Multicast broadcast service in cellular communication networks

Abstract

According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising: receiving, by a device when the device is in a radio resource control inactive state, the message including a first indication indicating a multicast broadcast service session to which the device has joined and a second indication indicating to remain in the radio resource control inactive state; and in response to receiving the message, initiating a resumption of a radio resource control connection if the device determines, based on at least the information received in the radio resource control message, that it belongs to a subset of user equipment, and remaining in the radio resource control inactive state if it does not determine that it belongs to the subset.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments generally relate to cellular communication networks, and more specifically to multicast broadcast services in such networks.

Background Art

[0002] Multicast transmission refers to transmission from one transmitting wireless device, such as a wireless network node, to several other wireless devices, such as user equipment (UE). However, multicast transmission is not sent to all devices within the coverage area of the transmitting wireless device. On the other hand, broadcast transmission refers to transmission from one transmitting wireless device to all devices within the coverage area of the transmitting wireless device.

[0003] Multicast and broadcast services (MBS) may be provided in various cellular communication networks, such as cellular communication networks operating according to 5G radio access technology. 5G radio access technology may also be referred to as new radio (NR) access technology. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP (registered trademark)) has established the standard specifications for 5G / NR, and topics related to MBS are also included in the discussions of 3GPP (registered trademark). According to this discussion, there is a need to provide improved methods, apparatuses, and computer programs related to the use of MBS. Such improvements may also be utilized in other cellular communication networks.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to some aspects, the subject matter of the independent claims is provided. Some exemplary embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0005] The scope of protection required for various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is defined by the independent claims. Where exemplary embodiments and features described in this embodiment are not within the scope of the independent claims, they should be interpreted as useful examples for understanding the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a device is provided comprising at least one processing core and at least one memory containing computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and computer program code are configured by at least one processing core to cause the device to receive at least a message when the device is in a radio resource control inactive state, the message comprising a first instruction indicating a multicast broadcast service session to which the device has joined and a second instruction indicating to remain in a radio resource control inactive state, and in response to receiving the message, if the device determines, based on at least the information received in the radio resource control message, that it belongs to a subset of user equipment, it initiates the resumption of the radio resource control connection, and if it does not determine that the device belongs to a subset, it performs the process of remaining in a radio resource control inactive state. The device of the first aspect may be a control device configured to control user equipment or its functions.

[0007] An exemplary embodiment of the first aspect may include at least one feature from the following bulleted list, or any combination of the following features. • A subset of user devices includes privileged user devices. • At least one memory and computer program code are further configured, by at least one processing core, to cause at least one device to receive a radio resource control message, the radio resource control message including a configuration indicating that the device belongs to a subset of user equipment. • At least one memory and computer program code are further configured, by at least one processing core, to cause at least one device to receive a paging message during a paging opportunity and to determine that the device belongs to a subset if the paging opportunity is a paging opportunity of a subset of user devices. • At least one memory and computer program code are further configured to cause at least one processing core to determine that the device belongs to a subset when the device is configured as a privileged user device. The message further includes instructions indicating whether a user device belonging to a subset will initiate the resumption of the wireless resource control connection in response to receiving the message. • At least one memory and computer program code are further configured to cause at least one processing core to cause the device to determine, based on a parameter representing the proportion or fraction of user devices in a subset in which the resumption of the wireless resource control connection should be initiated. • At least one memory and computer program code are further configured to cause at least one processing core to cause at least one device to receive parameters in broadcast or paging messages. • At least one memory and computer program code are further configured to cause the device to ignore at least a second instruction if at least one processing core determines that the device belongs to a subset of user devices. • At least one memory and the computer program code are further configured, by at least one processing core, to start at least a timer when the device transitions to a wireless resource control inactive state, and to determine that the device belongs to a subset of user equipment while the timer is running. • Wireless resource control messages are release, reconfiguration, or setup messages for wireless resource control. • The device is a user device or a control device configured to control the functions of a user device.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided comprising at least one processing core and at least one memory containing computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and computer program code are configured by the at least one processing core to cause at least one user device to send a message when at least one user device is in a radio resource control inactive state, the message comprising a first instruction indicating a multicast broadcast service session to which at least one user device has joined, and a second instruction indicating to remain in a radio resource control inactive state and send an instruction to an adjacent radio network node indicating a subset of user devices, the user devices in the subset initiating the resumption of a radio resource control connection in response to receiving the message. The apparatus of the second aspect may be a control device configured to control a radio network node or a function thereof, and may be installed therein.

