Multicast and broadcast services in various radio resource control states

Abstract

Various embodiments herein relate to managing Multicast and Broadcast Service (MBS) in various Radio Resource Control (RRC) states, including: a wireless communication device receiving a point-to-multipoint (PTM) configuration from a network using a first signaling specific to the wireless communication device, where the PTM configuration is configured to receive a PTM from the network using a second signaling specific to the wireless communication device; the PTM configuration is configured to receive at least one multicast and broadcast service (MBS) when the wireless communication device is in a radio resource control (RRC) connected state. When the wireless communication device is in the RRC connected state, the wireless communication device receives indication information from the network using a second signaling specific to the wireless communication device, where the indication information indicates that when the wireless communication device is in an RRC inactive state, the second signaling is not specific to the wireless communication device. The PTM configuration for receiving the at least one MBS is obtained from broadcast signaling.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application is related to a patent application filed on May 31, 2022, with an agent docket number of ZTE-2022-000895-WO, entitled “Multicast and Broadcast Services Under Various Radio Resource Control States”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is related to a patent application filed on May 31, 2022, with an agent docket number of ZTE-2022-000896-WO, entitled “Multicast and Broadcast Services Under Various Radio Resource Control States”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to wireless communications, and more specifically, to systems, methods, devices, and non-volatile computer-readable media for managing multicast and broadcast services (MBS) in various radio resource control (RRC) states. Background Art

[0004] MBS is one of the most prominent applications of the Fifth Generation Mobile Network (5G) New Radio (NR), which provides reliable, low-latency and resource-efficient transmission for multiple terminals receiving the same content. The main application scenarios of MBS include deployment in crowded areas with dense terminals, such as concerts, stadiums, racetracks, rallies, densely populated areas, etc., to send the same content (e.g., the same video). In some examples, MBS content (e.g., video) needs to be synchronized with the terminal and multiple video perspectives are required. In addition, many users and terminals watch virtual reality (VR) live broadcasts at the same time in the same cell. Summary of the invention

[0005] In some embodiments, when the wireless communication device is in an RRC connected state, the wireless communication device receives a point-to-multipoint (PTM) configuration for each of a plurality of MBSs from a network using signaling specific to the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device transitions from the RRC connected state to an RRC inactive state. In response to transitioning to the RRC inactive state, when the wireless communication device is in the RRC inactive state, the wireless communication device receives data for at least one of the plurality of MBSs from the network using the PTM configuration received when in the RRC connected state.

[0006] In some embodiments, when the wireless communication device is in the RRC connected state, the network sends a PTM configuration for each of the multiple MBSs to the wireless communication device using signaling specific to the wireless communication device. The network releases the wireless communication device to the RRC inactive state. When the wireless communication device is in the RRC inactive state, the network sends data corresponding to at least one of the multiple MBSs to the wireless communication device using the PTM configuration sent when the UE was in the RRC connected state.

[0007] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device receives indication information from the network, wherein the indication information indicates that a PTM configuration for each of a plurality of MBSs is obtained from broadcast signaling when the wireless communication device is in an RRC connected state. The wireless communication device receives broadcast signaling from the network for receiving a plurality of MBSs when the wireless communication device is in an RRC connected state to obtain the PTM configuration.

[0008] In some embodiments, the network sends indication information to the wireless communication device using signaling specific to the wireless communication device, wherein the indication information indicates that when the wireless communication device is in an RRC connected state, a PTM configuration for each of the multiple MBSs is obtained from broadcast signaling for sending the multiple MBSs, and when the wireless communication device is in an RRC inactive state, the PTM configuration for each of the multiple MBSs is obtained from broadcast signaling for sending at least one MBS. The network sends the PTM configuration for sending the multiple MBSs when the wireless communication device is in an RRC connected state and the updated PTM configuration for sending at least one MBS when the wireless communication device is in an RRC inactive state to the wireless communication device using broadcast signaling.

[0009] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device receives from the network a PTM configuration for receiving at least one MBS when the wireless communication device is in an RRC connected state using first signaling specific to the wireless communication device. When the wireless communication device is in the RRC connected state, the wireless communication device receives indication information from the network using second signaling specific to the wireless communication device, wherein the indication information indicates that when the wireless communication device is in an RRC inactive state, the PTM configuration for receiving at least one MBS is obtained from broadcast signaling.

[0010] In some embodiments, the network sends a PTM configuration for receiving at least one MBS when the wireless communication device is in an RRC connected state to the wireless communication device using a first signaling specific to the wireless communication device. When the wireless communication device is in the RRC connected state, the network sends indication information to the wireless communication device using a second signaling specific to the wireless communication device, wherein the indication information indicates that when the wireless communication device is in an RRC inactive state, the PTM configuration for receiving the at least one MBS is obtained from broadcast signaling.

[0011] The above and other aspects and embodiments thereof are described in more detail in the drawings, the description and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] These and other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless communication network in accordance with various embodiments.

[0014] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless communication system for transmitting and receiving downlink and uplink communication signals in accordance with various embodiments.

[0015] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for managing an MBS according to various embodiments.

[0016] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for managing an MBS according to various embodiments.

[0017] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for managing an MBS according to various embodiments.

[0018] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary PTM configuration carried in a UE-specific dedicated RRC reconfiguration according to various embodiments.

[0019] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary broadcast PTM configuration carried in the MCCH according to various embodiments.

[0020] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for managing an MBS according to various embodiments.

[0021] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for managing an MBS according to various embodiments.

[0022] Fig.10 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for managing an MBS according to various embodiments.

[0023] Fig.11 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for managing an MBS according to various embodiments.

[0024] Fig.12 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for managing an MBS according to various embodiments.

[0025] Fig.13 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for managing an MBS according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the embodiments so that those skilled in the art can practice the embodiments and substitutions that are obvious to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that the following figures and embodiments are not meant to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure to a single embodiment, but other embodiments can be realized by exchanging some or all of the described or illustrated elements. In addition, in the case where some elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be partially or completely realized using known components, only those parts necessary for understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure of such known components are described, and the detailed description of other parts of such known components is omitted to avoid blurring the embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments described as being implemented in software should not be limited thereto, but may include embodiments implemented in hardware, or a combination of software and hardware, and vice versa, as apparent to those skilled in the art, unless otherwise provided herein. In this specification, the embodiments showing a single component should not be considered as restrictive. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover other embodiments including a plurality of identical components, and vice versa, unless otherwise expressly provided herein. In addition, the applicant does not intend to give rare or special meanings to any term in the specification or claims, unless expressly stated so. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure encompass present and future known equivalents to the known components mentioned herein by way of illustration.

[0027] In MBS deployment scenarios, cell congestion may occur frequently, considering that the number of terminals or user equipment (UE) connected to the same cell and the amount of services carried by the cell are limited. The resulting cell congestion may result in the rejection and / or reduction of transmission of other services and / or UEs, thereby negatively affecting the user experience.

[0028] In 5G NR, the UE has three Radio Resource Control (RRC) states: RRC connected state (RRC_CONNECTED), RRC idle state (RRC_IDLE), and RRC inactive state (RRC_INACTIVE). The RRC inactive state is a state defined in 5G NR. For example, when the UE enters the RRC inactive state, the UE retains part of the context of the access network. The core network may not be aware that the UE transitions to the RRC inactive state. That is, the RRC inactive state may be transparent to the core network.

[0029] In the RRC inactive state, the UE transitions from the RRC inactive state to the RRC connected state through a connection recovery process to send or receive data. The RRC inactive state not only saves energy, but also manages the delay of the control plane (for example, compared to a UE in the RRC idle state, the UE can quickly enter the RRC connected state with a lower control plane (CP) delay).

[0030] In some embodiments involving MBS multicast reception in cell congestion and / or power saving situations, for some UEs applying MBS multicast, the RRC state may be transitioned to the RRC inactive state. Such UEs transition from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state to receive or continue to receive a multicast session.

[0031] In some embodiments, a point-to-multipoint (PTM) configuration delivery method may be specified. For multicast services or multicast sessions, dedicated signaling is used. For broadcast services or broadcast sessions, only broadcast signaling (e.g., System Information Block (SIB) and MBS Control Channel (MCCH)) is used. For broadcast reception in other secondary cells (SCells), dedicated signaling for delivering system information may be used. When in RRC inactive state, the UE may receive multicast data or information.

[0032] Embodiments of the present application relate to enabling a UE to receive or continue to receive a multicast service in an RRC inactive state. In order to receive a multicast service, the UE needs to obtain the correct configuration, referred to herein as a PTM configuration, a multicast configuration, or an MBS configuration, which names may be used interchangeably. The PTM configuration includes at least information in the access layer for the UE to obtain multicast data. Multicast service and multicast session may be used interchangeably to identify a multicast service in the context of a Radio Access Network (RAN).

[0033] Figure 1 An exemplary wireless communication network 100 is shown. The wireless communication network 100 corresponds to a group communication or multicast service within a cellular network. In the wireless communication network 100, the network-side communication node or base station (Base Station, BS) may include one or more of a next generation Node B (next Generation Node B, gNB), an E-Utran Node B (also known as an evolved Node B (i.e., Evolved Node B), an eNodeB or an eNB), a micro-micro station, a femto-micro station, a transmission / reception point (Transmission / Reception Point, TRP), an access point (Access Point, AP), etc. The terminal-side node or UE may include a long-range communication system (such as but not limited to a mobile device, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (Personal Digital Assistant, PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer) or a short-range communication system (such as but not limited to a wearable device, a vehicle with a vehicle communication system, etc.). As shown in Figure 1 In the embodiment, the network side communication node is represented by BS 102, and the terminal side communication node is represented by UE 104a or 104b. In some embodiments, BS 102 is sometimes referred to as a "wireless communication node", and UE 104a / 104b is sometimes referred to as a "wireless communication device".

