Communication device, infrastructure equipment and method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication device, infrastructure equipment and methods. A method of receiving data relating to a service on a communication device, the service being a multicast or broadcast service, the method comprising establishing an RRC connection in a cell, receiving data relating to the service in the cell in a first radio resource control (RRC) mode, the data being transmitted using communications resources of a wireless access interface, measuring a radio link quality relating to the wireless access interface in the first RRC mode, determining that a predetermined criterion is met based on the radio link quality, the predetermined criterion being for continuing to receive the data relating to the service in the first RRC mode of the cell, and further receiving the data relating to the service after determining that the predetermined criterion is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to communication apparatus, infrastructure equipment, and methods for transmitting multicast or broadcast data in wireless communication networks.

[0002] This application claims priority under the Paris Convention to European Patent Application No. EP20200162.4, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] The “Background” description provided herein is intended to provide a general overview of the background of this disclosure. Within the scope of this background description, the work of the currently named inventors, and aspects described that may not be considered prior art at the time of application, are not expressly or impliedly acknowledged as prior art to this invention.

[0004] Third- and fourth-generation mobile communication systems, such as those based on the UMTS and LTE architectures defined by 3GPP, can support more complex services than the simple voice and messaging services offered by previous generations. For example, through the improved radio interface and enhanced data rates provided by LTE systems, users can enjoy high-data-rate applications such as mobile video streaming and mobile video conferencing, which were previously only available via fixed-line data connections. Therefore, the demand for deploying such networks is very strong, and the coverage areas of these networks—i.e., the geographical locations where network access is available—are expected to increase rapidly.

[0005] Future wireless communication networks are expected to routinely and efficiently support communications, enabling the optimization to support a wider range of devices with broader data traffic profiles and types compared to current systems. For example, future wireless communication networks are anticipated to effectively support communication with devices including reduced-complexity devices, machine-type communication (MTC) devices, high-resolution video displays, virtual reality headsets, and more. Some of these different types of devices (e.g., low-complexity devices supporting the “Internet of Things”) may be deployed in large numbers and may typically be associated with transmitting relatively small amounts of data with relatively high latency tolerance.

[0006] In view of this, it is expected that future wireless communication networks, such as those that may be called 5G or New Radio (NR) systems / New Radio Access Technology (RAT) systems[1], as well as future iterations / versions of existing systems, will effectively support connectivity for a wide range of devices with different applications and different data traffic profiles.

[0007] While most traditional services are provided via unicast data transmission, many services may be better suited to multicast or broadcast transmission. Providing such services presents new challenges for effectively managing communications in wireless telecommunications systems, which need to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This disclosure can at least help resolve or mitigate some of the issues discussed above.

[0009] The appended claims define various aspects and features of this disclosure.

[0010] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary of the present technology, but not limiting. The described embodiments and further advantages can be best understood by referring to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0011] A more complete understanding of the invention and its many incidental advantages will readily be obtained by referring to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals designate the same or corresponding portions in several views, and:

[0012] Figure 1 Some aspects of an LTE-type wireless telecommunications system that can be configured to operate according to certain embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated schematically.

[0013] Figure 2 Some aspects of a novel Radio Access Technology (RAT) wireless telecommunication system that can be configured to operate according to certain embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated schematically.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram of example infrastructure equipment and communication devices configured according to an example implementation method.

[0015] Figure 4 The process of detecting radio link faults using a communication device based on conventional technology is illustrated.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a combined message sequence diagram and flowchart for receiving multicast / broadcast service (MBS) data after a radio link failure, according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a combined message sequence diagram and flowchart for receiving multicast / broadcast service (MBS) data after a radio link failure, according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a combined message sequence diagram and flowchart for receiving MBS data according to an embodiment of the present technology; and

[0019] Figure 8 This is a process flowchart of a process executable by a communication device according to an embodiment of the present technology. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Long Term Evolution Advanced Radio Access Technology (4G)

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram is provided illustrating some basic functions of a mobile telecommunications network / system 100, which generally operates according to the LTE standard but may also support other radio access technologies and may be adapted to implement the embodiments of this disclosure described herein. Figure 1 The various components and their corresponding operating modes are well known and defined in relevant standards managed by the 3GPP (RTM) organization, and described in many books on the subject, such as those by Holma H. ​​and Toskala A[2]. It is understood that the operational aspects of the telecommunications networks discussed herein are not specifically described (e.g., relating to specific communication protocols and physical communication channels between different components) and can be implemented according to any known technology, such as according to relevant standards and known proposed modifications and additions to relevant standards.

[0022] Network 100 includes multiple base stations 101 connected to core network portion 102. Each base station provides a coverage area 103 (e.g., a cell) within which data can be communicated from / to communication devices 104. Data is transmitted from base station 101 to communication devices 104 within its corresponding coverage area 103 via a radio downlink. Data is transmitted from communication devices 104 to base station 101 via a radio uplink. Core network portion 102 routes data from / to communication devices 104 via the respective base stations 101 and provides functions such as authentication, mobility management, and charging. Communication devices may also be referred to as mobile stations, user equipment (UE), user terminals, mobile radios, terminal devices, etc. Base stations are examples of network infrastructure equipment / network access nodes and may also be referred to as transceiver stations / nodeBs / e-nodeBs, g-nodeBs (gNBs), etc. In this respect, different terms are often associated with different generations of wireless telecommunication systems to provide elements with broad comparable functions. However, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented in different generations of wireless telecommunication systems, such as 5G or newer radios as described below. For simplicity, certain terms may be used without regard to the underlying network architecture. That is, the use of specific terms in some exemplary embodiments is not intended to indicate that these embodiments are limited to a particular generation of networks that may be most relevant to that particular term.

[0023] New radio access technology (5G)

[0024] Figure 2This schematically illustrates a network architecture for a novel RAT wireless communication network / system 200 based on previously proposed methods, which can also be applied to provide functionality according to the disclosed embodiments described herein. Figure 2 The new RAT network 200, as shown in the diagram, includes a first communication cell 201 and a second communication cell 202. Each communication cell 201, 202, including control nodes (centralized units) 221, 222, communicates with the core network component 210 via corresponding wired or wireless links 251, 252. The corresponding control nodes 221, 222 also communicate with multiple distributed units (wireless access nodes / remote transmit and receive points (TRPs)) 211, 212 within their respective units. Again, these communications can be conducted via corresponding wired or wireless links. Distributed units 211, 212 are responsible for providing radio access interfaces for communication devices connected to the network. Each distributed unit 211, 212 has a coverage area (wireless access footprint) 241, 242, where the sum of the coverage areas of the distributed units under the control of the control nodes collectively defines the coverage range of the corresponding communication cell 201, 202. Each distributed unit 211, 212 includes transceiver circuitry for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and processor circuitry configured to control the respective distributed unit 211, 212.

[0025] In terms of broad top-level functions, Figure 2 The core network component 210 of the new RAT communication network, as shown in the diagram, can be widely considered to be related to... Figure 1 The core network 102 represented in the diagram corresponds to the control nodes 221 and 222, and their associated distributed units / TRPs 211 and 212 can be broadly considered to provide the same functionality as the core network 102. Figure 1 The functions corresponding to base station 101. The term network infrastructure equipment / access node can be used to include these elements and more traditional base station types of elements in wireless communication systems. Depending on the current application, the responsibility for scheduling transmissions (scheduling on the radio interface between the corresponding distributed unit and communication device) may lie with the control node / centralized unit and / or distributed unit / TRP.

[0026] Figure 2The communication device or UE 260 represented in the diagram is within the coverage area of ​​the first communication cell 201. Therefore, the communication device 260 can exchange signaling with the first control node 221 in the first communication cell via one of the distributed units 211 associated with the first communication cell 201. In some cases, communication of a given communication device is routed through only one of the distributed units; however, it will be understood that in some other embodiments, communication associated with a given communication device can be routed through more than one distributed unit, such as in a soft handover scenario and other scenarios.

[0027] exist Figure 2 In the example, for simplicity, two communication cells 201 and 202 and one communication device 260 are shown, but it is of course understood that in practice, the system may include a greater number of communication cells (each supported by a corresponding control node and multiple distributed units) to serve a greater number of communication devices.

[0028] What will be understood further is that Figure 2 This merely represents an example of a proposed architecture for a new RAT communication system, in which methods based on the principles described herein can be employed, and the functionality disclosed herein can also be applied to wireless communication systems with different architectures.

[0029] Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure discussed herein can be implemented in wireless telecommunications systems / networks according to various different architectures, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The exemplary architecture shown is illustrated. Therefore, it is understood that in any given implementation, the specific wireless communication architecture is not of primary significance to the principles described herein. In this regard, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be generally described in the context of communication between network infrastructure devices / access nodes and communication devices, wherein the specific nature of the network infrastructure devices / access nodes and communication devices will depend on the currently implemented network infrastructure. For example, in some cases, the network infrastructure devices / access nodes may include base stations, such as… Figure 1 The LTE-type base station 101 shown is adapted to provide functionality according to the principles described herein, while in other instances, network infrastructure equipment / access nodes may include or Figure 2 The control units / control nodes 221, 222 and / or TRP 211, 212 shown are adapted to provide functionality according to the principles described herein.

