DEPLOYMENT OF MULTICAST / BROADCAST SERVICES IN 5G NETWORKS

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Generally, the present invention relates to the field of telecommunications. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices and methods for providing multicast / broadcast services in communication networks, in particular 5G networks.BACKGROUND

[0002] The 3GPP LTE system architecture supports multicast / broadcast services by using a stand-alone architecture which is called multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) architecture. This architecture, which is described in 3GPP TS 23.246 v15.0.0, comprises as main components a Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BM-SC) server, a Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services Gateway (MBMS GW) and a Multicell / Multicast Coordination Entity (MCE). The 3GPP LTE MBMS architecture supports two different operation modes, namely a single - cell point - to - multipoint (SC-PTM) mode and a Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service over Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) mode. In the MBSFN mode, multiple cells are synchronized and create a single frequency network to perform multicast broadcast transmissions. On the other hand, in the SC-PTM mode, each cell is served independently without synchronizing to other cells. Each MBMS session / bearer may have the context / session attributes described in 3GPP TS 23.246 v15.0.0. The 5G system architecture currently specified in 3GPP TS 23.501 v15.1.0 does not provide multicast / broadcast service capabilities. However, multicast / broadcast services are essential for different use cases (e.g., V2X scenarios specified in 3GPP TS 22.186 v15.2.0). Forthis reason, it would be desirable to extend the 5G system architecture so as to support these types of multicast / broadcast services. Although there have been some suggestions for supporting multicast and broadcast services in a 5G communication network, there is still a need for devices and methods for providing multicast / broadcast services in a communication networks, in particular a 5G communication network in a cost effective and efficient manner.

[0003] Document US 2010 / 322128 A1 discloses a user plan entity selection for MBMS triggered by an Tracking Area update message.

[0004] Document US 2014 / 177506 A1 discloses a mapping of MBMS SAI and Cell ID.SUMMARY

[0005] The invention is defined by the independent claims. Further advantageous implementations of the embodiments are defined by the dependent claims

[0006] Generally, embodiments of the invention allow making an initial selection of user plane (UP) functions supporting multicast broadcast services (MBS) (i.e., UP MBS or Enhanced-UPF). Moreover, embodiments of the invention provide user plane mobility support, for instance, for V2X scenarios, where a re-selection of user plane functions becomes necessary.

[0007] Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In the following embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the attached figures and drawings, in which: Fig. 1is a schematic diagram illustrating the conventional architecture of a 5G communication network; Fig. 2is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary architecture of a cellular communication network comprising a network entity according to an embodiment for providing a multicast / broadcast service to a user equipment; Fig. 3is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary scenario addressed by a network entity according to an embodiment in the exemplary network architecture of figure 2; Fig. 4is a signaling diagram illustrating an initial selection of a user plane function by a network entity according to an embodiment within the exemplary network architecture of figure 2; Fig. 5is a signaling diagram illustrating an initial selection of a user plane function by a network entity according to another embodiment within the exemplary network architecture of figure 2; Fig. 6is a signaling diagram illustrating an initial selection of a user plane function by a network entity according to another embodiment within the exemplary network architecture of figure 1; Fig. 7is a signaling diagram illustrating a re-selection of a user plane function by a network entity according to an embodiment within the exemplary network architecture of figure 2; Fig. 8is a signaling diagram illustrating a re-selection of a user plane function by a network entity according to another embodiment within the exemplary network architecture of figure 2; Fig. 9is a signaling diagram illustrating a re-selection of a user plane function by a network entity according to another embodiment within the exemplary network architecture of figure 1; Fig. 10is a signaling diagram illustrating further aspects of a re-selection of a user plane function by a network entity according to an embodiment within the exemplary network architecture of figure 2; Fig. 11is a signaling diagram illustrating further aspects of a re-selection of a user plane function by a network entity according to an embodiment within the exemplary network architecture of figure 2; Fig. 12is a signaling diagram illustrating further aspects of a re-selection of a user plane function by a network entity according to an embodiment within the exemplary network architecture of figure 2; Fig. 13is a signaling diagram illustrating a re-selection of a user plane function by a network entity according to an embodiment within the exemplary network architecture of figure 2; Fig. 14is a flow diagram showing an example of processing steps of a method for providing a multicast / broadcast according to an embodiment; and Fig. 15is a flow diagram showing an example of processing steps of a method of operating an AMF entity according to an embodiment.

