Method and apparatus for dynamic switching of multicast and broadcast service (MBS) packet delivery mode

Abstract

A method is disclosed for a base station, a user equipment (UE), and dynamically switching multicast and broadcast service (MBS) packet delivery modes. The method includes: in response to a radio bearer without configured MBS, sending a first message to the UE to establish a radio bearer corresponding to an initial delivery mode, wherein the delivery mode is a point-to-point (PTP) mode, a point-to-multipoint (PTM) mode, or a combination of PTP and PTM; and in response to a configured radio bearer, sending a second message indicating a configuration message, the configuration information representing one or more operations based on the difference between the initial delivery mode and a target delivery mode, so that the UE switches to the target delivery mode. This method enables dynamic switching of MBS packet delivery modes between multicast (PTM) and unicast (PTP) with service continuity for a given UE.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to wireless communications, and more specifically, to a base station, a user equipment (UE), and a method for dynamically switching multicast and broadcast service (MBS) packet delivery modes. Background Technology

[0002] Third-generation (3G) mobile phone standards and technologies are well-known wireless communication systems. The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has developed these 3G standards and technologies. Generally speaking, 3G wireless communication has been developed to support macrocell mobile phone communication, and communication systems and networks have evolved towards broadband mobile systems. In cellular wireless communication systems, User Equipment (UE) connects to the Radio Access Network (RAN) via a radio link. The RAN includes a set of base stations that provide radio links to UEs located in the cells covered by those base stations, and includes an interface connecting to the Core Network (CN), which has the function of controlling the overall network. The RAN and CN each perform corresponding functions related to the overall network.

[0003] The 3G Partnership has developed into the so-called Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, namely the Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunication System Territorial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), for mobile access networks of one or more macro cells supported by base stations called eNodeBs or eNBs (evolved NodeBs). More recently, LTE has further evolved into the so-called 5G or New Radio (NR) system, in which one or more cells are supported by base stations called gNBs.

[0004] The 5G standard will support a variety of different services, each with very different requirements. These services include Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) technology for high-speed data transmission, Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) technology for devices requiring low latency and high link reliability, and Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC) technology for long-lifetime communication requiring high energy efficiency to support a large number of low-power devices.

[0005] The first and second 3GPP versions of 5G technology (3GPP Releases 15 and 16) only support unicast communication or point-to-point (PTP) transmission of data packets. Unicast means that information is transmitted in a point-to-point manner. Distributing the same data to multiple UEs or devices using these technologies leads to inefficient service provisioning and utilization of network and spectrum resources. For example, sending a data packet to 10 users in unicast mode requires 10 resources. System resource utilization is very low. Broadcast and multicast data packets both belong to point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission. The difference is that broadcast sends information to all UEs or devices, while multicast sends information to a group of UEs or devices. In one example, sending a data packet to 10 users in both multicast and broadcast mode might only require 1 resource. This greatly improves system resource utilization. In technology fields such as media and entertainment (M&E), automotive, IoT (machine-type communications), and public alarms (PW), PTM transmission is needed to enable flexible multicast / broadcast services.

[0006] At the RAN#86 meeting, a new work project supporting NR multicast and broadcast was approved. This is based on discussions related to SA2 regarding 5G multicast and broadcast services (MBS), such as... Figure 1 As shown, there are two methods for transmitting MBS data packet streams via radio:

[0007] -PTM transmission method: The RAN node transmits a single copy of the MBS data packet to a group of UEs via radio.

[0008] -PTP transmission method: The RAN node transmits individual copies of MBS data packets to individual UEs via radio.

[0009] RAN nodes (e.g., gNBs) can use PTM, PTP, or a combination of PTP / PTM modes to transmit MBS data for a specific MBS to interested UEs within the cell. Simultaneous support for PTP / PTM transmission is to meet different UE processing requirements for MBS service reception, such as radio resource utilization schemes and different Quality of Service (QoS) requirements.

[0010] In 3GPP Release 17, multicast and broadcast services will include the following set of objectives:

[0011] - For UEs in the RRC_CONNECTED state, specify the basic RAN functions for broadcast / multicast [RAN1, RAN2, RAN3]:

[0012] ○ Standardize the group scheduling mechanism to allow UEs to receive broadcast / multicast services [RAN1, RAN2]

[0013] ■ This objective includes specifying the necessary enhancements that enable simultaneous operation of unicast reception.

[0014] The specification supports dynamic changes to broadcast / multicast service delivery between multicast (PTM) and unicast (PTP), and provides service continuity for a given UE [RAN2, RAN3].

[0015] ○ Specifications support basic mobility with service continuity [RAN2, RAN3]

[0016] ○ Assuming the necessary coordination functions (such as those managed by MCE, if any) reside in the gNB-CU, and considering the results of SA2 SI in broadcast / multicast scenarios, specify the necessary changes to the RAN architecture and interfaces (SP-190625) [RAN3].

[0017] ○ Specify changes required to improve the reliability of broadcast / multicast services, such as through UL feedback. Reliability levels should be based on the requirements of the applications / services provided. [RAN1, RAN2]

[0018] ○ Investigate support for dynamic control of broadcast / multicast transmission zones within a gNB-DU, and specify the conditions (if any) required to enable this function [RAN2, RAN3].

[0019] - For UEs in RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE state, specify the basic RAN functions for broadcast / multicast [RAN2, RAN1]:

[0020] The specification enables the changes required for multipoint transmission by the UE receiver in the RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE state, with the aim of maintaining maximum commonality between the RRC_CONNECTED and RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE states for configuring PTM reception. [RAN2, RAN1].

[0021] The need for dynamically changing the broadcast / multicast service delivery between PTM and PTP will be explained below. A particular service is sometimes suitable for unicast transmission and sometimes for broadcast-multicast transmission. If the number of users receiving the service is high at a given time, the system is more suitable for PTM transmission; if the number of users receiving the service is low at the next time, the system can switch to PTP transmission. 3GPP Release 17 requires that unicast and broadcast-multicast can be dynamically switched while ensuring service continuity. For example, the service may have been using broadcast-multicast (i.e., PTM) transmission for some time. As the number of users receiving the service decreases, the network switches the service to unicast (i.e., PTP). The service can still be provided continuously during the transition from broadcast / multicast to unicast.

[0022] Therefore, a mechanism needs to be developed to enable dynamic switching between PTM and PTP.