[0030] Figure 3The document provides a more detailed description of the communication device 270 and the example network infrastructure device 272, which can be considered as a combination of gNB 101 or control node 221 and TRP 211. Figure 3 As shown, communication device 270 is illustrated as transmitting uplink data to infrastructure equipment 272 of the radio access interface, as typically indicated by arrow 274. UE 270 is illustrated as receiving downlink data transmitted by infrastructure equipment 272 via resources of the radio access interface, as typically indicated by arrow 288. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Similarly, infrastructure device 272 is connected to core network 276 via interface 278 to controller 280 of infrastructure device 272 (which may correspond to...). Figure 1 Core network 102 or Figure 2 The core network 210). Infrastructure equipment 272 can also connect to other similar infrastructure equipment via radio access network node interfaces. Figure 3 Not shown in the image.

[0031] Infrastructure device 272 includes a receiver 282 connected to antenna 284 and a transmitter 286 connected to antenna 284. Correspondingly, communication device 270 includes a controller 290 connected to receiver 292 and transmitter 296, receiver 292 receiving signals from antenna 294 and transmitter 296 also connected to antenna 294.

[0032] Controller 280 is configured to control infrastructure device 272 and may include processor circuitry, which in turn may include various sub-units / sub-circuits to provide the functionality further described herein. These sub-units may be implemented as discrete hardware elements or as functions of appropriately configured processor circuitry. Therefore, controller 280 may include circuitry appropriately configured / programmed to provide the required functionality using conventional programming / configuration techniques for devices used in wireless telecommunications systems. Transmitter 286 and receiver 282 may include signal processing and radio frequency filters, amplifiers, and circuitry arranged according to conventional methods. For ease of illustration, transmitter 286, receiver 282, and controller 280 are... Figure 3 The components are schematically shown as independent elements. However, it is understood that the functionality of these components can be provided in a variety of different ways, such as using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers, or one or more appropriately configured application-specific integrated lines / circuits / chips / chipsets. It is understood that infrastructure device 272 generally includes a variety of other components related to its operational functions.

[0033] Accordingly, the controller 290 of the communication device 270 is configured to control the transmitter 296 and the receiver 292, and may include processor circuitry, which in turn may include various sub-units / sub-circuits to provide the functionality further described herein. These sub-units may be implemented as discrete hardware elements or as functions appropriately configured within the processor circuitry. Therefore, the controller 290 may include circuitry appropriately configured / programmed to provide the required functionality using conventional programming / configuration techniques for wireless telecommunications system devices. Similarly, the transmitter 296 and receiver 292 may include signal processing and RF filters, amplifiers, and circuitry arranged according to conventional methods. For ease of illustration, the transmitter 296, receiver 292, and controller 290 are... Figure 3 These are schematically shown as independent components. However, it is understood that the functionality of these components can be provided in various different ways, such as using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers, or one or more appropriately configured application-specific integrated circuits / chips / chipsets. It is understood that the communication device 270 generally includes various other components related to its operational functions, such as power supplies, user interfaces, etc., but for simplicity, these components are not shown in the diagram. Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0034] Controllers 280 and 290 can be configured to execute instructions stored on a computer-readable medium (e.g., non-volatile memory). The processing steps described herein can be executed, for example, by a microprocessor in conjunction with random access memory, which may be non-volatile memory, operating according to instructions stored on the computer-readable medium.

[0035] Radio bearer

[0036] Transmissions between communication devices and infrastructure equipment can be associated with radio bearers. A radio bearer can be a logical connection, and it can be associated with one or more logical channels and one or more corresponding transport channels. A two-way radio bearer can be associated with a pair of logical channels (one uplink and one downlink) and a pair of transport channels (one uplink and one downlink).

[0037] For example, a data radio bearer (DRB) used to transmit user plane data can be associated with two dedicated flow channels (DTCHs) used to transmit uplink and downlink user data, respectively, and with a single communication device. One of the DTCHs can then be associated with a downlink (DL) shared channel (DL-SCH), and the other can be associated with an uplink (UL) shared channel (UL-SCH).

[0038] Traditionally, a signaling radio bearer (SRB) can be provided for transmitting signaling information between the communication device 270 and the infrastructure equipment 272. In particular, the following SRB[7] can be defined:

[0039] -SRB0 is used for RRC messages using the Common Control Channel (CCCH) logical channel;

[0040] -SRB1, used for RRC messages (which may include piggybacked NAS messages) and NAS messages prior to the establishment of SRB2, uses the dedicated control channel (DCCH) logical channel.

[0041] -SRB2, used for NAS messages, uses the DCCH logical channel. SRB2 has a lower priority than SRB1 and is always configured by the network after security activation.

[0042] RRC connection mode can correspond to a mode in which the communication device has an RRC connection established with infrastructure equipment. For example, data can be sent to / from the communication device by sharing authorized resources on a channel. When in RRC connection mode, changes in the serving cell of the communication device can be made under network control and can be achieved, for example, through handover.

[0043] RRC idle mode can correspond to a mode in which no RRC connection has been established. A communication device can routinely transition from RRC idle mode to RRC connected mode via, for example, a random access procedure that leads to the establishment of an RRC connection. When in RRC idle mode, the communication device can autonomously change its serving cell, for example, through a cell reselection procedure.

[0044] Radio link failure and connection re-establishment

[0045] The radio link quality associated with the serving cell (e.g., cell 103) can be assessed periodically, for example, once every predetermined time period. The cell's radio link quality can be determined based on measurements of signals transmitted on predetermined resources, which may be related to the active bandwidth portion (BWP). Predetermined thresholds can be used in conjunction with the assessed radio link quality to determine whether a radio link failure has occurred relative to the cell.

[0046] RRC re-establishment can be triggered by a communication device, such as communication device 270, in response to the determination of a radio link failure (RLF) when it is in RRC connection mode and has an activated secure RRC connection. If the radio link measurements of infrastructure device 272 meet one or more predetermined radio link failure criteria, it can be determined that a radio link failure has occurred (in other words, it is determined that it has been detected).

[0047] In response to determining that a radio link failure has occurred while the communication device is in RRC connection mode, the communication device may typically attempt to re-establish a connection only under the following circumstances:

[0048] - At least one data radio bearer (DRB) has been established.

[0049] - Established signal radio bearers for transmitting Non-Access Stratum (NAS) information, such as the SRB2 bearer, and

[0050] Access layer (AS) security is activated. [3]

[0051] If one or more of these conditions are not met, then no re-establishment will be performed, and the communication device will enter RRC idle mode.

[0052] Figure 4 The process of detecting radio link faults using a communication device based on conventional technology is illustrated.

[0053] The process begins in step S402, where the communication device enters RRC connection mode within the cell. In step S404, the communication device performs radio link monitoring. As part of the radio link monitoring, measurements can be performed to determine whether radio link failure criteria are met. These measurements may include radio link measurements.

[0054] In step S406, the communication device determines whether the criteria for a radio link failure are met. These criteria may be based on radio link monitoring and / or other criteria. In response to a mobility procedure failure, an integrity failure on SRB1 or SRB2, or an RRC reconfiguration procedure failure, it can be determined that an RLF has occurred.

[0055] If the criteria are not met ('No'), the process returns to step S404.

[0056] Steps S404 and S406 can be performed periodically.

[0057] If the criteria are met in step S406, control proceeds to step S408, and a Radio Link Failure (RLF) is declared. In step S408, the upper protocol layer receives notification of the RLF. In step S408, communication device 208 can suspend all radio bearers except SRB0.

[0058] Subsequently, in step S410, the communication device may perform a cell selection procedure according to conventional techniques to select a suitable cell.

[0059] In step S412, the communication device determines whether access layer (AS) security is activated in RRC connection mode (i.e., before step S408). If not, control proceeds to step S420, the communication device enters RRC idle mode, and the process ends.

[0060] If AS security is activated ('Yes' in step S412), control proceeds to step S414.

[0061] In step S414, the communication device determines whether a signaling radio bearer has been established prior to step S408. This signaling radio bearer may be a signaling radio bearer specifically established for transmitting encapsulated NAS messages, and may be SRB2. If not, control proceeds to step S420.

[0062] If the signaling radio bearer is established (Yes in step S414), control proceeds to step S416.

[0063] In step S416, the communication device determines whether one or more data radio bearers, established for transmitting higher-layer data, were established prior to step S408. If not, control proceeds to step S420.

[0064] If a data radio bearer is established (Yes in step S416), control proceeds to step S418.

[0065] In step S418, the communication device initiates RRC re-establishment. This can be achieved by initiating a random access procedure in a selected cell (which could be the cell that determines the RLF or a different cell) to obtain uplink resource allocation. Then, the communication device can use the uplink resources allocated on CCCH / SRB0 to send an RRC re-establishment request message to the infrastructure equipment (e.g., gNB) of the new cell.

[0066] If the gNB controlling the selected cell has or is able to obtain the stored context of the communication device, and thus is able to verify the contents of the RRC re-establishment request, then in response to receiving the RRC re-establishment request message, the gNB sends an RRC re-establishment message, which provides parameters to enable the communication device to re-establish the RRC connection in the selected cell.

[0067] After step S420, the communication device can initiate the establishment of a new RRC connection in the selected cell. This allows the communication device to establish an RRC connection and enter RRC connection mode when the serving infrastructure equipment of the selected cell does not have (or cannot access) the context of an RRC connection established before the radio link failure.

[0068] Multicast / Broadcast Service (MBS)

[0069] Many services provided to wireless communication devices are unicast services. In a unicast service, only one communication device receives the service; this could be, for example, a voice call, data transmission, or the use of a peer-to-peer messaging service.