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, BS102 can provide wireless communication services to UE 104a and 104b in cell 101. UE 104a can communicate with BS102 via communication channel 103a. Similarly, UE 104b can communicate with BS102 via communication channel 103b. The communication channels (e.g., 103a and 103b) can be through interfaces, such as but not limited to Uu interfaces also known as Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) air interfaces. BS102 is connected to a core network (Core Network, CN) 108 via an external interface 107 (e.g., NG interface).

[0035] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless communication system 150 for transmitting and receiving downlink and uplink communication signals according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and 2 , system 150 is part of network 100. In system 150, it is possible to Figure 1 The wireless communication network 100 may be used to send and receive data symbols in a wireless communication environment.

[0036] System 150 generally includes BS 102 and UE 104a and 104b. BS 102 includes BS transceiver module 110, BS antenna 112, BS memory module 116, BS processor module 114, and network communication module 118. Modules / components are coupled to and interconnected with each other via data communication bus 120 as needed. UE 104a includes UE transceiver module 130a, UE antenna 132a, UE memory module 134a, and UE processor module 136a. Modules / components are coupled to and interconnected with each other via data communication bus 140a as needed. Similarly, UE 104b includes UE transceiver module 130b, UE antenna 132b, UE memory module 134b, and UE processor module 136b. Modules / components are coupled to and interconnected with each other via data communication bus 140b as needed. BS 102 communicates with UEs 104a and 104b via communication channel 155, which may be any wireless channel or other medium known in the art suitable for transmission of data as described herein.

[0037] System 150 may also include Figure 2 Modules / elements of any number other than the modules / elements shown in . The different illustrative blocks, modules, elements, circuits and processing logic described in conjunction with the arrangement disclosed herein can be implemented in hardware, computer-readable software, firmware or any actual combination thereof. In order to clearly illustrate this interchangeability and compatibility of hardware, firmware and software, different illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits and steps are generally described according to their functions. Whether these functions are implemented as hardware, firmware or software depends on specific applications and the design constraints imposed on the entire system. The technician who is familiar with the concept described herein can implement such functions in an appropriate manner for each specific application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] The wireless transmission from the antenna of each UE in UE 104a and 104b to the antenna of BS102 is called uplink transmission, and the wireless transmission from the antenna of BS102 to the antenna of each UE in UE 104a and 104b is called downlink transmission. According to some embodiments, each of UE transceiver modules 130a and 130b can be referred to as an uplink transceiver or UE transceiver here. The uplink transceiver may include a transmitter circuit and a receiver circuit, each of which is coupled to a respective antenna 132a and 132b. Alternatively, a duplex switch can couple an uplink transmitter or receiver to an uplink antenna in a time duplex manner. Similarly, BS transceiver module 110 can be referred to as a downlink transceiver or BS transceiver here. The downlink transceiver may include an RF transmitter circuit and a receiver circuit each coupled to antenna 112. The downlink duplex switch can selectively couple a downlink transmitter or receiver to antenna 112 in a time duplex manner. The operation of the transceivers 110, 130a, and 130b is coordinated in time such that the uplink receiver is coupled to the antennas 132a and 132b for receiving transmissions over the wireless communication channel 155 at the same time as the downlink transmitter is coupled to the antenna 112. In some embodiments, the UEs 104a and 104b can communicate with the BS 102 via the wireless communication channel 155 using the UE transceivers 130a and 130b through the respective antennas 132a and 132b. The wireless communication channel 155 can be any wireless channel or other medium suitable for downlink (DL) and / or uplink (UL) transmission of data as described herein.

[0039] The UE transceiver 130a / 130b and the BS transceiver 110 are configured to communicate via a wireless data communication channel 155 and cooperate with an appropriately configured antenna arrangement capable of supporting a specific wireless communication protocol and modulation scheme. In some embodiments, the UE transceiver 130a / 130b and the BS transceiver 110 are configured to support industrial standards such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and emerging 5G standards. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the application of specific standards and associated protocols. Instead, the UE transceiver 130a / 130b and the BS transceiver 110 may be configured to support alternative or additional wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or variations thereof.

[0040] The processor modules 136a and 136b and 114 may each be implemented or implemented with a general purpose processor, a content addressable memory, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described herein. In this manner, the processor may be implemented as a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, etc. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration.

[0041] In addition, the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be directly embodied in hardware, firmware, software modules executed by the processor modules 114, 136a and 136b, respectively, or any practical combination thereof. The memory modules 116, 134a, 134b may be implemented as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, EEPROM), registers, hard disk, removable disk, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or another suitable form of storage medium. In this regard, the memory modules 116, 134a and 134b can be coupled to the processor modules 114, 136a and 136b, respectively, so that the processor modules 114, 136a and 136b can read information from the memory modules 116, 134a and 134b, respectively, and write information to the memory modules 116, 134a and 134b. The memory modules 116, 134a and 134b can also be integrated into their respective processor modules 114, 136a and 136b. In some embodiments, the memory modules 116, 134a and 134b can each include a cache memory for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be executed by the processor modules 114, 136a and 136b, respectively. The memory modules 116, 134a and 134b can also each include a non-volatile memory for storing instructions executed by the processor modules 114, 136a and 136b, respectively.

[0042] The network interface 118 generally represents the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic and / or other components of the BS 102, which implement bidirectional communication between the BS transceiver 110 and other network components and communication nodes configured to communicate with the BS 102. For example, the network interface 118 can be configured to support the Internet or the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) business. In a typical deployment, the network interface 118 provides an 802.3 Ethernet interface so that the BS transceiver 110 can communicate with a computer network based on a traditional Ethernet. In this way, the network interface 118 may include a physical interface for connecting to a computer network (e.g., a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)). The term "configured for" or "configured to" as used herein with respect to a specified operation or function refers to a device, component, circuit, structure, machine, signal, etc. that is physically constructed, programmed, formatted and / or arranged to perform a specified operation or function. The network interface 118 may allow the BS 102 to communicate with other BSs or core networks via a wired or wireless connection.

[0043] BS102 may communicate with multiple UEs (including UE 104a and 104b) using multicast or broadcast (collectively referred to as MBS). Multiple UEs may each receive MBS services via multicast and / or broadcast. In order to receive MBS services, multiple UEs have a common understanding of the configuration of the MBS services, including but not limited to the frequency resource range for resource allocation, scrambling sequence, etc., referred to herein as PTM configuration, multicast configuration, or MBS configuration. The network (e.g., BS102 or cell 101) may deliver PTM configuration for MBS multicast reception to UE 104a or 104b in different RRC states.

[0044] In some embodiments, UE 104a or 104b receives the PTM configuration or its update from the network (e.g., BS 102 or cell 101) via dedicated signaling specific to the UE. Examples of dedicated signaling include RRC reconfiguration signaling. For example, when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the UE initiates an RRC connection recovery procedure to receive a PTM configuration update. When the UE is in an RRC connected state, the PTM configuration is delivered by the network via dedicated signaling.

[0045] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 300 for managing an MBS according to various embodiments. Figure 1-3 The method 300 may be performed by a network (eg, BS 102) and one of UEs 104a or 104b. The communication between the UE and the BS is performed on a channel in channels 103a, 103b, or 155, respectively. Figure 3 As shown by the dotted line in .

[0046] In step 305, when the UE is in the RRC connected state, the network (e.g., BS 102) sends the PTM configuration for each of the multiple MBSs to the UE using UE-specific signaling (e.g., dedicated signaling). In step 310, when the UE is in the RRC connected state, the UE receives the PTM configuration for each of the multiple MBSs using signaling specific to the UE. Thus, for the UE in the RRC connected state, the PTM configuration is delivered to the UE through dedicated signaling.

[0047] In step 315, when the UE is in the RRC connected state, the network transmits data corresponding to the plurality of MBSs using the PTM configuration received in step 310. In step 320, when the UE is in the RRC connected state, the UE receives data corresponding to the plurality of MBSs from the network using the PTM configuration.

[0048] In step 325, the network releases the UE to the RRC inactive state. For example, the network sends a signaling or message to the UE indicating that the UE will be released to the RRC inactive state. In step 330, the UE transitions from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state.

[0049] In order to continue multicast reception on some MBSs (referred to as at least one MBS) that the UE has received since the RRC connected state (e.g., in step 320), the corresponding PTM configuration is retained, which includes the MRB and the low-layer configuration of the multicast session associated with the at least one MBS. For example, in step 335, the UE retains the PTM configuration for the at least one MBS. In some embodiments, the at least one MBS may be some but not all of the multiple MBSs. In other embodiments, the at least one MBS may be all of the multiple MBSs.

[0050] In step 340, when the UE is in the RRC inactive state, the network sends at least one MBS using the reserved PTM configuration. In step 345, when the UE is in the RRC inactive state, the UE receives at least one MBS using the reserved PTM configuration.

