Method and apparatus for wireless communication

Abstract

A method is provided that includes monitoring (100, 300, 400) at least one multicast control channel (MCCH1) based on at least one selection information (sel) that characterizes a selection of at least one multicast control channel configuration (conf1) associated with the at least one multicast control channel (MCCH1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments relate to enhancements for the provisioning of multicast sessions in a wireless network.

Background Art

[0002] A multicast session is provided to transmit multicast data to a plurality of UEs.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the description, a method is provided. The method includes monitoring at least one multicast control channel based on at least one selection information characterizing a selection of at least one multicast control channel setting associated with at least one multicast control channel.

[0004] Advantageously, more frequent monitoring of multicast control channel changes by UEs not interested in low latency services is avoided. Inefficient resource use (e.g., power consumption) in these UEs is avoided. As a result, the setting flexibly and efficiently supports multicast sessions of multicast services having different latency requirements.

[0005] To support services having different latency requirements, for example, a plurality of multicast control channels corresponding to different latency requirements are introduced. A UE can selectively monitor changes in a multicast control channel for a service having a specific latency requirement that the UE is interested in.

[0006] This solution enables scenarios where the system is used to provide multicast and / or broadcast services simultaneously to various applications such as V2X, MCC, mobile broadband, etc.

[0007] According to an advantageous embodiment, the above method includes receiving a plurality of multicast control channel settings and associated matching information, and selecting at least one multicast control channel setting from the received plurality of control channel settings when at least one selection information matches the received matching information, and monitoring includes monitoring at least one multicast control channel according to the selected at least one multicast control channel setting.

[0008] Advantageously, the multicast control channel setting is selected via the UE, and the UE effort for monitoring is concentrated on a part of the plurality of available multicast control channels.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment, the above method includes receiving at least one selection information.

[0010] Advantageously, the UE is provided with the selection information.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one selection information is associated with at least one QoS value.

[0012] Advantageously, due to being associated with at least one QoS value, the UE can select a multicast control channel at the QoS level.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment, the matching information characterizes at least one QoS value or at least one further QoS value.

[0014] Advantageously, the matching information provides that the UE can select a multicast channel setting via QoS.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one selection information and at least one matching information indicate a set of multicast sessions associated with at least one multicast control channel.

[0016] Advantageously, a group setting identifier can be used to indicate a set of multicast sessions. Furthermore, this type of matching information can reduce the number of multicast control channels. This is because several services with equivalent QoS can be presented to the UE via a single or reduced number of multicast control channels.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the description, a method includes determining a plurality of multicast control channel settings of a multicast control channel based on at least one service property of at least one multicast session associated with a corresponding multicast control channel, and transmitting at least one of the plurality of determined multicast control channel settings.

[0018] Advantageously, more frequent monitoring of multicast setting channel changes by UEs not interested in low latency services is avoided. Inefficient resource usage (e.g., power consumption) in these UEs is avoided. As a result, the settings support multicast sessions of multicast services with different latency requirements flexibly and efficiently.

[0019] To support services with different latency requirements, for example, a plurality of multicast control channels corresponding to different latency requirements are introduced. The UE can selectively monitor changes in the multicast control channel for services having specific latency requirements that the UE is interested in.

[0020] This solution enables scenarios where the system is used to simultaneously provide multicast and / or broadcast services to various applications such as V2X, MCC, and mobile broadband.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one device is made to monitor at least one transmitted multicast control channel based on at least one selection information characterizing a selection of at least one multicast control channel setting associated with the at least one multicast control channel, by transmitting at least one of a plurality of multicast control channel settings.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment, the above method includes transmitting a plurality of multicast control channel settings and associated matching information.

[0023] Advantageously, a plurality of settings are provided to the UE.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, the above method includes determining at least one selection information and transmitting at least one selection information.

[0025] By providing the selection information, the network causes the UE to select a specific multicast control channel setting to be provided later, and to monitor at least one on-multicast control channel associated with the selected multicast control channel setting.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment, the selection information is determined based on at least one service property of at least one multicast session associated with the corresponding multicast control channel.

[0027] Advantageously, the service property is associated with or represented by the corresponding QoS value, and the selection is made based on QoS.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the method includes determining a scheduling frequency of at least one multicast control channel based on at least one service property of at least one multicast session associated with the corresponding multicast control channel as part of the corresponding multicast control channel configuration.

[0029] Advantageously, with different scheduling frequencies, the UE can be adapted to the corresponding multicast service that the UE wants to receive.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one selection information is associated with at least one QoS value.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, the matching information characterizes at least one QoS value or at least one further QoS value.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one selection information and the matching information indicate a set of multicast sessions associated with at least one multicast control channel.