[0070] Multicast and broadcast services (MBS) allow multiple devices to receive the same service simultaneously. An example of a multicast service is a group voice call, where the same voice content is received simultaneously by multiple communication devices within a specific group. An example of a broadcast service is a streaming service, such as audio or video broadcasting, which can be received and decoded simultaneously by all capable communication devices within a specific coverage area.

[0071] In this context, receiving (or providing) services may include using uplink transmission, downlink transmission, or both. MBS provision may be entirely via downlink transmission, although in some examples, the receiving communication device may be required to send information, such as information related to feedback and / or measurement reports, in the uplink.

[0072] In this description, the terms unicast, broadcast, and multicast are used in the context of a specific wireless communication network or a portion thereof (such as a single cell). Thus, for example, when a single user in a cell accesses a streaming service from a third-party server outside the wireless communication network, this might be considered (for the purposes of this description) a unicast service, even though the third-party server might allow simultaneous access to multiple devices (even within the same cell) via multiple corresponding connections, which, from the perspective of the wireless communication network, are unicast connections. Therefore, the terms multicast and broadcast as used herein can refer to situations where a wireless communication network's radio access network and / or core network enables two or more devices to receive a service simultaneously. For example, a core network providing multicast functionality to allow multiple communication devices in different cells to simultaneously receive a single service falls within the scope of this disclosure, even if the transmission to the corresponding communication device in each cell is (within the cell's scope) via unicast transmission.

[0073] Therefore, multicast / broadcast services can effectively provide the same service to multiple users within a wireless communication network, using fewer communication resources compared to providing the same service to multiple users via unicast connections (internal connections within the wireless access network and / or the wireless communication network).

[0074] MBS data can be transmitted using a radio bearer. The bearer used to transmit MBS data is referred to herein as the MBS Radio Bearer (MRB). A point-to-point (PTP) MRB can be a DRB, or it can be a radio bearer other than a DRB. When MBS data is multicast within a cell using point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission, the MRB can be associated with a transport channel of the intra-cell multicast transmission type. In the example, the transport channel can be the Multicast Broadcast Traffic Channel (MBTCH), and the associated physical channel can be the DL-SCH.

[0075] Some recommendations regarding mapping bearers carrying MBS data to logical and physical channels are contained in [4], [5], the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0076] Some recommendations (such as [4]) suggest that common security parameters will apply to both the PTP and PTM bearers of a specific MBS service, meaning that a common set of security keys will be used for both the PTP and PTM bearers of the same MBS service, which is different from the key set used for the UE's unicast session. Other recommendations (such as [5]) suggest that when MBS data is sent unicast, the traditional DRB will be used.

[0077] According to another recommendation, security is not applied to transmissions carried via PTM, but the communication device receives MBS bearers in RRC connection mode.

[0078] The communication device can be in RRC mode, which allows receiving MBS services. In particular, in RRC connection mode, the communication device can receive MBS services via MRB.

[0079] However, it is necessary to ensure that communication devices can continue to receive MBS services even when radio link quality deteriorates.

[0080] Implementations of this technology can provide a method for receiving service-related data at a communication device, where the service is a multicast or broadcast service. The method includes establishing an RRC connection in a cell, receiving service-related data in the cell in a first Radio Resource Control (RRC) mode, the data being transmitted using communication resources of a radio access interface. In the first RRC mode, the radio link quality associated with the radio access interface is measured, and based on the radio link quality, a predetermined criterion is determined whether it is met. This predetermined criterion is used to continue receiving service-related data in the cell in the first RRC mode, and, upon determining that the predetermined criterion is met, receiving further service-related data.

[0081] Implementations of this technology allow communication devices to continue receiving data related to MBS services. In particular, if the communication device has entered an RRC mode (e.g., RRC connection mode) that normally allows re-establishment, the communication device can perform a re-establishment and continue receiving MBS data after the re-establishment.

[0082] The communication device can receive MBS data in RRC connection mode without establishing certain types of radio bearers. For example, when neither DRB nor SRB2 is established, the communication device can receive MBS data in RRC connection mode. Implementations of this technology can allow the communication device to perform a re-establishment in such situations and thus continue to receive MBS service. For example, a re-establishment can be initiated in response to a determination of a radio link failure.

[0083] The implementation allows the communication device to continue receiving service-related MBS data with very short interruptions, even if the only service currently available to the communication device is MBS. When the only service currently available to the communication device is MBS, the communication device may not be configured with bearer and / or bandwidth portions for transmitting data unrelated to the MBS service.

[0084] In some implementations, re-establishment can be a radio bearer used for transmitting MBS data, thereby minimizing signaling and reducing latency associated with MBS data reception interruptions.

[0085] In some embodiments of this technology, when in RRC connection mode, the communication device performs a re-establishment without considering the establishment of DRB and / or SRB2. In some such embodiments, resources for the bearer used to receive MBS data are configured as part of the re-establishment procedure. In some embodiments, resources for the bearer used to receive MBS data are configured after the re-establishment procedure.

[0086] Figure 5 A combined message sequence diagram and flowchart for re-establishing a connection according to an embodiment of the present technology are shown.

[0087] exist Figure 5 In similar accompanying figures, time is presented from top to bottom, but not to scale.

[0088] In step S502, the communication device 270 enters RRC connection mode in the first cell controlled by the infrastructure device 272. This may include establishing an RRC connection and activating AS security.

[0089] In step S504, the communication device 270 establishes a bearer (here referred to as the MBS radio bearer, MRB) for receiving MBS data in the cell.

[0090] In some implementations, the MRB may already be established in the cell, and in step S504, the communication device may obtain permission to receive data via the established MRB and may obtain parameters (e.g., security parameters, communication resources, and / or transmission parameters) for receiving MBS data via the MRB.

[0091] An MRB can be a point-to-multipoint (PTM) bearer or a point-to-point (PTP) bearer. An MRB can be associated with security parameters (such as an encryption key or its precursor) common to one or more other MRBs. Other MRBs can be PTP or PTM MRBs and can be configured in the same cell or a different cell than the cell in which communication device 270 performs step S504.

[0092] The MRB used before the radio link failure is called the 'first MRB'.

[0093] In some implementations, the communication device 270 may not establish one or more of DRB and / or SRB2 in the cell.

[0094] Subsequently, in step S506, the communication device 270 receives MBS data 552 from the infrastructure device 270 via the MRB.

[0095] In step S508, communication device 270 determines that the criteria for a radio link failure are met. In response to this determination, the communication device exits RRC connection mode (as indicated by arrow 564). At this point, communication device 270 may be configured with one or more MRBs to receive MBS data. Communication device 270 may not be configured with either DRB or SRB2, or may be configured with only one of DRB and SRB2. Communication device 270 may be configured with SRB1, and SRB1 can be used to transmit any NAS signaling.

[0096] Each MRB can be associated with a corresponding identifier, such as a Group Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI).

[0097] According to some embodiments of this technology, communication device 270 determines to continue the re-establishment procedure. This determination may disregard whether a DRB (for sending and receiving data unrelated to MBS service) was established in the cell during the execution of step S508, and / or may disregard whether an SRB2 was established in the cell during the execution of step S508. In some embodiments, if communication device 270 is configured to receive MBS data via an MRB when a radio link failure criterion is met, then communication device 270 determines to continue the re-establishment procedure.

[0098] As mentioned above, in Figure 5 In the example, the determination to perform a re-establishment is made without considering the settings of any DRB or SRB. In some implementations, the determination is made when AS security is activated and SRB2 and at least one DRB are set.

[0099] In step S510, the communication device 270 performs cell selection, which can be done using conventional techniques.

[0100] In some implementations, cell selection may include reading system information of candidate cells and selecting a cell as a new cell only if the system information includes information allowing communication device 270 to receive MBS data in the candidate cell (e.g., via a PTM bearer). The information in the candidate cell system information may include PTM bearer configuration information. Cell selection may be autonomous or network-assisted. For example, network-assisted cell selection may include receiving an indication of candidate cells to be selected from infrastructure device 272 in the current cell.

[0101] In some implementations, if a configuration that is valid in the current cell (i.e., the cell where a radio link failure is detected) is also valid in the current cell, cell selection may include selecting the current cell as the new cell.

[0102] exist Figure 5 In the example, communication device 270 selects a cell controlled by infrastructure device 272 in step S510, but it is understood that the infrastructure device controlling the selected cell can be different infrastructure devices. The selected cell can be the same cell that receives MBS data 552.

[0103] In step S512, the communication device 270 sends a re-establishment request 554 to the infrastructure device 272. The re-establishment request 554 may include an MRB re-establishment request (MRR) 562, which indicates that the communication device 270 is requesting to re-establish or (re)acquire the MRB for receiving MBS data 552.

[0104] In step S514, the infrastructure equipment responds to the re-establishment request 554 by sending a re-establishment response 556. In some embodiments where MRR 562 is sent as part of the re-establishment request 554, the re-establishment response 556 may include MRB parameters 558.

[0105] In some implementations, MRR 562 can be sent after the communication device 270 has entered RRC connection mode after the re-establishment procedure.

[0106] In some implementations (including those that send MRR 562 after re-establishment), MRB parameter 558 may be sent separately from re-establishment response 556, for example, after communication device 270 has completed the re-establishment procedure and entered RRC connection mode.

[0107] MRB parameter 558 provides the parameters required for the communication device 270 to receive further MBS data via the MRB ('second MRB') of the selected cell. If the selected cell is the same as the first cell, the first MRB can be the same as the second MRB. However, even if the selected cell and the first cell are the same, the second MRB may be different from the first MRB.

