Method and related apparatus for wireless communication

Abstract

A method of wireless communication is provided. The method includes receiving, from a user equipment (UE), UE assistance information, and transmitting, by a network node, unicast and broadcast services simultaneously over a common physical channel based on the UE assistance information. Through this method, better resource usage efficiency and flexible transmission are achieved based on the UE assistance information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication system technology, and in particular to a method and related apparatus for wireless communication. Background Technology

[0002] Communication systems and networks have evolved towards broadband mobile systems. In cellular wireless communication systems developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), User Equipment (UE) connects to the Radio Access Network (RAN) via radio links. The RAN includes a set of base stations (BSs) that provide radio links to UEs located within the cell coverage area of ​​the base stations, and includes an interface connecting to the Core Network (CN), which has the function of controlling the overall network. It can be understood that the RAN and CN each perform corresponding functions related to the entire network. 3GPP has developed the so-called Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, namely the Evolved Universal Mobile Communications System Territorial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), for mobile access networks supported by one or more macro-cells supported by base stations called eNodeBs or eNBs (evolved NodeBs). 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.

[0003] Broadcast services may need to be integrated into 5G NR. 3GPP has developed NR broadcast / multicast in Release 17. However, other broadcast services can also be considered. For example, Free-to-air (FTA) television channel reception is an unencrypted terrestrial broadcast service. An FTA also refers to content provided by a broadcaster that does not require a user's subscription, even if that content may be delivered to the receiver by another operator (such as cable TV, internet, or satellite) that requires a user's subscription.

[0004] Single-Cell Point-to-Multipoint (SC-PTM) transmission is the baseline for 5G NR Multicast and Broadcast Services (NR MBS). In SC-PTM, broadcast / multicast services are provided within a single cell, where the broadcast / multicast area can be dynamically adjusted cell-by-cell based on user distribution. To meet the needs of various 5G services (e.g., terrestrial broadcasting, public safety, mission-critical applications, V2X applications, IPv4 / IPv6 multicast transmission, IPTV, software delivery over radio, group communication, and IoT applications), the NR MBS framework is needed to support NR MBS services and / or FTA services that run concurrently with unicast transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to propose a wireless communication method and related apparatus that can solve the problems existing in the prior art, improve the problems of increased service requirements and increased interference between sites, provide good communication performance, and / or improve resource utilization efficiency.

[0006] The first aspect of this application provides a wireless communication method, comprising: receiving UE assistance information from user equipment (UE); and, based on the UE assistance information, simultaneously transmitting unicast and broadcast services through a network node on a common physical channel.

[0007] A second aspect of this application provides a wireless communication method, comprising: sending user equipment (UE) auxiliary information to a network node; and receiving unicast and broadcast services from the network node through the UE, wherein the unicast and broadcast services are simultaneously transmitted on a common physical channel based on the UE auxiliary information.

[0008] A third aspect of this application provides a user equipment including a memory, at least one transceiver, and a processor coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the processor being configured to call and execute program instructions stored in the memory to perform the above-described method.

[0009] A fourth aspect of this application provides a base station including a memory, at least one transceiver, and a processor coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the processor being configured to call and execute program instructions stored in the memory to perform the above-described method.

[0010] The fifth aspect of this application provides a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the above-described method.

[0011] A sixth aspect of this application provides a chip, including a processor, configured to call and run a computer program stored in a memory, so that a device equipped with the chip performs the above-described method.

[0012] A seventh aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program causes a computer to perform the above-described method.

[0013] The eighth aspect of this application provides a computer program product, including a computer program, wherein the computer program causes a computer to perform the above-described methods.

[0014] The tenth aspect of this application provides a computer program that causes a computer to perform the above-described methods. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the following figures will be described in conjunction with the embodiments, and will be briefly introduced below. It is obvious that these figures only present some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can derive other figures based on these figures without making any presuppositions.

[0016] Figure 1(a) shows a schematic diagram of a communication control system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Figure 1(b) shows a block diagram of a user equipment and a base station for wireless communication in a communication control system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 This diagram shows the wireless protocol architecture of the gNB and UE.

[0019] Figure 3 The diagram shows that the gNB further includes a centralized unit (CU) and multiple distributed units (DU).

[0020] Figure 4 A flowchart of a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0021] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates a network-initiated UE assistance information reporting for FTA services according to an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates a UE-initiated UE auxiliary information reporting for FTA services according to an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing an example of unicast, NR MBS, and NR-SFN transmission according to embodiments of this application.

[0024] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates a network-initiated UE assistance information reporting for NR-SFN transmission according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates a UE-initiated UE auxiliary information reporting for NR-SFN transmission according to an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates RAN-based synchronization according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of this application 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 application is only used to describe certain embodiments and is not intended to limit the content of this application.

[0028] In this document, the term " / " should be interpreted as meaning "and / or". Furthermore, combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, or C", or "A, B, and / or C" can be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, wherein any of the above combinations may contain one or more members of A, B, or C.

[0029] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) show a schematic diagram and a functional block diagram of the communication control system 1 according to this application, respectively. The communication control system 1 includes user equipment (UE) 10 and a base station 20. The user equipment 10 is, for example, a smartphone. The base station 20 is a gNB, which is an example of a network node. The user equipment 10 and the base station 20 can communicate with each other wirelessly or via wired means. The base station 20 and the next-generation core network 30 can also communicate with each other wirelessly or via wired means. When the communication control system 1 conforms to the New Radio (NR) standard of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the next-generation core network (5GCN) 30 is a back-end service network system and may include Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network elements, User Plane Function (UPF) network elements, and Session Management Function (SMF) network elements. User equipment 10 may be a device that supports multicast and broadcast service (MBS) or a device that does not support MBS, but this application is not limited thereto. User equipment 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, and at least one transceiver 13. The processor 11 is coupled to the memory 12 and the transceiver 13. The transceiver 13 of user equipment 10 is configured to transmit signals to base station 20, enabling user equipment 10 to communicate with base station 20. Base station 20 may include a processor 21, a memory 22, and at least one transceiver 23. The processor 21 is coupled to the memory 22 and the transceiver 23. Processor 11 or 21 may be configured to implement the functions, procedures, and / or methods described herein. A wireless interface protocol layer may be implemented in processor 11 or 21. Memory 12 or 22 is operatively coupled to processor 11 or 21 and stores various information to operate processor 11 or 21. Transceiver 13 or 23 is operatively coupled to processor 11 or 21, and transceiver 13 or 23 transmits and / or receives wireless signals. In one aspect, user equipment 10 may include consumer electronic devices or appliances that can connect to a radio access network and core network (but not limited to NR networks) conforming to a 3GPP standard version or further.