[0033] According to a third aspect of the description, the method includes transmitting a join message indicating at least one multicast session and / or one multicast group, receiving at least one multicast control channel configuration as a response to the transmitted join message, and monitoring at least one multicast control channel based on the received at least one multicast control channel configuration.

[0034] Advantageously, more frequent monitoring of multicast control channel changes by UEs not interested in low latency services is avoided. Inefficient resource use (e.g., power consumption) in these UEs is avoided. As a result, the configuration flexibly and efficiently supports multicast sessions of multicast services with different latency requirements.

[0035] To support services with different latency requirements, for example, multiple multicast control channels corresponding to different latency requirements are introduced. A UE can selectively monitor changes in a multicast control channel for a service having a specific latency requirement that the UE is interested in.

[0036] This solution enables scenarios where the system is used to simultaneously provide multicast and / or broadcast services to various applications such as V2X, MCC, and mobile broadband.

[0037] According to a fourth aspect of this description, a method includes receiving at least one participation message indicating at least one multicast session and / or at least one multicast group, determining at least one multicast control channel configuration based on the at least one multicast session and / or based on the at least one multicast group, and transmitting at least one multicast control channel configuration of the plurality of multicast control channel configurations as a response to the received participation message.

[0038] Advantageously, more frequent monitoring of multicast control channel changes by UEs not interested in low latency services is avoided. Inefficient resource use (e.g., power consumption) in these UEs is avoided. As a result, the configuration flexibly and efficiently supports multicast sessions of multicast services with different latency requirements.

[0039] In order to support services with different latency requirements, for example, a plurality of multicast control channels corresponding to different latency requirements are introduced. The UE can selectively monitor changes in the multicast control channel for services with specific latency requirements that the UE is interested in.

[0040]

[0039] This solution enables scenarios where the system simultaneously provides multicast and / or broadcast services to various applications such as V2X, MCC, and mobile broadband.

[0041] According to an advantageous embodiment, the above method includes determining at least one QoS value associated with at least one multicast session and / or associated with at least one multicast group, and determining at least one multicast control channel setting based on the at least one QoS value.

[0042] Advantageously, the determination of the setting remains flexible with respect to the presented multicast session.

[0043]

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment, the above method includes determining at least one multicast control channel setting based on a pre-set QoS value associated with at least one multicast session and / or associated with at least one multicast group.

[0044] The multicast control channel setting can be based on the operator's policy according to the pre-set QoS value.

[0045] According to a fifth aspect of this description, there is provided an apparatus comprising monitoring means for monitoring at least one multicast control channel based on at least one selection information characterizing a selection of at least one multicast control channel setting associated with at least one multicast control channel.

[0046] According to a sixth aspect of this description, there is provided an apparatus comprising determining means for determining a plurality of multicast control channel settings of a multicast control channel based on at least one service property of at least one multicast session associated with the corresponding multicast control channel, and transmitting means for transmitting at least one of the plurality of determined multicast control channel settings.

[0047] According to a seventh aspect of this description, there is provided an apparatus comprising transmitting means for transmitting a join message indicating at least one multicast session and / or one multicast group, receiving means for receiving at least one multicast control channel setting as a response to the transmitted join message, and monitoring means for monitoring at least one multicast control channel based on the received at least one multicast control channel setting.

[0048] According to an eighth aspect of this description, there is provided an apparatus comprising receiving means for receiving at least one join message indicating at least one multicast session and / or at least one multicast group, determining means for determining at least one multicast control channel setting based on at least one multicast session and / or based on at least one multicast group, and transmitting means for transmitting at least one of the plurality of multicast control channel settings as a response to the received join message.

[0049] According to a ninth aspect of this description, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor, at least one memory including computer program code, and at least one communication module, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the apparatus, using the at least one processor and the at least one communication module, to monitor at least one multicast control channel based on at least one selection information characterizing a selection of at least one multicast control channel setting associated with at least one multicast control channel.

[0050] According to a tenth aspect of this description, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor, at least one memory including computer program code, and at least one communication module, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the apparatus, using the at least one processor and the at least one communication module, to determine a plurality of multicast control channel settings of a multicast control channel based on at least one service property of at least one multicast session associated with a corresponding multicast control channel, and to transmit at least one of the plurality of determined multicast control channel settings.

[0051] According to an eleventh aspect of this description, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor, at least one memory including computer program code, and at least one communication module, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the apparatus, using the at least one processor and the at least one communication module, to transmit at least a participation message indicating at least one multicast session and / or one multicast group, receive at least one multicast control channel setting as a response to the transmitted participation message, and monitor at least one multicast control channel based on the received at least one multicast control channel setting.