[0108] The first MRB and the second MRB can both be PTM bearers, both be PTP bearers, or one PTM bearer and one PTP bearer. The first MRB and the second MRB can share parameters, such as security keys and / or parameters defining the resources for sending the corresponding MBS data.

[0109] After receiving the re-establishment response 556, the communication device 270 can enter the RRC connection mode, as shown by arrow 566.

[0110] In step S516, the communication device 270 receives further MBS data 560 via the second MRB.

[0111] Therefore, the implementation of this technology can ensure that the communication device 270 can receive MBS data after the radio link quality of the cell deteriorates.

[0112] exist Figure 5 In the example, after a radio link failure, the communication device enters RRC connection mode by re-establishing the procedure and continues to receive MBS data 560 in RRC connection mode (as shown by arrow 566).

[0113] In some implementations, MBS data 560 is received when the communication device is in RRC idle mode or RRC inactive mode. In some such implementations, for example, the communication device may be in RRC connected mode in a first cell and receive MBS data via a first MRB (which may be a PTP or PTM bearer), and in response to determining that a radio link failure has occurred in the first cell, select a second cell and receive further MBS data via a second PTM MRB in RRC mode.

[0114] Figure 6 A combined message sequence diagram and flowchart for receiving MBS data after a radio link failure, according to an embodiment of the present technology, are shown.

[0115] Figure 6 Many steps and components in Figure 5 The same applies to the others. These are all numbered with similar reference numbers; for the sake of brevity, their descriptions have been omitted.

[0116] and Figure 5 The examples shown are different, in Figure 6 In the example, in response to the radio link failure detected in step S508, the communication device 270 does not initiate the re-establishment procedure.

[0117] In some implementations, the communication device 270 may determine whether to perform a re-establishment in response to a radio link failure in step S508. In some implementations, this may be done based on the normal conditions for re-establishment, specifically...

[0118] -If AS security has been activated, and

[0119] -SRB2 and at least one DRB are not set.

[0120] The communication device 270 then decides not to re-establish the connection and moves to RRC idle mode, such as... Figure 6 In the example.

[0121] If the conditions for re-establishment are met, the communication device 270 initiates re-establishment and can proceed as follows: Figure 5 The example is as follows.

[0122] The communication device 270 may perform cell selection in step S510.

[0123] Then, the communication device 270 remains in RRC idle mode (as indicated by arrow 666) and receives MBS data 560 in RRC idle mode.

[0124] MBS data 560 can be transmitted using either PTP or PTM MRB. This MRB can be the same as the MRB used to receive MBS data 552 during RRC connection mode. Therefore, communication device 270 can receive MBS data 560 using the same parameters as those used to receive MBS data 552 during RRC connection mode.

[0125] In some implementations, communication device 270 may receive an inactive mode configuration from infrastructure device 272 while in RRC connected mode and before a radio link failure is determined to have occurred. This inactive mode configuration may include parameters instructing communication device 270 to enter RRC inactive mode after leaving RRC connected mode. In RRC inactive mode, there is no active RRC connection between communication device 270 and infrastructure device 272, but both maintain their respective contexts, allowing subsequent establishment of an RRC connection and thus reducing the time required to subsequently re-enter RRC connected mode.

[0126] In some implementations, the inactivity mode configuration can be sent in an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0127] In some implementations, the communication device 270 may, in response to determining that a radio link failure has occurred, determine whether to enter RRC inactive mode or RRC idle mode based on whether it has received an inactive mode configuration.

[0128] Therefore (or otherwise) when the communication device 270 has received the inactive mode configuration and detected a radio link failure, it can enter the RRC inactive mode and continue to receive MBS data in the RRC inactive mode. Such an implementation can be roughly similar to Figure 6 In the example, besides the communication device 270 receiving the inactive mode configuration ( Figure 6 (not shown in the image), and receives MBS data 560 in RRC inactive mode instead of RRC idle mode.

[0129] In some implementations, MBS data 552 can be received via a PTM MRB. However, if a radio link failure occurs and / or needs to be re-established, it may not be possible to quickly re-establish the PTM MRB. On the other hand, it may be possible to re-establish the PTP MRB (e.g., where the PTP MRB is a DRB).

[0130] Implementations of this technology can provide a method in which a communication device 270 requests MBS service via a PTP bearer (e.g., DRB) in response to determining that predetermined criteria are met.

[0131] In some implementations, when MBS data is received via a PTM bearer, the network may receive limited or no feedback from the communication device regarding link quality, measurement reports, data acknowledgments, etc. In fact, it's possible that the infrastructure equipment associated with the current cell is unaware of this when the communication device receives MBS data (e.g., because the network does not require the communication device to perform any uplink signaling when receiving MBS data via a PTM bearer). The infrastructure equipment, in particular, may be unaware that the radio conditions applicable to the MBS data received by the communication device are deteriorating.

[0132] In some implementations, when MBS data is received via a PTP bearer, some feedback is provided to the network. The nature of this feedback may depend on the RRC mode of the communication device and / or whether the PTP bearer is a DRB. In any case, when data is received via a PTP bearer, the network (e.g., infrastructure equipment) may have more information about the communication device and the MBS data it is receiving compared to when data is received via a PTM bearer. Therefore, it is only possible to re-establish data when receiving data via a PTP bearer.

[0133] The implementation of this technology ensures that if the criteria related to radio link failure are subsequently met, the communication device can perform a re-establishment procedure and, after the re-establishment procedure, receive MBS data, for example, via PTP bearer.

[0134] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram and flowchart of combined messages for receiving MBS data after a radio link failure, according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0135] Figure 7 Many steps and components in Figure 5 The same applies to those listed above. These are all numbered with similar reference numbers, and for the sake of brevity, their descriptions have been omitted.

[0136] exist Figure 7 In the example, according to some implementations, MBS data 552 is received via a point-to-multipoint (PTM) bearer 774 in step S506. While such a bearer can allow multiple communication devices in a cell to receive MBS data 552 while efficiently utilizing communication resources, it may be more complex and / or slower for communication devices to continue receiving further MBS data via the PTM bearer after a radio link failure.

[0137] In step S707a, the communication device 270 determines that certain predetermined conditions have been met. These may be based on measurements of the radio link in the cell. These measurements may be the same as, or a subset thereof, the measurements used to determine whether a radio link failure has occurred. The predetermined conditions may be such that when the radio link is deteriorating (e.g., resulting in a higher bit or block error rate, and / or suffering from increasing path loss and / or interference), the predetermined conditions will be met before the conditions for a radio link failure are met.

[0138] In step S707b, in response to the determination in step S707a that predetermined conditions are met, communication device 270 sends a PTP bearer request 768 to infrastructure device 272. The PTP bearer request 768 indicates that communication device 270 requests to receive MBS data via a point-to-point (PTP) bearer. The PTP bearer request 768 may include an identification indication of the MBS service (e.g., Temporary Multicast / Broadcast Group Identifier, TMGI) and / or the identity of the PTM MBR 774 receiving the MBS data 552, or an associated identity (e.g., Radio Network Temporary Identifier, RNTI).

[0139] In step S707c, infrastructure device 272 sends a PTP bearer response 770 to communication device 270. The PTP bearer response 770 may include indications of parameters related to the PTP bearer 776 through which MBS data can be received. These parameters may include security parameters, transmission parameters, and / or parameters describing the communication resources used by the PTP bearer. The PTP bearer 776 may be a conventional DRB.

[0140] In step S707d, via PTP bearer 776, infrastructure device 272 sends MBS data 772 and communication device 270 receives MBS data 772.

[0141] Subsequently, in step S508, the communication device 270 determines that the conditions for a radio link failure are met. At this time, as... Figure 5 For example, communication device 270 may not establish SRB2, and / or may not establish DRB (e.g., PTP MRB 776 is not a DRB).

[0142] Steps S510, S512, S514, and S516 can be as follows: Figure 5 Examples are provided. In some implementations, such as when PTP MRB 776 is a DRB, MRR 562 and MRB parameters 558 may be omitted from the re-establishment request 554 and re-establishment response 556, respectively.

[0143] The MBS data 560 received in step S516 can be sent via PTP MRB 776, which has been re-established as a result of the re-establishment procedure.

[0144] In some implementations, the bearer at step S506 is a point-to-point (PTP) MBS, rather than as... Figure 7 As in the example, MBS data 552 is received via PTM bearer 774, which is not a DRB. Compared to a conventional DRB, a (non-DRB) PTP MBS bearer can offer certain advantages for receiving MBS data 552. For example, in the case of establishing and maintaining only a PTP MRB, certain procedures required for establishing and / or maintaining a DRB may not be necessary. However, for a communication device, continuing to receive further data (e.g., MBS data 560) via an established or re-established PTP MBS bearer after a radio link failure may be more complex and / or slower than with a conventional DRB.

[0145] In some implementations, the PTP MRB 776 is a conventional DRB.

[0146] Therefore, the communication device 270 is able to receive MBS data 560 after a radio link failure.

[0147] According to some implementations, the communication device 270 performs radio link measurements and periodically evaluates radio link failure criteria. The radio link failure criteria can be standardized and / or configured by the infrastructure device 272 via RRC configuration or reconfiguration.

[0148] In some implementations, the communication device 270 evaluates implementation-specific criteria, which are neither specified by a standard specification nor configured by the network. These are referred to as implementation-specific criteria. Therefore, the steps disclosed herein, such as moving to an idle or inactive mode, performing cell selection, and / or requesting the establishment or re-establishment of a bearer for receiving further MBS data, may be in response to determining that predetermined implementation-specific criteria are met.