[0023] Technical issues

[0024] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a method for a base station, a user equipment (UE), and a method for dynamically switching multicast and broadcast service (MBS) data packet delivery modes, so as to enable MBS delivery to dynamically change between multicast (PTM) and unicast (PTP) while maintaining service continuity.

[0025] Technical solution

[0026] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a method for dynamically switching multicast and broadcast service (MBS) packet delivery modes, wherein MBS packets are transmitted from a base station to a user equipment (UE) in a new radio (NR) communication system. The method is performed by the base station and includes: in response to a radio bearer without configured MBS, sending a first message to the UE indicating configuration information for establishing the radio bearer, the radio bearer corresponding to an initial delivery mode for transmitting the MBS packets, wherein the delivery mode is a point-to-point (PTP) mode, a point-to-multipoint (PTM) mode, or a combination of PTP and PTM; and in response to a radio bearer that has been configured and corresponds to the PTP mode and the PTM mode, sending a second message to the UE indicating a configuration message, the configuration information representing one or more operations selected from a set of operations based on a difference between the initial delivery mode and a target delivery mode, to switch from the initial delivery mode to the target delivery mode.

[0027] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a method for dynamically switching multicast and broadcast service (MBS) packet delivery modes, wherein MBS packets are transmitted from a base station to a user equipment (UE) in a new radio (NR) communication system. The method is performed by the UE and includes: receiving from the base station a first message in response to a radio bearer not configured with MBS, indicating configuration information for establishing the radio bearer, the radio bearer corresponding to an initial delivery mode for receiving the MBS packets, wherein the delivery mode is a point-to-point (PTP) mode, a point-to-multipoint (PTM) mode, or a combination of PTP and PTM; and receiving from the base station a second message indicating a configuration message in response to a radio bearer already configured and corresponding to the PTP and PTM modes, the configuration information representing one or more operations selected from a set of operations based on a difference between the initial delivery mode and a target delivery mode, to switch from the initial delivery mode to the target delivery mode.

[0028] The disclosed methods can be implemented in user equipment or base stations.

[0029] The disclosed methods can be programmed as computer-executable instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, which, when loaded onto a computer, instructs the computer's processor to execute the disclosed methods.

[0030] Non-transitory computer-readable media may include at least one of the following: hard disk, CD-ROM, optical storage device, magnetic storage device, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, and flash memory.

[0031] The disclosed methods can be programmed into a computer program product that enables a computer to execute the disclosed methods.

[0032] Beneficial effects

[0033] This invention provides an effective way to enable dynamic changes in BMS delivery between multicast (PTM) and unicast (PTP) while maintaining service continuity, thereby improving service provisioning and the utilization of network and spectrum resources. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments or related technologies of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings described in the embodiments are briefly introduced below. It is obvious that these drawings only present some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can derive other drawings based on these drawings without making any presuppositions.

[0035] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of PTP mode and PTM mode.

[0036] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of the SDAP-based splitting method.

[0037] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of the PDCP-based splitting method.

[0038] Figure 2C This is a schematic diagram of the RLC-based splitting method.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the RB establishment method based on dedicated signaling.

[0040] Figure 4A This is a flowchart of a mode switching method from PTP mode to PTM mode based on dedicated signaling.

[0041] Figure 4B This is a flowchart of a mode switching method from PTM mode to PTP mode based on dedicated signaling.

[0042] Figure 4C This is a flowchart illustrating a mode switching method based on dedicated signaling, from PTP mode to a combination of PTP and PTM.

[0043] Figure 4D This is a flowchart illustrating the mode switching method from PTM mode to a combination of PTM and PTP based on dedicated signaling.

[0044] Figure 4E This is a flowchart illustrating the mode switching method from a combination of PTP and PTM to PTM mode based on dedicated signaling.

[0045] Figure 4F This is a flowchart illustrating the mode switching method from a combination of PTP and PTM to PTP mode based on dedicated signaling.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a mode switching method from PTP mode to PTM mode based on dedicated signaling.

[0047] Figure 6A This is a flowchart of a mode switching method from PTP mode to PTM mode based on broadcast signaling.

[0048] Figure 6B This is a flowchart of a mode switching method from PTP mode to PTM mode based on a SC-MCCH-like mechanism.

[0049] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a mode switching method from PTP mode to PTM mode based on broadcast signaling.

[0050] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a mode switching method from PTP mode to PTM mode based on MAC CE.

[0051] Figure 9A An example of an octet MAC CE is shown.

[0052] Figure 9B An example of a two-byte MAC CE is shown.

[0053] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a mode switching method from PTP mode to PTM mode based on DCI.

[0054] Figure 11A This is a flowchart of a competition-based RAP.

[0055] Figure 11B The flowchart is for a two-step competition-based RAP.

[0056] Figure 12 This is a block diagram of an exemplary system for wireless communication according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, focusing on their technical solutions, structural features, achieved objectives, and effects. Specifically, the terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is only used to describe certain embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0058] This invention provides a method for dynamically switching multicast and broadcast service (MBS) packet delivery modes. For example, this method can be implemented in base stations and user equipment (UEs) located in a new radio (NR) communication system. The delivery mode (or delivery mode) can include point-to-point (PTP) mode, point-to-multipoint (PTM) mode, and combinations of PTP and PTM to deliver MBS packets from the base station to the UE. Switching between these modes must consider two scenarios: (a) no radio bearer (RB) is configured for multicast service or no RB configuration is stored; and (b) an RB is configured or its configuration is stored. Considering these two scenarios, this invention provides different mechanisms to implement mode switching. In scenario (a), mode switching is associated with RB establishment / addition / modification / release. In scenario (b), mode switching is associated with RB activation / deactivation. This invention provides this efficient way to achieve dynamic changes in BMS delivery between multicast (PTM) and unicast (PTP) with service continuity, thereby improving service provisioning and the utilization of network and spectrum resources.

[0059] This disclosure describes solutions for radio bearer configuration and how to support dynamic switching between PTM and PTP.

[0060] MBS Radio Bearer Modeling

[0061] In the 5G NR network and protocol architecture, the protocol stack includes the Serving Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and Physical (PHY) layer. MBS radio bearer modeling can employ three methods: SDAP-based splitting, PDCP-based splitting, and RLC-based splitting. These methods are related to the splitting of the protocol stack used for PTP and PTM transmissions, and which protocol layers (PTP tributaries) are shared by the PTP protocol stack (PTP tributary) and the PTM protocol stack (PTM tributary).