[0052] According to a twelfth aspect of this description, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor, at least one memory including computer program code, and at least one communication module, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the apparatus, using the at least one processor and the at least one communication module, to receive at least one participation message indicating at least one multicast session and / or at least one multicast group, determine at least one multicast control channel setting based on the at least one multicast session and / or based on the at least one multicast group, and transmit at least one multicast control channel setting of a plurality of multicast control channel settings as a response to the received participation message. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0054] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show schematic block diagrams of the apparatus UE and the apparatus SNET.

[0055] The apparatus UE includes monitoring means or a monitoring module (100) for monitoring at least one multicast control channel MCCH1 among a plurality of multicast control channels MCCH1, MCCH2, MCCH3 based on at least one selection information sel characterizing the selection of at least one multicast control channel setting conf1 from a plurality of control channel settings conf1, conf2, conf3, and at least one multicast control channel setting is associated with at least one multicast control channel MCCH1.

[0056] When a plurality of multicast transport channels are transmitted by the network, the apparatus UE needs to know which channel among the corresponding multicast control channels it needs to obtain and monitor for changes. The apparatus RAN provides a plurality of multicast control channels, and at least one multicast control channel MCCH1, MCCH2 are set with different change periods so as to match service requirements (e.g., PDB of QoS). The apparatus UE selects whether to monitor change notifications by determining at least one of the plurality of multicast control channels MCCH1, MCCH2 that the apparatus UE is interested in based on, for example, the PDB range or a specific identifier provisioned to the UE together with a session description such as USD.

[0057] According to an embodiment, for a UE in the RRC_CONNECTED mode, the multicast control channel configuration corresponds to the multicast service that the UE wants to participate in. According to an embodiment, the UE needs to be in the RRC_CONNECTED mode to send a join message. When the multicast control channel configuration is provided via dedicated RRC signaling, the UE saves the received configuration and also applies the configuration when the UE enters RRC_IDLE / INACTIVE and monitors the respective multicast control channels MCCH1 and MCCH2.

[0058] The proposed scheme supports multicast services with different latency requirements by introducing multiple SC-MCCHs with different change periods to match the service requirements. Thereby, a low-latency service is supported by shortening the change period of the corresponding SC-MCCH, while an important service with a long and latency-free appropriately selected change period that does not require frequent monitoring of the corresponding SC-MCCH change is also supported.

[0059] The UE is configured to selectively monitor SC-MCCH changes for services with specific PDB / latency requirements of interest. Therefore, UEs interested in services with fewer latency requirement constraints monitor SC-MCCH changes less frequently, thus saving power. On the other hand, these interested UEs can continue to monitor the corresponding SC-MCCH changes more frequently to meet the low-latency requirements of the multicast service.

[0060] The device SNET comprises a determining means or processing module (200) for determining a plurality of multicast control channel settings conf1, conf2, conf3 of the multicast control channels MCCH1, MCCH2, MCCH3 based on at least one service property QoS1, QoS2, QoS3 of at least one multicast session associated with the corresponding multicast control channels MCCH1, MCCH2, MCCH3. The device SNET comprises a transmitting means or transmitting module 202 for transmitting at least one of the plurality of determined multicast control channel settings conf1, conf2, conf3.

[0061] The service properties QoS1, QoS2, QoS3 include, represent, and / or are QoS values. The QoS value can be a 5G QoS Identifier, a QoS class identifier, or any equivalent identifier or attribute that describes Quality of Service, such as latency or packet delay budget.

[0062] In the context of multicast, a multicast service is a product provided to users or user equipment, such as a group call. A multicast session represents the period during which a party or user equipment consumes the multicast service, i.e., the period during which the group call is established.

[0063] Figure 3 shows a schematic sequence diagram. The device SNET represents a device RAN that provides radio domain services to at least one device UE.

[0064] The device UE comprises a receiving means or receiving module (302) for receiving at least one selection information sel.

[0065] The device UE has at least on-selection information sel provisioned via the USD. The selection information sel includes QoS attributes (e.g., aggregated QoS requirements or per media stream). The QoS attribute includes, for example, PDB.

[0066] The RAN device determines (200) the scheduling frequency of the multicast control channel (i.e., including the SC-MCCH change period) based on the associated 5G QoS Identifier 5QI (e.g., PDB range). Next, the RAN device broadcasts a list of multicast control channels and the associated PDB range, for example, by introducing a dedicated SIB message.

[0067] The RAN device includes a transmitting means or transmitting module that transmits (3304) a plurality of multicast control channel settings conf1, conf2, conf3 and the associated matching information m1, m2, m3. The UE device includes a receiving means or receiving module that receives (304) a plurality of multicast control channel settings conf1, conf2, conf3 and the associated matching information m1, m2, m3.