[0149] In some implementations, when evaluating a particular implementation standard, the communication device does not perform any radio link monitoring and / or does not perform reference signal received power (RSRP) or reference signal received quality (RSRQ) measurements.

[0150] In some implementations, MBS data can be received via a dedicated multicast bandwidth portion (BWP). If the only service received by communication device 270 in RRC connection mode is MBS service, then communication device 270 can be configured to use only the dedicated multicast BWP.

[0151] In some implementations, if the communication device 270 is configured with only a single BWP for receiving MBS services, then a specific implementation standard is evaluated. In some implementations, if the communication device 270 receives MBS services via a PTM bearer, then a specific implementation standard is evaluated.

[0152] In some implementations, in response to determining that a specific implementation criterion is met, the communication device may perform one or more steps (e.g., cell selection), as if determining that a radio link failure has occurred (based on predetermined and standardized or configured criteria). For example, Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The steps following step S508 can be performed in response to determining that a specific implementation criterion has been met.

[0153] In some implementations, specific implementation standards may be applicable to (i.e., based on) HARQ statistics and / or channel state information (CSI) measurements.

[0154] In some implementations, specific implementation criteria may be based on statistics or measurements that are reported to infrastructure equipment to provide feedback related to the provision of MBS services via PTM transmission.

[0155] In some implementations, in Figure 7 In the example, the predetermined conditions evaluated in step S707a can be specific implementation criteria.

[0156] Although referred to as implementation-specific standards, these standards may be at least partially based on standardized standards or parameters, or combinations thereof, configured by the network. For example, where the nature of the feedback associated with the PTM bearer is configured by the network, the implementation-specific standard may relate to parameters reported (or used to derive) from such feedback. For instance, where the network requests certain confirmation information regarding MBS data, the implementation-specific standard may be based on that confirmation information.

[0157] Therefore, compared to the complexity and processing required when configuring a traditional DRB in RRC connection mode, the implementation of this technology can reduce the complexity and processing required when receiving MBS data. This implementation can also provide a standard evaluation based on measurement or other information, which needs to be determined to provide the required feedback to the network.

[0158] Figure 8This is a flowchart illustrating a process executable by a communication device according to an embodiment of the present technology. It will be understood that in some embodiments, steps may be added, modified, deleted, and / or reordered.

[0159] Figure 8 The process begins at step S802, where communication device 270 enters RRC connection mode. In some embodiments, communication device 270 may alternatively enter a different RRC mode, such as RRC inactive mode. Step S802 can be performed alone to obtain MBS service. Therefore, one or more routine steps (e.g., establishing DRB and / or establishing SRB2 for non-MBS data transmission) can be omitted.

[0160] In step S804, the communication device 270 receives MBS data. This can be via a PTP bearer or a PTM bearer, and can be achieved by configuring communication resources for a specific BWP used to transmit multicast data.

[0161] In step S806, the communication device 270 performs a measurement of the radio link quality. The radio link quality may be based on one or more of the following: received signal strength, received signal quality, number or rate of detected errors, etc.

[0162] In step S808, the communication device 270 may evaluate a second criterion to determine whether to request the transmission of MBS data via a different type of bearer. The second criterion is only satisfied (or only evaluated) if the communication device 270 is currently receiving MBS data via a bearer that cannot be re-established through a re-establishment process.

[0163] The second standard may be based on radio link parameters, such as those measured in step S806. The second standard may be specified by the network and / or may be standardized. In some embodiments, the communication device may receive an indication of the second standard sent by the infrastructure equipment, for example, in system information, via an RRC configuration message, or as part of step S802.

[0164] If the second criterion is evaluated and met, then control proceeds to step S810; otherwise, control proceeds to step S812.

[0165] In step S810, the communication device 270 sends a request to receive MBS data via a different type of bearer. For example, the communication device may request to receive MBS data via a PTP bearer or via a DRB.

[0166] If the communication device 270 receives a response to the request, it reconfigures its receiver to receive MBS data via the new bearer.

[0167] Control is transferred to step S812.

[0168] In step S812, the communication device 270 determines whether a first criterion is met. The first criterion may be configured or standardized and is related to a radio link failure criterion, and may determine whether the communication device can continue to receive MDS data in the current RRC mode. If these criteria are met, control proceeds to step S814. Otherwise, control returns to step S804.

[0169] In step S814, communication device 270 can determine that a radio link failure has occurred. This can be based on conventional radio link failure criteria, or on specific implementation criteria described elsewhere herein, such as based on feedback measurements provided to the network. According to conventional techniques, this determination can trigger other actions. For example, a notification can be sent to a higher protocol layer entity within communication device 270.

[0170] In step S816, the communication device 270 may perform cell selection. This may be based on conventional techniques and / or may include standards related to the communication device 270's ability to receive MBS data in candidate cells indicated by system information or other means, thereby allowing the communication device 270 to select a cell from which MBS data can be received.

[0171] In step S818 (if executed, and step S819), the communication device 270 can determine whether to perform a re-establishment. In some embodiments, these steps can be omitted, and control can proceed directly to step S820.

[0172] exist Figure 8 In the example, the determinations in steps S818 and S819 are performed according to conventional standards, where a positive determination is only allowed when AS security is activated (step S818, yes) and both DRB and SRB2 are established for communication device 270 during the evaluation in step S812 (step S819, yes).

[0173] If it is determined that a re-establishment is necessary, then control is transferred to step S820.

[0174] In step S820, a re-establishment request is sent to the infrastructure equipment of the selected cell. The re-establishment request may include an indication of MBS service or an MBS bearer previously used to receive data related to MBS service.

[0175] Infrastructure device 270 can establish or re-establish a bearer. This bearer can be used to receive data related to MBS services. If the bearer is unsuitable for receiving MBS data, communication device 270 can request the establishment or access of such a bearer.

[0176] Then, the process continues to step S822, where the communication device 270 receives further data related to the MBS service.

[0177] If in step S818 it is determined that AS security is not activated ('No'), then control proceeds to step S828, and communication device 270 enters RRC idle mode.

[0178] If, in step S819, it is determined that one or both of SRB2 and DRB are not set, meaning no attempt is made to re-establish them, control proceeds to step S824. In step S824, it is determined whether communication device 270 received an inactive mode configuration prior to step S814. If so, control proceeds to step S826, and communication device 270 enters RRC inactive mode.

[0179] If no inactive mode configuration is received, control proceeds to step S828, and communication device 270 enters RRC idle mode.

[0180] After steps S826 and S828, control proceeds to step S822, where communication device 270 further receives MBS data in its new RRC state.

[0181] The foregoing has provided a description of an example process for combining a sequence of steps and information. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to this specific combination; in some embodiments, the various steps and information described may be omitted, combined in a different manner or order, or otherwise modified. Features or steps described in the examples may be combined with features or steps described in another example.

[0182] in particular, Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Various aspects of different embodiments within the scope of this disclosure are illustrated. These aspects can be combined in ways other than the specific combinations described above. In particular, certain steps can be added, modified, deleted, and / or reordered. The resulting combinations are examples within the scope of this disclosure.

[0183] In some implementations, the communication device can be configured to select from one or more such examples in response to an instruction from the infrastructure device. For example, the instruction may be part of an RRC configuration or sent in system information.

[0184] For example, infrastructure equipment can send instructions regarding whether (and if so, under what conditions) a communication device is permitted to perform a re-establishment in response to a determination that a radio link failure has occurred while receiving MBS data. An example of such conditions might be that MBS data is received via a PTP MRB. Therefore, in such an example, the communication device can determine whether these conditions are met in response to the determination that a radio link failure has occurred and perform subsequent steps based on instructions received from the network.

[0185] Therefore, a method for receiving service-related data at a communication device, wherein the service is a multicast or broadcast service, has been described. The method includes establishing an RRC connection in a cell, receiving service-related data in the cell in a first Radio Resource Control (RRC) mode, the data being transmitted using communication resources of a radio access interface, measuring the radio link quality associated with the radio access interface in the first RRC mode, determining that a predetermined criterion is met based on the radio link quality, the predetermined criterion being used to continue receiving service-related data in the cell in the first RRC mode, and further receiving service-related data after determining that the predetermined criterion is met.

[0186] A method for receiving service-related data at a communication device, the service being a multicast or broadcast service, is also described. The method includes establishing an RRC connection in a cell, and receiving service-related data in a first Radio Resource Control (RRC) mode within the cell. The data is transmitted via a Point-to-Multipoint (PTM) bearer using communication resources of a radio access interface, determining that a second predetermined criterion is met, and in response to determining that the second predetermined criterion is met, sending a Point-to-Point (PTP) bearer request, the PTP bearer request requesting parameters of the PTP bearer for receiving the service-related data.

[0187] A method for transmitting service-related data at an infrastructure device, the service being a multicast or broadcast service, is also described. The method includes transmitting service-related data to a communication device in a first RRC mode; and receiving a re-establishment request from the communication device, wherein, upon receiving the re-establishment request, a data radio bearer is not established for the communication device, or a signaling radio bearer (SRB) for transmitting encapsulated non-access stratum (NAS) messages is not established for the communication device.

[0188] A method for transmitting service-related data at an infrastructure device, the service being a multicast or broadcast service, is also described. The method includes establishing an RRC connection with a communication device in a cell, transmitting service-related data in the cell via a point-to-multipoint (PTM) bearer using communication resources of a radio access interface, and receiving a point-to-point (PTP) bearer request transmitted via the communication device, the PTP bearer request requesting parameters for the PTP bearer used to receive the service-related data.