[0009] In the following identical reference signs refer to identical or at least functionally equivalent features.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures, which form part of the disclosure, and which show, by way of illustration, specific aspects of embodiments of the invention or specific aspects in which embodiments of the present invention may be used. It is understood that embodiments of the invention may be used in other aspects and comprise structural or logical changes not depicted in the figures. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0011] For instance, it is understood that a disclosure in connection with a described method may also hold true for a corresponding device or system configured to perform the method and vice versa. For example, if one or a plurality of specific method steps are described, a corresponding device may include one or a plurality of units, e.g. functional units, to perform the described one or plurality of method steps (e.g. one unit performing the one or plurality of steps, or a plurality of units each performing one or more of the plurality of steps), even if such one or more units are not explicitly described or illustrated in the figures. On the other hand, for example, if a specific apparatus is described based on one or a plurality of units, e.g. functional units, a corresponding method may include one step to perform the functionality of the one or plurality of units (e.g. one step performing the functionality of the one or plurality of units, or a plurality of steps each performing the functionality of one or more of the plurality of units), even if such one or plurality of steps are not explicitly described or illustrated in the figures. Further, it is understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments and / or aspects described herein may be combined with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise.

[0012] In order to set the stage for describing different aspects of the invention reference is made to figure 1, which illustrates the architecture of a conventional 5G communication network 100, as defined, for instance, in 3GPP TS 23.501 v15.1.0. In this architecture, service-based interfaces (SBIs) are used within the control plane (CP). Furthermore, the following main interfaces (reference points) are defined: N1, i.e. the reference point between a user equipment (UE) 103 and the access and mobility management function (AMF) 107; N2, i.e. the reference point between the radio access network ((R)AN) 106 and the AMF 107; N3, i.e. the reference point between the (R)AN 106 and a user plane function (UPF) 105; N4, i.e. the reference point between a session management function (SMF) 101 and the UPF 105; N6, i.e. the reference point between the UPF and a data network (DN); and N9, i.e. the reference point between two UPFs.

[0013] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary architecture of a cellular communication network 200 comprising a control plane network entity 201 according to an embodiment for providing a multicast / broadcast service to a user equipment 203 using one or more user plane functions 205a of a plurality of selectable user plane functions of the cellular communication network 200. As illustrated in figure 2, the network entity 201 can be referred to as a group session management function, G-SMF, 201, because it can be considered to be an extension of the SMF 101 of the conventional 5G communication network illustrated in figure 1 (as will be described in more detail further below). According to a further alternative, the network entity 201 can be implemented as a separate control plane (CP) multicast / broadcast service (CP MBS).

[0014] In addition to the network entity, in particular G-SMF 201 the communication network 200 comprises as a further main component a further network entity 207, in particular an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity 207. As this AMF entity 207 can be considered to be an extension of the AMF 107 of the conventional 5G communication network illustrated in figure 1 (as will be described in more detail further below), it is referred to in figure 2 as a group-access and mobility management function (G-AMF) entity 207.

[0015] Generally, as will be described in more detail below, the G-AMF 207 and G-SMF 201 are mainly handling all control plane functionalities of setting up, modifying and tearing down the broadcast communication session as requested by an application server (AS) 209 or application function (AF) 211 (possibly via a network exposure function 212) or by control function 213, in particular a V2X control function (V2XCF) 213.

[0016] As will be described in more detail below, the control plane network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 is configured to receive a request, in particular a session setup request or a session update request, for a multicast / broadcast service for the one or more user equipments 203, wherein the request comprises one or more identifiers identifying the one or more user equipments 203 and / or one or more spatial regions the one or more user equipments 203 are located in. As will be described in more detail further below, in embodiments of the invention, the one or more identifiers identifying the one or more user equipments 203 and / or one or more spatial regions the one or more user equipments 203 are located in can comprise one or more UE IDs identifying the one or more user equipments 203, one or more SAls identifying one or more spatial regions the one or more user equipments 203 are located in and / or cell IDs identifying one or more spatial regions the one or more user equipments 203 are located in.

