast control channel. The first channel may include a multicast control channel. A first completion indication may be received on the multicast control channel.

[0120] In some embodiments of method 1200, method 1200 may further include transmitting a channel setup indication from the CU to the DU, and transmitting a lower-layer second configuration from the DU to the CU. In other embodiments, method 1200 may further include: transmitting a second channel indication and a second data element from the CU to the DU, the second data element including a channel configuration for a first channel; transmitting the channel configuration of the first channel (or the second data element) to the UE on the second channel indicated by the second channel indication; receiving a second completion indication from the UE on the second channel; and transmitting the second completion indication from the DU to the CU. The second data element may include an RRC container. The first channel indication may include a signaling radio bearer type indication. The first channel may include a first signaling radio bearer. The second channel may include a second signaling radio bearer. The first signaling radio bearer may be a signaling radio bearer used to transmit MBS configuration. The first signaling radio bearer may be a new signaling radio bearer.

[0121] In some embodiments of method 1200, method 1200 may further include transmitting a channel setup indication from the CU to the DU, and transmitting a lower-layer second configuration from the DU to the CU. In other embodiments, method 1200 may further include: transmitting a second channel indication and a second data unit from the CU to the DU, the second data unit including a channel configuration for a first channel; transmitting the channel configuration of the first channel to the UE on the second channel indicated by the second channel indication; receiving a second completion indication from the UE on the second channel; and transmitting the second completion indication from the DU to the CU. The first channel indication may include a logical channel identifier. The first channel may include a first logical channel. The second channel may include a second signaling radio bearer or a second logical channel. The lower-layer second configuration may include a logical channel identifier. The logical channel identifier may be assigned by the DU. The logical channel identifier may be transmitted to the CU in an F1-AP message.

[0122] Figure 13This is a flowchart of method 1300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Method 1300 may be performed by a NodeB. The NodeB may include a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). In some embodiments, the NodeB may be gNB 100; the CU may be gNB-CU 110; and the DU may be gNB-DU 121 or 123.

[0123] exist Figure 13 In the exemplary method shown, in operation 1301, the NodeB can generate a serving MBS configuration. In operation 1303, control channel information can be transmitted from the CU to the DU. The control channel information may contain the MBS configuration. In operation 1305, the MBS configuration can be transmitted to the User Equipment (UE) on the control channel. The MBS configuration may be included in an RRC container.

[0124] In some embodiments of method 1300, method 1300 may further include: the DU transmitting an updated notification in response to control channel information containing MBS configuration.

[0125] In some embodiments of method 1300, the CU may determine or decide on control channel information.

[0126] In some embodiments of method 1300, the DU may determine or decide to set (e.g., set or update) control channel information. The DU may transmit a request for setting (or updating) the control channel. The DU may transmit the request to the CU. The request may include one or more parameters of a lower layer associated with the MBS configuration.

[0127] In some embodiments of method 1300, method 1300 may further include: generating a system information block (SIB) by a CU, the SIB containing a control channel configuration of a control channel; transmitting the SIB from the CU to the DU; and transmitting the SIB from the DU to the UE. In some embodiments, the SIB may be encapsulated in an RRC container. The SIB encapsulated in the RRC container may not be accessed by the DU.

[0128] In some embodiments of method 1300, the control channel configuration may be determined by the CU. Method 1300 may further include transmitting the control channel configuration from the CU to the DU, and the DU using the control channel configuration to transmit the MBS configuration to the UE.

[0129] In some embodiments of method 1300, the control channel configuration is determined by the DU. Method 1300 may further include transmitting the control channel configuration from the DU to the CU.

[0130] Figure 14 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 1400 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Device 1400 may be gNB 100.

[0131] refer to Figure 14 The device 1400 may include at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 1402, at least one receiving circuitry system 1404, at least one transmitting circuitry system 1406, and at least one processor 1408. Some embodiments of this disclosure include at least one receiving circuitry system 1404 and at least one transmitting circuitry system 1406, and are integrated as at least one transceiver. At least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 1402 may have computer-executable instructions stored therein. At least one processor 1408 may be coupled to at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 1402, at least one receiving circuitry system 1404, and at least one transmitting circuitry system 1406. The computer-executable instructions may be programmed to implement a method using at least one receiving circuitry system 1404, at least one transmitting circuitry system 1406, and at least one processor 1408. The method may be a method according to embodiments of this disclosure, for example, Figure 3 , 5 One of the methods shown in 6 and 8 to 13.

[0132] Some embodiments of this disclosure may be disclosed below:

[0133] Example 1: A method executed by a NodeB, the NodeB comprising a Central Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU), the method comprising:

[0134] The CU transmits a first channel indication and a first data unit to the DU, the first data unit containing an MBS configuration;

[0135] The DU transmits the MBS configuration to the user equipment (UE) on the first channel indicated by the first channel indication;

[0136] The DU receives a first completion indication from the UE; and

[0137] The first completion instruction is transmitted from the DU to the CU.