[0030] New Radio Multicast and Broadcast Services (NR MBS) support point-to-multipoint transmission within a single cell (i.e., single cell-point-to-multipoint technology (SC-PTM)) and / or single-frequency network (NR-SFN). In SC-PTM, broadcast / multicast services are provided within a single cell, where the broadcast / multicast area can be dynamically adjusted cell-by-cell based on user distribution. In SFN, several transmitters simultaneously transmit the same signal through the same channel. Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the user plane radio protocol architecture between the gNB and UE for NR MBS, which includes optional Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), Radio Link Control (RLC), and Medium Access Control (MAC). In cases where RAN function decomposition supports NR MBS, the gNB may also include one centralized unit (CU) and multiple distributed units (DUs), such as... Figure 3 As shown. The protocol stack of the CU includes the RRC layer, an optional SDAP layer, and the PDCP layer, while the protocol stack of the DU includes the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and the PHY layer. An F1 interface is established between the CU and the DU between the PDCP layer and the RLC layer. In cases where the Radio Access Network (RAN) shares multiple broadcast cell identifiers, each cell identifier associated with a subset of the public land mobile network (PLMN) corresponds to a gNB-DU and its connected gNB-CU. That is, multiple corresponding gNB-DUs share the same physical layer cell resources for NR MBS and FTA services. Each cell in the shared RAN should also indicate the available PLMN identifiers in the system information for the UE to select.

[0031] Figure 4 This diagram shows a flowchart of a wireless communication method 400 according to an embodiment of this application. The method 400 is performed by a network node (e.g., a gNB) in a network. The method 400 may include the following steps.

[0032] In block 410, the network node receives UE auxiliary information from the user equipment (UE).

[0033] The UE assistance information may include UE capabilities, such as whether the UE supports broadcast reception or which frequency bands will be used for broadcast reception. The UE assistance information may also include, for example, measurement reports from neighboring cells. In specific scenarios, the UE assistance information may also include other information, such as Free-to-air (FTA) / Radio Access Network (RAN) shared status reports. In one embodiment, the reporting of UE assistance information may be initiated by a network node. That is, when a network node needs additional UE capability information, it can request the UE to send that UE capability information. In another embodiment, the reporting of UE assistance information may be initiated by the UE. That is, when the UE wants to receive broadcast data, the UE can initiate the transmission of UE assistance information.

[0034] UE assistance information helps network nodes configure radio resources for the UE to receive both unicast and broadcast services simultaneously. For example, using this UE assistance information, a network node can determine the frequency band to be used for broadcast services, and then perform unicast transmissions within that band. Since the allocation of radio resources is primarily controlled by the network node (e.g., gNB), this procedure can be RAN-based, unlike core network (CN)-based procedures.

[0035] In various use cases, a network node can be one of the following: one of multiple cells within a distributed unit (intra-DU), one of multiple cells between DUs within a centralized unit (intra-CU), one of multiple cells between CUs (inter-CU), one of multiple cells in a primary / secondary carrier component (CC), one of multiple cells in a primary / secondary cell group, and one of multiple cells in a shared public land mobile network (PLMN).

[0036] In block 420, the network node, based on the UE assistance information, simultaneously sends unicast and broadcast services to the UE on a common physical channel.

[0037] The broadcast service may include an FTA, or a multicast and broadcast service (MBS) (specifically, MBS broadcast), or both an FTA and MBS. That is, a network node can send unicast and broadcast services including at least one of an FTA and MBS. The network node is configured to simultaneously transmit unicast and broadcast services on a common physical channel (e.g., PDCCH and PDSCH). More specifically, as an example, in block 420, after determining that an FTA will be transmitted, unicast (and / or MBS) is transmitted to the UE on resources configured according to the FTA. For example, after configuring a frequency band for FTA transmission, radio resources for unicast (and / or MBS) transmission are correspondingly configured as well. This allows for better resource utilization efficiency and flexible transmission because it allows the transmission of unicast and other broadcast or multicast services, such as MBS, on resources determined based on the FTA.

[0038] In one embodiment, the broadcast service is transmitted over a RAN-based single-frequency network (SFN). That is, different cells simultaneously transmit broadcast services with the same signal through the same channel. The network node providing the broadcast service to the UE determines, based on the UE auxiliary information, to transmit the broadcast data within a RAN-based SFN service area. Furthermore, this application allows for the simultaneous transmission of unicast and / or MBS data with FTA services over a RAN-based SFN.

[0039] In one embodiment, the network node decides whether to use RAN-based SFN or SC-PTM to transmit MBS. The network node can configure SC-PTM transmission and RAN-based SFN transmission for UEs located at the cell center and cell edge, respectively, based on UE auxiliary information. The network node can also configure adaptive modulation and coding schemes (MCS) for SC-PTM transmission and RAN-based SFN transmission for UEs located at the cell center and cell edge, respectively, based on UE auxiliary information.

[0040] By using the method 400 proposed above, the present invention can solve the problems in the prior art, provide better resource utilization efficiency and flexible transmission based on UE auxiliary information, improve the problems of increased service requirements and increased inter-site interference, provide good communication performance, and / or improve resource utilization efficiency.

[0041] Other technical details of this application are as follows:

[0042] As an example, Free Television Channel Access (FTA) service is a free broadcast service that does not require device subscription, while NR MBS requires user subscription. High-power high tower (HPHT) and / or low-power low tower (LPLT) networks should be considered as an FTA structure. In Receive-only mode (ROM) deployment, FTA is configured to enable SIM-free reception. This means that the UE does not require a UICC or USIM in ROM mode. The broadcast solution in NR MBS allows the UE to receive FTA services in a downlink-only manner. When the UE is capable of receiving in Receive-only mode, it can receive FTA on a pre-configured range / area / subframe / frequency / carrier / cell without establishing a connection with an NG-RAN node. Besides SIM-free ROM mode, another mode called Integrated ROM allows the UE to perform network access (i.e., unicast services, and some other multicast and broadcast services) simultaneously as a regular UE (i.e., with at least one SIM card). This Integrated ROM requires a USIM to operate. In some integrated ROM use cases, the UE supports the use of multiple SIM cards to receive FTA services and network services from the same or different operators.