[0017] Moreover, the control plane network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 is configured to select one or more user plane functions 205a-c (illustrated, for instance, in figure 3) of the plurality of selectable user plane functions on the basis of the one or more identifiers for providing the multicast / broadcast service to the one or more user equipments 203. Moreover, the control plane network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 is configured to provide the one or more selected user plane functions 205a-c with information about the multicast / broadcast service.

[0018] As will be described in more detail below, the AMF entity 207 is configured to determine, in response to receiving one or more identifiers from the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201, wherein the one or more identifiers identify the one or more user equipments 203 and / or a service area comprising a plurality of communication cells of the cellular communication network 200 serving the one or more user equipments 203, one or more further identifiers, in particular one or more cell IDs, on the basis of the one or more identifiers, wherein each further identifier identifies a communication cell of the cellular communication network 200 and / or a base station of the cellular communication network 200 defining the communication cell; and transmit the one or more further identifiers to the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 for selecting one or more of the plurality of selectable user plane functions 205a-c.

[0019] In the 5G system architecture, there may be multiple user plane functions (also referred to as UP MBS (i.e., Enhanced-UPF - eUPF)) 205a-c supporting multicast / broadcast functionality for different reasons, such as reducing the end to end communication latency by selecting topologically optimal user plane functions 205a-c for the relevant (R)ANs 206, multicast session load distribution among different user plane functions 205a-c and the like. For such scenarios, the control plane network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 is configured to select the optimal user plane function(s) 205a-c on the basis of one or more service requirements, in particular a quality of service requirement of the multicast / broadcast service and / or one or more performance measures of the plurality of selectable user plane functions 205a-c, in particular a respective run-time load of the plurality of selectable user plane functions 205a-c.

[0020] Figure 3 shows an example scenario in which the user plane function referred to as UP MBS1 205a is selected as the session anchor for UE group 1 (e.g., V2X service type 1) performing multicast broadcast transmissions via RAN2 206 and RAN3 206 and the user plane function referred to as UP MBS2 205b is selected as another session anchor for UE group 2 (e.g., V2X service type 2) performing multicast broadcast transmissions via RAN4 206. As already described above, this selection can be done by the control plane network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4 shows a signaling diagram illustrating an initial selection of a user plane function 205a-c by the control plane network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 according to an embodiment. This embodiment is based on the use of identifiers identifying the one or more spatial regions the one or more user equipments 203 are located in, in particular service area identifiers (SAls). In this embodiment, each RAN 206 collects information for mapping service area identifiers (SAIs) into cell IDs. These cell IDs can be a new radio (NR) cell global identifier (NCGI), a gNB identifier (gNB ID) or a global gNB ID, as defined in 3GPP TS 38.300. As illustrated in steps 1 and 2 of figure 4, each RAN, such as the RAN 206 can provide this information for mapping service area identifiers (SAIs) into cell IDs to the AMF 207. Furthermore, this mapping information can also be provided by an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) function in the control plane to the AMF 207.

[0022] When a session start request is sent in step 3 of figure 4 by the application server 209 (including SAI information for the one or more UEs 203) to the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201, the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 requests the corresponding cell IDs for that SAI from the AMF 207 (step 4 of figure 4). The AMF 207 already has this (SAI, cell IDs) mapping information from each RAN 206 (i.e., gNB) and provides the corresponding cell IDs to the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 (step 5 of figure 4). In step 6 of figure 4 the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 selects one or more user plane functions 205a-c of the plurality of selectable user plane functions on the basis of the cell IDs provided by the AMF 207. When the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 is making this selection, it may also take into account the QoS requirements (e.g., end-to-end delay, reliability, etc.) of the requested multicast / broadcast service, as already described above and illustrated in step 6 of figure 4. Once the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 has selected the exemplary user plane function 205b, it sends multicast / broadcast session / bearer information to start / setup the session (step 7 of figure 4), which can be followed up by a response from the selected user plane function 205b (step 8 of figure 4).