[0068] At least one transmitted multicast control channel MCCH1 is monitored (300) based on at least one selection information sel that characterizes the selection of at least one multicast control channel setting conf1 associated with at least one multicast control channel MCCH1 for at least one UE device by at least one reception 304 of the plurality of multicast control channel settings conf1, conf2, conf3.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the dedicated SIB message includes a multicast control channel or a list of its settings conf1, conf2, conf3, together with the corresponding PDB range. When receiving the dedicated SIB message, based on the provisioned QoS attributes via transmission 304 and the PDB range associated with the multicast control channel settings in the SIB, the device UE determines (300) the multicast control channel to monitor. If the QoS attributes provisioned via transmission 304 do not match the 5GS 5QI (e.g., PDB), the device UE appropriately maps the QoS attributes to 5GS 5QI. Thereafter, the device UE monitors (300) the selected at least one multicast control channel according to the selected multicast control channel setting conf1 for any change indication or corresponding change of the multicast control channel.

[0070] The device UE comprises a selection means or processing module that selects (306) at least one multicast control channel setting conf1 from the received plurality of control settings conf1, conf2, conf3 when at least one selection information sel received matches the received matching information m1, m2, m3.

[0071] The device UE comprises a monitoring means or monitoring module that monitors (300) at least one multicast control channel among the plurality of multicast control channels based on at least one selection information sel characterizing the selection of at least one multicast control channel setting conf1 from the plurality of control channel settings conf1, conf2, conf3, and at least one multicast control channel setting is associated with at least one multicast control channel MCCH1.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the provided scheme supports latency-bounded reception of multicast services with different latency requirements in a UE in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE mode. The RAN broadcasts a plurality of SC-MCCHs with different modification periods and associated PDB ranges. The PDB range may be broadcast in the SIB together with multicast control channel settings conf1, conf2, conf3.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the PDB range may be broadcast in the content of the message of each multicast control channel itself. The device UE first acquires the multicast control channel and then selects the channel to monitor. Further, since the PDB is provisioned in the USD for the device UE, the device UE can identify and monitor the corresponding multicast control channel.

[0074] At least one selection information sel is associated with at least one QoS value. The matching information m1, m2, m3 characterizes at least one QoS value or at least one further QoS value, and the further QoS value does not match at least one selection information sel.

[0075] According to an embodiment, at least one selection information sel and matching information m1, m2, m3 indicate a set of multicast sessions associated with at least one multicast control channel MCCH1.

[0076] According to an embodiment, at least one selection information sel and matching information m1, m2, m3 indicate a set of multicast sessions associated with at least one multicast control channel MCCH1, and the matching information m1, m2, m3 indicates the set of multicast sessions via the corresponding Configuration group identifier.

[0077] The RAN device includes a transmitting means or transmitting module that transmits (3390) multicast data md of a multicast service via a multicast transport channel such as SC-MTCH. The multicast transport channel is set according to the multicast transport channel settings indicated via a monitored multicast control channel. The UE device includes a receiving means or receiving module that receives (390) multicast data md of a multicast service via the multicast transport channel.

[0078] Figure 4 shows a schematic sequence diagram. The device AF representing the application function transmits a MBS service allocation request AR (for example, TMGI allocation request) to the 5GC device. The Temporary Mobile Group Identity TMGI is used within MBMS to uniquely identify Multicast and Broadcast bearer services. The 5GC device responds with a MBS service allocation answer AA (for example, TMGI allocation request answer). The device AF transmits a MBS service activation request MBAR (for example, MBMS activation request) to the 5GC device.

[0079] The 5GC device includes a determining means or processing module that determines (4400) at least one selection information sel. The selection information sel is determined based on at least one service property of at least one multicast session associated with the corresponding multicast control channel.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the determination 4400 includes the 5GC device allocating a Configuration group identifier as the selection information sel. The Configuration group identifier is an identifier for the setup and identification of at least one service or a set of multiple services with associated QoS requirements within a specific range.

[0081] A plurality of configuration group identifiers are provided to the device RAN via at least one MBMS activation request MBAR, along with one or more associated QoS values. The device RAN answers with an MBMS activation request response MBAA. The request MBAR includes a list of Configuration group identifiers and the associated QoS values.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the device 5GC requests the device RAN to assign a Configuration group identifier. This is because the device RAN is responsible for determining the scheduling of the multicast control channel. Once the Configuration group identifier is determined, the device 5GC provides this identifier to the device AF as an MBMS activation response MAA, and then the device AF provisions one or more Configuration group identifiers to the device UE with the USD, and the device UE monitors at least one multicast control channel associated with the Configuration group identifier (400).

[0083] The device RAN comprises a transmitting means or transmitting module that transmits (4404) a plurality of multicast control channel settings conf1, conf2, conf3 and the associated matching information m1, m2, m3.