[0062] 1. SDAP-based splitting method

[0063] refer to Figure 2A Public SDAP is used for PTM and PTP transmissions in multicast services. The network routes SDAP Protocol Data Units (PDUs) to PDCP entities for PTP or PTM. In other words, as... Figure 2A As shown, at the radio access network (RAN) node (e.g., base station), SDAP PDUs are routed to the PTP tributary and PTM tributary; on the UE side, PDCP PDUs from the PTP tributary and PTM tributary are routed to the public or shared SDAP.

[0064] 2. PDCP-based splitting method

[0065] refer to Figure 2B Public SDAP and PDCP are used for PTM and PTP transmissions in multicast services. The network routes PDCP PDUs to the RLC entity of PTP or PTM. That is, as... Figure 2B As shown, at the RAN node (e.g., the base station), PDCP PDUs are routed to the PTP tributary and the PTM tributary; on the UE side, RLC PDUs from the PTP tributary and the PTM tributary are routed to the public or shared SDAP and PDCP.

[0066] 3. RLC-based splitting method

[0067] refer to Figure 2C Public SDAP, PDCP, and RLC are used for PTM and PTP transmissions in multicast services, and the network maps RLC PDUs to different logical channels. That is, as... Figure 2CAs shown, at the RAN node (e.g., base station), RLC PDUs are mapped to logical channels for PTP transmission and PTM transmission; on the UE side, the data stream formed by the logical channels for PTP transmission and PTM transmission is routed to public or shared SDAP, PDCP and RLC.

[0068] Regardless of the MSB radio bearer model adopted, a unified configuration and mode switching mechanism can be specified. Unless otherwise specified, for simplicity, PTM tributaries and PTP tributaries will be referred to as MRB and DRB, respectively, in this disclosure.

[0069] -DRB stands for PTP protocol stack.

[0070] -MRB stands for PTM protocol stack, and

[0071] - The RB establishment process includes SDAP, PDCP, RLC, and MAC sublayers.

[0072] process

[0073] The general concept of this invention is illustrated in Table 1 below. To transmit MBS data packets to the UE, the base station determines which mode (PTP mode, PTM mode, or a combination of PTP and PTM) to use for transmitting the MBS data packets to the UE. If no RB is established, the base station must first establish the RB corresponding to the determined mode. If the base station decides to switch to another mode to transmit MBS data packets, and if any RB or any of the RBs corresponding to the other mode has not yet been established, the RB can instruct the UE to perform one or more operations selected from the first group of operations (establish / add / modify / release) to perform a mode switch. If the RB has already been established, the RB can instruct the UE to perform one or more operations selected from the second group of operations (activate / deactivate) to perform a mode switch.

[0074]

[0075] Table 1

[0076] Step 1: Before the initial RB is established, if the RB has already been configured or the RB configuration has already been stored.

[0077] If not (①), the base station (e.g., gNB) needs to determine the mode and establish an RB first, and then switch the mode if necessary (③).

[0078] If it is (②), then the base station (e.g., gNB) switches modes by activating and deactivating the RB (④).

[0079] Step 2: Mode Switching

[0080] The base station can use different methods to instruct the UE to perform operations for mode switching. These methods are classified as shown in Table 2 below.

[0081]

[0082]

[0083] Table 2

[0084] 1. Regarding the creation / addition / modification / release of RB (③),

[0085] (1) When gNB decides to switch, it needs to add and release RB, including adding first and then releasing and releasing first and then adding.

[0086] (2) The solutions for mode switching indication include dedicated signaling (⑤) and broadcast signaling (⑥).

[0087] 2. Regarding RB activation / deactivation (④),

[0088] (1) When the gNB decides to switch, it needs to activate and deactivate the RB, including activating and deactivating first and then activating second.

[0089] (2) Solutions for mode switching indication include dedicated signaling (⑦), broadcast signaling (⑧), MAC-CE (⑨) and DCI (⑩).

[0090] (3) DCI includes G-RNTI (⑩-①) and C-RNTI (⑩-②).

[0091] Specifically, the dedicated signaling / RRC signaling (⑤, ⑦) includes the methods shown in Table 3 below.

[0092]

[0093] Table 3

[0094] Specifically, broadcast signaling / SIB(⑥, ⑧) includes the methods shown in Table 4 below.

[0095]

[0096] Table 4

[0097] Specifically, the methods for obtaining G-RNTI(⑩-①) include broadcast signaling and RACH, as shown in Table 5 below.

[0098]

[0099] Table 5

[0100] Mode switching scenarios / use cases

[0101] MBS packet transmission modes can be switched from the initial transmission mode to the target transmission mode. For example, the base station initially uses PTP mode to transmit data and decides to switch to PTM; the base station initially uses PTM mode to transmit data and decides to switch to PTP; the base station initially uses PTP mode to transmit data and decides to switch to a combination of PTP and PTM; the base station initially uses PTM mode to transmit data and decides to switch to a combination of PTM and PTP; the base station initially uses a combination of PTP and PTM to transmit data and decides to switch to PTM; the base station initially uses a combination of PTP and PTM to transmit data and decides to switch to PTP. These mode switching scenarios / use cases are listed below.

[0102] 1. PTP -> PTM

[0103] 2. PTM -> PTP

[0104] 3. PTP -> PTP+PTM

[0105] 4. PTM -> PTM+PTP

[0106] 5. PTP + PTM -> PTM

[0107] 6. PTP + PTM -> PTP

[0108] Example

[0109] 1. Regarding ⑤, dedicated signaling / RRC signaling

[0110] If no RB is configured for MBS, the base station can send, and the UE can receive, a message indicating configuration information for establishing the RB corresponding to the initial transmission mode (PTP mode, PTM mode, or a combination of PTP and PTM) for transmitting MBS data packets. Subsequently, if the base station decides to switch to the target transmission mode (PTP mode, PTM mode, or a combination of PTP and PTM), the base station can send, and the UE can receive, a message instructing the UE to perform one or more operations (establish / add / modify / release) to switch from the initial transmission mode to the target transmission mode for transmitting MBS data packets. The mode switching message indicates configuration information representing one or more operations selected from a set of operations including the establish / add / modify / release operations. The one or more operations are determined based on the differences between the initial transmission mode and the target transmission mode. Any message can be sent from the base station to the UE via dedicated signaling or Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0111] 1.1 Regarding ⑤, the first step: Initial RB establishment / configuration

[0112] Figure 3This is a flowchart illustrating the RB establishment method based on dedicated signaling. (Example) Figure 3 As shown, the gNB determines a transmission mode, which can be PTP mode, PTM mode, or a combination of PTP and PTM. The gNB sends an RRC message to the UE via dedicated signaling or RRC signaling to instruct the UE to establish an RB (DRB / MRB / both DRB and MRB) corresponding to the determined transmission mode. Once the RB is established, the UE reports the establishment completion to the gNB.