[0009] An exemplary embodiment of the second aspect may have the following features: This instruction is sent to the neighboring wireless network when releasing at least one user device to a wireless resource control inactive state or when performing paging on the wireless access network.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention provides a first method, which includes the device receiving a message while the device is in a radio resource control inactive state, the message including a first instruction indicating a multicast broadcast service session to which the device has joined and a second instruction indicating to remain in a radio resource control inactive state, and in response to receiving the message, if the device determines, based on at least the information received in the radio resource control message, that the device belongs to a subset of user equipment, it initiates the reactivation of the radio resource control connection, and if the device does not determine that the device belongs to a subset, it remains in a radio resource control inactive state. The first method is performed by a control device configured to control user equipment or its functions.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a second method comprising the device transmitting a message to at least one user device when at least one user device is in a radio resource control inactive state, the message comprising a first instruction indicating a multicast broadcast service session to which at least one user device has subscribed, and a second instruction indicating that the user device remains in a radio resource control inactive state, the method comprising the device transmitting an instruction to an adjacent radio network node indicating a subset of user devices, the user devices in the subset initiating the resumption of a radio resource control connection in response to receiving the message. The second method may be performed by a control device configured to control a radio network node or its functions (if optionally installed therein), or by a control device configured to control its functions (if optionally installed therein).

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a device is provided comprising means for receiving a message when the device is in a radio resource control inactive state, the message comprising a first instruction indicating a multicast broadcast service session to which the device has joined and a second instruction indicating to remain in a radio resource control inactive state, and in response to receiving the message, the device comprises means for receiving the message, and if it is determined that the device belongs to a subset of user equipment based on at least the information received in the radio resource control message, the device comprises means for initiating the resumption of a radio resource control connection, and if it is not determined that the device belongs to a subset, the device comprises means for remaining in a radio resource control inactive state. The device of the fifth aspect may be a control device configured to control user equipment or its functions.

[0013] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided comprising means for sending a message to at least one user device when at least one user device is in a radio resource control inactive state, wherein the message comprises a first instruction indicating a multicast broadcast service session to which at least one user device has joined, a second instruction indicating that the user device remains in a radio resource control inactive state, and means for sending an instruction indicating a subset of user devices to an adjacent radio network node, wherein the user devices in the subset initiate reactivation of the radio resource control connection in response to receiving the message. The apparatus of the sixth aspect may be a control device configured to control a radio network node or its functions, and may be installed therein.

[0014] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided on which a set of computer-readable instructions causing a device to perform at least a first or second method is stored when executed by at least one processor. According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a computer program is provided which, when executed by a device, includes instructions causing the device to perform the first or second method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a network scenario in at least some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a first signaling graph in at least some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a second signaling graph in at least some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a third signaling graph in at least some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a fourth signaling graph in at least some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an exemplary apparatus that can support at least some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a flowchart of the first method in at least some exemplary embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Figure 1 shows an example of a network scenario in at least some exemplary embodiments. According to the example scenario in Figure 1, a beam-based wireless communication system may exist, including a UE 110, a wireless network node 120, and a core network element 130. The UE 110 may be connected to the wireless network node 120 via an air interface, using beams 112 and 114 simultaneously or one at a time.

[0017] UE110 can be composed of, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, an M2M (Machine-to-Machine) node, an MTC (Machine-Type Communications) node, an IoT (Internet of Things) node, a car telemetry unit, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or actually any kind of suitable wireless terminal. In the system example of FIG. 1, UE110 can wirelessly communicate with the wireless network node 120 via, for example, beam 112 and / or beam 114. The wireless network node 120 can be regarded as a serving node for UE110, and one cell of the wireless network node 120 can be regarded as a serving cell for UE110.

[0018] The air interface between UE110 and the wireless network node 120 can be configured according to a radio access technology (RAT) configured so that both UE110 and the wireless network node 120 support it. Examples of cellular RATs include LTE (Long Term Evolution), NR (New Radio), the 5th generation (5G) radio access technology, and MulteFire.

[0019] For example, in the context of LTE, the wireless network node 120 may be called an eNB, while in the context of NR, the wireless network node 120 may be called a gNB. In some exemplary embodiments, the wireless network node 120 may be called a Transmission and Reception Point, TRP, or may control a plurality of co-located or non-co-located TRPs. In any case, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to a specific wireless technology. Instead, the exemplary embodiments can be utilized in any wireless communication system in which multicast and broadcast services, MBS, or other similar functions are used.

[0020] Wireless network node 120 may be connected to core network 130 via interface 125, either directly or via at least one intermediate node. Core network 130 may in turn be coupled to another network (not shown in FIG. 1) via interface 135, and through this network, connectivity to further networks may be obtained, for example via a global interconnect network. Wireless network node 120 may be connected to core network 130 or another core network, either directly or via at least one intermediate node.

[0021] Paging may be used to enable a network, such as wireless network node 120, to reach UEs, such as UE 110 in the RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE states, through a paging message. Alternatively, or in addition, paging may be used to notify UEs in the RRC_IDLE, RRC_INACTIVE, and RRC_CONNECTED states of a change in system information. In an exemplary embodiment, the paging message may be addressed with a paging radio network temporary identifier (P-RNTI) on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmitted on a paging control channel (PCCH). Although the RRC_IDLE state, RRC_INACTIVE state, and RRC_CONNECTED state are used as examples in the present disclosure, such states may generally refer to any similar radio resource control idle state, radio resource control inactive state, and radio resource connection state, respectively.