[0043] In this application, in order to allocate network resources and avoid interference, the UE should report some auxiliary information to the NG-RAN node (e.g., UE capabilities, measurement reports, FTA reception / RAN sharing status reports, etc.). When the NG-RAN node knows the UE's capabilities, channel quality, and / or the range / area / subframe / frequency / carrier / cell for the UE to receive FTA services, the NG-RAN node can configure resources for the UE accordingly.

[0044] In some embodiments, when an NG-RAN node requires additional UE capability information to receive an FTA, the NG-RAN node can initiate a procedure to the UE in the RRC_CONNECTED state, such as... Figure 5As shown. The UEFTACapabilityEnquiry information element (e.g., via a system information block or a new RRC message) is used to request the UE's radio access capability for FTA and RAN sharing. The network can send at least one supported bandwidth, subcarrier spacing, and UEFTACapabilityEnquiry information element (IE) to request the type of FTA channel / FeatureSet combination / RAN sharing supported by the UE. Upon receiving the UEFTACapabilityEnquiry, the UE should set at least one of the following in the UEFTACapabilityInformation information element (e.g., via MBSInterestIndication or a new RRC message):

[0045] • FTA band / FeatureSet functions

[0046] • The combination of FTA bands supported by the UE, as FTA-supported Band Combination

[0047] • A combination of FTA FeatureSets supported by the UE, known as the FTAsupportedFeatureSetCombination

[0048] RAT types

[0049] • FTA synchronization capability

[0050] The FTA FeatureSet identifier is associated with one or more FTA bands (e.g., ARFCN) within the corresponding band combination. The RAT type is associated with the RAT supported by the UE, including nr, eutra-nr, eutra, and RAN shared types. The FTA's synchronization capability is calculated by taking the modulo of the actual value (e.g., Timing Advance (TA) value, FTA reception timestamp) modulo the FTA transmission period defined in the FTA, using a timing-related value for synchronization purposes. Based on this information, the NG-RAN node can derive the FTA transmission according to the following formula:

[0051] FTA synchronization = {values ​​related to timing} mod {period(FTA)}.

[0052] Subsequently, NG-RAN nodes can allocate unicast and / or NR MBS to UEs for better performance.

[0053] In some embodiments, in addition to general network access, when a UE wants to receive FTA services, the UE can initiate a request to the network in the RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE / RRC_CONNECTED state, such as... Figure 6 The process is illustrated. When a corresponding FTA event (e.g., a UL / DL attempt after an FTA) is triggered or periodically, the UE should set at least one of the following in the UEFTAReport information element (e.g., via MBSInterestIndication or a new RRC message):

[0054] • Number of cells and / or beams associated with the FTA

[0055] • FTA reception status

[0056] • The maximum number of cells / beams that each UE must receive

[0057] RAT types

[0058] • FTA synchronization capability

[0059] In this embodiment, FTA service and / or general MBS transmission can be associated with single-frequency operation in an LPLT cellular structure. A mapping between frequency and FTA / MBS service identifiers (e.g., service area identifiers) can be provided in upper-layer signaling (e.g., User Service Description, USD). FTA can be transmitted simultaneously with MBS in a single-frequency network (SFN), or it can be transmitted separately from MBS, or only MBS can be transmitted in this SFN. An NR FTA / MBS single-frequency network (NR-SFN) can provide synchronous transmission of RAN-based FTA / MBS data from different cells of one or more NG-RAN nodes. This means that the UE can receive FTA and / or MBS data within at least one NR-SFN service area, such as... Figure 7As shown. In some cases, NR-SFN can handle multipath propagation based on existing frame structures and parameter configurations (e.g., conventional cyclic prefixes, subcarrier spacing). NG-RAN nodes can dynamically and simultaneously transmit unicast and FTA / MBS via DRB and / or MRB, based on UE auxiliary information and RAN-based NR-SFN delivery procedures, to be compatible with different transmissions within one or more cells. Regarding coverage enhancements, enhanced frame structures (e.g., RAN-based SFN subframes for FTA / MBS and unicast, group common resources for multiplexing broadcast and unicast transmissions (in TDM / FDM multiplexing), self-contained subframes for reliable NR MBS ACK / NACK, common frequency resources (CFR)) and parameter configurations (e.g., extended cyclic prefixes, new subcarrier spacing) can expand the NR-SFN service area (i.e., not limited to cells in the intra-DU) and UE mobility, provided that NR MBS QoS requirements are met. Both existing and enhanced frame structures / parameter configurations can coexist with RAN-based NR-SFN delivery procedures, achieving compatibility with previous generation designs. Flexible parameter configuration allows for a range of cyclic prefixes and / or subcarrier spacings with different time slot lengths. In some embodiments, a new configuration for NR-SFN transmission (e.g., NR-SFN identifier, parameter configuration, etc.) can be transmitted in at least one system information block.