[0084] The device UE comprises a receiving means or receiving module that receives (402) at least one selection information sel. The at least one selection information sel is associated with at least one QoS value. The matching information m1, m2, m3 characterizes at least one QoS value or at least one additional QoS value that does not match the at least one selection information sel. The at least one selection information sel and the matching information m1, m2, m3 indicate a set of multicast sessions associated with at least one multicast control channel MCCH1.

[0085] At least one transmission 404 of at least one of a plurality of multicast control channel settings conf1, conf2, conf3 causes at least one device UE to monitor at least one transmitted multicast control channel (400) based on at least one selection information sel characterizing a selection of at least one multicast control channel setting conf1 associated with at least one multicast control channel.

[0086] The selection information is, for example, an identifier of at least one setting group. The selection information can also be determined by the device 5GC or the RAN.

[0087] The device UE comprises monitoring means or a monitoring module for monitoring at least one of a plurality of multicast control channels (400) based on at least one selection information sel characterizing a selection of at least one multicast control channel setting conf1 from among a plurality of control channel settings conf1, conf2, conf3, and at least one multicast control channel setting is associated with at least one multicast control channel.

[0088] One or more setting group identifiers in the selection information sel are provided to the device UE in USD, indicating that the device UE monitors (400) at least one multicast control channel such as the SC-MCCH, thereby supporting latency-bounded reception of services in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE mode.

[0089] The device RAN comprises determining means or a processing module for determining (4200) a plurality of multicast control channel settings conf1, conf2, conf3 of the multicast control channel based on at least one service property of at least one multicast session associated with the corresponding multicast control channel.

[0090] The RAN device includes a determining means or processing module (4200) that determines the scheduling frequency of at least one multicast control channel as part of the corresponding multicast control channel settings con1, conf2, conf3 based on at least one service property of at least one multicast session associated with the corresponding multicast control channel. The determination 4200 includes the RAN multicast service device having a specific Configuration Group Identifier determining the corresponding multicast control channel settings, including the scheduling frequency and change period of the multicast control channel, depending on the provided QoS value associated with the Configuration Group Identifier.

[0091] The RAN device determines (4200) at least partially different scheduling frequencies and at least partially different change periods for a plurality of multicast control channels, at least for a plurality of multicast services associated with the Configuration Group Identifier and based on QoS requirements. The transmitted (4404) SIB includes a list of multicast control channels or settings having the corresponding Configuration Group Identifier and is broadcast. When receiving (404) the SIB, the UE device searches (406) for the multicast control channel in which the associated Configuration Group Identifier in the SIB matches the provisioned Configuration Group Identifier. When a matching Configuration Group Identifier is found, the UE device monitors (400) the selected multicast control channel.

[0092] The UE device includes a receiving means or receiving module (404) that receives the plurality of multicast control channel settings conf1, conf2, conf3 and the associated matching information m1, m2, m3.

[0093] The device UE comprises a selection means or processing module (406) that selects at least one multicast control channel setting conf1 from among the received plurality of control settings conf1, conf2, conf3 when at least one piece of selection information sel received matches the received matching information m1, m2, m3.

[0094] Accordingly, the monitoring 400 includes monitoring at least one multicast control channel according to the at least one selected multicast control channel setting conf1.

[0095] The device RAN comprises a transmission means or transmission module (4490) that transmits multicast data md of a multicast service via a multicast transport channel such as SC-MTCH. The multicast transport channel is set according to the multicast transport channel setting indicated via the monitored multicast control channel. The device UE comprises a reception means or reception module (490) that receives multicast data md of a multicast service via the multicast transport channel.

[0096] Figure 5 shows a schematic sequence diagram. According to blocks 5050, 5060, an RRC connection is established with each of the devices UE1, UE2.

[0097] The devices UE1, UE2 comprise a transmission means or transmission module (502) that transmits participation messages j1, j2 indicating at least one multicast session or one multicast group.

[0098] The device RAN comprises a reception means or reception module (5502, 5512) that receives at least one participation message j1, j2 indicating at least one multicast session and / or at least one multicast group.

[0099] The RAN device includes a transmitting means or transmitting module that transmits at least one of a plurality of multicast control channel settings conf1, conf2, conf3 as a response to received participation messages j1, j2 (5504, 5514).

[0100] The 5GC device includes a determining means or processing module that determines at least one QoS value QoSv1, QoSv2 associated with at least one multicast session and / or associated with at least one multicast group (5016, 5018).

[0101] The RAN device includes a determining means or processing module that determines at least one multicast control channel setting conf1, conf2 based on at least one QoS value QoSv1, QoSv2 (5026, 5028).