[0113] In one embodiment, the RRC message is an RRCreconfiguration message, and the configuration information carried by the RRCreconfiguration message for establishing the RB is indicated by the information element (e.g., radioBearerConfig) of the RRCreconfiguration message. The information element radioBearerConfig may include parameters such as drb-ToAddModList and drb-ToReleaseList to indicate that RB establishment is to be performed.

[0114] In one embodiment, the RRC message is an RRCresume message, and the configuration information carried by the RRCresume message for establishing the RB is indicated by the information element (e.g., radioBearerConfig) of the RRCresume message. The radioBearerConfig information element may include parameters such as drb-ToAddModList and drb-ToReleaseList to indicate that RB establishment is to be performed.

[0115] 1.2RB Addition / Release / Modification (⑤)

[0116] (1) PTP->PTM

[0117] Figure 4A This is a flowchart illustrating the mode switching method from PTP mode to PTM mode based on dedicated signaling. Figure 4A As shown, if the initial transmission mode is PTP mode and the gNB decides to switch to PTM mode, the gNB can send an RRC message to the UE via dedicated signaling or RRC signaling to instruct the UE to perform a mode switch. This RRC message indicates configuration information, representing a release operation to release the DRB corresponding to PTP mode and an establishment operation to establish the MRB corresponding to PTM mode. The DRB can be released first, then the MRB can be established; alternatively, the MRB can be established first, then the DRB can be released.

[0118] (2) PTM->PTP

[0119] Figure 4BThis is a flowchart illustrating the mode switching method from PTM mode to PTP mode based on dedicated signaling. Figure 4B As shown, if the initial transmission mode is PTM mode and the gNB decides to switch to PTP mode, the gNB can send an RRC message to the UE via dedicated signaling or RRC signaling to instruct the UE to perform a mode switch. This RRC message indicates configuration information, representing a release operation to release the MRB corresponding to PTM mode and an establishment operation to establish the DRB corresponding to PTP mode. The MRB can be released first, then the DRB can be established; alternatively, the DRB can be established first, then the MRB can be released.

[0120] (3) PTP->PTP+PTM

[0121] Figure 4C This is a flowchart illustrating a mode switching method based on dedicated signaling, from PTP mode to a combination of PTP and PTM. Figure 4C As shown, if the initial transmission mode is PTP mode and the gNB decides to switch to PTP+PTM mode, the gNB can send an RRC message to the UE via dedicated signaling or RRC signaling to instruct the UE to perform a mode switch. This RRC message indicates configuration information, representing a setup operation to establish only the MRB corresponding to the PTM mode, thereby achieving the switch to PTP+PTM mode.

[0122] (4) PTM->PTM+PTP

[0123] Figure 4D This is a flowchart illustrating the mode switching method from PTM mode to a combination of PTM and PTP based on dedicated signaling. Figure 4D As shown, if the initial transmission mode is PTM mode and the gNB decides to switch to PTM+PTP mode, the gNB can send an RRC message to the UE via dedicated signaling or RRC signaling to instruct the UE to perform a mode switch. This RRC message indicates configuration information, representing a setup operation to establish only the DRB corresponding to the PTP mode, thereby achieving the switch to PTM+PTP mode.

[0124] (5) PTP+PTM->PTM

[0125] Figure 4E This is a flowchart illustrating the mode switching method from a combination of PTP and PTM to PTM mode based on dedicated signaling. Figure 4E As shown, if the initial transmission mode is PTP+PTM mode and the gNB decides to switch to PTM mode, the gNB can send an RRC message to the UE via dedicated signaling or RRC signaling to instruct the UE to perform a mode switch. This RRC message indicates configuration information and represents a release operation to release only the DRB corresponding to PTP mode, thereby achieving the switch to PTM mode.

[0126] (6) PTP+PTM->PTP

[0127] Figure 4F This is a flowchart illustrating the mode switching method from a combination of PTP and PTM to PTP mode based on dedicated signaling. Figure 4F As shown, if the initial transmission mode is PTP+PTM mode and the gNB decides to switch to PTP mode, the gNB can send an RRC message to the UE via dedicated signaling or RRC signaling to instruct the UE to perform a mode switch. This RRC message indicates configuration information and represents a release operation to release only the MRB corresponding to PTM mode, thereby achieving the switch to PTP mode.

[0128] Similar to the establishment of the initial RB, the gNB can send a mode switching message to the UE via dedicated signaling to instruct the UE to perform a mode switch. This mode switching message is an RRC message, such as the RRCreconfiguration message and the RRCresume message mentioned above.

[0129] 2. Regarding ⑦, dedicated signaling / RRC signaling

[0130] If the Base Station Responsible Registry (RB) for the MBS corresponding to PTP and PTM modes has already been configured (i.e., DRB and MRB have been previously configured or established), the base station can send, and the UE can receive, a message instructing the UE to perform one or more operations (activation / deactivation) to switch from the initial transmission mode to the target transmission mode to transmit MBS data packets. This message indicates configuration information representing one or more operations selected from a set of operations including activation / deactivation. The one or more operations are determined based on the differences between the initial transmission mode and the target transmission mode. The mode switching message can be sent from the base station to the UE via dedicated signaling or Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0131] Flowchart: PTP -> PTM

[0132] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the mode switching method from PTP mode to PTM mode based on dedicated signaling. Figure 5 As shown, if the initial transmission mode is PTP mode and the gNB decides to switch to PTM mode, and if both the MRB and DRM configurations have been stored, the gNB can send an RRC message to the UE via dedicated signaling or RRC signaling to instruct the UE to perform a mode switch. This RRC message indicates configuration information, representing a deactivation operation to deactivate the DRB corresponding to PTP mode and an activation operation to activate the MRB corresponding to PTM mode. The DRB can be deactivated first, then the MRB activated; alternatively, the MRB can be activated first, then the DRB deactivated.

[0133] The same applies to other scenarios such as PTM->PTP, PTP->PTP+PTM, PTM->PTM+PTP, PTP+PTM->PTM, and PTP+PTM->PTP, which will not be elaborated further here. For PTP->PTP+PTM and PTM->PTM+PTP, the mode switching message can indicate configuration information representing only the activation operation; for PTP+PTM->PTM and PTP+PTM->PTP, the mode switching message can indicate configuration information representing only the deactivation operation. These operations are determined based on the difference between the initial transmission mode and the target transmission mode.