[0060] Figure 7This diagram illustrates an example of unicast, NR MBS, and NR-SFN transmissions according to embodiments of this application. Multiple 5G core networks (5GCs) receive FTA / NR MBS / unicast transmissions from the FTA / MBS / unicast data network, respectively. For FTA / NR MBS broadcast communication, shared FTA / MBS session packets (i.e., single copies of those FTA / MBS transmissions) are delivered to an NG-RAN node (e.g., a gNB) and then to one or more NR MBS-enabled UEs. Individual unicast Packet Data Unit (PDU) session packets are delivered to individual UEs via a PDU session for each UE used for NR MBS / unicast communication. The NG-RAN node providing NR MBS to the UEs may decide to transmit MBS data via a multicast radio bearer (e.g., an MRB) and / or a unicast data radio bearer (e.g., a specific DRB) based on MBS session QoS (e.g., reliability, BLER) requirements, the number of interested UEs, and estimated channel quality. This allows NG-RAN nodes to determine which UE MBS sessions should use PTP or PTM. SC-PTM using point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission is delivered to one or more given UEs via the MRB, just as PTM PDSCH data scheduled via PDCCH is scrambled with a specific group-RNTI (G-RNTI). SC-PTM using point-to-point (PTP) transmission is delivered to one or more given UEs via a specific DRB scrambled with C-RNTI, just as PTP PDSCH data scheduled via PDCCH is scrambled with a specific cell-RNTI (C-RNTI). When NR-SFN is supported, the NG-RAN node providing FTA / MBS to the UE can decide to send FTA / MBS data within the NR-SFN service area based on UE auxiliary information (e.g., UE capabilities, measurement reports, FTA reception / RAN sharing status reports, etc.). Due to the diversity of transmissions, NR-SFN typically performs better than SC-PTM for UEs located at the cell edge. If necessary, the NR-RAN node can configure adaptive modulation and coding schemes (MCS) for SC-PTM and NR-SFN transmissions for UEs located in the cell center and UEs located at the cell edge, respectively, based on UE auxiliary information, estimated channel quality, and QoS requirements. From the UE's perspective, based on the UE's capabilities, the UE can receive unicast, NR MBS, and FTA via DRB, MRB, and SFN respectively.

[0061] In some embodiments, when the network requires additional NR-SFN UE radio access capability information, a procedure can be initiated for the UE in the RRC_CONNECTED state. Upon receiving the UESFNCapabilityEnquiry information element (e.g., via a system information block or a new RRC message), such as... Figure 8 As shown, the UE should set the following in the UESFNCapabilityInformation information element (e.g., via MBSInterestIndication or a new RRC message):

[0062] • Functions of SFN band / FeatureSet

[0063] • The combination of SFN bands supported by the UE, as SFNsupportedBandCombination

[0064] • A combination of SFN FeatureSets supported by the UE, known as SFNsupportedFeatureSetCombination

[0065] RAT types

[0066] SFN's synchronization capability

[0067] The SFN FeatureSet identifier is associated with one or more NR-SFN bands within the corresponding band combination. The RAT type is associated with the RAT supported by the UE, including nr, eutra-nr, eutra, and RAN shared types. The SFN synchronization capability is a timing-related value used for descriptive purposes (e.g., Timing Advance (TA) value, NR-SFN reception timestamp) modulo the NR-SFN transmission period defined in the FTA / NR MBS. Based on this information, the NG-RAN node can derive the FTA / NR MBS transmission according to the following formula:

[0068] SFN synchronization = {time-related value} mod {period(NR-SFN)}.

[0069] Subsequently, NG-RAN nodes can allocate unicast transmissions for UEs to achieve better performance.

[0070] In some embodiments, in addition to general network access, when a UE wants to receive SFN services, the UE can initiate a request to the network in the RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE / RRC_CONNECTED state, such as... Figure 9The process is illustrated. When a corresponding SFN event (e.g., a UL / DL attempt after an SFN transmission) is triggered or periodically, the UE should set at least one of the following in the UESFNReport information element (e.g., via MBSInterestIndication or a new RRC message):

[0071] • The number of cells and / or beams associated with each SFN

[0072] • SFN reception status for FTA

[0073] • The maximum number of cells / beams that each UE must receive

[0074] RAT types

[0075] SFN's synchronization capability

[0076] In this embodiment, the RAN-based NR-SFN delivery procedure provides transmission of multiple cells and SFNs within the NR-SFN service area (i.e., the NR FTA SFN service area and the NR MBS SFN service area) using a RAN-based synchronization method. All cells belonging to the same NR-SFN service area are configured with the same SFN-specific reference / synchronization signal pattern for UE synchronization. This SFN-specific reference / synchronization signal is specific to a particular FTA / MBS service and is propagated by the relevant cells on the NG-RAN node (e.g., gNB-DU, gNB) to help the UE acquire FTA / MBS data within each NR-SFN service area. For inter-cell transmission, the transmitting cell of the NG-RAN node must synchronize via external synchronization and / or internal synchronization. For external synchronization, the NG-RAN node may consider using UE auxiliary information (e.g., UEFTACapabilityInformation, UEFTAReport, UESFNCapabilityInformation, UESFNReport, UEMeasurementReport, etc.) to fine-tune the NR-SFN transmission. For internal synchronization, NG-RAN nodes can exchange synchronization-related parameters (e.g., physical clock and / or system frame number) for NR-SFN transmission via the Xn interface. In addition to external and / or internal synchronization, the frame processing function of NG-RAN nodes (e.g., gNB-CU, gNB) can be responsible for setting the TimeStamp value to allow all gNB-DU / cells to transmit FTA / MBS data in synchronized state. Synchronization-related parameters are negotiated and determined by NG-RAN nodes belonging to the same NR-SFN service area when that service area is established. When RAN function splitting occurs at an NG-RAN node, the TimeStamp value and synchronization-related parameters are encapsulated in an F1AP message and sent to the involved gNB-DUs, such as... Figure 10 As shown.

[0077] The first embodiment of this application, for example Figure 3 and Figure 7The diagram illustrates an implementation scenario of signal transmission between UE 10 and base station 20 according to this application. An NG-RAN node (e.g., gNB) is configured to implement simultaneous operation of unicast, NR MBS, and NR-SFN, which are performed on common physical channels (e.g., PDCCH and PDSCH) within multiple cells in an intra-DU (i.e., transmissions in multiple cells under the same MAC scheduler) using various techniques (e.g., time / frequency / spatial domain resolution, etc.). The NG-RAN node can dynamically and simultaneously transmit unicast and FTA / MBS via DRB and / or MRB based on UE auxiliary information and RAN-based NR-SFN delivery procedures. In this embodiment, the TimeStamp value and synchronization-related parameters are optionally encapsulated in an F1AP message and transmitted to the involved gNB-DU. The gNB-DU coordinates the NR-SFN transmission without inter-gNB-CU negotiation. The UE can optionally report UE assistance information and switch to resources in multiple cells of the active BWP using TDM / FDM / SDM multiplexing to receive unicast and FTA / MBS data. In some cases, from the UE's perspective, there can be more than one active BWP. The UE has better RF capabilities (e.g., more than two RF chains) to perform NR MBS and NR-SFN reception on different BWPs when necessary. In further cases, if necessary, the NR-RAN node can configure SC-PTM and NR-SFN transmissions for UEs located in the cell center and UEs located at the cell edge, respectively, based on UE assistance information / estimated channel quality / QoS requirements. Furthermore, the NG-RAN node can determine whether to transmit FTA / MBS data via SC-PTM and NR-SFN operations based on configurable SFN-based range thresholds within a specific NG-RAN node.