[0102] According to another embodiment, the RAN device includes a determining means or processing module that determines at least one multicast control channel setting conf1 based on a pre-set QoS value associated with at least one multicast session and / or associated with at least one multicast group (5026, 5028).

[0103] Therefore, the SNET device includes a determining means or processing module that determines at least one multicast control channel setting conf1, conf2 based on at least one multicast session and / or based on at least one multicast group (5006, 5008), and the determinations 5006, 5008 may include an interaction with another entity.

[0104] The devices UE1 and UE2 are provided with receiving means or a receiving module that receives (504) at least one multicast control channel setting conf1 as a response to the transmitted participation messages j1 and j2.

[0105] The devices UE1 and UE2 are provided with monitoring means or a monitoring module that monitors (500, 5500) at least one multicast control channel based on the received at least one multicast control channel setting conf1 and conf2.

[0106] When the devices UE1 and UE2 need to join a multicast group, for example, by sending Internet Group Management Protocol IGMP / Multicast Listener Discovery Protocol MLD participation or control plane signaling using the 5GC in the RRC_CONNECTED mode, settings conf1 and conf2 having an appropriate change period for the service the devices UE1 and UE2 participate in are provided via dedicated RRC signaling. Thereafter, the devices UE1 and UE2 can save the received settings conf1 and conf2, apply the settings when entering the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE mode, and monitor the corresponding multicast control channel changes.

[0107] It is assumed that the devices UE1 and UE2 have established an RRC connection with the device RAN. The devices UE1 and UE2 participate in different multicast sessions with different latency requirements. As a result, the corresponding PDU session is changed.

[0108] To meet the latency requirements, the RAN device selects the associated service settings conf1 and conf2 and provides, for example, two different multicast control channels with different change periods to devices UE1 and UE2. Subsequently, devices UE1 and UE2 enter RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE and can monitor the selected multicast control channel via the multicast control channel settings conf1 and conf2 (500, 5500).

[0109] In the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, the change of the multicast control channel settings is signaled via the SIB. According to the embodiment of FIG. 5, the network can page devices UE1 and UE2 in the group to trigger RRC connection establishment and provision them with the updated multicast control channel settings conf1 and conf2.

[0110] According to the embodiment, the message sent on the multicast control channel includes the multicast control channel settings of the multicast control channel and uses the concept of the change period as follows. When the multicast control channel settings are changed, the network sends a change notification during the change period n. In the next change period n+1, the multicast control channel message is sent with the same settings as in change period n, but is sent with a multicast control channel message that transmits different multicast control channel settings. Devices UE1 and UE2 apply the received new multicast control channel settings for obtaining and monitoring the multicast control channel starting from change period n+2. The duration of change period n+2 is different from the durations of change periods n and n+1 if the change period changes.

[0111] According to the embodiment, to support mobility and service continuity in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE, the SC-MCCH provides multi-cast channel settings of services in adjacent cells. Information on the service availability of adjacent cells and the corresponding SC-MCCH settings is exchanged between gNBs via the Xn interface.

[0112] The device RAN includes a transmitting means or transmitting module that transmits (5590, 5592) multi-cast data md1, md2 of the corresponding multi-cast service via a multi-cast transport channel such as an SC-MTCH. The multi-cast transport channel is set according to the multi-cast transport channel settings indicated via a monitored multi-cast control channel. The devices UE1, UE2 include receiving means or receiving modules that receive (490, 492) multi-cast data md1, md2 of the corresponding multi-cast service via the multi-cast transport channel.

[0113] FIG. 6 schematically shows a time-frequency diagram. Different settings of the multi-cast control channels MCCH1 and MCCH2 are shown.

[0114] The SC-MCCH information, that is, the information transmitted in a message sent via either of the multi-cast control channels MCCH1 and MCCH2 (at least one is, for example, the SC-MCCH), transmits SC-PTM setting information and is periodically transmitted using different configurable repetition periods r1, r2 in the illustrated embodiment. The configurable change periods m1, m2 are used to change the SC-MCCH information, and this information restricts the occurrence of such changes to specific radio frames.

[0115] The change periods m1 and m2 include a fixed number of radio frames, and among them, the substantially same SC-MCCH information may be transmitted several times as defined by its scheduling based on the repetition periods r1 and r2. In the change periods m1 and m2 consisting of x radio frames, the change period boundaries are defined by, for example, the System Frame Number SFN value, and SFN mod x = 0. The contents of the multicast control channels MCCH1 and MCCH2, and thus the announcement of new services or the suspension of active services, occur at the boundaries of the SC-MCCH change periods m1 and m2.