[0134] Similarly, the gNB can send a mode switching message to the UE via dedicated signaling to instruct the UE to perform a mode switch. This message is an RRC message, such as the RRCreconfiguration message and the RRCresume message mentioned above. The configuration information carried in the RRCreconfiguration message or the RRCresume message can be indicated by information elements (e.g., radioBearerConfig), which may include parameters such as drb-ToActiveList and drb-ToDeactiveList.

[0135] 3. Regarding ⑥, broadcast signaling / SIB

[0136] If no RB is configured for MBS, the base station can send a message, and the UE can receive the message, to establish an RB corresponding to the initial transmission mode. If the base station decides to perform a mode switch, it sends a message instructing the UE to perform one or more operations (establish / add / modify / release) to switch from the initial transmission mode to the target transmission mode to transmit MBS data packets. The one or more operations are determined based on the difference between the initial and target transmission modes. In one embodiment, any message can be sent from the base station to the UE via broadcast signaling or System Information Block (SIB) signaling, and this message is an SIB message. In another embodiment, an RB establishment message is sent via broadcast signaling, and the control channel configuration is also sent to the UE via broadcast signaling so that the UE establishes a control channel according to the control channel configuration and then transmits the mode switch message on the control channel. The control channel used for message transmission is carried and transmitted on the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).

[0137] (1) SIB

[0138] Flowchart: PTP -> PTM

[0139] Figure 6A This is a flowchart illustrating the mode switching method from PTP mode to PTM mode based on broadcast signaling. Figure 6AAs shown, the gNB sends an SIB message to the UE via broadcast signaling to instruct the UE to establish a RB (DRB / MRB / both DRB and MRB) corresponding to the determined transport mode. If the determined transport mode (i.e., the initial transport mode) is PTP mode and the gNB decides to switch to PTM mode, the gNB can send an SIB message to the UE via broadcast signaling to instruct the UE to perform a mode switch. This SIB message indicates configuration information, representing a release operation to release the DRB corresponding to the PTP mode and an establishment operation to establish the MRB corresponding to the PTM mode. The DRB can be released first, then the MRB established; or vice versa.

[0140] The same principle applies to other scenarios, and will not be elaborated further here. For PTP->PTP+PTM and PTM->PTM+PTP, the mode switching message can indicate configuration information representing only the setup operation; for PTP+PTM->PTM and PTP+PTM->PTP, the mode switching message can indicate configuration information representing only the release operation. These operations are determined based on the difference between the initial transfer mode and the target transfer mode. The SIB can be a regular SI or an on-demand SI.

[0141] (2) SC-MCCH-like mechanism

[0142] Flowchart: PTP -> PTM

[0143] Figure 6B This is a flowchart illustrating the mode switching method from PTP mode to PTM mode based on a SC-MCCH-like mechanism. Figure 6B As shown, the gNB sends an SIB message to the UE via broadcast signaling to instruct the UE to establish an RB (DRB / MRB / both DRB and MRB) corresponding to the determined transmission mode. The broadcast signaling also sends a control channel configuration to the UE so that the UE can establish a control channel according to the configuration. The control channel can be a Single-Cell Multicast Control Channel (SC-MCCH) carried and transmitted on the PDSCH. If the determined transmission mode (i.e., the initial transmission mode) is PTP mode and the gNB decides to switch to PTM mode, the gNB can send a message to the UE on a control channel such as SC-MCCH or a similar control channel to instruct the UE to perform a mode switch. This mode switch message indicates configuration information, representing a release operation to release the DRB corresponding to the PTP mode and an establishment operation to establish the MRB corresponding to the PTM mode. The DRB can be released first, then the MRB established; or the MRB can be established first, then the DRB released.

[0144] The same applies to other scenarios, and will not be elaborated further here. For PTP->PTP+PTM and PTM->PTM+PTP, the mode switching message can indicate configuration information representing only the setup operation; for PTP+PTM->PTM and PTP+PTM->PTP, the mode switching message can indicate configuration information representing only the release operation. These operations are determined based on the difference between the initial transmission mode and the target transmission mode. The SIB can be a normal SI or an on-demand SI. "SC-MCCH" is a term specified in the LTE MBMS specification.

[0145] 4. Regarding ⑧, broadcast signaling / SIB

[0146] If the Base Station Responsible Registry (RB) for the MBS corresponding to PTP and PTM modes has already been configured (i.e., DRB and MRB have been previously configured or established), the base station can send, and the UE can receive, a message instructing the UE to perform one or more operations (activation / deactivation) to switch from the initial transmission mode to the target transmission mode to transmit MBS data packets. This mode switching message indicates configuration information representing one or more operations selected from a set of operations including activation / deactivation. The one or more operations are determined based on the differences between the initial and target transmission modes. In one embodiment, the mode switching message can be sent from the base station to the UE via broadcast signaling or SIB signaling. In another embodiment, the SC-MCCH-like mechanism described above can also be used to send the mode switching message.

[0147] (1) SIB

[0148] Flowchart: PTP -> PTM

[0149] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the mode switching method from PTP mode to PTM mode based on broadcast signaling. Figure 7 As shown, if the initial transmission mode is PTP mode and the gNB decides to switch to PTM mode, and if both the MRB and DRM configurations have been stored, the gNB can send an SIB message to the UE via broadcast signaling or SIB signaling to instruct the UE to perform a mode switch. This SIB message indicates configuration information, representing a deactivation operation to deactivate the DRB corresponding to PTP mode and an activation operation to activate the MRB corresponding to PTM mode. The DRB can be deactivated first, then the MRB activated; alternatively, the MRB can be activated first, then the DRB deactivated.

[0150] The same applies to other scenarios, and will not be elaborated further here. For PTP->PTP+PTM and PTM->PTM+PTP, the mode switching message can indicate configuration information representing only the activation operation; for PTP+PTM->PTM and PTP+PTM->PTP, the mode switching message can indicate configuration information representing only the deactivation operation. These operations are determined based on the difference between the initial transfer mode and the target transfer mode. The SIB can be a regular SI or an on-demand SI.

[0151] (2) SC-MCCH-like mechanism

[0152] Similar to the concepts introduced above, mode switching messages can also be sent using the SC-MCCH-like mechanism described above.