[0051] In step 350, when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the UE may determine a triggering event. In some embodiments, the network may initiate paging to notify the UE of a triggering event, such as a modification of the retained PTM configuration (including deactivation, activation, suspension, release, resumption, update, etc. of a multicast session). In some embodiments, the triggering event includes the UE detecting that the multicast reception quality has dropped by more than a certain threshold, so that the UE initiates an RRC connection to resume the process to update the retained PTM configuration through dedicated signaling. In response to the triggering event, the UE modifies the retained PTM configuration based on signaling specific to the UE (dedicated signaling). Examples of UE-specific signaling include an RRC reconfiguration message or an RRC release message that is sent separately to the UE and has UE-specific content.

[0052] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 400 for managing an MBS according to various embodiments. Figure 1-4 The method 400 may be performed by one of the UEs 104a or 104b. The method 300 is a specific implementation of the method 400.

[0053] In step 410, when the UE is in the RRC connected state, the UE receives the PTM configuration for each of the multiple MBSs using signaling specific to the UE. Thus, for the UE in the RRC connected state, the PTM configuration is delivered to the UE through dedicated signaling.

[0054] In step 420, the UE transitions from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state. In step 430, in response to transitioning to the RRC inactive state, the UE receives data for at least one of the plurality of MBSs using the PTM configuration received in the RRC connected state when the UE is in the RRC inactive state.

[0055] In some embodiments, the method 400 further comprises: the UE determining a triggering event while in an RRC inactive state. In response to determining the triggering event, the UE modifies the PTM configuration to the UE.

[0056] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 500 for managing an MBS according to various embodiments. Figure 1-5 The method 500 may be performed by a network (eg, BS 102 ). The method 300 is a specific implementation of the method 500 .

[0057] In step 510, when the UE is in the RRC connected state, the network sends the PTM configuration for each of the multiple MBSs to the UE using UE-specific signaling. Thus, for the UE in the RRC connected state, the PTM configuration is delivered to the UE through dedicated signaling.

[0058] In step 520, the network releases the UE from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state. In step 530, when the UE is in the RRC inactive state, the network transmits data for at least one MBS among the plurality of MBSs using the PTM configuration transmitted when the UE is in the RRC connected state.

[0059] In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes: when the UE is in the RRC inactive state, the network sends the updated PTM configuration for the at least one MBS to the UE using UE-specific signaling or broadcast signaling.

[0060] In some embodiments, with respect to continuing to receive at least one MBS in a subset of multiple MBSs received when the UE is in an RRC connected state when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, it is necessary to identify at least one MBS to be received or continue to be received in the RRC inactive state. That is, when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, not all of the multiple MBSs need to be or can be received. The at least one MBS is a subset of the multiple MBSs received using the PTM configuration when the UE is in an RRC connected state.

[0061] For example, compared to a UE in an RRC connected state, when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the network (e.g., BS 102) cannot adaptively adjust the configuration according to the reception quality of the UE. Therefore, when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, an MBS with a high quality of service (QoS) requirement is not sent to the UE. The selection of the at least one MBS may be determined by the UE or by the BS 102.

[0062] In some examples, the UE determines whether the MBS can be received in the RRC inactive state based on one or more conditions. In this regard, the method 400 further includes: the UE selects at least one MBS from the multiple MBSs based on the QoS requirement of each MBS in the multiple MBSs.

[0063] These factors may include whether the PTM configuration of the MBS includes a mechanism for high QoS requirements. In an example where the PTM configuration of the MBS includes a mechanism for high QoS requirements, the MBS is suspended in an RRC inactive state. On the other hand, in an example where the PTM configuration of the MBS does not include any mechanism for high QoS requirements, the MBS continues to be received in an RRC inactive state. Factors for determining high QoS requirements include at least one of the following: whether a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback is configured for each of a plurality of MBSs, whether an Acknowledge Mode (AM) of a Radio Link Control (RLC) is configured for at least one MBS Radio Bearer (MRB) of each of a plurality of MBSs, or whether a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) status report is configured for the at least one MRB of each of the plurality of MBSs. That is, the UE considers whether the PTM configuration includes a mechanism for high QoS requirements by considering whether HARQ feedback is configured, whether the configured MRB has an RLC AM mode, whether some MRBs are configured with PDCP status reports, etc. In some embodiments, configuring HARQ feedback for the MBS indicates that the MBS has high QoS requirements. In some embodiments, enabling RLC AM for the MBS indicates that the MBS has high QoS requirements. In some embodiments, enabling PDCP status reporting for the MBS indicates that the MBS has high QoS requirements.

[0064] In some embodiments, in response to determining that each of the at least one PTM configuration satisfies the condition to be retained (e.g., lack of high QoS requirement mechanism), the PTM configuration of the corresponding MBS session (e.g., at least one MBS) is retained (not suspended) in response to step 330, and data for the at least one MBS can be received in the RRC inactive state. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the MRB of each PTM configuration of the at least one PTM configuration satisfies the condition to be retained (e.g., lack of high QoS requirement mechanism), the corresponding low layer configuration of the corresponding MBS session (e.g., at least one MBS) is retained (not suspended) in response to step 330, and at least one MBS of the corresponding MBS multicast session can be received in the RRC inactive state.

[0065] In some examples, the network (e.g., BS 102) determines whether an MBS can be received in an RRC inactive state based on one or more conditions. For example, the network may determine to stop sending an MBS or its session with low QoS requirements when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, for example, an MBS or its session without data transmission, intermittent data transmission, or temporary data transmission. In order to reduce the energy consumption of the UE monitoring the MBS with low QoS requirements, the network may indicate to the UE whether to send the MBS to the UE when the UE is in an RRC inactive state. In other words, the network may send an indication to the UE to selectively indicate which MBS or MRB the UE needs when the UE is in an RRC inactive state so that the UE receives MBS data or continues to receive multicast data. Therefore, the method 400 also includes: the UE receives an indication for identifying at least one MBS from the base station, wherein, in response to receiving the indication, the at least one MBS is received or continues to be received in the RRC inactive state. The method 500 also includes: the network determines to send or continue to send at least one MBS to the UE when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, and the network sends an indication for identifying at least one MBS to the UE.

[0066] In some embodiments, the network may send the indication via RRC signaling. In some examples, the RRC signaling includes RRC reconfiguration. The RRC reconfiguration signaling or message includes: when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, indication information of retaining the retained PTM configuration for the at least one MBS. In other words, after the UE receives an RRC release with a suspended configuration and transitions to an RRC inactive state in step 330, the UE retains the retained PTM configuration, which includes all multicast MRBs or some MRBs indicated in the RRC reconfiguration, and the corresponding low-layer configuration of the corresponding MBS session. The UE receives or continues to receive data of the corresponding at least one MBS in the RRC inactive state.

[0067] In some examples, the indication identifying the retained PTM configuration may be indicated at a granularity of per MBS or per MRB. In other words, the indication may identify each MBS to be retained in at least one MBS (the indication information may include a list of MBS identifiers, such as a temporary mobile group identifier (TMGI)), or identify each MRB to be used for at least one MBS. If such an indication is at a granularity of per MRB, the UE retains only the indicated MRB and the low-level configuration of at least one MBS identified in the indication when in the RRC inactive state. That is, other MRBs of the PTM configuration are suspended when transitioning to the RRC inactive state. If such an indication is at a granularity of per MBS, all MRBs and low-level configurations of at least one MBS identified by the indication are retained when transitioning to the RRC inactive state. When transitioning to the RRC inactive state, no MRBs are suspended among the MRBs associated with at least one MBS identified in the indication.

[0068] In some examples, the RRC signaling includes an RRC release that includes a list of indication information about which PTM configuration (referred to as at least one MBS) to retain when the UE is in an RRC inactive state. The indication information may include a list of MBS identifiers, such as a temporary mobile group identity (TMGI). In response to the UE receiving an RRC release with a suspension configuration from the network (e.g., in step 325), the UE does not suspend any MRB associated with at least one MBS in the list, and does not reset the HARQ process and related timers associated with at least one MBS. The UE receives or continues to receive data for at least one MBS in the RRC inactive state. In some examples, the network provides a list of MRB IDs and a multicast service list in the RRC release signaling or message. The UE retains only the indicated MRBs and suspends other MRBs.

[0069] Thus, the indication is received by the UE via RRC reconfiguration or RRC release. The indication includes an indication for each MBS in a plurality of MBSs or for each MRB associated with a plurality of MBSs. The indication includes a list of at least one MBS or at least one MRB to be retained when the UE is in an RRC inactive state. In some examples, in response to transitioning to an RRC inactive state, the UE performs at least one of the following operations: maintaining (e.g., not suspending) the indicated at least one MRB, stopping all running timers except a multicast discontinuous reception (DRX) timer for the indicated at least one MBS, refreshing soft buffers for all downlink HARQ processes except a downlink HARQ process for the indicated at least one MBS, or continuing to monitor a group radio network temporary identifier (G-RNTI) corresponding to the indicated at least one MBS.

[0070] In some embodiments, the triggering event includes a network (e.g., BS102) sending a notification to a UE. In response to receiving the notification, the UE modifies the PTM configuration for at least one MBS. In some examples, the notification includes paging. The network may apply a group paging mechanism for notifying multiple UEs via paging. The paging payload of the paging contains a list of MBS session IDs that the UE has joined, e.g., a list of TMGIs. The notification also includes a notification event associated with the MBS session ID.