[0078] The second embodiment of this application, for example Figure 3 and Figure 7The diagram illustrates an implementation scenario of signal transmission between UE 10 and base station 20 according to this application. An NG-RAN node (e.g., gNB) is configured to implement simultaneous operation of unicast, NR MBS, and NR-SFN, which are performed on common physical channels (e.g., PDCCH and PDSCH) within multiple cells (i.e., transmissions in multiple cells under the same radio resource manager (RRM)) within an intra-CU (intra-CU) and inter-DU (inter-DU) using various techniques (e.g., time / frequency / spatial domain resolution, etc.). The NG-RAN node can dynamically and simultaneously transmit unicast and FTA / MBS via DRB and / or MRB based on UE assistance information and RAN-based NR-SFN delivery procedures. In this embodiment, the TimeStamp value and synchronization-related parameters are optionally encapsulated in an F1AP message and transmitted to the involved gNB-DU. The gNB-CU coordinates NR-SFN transmissions without inter-gNB-CU negotiation. The UE can optionally report UE assistance information and switch to resources in multiple cells of the active BWP using TDM / FDM / SDM multiplexing to receive unicast and FTA / MBS data. In some cases, from the UE's perspective, there can be more than one active BWP. The UE has better RF capabilities (e.g., more than two RF chains) to perform NR MBS and NR-SFN reception on different BWPs when necessary. In further cases, if necessary, the NR-RAN node can configure SC-PTM and NR-SFN transmissions for UEs located in the cell center and UEs located at the cell edge, respectively, based on UE assistance information / estimated channel quality / QoS requirements. Furthermore, the NG-RAN node can determine whether to transmit FTA / MBS data via SC-PTM and NR-SFN operations based on configurable SFN-based range thresholds within a specific NG-RAN node.

[0079] The third implementation of this application, for example Figure 3 and Figure 7The diagram illustrates an implementation scenario of signal transmission between UE 10 and base station 20 according to this application. NG-RAN nodes (e.g., gNBs) are configured to implement simultaneous operation of unicast, NR MBS, and NR-SFN, which are performed on common physical channels (e.g., PDCCH and PDSCH) across multiple cells within inter-CUs (i.e., transmissions in multiple cells within the same NR-SFN service area) using various techniques (e.g., time / frequency / spatial domain resolution, etc.). NG-RAN nodes can dynamically and simultaneously transmit unicast and FTA / MBS via DRB and / or MRB based on UE assistance information and RAN-based NR-SFN delivery procedures. In this embodiment, the TimeStamp value and synchronization-related parameters are encapsulated in an F1AP message and transmitted to the involved gNB-DU and gNB-CU. Each gNB-CU will coordinate NR-SFN transmissions through inter-gNB-CU negotiation. The UE can optionally report UE assistance information and switch to resources in multiple cells of the active BWP using TDM / FDM / SDM multiplexing to receive unicast and FTA / MBS data. In some cases, from the UE's perspective, there can be more than one active BWP. The UE has better RF capabilities (e.g., more than two RF chains) to perform NR MBS and NR-SFN reception on different BWPs when necessary. In further cases, if necessary, the NR-RAN node can configure SC-PTM and NR-SFN transmissions for UEs located in the cell center and UEs located at the cell edge, respectively, based on UE assistance information / estimated channel quality / QoS requirements. Furthermore, the NG-RAN node can determine whether to transmit FTA / MBS data via SC-PTM and NR-SFN operations based on configurable SFN-based range thresholds within a specific NG-RAN node.

[0080] The fourth embodiment of this application, for example Figure 3 and Figure 7The diagram illustrates an implementation scenario of signal transmission between UE 10 and base station 20 according to this application. An NG-RAN node (e.g., gNB) is configured to implement simultaneous operation of unicast, NR MBS, and NR-SFN, which are achieved through various techniques (e.g., time / frequency / spatial domain resolution, etc.) on common physical channels (e.g., PDCCH and PDSCH) within multiple cells of primary / secondary carrier elements (i.e., carrier aggregation within the same NR-SFN service area). The NG-RAN node can dynamically and simultaneously transmit unicast and FTA / MBS via DRB and / or MRB based on UE auxiliary information and RAN-based NR-SFN delivery procedures. In this embodiment, the TimeStamp value and synchronization-related parameters are encapsulated in cross-carrier scheduling and inter-node messages and transmitted to the involved carrier elements. Each primary carrier element will coordinate NR-SFN transmissions through inter-node negotiation. The UE can optionally report UE assistance information and switch to resources in multiple cells of the active BWP using TDM / FDM / SDM multiplexing to receive unicast and FTA / MBS data. In some cases, from the UE's perspective, there can be more than one active BWP. The UE has better RF capabilities (e.g., more than two RF chains) so that, if necessary, NR MBS and NR-SFN reception can be performed on different BWPs. In further cases, if necessary, the NR-RAN node can configure SC-PTM and NR-SFN transmissions for UEs located in the cell center and UEs located at the cell edge, respectively, based on UE assistance information / estimated channel quality / QoS requirements. Furthermore, the NG-RAN node can determine whether to transmit FTA / MBS data via SC-PTM and NR-SFN operation based on configurable SFN-based range thresholds within specific carrier elements.