[0153] 5. Regarding ⑨, MAC CE

[0154] If the Base Station Receptor (RB) for the MBS corresponding to PTP and PTM modes has already been configured (i.e., DRB and MRB have been previously configured or established), the base station can send, and the UE can receive, a message indicating configuration information representing one or more operations so that the UE can perform those operations (activation / deactivation) to switch from the initial transmission mode to the target transmission mode to transmit MBS data packets. The configuration information for this mode switching message can be indicated by the Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE).

[0155] (1) Flowchart: PTP->PTM

[0156] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the mode switching method from PTP mode to PTM mode based on MAC CE. Figure 8 As shown, if the initial transmission mode is PTP mode and the gNB decides to switch to PTM mode, and if both the MRB and DRM configurations have been stored, the gNB can send a MAC CE to the UE to instruct the UE to perform a mode switch. This MAC CE indicates configuration information, representing a deactivation operation to deactivate the DRB corresponding to PTP mode and an activation operation to activate the MRB corresponding to PTM mode. The DRB can be deactivated first, then the MRB activated; alternatively, the MRB can be activated first, then the DRB deactivated.

[0157] The same principle applies to other scenarios, and will not be elaborated further here. For PTP->PTP+PTM and PTM->PTM+PTP, the MAC CE can indicate configuration information representing only the activation operation; for PTP+PTM->PTM and PTP+PTM->PTP, the MAC CE can indicate configuration information representing only the deactivation operation. These operations are determined based on the difference between the initial transmission mode and the target transmission mode.

[0158] (2) MAC CE

[0159] A new MAC CE has been introduced for the activation / deactivation of the MBS RB. The LCID of this new MAC CE can be increased as shown in Tables 6, 7, and 8. Table 6 describes the LCID values ​​of the DL-SCH, with the MBS RB activation / deactivation column at index 63. Table 7 describes the two octet eLCID values ​​of the DL-SCH, which specify the MBS RB activation / deactivation. Table 8 describes the one octet eLCID value of the DL-SCH, which specifies the MBS RB activation / deactivation.

[0160]

[0161]

[0162]

[0163] Table 6

[0164]

[0165] Table 7

[0166] code point index LCID value 0to 255 64 MBS RB Activation / Deactivation 0to 255 64 to 319 reserve

[0167] Table 8

[0168] Solution 1:

[0169] MAC CE corresponds to one or more octets, the first value of which indicates activation of a radio bearer corresponding to one of PTP mode and PTM mode, and the second value of which indicates deactivation of the radio bearer corresponding to one of PTP mode and PTM mode.

[0170] MAC CE can be one to N octets. Figure 9A An example of an octet MAC CE is shown. For example, the field is set to 1 to indicate that the RB should be activated, and the field is set to 0 to indicate that the RB should be deactivated; or, the field is set to 1 to indicate that the RB will be deactivated, and the field is set to 0 to indicate that the RB will be activated.

[0171] Solution 2:

[0172] MAC CE corresponds to two octets. One field of these two octets indicates the activation or deactivation of a radio bearer corresponding to one of the PTP and PTM modes, and the other field of these two octets indicates the activation or deactivation of a radio bearer corresponding to the other of the PTP and PTM modes.

[0173] Figure 9B An example of a two-byte MAC CE is shown. A field indicating whether it's for DRB or MRB is introduced. For example, an M / D field is introduced to indicate whether this byte is for MRB or DRB.

[0174] 6. Regarding ⑩, DCI

[0175] If the Base Station Relay (RB) for the MBS corresponding to PTP and PTM modes has already been configured (i.e., DRBs and MRBs have been previously configured or established), the base station can send, and the UE can receive, a message indicating configuration information representing one or more operations so that the UE can perform those operations (activation / deactivation) to switch from the initial transmission mode to the target transmission mode to transmit MBS packets. The mode switching message may correspond to Downlink Control Information (DCI) sent on the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). This DCI includes a Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), configured to identify which UE is to be applied to, particularly for PTP mode. This DCI also works in conjunction with a Group Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI), configured to identify which group of UEs is to be applied to, particularly for PTM mode.

[0176] (1) Flowchart: PTP->PTM

[0177] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the mode switching method from PTP mode to PTM mode based on DCI. Figure 10 As shown, if both the MRB and DRM configurations are stored, and if the gNB decides to use PTP mode as the transmission mode for MBS packets, the gNB can instruct the UE to perform the relevant operation via a DCI with a C-RNTI, allowing the UE to know whether the instruction is targeted at it. If the gNB decides to switch from PTP mode to PTM mode, the gNB can send a DCI to the UE again to instruct the UE to perform the mode switch. The DCI, along with the G-RNTI, identifies which group of UEs to apply to, so the UE knows whether it belongs to that group. The DCI indicates configuration information, representing a deactivation operation to deactivate the DRB corresponding to PTP mode and an activation operation to activate the MRB corresponding to PTM mode. The DRB can be deactivated first, then the MRB activated; or vice versa.

[0178] The same principle applies to other scenarios, and will not be elaborated further here. For PTP->PTP+PTM and PTM->PTM+PTP, the DCI can indicate configuration information representing only the activation operation; for PTP+PTM->PTM and PTP+PTM->PTP, the DCI can indicate configuration information representing only the deactivation operation. These operations are determined based on the difference between the initial transmission mode and the target transmission mode.

[0179] (2) How is G-RNTI obtained?

[0180] (a) Included in the current SIB, such as SIB13, SIB20, or a newly defined SIB.

[0181] The G-RNTI can be sent from the gNB to the UE via broadcast signaling in the SIB message. The G-RNTI can be carried on the current SIB, such as SIB13 or SIB20, or it can be included in a newly defined SIB.

[0182] (b) SC-MCCH-like mechanism

[0183] i. Configure "SC-MCCH" using SIB instructions

[0184] ii. The UE receives the "SC-MCCH" carrying G-RNTI.

[0185] G-RNTI can be carried on control channels such as SC-MCCH or SC-MCCH-like control channels on PDSCH. The control channel configuration for this control channel is transmitted via broadcast signaling using SIB messages.

[0186] (c)RACH

[0187] G-RNTI is included in the Msg2 (as in the random access channel (RACH) procedure sent from the gNB to the UE) (e.g., Figure 11A (as shown) or MsgB (as shown) Figure 11B As shown in the diagram, G-RNTI and other service and area-related information, such as the Temporary Mobile Group Identifier (TMGI), can also be transmitted to the UE.