[0189] It also describes the corresponding devices, circuits, and computer-readable media.

[0190] It is understood that while this disclosure focuses in some respects on implementations based on LTE and / or 5G networks to provide specific examples, the same principles can be applied to other wireless telecommunications systems. Therefore, even though the terminology used herein is generally the same as or similar to that of the LTE and 5G standards, the invention is not limited to existing versions of LTE and 5G and can be equally applied to any suitable arrangement not based on LTE or 5G and / or any other future version conforming to LTE, 5G, or other standards.

[0191] It can be noted that the various example methods discussed herein may rely on information that is predetermined / predefined in a sense known to both the base station and the communication device. It is understood that such predetermined / predefined information can generally be established by definition, for example, in the operating standards of a wireless communication system, or in signaling previously exchanged between the base station and the communication device, such as in system information signaling, or signaling related to radio resource control setting signaling, or information stored in SIM applications. That is, the specific manner in which the relevant predetermined information is established and shared among the various components of the wireless telecommunications system is not of primary significance to the operating principles described herein. It can be further pointed out that the various example methods discussed herein rely on information exchanged / communicated among the various components of the wireless telecommunications system, and it is understood that such communication can generally be carried out according to conventional techniques, such as in terms of specific signaling protocols and the type of communication channel used, unless the context requires otherwise. In other words, the specific manner in which relevant information is exchanged among the various components of the wireless communication system is not of primary significance to the operating principles described herein.

[0192] It is understood that the principles described herein are not limited to certain types of communication devices, but can be more generally applied to any type of communication device. For example, these methods can be applied to any type of communication device that receives multicast or broadcast data.

[0193] Further specific and preferred aspects of the invention are set forth in the appended independent and dependent claims. It is understood that features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims in combinations expressly listed in the claims.

[0194] Therefore, the foregoing discussion merely discloses and describes exemplary embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thus, the disclosure of this invention is intended to illustrate the problems but does not limit the scope of the invention, nor the other claims. This disclosure, including any readily identifiable variations of the teachings herein, partially defines the scope of the foregoing claims, thereby not offering the inventive subject matter to the public.

[0195] The relevant characteristics of this disclosure are defined by the following numbered paragraphs:

[0196] Paragraph 1. A method for receiving service-related data on a communication device, the service being a multicast or broadcast service, the method comprising: establishing an RRC connection in a cell; receiving service-related data in the cell in a first Radio Resource Control (RRC) mode, the data being transmitted using communication resources of a radio access interface; measuring radio link quality related to the radio access interface in the first RRC mode; determining, based on the radio link quality, whether a predetermined criterion is met; continuing to receive service-related data in the cell in the first RRC mode according to the predetermined criterion; and receiving further service-related data after determining that the predetermined criterion is met.

[0197] Paragraph 2. According to the method in paragraph 1, the method includes: in response to determining that a predetermined criterion is met, sending a re-establishment request message.

[0198] Paragraph 3. According to the method of paragraph 2 or paragraph 1, wherein a data radio bearer (DRB) is not established for the communication device when a predetermined criterion is met.

[0199] Paragraph 4. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein, when the radio link failure criterion is met, no signaling radio bearer (SRB) is established for the communication device to transmit encapsulated non-access stratum (NAS) messages.

[0200] Paragraph 5. According to the method in paragraph 4, wherein the signaling radio bearer is a signaling bearer specifically used for transmitting encapsulated NAS messages of uplink or downlink information messages.

[0201] Paragraph 6. The method according to any one of paragraphs 2 to 5, the method comprising: receiving a re-establishment response message, the re-establishment response message being sent in response to a re-establishment request message, and entering a first RRC mode.

[0202] Paragraph 7. According to the method in paragraph 6, the re-establishment response message includes a parameter indication related to the new radio bearer, and the receipt of further service-related data includes receiving data via the new radio bearer.

[0203] Paragraph 8. According to the method in paragraph 7, the new radio bearer is a point-to-multipoint bearer.

[0204] Paragraph 9. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, wherein receiving further service-related data includes receiving service-related data in the first RRC mode.

[0205] Paragraph 10. According to the method in paragraph 1, the method includes: in response to determining that a predetermined criterion is met, entering a second RRC mode, wherein receiving further service-related data includes receiving further service-related data while in the second RRC mode.

[0206] Paragraph 11. According to the method in paragraph 10, the second RRC mode is the RRC idle mode.

[0207] Paragraph 12. According to the method in paragraph 10, wherein the second RRC mode is an RRC inactive mode, the method includes: receiving an inactive mode configuration in the first RRC mode.

[0208] Paragraph 13. The method according to any one of paragraphs 10 to 12, the method comprising: in response to determining that a predetermined criterion is met, determining whether an inactive mode configuration is received in a first RRC mode, wherein entering a second RRC mode is in response to determining whether an inactive mode configuration is received in the first RRC mode.

[0209] Paragraph 14. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, the method comprising: performing cell selection in response to determining that predetermined criteria are met.

[0210] Paragraph 15. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, the method comprising: determining that a radio link failure has occurred in response to determining that a predetermined criterion is met.

[0211] Paragraph 16. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 15 includes: receiving an instruction for one or more predetermined criteria.

[0212] Paragraph 17. According to the method in paragraph 16, wherein an instruction for one or more predetermined criteria is received within the RRC reconfiguration message.

[0213] Paragraph 18. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 15, wherein the predetermined standard is a specific implementation standard.

[0214] Paragraph 19. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 18, wherein, in the first RRC mode, the communication device is configured with a single bandwidth portion for receiving MBS data.

[0215] Paragraph 20. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 19, wherein receiving further data related to the service includes receiving further data via a point-to-multipoint (PTM) bearer.

[0216] Paragraph 21. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 20, wherein receiving service-related data includes receiving data via a point-to-multipoint bearer, the method comprising: determining that a second predetermined criterion is met before determining that a predetermined criterion is met, and in response to determining that the second predetermined criterion is met, sending a point-to-point (PTP) bearer request, the PTP bearer request requesting parameters of the PTP bearer for receiving service-related data.

[0217] Paragraph 22. According to the method in paragraph 21, the method includes: receiving a PTP bearer response, the PTP bearer response being sent in response to a PTP bearer request, and indicating parameters related to the PTP bearer for receiving service-related data.

[0218] Paragraph 23. The method according to paragraph 21 or 22 includes: receiving an instruction for a second predetermined standard.

[0219] Paragraph 24. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 19 or paragraphs 21 to 23, wherein receiving further data related to the service includes receiving further data via a point-to-point (PTP) bearer.

[0220] Paragraph 25. According to the method in paragraph 24, wherein the PTP bearer is a data radio bearer.

[0221] Paragraph 26. A method for receiving service-related data at a communication device, the service being a multicast or broadcast service, the method comprising: establishing an RRC connection in a cell; receiving service-related data in the cell under a first Radio Resource Control (RRC) mode, the data being transmitted via a point-to-multipoint (PTM) bearer using communication resources of a radio access interface; determining that a second predetermined criterion is met; and in response to determining that the second predetermined criterion is met, sending a point-to-point (PTP) bearer request, the PTP bearer request requesting parameters of the PTP bearer for receiving the service-related data.

[0222] Paragraph 27. According to any one of paragraphs 1 to 26, wherein the first RRC mode is an RRC connection mode.

[0223] Paragraph 28. A method for transmitting service-related data at an infrastructure device, the service being a multicast or broadcast service, the method comprising: transmitting service-related data to a communication device, the communication device being in a first RRC mode, and receiving a re-establishment request transmitted through the communication device, wherein, upon receiving the re-establishment request, a data radio bearer is not established for the communication device, or a signaling radio bearer (SRB) for transmitting encapsulated non-access stratum (NAS) messages is not established for the communication device.

[0224] Paragraph 29. According to the method in paragraph 28, the method includes: sending a re-establishment response message, which is in response to the sending of a re-establishment request message.

[0225] Paragraph 30. According to the method of paragraph 29, wherein the re-establishment response message includes a parameter indication related to the new radio bearer, the method includes: transmitting further service-related data via the new radio bearer.

[0226] Paragraph 31. According to the method in paragraph 30, the new radio bearer is a point-to-multipoint bearer.

[0227] Paragraph 32. The method according to any one of paragraphs 28 to 31, the method comprising: sending an instruction for one or more predetermined criteria, wherein the re-establishment request is sent by a communication device in response to determining that the predetermined criteria are met.

[0228] Paragraph 33. The method of any one of paragraphs 28 to 32, wherein sending service-related data to the communication device includes sending data via a point-to-multipoint bearer, the method comprising: receiving a point-to-point bearer request sent by the communication device before receiving a re-establishment request, and requesting parameters for the PTP bearer used to receive service-related data.

[0229] Paragraph 34. According to the method in paragraph 33, the method includes: sending a PTP bearer response, the PTP bearer response being sent in response to a PTP bearer request, and indicating parameters related to the PTP bearer for receiving service-related data.

[0230] Paragraph 35. The method according to paragraph 33 or 34 includes: sending an indication of a second predetermined standard, wherein the point-to-point bearer request is sent in response to a determination by a communication device that the second predetermined standard is met.