[0138] Example 2: According to the method of Example 1, the first data unit includes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) container.

[0139] Example 3: According to the method described in Example 2, the first channel indication and the first data unit are transmitted via F1 application protocol (AP) signaling, and the F1-AP signaling is associated with the UE.

[0140] Example 4: The method according to Example 1 further includes:

[0141] Transmit service setting instructions from the CU to the DU; and

[0142] The DU sends a service setup response to the CU.

[0143] Example 5: According to the method described in Example 4, the service setting response includes a first configuration of a lower layer associated with the MBS configuration.

[0144] Example 6: The method according to Example 1, wherein:

[0145] The first channel indication includes a logical channel type indication.

[0146] Example 7: The method described in Example 6, wherein:

[0147] The logical channel type indicator indicates the multicast control channel;

[0148] The first channel includes a multicast control channel; and

[0149] The first completion indication is received on the multicast control channel.

[0150] Example 8: The method according to Example 1 further includes:

[0151] Transmit a channel setting instruction from the CU to the DU; and

[0152] The second configuration of the lower layer is transmitted from the DU to the CU.

[0153] Example 9: The method according to Example 8 further includes:

[0154] The CU transmits a second channel indication and a second data unit to the DU, the second data unit containing channel configuration for the first channel;

[0155] The DU transmits the channel configuration for the first channel to the UE on the second channel indicated by the second channel indication;

[0156] The DU receives a second completion indication from the UE on the second channel; and

[0157] The second completion instruction is transmitted from the DU to the CU.

[0158] Example 10: The method according to Example 9, wherein the second data unit includes an RRC container.

[0159] Example 11: The method according to Example 9, wherein:

[0160] The first channel indication includes a signaling radio bearer type indication;

[0161] The first channel includes a first signaling radio bearer; and

[0162] The second channel contains a second signaling radio bearer.

[0163] Example 12: The method according to Example 11, wherein:

[0164] The first signaling radio bearer is a signaling radio bearer used to transmit the MBS configuration.

[0165] Example 13: The method according to Example 9, wherein:

[0166] The first channel indication includes a logical channel identifier;

[0167] The first channel includes a first logical channel;

[0168] The second channel includes a second signaling radio bearer or a second logical channel; and

[0169] The second configuration of the lower layer includes the logical channel identifier.

[0170] Example 14: The method according to Example 13, wherein:

[0171] The logical channel identifier is assigned by the DU;

[0172] The logical channel identifier is transmitted to the CU in the F1-AP message.

[0173] Example 15: A method executed by a NodeB, the NodeB comprising a Central Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU), the method comprising:

[0174] Generate MBS configuration;

[0175] Transmit from the CU to the DU control channel information containing the MBS configuration; and

[0176] The MBS configuration is transmitted to the user equipment (UE) on the control channel.

[0177] Example 16: The method according to Example 15 further includes the DU transmitting an updated notification in response to the control channel information containing the MBS configuration.

[0178] Example 17: The method according to Example 15, wherein:

[0179] The CU determines the control channel information.

[0180] Example 18: The method according to Example 15, wherein:

[0181] The DU determines the setting of the control channel information; and

[0182] The DU sends a request to the CU to set the control channel information.

[0183] Example 19: The method according to Example 18, wherein the request to set the control channel information includes one or more parameters of a lower layer associated with the MBS configuration.

[0184] Example 20: The method according to Example 15, wherein the MBS configuration is contained in an RRC container.

[0185] Example 21: The method according to Example 15, the method includes:

[0186] The CU generates a system information block, the system information block containing the control channel configuration of the control channel; the CU transmits the system information block to the DU; and

[0187] The DU transmits the system information block to the UE.

[0188] Example 22: The method according to Example 21, wherein the control channel configuration is determined by the CU, and the method further includes:

[0189] Transmit the control channel configuration from the CU to the DU; and

[0190] The DU transmits the MBS configuration to the UE using the control channel configuration.

[0191] Example 23: The method according to Example 21, wherein the control channel configuration is determined by the DU, and the method further includes:

[0192] The control channel configuration is transmitted from the DU to the CU.

[0193] Example 24: The method described in Example 21, wherein the system information block is contained in an RRC container.

[0194] Example 25: An apparatus comprising:

[0195] At least one non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon;

[0196] At least one receiver;

[0197] At least one transmitter; and

[0198] At least one processor coupled to the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium, the at least one receiver, and the at least one transmitter;

[0199] The computer-executable instructions are programmed to implement the method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24 using the at least one receiver, the at least one transmitter, and the at least one processor.