[0188] Figure 12 This is a block diagram of an exemplary system 700 for wireless communication according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in this system using any appropriately configured hardware and / or software. Figure 12 The system 700 is shown, which includes a radio frequency (RF) circuit 710, a baseband circuit 720, a processing unit 730, a memory / storage device 740, a display 750, a camera 760, a sensor 770, and an input / output (I / O) interface 780, which are coupled to each other as shown.

[0189] Processing unit 730 may include circuitry, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processor may include any combination of general-purpose processors and special-purpose processors (e.g., graphics processors and application processors). The processor may be coupled to a memory / storage device and configured to execute instructions stored in the memory / storage device to enable various applications and / or operating systems to run on the system.

[0190] Baseband circuitry 720 may include circuitry, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processor may include a baseband processor. The baseband circuitry may handle various radio control functions that enable communication with one or more radio networks via RF circuitry. Radio control functions may include, but are not limited to, signal modulation, encoding, decoding, RF shifting, etc. In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry may provide communication compatible with one or more wireless technologies. For example, in some embodiments, the baseband circuitry may support communication with 5G NR, LTE, Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (EUTRAN) and / or other Wireless Wide Area Networks (WMAN), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), and Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPAN). Embodiments in which the baseband circuitry is configured to support wireless communication using more than one wireless protocol may be referred to as multi-mode baseband circuitry. In various embodiments, baseband circuitry 720 may include circuitry for operating with signals that are not strictly considered to be in the baseband frequency range. For example, in some embodiments, the baseband circuitry may include circuitry for operating with signals having an intermediate frequency between the baseband frequency and the radio frequency.

[0191] RF circuit 710 can use modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium to achieve communication with a wireless network. In various embodiments, the RF circuit may include switches, filters, amplifiers, etc., to facilitate communication with the wireless network. In various embodiments, RF circuit 710 may include circuitry for operating with signals that are not strictly considered to be in the radio frequency range. For example, in some embodiments, the RF circuitry may include circuitry for operating with signals having an intermediate frequency between the baseband frequency and the radio frequency.

[0192] In various embodiments, the transmitter circuitry, control circuitry, or receiver circuitry discussed above with respect to user equipment, eNB, gNB, or TRP may be implemented, in whole or in part, in one or more RF circuitry, baseband circuitry, and / or processing units. As used herein, “circuit” may refer to, be part of, or include: application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuitry executing one or more software or firmware programs, processors and / or memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped), combined logic circuitry, and / or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality. In some embodiments, the electronic device circuitry system may be implemented in one or more software or firmware modules, or the functionality associated with such circuitry system may be implemented by one or more software or firmware modules. In some embodiments, some or all of the components of the baseband circuitry, processing units, and / or memory / storage devices may be implemented together on a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0193] The memory / storage device 740 can be used to load and store, for example, data and / or instructions for the system. One embodiment of the memory / storage device may include any combination of suitable volatile memory (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM)) and / or non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory). In various embodiments, the I / O interface 780 may include one or more user interfaces and / or peripheral component interfaces, the user interfaces being designed to enable a user to interact with the system, and the peripheral component interfaces being designed to enable peripheral components to interact with the system. The user interface may include, but is not limited to, a physical keyboard or keypad, a touchpad, a speaker, a microphone, etc. The peripheral component interface may include, but is not limited to, a non-volatile memory interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an audio jack, and a power interface.

[0194] In various embodiments, sensor 770 may include one or more sensing devices for determining environmental conditions and / or location information relevant to the system. In some embodiments, the sensor may include, but is not limited to, a gyroscope sensor, an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, and a positioning unit. The positioning unit may also be part of or interact with baseband circuitry and / or RF circuitry to communicate with components of a positioning network (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites). In various embodiments, display 750 may include displays such as liquid crystal displays and touchscreen displays. In various embodiments, system 700 may be a mobile computing device, such as, but not limited to, laptops, tablets, netbooks, ultrabooks, smartphones, etc. In various embodiments, the system may have more or fewer components and / or different architectures. Where appropriate, the methods described herein may be implemented as a computer program. The computer program may be stored on a storage medium such as a non-transitory storage medium.

[0195] Some embodiments of this application are combinations of "technologies / processes" that can be adopted in 3GPP specifications to develop end products.

[0196] Those skilled in the art will understand that each unit, algorithm, and step described and disclosed in the embodiments of this application is implemented using electronic hardware or a combination of software and electronic hardware for computers. Whether these functions operate in hardware or software depends on the application conditions and the design requirements of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can implement the functions of each specific application in different ways, and such implementation should not exceed the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that the working processes of the systems, devices, and units in the above embodiments can be referred to, as the working processes of the above systems, devices, and units are basically the same. For ease of description and brevity, these working processes will not be described in detail.

[0197] It should be understood that the systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in other ways. The embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The division of units is based solely on logical function, and other divisions may exist in implementation. Multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system. Some features may also be omitted or skipped. On the other hand, the mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communication coupling shown or discussed may be indirect coupling or electrical, mechanical, or other forms of communication coupling through some interface, apparatus, or unit.

[0198] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The units shown may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be used depending on the purpose of the embodiment. Furthermore, the functional units in various embodiments may be integrated into one processing unit, or they may be physically independent, or two or more units may be integrated into one processing unit.

[0199] If software functional units are implemented and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a readable storage medium within a computer. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions proposed in this application can be implemented essentially or partially as software products. Alternatively, a portion of a technical solution beneficial to the prior art can be implemented as a software product. Software products in a computer are stored in a storage medium and include multiple commands for a computing device (e.g., a personal computer, server, or network device) to execute all or part of the steps disclosed in the embodiments of this application. This storage medium includes a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a floppy disk, or other media capable of storing program code.