[0071] For a UE receiving MBS in an RRC inactive state, triggering events or conditions for group paging include MBS suspension, MBS resumption, MBS deactivation, MBS activation, MBS release, or PTM configuration update to reduce unnecessary monitoring energy consumption and reduce the frequency of RRC state transitions.

[0072] For MBS suspension, the notification indicates that one MBS among at least one MBS is to be suspended. Modifying the PTM configuration includes that when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the UE stops monitoring the one MBS, and when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the UE suspends the PTM configuration corresponding to the one MBS. For example, a Radio Access Network (RAN) node suspends the transmission of the MBS. Therefore, the UE does not need to resume the RRC connection to receive the suspension configuration, but is able to remain in the RRC inactive state to suspend the MBS reception configuration by, for example, suspending the associated MRB and stopping MBS data reception in the MAC and physical layers (for example, stopping the G-RNTI for MBS monitoring).

[0073] When the UE is in the RRC inactive state, if no data is temporarily sent in the RAN, the monitoring of MBS data will cause unnecessary power consumption. In order to improve power efficiency, the network can use the group paging function (e.g., notification) to notify the UE that certain MBSs are suspended or instruct the UE to stop monitoring such MBSs and suspend the associated PTM configuration (i.e., without releasing the configuration). In one example, the indication information (e.g., a 1-bit indication) is associated with the MBS session identifier in the group paging payload, which indicates that the MBS session has been suspended. Upon receiving such a group paging, the UE stops monitoring the MBS data and suspends the associated PTM configuration. In one example, if there is no such indication information, the UE initiates a traditional RRC connection recovery process and transitions to the RRC connected state.

[0074] Regarding MBS resumption, the network resumes transmission of the MBS. Therefore, the UE resumes the associated MRB and resumes G-RNTI monitoring of the resumed MBS while remaining in the RRC inactive state. Therefore, the notification indicates resumption of one MBS. Modifying the PTM configuration includes: when the UE is in the RRC inactive state, the UE resumes the PTM configuration corresponding to the one MBS; and when the UE is in the RRC inactive state, the UE uses the PTM configuration to receive the one MBS.

[0075] To improve power efficiency, when the UE is in the RRC inactive state, certain MBSs with low QoS that temporarily have no data for the UE may be suspended. The network may use a group paging function (e.g., notification) to resume reception of such MBSs. In one example, indication information (e.g., a 1-bit indication) is associated with an MBS session identifier in a group paging payload, indicating that the MBS session has been resumed. In response to receiving such a group paging, the UE resumes the corresponding MBS MRB and low-layer configuration of the MBS session and starts multicast data monitoring. In one example, if there is no such indication information, the UE initiates a conventional RRC connection recovery procedure and transitions to the RRC connected state.

[0076] Regarding MBS deactivation, in response to receiving MBS deactivation signaling from the core network, the RAN node releases MBS radio resources and stops MBS transmission. In response to receiving a notification indicating deactivation of the MBS, the UE releases the associated PTM configuration (e.g., the PTM configuration and MRB in the lower layer) and stops multicast reception. Therefore, the notification indicates that one MBS in at least one MBS will be deactivated. Modifying the PTM configuration includes when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the UE stops monitoring the one MBS, and when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the UE releases the PTM configuration corresponding to the one MBS.

[0077] If there is no data for the MBS being sent and the MBS is deactivated in the network, monitoring MBS data for a UE in RRC inactive state may result in unnecessary power consumption. Although the network may also notify the UE to resume the RRC connection, this may result in more signaling overhead. To improve power efficiency, the network uses a group paging function (e.g., notification) to notify the UE that certain MBSs are deactivated. In response to receiving the indication, the UE stops monitoring such MBSs and releases the associated PTM configuration.

[0078] In one example, an indication message (e.g., a 1-bit indication) is associated with an MBS session identifier in a group paging payload, indicating that the MBS session has been deactivated. In response to receiving such a group paging, the UE stops monitoring MBS data monitoring and releases the associated PTM configuration. In one embodiment, if there is no such indication message, the UE initiates a conventional RRC connection recovery procedure and transitions to the RRC connected state.

[0079] Regarding the PTM configuration update, the network may update the PTM configuration of a specific MBS in the at least one MBS. If the network updates the PTM configuration (e.g., the network reallocates radio resources for the MBS), the UE may need to frequently switch between the RRC inactive state and the RRC connected state, which may result in unnecessary power consumption and signaling overhead. In order to improve power and air interface resource efficiency, the network uses a group paging function (e.g., notification) to notify the UE that certain multicast PTM configurations are updated and / or indicate the delivery method of the updated configuration (i.e., RRC dedicated signaling or MCCH).

[0080] In one example, indication information (e.g., a 1-bit indication) is associated with an MBS session identifier in a group paging payload, indicating that the PTM configuration of the MBS session has been updated. In response to receiving such a group paging, the UE initiates an RRC connection recovery procedure, and a recovery cause value may be added to indicate that the reason for the recovery is to update the PTM configuration. BS102 may add the PTM configuration in an RRC message (e.g., RRC release). Upon receiving the RRC message, the UE updates the PTM configuration of the associated MBS and continues to receive data for the MBS in an RRC inactive state. In some examples, the notification indicates that the PTM configuration for one of the at least one MBS will be updated. Modifying the PTM configuration includes: the UE initiates an RRC connection recovery procedure, and in response to initiating the RRC connection recovery procedure, the UE receives indication information for one of the at least one MBS from the network. In some examples, the UE receives an updated PTM configuration for one of the at least one MBS, and the UE receives data corresponding to the updated PTM configuration from the network. In some examples, the indication information is the updated PTM configuration and is received by the UE via the RRC release. Thus, in some instances, when the UE initiates the RRC connection recovery process, the updated PTM configuration is sent to the UE via the RRC release. In other examples, the UE initiates the RRC connection recovery process and actually enters the RRC connected state to receive the update. In one example, the indication information is the updated PTM configuration, and the UE indicates the MBS session ID in the RRC recovery message, or uses the MBS session ID as the UE contention resolution identity (CRI) in the random access process. In the following RRC release message, it includes the updated PTM configuration.

[0081] In another example, indication information (e.g., a 1-bit indication) is associated with an MBS session identifier in a group paging payload, indicating that the PTM configuration of the MBS session has been updated. Upon receiving such a group paging, the UE updates the PTM configuration obtained from the broadcast signaling (e.g., MCCH) and continues to receive data for the MBS in an RRC inactive state. In some examples, the network sends an indication information to the UE via an RRC release to instruct the UE to obtain the updated PTM configuration from the broadcast signaling (e.g., MCCH). The updated PTM configuration is received by the UE from the broadcast signaling (e.g., MCCH).

[0082] In another example, if there is no such indication information, the UE initiates a traditional RRC connection recovery procedure and transitions to the RRC connected state.

[0083] The network may send a notification using signaling such as group paging associated with a list of MBS session IDs in a paging payload indicating a modification of the PTM configuration of at least one MBS. Depending on the supported functionality, the notification may have different lengths. For example, if only suspend and resume need to be indicated, one bit is required. If all suspend, resume, deactivate, and update functions need to be supported, two bits are required.

[0084] In some embodiments, when the UE is in RRC inactive state, the update of PTM configuration may be triggered by MAC CE. When the UE is in RRC inactive state, the network may use MAC CE to indicate the update of PTM configuration (including suspension, resumption, deactivation and update for certain MBS).

[0085] In one example, the network sends a MAC CE to the UE (e.g., via multiplexing with multicast data), wherein the MAC CE includes indication information identified by a corresponding logical channel ID (LCID) to indicate one or more of suspension, resumption, deactivation, and update of a certain MBS.

[0086] Regarding MBS suspension, the RAN node (e.g., BS 102) suspends the transmission of the MBS. Therefore, the UE does not need to resume the RRC connection to receive the suspension configuration, but instead, for example, remains in an RRC inactive state to suspend the MBS reception configuration, for example, by suspending the associated MRB and stopping MBS data reception in the MAC and physical layers. For example, the UE may stop the G-RNTI for multicast service monitoring.

[0087] For MBS resumption, the network resumes the transmission of MBS. Therefore, the UE resumes the associated MRB and resumes G-RNTI monitoring while remaining in the RRC inactive state.

[0088] Regarding MBS deactivation, in response to receiving MBS deactivation signaling from the core network, the RAN node (e.g., BS 102) releases MBS radio resources and stops MBS transmission. In response to receiving such an indication, the UE releases the associated PTM configuration (e.g., PTM configuration and MRB in the lower layer) and stops MBS reception.

[0089] For PTM configuration update, the network may update the PTM configuration of certain MBSs. In response to receiving a MAC CE indicating an update, the UE initiates an RRC connection resumption procedure and adds a resumption cause value to indicate that the reason for resuming the RRC is an update of the PTM configuration of the MBS.

[0090] In some examples, the network may transmit a MAC CE to the UE via a PTM identified by a corresponding G-RNTI associated with the MBS.

[0091] Thus, in some embodiments, determining the triggering event includes: the UE receives a MACCE from the network when the RRC is inactive, and the MAC CE indicates that the PTM configuration for one of the at least one MBS is to be modified. The MAC CE includes a service ID or service index of the MBS. Modifying the PTM configuration includes one of MBS suspension, MBS resumption, MBS deactivation, or updating the PTM configuration.