[0022] UE110 can monitor the paging channel for core network (CN)-led paging, for example, when UE110 is in the RRC_IDLE state. This CN-led paging may include the identity of UE110 in the paging message. In the RRC_INACTIVE state, UE110 can monitor the paging channel for radio access network (RAN)-led paging. This RAN-led paging may include an inactive radio network temporary identifier (I-RNTI). The I-RNTI may consist of RAN nodes, such as radio network node 120, which sent UE110 to the RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, UE110 may monitor paging opportunities as defined in 3GGP® TS 38.304 to receive paging messages. Upon receiving a paging message, UE110 in the RRC_IDLE state may initiate an RRC connection. Upon receiving a paging message in the RRC_INACTIVE state, if the paging message does not indicate the ID of UE110, such as the 5G Serving Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (5G-S-TMSI ID), UE110 may initiate resuming an RRC connection. If the paging message received by UE110 in the RRC_INACTIVE state indicates the 5G-S-TMSI ID of UE110, UE110 may transition to the RRC_IDLE state.

[0024] Regarding MBS, Point-to-Multi-Point (PTM) transmission can be used to provide MBS services to multiple users, for example, by using the same wireless framework as unicast transmission. One of the key challenges in using MBS in 3GPP® networks is enabling multicast service reception by UEs in the RRC_INACTIVE state for scalability and power saving purposes. It is necessary to support and enhance end-to-end MBS traffic delivery to a number of UEs, such as enabling reception of MBS session data in the RRC Inactive state. In addition, support for multicast reception by UEs in the RRC_INACTIVE state must be specified, and PTM settings must be configured for UEs that receive multicast in the RRC_INACTIVE state. For example, if UE110 is in the RRC_INACTIVE state, the multicast service settings within the cell must be applied so that the UE can start / continue receiving the multicast service it has joined.

[0025] The wireless network node 120 can transition UE 110 to the RRC_INACTIVE state if it has no data to send to UE 110 for an active multicast session. When an MBS multicast session is deactivated, the wireless network node 120 can transition UE 110 to the RRCIDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. Wireless network nodes supporting MBS can use a group notification mechanism to notify UEs in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state when a multicast session is activated by the core network 130, or when the wireless network node 120 has multicast session data to distribute. Upon receiving a group notification, the UE reconnects to the network. Group notifications may be addressed by P-RNTI on the PDCCH. Paging messages for group notifications may include an MBS session ID, such as TMGI, which identifies a particular multicast service. The MBS session ID may be used to page all UEs in the RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE states that have joined the relevant MBS multicast session. In other words, UEs may not be paged individually. When a UE leaves an associated multicast session, it may stop monitoring group notifications associated with that particular multicast session.

[0026] If a UE in the RRC_IDLE state that has joined an MBS multicast session is camping on a wireless network node that does not support MBS, the UE may be notified of the multicast session activation or data availability via CN-initiated paging, and the core network 130 may page each UE individually. On the other hand, if a UE in the RRC_INACTIVE state that has joined an MBS multicast session is camping on a wireless network node that does not support MBS, the UE may be notified individually of data availability via RAN-initiated paging.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, the wireless network node 120 can decide whether to enable multicast reception for a UE in the RRC_INACTIVE state, and the core network 130 can provide the wireless network node 120 with supporting information to assist in this selection. This supporting information may consist of information about whether the UE 110 belongs to a subset of UEs, such as the “privileged” category of the multicast group. If the UE 110 belongs to a subset, i.e., is a privileged UE, the wireless network node 120 should ideally not send the UE 110 to the RRC_INACTIVE state. For example, a UE 110 in the RRC_CONNECTED state can provide the wireless network node 120 with Hybrid Auto Retransmission Request (HARQ) feedback and Channel State Information (CSI) measurements, thus experiencing better performance compared to the RRC_INACTIVE state. The wireless network node 120 can then adjust the multicast transmission parameters to suit the needs of the UE 110 and, if necessary, perform some HARQ retransmissions.

[0028] One use case for privileged UEs is public safety. For example, an application feature could provide information about specific public safety participants in a group call (such as privileged status and priority). Such information may be used to identify which UEs should remain in the RRC_CONNECTED state and which UEs should be considered for transition to the RRC_INACTIVE or RRC_IDLE state. Such privileged UEs might be, for example, "frequent callers" who need to remain in the RRC_CONNECTED state, or simply premium subscribers or high-priority UEs.

[0029] UEs within a multicast group may be pushed to the RRC_INACTIVE state if, for example, the multicast service is deactivated by wireless network node 120. A group paging mechanism may be used to reactivate the session and return the UE to RRC_CONNECTED, and the paging message may contain a temporary mobile group identity (TMGI) for the multicast service.

[0030] Alternatively, the wireless network node 120 may decide to keep the UE in the RRC_INACTIVE state when the session is activated, and the UE can receive multicast services while in the RRC_INACTIVE state. In such a case, the wireless network node 120 may perform group paging on the UE in the RRC_INACTIVE state, with instructions such as a flag indicating that it will remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state but will only receive notifications about session activation. Thus, even a privileged UE will remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state to receive multicast transmissions and will not initiate an RRC connection to the wireless network node 120's cell, although a privileged UE should ideally always be in the RRC_CONNECTED state.