[0081] The fifth implementation of this application, for example Figure 3 and Figure 7The diagram illustrates an implementation scenario of signal transmission between UE 10 and base station 20 according to this application. An NG-RAN node (e.g., gNB) is configured to implement simultaneous operation of unicast, NR MBS, and NR-SFN, which are achieved through various techniques (e.g., time / frequency / spatial domain resolution, etc.) on common physical channels (e.g., PDCCH and PDSCH) within multiple cells of the primary / secondary cell group (i.e., inter-site carrier aggregation within the same NR-SFN service area). The NG-RAN node can dynamically and simultaneously transmit unicast and FTA / MBS via DRB and / or MRB based on UE auxiliary information and RAN-based NR-SFN delivery procedures. In this embodiment, the TimeStamp value and synchronization-related parameters are encapsulated in an inter-node message and transmitted to the involved gNB. The master cell group (MCG) coordinates NR-SFN transmissions through inter-node negotiation. The UE can optionally report UE assistance information and switch to multiple cells within an active BWP using TDM / FDM / SDM multiplexing resources to repeatedly receive unicast and FTA / MBS data. In some cases, from the UE's perspective, there can be more than one active BWP. The UE has better RF capabilities (e.g., more than two RF chains) to perform NR MBS and NR-SFN reception on different BWPs when necessary. In further cases, if necessary, the NR-RAN node can configure SC-PTM and NR-SFN transmissions for UEs located in the cell center and UEs located at the cell edge, respectively, based on UE assistance information / estimated channel quality / QoS requirements. Furthermore, the NG-RAN node can determine whether to transmit FTA / MBS data via SC-PTM and NR-SFN operations based on configurable SFN-based range thresholds within a specific NR-SFN service area.

[0082] The sixth embodiment of this application, for example Figure 3 and Figure 7The diagram illustrates an implementation scenario of signal transmission between UE 10 and base station 20 according to this application. NG-RAN nodes (e.g., gNBs) are configured to implement simultaneous operation of unicast, NR MBS, and NR-SFN, which are performed using various techniques (e.g., time / frequency / spatial domain resolution, etc.) on common physical channels (e.g., PDCCH and PDSCH) within multiple cells in multiple shared PLMNs (i.e., RAN-shared within the same NR-SFN service area). The RAN-shared architecture allows multiple PLMNs to share radio resources under a shared radio access network according to pre-planned and system-level protocols. In some cases, different PLMN identifiers may also point to the same 5GC. NG-RAN nodes can dynamically and simultaneously transmit unicast and FTA / MBS via DRB and / or MRB based on UE auxiliary information and RAN-based NR-SFN delivery procedures. In this embodiment, the TimeStamp value and synchronization-related parameters are encapsulated in an F1AP message and transmitted to multiple cells under the multiple shared PLMNs involved. Multiple shared PLMNs will coordinate NR-SFN transmissions through inter-PLMN negotiation. The UE can optionally report UE assistance information and switch to resources in multiple cells of an active BWP using TDM / FDM / SDM multiplexing to receive unicast and FTA / MBS data. In some cases, from the UE's perspective, there can be more than one active BWP. The UE has better RF capabilities (e.g., more than two RF chains) to perform NR MBS and NR-SFN reception on different BWPs when necessary. Further, if necessary, the NR-RAN node can configure SC-PTM and NR-SFN transmissions for UEs located in the cell center and UEs located at the cell edge, respectively, based on UE assistance information / estimated channel quality / QoS requirements. Additionally, the NG-RAN node can determine whether to transmit FTA / MBS data via SC-PTM and NR-SFN operations based on configurable SFN-based range thresholds within a specific shared RAN.

[0083] Some embodiments offer the following commercial benefits: 1. Solving problems in the prior art. 2. Improving the problems of increased service demand and inter-site interference. 3. Providing superior communication performance. 4. Improving resource utilization efficiency. Some embodiments of this application are used by 5G-NR chipset suppliers, V2X communication system development suppliers, automobile manufacturers (including cars, trains, trucks, buses, bicycles, motorcycles, helmets, etc.), drone (unmanned aerial vehicle) manufacturers, smartphone manufacturers, communication equipment manufacturers for public safety purposes, and AR / VR device manufacturers (e.g., for gaming, conferences / seminars, educational purposes). Some embodiments of this application are combinations of "technologies / processes" that can be adopted in 3GPP specifications to develop terminal products. Some embodiments of this application can be used in 5G NR unlicensed frequency band communications. Some embodiments of this application propose technical solutions.

[0084] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer programs. This computer-readable storage medium enables a computer to execute the corresponding programs implemented by the UE / BS in the various methods of this application's embodiments; for the sake of brevity, these will not be elaborated upon here.

[0085] This application also provides a computer program product, including computer program instructions. This computer program product enables a computer to execute the corresponding programs implemented by the UE / BS in the various methods of this application's embodiments; for the sake of brevity, these will not be elaborated upon here.

[0086] This application also provides a computer program. This computer program enables a computer to execute the corresponding programs implemented by the UE / BS in the various methods of this application embodiment, which will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0087] Although not shown in detail, any device or apparatus forming part of the network may include at least a processor, a storage unit, and a communication interface, wherein the processor unit, storage unit, and communication interface are configured to perform the methods of any aspect of the present invention. Further options and choices are described below.

[0088] The signal processing functions of embodiments of the present invention, particularly the gNB and UE, can be implemented using computing systems or architectures known to those skilled in the art. Computing systems such as desktop, laptop, or notebook computers, handheld computing devices (PDAs, cellular phones, PDAs, etc.), mainframes, servers, clients, or any other type of dedicated or general-purpose computing device that may be desired or suitable for a given application or environment can be used. The computing system may include one or more processors, which can be implemented using general-purpose or dedicated processing engines (e.g., microprocessors, microcontrollers, or other control modules).

[0089] The computing system may also include main memory, such as random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic memory, for storing instructions and information to be executed by the processor. Such main memory may also be used to store temporary variables and other intermediate information to be executed by the processor during instruction execution. The computing system may also include read-only memory (ROM) or other static memory devices for storing static information and instructions for the processor.

[0090] The computing system may further include an information storage system, which may include, for example, a media drive and a removable storage interface. The media drive may include a drive or other mechanism to support fixed or removable storage media, such as a hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, magnetic disk drive, optical disc drive, optical disc (CD) or digital video drive (DVD), read or write drive (R or RW), or other removable or fixed media drive. The storage media may include, for example, a hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic disk, optical disc, CD or DVD, or other fixed or removable media read or written by a media drive. The storage media may include a computer-readable storage medium having specific computer software or data stored therein.