[0023] Figure 5 shows a signaling diagram illustrating an initial selection of a user plane function 205a-c by the control plane network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 according to a further embodiment. This embodiment is based on the use of identifiers identifying the one or more communication cells the one or more user equipments 203 are located in, in particular cell IDs (also referred to as NCGIs). When the session start request is sent in step 1 of figure 5 by the application server 209 (including a list of cell IDs (NCGIs) for the one or more user equipments 203) to the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201, the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 can directly performs the user plane function selection based on the provided identifiers, in particular cell IDs and / or NCGls (step 2 of figure 5). Similarto the embodiment of figure 4, when the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 is making the user plane function selection, it may also take into account the QoS requirements (e.g., end-to-end delay, reliability, etc.) of the requested multicast / broadcast service. Once the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 has selected the exemplary user plane function 205b, it sends multicast / broadcast session / bearer information to start / setup the session (step 3 of figure 5), which can be followed up by a response from the selected user plane function 205b (step 4 of figure 5).

[0024] Figure 6 shows a signaling diagram illustrating an initial selection of a user plane function 205a-c by the control plane network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 according to a further embodiment. This embodiment is based on the use of identifiers identifying the one or more user equipments 203, in particular UE IDs. In this embodiment the AS 209 sends the UE IDs (registered for the multicast / broadcast group of user equipments 203) in the session start request (step 1 of figure 6). When the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 receives the request, it asks from the AMF 207 which cell IDs (NCGIs) are associated with these UEs 203 (step 2 of figure 6). In response, the AMF 207 returns the list of cell IDs (NCGIs) serving these UEs 203 in the response message (step 3 of figure 6). On the basis thereof the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 selects the user plane function 205b (step 4 of figure 6). Similarto the embodiments of figures 4 and 5, when the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 is making the user plane function selection, it may also take into account the QoS requirements (e.g., end-to-end delay, reliability, etc.) of the requested multicast / broadcast service. Once the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 has selected the exemplary user plane function 205b, it sends multicast / broadcast session / bearer information to start / setup the session (step 5 of figure 6), which can be followed up by a response from the selected user plane function 205b (step 6 of figure 6).

[0025] As already described above, embodiments of the invention not only allow for an initial selection of one or more user plane functions for providing a multicast / broadcast service to the user equipment 203, but also for a re-selection or session update of one or more user plane functions, when the user equipment 203 is already being provided with the multicast / broadcast service by one or more other user plane functions. This can be advantageous, because some applications (e.g. V2X Platooning) may require long multicast / broadcast sessions (e.g., some hours), while the one or more UEs 203 are on the move. In these scenarios, the initially selected user plane functions (herein also referred to as source user plane functions) may topologically be far away due to mobility of the one or more UEs 203. This increases end-to-end communication delay and data has to be forwarded over more hops. Thus, for such scenarios, embodiments of the invention allow to change the initially assigned / selected user plane function session anchor (i.e. the source user plane functions) as the multicast session continues depending on the mobility pattern of the one or more UEs 203, so that the end-to-end communication delay can be limited.

[0026] Figure 7 is a signaling diagram illustrating a first stage of a re-selection procedure of a user plane function by the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 according to an embodiment. The re-selection procedure shown in figure 7 comprises the following steps: 1. Each UE 203 sends location information to the application server (AS) 209. 2. Based on the UE position reporting, the AS 209 may identify new, i.e. changed SAls and sends a session update request message to the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201. 3. The network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 receives the session update request message and sends an UE group location update request message to the AMF 207 so as to learn the new cell IDs (NCGIs) based on the new SAls. 4. The AMF 207 returns the relevant cell IDs (NCGIs) to the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 in the response message. 5. The network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 performs a new selection of one or more user plane functions, i.e. a re-selection on the basis of the new cell IDs. 6. Once the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 has selected the exemplary target user plane function 205b, it sends a new session start request to the exemplary target user plane function 205b and provides information, such as session attributes. 7. Moreover, the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 sends a multicast / broadcast session modification request message to the currently assigned, i.e. source user plane function 205a and provides information about the newly selected target user plane function 205b, such as session attributes, including address information.