[0031] Accordingly, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure enable UE110 belonging to a subset, such as a privileged UE, to trigger an RRC connection even when paging with group paging, which includes instructing UE110 to remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state in order to receive multicast services.

[0032] A paging message may consist of a list of identities of a subset of UEs, such as the identity of a privileged UE. The paging message may also be a wireless paging message. The subset may include UE 110, and wireless network node 120 may send a paging message when activating a multicast session. Thus, UE 110 can receive a paging message when it is in the RRC_INACTIVE state. The paging message may include a first directive indicating the MBS session that UE 110 has joined, and a second directive indicating that it will remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state. In some exemplary embodiments, the first directive may be the TMGI of the session, and / or the second directive may be a flag for an unprivileged UE to remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0033] Generally, the first and second instructions may be transmitted in RRC messages. RRC messages may be RRC release, reconfiguration, or setup messages. Using RRC messages instead of NAS messages, for example, to indicate UE operation can be beneficial because it allows the wireless network node 120 to control it more dynamically and easily add additional information (such as an effectiveness timer). RRC messages also allow for UE-specific instructions.

[0034] When paging, if the wireless network node 120 decides to use RRC_INACTIVE mode multicast reception for UEs not included in the subset, i.e., other UEs other than privileged UEs, the wireless network node 120 may include TMGI and a flag for the UEs not included in the subset. The flag may indicate that the UEs not included in the subset will remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state and begin receiving multicast services corresponding to the TMGI.

[0035] Furthermore, if UE110 determines that it belongs to a subset based on the information received in the RRC release message, UE110 can initiate the resumption of the RRC connection in response to the receipt of the paging message. The information received in the RRC release message may include, for example, a list of identities of the subset of UEs, such as the identity of a privileged UE. If UE110's ID is in the list, it can determine that it belongs to the subset and initiate the resumption of the RRC connection. However, if UE110 determines that it does not belong to the subset (for example, if its ID is not in the list), UE110 may remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state. Entries in the list of IDs of UEs belonging to the subset may be 5G-S-TMSI, I-RNTI, or any other unique ID that UE110 and the wireless network node 120 interpret similarly.

[0036] In some exemplary embodiments, a paging message may be sent at all paging opportunities for all UEs, including paging opportunities for UEs in a subset such as a privileged UE. Alternatively, the wireless network node 120 may calculate the paging opportunities corresponding to a subset of UEs and send one or more additional paging messages to the UEs in the subset to transition them to the RRC_CONNECTED state. In such a case, the paging message sent to the UEs in the subset may not include the TMGI but may include one or more IDs of the UEs belonging to the subset. Furthermore, sending a paging message that includes instructions for UEs not belonging to the subset that remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state does not require considering the paging opportunities of the UEs belonging to the subset, since the UEs belonging to the subset are paged individually.

[0037] In some exemplary embodiments, if a paging opportunity for an MBS multicast service is for UEs included in a subset but not for other UEs, the wireless network node 120 may page in such an opportunity by sending a first instruction indicating an MBS session but not a second instruction indicating to remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state. For example, if a paging opportunity consists only of privileged UEs for a given MBS multicast service (identified by the TMGI), the network may page in such an opportunity using the TMGI without using the flag indicating to remain in RRC_INACTIVE. On the other hand, if another paging opportunity for an MBS multicast service is for UEs not included in a subset but not for UEs included in a subset, the wireless network node 120 may page in those paging opportunities by sending the first and second instructions. For example, if a paging opportunity includes unprivileged UEs but not privileged UEs, the network may page in those paging opportunities using the TMGI and the flag indicating to remain in RRC_INACTIVE. In such cases, when paging scenarios target both privileged and unprivileged UEs, or UEs included in a subset and those not included in a subset, it may be necessary to page using TMGI with a flag, and also paging using I-RNTI.

[0038] In some exemplary embodiments, UE110 may be permitted to learn that it belongs to a subset, for example, that it is a privileged UE. UE110 may learn that it belongs to a subset if, for example, it receives both group paging by TMGI and RAN paging by I-RNTI in the same paging opportunity or within a given time. After learning that it belongs to a subset, UE110 can resume the RRC connection even if it later receives group paging accompanied by instructions such as a flag indicating to remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state. In other words, UE110 may receive both group paging and dedicated paging in the same slot, and in such a case, UE110 may understand that it belongs to a subset, for example, that it is a privileged UE, and may act accordingly in the future if any behavior is defined for, for example, a CONNECTED privileged UE.