[0200] Although this application has been described in conjunction with what are considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it should be understood that this application is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to cover various arrangements made without departing from the broadest interpretation of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for dynamically switching multicast and broadcast service (MBS) packet transmission modes, wherein MBS packets are transmitted from a base station to a user equipment (UE) in a new radio (NR) communication system, the method being performed by the base station, characterized in that, And includes: In response to a radio bearer without configured MBS, a first message is sent to the UE indicating configuration information for establishing the radio bearer, the radio bearer corresponding to an initial transmission mode for transmitting the MBS data packets, wherein the transmission mode is a point-to-point (PTP) mode, a point-to-multipoint (PTM) mode, or a combination of PTP and PTM. and In response to a radio bearer that has been configured and corresponds to the PTP mode and the PTM mode, a second message indicating a configuration message is sent to the UE, the configuration information representing one or more operations selected from a set of operations based on the difference between the initial transmission mode and the target transmission mode, to switch from the initial transmission mode to the target transmission mode; Either the first message or the second message is sent to the UE via dedicated signaling, and either the first message or the second message is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wireless bearer configuration phase also includes: Send another message indicating configuration information, which represents one or more operations selected from another set of operations based on the difference between the initial transmission mode and the target transmission mode, to switch from the initial transmission mode to the target transmission mode.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first set of operations includes activation and deactivation operations, and the second set of operations includes creation and release operations.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of sending another message includes: Send the other message indicating configuration information, which represents the operation of releasing a radio bearer corresponding to one of the PTP mode and the PTM mode, and the operation of establishing a radio bearer corresponding to the other of the PTP mode and the PTM mode.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of sending another message includes: The other message indicating configuration information is sent, wherein, if a radio bearer corresponding to one of the PTP mode and the PTM mode exists, the configuration information represents the operation of establishing only the radio bearer corresponding to the other of the PTP mode and the PTM mode.

6. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of sending another message includes: The other message indicating configuration information is sent, wherein, in the presence of both radio bearers corresponding to the PTP mode and the PTM mode, the configuration information represents the operation of releasing only the radio bearer corresponding to one of the PTP mode and the PTM mode.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of sending the second message includes: The second message is sent, indicating configuration information representing the operation of deactivating a radio bearer corresponding to one of the PTP mode and the PTM mode, and the operation of activating a radio bearer corresponding to the other of the PTP mode and the PTM mode.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of sending the second message includes: The second message indicating configuration information is sent, wherein, if a radio bearer corresponding to one of the PTP mode and the PTM mode exists, the configuration information represents the activation of operation only for the radio bearer corresponding to the other of the PTP mode and the PTM mode.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of sending the second message includes: The second message, which sends configuration information, indicates that, in the presence of both radio bearers corresponding to the PTP mode and the PTM mode, the configuration information represents the operation of deactivating only the radio bearer corresponding to one of the PTP mode and the PTM mode.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Either the first message or the second message is an RRCreconfiguration message, and the configuration information of either the first message or the second message is indicated by the information element of the RRCreconfiguration message.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Either the first message or the second message is an RRCresume message, and the configuration information of either the first message or the second message is indicated by the information element of the RRCresume message.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Either the first message or the second message is sent to the UE via broadcast signaling, and either the first message or the second message is a System Information Block (SIB) message.

13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Send a control channel configuration to the UE, wherein the second message is sent on the control channel indicated by the control channel configuration.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The control channel configuration is transmitted using broadcast signaling of System Information Block (SIB) messages, and the control channel transmitting the second message is carried on the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).

15. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The configuration information for the second message is indicated by the Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE).

16. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second message corresponds to downlink control information (DCI) transmitted on the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

17. A method for dynamically switching multicast and broadcast service (MBS) packet delivery modes, wherein MBS packets are transmitted from a base station to a user equipment (UE) in a new radio (NR) communication system, the method being performed by the UE, characterized in that, And includes: In response to a radio bearer without MBS configuration, a first message is received from the base station indicating configuration information for establishing a radio bearer, the radio bearer corresponding to an initial transmission mode for receiving the MBS data packets, wherein the transmission mode is a point-to-point (PTP) mode, a point-to-multipoint (PTM) mode, or a combination of PTP and PTM. and In response to a radio bearer that has been configured and corresponds to the PTP mode and the PTM mode, a second message indicating a configuration message is received from the base station, the configuration information representing one or more operations selected from a set of operations based on the difference between the initial transmission mode and the target transmission mode, to switch from the initial transmission mode to the target transmission mode; Either the first message or the second message is transmitted from the base station via dedicated signaling, and either the first message or the second message is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The wireless bearer configuration phase also includes: Receive another message indicating configuration information, which represents one or more operations selected from another set of operations based on the difference between the initial transmission mode and the target transmission mode, to switch from the initial transmission mode to the target transmission mode.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first set of operations includes activation and deactivation operations, and the second set of operations includes creation and release operations.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The step of receiving another message includes: Receive another message indicating configuration information, the configuration information representing the operation of releasing a radio bearer corresponding to one of the PTP mode and the PTM mode, and the operation of establishing a radio bearer corresponding to the other of the PTP mode and the PTM mode.

21. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The step of receiving another message includes: Upon receiving the other message indicating configuration information, if a radio bearer corresponding to one of the PTP mode and the PTM mode exists, the configuration information represents the operation of establishing only the radio bearer corresponding to the other of the PTP mode and the PTM mode.

22. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The step of receiving another message includes: Upon receiving the other message indicating configuration information, in the presence of both radio bearers corresponding to the PTP mode and the PTM mode, the configuration information represents the operation of releasing only the radio bearer corresponding to one of the PTP mode and the PTM mode.

23. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The step of receiving the second message includes: The second message indicating configuration information is received, which represents the operation of deactivating a radio bearer corresponding to one of the PTP mode and the PTM mode, and the operation of activating a radio bearer corresponding to the other of the PTP mode and the PTM mode.

24. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The step of receiving the second message includes: Upon receiving the second message indicating configuration information, if a radio bearer corresponding to one of the PTP mode and the PTM mode exists, the configuration information represents activating operation only for the other radio bearer corresponding to the PTP mode and the PTM mode.

25. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The step of receiving the second message includes: Upon receiving the second message indicating configuration information, in the presence of both radio bearers corresponding to the PTP mode and the PTM mode, the configuration information represents the operation of deactivating only the radio bearer corresponding to one of the PTP mode and the PTM mode.

26. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, Either the first message or the second message is an RRCreconfiguration message, and the configuration information of either the first message or the second message is indicated by the information element of the RRCreconfiguration message.

27. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, Either the first message or the second message is an RRCresume message, and the configuration information of either the first message or the second message is indicated by the information element of the RRCresume message.

28. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, Either the first message or the second message is transmitted from the base station via broadcast signaling, and either the first message or the second message is a System Information Block (SIB) message.

29. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, Also includes: The second message is sent on the control channel indicated by the control channel configuration from the base station.

30. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The configuration information for the second message is indicated by the Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE).

31. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The second message corresponds to downlink control information (DCI) transmitted on the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

32. A base station, comprising: A processor configured to invoke and execute program instructions stored in memory to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 16.

33. A user equipment (UE), comprising: A processor configured to invoke and execute program instructions stored in memory to perform the method of any one of claims 17 to 31.

Images