[0200] The methods according to embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented on a programmable processor. However, the controller, flowchart, and modules can also be implemented on general-purpose or special-purpose computers, programmable microprocessors or microcontrollers and peripheral integrated circuit elements, integrated circuits, hardware electronics or logic circuits (e.g., discrete component circuits), programmable logic devices, etc. Generally, any device on which a finite state machine capable of implementing the flowcharts shown in the figures resides can be used to implement the processor functions of this application. For example, embodiments of this disclosure provide an apparatus for emotion recognition from speech, which includes a processor and a memory. Computer-programmable instructions for implementing a method for emotion recognition from speech are stored in the memory, and the processor is configured to execute the computer-programmable instructions to implement the method for emotion recognition from speech. The method may be the method as described above or other methods according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0201] Alternative embodiments preferably implement the methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-programmable instructions. The instructions are preferably executed by a computer-executable component preferably integrated with a network security system. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be stored on any suitable computer-readable medium, such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EEPROM, optical storage devices (CD or DVD), hard disk drives, floppy disk drives, or any suitable device. The computer-executable component is preferably a processor, but the instructions may alternatively or additionally be executed by any suitable dedicated hardware device. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-programmable instructions stored therein. The computer-programmable instructions are configured to implement the methods for emotion recognition from speech as described above or other methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0202] While this application has described specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many alternatives, modifications, and variations may be readily apparent. For example, various components of the embodiments may be interchanged, added, or substituted in other embodiments. Furthermore, not all elements in each figure are essential for the operation of the disclosed embodiments. For instance, those skilled in the art to which the disclosed embodiments pertain will be able to make and use the teachings of this application by simply employing elements of independent technical solutions. Therefore, the embodiments of this application as described herein are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method executed by a NodeB, the NodeB comprising a central unit (CU) and distributed units (DU), the method comprising: The CU transmits a first channel indication and a first data unit to the DU, the first data unit containing a Multicast Broadcast Service (MBS) configuration. The DU transmits the MBS configuration to the user equipment UE on the first channel indicated by the first channel indication; The DU receives a first completion indication from the UE; The first completion instruction is transmitted from the DU to the CU; Transmit a channel setting instruction from the CU to the DU; A second configuration of the lower layer is transmitted from the DU to the CU; The CU transmits a second channel indication and a second data unit to the DU, the second data unit containing channel configuration for the first channel; The DU transmits the channel configuration for the first channel to the UE on the second channel indicated by the second channel indication; The DU receives a second completion indication from the UE on the second channel; The second completion instruction is transmitted from the DU to the CU; The first channel indication includes a logical channel identifier; The first channel includes a first logical channel; The second channel includes a second signaling radio bearer or a second logical channel; and The second configuration of the lower layer includes the logical channel identifier.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first data unit comprises a Radio Resource Control (RRC) container.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first channel indication and the first data unit are transmitted via F1 application protocol (AP) signaling, and the F1-AP signaling is associated with the UE.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Transmit service setting instructions from the CU to the DU; and The DU sends a service setup response to the CU.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the service setting response includes a first configuration of a lower layer associated with the MBS configuration.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first channel indication includes a logical channel type indication.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The logical channel type indicator indicates the multicast control channel; The first channel includes a multicast control channel; and The first completion indication is received on the multicast control channel.

8. A NodeB for wireless communication, comprising: Central Unit (CU) and Distributed Unit (DU); The NodeB is configured to: The CU transmits a first channel indication and a first data unit to the DU, the first data unit containing a Multicast Broadcast Service (MBS) configuration. The DU transmits the MBS configuration to the user equipment UE on the first channel indicated by the first channel indication; The DU receives a first completion indication from the UE; The first completion instruction is transmitted from the DU to the CU; Transmit a channel setting instruction from the CU to the DU; A second configuration of the lower layer is transmitted from the DU to the CU; The CU transmits a second channel indication and a second data unit to the DU, the second data unit containing channel configuration for the first channel; The DU transmits the channel configuration for the first channel to the UE on the second channel indicated by the second channel indication; The DU receives a second completion indication from the UE on the second channel; The second completion instruction is transmitted from the DU to the CU; The first channel indication includes a logical channel identifier; The first channel includes a first logical channel; The second channel includes a second signaling radio bearer or a second logical channel; and The second configuration of the lower layer includes the logical channel identifier.

9. The NodeB of claim 8, wherein the NodeB is configured to transmit the first channel indication and the first data unit via F1 application protocol (AP) signaling associated with the UE.

10. The NodeB according to claim 8, wherein: The first channel indication includes a logical channel type indication for the multicast control channel; The first channel includes the multicast control channel; and The first completion indication is received on the multicast control channel.

11. The NodeB of claim 8, wherein the first data unit comprises a Radio Resource Control (RRC) container.

12. The NodeB of claim 8, wherein the NodeB is configured to: Transmit service setting instructions from the CU to the DU; and The DU transmits a service setting response to the CU, the service setting response containing a first configuration of a lower layer associated with the MBS configuration.

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