[0039] In some exemplary embodiments, for a RAN paging radio network node 120, such as an anchor gNB, that has transitioned a UE from the RRC_CONNECTED state to the RRC_INACTIVE state, a list of UEs in a subset, such as privileged UEs participating in multicast services, can be sent within a RAN paging message to other BSs in the RAN-based notification area (RNA). In the case of a distributed gNB, the list of UEs in a subset may also be sent within an F1 paging message from a gNB-Central Unit (CU) to a gNB-Distributed Unit (DU).

[0040] In some exemplary embodiments, a UE within a subset may be configured with information indicating that it is indeed within the subset. For example, a privileged UE may be configured with information that it is indeed a privileged UE, or at least that it may reconnect if it receives paging with an instruction indicating that a UE not within the subset, such as a non-privileged UE, will remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state. In other words, a UE within a subset may be configured to ignore instructions indicating that it will remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state. Configuration can be done on a per-UE and / or per-multicast service basis.

[0041] When the wireless network node 120 transitions the UE 110 from the RRC_CONNECTED state to the RRC_INACTIVE state, the wireless network node 120 can indicate in the RRC reconfiguration (sent in the RRCRelease message) that the UE 110 belongs to a subset. Alternatively, the wireless network node 120 can include in the RRC reconfiguration information that configures the UE 110 to ignore instructions indicating to remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state after receiving paging. Therefore, based on the information received in the RRCRelease message, the UE 110 can determine that it belongs to a subset and initiate the resumption of the RRC connection.

[0042] If UE110 receives the information in a paging message that includes an instruction indicating that the UE should remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state and the TMGI of the service UE110 has subscribed to, one option is that UE110, having received a setting regarding being in a subset, such as a "privileged" setting, directly initiates RRC resume. Another option is that, in addition to the TMGI and the instruction for the RRC_INACTIVE UE to remain in RRC_INACTIVE, a third piece of information is present in the paging message. This third piece of information allows the wireless network node 120 to specifically control whether a UE belonging to a subset, such as a privileged UE, should reconnect. If a UE110 belonging to a subset receives the third piece of information, it may not initiate the resumption of the RRC connection. Otherwise, a UE110 belonging to a subset may initiate the resumption of the RRC connection. UEs not belonging to a subset, such as UEs without such privileges, can remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state in either case. While direct resumption of an RRC connection does not introduce new bits into the paging message, the use of the third piece of information can be used to introduce more network-controlled behavior.

[0043] In some exemplary embodiments, a configuration in which a UE belongs to a subset, such as a configuration in which a UE is "privileged," may be temporary. For example, a new "frequent talker" may be present in the multicast session after some time, or there may be other reasons why the configuration of a UE belonging to a subset must be updated / removed. A network such as wireless network node 120 may not want a UE to belong to a subset for an unspecified period of time.

[0044] Therefore, the RRC reconfiguration that transitions UE110 to the RRC_INACTIVE state may also include information about the period during which UE110 can be considered to belong to a subset. When UE110 enters the RRC_INACTIVE state, a timer is started, and after the timer expires, UE110 can behave as if it no longer belongs to a subset. In other words, UE110 can start a timer when it transitions to the RRC_INACTIVE state and determine to belong to a subset of user devices while the timer is running.

[0045] In some exemplary embodiments, when UE110 is in the RRC_INACTIVE state, UE110 may receive multicast service configuration in a camped cell in order to begin / continue receiving the multicast service it has joined. If a UE in the RRC_INACTIVE state performs cell reselection, it may miss paging performed in that cell. Also, if such paging is performed periodically by the wireless network node 120, UE110 would have to wait for the next opportunity, which results in latency. To overcome these problems, a cell can broadcast some information about the current session state, such as whether the UE may receive the service in the RRC_CONNECTED or RRC_INACTIVE state, whether the multicast session is active, etc.

[0046] In exemplary embodiments, a cell may indicate in a System Information Block (SIB) or Multicast Control Channel (MCCH) message whether UEs within a subset may or may not reconnect for a particular TMGI. For example, SIB / MCCH information may indicate that UEs in the RRC_INACTIVE state that do not belong to a subset remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state. In exemplary embodiments, both paging enhancement and SIB / MCCH enhancement may coexist, with paging used for rapid activation of MBS sessions and SIB / MCCH used for new UEs entering the cell.

[0047] In some exemplary embodiments, a cell may also indicate a parameter x, for example via SIB / MCCH, that represents the percentage of UEs in a subset that can reconnect after receiving a paging message with an instruction indicating that UEs not belonging to the subset will remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state. For example, all UEs belonging to a subset within a cell generate a random number between 1 and 100, and if this random number is less than x for UE110, UE110 may reconnect, otherwise it remains in the RRC_INACTIVE state. Thus, UE110 can decide to initiate the resumption of an RRC connection based on the parameter representing the percentage of UEs in a subset that initiate the resumption of an RRC connection.