[0092] In some embodiments, when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the RRC connection recovery process is triggered when the MBS reception quality drops to a certain threshold. The MBS reception quality can be determined by BS102 or the UE. For example, the UE can measure at least one of the following: the reference signal received power (RSRP) or the reference signal received quality (RSRQ) of the configured measurement resources, the packet loss rate (for example, in the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) or the block error rate (BLER) in layer 1, etc.). The network (for example, BS102) can indicate the relevant threshold to the UE in dedicated signaling, or alternatively, the UE can determine the relevant threshold. Thus, in other words, the reception quality is determined based on at least one of the measured signal strength or the packet loss rate.

[0093] When the UE is in the RRC inactive state, the UE continuously monitors these indications (e.g., measured signal strength or packet loss rate) while receiving at least one MBS. In response to determining that the reception quality of the MBS has degraded to a threshold, the UE initiates an RRC connection recovery procedure. The UE sets the recovery cause value to indicate that the reason for initiating the RRC connection recovery procedure is degraded reception quality.

[0094] In some examples, the network (e.g., BS 102) can restore the UE's RRC connection to update the PTM configuration or add the PTM configuration in a dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC release). In response to receiving such an RRC message, the UE updates the PTM configuration of the MBS and continues to receive data for the MBS in the RRC connected state or the RRC inactive state.

[0095] Thus, in some examples, determining the triggering event includes: the UE determines that the reception quality of one of the at least one MBS is below a threshold when the UE is in an RRC inactive state. Modifying the PTM configuration includes: the UE initiating the RRC connection recovery procedure and adding a recovery cause value to indicate that the RRC connection recovery procedure is initiated to update the PTM configuration for the one MBS. In addition, the UE receives an updated PTM configuration for the one MBS from the network. The UE receives an MBS from the network using the updated PTM configuration.

[0096] In some embodiments, when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, in order to reduce the frequency of state transitions caused by PTM configuration updates, the PTM configuration can be delivered in an RRC release. Therefore, modifying the PTM configuration for at least one MBS includes: receiving an updated PTM configuration in an RRC release signaling, wherein the updated PTM configuration includes at least one of a multicast configuration and a broadcast configuration. The form of the PTM configuration in the RRC release includes, but is not limited to, a multicast configuration carried in a dedicated RRC reconfiguration specific to the UE, or a broadcast PTM configuration carried in an MCCH for multiple UEs. For example, Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary PTM configuration carried in a UE-specific dedicated RRC reconfiguration according to various embodiments. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary broadcast PTM configuration carried in the MCCH according to various embodiments.

[0097] In some embodiments, when UE 104a or 104b is in an RRC connected state or an RRC inactive state, the UE receives a PTM configuration or an update thereof from a network (e.g., BS 102 or cell 101) via broadcast signaling (e.g., MCCH). For example, when the UE is in an RRC connected state, the UE monitors broadcast signaling or MCCH to receive a PTM configuration or an update thereof for multicast. When the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the UE monitors broadcast signaling or MCCH to receive a PTM configuration or an update thereof for multicast, so that the PTM configuration or an update thereof can be received without the UE restoring the RRC connection.

[0098] In some embodiments, in order to minimize protocol modifications, the multicast PTM configuration carried in the MCCH may be the same as the broadcast PTM configuration, an example of which is shown in Figure 7 Shown in.

[0099] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 800 for managing an MBS according to various embodiments. Figure 1-8The method 800 may be performed by a network (eg, BS 102) and one of UEs 104a or 104b. The communication between the UE and the BS is performed on a channel in channels 103a, 103b, or 155, respectively. Figure 8 As shown by the dotted line in .

[0100] In step 802, when the UE is in an RRC connected state, the network (e.g., BS 102) sends indication information indicating that a PTM configuration for each of the multiple MBSs is obtained from broadcast signaling. In step 804, the UE receives indication information indicating that a PTM configuration for each of the multiple MBSs is obtained from broadcast signaling, wherein the broadcast signaling is received when the UE is in an RRC connected state.

[0101] In step 805, when the UE is in the RRC connected state, the network (e.g., BS 102) sends the PTM configuration for each of the multiple MBSs to the UE using broadcast signaling to the UE. In step 810, when the UE is in the RRC connected state, the UE receives the PTM configuration for each of the multiple MBSs using broadcast signaling. Thus, for the UE in the RRC connected state, the PTM configuration is delivered to the UE through broadcast signaling.

[0102] In step 815, when the UE is in the RRC connected state, the network transmits data corresponding to the plurality of MBSs using the PTM configuration received in step 810. In step 820, when the UE is in the RRC connected state, the UE receives data corresponding to the plurality of MBSs from the network using the PTM configuration.

[0103] In step 825, the network releases the UE to the RRC inactive state. For example, the network sends appropriate signaling, a message, or a notification to indicate to the UE that the UE will be released to the RRC inactive state. In step 830, the UE transitions from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state.

[0104] In step 835, the UE monitors the broadcast signaling to obtain an update to the PTM configuration. In step 840, the network sends the updated PTM configuration via broadcast signaling. In step 845, the UE receives the updated PTM configuration via broadcast signaling. In step 850, the network sends at least one MBS using the updated PTM configuration. In step 855, the UE receives at least one MBS using the updated PTM configuration.

[0105] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 900 for managing an MBS according to various embodiments. Figure 1-9, method 900 may be performed by one of UEs 104a or 104b. Method 800 is an exemplary implementation of method 900.

[0106] In step 910, when the UE is in an RRC connected state, the UE receives indication information indicating that a PTM configuration for each of the multiple MBSs is obtained from broadcast signaling. In step 920, when the UE is in an RRC connected state, the UE receives a PTM configuration for each of the multiple MBSs using broadcast signaling for receiving the multiple MBSs. The PTM configuration is used to receive the multiple MBSs when the UE is in an RRC connected state.

[0107] In some embodiments, the method 900 further includes receiving, by the UE, a plurality of MBSs from a network based on a PTM configuration when the UE is in an RRC connected state. The UE transitions from the RRC connected state to an RRC inactive state. When the UE is in the RRC inactive state, the UE monitors broadcast signaling for PTM configuration. The UE receives a PTM configuration from the network using broadcast signaling. The PTM configuration is used to receive at least one MBS when the UE is in the RRC inactive state. The UE receives at least one MBS from the network based on the PTM configuration.

[0108] Fig.10 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 1000 for managing an MBS according to various embodiments. Figure 1-10 , the method 1000 may be performed by a network (eg, BS 102 ). The method 800 is an exemplary implementation of the method 1000 .

[0109] In step 1010, the network (e.g., BS 102) sends indication information to the UE using UE-specific signaling, which indicates that when the UE is in an RRC connected state, the PTM configuration for each of the multiple MBSs is obtained from the broadcast signaling used to send the multiple MBSs, and when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the PTM configuration for each of the multiple MBSs is obtained from the broadcast signaling used to send the multiple MBSs.

[0110] In step 1020, the network sends, to the UE using broadcast signaling, a PTM configuration for sending a plurality of MBSs when the UE is in an RRC connected state and a PTM configuration for sending at least one MBS when the UE is in an RRC inactive state.

[0111] In some embodiments, the method 1000 further includes when the UE is in an RRC connected state, the network sending multiple MBSs based on the PTM configuration to the UE. The network releases the UE from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state. When the UE is in the RRC inactive state, the network sends at least one MBS to the UE based on the PTM configuration.

[0112] In some examples, there are multicast services with high QoS requirements and low QoS requirements. The PTM configuration of multicast via broadcast signaling (e.g., MCCH) lacks the flexibility of UE-level configuration, which may not provide high QoS requirements. For high QoS multicast services, dedicated signaling can be used to send PTM configuration to ensure reliability. For multicast services with low QoS requirements, the UE can obtain the PTM configuration by monitoring MCCH signaling based on the scalability indication of the gNB even if the UE is in the RRC connected state.

[0113] In some embodiments, a method may be used to indicate the method of delivering the PTM configuration to the UE via broadcast signaling, using the MCCH carrying the PTM configuration for a UE that needs to receive MBS and other auxiliary information, such as the service availability of an MBS service in a neighboring cell. The MCCH also uses a modification period, and only the MCCH content is allowed to be modified at each modification period boundary. The notification mechanism is used to announce changes in the MCCH content due to the start, modification or stop of a broadcast session and due to modification of neighboring cell information.

[0114] When the UE is in an RRC connected state, the UE obtains the PTM configuration by receiving the MCCH. This method can be used when the UE is in an RRC inactive state. In this case, some dedicated signaling can be used to assist the UE in obtaining the broadcast (e.g., MCCH) information to reduce power consumption and overall signaling overhead. The auxiliary information or indication information through dedicated signaling (e.g., UE-specific signaling) includes: (1) information indicating that the PTM configuration is through broadcast signaling (e.g., MCCH); (2) associated system information blocks (SIBs) required for receiving broadcast signaling (e.g., MCCH); and (3) related broadcast (e.g., MCCH) information, including information required for receiving the PTM configuration.

[0115] Thus, the indication information is received using UE-specific signaling (e.g., dedicated signaling). The indication information indicates that the UE is to obtain PTM information from broadcast signaling. The indication information includes at least one of the following information: information indicating that the PTM configuration of the at least one MBS is provided through broadcast signaling, a SIB for receiving a configuration of broadcast signaling, and broadcast signaling information including the PTM configuration of the multiple MBSs and / or the at least one MBS.