[0116] During the first change periods m1n and m2n, the change notification is transmitted via the multicast control channels MCCH1 and MCCH2 or via the downlink common control channel. In the subsequent second change m1(n + 1) and m2(n + 1), the updated information is transmitted via the corresponding multicast control channels MCCH1 and MCCH2.

[0117] The change periods m1 and m2 define, for example, periodically occurring boundaries, i.e., radio frames where SFN mod sc-mcch-ModificationPeriod = zero. According to an embodiment, the contents of different transmissions of MCCH1 or MCCH2 information are different if there is at least one such boundary between them.

[0118] A notification mechanism is used to announce changes in the corresponding multicast control channels MCCH1 and MCCH2 to the UE due to, for example, the start or suspension of a session. When a change is notified in the nth change periods m1 and m2, as shown, the update of the multicast radio control channels MCCH1 and MCCH2 is performed in the (n + 1)th change periods m1 and m2. The UE acquires the corresponding MCCH1 and MCCH2 for the substantially same subframe in which the change notification is received.

[0119] When the network changes part of the MCCH1 and MCCH2 information, it notifies the UE about the change in the first subframe available for MCCH1 and MCCH2 transmission during the repetition periods r1 and r2. If the LSB bit of an 8-bit bitmap is set to "1", it indicates a change in MCCH1 and MCCH2. When receiving the change notification, a UE that wants to receive the MBMS service transmitted using SC-PTM acquires the new SC-MCCH information starting from substantially the same subframe. The UE applies the previously acquired MCCH1 and MCCH2 information until the UE acquires the new MCCH1 and MCCH2 information.

[0120] There are multiple multicast control channels MCCH1 and MCCH2 that transmit SC-PTM configuration information to provide the SC-MTCH configuration of the multicast service. In order to meet the latency requirements of the multicast service and / or the multicast session, a change period can be set for each of the multicast control channels MCCH1 and MCCH2. If there is a multicast service with low latency requirements such as a mission-critical service, the change periods m1 and m2 are set to be shorter so that the UE can monitor the changes in MCCH1 and MCCH2 more frequently and acquire the new MCCH1 and MCCH2 with low latency.

[0121] Figure 7 schematically shows a wireless communication network RCN. The devices SNET and UE include at least one processor P1, P2, at least one non-volatile memory M1, M2 (including computer program codes CPC1, CPC2), and at least one communication module C1, C2 (coupled to at least one antenna A1, A2). The at least one memory M1, M2 and the computer program codes CPC1, CPC2 are configured to operate the devices SNET and UE at least in accordance with this description, using the at least one processor P1, P2 and the at least one communication module or communication means C1, C2. The device SNET and the device UE communicate via a dedicated wireless channel. The device SNET may include a device RAN as shown in FIG. 3, may include a further device RAN, 5GC, and AF as shown in FIG. 4, or may include a device RAN and 5GC as shown in FIG. 5.

[0122] The specific abbreviations described in this description and / or the figures are defined as follows. 5GC 5G Core 5GS 5G System 3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project 5QI 5G QoS Identifier AF Application Function gNB Next Generation eNodeB IGMP Internet Group Management Protocol IGMP LTE Long Term Evolution MBB Mobile Broadband MBMS Multimedia Broadcast / Multicast Service MCC Mission Critical Communication MIB Master Information Block MLD Multicast Listener Discovery Protocol NR New Radio PDB Packet Delay Budget PDU Packet Data Unit PRACH Physical Random Access Channel QoS Quality of Service RAN Radio Access Network SC-MCCH Single Cell Multicast Control Channel SC-MRB Single Cell MBMS Point-to-Multipoint Radio Bearer SC-MTCH Single Cell Multicast Transport Channel SC-PTM Single Cell Point-to-Multipoint SFN System Frame Number SI System Information SIB System Information Block UE User Equipment TGMI Temporary Mobile Group Identity USD User Service Description V2X Vehicle-to-Everything

[0123] The present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments according to the accompanying drawings, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and it is obvious that they can be changed in several ways within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly, and they are not intended to limit the embodiments but to explain them. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that as technology advances, exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various ways. Furthermore, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that although it is not necessary, it is possible to combine the described embodiments with other embodiments in various ways.

Claims

1. monitoring the at least one multicast control channel (MCCH1) based on at least one selection information (sel) characterizing a selection of at least one multicast control channel setting (conf1) associated with at least one multicast control channel (MCCH1) (100, 300, 400), when the multicast control channel setting is changed, the network transmits a change notification during a change period n, and in the next change period n+1, a multicast control channel message is transmitted with the same settings as in change period n, but with a multicast control channel message transmitting a different multicast control channel setting, a first device UE1 and a second device UE2 apply the received new multicast control channel setting for acquisition and monitoring of the multicast control channel starting from change period n+2, wherein the duration of change period n+2 is different from the durations of change periods n and n+1 if the change period changes.