[0048] In some exemplary embodiments, UE configuration regarding belonging to a subset (regarding the handling of instructions indicating that UEs not belonging to a subset remain inactive) may be received via Non-Access Stratum, NAS. This configuration is in the NAS Register Accept message or in the Session Setup / modification command of the NAS Protocol Data Unit (PDU). Updates from a subset-belonging configuration to a non-subset configuration, or vice versa, may also be sent via NAS in UE Configuration Update messages or PDU Session modification command messages. For example, a configuration update from privileged / unprivileged to unprivileged / privileged may be sent via NAS in a UE Configuration Update message or PDU Session modification command message. Configuration information may also be received by UE110 upon enrollment.

[0049] Figure 2 shows a first signaling graph in at least some exemplary embodiments. The vertical axis, from left to right, shows UE110, wireless network node 120, and core network 130 in Figure 1. Another wireless network node 122 is also shown.

[0050] In step 202, UE110 may be in the RRC_CONNECTED state in a first cell of the wireless network node 120, such as cell 1 of gNB1. In step 204, UE110 may join a multicast session identified by TMGI#1, and the wireless network node 120 may be configured with information that the UE belongs to a subset, for example, a privileged UE indicated by 5GC. The multicast session may be inactive, i.e., there is no data to transmit.

[0051] In step 206, the core network 130, such as 5GC, can activate the multicast session. In step 208, the wireless network node 120 can configure the UE 110 with a multicast radio bearer, MRB, and other necessary configurations via RRC signaling to receive the multicast session. In step 210, the UE 110 can receive the multicast session from the first cell of the wireless network node 120.

[0052] In step 212, in the first case, the multicast session may be deactivated by the core network 130. In step 214, in the second case, the wireless network node 120 may decide to transition UE 110 to the RRC_INACTIVE state because there is no data for the multicast session, i.e., TMGI#1. In step 216, the wireless network node 120 may optionally send an RRC deactivation command, including an instruction indicating RNA=Cell 1+Cell 2. In step 218, UE 110 transitions to the RRC_INACTIVE state and can camp in the first cell. In step 220, UE 110 remains in the RRC_INACTIVE state and, based on channel conditions, can re-select and camp in the second cell (cell 2 of gNB2) of another wireless network node 122.

[0053] In step 222, in the first case, the multicast session may be activated by the core network 130. In step 224, in the second case, data for the multicast session (TMGI#1) may arrive at the wireless network node 120 from the core network 130. In step 226, the wireless network node 120 may page during the paging opportunities of all UEs, consisting of paging opportunities for UEs within a subset (e.g., privileged UEs).

[0054] In step 228, the wireless network node 120 may send a paging message containing a first instruction indicating the MBS session that UE 110 has joined, and a second instruction indicating that it should remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state. For example, the paging message may contain TMGI#1 and a flag for "unprivileged" UEs to remain in RRC_INACTIVE. The paging message may also consist of a list of UEs belonging to a subset, such as a list of privileged UE identifiers. The wireless network node 120 may not receive a response from UE 110 because UE 110 is camping under another wireless network node 122.

[0055] In step 230, wireless network node 120 can send a RAN paging message to another wireless network node 122 containing a list of UEs that belong to a subset, participate in a session, and whose RNA constitutes a second cell. In step 232, the other wireless network node 122 can page during all UE paging opportunities, which consist of paging opportunities for UEs within the subset.

[0056] In step 232, another wireless network node 120 may send a paging message containing a first instruction indicating the MBS session that UE 110 has joined, and a second instruction indicating that it should remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state. For example, the paging message may contain TMGI#1 and a flag for "unprivileged" UEs to remain in RRC_INACTIVE. The paging message may also consist of a list of UEs belonging to a subset, such as a list of privileged UE identifiers.

[0057] In step 236, UE110 can compare its own identity with the identity in the list of UEs within the subset. If UE110's ID is in the list, it determines that it belongs to the subset and can begin restarting the RRC connection in step 238. If UE110's ID is not in the list, UE110 determines that it does not belong to the subset and may remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0058] Figure 3 shows a second signaling graph in at least some exemplary embodiments. The vertical axis, from left to right, represents the UE 110, wireless network node 120, and core network 130 from Figure 1. Another wireless network node 122 is also shown. Steps 302 to 324 shown in Figure 3 may correspond to steps 202 to 224 shown in Figure 2, respectively.

[0059] In step 326, the wireless network node 120 may send a paging message containing a first instruction indicating the MBS session that UE 110 has joined, and a second instruction indicating that it should remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state. For example, the paging message may contain TMGI#1 and a flag for "unprivileged" UEs to remain in RRC_INACTIVE. The paging message may also consist of a list of UEs belonging to a subset, such as a list of privileged UE IDs. The wireless network node 120 may not receive a response from UE 110 because UE 110 is camping under another wireless network node 122.

[0060] Sending a paging message consisting of a second instruction indicating that UEs not belonging to a subset remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state may not need to be sent considering the paging opportunities of UEs belonging to a subset, because they can be paged separately. In step 328, the wireless network node 120 may send a message containing a first instruction without the second instruction if, for example, a given paging opportunity is for privileged UEs for a given MBS multicast service and not for unprivileged UEs. The wireless network node 120 may perform paging in this embodiment, for example, with a TMGI that does not have a flag indicating to remain in RRC_INACTIVE. If a given paging opportunity includes unprivileged UEs as well as privileged UEs, the wireless network node 120 may page in those paging opportunities using a TMGI and a flag indicating to remain in RRC_INACTIVE. In some exemplary embodiments, both paging with a flagged TMGI and paging with I-RNTI may be required in paging opportunities where both privileged and unprivileged UEs are present.