[0116] In some embodiments, dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC reconfiguration) carries indication information, which indicates that the UE obtains the multicast PTM configuration or the update of the multicast PTM configuration by monitoring the MCCH in the RRC connected state. In other words, the indication information includes an indication indicating at least one of receiving the PTM configuration or the update of the PTM configuration via broadcast signaling. After receiving the indication information, the UE starts the MCCH process to receive multicast data, for example, receives the SIB to obtain the configuration information of the MCCH, and then obtains the relevant multicast PTM configuration information by monitoring the MCCH. The method also includes: the UE monitors the SIB message containing the configuration for receiving the broadcast signaling. The UE receives the broadcast signaling containing the PTM configuration or the update of the PTM configuration from the network. The UE receives data corresponding to at least one MBS from the network based on the updated PTM configuration.

[0117] In some embodiments, dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC reconfiguration) carries an associated system information block message, which includes information required to receive the MCCH. The UE performs MCCH monitoring based on the information. In some examples, the SIB message explicitly indicates that for such an MBS, the UE obtains the PTM configuration by monitoring the MCCH rather than dedicated signaling. In the absence of such an indication, the UE assumes that the PTM configuration is delivered by a traditional configuration method (e.g., by dedicated signaling). Thus, the indication information includes the SIB message. The SIB message includes a configuration for receiving broadcast signaling. The indication information indicates that the PTM configuration or an update of the PTM configuration is obtained from the broadcast signaling. The SIB message is used to obtain a configuration for receiving broadcast signaling. Data corresponding to the MBS is received based on the PTM configuration. This mechanism reduces the delay in acquiring the associated SIB.

[0118] In some embodiments, dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC reconfiguration) carries the MCCH content or the entire MCCH content for the MBS of interest to the UE, indicating that for such MBS, the corresponding PTM configuration is delivered through a method similar to MCCH. The UE then applies the multicast PTM configuration in the MCCH content, and after receiving the MCCH content, performs multicast data reception based on the information. The UE can monitor the MCCH and MCCH change notifications by itself according to the MCCH monitoring process, or obtain the MCCH through other dedicated signaling containing MCCH content. The indication information includes broadcast signaling information, which includes the PTM configuration for at least one MBS. In some embodiments, broadcast signaling information including the PTM configuration for at least one MBS is received. Data corresponding to the at least one MBS is received based on the PTM configuration. This mechanism reduces the delay caused by monitoring the MCCH.

[0119] In some embodiments, when the UE is in the RRC connected state, the UE periodically monitors the MCCH within the modification period to obtain the multicast PTM configuration. Compared with the dedicated signaling configuration, the scalability is improved, and if the number of UEs in the cell is large and the occupied MBS remains unchanged, the air interface overhead caused by the configuration update is reduced. However, continuous monitoring of the MCCH also introduces additional power consumption, especially in the current MCCH modification notification mechanism, in which the UE must monitor the MCCH change notification in each modification period, even if the modification is for other MBSs in the cell (broadcast services and multicast services, if for UEs in the RRC inactive state, the MCCH is also used for multicast services). Therefore, it is very likely that the UE monitors the MCCH, but the PTM configuration of its interest is not updated.

[0120] In some examples, in order to reduce power consumption and notify the UE of the PTM update of the multicast service, the network sends a short message with group paging to the UE. In response to receiving the short message indicating the PTM update of the MBS, the UE applies the MCCH acquisition procedure in the next modification. If the short message is not received, the UE does not perform the MCCH acquisition procedure. Thus, in some embodiments, the UE receives a short message indicating an update to the PTM configuration from the network. In response to receiving the short message, the UE performs an acquisition procedure (e.g., an MCCH acquisition procedure) to acquire broadcast signaling for receiving an update to the PTM configuration.

[0121] In some examples, in order to reduce the power consumption of monitoring MCCH and changes in multicast services, the network sends an indication in the downlink control information (DCI) to indicate whether there is an update or modification of the PTM configuration of the MBS. For UEs that are only interested in multicast services, if there is no such indication, the UE can ignore the MCCH reception during the modification period. Thus, in some embodiments, the UE receives DCI broadcast signaling indicating an update to the PTM configuration from the network. In response to receiving the DCI, the UE performs an acquisition process to obtain broadcast signaling for receiving an update to the PTM configuration.

[0122] In some examples, when the UE is in an RRC connected state, the network can notify the UE through dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC signaling, MAC CE) to indicate that the PTM configuration of the multicast service of interest to the UE is about to be updated. In the current or next modification period, the UE monitors MCCH transmission to receive the latest PTM configuration of the multicast service of interest. Thus, in some embodiments, the UE receives a MAC CE indicating an update to the PTM configuration from the network. In response to receiving the MAC CE, the UE performs an acquisition process to obtain broadcast signaling for receiving an update to the PTM configuration.

[0123] In some embodiments, when the UE is in an RRC connected state, it receives update signaling specific to the UE from the network, which indicates an update to the PTM configuration. In response to receiving the update signaling, it monitors broadcast signaling in the current or next modification period to update the PTM configuration.

[0124] In some embodiments, when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, if indication information is added for a UE in an RRC connected state, the indication information indicating that a multicast PTM configuration is obtained from the MCCH, the UE in the RRC inactive state performs a method similar to the MCCH. For example, the UE receives indication information from the network, the indication information indicating that the UE receives the PTM configuration and the update of the PTM configuration through broadcast signaling in both the RRC connected state and the RRC inactive state.

[0125] In some embodiments, UE 104a or 104b receives PTM configuration or updates thereof from the network (e.g., BS 102 or cell 101) via dedicated signaling and broadcast signaling (e.g., MCCH). For example, when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the UE monitors broadcast signaling (e.g., MCCH) to receive PTM configuration or updates thereof for multicast. When the UE is in an RRC connected state, the UE receives PTM configuration from the network via dedicated signaling.

[0126] In some embodiments, when the UE is in an RRC connected state, the PTM configuration of the MBS is obtained from dedicated signaling. When the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the PTM configuration of the MBS is obtained from broadcast signaling (eg, MCCH).

[0127] Fig.11 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 1100 for managing an MBS according to various embodiments. Figure 1-11 The method 1100 may be performed by a network (eg, BS 102) and one of UEs 104a or 104b. The communication between the UE and the BS may be performed on a channel in channels 103a, 103b, or 155, respectively. Fig.11 As shown by the dotted line in .

[0128] In step 1105, when the UE is in the RRC connected state, the network (e.g., BS 102) sends the PTM configuration for each of the at least one MBS to the UE using a first signaling (e.g., dedicated signaling) specific to the UE. In step 1110, when the UE is in the RRC connected state, the UE receives the PTM configuration for each of the at least one MBS using a first signaling specific to the UE. Thus, for the UE in the RRC connected state, the PTM configuration is delivered to the UE through dedicated signaling.

[0129] In step 1115, when the UE is in the RRC connected state, the network transmits data corresponding to at least one MBS using the PTM configuration received in step 1110. In step 1120, when the UE is in the RRC connected state, the UE receives data corresponding to at least one MBS from the network using the PTM configuration.

[0130] In step 1125, the network sends indication information to the UE using a second signaling specific to the UE when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, and the indication information indicates that the PTM configuration for receiving at least one MBS is obtained from the broadcast signaling when the UE is in an RRC inactive state. In step 1130, when the UE is in an RRC connected state, the UE receives indication information from the network using a second signaling specific to the UE, and the indication information indicates that the PTM configuration for receiving at least one MBS is obtained from the broadcast signaling when the UE is in an RRC inactive state. In some examples, the first signaling and the second signaling are the same signaling. In other examples, the first signaling and the second signaling are different.

[0131] In step 1135, the network releases the UE to the RRC inactive state. For example, the network sends appropriate signaling, a message, or a notification indicating to the UE that the UE will be released to the RRC inactive state. In step 1140, the UE transitions from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state.

[0132] In step 1145, the UE monitors broadcast signaling to obtain a PTM configuration for any one of the at least one MBS or an update of the PTM configuration for any one of the at least one MBS. In step 1150, when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the network sends the PTM configuration or an update of the PTM configuration via broadcast signaling. In step 1155, when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the UE receives the PTM configuration or an update of the PTM configuration from the network via broadcast signaling.

[0133] In step 1160, when the UE is in the RRC inactive state, the network uses the updated PTM configuration to send at least one MBS. In step 1165, when the UE is in the RRC inactive state, the UE uses the updated PTM configuration to receive at least one MBS.

[0134] Fig.12 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 1200 for managing an MBS according to various embodiments. Figure 1-12 , the method 1200 may be performed by one of the UEs 104a or 104b. The method 1100 is an exemplary implementation of the method 1200.

[0135] In step 1210, when the UE is in the RRC connected state, the UE receives the PTM configuration for each of the at least one MBS using the UE-specific first signaling. Thus, for the UE in the RRC connected state, the PTM configuration is delivered to the UE through dedicated signaling.

[0136] In step 1220, when the UE is in an RRC connected state, the UE receives indication information from the network using a second signaling specific to the UE, the indication information indicating that when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, a PTM configuration for receiving at least one MBS is obtained from a broadcast signaling. In some examples, the first signaling and the second signaling are the same signaling. In other examples, the first signaling and the second signaling are different.

[0137] In some embodiments, the method 1200 further includes: when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the UE receives a PTM configuration for receiving at least one MBS from the network using broadcast signaling; and when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the UE receives the PTM configuration from the network through broadcast signaling.