[0091] In alternative embodiments, the information storage system may include other similar components for allowing computer programs or other instructions or data to be loaded into the computing system. Such components may include, for example, removable storage units and interfaces, such as program boxes and box interfaces, removable memory (e.g., flash memory or other removable memory modules) and memory slots, as well as other removable storage units and interfaces that allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage units to the computing system.

[0092] The computing system may also include a communication interface. Such a communication interface can be used to allow software and data to be transferred between the computing system and external devices. Examples of communication interfaces may include modems, network interfaces (such as Ethernet or other NIC cards), communication interfaces (such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) interfaces), PCMCIA slots and cards, and so on. Software and data transmitted via the communication interface are in the form of signals, which may be electrical, electromagnetic, and optical signals, or other signals that can be received by the communication interface medium.

[0093] In this document, the terms "computer program product," "computer-readable medium," etc., can generally be used to refer to tangible media, such as memory, storage device, storage unit, or storage cell. These and other forms of computer-readable media can store one or more instructions for use by a processor, including a computer system, to cause the processor to perform specified operations. Such instructions, generally referred to as "computer code" (which may be grouped as computer programs or otherwise), when executed, enable a computing system to perform the functions of embodiments of the present invention. Note that the computer code may directly cause the processor to perform specified operations, be compiled to do so, and / or be combined with other software, hardware, and / or firmware elements (e.g., libraries for performing standard functions) to do so.

[0094] Non-transitory computer-readable media may include at least one of the group consisting of: hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, read-only memories, programmable read-only memories, erasable programmable read-only memories, electrically erasable programmable read-only memories, and flash memory. In embodiments where the elements are implemented using software, the software may be stored in the computer-readable medium and loaded into the computing system, for example, using a removable storage drive. The control module (in this example, software instructions or executable computer code) causes the processor to perform the functions of the invention as described herein when executed by a processor in the computer system.

[0095] Furthermore, the inventive concept can be applied to any circuit used to perform signal processing functions within a network element. It is further foreseeable that, for example, semiconductor manufacturers can utilize the inventive concept when designing stand-alone devices and / or any other subsystem elements such as microcontrollers with application integrated circuits (ASICs) or digital signal processors (DSPs).

[0096] It will be appreciated that, for clarity, the above description has referred to embodiments of the invention with reference to a single processing logic. However, the concept of the invention can also be implemented by a number of different functional units and processors to provide signal processing functions. Therefore, references to specific functional units are considered merely as references to appropriate means for providing the functions described, and not as indications of a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0097] Various aspects of the invention can be implemented in any suitable form, including hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. The invention can optionally be implemented, at least in part, as computer software running on one or more data processors and / or digital signal processors, or as configurable modular components such as FPGA devices.

[0098] Therefore, the elements and components of embodiments of the present invention can be implemented physically, functionally, and logically in any suitable manner. In fact, the functionality can be implemented in a single unit, in multiple units, or as part of other functional units. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims. Furthermore, although features appear to be described in conjunction with specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various features of the described embodiments can be combined according to the invention. In the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps.

[0099] Furthermore, although listed individually, multiple means, elements, or method steps may be implemented by a single unit or processor. Additionally, while a single feature may be included in different claims, these may also be advantageously combined, and including a feature in different claims does not imply that such a combination is not feasible and / or advantageous. Moreover, including a feature in a claim of one class does not imply limitation to that class, but rather indicates that the feature is equally applicable to other claim classes where appropriate.

[0100] Furthermore, the order of features in the claims does not imply a specific order in which any feature must be performed, and in particular, the order of individual steps in a method claim does not imply that the steps must be performed in that order. Rather, the steps may be performed in any suitable order. Moreover, singular references do not exclude multiple instances. Therefore, references to “a,” “first,” “second,” etc., do not exclude multiple instances.

[0101] 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 of wireless communication, the method comprising: Comprising: receiving UE assistance information from a user equipment, UE; and simultaneously transmitting unicast and broadcast services over a common physical channel by a network node based on the UE assistance information, wherein the broadcast services comprise multicast and broadcast services, MBS, and the network node decides which UEs use point-to-point, PTP, and which UEs use point-to-multipoint, PTM, for transmission of MBS sessions.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The UE assistance information comprises at least one of UE capability, measurement report, and free-to-air, FTA, / radio access network, RAN, sharing status report.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The reporting of the UE assistance information is initiated by the network node.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The reporting of the UE assistance information is initiated by the UE.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The UE supports multiple subscriber identity module, SIM, cards for receiving data comprising the unicast and the broadcast services.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The data comprising the unicast and the broadcast services are from the same or different operators.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, The broadcast services comprise at least one of FTA and multicast and broadcast services, MBS.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, In the transmitting step, after determining that the FTA is to be transmitted, the unicast and / or the MBS are transmitted to the UE on resources configured according to the FTA.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein, In the transmitting step, the broadcast services are transmitted under a RAN-based single frequency network, SFN.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, Further comprising: The network node providing the broadcast services to the UE decides to transmit broadcast data within a RAN-based SFN service area based on the UE assistance information.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein, An enhanced frame structure comprising at least one of SFN-based subframes, self-contained subframes for reliable ACK / NACK, and common frequency resources, CFR, is used to extend the service area of the RAN-based SFN.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein, Flexible numerology is used in the RAN-based SFN to allow a range of at least one of cyclic prefix and subcarrier spacing with different slot lengths.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein, Further comprising: Configuration for RAN-based SFN transmission is transmitted in at least one system information block.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein, An identifier of the RAN-based SFN service area is provided in upper layer signaling.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein, In the transmitting step, the MBS is transmitted by a single-cell point-to-multipoint, SC-PTM, mode.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, Further comprising: It is decided by the network node providing MBS to the UE to transmit MBS data via a multicast radio bearer, MRB, or a unicast data radio bearer, DRB.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein, The SC-PTM with PTM transmission is delivered through the UE's MRB, and PDCCH-scheduled PTM PDSCH data is scrambled by a group-RNTI, G-RNTI.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein, The SC-PTM with PTP transmission is delivered through the UE's DRB, and PDCCH-scheduled PTP PDSCH data is scrambled by a cell-RNTI, C-RNTI.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: It is decided by the network node to transmit MBS with RAN-based SFN or SC-PTM.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, Further comprising: It is configured by the network node according to the UE assistance information to configure SC-PTM transmission and RAN-based SFN transmission for UEs located in the cell center and UEs located in the cell edge, respectively.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein, Further comprising: configuring, by the network node, adaptive modulation and coding scheme, MCS, for SC-PTM transmission and RAN-based SFN transmission for UEs located in cell center and UEs located in cell edge respectively based on the UE assistance information.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: synchronizing the UE with RAN-based SFN-specific reference / synchronization signal pattern which is the same for all cells belonging to the same RAN-based SFN service area.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, Further comprising: considering, by the network node, using the UE assistance information for fine tuning of RAN-based SFN transmission.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein, Further comprising: exchanging, by the network node, synchronization related parameters for RAN-based SFN transmission via Xn interface.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein, The frame handling function of the network node is responsible for setting the timestamp value to allow the plurality of cells in the RAN-based SFN service area to transmit broadcast data in a synchronized manner.