[0061] Wireless network node 120 may not receive a response from UE110 because UE110 is camped under another wireless network node 122. Steps 330-338 shown in Figure 3 may correspond to steps 230-238 shown in Figure 2, respectively.

[0062] Figure 4 shows a third signaling graph in at least some exemplary embodiments. The vertical axis, from left to right, shows the UE 110, wireless network node 120, and core network 130 from Figure 1. Another wireless network node 122 is also shown. Steps 402 to 424 shown in Figure 2 may correspond to steps 202 to 224 shown in Figure 2, respectively. Furthermore, in step 404, the UE 110 may be configured by the wireless network node 120 using information that the UE 110 belongs to a subset, for example, information that the UE 110 is a privileged UE.

[0063] This information may be related to the processing of instructions indicating that the UE remains in the RRC_INACTIVE state. This information may be received via the NAS, for example, in the NAS Register Accept message or the NAS PDU Session Setup / modification command. Also, updates to settings from a subset state to a non-subset state, or vice versa, may be sent via the NAS in the UE Configuration Update message or PDU Session modification command message. For example, a configuration update from privileged / non-privileged to non-privileged / privileged may be sent via the NAS in the UE Configuration Update message or PDU Session modification command message. Configuration information may be received by the UE110 upon enrollment.

[0064] In step 416, UE110 may also receive an RRC release message from the wireless network node 120. The RRC release message may contain information indicating that UE110 belongs to a subset, for example, is a privileged UE. In exemplary embodiments, another RRC message, such as an RRC reconfiguration or setup message, may be used to set “privileged” information and, optionally, a timer for UE110. Alternatively, the RRC release message may be configured such that UE110 can ignore the second paging instruction and resume the RRC connection after receiving a second paging instruction indicating that the UE should remain in RRC_INACTIVE. In some exemplary embodiments, the RRC release message may also contain information about the period during which UE110 can consider itself to be in a subset, for example, as a privileged UE. In such cases, UE110 may, in step 418, start a timer when UE110 transitions to the RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0065] Steps 426-430 shown in Figure 4 may correspond to steps 326-330 shown in Figure 3, but the wireless network node 120 may also send an instruction in step 428 indicating a UE belonging to a subset of those to reactivate the RRC connection.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, another wireless network node 120 may, in step 432, send a paging message including a first instruction indicating the MBS session that UE 110 has joined and a second instruction indicating that it will remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state. In step 434, UE 110 can check whether the timer has expired. If not, UE 110 can resume the RRC connection.

[0067] In some exemplary embodiments, another wireless network node 120 may, in step 436, send a paging message including a first instruction indicating the MBS session to which the UE 110 has joined, and a second instruction indicating that it should remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state. The paging message may also include an instruction indicating that UEs in a subset need to resume the RRC connection. In step 438, the UE 110 can check whether the timer has expired. If not, the UE 110 can resume the RRC connection. Step 440, shown in Figure 4, may correspond to step 338, shown in Figure 3.

[0068] Figure 5 shows a fourth signaling graph in at least some exemplary embodiments. The vertical axis, from left to right, shows the UE 110, wireless network node 120, and core network 130 in Figure 1, and further, another wireless network node 122. Steps 502 to 518 shown in Figure 5 may correspond to steps 202 to 218 shown in Figure 2, respectively. Furthermore, step 516 shown in Figure 5 may correspond to step 416 shown in Figure 4.

[0069] In step 520, the wireless network node 120 may broadcast a message. The message may be broadcast on the SIB / MCCH and may contain instructions indicating that an MBS session, such as TMGI#1, is inactive. In step 522, the UE 110 monitors the broadcast channel, and the wireless network node 120 may broadcast that the MBS session is inactive. The UE 110 may monitor the SIB / MCCH, for example. The UE 110 monitors the broadcast channel of the MBS session(s) and may detect, for example, that TMGI#1 is inactive. In such a case, the UE 110 may not reactivate the RRC connection. In step 524, the UE 110 may continue in the RRC_INACTIVE state and reselect a second cell to camp on based on the channel conditions.

[0070] In step 526, UE110 monitors the broadcast channel, and another wireless network node 122 may broadcast that the MBS session is inactive. In step 528, UE110 may detect that the MBS session is inactive (for example, TMGI#1 is inactive). In such a case, UE110 may not reactivate the RRC connection. In step 530, the MBS session may become active. In step 532, another wireless network node 122 may determine the data of the MBS session. In step 534, another wireless network node 122 may broadcast that the MBS session is active. Another wireless network node 122 may broadcast, for example, in the SIB / MCCH, that TMGI#1 is active and the configuration to be received in the RRC_INACTIVE state. Alternatively, or in addition, another wireless network node 122 may broadcast an instruction indicating that UE110 belonging to a subset such as a privileged UE needs to reactivate the RRC connection.