[0138] The indication information includes at least one of the following: information indicating that the PTM configuration of at least one MBS is provided through broadcast signaling, a SIB for receiving broadcast signaling, and broadcast signaling information including the PTM configuration of at least one MBS used in an RRC inactive state.

[0139] Fig.13 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 1300 for managing an MBS according to various embodiments. Figure 1-13 , method 1300 may be performed by a network (eg, BS 102 ). Method 1100 is an exemplary implementation of method 1300 .

[0140] In step 1310, when the UE is in the RRC connected state, the network (e.g., BS 102) sends the PTM configuration for each of the at least one MBS to the UE using a first signaling (e.g., dedicated signaling) specific to the UE. Thus, for the UE in the RRC connected state, the PTM configuration is delivered to the UE through dedicated signaling.

[0141] In step 1320, the network sends indication information to the UE using a second signaling when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the indication information indicating that the PTM configuration for receiving at least one MBS is obtained from the broadcast signaling when the UE is in an RRC inactive state. In some examples, the first signaling and the second signaling are the same signaling. In other examples, the first signaling and the second signaling are different.

[0142] In some examples, method 1300 also includes: when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the network sends a PTM configuration for receiving at least one MBS to the UE using broadcast signaling, and the network sends an update to the PTM configuration to the UE when the UE is in an RRC inactive state.

[0143] Thus, when the UE is in the RRC connected state, the PTM configuration of the MBS is delivered through dedicated signaling. In response to the UE being released to the RRC inactive state by the network, the PTM configuration is reacquired from the broadcast (eg, MCCH) in order to continue MBS reception.

[0144] When the UE is in an RRC inactive state, using some dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC reconfiguration, RRC release, etc.) to assist the UE in obtaining MCCH information is beneficial to reducing power consumption and overall signaling overhead. The indication information through dedicated signaling includes at least one of the following: indicating that the MBS configuration is through broadcast (e.g., MCCH) information, associated SIBs required for receiving MCCH, and related MCCH information, and the MCCH information includes information required for receiving MBS configuration.

[0145] In some examples, the RRC reconfiguration carries indication information, indicating that the UE obtains the multicast PTM configuration or the update of the multicast PTM configuration by monitoring the MCCH in the RRC inactive state. Thus, in some embodiments, the indication information includes an indication indicating that at least one of the PTM configuration of at least one MBS or the update of the PTM configuration is received via broadcast signaling. When the UE is in the RRC inactive state, in response to receiving the indication, the UE receives and monitors the broadcast signaling. The indication information is carried in the RRC reconfiguration message.

[0146] In one example, in response to receiving the indication information and in response to the UE being released by the network to the RRC inactive state, in order to continue MBS reception, the corresponding PTM configuration (e.g., the associated MRB and the low-layer configuration of the multicast session) is temporarily retained. The UE starts a process similar to MCCH to receive MBS data in the RRC inactive state, for example, receives the SIB to obtain the configuration information of the MCCH, and then obtains the relevant PTM configuration information by monitoring the MCCH. Before obtaining the updated PTM configuration, the UE continues to apply the current PTM configuration to receive one or more of the at least one MBS, wherein the current PTM configuration can be received when the UE is in the RRC connected state. Therefore, in response to receiving the indication, in response to the UE switching from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state, the UE retains the PTM configuration corresponding to one of the at least one MBS to continue receiving the one MBS. After the UE receives the PTM configuration through broadcast signaling in the RRC inactive state, the PTM configuration received in the RRC connected state is released.

[0147] In another example, in response to receiving the indication information, and in response to the network releasing the UE to the RRC inactive state, the UE initiates a MCCH-like process to receive multicast data in the RRC inactive state, such as receiving the SIB to obtain the configuration information of the MCCH, and then obtaining the relevant multicast PTM configuration information by monitoring the MCCH. Therefore, in response to receiving the indication, the UE releases the PTM configuration corresponding to the MBS in the at least one MBS in response to the UE transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state, and receives the broadcast signaling in response to the UE transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state to obtain an update to the PTM configuration.

[0148] In some embodiments, the RRC release carries indication information, where the indication information instructs the UE to obtain the multicast PTM configuration or update the multicast PTM configuration by monitoring the MCCH in an RRC inactive state.

[0149] In response to transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state, the UE monitors a SIB message, the SIB message including a configuration for receiving broadcast signaling when the UE is in the RRC inactive state. When the UE is in the RRC inactive state, the UE receives broadcast signaling from the network to obtain a PTM configuration or an update of the PTM configuration for at least one MBS. The UE receives data corresponding to the at least one MBS based on the updated PTM configuration.

[0150] In one example, in response to the UE being released by the network to an RRC inactive state, in order to continue MBS reception, the corresponding PTM configuration (e.g., the associated MRB and the low-layer configuration of the multicast session) is temporarily retained. The UE initiates a process similar to MCCH in the RRC inactive state to receive MBS data, for example, receives SIB to obtain the configuration information of MCCH, and then obtains the relevant multicast PTM configuration information by monitoring MCCH. Therefore, in response to receiving the indication information, the UE retains the PTM configuration corresponding to one of the at least one MBS to continue receiving the one MBS in response to the UE switching from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state. After the UE receives the PTM configuration through broadcast signaling in the RRC inactive state, the PTM configuration received by the UE in the RRC connected state is released. Before obtaining the updated PTM configuration, the UE continues to apply the current PTM configuration to receive one or more of the at least one MBS, wherein the current PTM configuration may be received when the UE is in the RRC connected state.

[0151] In another example, in response to the UE being released to the RRC inactive state by the network, the UE starts a MCCH-like process to receive MBS data in the RRC inactive state, such as receiving the SIB to obtain the configuration information of the MCCH, and then obtains the relevant multicast PTM configuration information by monitoring the MCCH. In other words, in response to receiving the indication information, the UE releases the PTM configuration corresponding to one of the at least one MBS in response to the wireless communication device switching from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state. The UE receives the broadcast signaling for updating the PTM configuration in response to the UE switching from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state.

[0152] In some embodiments, the RRC release carries an associated SIB message, which includes information required to receive the MCCH. The UE is released to the RRC inactive state, and the UE performs MCCH monitoring based on the information. The SIB indicating the information is carried in the RRC release message. This mechanism reduces the delay in obtaining the associated SIB.

[0153] In some embodiments, in response to transitioning from an RRC connected state to an RRC inactive state, when the UE is in the RRC inactive state, the UE receives broadcast signaling from the network based on the SIB to obtain a PTM configuration for at least one MBS or an update to the PTM configuration. The UE receives data corresponding to the at least one MBS from the network based on the update to the PTM configuration.

[0154] In some examples, the SIB explicitly (explicitly) indicates that for the selected MBS, in order to continue MBS reception, in response to the UE being released to the RRC inactive state, the corresponding PTM configuration (e.g., the associated MRB and the low-layer configuration of the MBS session) is temporarily retained. The UE initiates a process similar to the MCCH in the RRC inactive state to receive MBS data, for example, by monitoring the MCCH to obtain relevant multicast PTM configuration information. Thus, in response to receiving the SIB, the UE retains the PTM configuration corresponding to one MBS in at least one MBS in response to the UE transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state to continue receiving the one MBS. After the UE receives the PTM configuration through broadcast signaling in the RRC inactive state, the PTM configuration received by the UE in the RRC connected state is released.

[0155] In the absence of receiving such indication information, the UE initiates a conventional RRC connection release procedure and transitions to an RRC inactive state. Before acquiring an updated PTM configuration, the UE continues to apply the current PTM configuration to receive one or more of the at least one MBS, wherein the current PTM configuration may be received when the UE is in an RRC connected state.

[0156] In some examples, the SIB explicitly (explicitly) indicates that for the selected MBS, in response to the UE being released to the RRC inactive state, the UE starts a MCCH-like process to receive MBS data in the RRC inactive state, for example, by monitoring the MCCH to obtain relevant PTM configuration information. Thus, in response to receiving the SIB, the UE releases the PTM configuration corresponding to one of the at least one MBS in response to the UE transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state, and the UE receives broadcast signaling from the network for updating to the PTM configuration in response to the UE transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state. In the absence of receiving such indication information, the UE initiates a conventional RRC connection release process and transitions to the RRC inactive state.

[0157] In some embodiments, the RRC release carries the MCCH content or the entire MCCH content for the MBS of interest to the UE, which indicates that for such MBS, the corresponding PTM configuration is delivered by a method similar to MCCH in the RRC inactive state. This mechanism reduces the delay caused by monitoring the MCCH. The indication information includes broadcast signaling information, which includes the PTM configuration of at least one MBS used when the UE is in the RRC inactive state.

[0158] In one example, in order to continue MBS reception, the UE temporarily retains the corresponding PTM configuration (e.g., the associated MRB and low-layer configuration of the multicast session) in response to the UE being released to the RRC inactive state. The UE applies the PTM configuration in the MCCH content and performs MBS data reception according to the configuration. Then, according to the traditional MCCH monitoring process, the UE monitors the MCCH and MCCH change notification by itself to obtain the MCCH. Before obtaining the updated PTM configuration, the UE continues to apply the current PTM configuration to receive one or more of the at least one MBS, wherein the current PTM configuration may be received when the UE is in the RRC connected state.