[0027] Similar to the embodiments for the initial session setup procedure illustrated in figures 4 to 6, also the session update procedure can be based on other identifiers than the SAls described in the context of the embodiment shown in figure 7.

[0028] In the re-selection procedure illustrated in figure 8 the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 according to an embodiment is configured to re-select the exemplary target user plane function 205b on the basis of cell IDs directly provided by the application server as part of the session update request (step 2 of figure 8). As will be appreciated, in this case there is no interaction with the AMF 207 required and the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 can directly proceed to selecting the exemplary target user plane function 205b (step 3 of figure 8). As steps 4 and 5 of figure 8 are identical to steps 6 and 7 of figure 7, reference is made to the above detailed description of figure 7.

[0029] In the re-selection procedure illustrated in figure 9 the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 according to an embodiment is configured to re-select the exemplary target user plane function 205b on the basis of UE IDs and possibly their location information provided in the session update request message (step 2 of figure 9). Thus, the main difference between the embodiments shown in figures 7 and 9, is that in step 3 of figure 9 the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 sends the UE IDs and possibly their location information to the AMF and not the SAls, as in step 3 of figure 7. As the other steps of figure 9 are identical to the corresponding steps of figure 7, reference is made to the above detailed description of figure 7.

[0030] Figure 10 is a signaling diagram illustrating further aspects of a re-selection of a user plane function by the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 according to an embodiment. As can be taken from figure 10, the core network of the communication network 200 may trigger the user plane function re-selection procedure implemented by the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 according to an embodiment. More specifically, when the AMF 207 has an update on the cell information (NCGI) of the UE 203, it provides this information to the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 (step 1 of figure 10). Based on the information provided by the AMF 207 the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 performs the re-selection procedure as described above in the context of one of the embodiments of figures 7 to 9.

[0031] Once the first stage of the re-selection procedure illustrated in figures 7 to 9 is completed, i.e. the target user plane function 205b has been selected by the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201, a second stage can follow, which is illustrated in figure 11 and comprises the following steps: 1. The network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 sends a session start request to the exemplary target user plane function 205b (referred to as Target UP MBS in figure 12) including a session ID and session attributes. 2. The exemplary target user plane function 205b acknowledges the request by sending a response message. 3. The network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 sends a session modification request message (including Session ID and information about the exemplary target user plane function 205b) to the source user plane function 205a (referred to as Source UP MBS (eUPF) in figure 12). 4. The source user plane function 205a acknowledges the request by sending a response message. 5. When the source user plane function 205a receives the modification request message, it may start forwarding received data packets to the target user plane function 205b. 6. The target user plane function 205b may perform a reordering of the data packets received from the source user plane function 205a and / or the application server 209. Once the target user plane function 205b starts receiving data packets either from the source user plane function 205a or the AS 209, it also can start the transmission of these data packets towards the RAN 206.

[0032] As illustrated in figure 11, in step 5 thereof the source user plane function 205a can optionally send "end marker" data packets to the target user plane function 205b, for instance, in case the multicast / broadcast service may require session continuity and does not tolerate packet losses. The end marker data packets can inform the target user plane function 205b that no further data packets will be received from the source user plane function 205a. The end marker data packets can comprise dummy information, as defined in TS 36.300. Alternatively or additionally, the end marker data packets can comprise user data and an additional identifier or tag for informing the target user plane function 205b that no further data packets will be received from the source user plane function 205a.

[0033] Figure 12 shows a signaling diagram illustrating a multicast / broadcast bearer update procedure implemented by the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201, which includes the target user plane function information, such as the IP address of the target user plane function 205b, so that the application server 209 can forward the related MBS user data to the target user plane function 205b. Furthermore, the application server 209 can also create a new MB2-U secure connection before starting transmission to the target user plane function 205b. Optionally, the AS 209 may forward application packets to both the source user plane function 205a and the target user plane function 205b for a certain duration (i.e., short transition / re-selection time duration which may be specified by the network entity 201, in particular in the notification request message of step 1 of figure 12).