2. receiving a plurality of multicast control channel settings (conf1, conf2, conf3) and associated matching information (m1, m2, m3) (304, 404), selecting the at least one multicast control channel setting (conf1) from the received plurality of multicast control channel settings (conf1, conf2, conf3) when the at least one selection information (sel) matches the received matching information (m1, m2, m3) (306, 406), comprising, wherein the monitoring (300, 400) comprises monitoring the at least one multicast control channel (MCCH1) according to the selected at least one multicast control channel setting (conf1). The method according to claim 1.

3. The method according to claim 1, comprising receiving the at least one selection information (sel) (302, 402).

4. Determining (200, 4200) a plurality of multicast control channel settings (conf1, conf2, conf3) of the multicast control channels (MCCH1, MCCH2, MCCH3) based on at least one service property (QoS1, QoS2, QoS3) of at least one multicast session associated with the corresponding multicast control channels (MCCH1, MCCH2, MCCH3); Transmitting (202) at least one of the plurality of determined multicast control channel settings (conf1, conf2, conf3); Including; When the multicast control channel setting is changed, the network transmits a change notification during the change period n, and in the next change period n + 1, the multicast control channel message is transmitted with the same setting as in the change period n, but is transmitted as a multicast control channel message transmitting a different multicast control channel setting. The first device UE1 and the second device UE2 apply the received new multicast control channel setting for acquisition and monitoring of the multicast control channel starting from the change period n + 2. The duration of the change period n + 2 is different from the durations of the change periods n and n + 1 when the change period changes. **Claim 5** The method according to claim 4, including transmitting (3304, 4404) a plurality of multicast control channel settings (conf1, conf2, conf3) and associated matching information (m1, m2, m3). **Claim 6** An apparatus (UE) comprising at least one processor, at least one memory including computer program code, and at least one communication module, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code cause the apparatus (UE) to, using the at least one processor and the at least one communication module, at least: Configure to monitor (100, 300, 400) the at least one multicast control channel (MCCH1) based on at least one selection information (sel) characterizing a selection of at least one multicast control channel setting (conf1) associated with the at least one multicast control channel (MCCH1). When the multicast control channel setting is changed, the network transmits a change notification during the change period n, and in the next change period n + 1, the multicast control channel message is transmitted with the same setting as in the change period n, but is transmitted as a multicast control channel message that transmits a different multicast control channel setting. The device (UE) applies the received new multicast control channel setting for acquisition and monitoring of the multicast control channel starting from the change period n + 2. The duration of the change period n + 2 is different from the durations of the change periods n and n + 1 when the change period changes, device (UE).

7. Receiving (304, 404) a plurality of multicast control channel settings (conf1, conf2, conf3) and associated matching information (m1, m2, m3). Further configured to select (306, 406) the at least one multicast control channel setting (conf1) from the received plurality of multicast control channel settings (conf1, conf2, conf3) when the at least one selection information (sel) matches the received matching information (m1, m2, m3). The monitoring (300, 400) includes monitoring the at least one multicast control channel (MCCH1) according to the selected at least one multicast control channel setting (conf1), the device (UE) according to claim 6.

8. The device (UE) according to claim 6, further configured to receive (302, 402) the at least one selection information (sel).

9. A device (SNET, RAN, 5GC, AF) comprising at least one processor, at least one memory including computer program code, and at least one communication module, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code cause the device (SNET, RAN, 5GC, AF) to, using the at least one processor and the at least one communication module, at least Based on at least one service property (QoS1, QoS2, QoS3) of at least one multicast session associated with corresponding multicast control channels (MCCH1, MCCH2, MCCH3), determine (200, 4200) a plurality of multicast control channel settings (conf1, conf2, conf3) of the multicast control channels (MCCH1, MCCH2, MCCH3), configured to cause at least one of the plurality of determined multicast control channel settings (conf1, conf2, conf3) to be transmitted (202), when the multicast control channel settings are changed, the device (SNET, RAN, 5GC, AF) transmits a change notification during change period n, and in the next change period n+1, the multicast control channel message is transmitted with the same settings as in change period n, but with a multicast control channel message transmitting a different multicast control channel setting, The first device UE1 and the second device UE2 apply the received new multicast control channel settings for acquisition and monitoring of the multicast control channel starting from change period n+2, The duration of change period n+2 is different from the durations of change periods n and n+1 when the change period changes, for the device (SNET, RAN, 5GC, AF).

10. The apparatus (SNET, RAN, 5GC, AF) according to claim 9, further configured to transmit (3304, 4404) a plurality of multicast control channel settings (conf1, conf2, conf3) and associated matching information (m1, m2, m3).

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