[0159] In another embodiment, in response to the UE being released to the RRC inactive state, the UE applies the PTM configuration in the MCCH content and performs multicast data reception according to the configuration. Then, according to the traditional MCCH monitoring process, the UE monitors the MCCH and MCCH change notification by itself to obtain the MCCH.

[0160] In some embodiments, in response to transitioning from an RRC connected state to an RRC inactive state, the UE receives data corresponding to at least one MBS from the network based on a PTM configuration in the indication information. In response to receiving the indication information, the UE retains the PTM configuration corresponding to one of the at least one MBS to continue receiving the one MBS in response to the UE transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state. In response to receiving the indication information, the UE monitors updates to the PTM configuration in response to the wireless communication device transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state.

[0161] The subject matter described herein sometimes shows the different parts that are contained in different other parts or are connected with different other parts.It should be understood that the architectures of these descriptions are illustrative, and in fact many other architectures that realize the same function can be implemented.In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of the parts that realize the same function is effectively "associated", so as to realize the desired function.Therefore, any two parts that are combined to realize a specific function here can be regarded as "associated" with each other, so that the desired function is realized, regardless of the architecture or the intermediate parts.Similarly, any two parts that are so associated can also be regarded as "operably connected" or "operably connected" to realize the desired functionality, and any two parts that can be so associated can also be regarded as "operably connectable" to realize the desired functionality.The specific embodiment that can be operably coupled includes (but is not limited to) physical coordination and / or physical interaction components and / or wireless interaction and / or wireless interaction components and / or logical interaction and / or logical interaction components.

[0162] Regarding the use of plural and / or singular terms herein, those skilled in the art may translate the plural into the singular and / or the singular into the plural as required by the context and / or application. For clarity, various singular / plural arrangements may be explicitly set forth herein.

[0163] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in general, the terms used herein and especially in the appended claims (e.g., the bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended to be “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “comprising” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” etc.).

[0164] Although the drawings and descriptions can illustrate the specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may be different from the order depicted and described, unless specified differently above. In addition, two or more steps can be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously, unless specified differently above. Such variations can depend on, for example, selected software and hardware systems and on the designer's choice. All these variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, the software implementation of the described method can be implemented using standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to complete different connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps.

[0165] It is further understood by those skilled in the art that if a specific number of introduced claim-recorded features is intended, such intent is expressly recorded in the claim, and in the absence of such a record, such intent does not exist. For example, to aid understanding, the following appended claims may include the use of the introductory phrases "at least" and "one or more" to introduce claim-recorded features. However, when such phrases are used, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "one" or "a kind" (for example, "one" and / or "a kind" should typically be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"), the introduction of claim-recorded features by the indefinite article "one" or "a kind" should not be interpreted as implying that any specific claim containing such introduced claim-recorded features is limited to containing only one such recorded feature; the same applies to the use of definite articles to introduce claim records. In addition, even if a specific number of claimed features is explicitly stated, those skilled in the art will recognize that such stated features should generally be interpreted as meaning at least the stated number (e.g., "two stated features" without other modifiers generally means at least two stated features, or two or more stated features).

[0166] Furthermore, where a convention similar to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, generally, such construction is intended to be in the sense that one skilled in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system has at least one of A, B, and C” would include but is not limited to systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Where a convention similar to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, generally, such construction is intended to be in the sense that one skilled in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system has at least one of A, B, or C” would include but is not limited to systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). One skilled in the art would also understand that almost any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, would be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one, either, or both of these terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" should be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0167] Furthermore, use of the words "approximately," "about," "approximately," "substantially," etc. means ±10% unless otherwise indicated.

[0168] The foregoing description of illustrative embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, comprising: When the wireless communication device is in a radio resource control (RRC) connected state, the wireless communication device receives a point-to-multipoint (PTM) configuration from a network using first signaling specific to the wireless communication device, wherein the PTM configuration is used to receive at least one multicast and broadcast service (MBS); and When the wireless communication device is in the RRC connected state, the wireless communication device receives indication information from the network using second signaling specific to the wireless communication device, wherein the indication information indicates that when the wireless communication device is in the RRC inactive state, the PTM configuration for receiving the at least one MBS is obtained from broadcast signaling.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: When the wireless communication device is in the RRC inactive state, the wireless communication device receives the PTM configuration for receiving the at least one MBS from the network using the broadcast signaling; When the wireless communication device is in the RRC inactive state, the wireless communication device receives an update to the PTM configuration from the network.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The indication information includes an indication of receiving the PTM configuration or an update of the PTM configuration of at least one MBS via the broadcast signaling; as well as When the wireless communication device is in the RRC inactive state, in response to receiving the indication, the wireless communication device receives the broadcast signaling.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The indication information is carried in the RRC reconfiguration message.

5. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: In response to receiving the indication, the wireless communication device retains the PTM configuration corresponding to one of the at least one MBS in response to the wireless communication device transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state to continue receiving the one MBS; as well as After receiving the PTM configuration through the broadcast signaling when the wireless communication device is in the RRC inactive state, the wireless communication device releases the PTM configuration received when the wireless communication device is in the RRC connected state.

6. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: In response to receiving the indication, the wireless communication apparatus releases the PTM configuration corresponding to one of the at least one MBS in response to transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state; as well as The wireless communication apparatus receives the broadcast signaling to obtain an update to the PTM configuration in response to transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state, the wireless communication apparatus monitors a system information block (SIB) message, wherein the SIB message includes a configuration for receiving the broadcast signaling when the wireless communication apparatus is in the RRC inactive state; When the wireless communication device is in the RRC inactive state, the wireless communication device receives the broadcast signaling from the network to obtain the PTM configuration or an update of the PTM configuration for the at least one MBS; and Data corresponding to the at least one MBS is received based on the updated PTM configuration.

8. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The indication information is carried in the RRC release message.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: In response to receiving the indication information, the wireless communication device retains the PTM configuration corresponding to one of the at least one MBS in response to switching from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state to continue receiving the one MBS; as well as After receiving the PTM configuration through the broadcast signaling when the wireless communication device is in the RRC inactive state, the wireless communication device releases the PTM configuration received when the wireless communication device is in the RRC connected state.

10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: In response to receiving the indication information, the wireless communication device releases the PTM configuration corresponding to one of the at least one MBS in response to transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state; as well as The wireless communication apparatus receives the broadcast signaling to obtain an update to the PTM configuration in response to transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The system information block SIB in the indication information is carried in the RRC release message.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: In response to transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state, the wireless communication device receives the broadcast signaling from the network based on the SIB when in the RRC inactive state to obtain the PTM configuration or an update of the PTM configuration for the at least one MBS; as well as The wireless communication apparatus receives data corresponding to the at least one MBS from the network based on the update to the PTM configuration.

13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: In response to receiving the SIB, the wireless communication device retains the PTM configuration corresponding to one of the at least one MBSs in response to the wireless communication device transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state to continue receiving the one MBS; as well as After receiving the PTM configuration through the broadcast signaling when the wireless communication device is in the RRC inactive state, the wireless communication device releases the PTM configuration received when the wireless communication device is in the RRC connected state.

14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: In response to receiving the SIB, the wireless communication device releasing the PTM configuration corresponding to one of the at least one MBS in response to the wireless communication device transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state; as well as The wireless communication apparatus receives the broadcast signaling to obtain an update to the PTM configuration in response to transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The indication information includes broadcast signaling information, and the broadcast signaling information includes the PTM configuration of the at least one MBS used when the wireless communication device is in the RRC inactive state.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: In response to transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state, the wireless communication apparatus receives data corresponding to the at least one MBS from the network based on the PTM configuration in the indication information.

17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: In response to receiving the indication information, the wireless communication device monitors an update of the PTM configuration in response to transitioning from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state.

18. A wireless communication device comprising at least one processor and a memory, wherein: The at least one processor is configured to read code from the memory and implement the method according to claim 1.

19. A computer program product comprising computer readable program code stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to implement the method according to claim 1.

20. A wireless communication method, comprising: When the wireless communication device is in a radio resource control RRC connected state, the network sends a point-to-multipoint PTM configuration for receiving at least one multicast and broadcast service MBS to the wireless communication device using first signaling specific to the wireless communication device; as well as When the wireless communication device is in the RRC connected state, the network sends indication information to the wireless communication device using a second signaling specific to the wireless communication device, wherein the indication information indicates that when the wireless communication device is in the RRC inactive state, the PTM configuration for receiving the at least one MBS is obtained from broadcast signaling.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: When the wireless communication device is in the RRC inactive state, the network sends the PTM configuration for receiving the at least one MBS to the wireless communication device using the broadcast signaling; as well as When the wireless communication device is in the RRC inactive state, the network sends an update to the PTM configuration to the wireless communication device.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The indication information includes an indication of receiving the PTM configuration or an update of the PTM configuration of at least one MBS via the broadcast signaling.

23. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The indication information is carried in an RRC release message or an RRC reconfiguration message.

24. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The system information block SIB of the indication information is carried in the RRC release message.

25. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The indication information includes broadcast signaling information, and the broadcast signaling information includes the PTM configuration of the at least one MBS used when the wireless communication device is in the RRC inactive state.

26. A wireless communication device comprising at least one processor and a memory, wherein: The at least one processor is configured to read code from the memory and implement the method according to claim 20.

27. A computer program product comprising computer readable program code stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to implement the method according to claim 20.

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