[0034] Figure 13 provides a summary of the complete user plane function re-selection procedure, i.e. including the first stage and the second stage as already described above. Thus, for more detailed explanations of the steps shown in figure 13, reference is made to the corresponding descriptions provided above. As already mentioned in the context of figure 11, depending on the service requirements the source user plane function 205a may optionally forward in step 6 of figure 13 "end marker" data packets to the target user plane function 205b in order to ensure session continuity. Furthermore, when the RAN 206 receives the "session update request" message from the network entity 201, in particular G-SMF 201 in step 8 of figure 14, it may also send an optional join request to target user plane function 205b so that after receiving the join request the target user plane function 205b may start transmitting user data to the RAN 206.

[0035] Figure 14 is a flow diagram showing an example of processing steps of a method 1400 for providing a multicast / broadcast according to an embodiment. The method 1400 comprises the steps of: receiving 1401 a request, in particular a session setup request or a session update request, for a multicast / broadcast service for the one or more user equipments 203, wherein the request comprises one or more identifiers identifying the one or more user equipments 203 and / or one or more spatial regions the one or more user equipments 203 are located in; selecting 1403 one or more user plane functions 205a-c of the plurality of selectable user plane functions on the basis of the one or more identifiers for providing the multicast / broadcast service to the one or more user equipments 203; and providing 1405 the one or more selected user plane functions 205a-c with information about the multicast / broadcast service.

[0036] Figure 15 is a flow diagram showing an example of processing steps of a method 1500 of operating the AMF entity 207 according to an embodiment. The method 1500 comprises the steps of: determining 1501, in response to receiving one or more identifiers from the network entity 201 of the communication network 200, wherein the one or more identifiers identify the one or more user equipments 203 and / or a service area comprising a plurality of communication cells of the cellular communication network 200 serving the one or more user equipments 203, one or more further identifiers, in particular one or more cell IDs, on the basis of the one or more identifiers, wherein each further identifier identifies a communication cell of the cellular communication network 200 and / or a base station of the cellular communication network 200 defining the communication cell; and transmitting 1503 the one or more further identifiers to the network entity 201 for selecting one or more of the plurality of selectable user plane functions.

[0037] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, apparatus, and method may be implemented in other manners. For example, the described apparatus embodiment is merely exemplary. For example, the unit division is merely logical function division and may be other division in actual implementation. For example, a plurality of units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not performed. In addition, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be implemented by using some interfaces. The indirect couplings or communication connections between the apparatuses or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0038] The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and parts displayed as units may or may not be physical units, may be located in one position, or may be distributed on a plurality of network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the objectives of the solutions of the embodiments. In addition, functional units in the embodiments of the present invention may be integrated into one processing unit, or each of the units may exist alone physically, or two or more units are integrated into one unit.

[0039] Embodiments of the invention may further comprise an apparatus, which comprises processing circuitry configured to perform any of the methods and / or processes described herein.

Claims

1. A method (1400) for providing a multicast / broadcast service to one or more user equipments (203) in a cellular communication network (200) using one or more user plane functions (205a-b) of a plurality of selectable user plane functions, the method (1400) being performed by a network entity (201), wherein the method (1400) comprises: • receiving (1401) a request for a multicast / broadcast service for the one or more user equipments (203) from an application server, AS, (209), an application function (211), or a control function (213) of the cellular communication network (200), ∘ wherein the request comprises one or more identifiers identifying the one or more user equipments (203) or one or more identifiers identifying a service area comprising a plurality of communication cells of the cellular communication network (200), the plurality of communiction cells serving the one or more user equipments (203); • in case the request comprises the one or more identifiers identifying the one or more user equipments (203): ∘ transmitting the one or more identifiers identifying the one or more user equipments (203) to an access and mobility management function, AMF, entity (207) of the cellular communication network (200), ∘ receiving from the AMF entity (207), in response thereto, one or more further identifiers identifying one or more communication cells of the cellular communication network (200) and / or one or more base stations of the cellular communication network (200) defining the one or more communication cells, and ∘ selecting the one or more user plane functions (205a-c) among the plurality of selectable user plane functions on the basis of the one or more further identifiers for providing the multicast / broadcast service to the one or more user equipments (203), • in case the request comprises the one or more identifiers identifying the service area: ∘ transmitting the one or more identifiers identifying the service area to the AMF entity (207) of the cellular communication network (200), ∘ receiving, from the AMF entity (207), in response thereto, the one or more further identifiers identifying the one or more communication cells of the cellular communication network (200) and / or the one or more base stations of the cellular communication network (200) defining the one or more communication cells, and ∘ selecting the one or more user plane functions (205a-c) among the plurality of selectable user plane functions on the basis of the one or more further identifiers for providing the multicast / broadcast service to the one or more user equipments (203), • providing (1405) the one or more selected user plane functions (205a-c) with information about the multicast / broadcast service.