[0231] Paragraph 36. A method for transmitting service-related data at an infrastructure device, the service being a multicast or broadcast service, the method comprising: establishing an RRC connection with a communication device in a cell; transmitting service-related data in the cell, the data being transmitted via a point-to-multipoint (PTM) bearer using communication resources of a radio access interface; and receiving a point-to-point (PTP) bearer request transmitted via the communication device, the PTP bearer request requesting parameters of the PTP bearer for receiving the service-related data.

[0232] Paragraph 37. A communication apparatus for operating in a wireless communication network, the communication apparatus comprising: a transmitter configured to transmit signals on a radio access interface provided by infrastructure equipment of the wireless communication network; a receiver configured to receive signals on the radio access interface, the signals representing service-related data, the service being a multicast or broadcast service; and a controller configured to control the transmitter and receiver such that the communication apparatus is capable of: establishing an RRC connection in a cell; receiving service-related data in the cell in a first Radio Resource Control (RRC) mode, the data being transmitted using communication resources of the radio access interface; measuring radio link quality related to the radio access interface in the first RRC mode; determining, based on the radio link quality, whether a predetermined criterion is met, the predetermined criterion being used to continue receiving service-related data in the cell in the first RRC mode; and receiving further service-related data after determining that the predetermined criterion is met.

[0233] Paragraph 38. A circuit for a communication apparatus operating in a wireless communication network, the circuit comprising: a transmitter circuit configured to transmit a signal on a radio access interface provided by infrastructure equipment of the wireless communication network; a receiver circuit configured to receive a signal on the radio access interface, the signal representing service-related data, the service being a multicast or broadcast service; and a controller circuit configured to control the transmitter and receiver such that the communication apparatus is capable of: establishing an RRC connection in a cell; receiving service-related data in the cell in a first Radio Resource Control (RRC) mode, the data being transmitted using communication resources of the radio access interface; measuring radio link quality related to the radio access interface in the first RRC mode; determining, based on the radio link quality, whether a predetermined criterion is met, the predetermined criterion being used to continue receiving service-related data in the cell in the first RRC mode; and receiving further service-related data after determining that the predetermined criterion is met.

[0234] Paragraph 39. A communication apparatus for operating in a wireless communication network, the communication apparatus comprising: a transmitter configured to transmit signals on a radio access interface provided by infrastructure equipment of the wireless communication network; a receiver configured to receive signals on the radio access interface, the signals representing service-related data, the service being a multicast or broadcast service; and a controller configured to control the transmitter and receiver such that the communication apparatus is capable of operating: establishing an RRC connection in a cell; receiving service-related data in a cell in a first Radio Resource Control (RRC) mode, the data being transmitted via a point-to-multipoint (PTM) bearer using communication resources of the radio access interface; determining that a second predetermined criterion is met; and, in response to determining that the second predetermined criterion is met, transmitting a point-to-point (PTP) bearer request, the PTP bearer request requesting parameters of a PTP bearer for receiving service-related data.

[0235] Paragraph 40. A circuit for a communication apparatus operating in a wireless communication network, the circuit comprising: a transmitter circuit configured to transmit a signal on a radio access interface provided by infrastructure equipment of the wireless communication network; a receiver circuit configured to receive a signal on the radio access interface, the signal representing service-related data, the service being a multicast or broadcast service; and a controller circuit configured to control the transmitter and receiver such that the communication apparatus is capable of: establishing an RRC connection in a cell; receiving service-related data in a cell in a first Radio Resource Control (RRC) mode, the data being transmitted via a point-to-multipoint (PTM) bearer using communication resources of the radio access interface; determining that a second predetermined criterion is met; and, in response to determining that the second predetermined criterion is met, transmitting a point-to-point (PTP) bearer request, the PTP bearer request requesting parameters of the PTP bearer for receiving the service-related data.

[0236] Paragraph 41. An infrastructure device for a wireless communication network, the infrastructure device providing a wireless access interface, the infrastructure device comprising: a transmitter configured to transmit signals via the wireless access interface, the signals representing service-related data, the service being a multicast or broadcast service; a receiver configured to receive the signals; and a controller configured to control the transmitter and receiver so that the infrastructure device can operate to: transmit service-related data to a communication device in a first RRC mode; and to receive a re-establishment request transmitted through the communication device, wherein, upon receiving the re-establishment request, no data radio bearer is established for the communication device, or no signaling radio bearer (SRB) is established for the communication device for transmitting encapsulated non-access stratum (NAS) messages.

[0237] Paragraph 42. Circuitry for an infrastructure device in a wireless communication network, the infrastructure device providing a wireless access interface, the circuitry comprising: transmitter circuitry configured to transmit signals via the wireless access interface, the signals representing service-related data, the service being a multicast or broadcast service; receiver circuitry configured to receive the signals; and controller circuitry configured to control the transmitter circuitry and the receiver circuitry so that the infrastructure device can operate to: transmit service-related data to a communication device, the communication device being in a first RRC mode; and to receive a re-establishment request transmitted through the communication device, wherein, upon receiving the re-establishment request, no data radio bearer is established for the communication device, nor is a signaling radio bearer (SRB) established for the communication device for transmitting encapsulated non-access stratum (NAS) messages.

[0238] Paragraph 43. An infrastructure device for a wireless communication network, the infrastructure device providing a wireless access interface, the infrastructure device comprising: a transmitter configured to transmit signals via the wireless access interface, the signals representing service-related data, the service being a multicast or broadcast service; a receiver configured to receive the signals; and a controller configured to control the transmitter and receiver so that the infrastructure device can operate to: establish an RRC connection with a communication device in a cell; transmit service-related data in the cell, the data being transmitted via a point-to-multipoint (PTM) bearer using communication resources of the wireless access interface; and receive a point-to-point (PTP) bearer request transmitted by a communication device, the PTP bearer request requesting parameters for receiving the service-related data from the PTP bearer.

[0239] Paragraph 44. Circuitry for an infrastructure device in a wireless communication network, the infrastructure device providing a wireless access interface, the circuitry comprising: transmitter circuitry configured to transmit signals via the wireless access interface, the signals representing service-related data, the service being a multicast or broadcast service; receiver circuitry configured to receive the signals; and controller circuitry configured to control the transmitter and receiver so that the infrastructure device can operate to: establish an RRC connection with a communication device in a cell; transmit the service-related data in the cell, the data being transmitted via a point-to-multipoint (PTM) bearer using communication resources of the wireless access interface; and receive a point-to-point (PTP) bearer request transmitted via the communication device, the PTP bearer request requesting parameters for receiving the service-related data from the PTP bearer.

[0240] Further specific and preferred aspects of the invention are set forth in the appended independent and dependent claims. It should be understood that features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims in ways other than those expressly specified in the claims.

[0241] References

[0242] [1]3GPP TS 38.300v.15.2.0“NR;NR and NG-RAN Overall Description;Stage2(Release 15)”,June 2018

[0243] [2]Holma H.and Toskala A,“LTE for UMTS OFDMAand SC-FDMA based radioaccess”,John Wiley and Sons,2009

[0244] [3]3GPP TS 38.331“NR;Radio Resource Control(RRC);Protocolspecification”,version 16.1.0,July 2020

[0245] [4]3GPP Tdoc R2-2006794“NR Multicast dynamic PTM PTP switch withservice continuity”,3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 Meeting#11le,August 2020,Qualcomm Inc.

[0246] [5]3GPP Tdoc R2-2007631“Protocol structure and bearer modelling forNR MBS”,3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 Meeting#11le,August 2020,Ericsson。

Claims

1. A method for receiving service-related data at a communication device, said service being a multicast or broadcast service, the method comprising: Establish radio resource control connections within the community. In the first radio resource control mode, data related to the service is received in the cell, and the data is transmitted using the communication resources of the radio access interface. In the first radio resource control mode, the radio link quality associated with the radio access interface is measured. Based on the radio link quality, a predetermined standard is determined to be met. This predetermined standard is used to continue receiving the data related to the service in the cell under the first radio resource control mode. After determining that the predetermined criteria are met, further data related to the service is received.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: In response to determining that the predetermined criteria are met, a re-establishment request message is sent.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, When the predetermined criteria are met, no data radio bearer is established for the communication device.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, When the radio link failure criterion is met, no signaling radio bearer for transmitting encapsulated non-access stratum messages is established for the communication device.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The signaling radio bearer is a signaling bearer specifically used for transmitting uplink or downlink information messages that encapsulate non-access stratum messages.

6. The method according to claim 2, wherein the method comprises: Receive a re-establishment response message, which is sent in response to the re-establishment request message, and Enter the first radio resource control mode.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The re-establishment response message includes parameter indications related to the new radio bearer. Furthermore, receiving further data related to the service includes receiving data via the new radio bearer.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The new radio bearer is a point-to-multipoint bearer.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Receiving further data related to the service includes receiving service-related data while in the first radio resource control mode.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: In response to determining that the predetermined criteria are met, the system enters a second radio resource control mode, wherein... Receiving further data related to the service includes receiving further data related to the service while in the second radio resource control mode.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The second radio resource control mode is the radio resource control idle mode.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The second radio resource control mode is a radio resource control inactive mode, and the method includes: In the first radio resource control mode, receive inactive mode configuration.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method comprises: In response to determining that the predetermined criteria are met, it is determined whether an inactive mode configuration is received in the first radio resource control mode, wherein, Entering the second radio resource control mode is in response to determining whether an inactive mode configuration is received in the first radio resource control mode.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: In response to determining that the predetermined criteria are met, cell selection is performed.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: In response to determining that the predetermined criteria are met, it is determined that a radio link failure has occurred.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: Receive instructions for one or more of the predetermined standards.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Receive instructions for one or more of the predetermined standards within a radio resource control reconfiguration message.

18. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The predetermined standard is a specific implementation standard.

19. The method according to claim 1, wherein, In the first radio resource control mode, the communication device is configured with a single bandwidth portion for receiving multicast / broadcast service data.

20. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Receiving further data related to the service includes receiving the further data via a point-to-multipoint bearer.

21. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Receiving data related to the service includes receiving the data via a point-to-multipoint bearer, the method comprising: Before determining that the predetermined criterion is met, a second predetermined criterion is determined to be met, and in response to determining that the second predetermined criterion is met, a peer-to-peer bearer request is sent, the peer-to-peer bearer request requesting parameters for receiving peer-to-peer bearer data related to the service.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the method comprises: Receive a peer-to-peer bearer response, which is sent in response to the peer-to-peer bearer request, and indicates parameters related to the peer-to-peer bearer for receiving data related to the service.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein the method comprises: Receive the instruction of the second predetermined standard.

24. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Receiving further data related to the service includes receiving the further data via a peer-to-peer bearer.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The point-to-point bearer is a data radio bearer.

26. A method for receiving service-related data at a communication device, said service being a multicast or broadcast service, the method comprising: Establish radio resource control connections within the community. In the first radio resource control mode, data related to the service is received in the cell, and the data is transmitted via a point-to-multipoint bearer using the communication resources of the radio access interface. Determine that the second predetermined criterion is met, and In response to determining that the second predetermined criterion is met, a point-to-point bearer request is sent, the point-to-point bearer request requesting parameters for receiving point-to-point bearer data related to the service.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein, The first radio resource control mode is a radio resource control connection mode.

28. A method for transmitting service-related data at an infrastructure device, said service being a multicast or broadcast service, the method comprising: Sending data related to the service to a communication device, the communication device being in a first radio resource control mode, and The communication device receives a re-establishment request, wherein when the re-establishment request is received, it does not establish a data radio bearer for the communication device, or does not establish a signaling radio bearer for transmitting encapsulated non-access stratum messages for the communication device.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the method comprises: A re-establishment response message is sent in response to the re-establishment request message.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein, The re-establishment response message includes parameter indications related to the new radio bearer, and the method includes: Further data related to the service will be transmitted via the new radio bearer.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein, The new radio bearer is a point-to-multipoint bearer.

32. The method according to claim 28, wherein the method comprises: Sending instructions for one or more predetermined criteria, wherein the re-establishment request is sent by the communication device in response to determining that the predetermined criteria are met.

33. The method according to claim 28, wherein, Sending data related to the service to a communication device includes sending data via a point-to-multipoint bearer, the method comprising: Before receiving a re-establishment request, a point-to-point bearer request sent through the communication device is received, and parameters for the point-to-point bearer used to receive data related to the service are requested.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the method comprises: Send a peer-to-peer bearer response, which is sent in response to the peer-to-peer bearer request, and indicates parameters related to the peer-to-peer bearer for receiving data related to the service.

35. The method according to claim 33, wherein the method comprises: Sending an instruction for a second predetermined standard, wherein the point-to-point bearer request is sent in response to the communication device determining that the second predetermined standard is met.

36. A method for transmitting service-related data at an infrastructure facility, said service being a multicast or broadcast service, the method comprising: Establish radio resource control connections with communication devices in the community. Data related to the service is transmitted within the cell, the data being transmitted via a point-to-multipoint bearer using the communication resources of the radio access interface, and Receive a peer-to-peer bearer request sent through the communication device, the peer-to-peer bearer request requesting parameters for receiving the peer-to-peer bearer of the data related to the service.

37. A communication apparatus for operating in a wireless communication network, the communication apparatus comprising: The transmitter is configured to transmit signals over a wireless access interface provided by the infrastructure equipment of the wireless communication network; A receiver is configured to receive signals on the wireless access interface, the signals representing service-related data, the service being a multicast or broadcast service. The controller is configured to control the transmitter and the receiver so that the communication device can operate: To establish radio resource control connections within the community, In a first radio resource control mode, data related to the service is received in the cell, and the data is transmitted using the communication resources of the radio access interface. In the first radio resource control mode, the radio link quality associated with the radio access interface is measured. Based on the radio link quality, a predetermined criterion is determined to be met, the predetermined criterion being used to continue receiving service-related data in the cell under the first radio resource control mode, and After determining that the predetermined criteria are met, further data related to the service is received.

38. A circuit for a communication device operating in a wireless communication network, the circuit comprising: The transmitter circuit is configured to transmit signals over a wireless access interface provided by the infrastructure equipment of the wireless communication network. A receiver circuit is configured to receive signals on the wireless access interface, the signals representing service-related data, the service being a multicast or broadcast service; and a controller circuit is configured to control the transmitter and the receiver so that the communication device can operate. To establish radio resource control connections within the community, In a first radio resource control mode, data related to the service is received in the cell, and the data is transmitted using the communication resources of the radio access interface. In the first radio resource control mode, the radio link quality associated with the radio access interface is measured. Based on the radio link quality, a predetermined criterion is determined to be met, the predetermined criterion being used to continue receiving service-related data in the cell under the first radio resource control mode, and After determining that the predetermined criteria are met, further data related to the service is received.

39. A communication apparatus for operating in a wireless communication network, the communication apparatus comprising: The transmitter is configured to transmit signals over a wireless access interface provided by the infrastructure equipment of the wireless communication network; A receiver is configured to receive signals on the wireless access interface, the signals representing service-related data, the service being a multicast or broadcast service. The controller is configured to control the transmitter and the receiver so that the communication device can operate: To establish radio resource control connections within the community, In a first radio resource control mode, data related to the service is received in the cell, the data being transmitted via a point-to-multipoint bearer using the communication resources of the radio access interface. To determine whether the second predetermined criterion is met, and In response to determining that the second predetermined criterion is met, a peer-to-peer bearer request is sent, the peer-to-peer bearer request requesting parameters for receiving peer-to-peer bearer data related to the service.

40. A circuit for a communication device operating in a wireless communication network, the circuit comprising: The transmitter circuit is configured to transmit signals over a wireless access interface provided by the infrastructure equipment of the wireless communication network. A receiver circuit is configured to receive signals on the wireless access interface, the signals representing service-related data, the service being a multicast or broadcast service; and a controller circuit is configured to control the transmitter and the receiver so that the communication device can operate. To establish radio resource control connections within the community, In a first radio resource control mode, data related to the service is received in the cell, the data being transmitted via a point-to-multipoint bearer using the communication resources of the radio access interface. To determine whether the second predetermined criterion is met, and In response to determining that the second predetermined criterion is met, a peer-to-peer bearer request is sent, the peer-to-peer bearer request requesting parameters for receiving peer-to-peer bearer data related to the service.

41. An infrastructure device for a wireless communication network, the infrastructure device providing a wireless access interface, the infrastructure device comprising: A transmitter is configured to transmit signals via the wireless access interface, the signals representing service-related data, the service being a multicast or broadcast service. The receiver is configured to receive signals, and The controller is configured to control the transmitter and the receiver so that the infrastructure equipment can operate: To send data related to the service to a communication device, the communication device being in a first radio resource control mode, and To receive a re-establishment request sent through the communication device, wherein, upon receiving the re-establishment request, no data radio bearer is established for the communication device, or no signaling radio bearer is established for the communication device to transmit encapsulated non-access stratum messages.

42. A circuit for an infrastructure device in a wireless communication network, the infrastructure device providing a wireless access interface, the circuit comprising: A transmitter circuit is configured to transmit signals via the wireless access interface, the signals representing service-related data, the service being a multicast or broadcast service; and a receiver circuit is configured to receive signals. The controller circuit is configured to control the transmitter circuit and the receiver circuit so that the infrastructure equipment can operate: To send data related to the service to a communication device, the communication device being in a first radio resource control mode, and To receive a re-establishment request sent through the communication device, wherein, upon receiving the re-establishment request, no data radio bearer is established for the communication device, or no signaling radio bearer is established for the communication device to transmit encapsulated non-access stratum messages.

43. An infrastructure device for a wireless communication network, the infrastructure device providing a wireless access interface, the infrastructure device comprising: A transmitter is configured to transmit signals via the wireless access interface, the signals representing service-related data, the service being a multicast or broadcast service. The receiver is configured to receive signals, and The controller is configured to control the transmitter and the receiver so that the infrastructure equipment can operate: To establish radio resource control connections with communication devices in the community. To transmit service-related data within the cell, the data being transmitted via a point-to-multipoint bearer using the communication resources of the radio access interface, and To receive a peer-to-peer bearer request sent through the communication device, the peer-to-peer bearer request requesting parameters for receiving the peer-to-peer bearer of the data related to the service.

44. A circuit for an infrastructure device in a wireless communication network, the infrastructure device providing a wireless access interface, the circuit comprising: A transmitter circuit is configured to transmit signals via the wireless access interface, the signals representing service-related data, the service being a multicast or broadcast service; and a receiver circuit is configured to receive signals. The controller circuit is configured to control the transmitter circuit and the receiver circuit so that the infrastructure equipment can operate: To establish radio resource control connections with communication devices in the community. To transmit service-related data within the cell, the data being transmitted via a point-to-multipoint bearer using the communication resources of the radio access interface, and To receive a peer-to-peer bearer request sent through the communication device, the peer-to-peer bearer request requesting parameters for receiving the peer-to-peer bearer of the data related to the service.

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