26. The method of claim 1, wherein, The network node is one of: one of a plurality of cells within a distributed unit, one of a plurality of cells between distributed units within a centralized unit, one of a plurality of cells between central units, one of a plurality of cells of primary / secondary carrier elements, CCs, one of a plurality of cells of primary / secondary cell groups, and one of a plurality of cells of shared public land mobile networks, PLMNs.

27. The method of claim 1, wherein, In case of RAN sharing, a plurality of corresponding gNB-DUs share the same physical layer cell resources for MBS and FTA services.

28. A method of wireless communication, comprising: sending user equipment, UE, assistance information to a network node; and receiving, by the UE, unicast and broadcast services from the network node, the unicast and the broadcast services being simultaneously transmitted on a common physical channel based on the UE assistance information, wherein the broadcast services include multicast and broadcast services, MBS, and which one of point-to-point, PTP, and point-to-multipoint, PTM, is used for the UE's MBS session is decided by the network node.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein, The UE assistance information includes at least one of UE capability, measurement report, and free-to-air, FTA, / radio access network, RAN, sharing status report.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein, The reporting of the UE assistance information is initiated by the network node.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein, The reporting of the UE assistance information is initiated by the UE.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein, The UE supports multiple subscriber identity module, SIM, cards to receive data including the unicast and the broadcast services.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein, The data including the unicast and the broadcast services are from the same or different operators.

34. The method of claim 28, wherein, The broadcast services include at least one of FTA and multicast and broadcast services, MBS.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein, In the receiving step, after determining to transmit the FTA, the UE receives the unicast and / or the MBS on resources configured according to the FTA.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein, In the receiving step, the broadcast services are received under RAN-based single frequency network, SFN.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein, An enhanced frame structure including at least one of SFN-based subframe, self-contained subframe for reliable ACK / NACK, and common frequency resource, CFR, is used to enlarge the service area of the RAN-based SFN.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein, Flexible numerology is used in the RAN-based SFN to allow at least one of a range of cyclic prefix and subcarrier spacing with different slot lengths.

39. The method of claim 36, wherein, Further comprising: Receiving, in at least one system information block, a configuration for RAN-based SFN transmission.

40. The method of claim 28, wherein, In the receiving step, the MBS is received by the UE through a single-cell point-to-multipoint (SC-PTM) manner.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein, Which one of a multicast radio bearer (MRB) and a unicast data radio bearer (DRB) is adapted to be used to transmit the MBS to the UE is determined by the network node.

42. The method of claim 40, wherein, The SC-PTM with PTM transmission is delivered through the MRB of the UE, and the PDCCH-scheduled PTM PDSCH data is scrambled by a group-RNTI (G-RNTI).

43. The method of claim 40, wherein, The SC-PTM with PTP transmission is delivered through the DRB of the UE, and the PDCCH-scheduled PTP PDSCH data is scrambled by a cell-RNTI (C-RNTI).

44. The method of claim 28, wherein, Which one of a RAN-based SFN and a SC-PTM is adapted to be used to transmit the MBS is determined by the network node.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein, Further comprising: If the UE is a cell-center located UE, the UE is configured by the network node with SC-PTM transmission; and If the UE is a cell-edge located UE, the UE is configured by the network node with RAN-based SFN transmission.

46. The method of claim 28, wherein, Based on the UE assistance information, the cell-center located UE and the cell-edge located UE are respectively configured with adaptive modulation and coding scheme (MCS) of SC-PTM transmission and RAN-based SFN transmission.

47. The method of claim 28, wherein, Further comprising: Receiving a RAN-based SFN-specific reference / synchronization signal pattern for UE synchronization, wherein the RAN-based SFN-specific reference / synchronization signal pattern is the same for all cells belonging to the same RAN-based SFN service area.

48. The method of claim 28, wherein, The network node is one of: one of a plurality of cells within a distributed unit, one of a plurality of cells between DUs within a centralized unit, one of a plurality of cells between CUs, one of a plurality of cells of a primary / secondary carrier element (CC), one of a plurality of cells of a primary / secondary cell group, and one of a plurality of cells of a shared plurality of public land mobile networks (PLMNs). 49.A user equipment comprising a memory, at least one transceiver, and a processor coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, wherein The processor is configured to invoke and execute program instructions stored in the memory to perform the method according to any one of claims 28-48.

50. A network node comprising a memory, at least one transceiver, and a processor coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to: The processor is configured to invoke and execute program instructions stored in the memory to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-27.

51. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium having instructions stored therein, the method comprising: The instructions, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-27 or any one of claims 28-48.

52. A chip, comprising: Comprising: A processor configured to invoke and execute computer program instructions stored in a memory to cause a device in which the chip is installed to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-27 or any one of claims 28-48.

53. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program, characterized in that, The computer program instructions cause a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-27 or any one of claims 28-48.

54. A computer program product comprising a computer program, characterised in that, The computer program causes a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 27 or any one of claims 28 to 48.

Images