2. The method (1400) of claim 1, wherein the method (1400) comprises selecting the one or more user plane functions (205a-c) on the basis of one or more service requirements and / or one or more performance measures of the plurality of selectable user plane functions.

3. The method (1400) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the multicast / broadcast service is already provided to the one or more user equipments (203) using one or more source user plane functions (205a) of the plurality of selectable user plane functions and wherein the method (1400) comprises selecting one or more target user plane functions (205b) of the plurality of selectable user plane functions for continuing providing the multicast / broadcast service to the one or more user equipments (203).

4. The method (1400) of claim 3, wherein the method (1400) comprises informing the one or more source user plane functions (205a) about the selected one or more target user plane functions (205b) and triggering the one or more source user plane functions (205a) to forward data packets related to the multicast / broadcast service to the selected one or more target user plane functions (205b).

5. The method (1400) of claim 4, wherein the method (1400) comprises triggering the one or more source user plane functions (205a) to forward one or more end marker data packets to the selected one or more target user plane functions (205b), wherein the one or more end marker data packets inform the one or more target user plane functions (205b) that no further data packets will be received from the one or more source user plane functions (205a).

6. The method (1400) of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the method (1400) comprises triggering the one or more target user plane functions (205b) to reorder data packets received from the one or more source user plane functions (205a) and / or from the application server (209) for providing the multicast / broadcast service to the one or more user equipments (203).

7. The method (1400) of any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the method (1400) comprises informing the application server (209) for providing the multicast / broadcast service to the one or more user equipments (203) about the selected one or more target user plane functions (205b) and triggering the application server (209) to forward data packets related to the multicast / broadcast service to the one or more source user plane functions (205a) and / or the selected one or more target user plane functions (205b) for a predefined time duration.

8. The method (1400) of any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the request is a session update request.

9. The method (1400) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the method (1400) comprises receiving a UE location update message from the AMF entity (209) of the cellular communication network (200), wherein the UE location update message comprises the one or more identifiers identifying the one or more communication cells of the cellular communication network (200) the one or more user equipments (203) are currently located in and / or the one or more base stations of the cellular communication network (200) defining the one or more communication cells the one or more user equipments (203) are currently located in.

10. A method (1500) for operating an access and mobility management function, AMF, entity (207) in a cellular communication network (200) comprising a plurality of selectable user plane functions (205a-c) for providing a multicast / broadcast service to one or more user equipments (203) of the cellular communication network (200), wherein the method (1500) comprises: • determining (1501), in response to receiving one or more identifiers from a network entity (201) of the communication network (200), one or more further identifiers on the basis of the one or more identifiers, ∘ wherein the one or more identifiers identify the one or more user equipments (203) or identify a service area comprising a plurality of communication cells of the cellular communication network (200), the plurality of communication cells serving the one or more user equipments (203), ∘ wherein each further identifier identifies a communication cell of the cellular communication network (200) and / or a base station of the cellular communication network (200) defining the communication cell; and • transmitting (1503) the one or more further identifiers to the network entity (201), the one or more further identifiers being used at the network entity (201) for selecting one or more of the plurality of selectable user plane functions (205a-c).

11. A network entity (201) configured to perform any of the methods according to claims 1-9.

12. A mobility management function, AMF, entity (207) configured to perform the method according to claim 10.