[0071] In step 536, UE110 can monitor the broadcast channel (e.g., SIB / MCCH) for the MBS session it has joined. UE110 may determine that it belongs to a subset and, in step 538, initiate the resumption of the RRC connection.

[0072] Therefore, if the list of UE IDs belonging to a subset is not exposed, it may operate more securely. Furthermore, in at least some exemplary embodiments, this can be implemented without modifying the paging message, at least when the RRC connection is directly re-established. In addition, if there are new features to be defined in the future for a subset of UEs, such as privileged UEs, this information can be set for such UEs. However, the preferred handling of this list is changes from a subset, such as from "privileged" to "normal / unprivileged," or changes to a subset, especially when such changes occur frequently. If changes occur frequently, the network can page to provide the UE110 with the new configuration.

[0073] Figure 6 shows an exemplary apparatus that can support at least several exemplary embodiments. Illustrated is device 600, which may include, for example, a UE 110 or a wireless network node 120, or optionally a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein. The device 600 comprises a processor 610, which may include a single-core or multi-core processor, for example, a single-core processor comprising one processing core, and a multi-core processor comprising two or more processing cores. The processor 610 can generally constitute a control unit. The processor 610 may comprise multiple processors. The processor 610 may also be a control unit. The processing cores may include, for example, an ARM Holdings Cortex-A8 processing core or an Advanced Micro Devices Steamroller processing core. The processor 610 may comprise at least one Qualcomm Snapdragon and / or Intel Atom processor. The processor 610 may comprise at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 610 may consist of at least one field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor 610 may also be a means for executing method steps of device 600. The processor 610 may be configured to perform operations at least partially by computer instructions.

[0074] A processor may include a circuit, or may be configured as a circuit, and the circuit or circuit may be configured to perform a phase of the method in the exemplary embodiment of this embodiment. As used in this application, the term "circuit" may mean one, several or all of the following: (a) a hardware-only circuit implementation, such as an implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only; (b) a combination of hardware circuit and software, such as (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) and software / firmware; (ii) a hardware processor(s) and any part of software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(s) that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions; and (c) a hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), for example, a microprocessor(s) or a part of a microprocessor(s) that requires software (e.g., firmware), but may not be present if the software is not necessary for operation.

[0075] This definition of circuit applies to all use of the term in this application, including in all claims. As a further example, in its use in this embodiment, the term circuit also includes not only a hardware circuit or processor (or more processors) or a part of a hardware circuit or processor and the accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. The term circuit also includes, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, where applicable to a particular claim element.

[0076] Device 600 may include memory 620. Memory 620 may include random access memory and / or permanent memory. Memory 620 may consist of at least one RAM chip. Memory 620 may consist of, for example, solid-state memory, magnetic memory, optical memory and / or holographic memory. Memory 620 may be at least partially accessible to the processor 610. Memory 620 may be at least partially configured within the processor 610. Memory 620 may be means for storing information. Memory 620 may include computer instructions configured to be executed by the processor 610. If computer instructions configured to cause the processor 610 to perform a particular operation are stored in memory 620, and the entire device 600 is configured to be executed under the direction of the processor 610 using computer instructions from memory 620, then the processor 610 and / or at least one of its processing cores may be considered configured to perform the particular operation. Memory 620 may be at least partially configured within the processor 610. Memory 620 may be located outside of device 600, at least in part, but may be accessible to device 600.

[0077] Device 600 may include a transmitter 630. Device 600 may also include a receiver 640. The transmitter 630 and receiver 640 may be configured to transmit and receive information, respectively, according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The transmitter 630 may include multiple transmitters. The receiver 640 may include multiple receivers. The transmitter 630 and / or receiver 640 may be configured to operate according to, for example, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA®), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), and / or 5G / NR standards.

[0078] Device 600 may include a Near Field Communication (NFC) transceiver 650. The NFC transceiver 650 may support at least one NFC technology, such as Bluetooth®, Wibree, or a similar technology.

[0079] The user device 600 may include a user interface (UI) 660. The UI 660 may include at least one of a display, a keyboard, a touchscreen, a vibrator positioned to send signals to the user by vibrating the device 600, a speaker, and a microphone. The user can operate the device 600 via the UI 660, for example, by answering incoming calls, making phone calls or video calls, browsing the internet, managing digital files stored in memory 620 or on a cloud accessible via transmitter 630 and receiver 640 or via NFC transceiver 650, and / or playing games.

[0080] The user device 600 includes or is configured to accept a user ID module 670. The user ID module 670 may include, for example, a subscriber ID module (SIM) card that can be installed in the device 600. The user ID module 670 may consist of information that identifies the user subscription of the device 600. The user ID module 670 may include encryption information that can be used to verify the user ID of the device 600 and / or to encrypt communicated information and to facilitate billing of the user of the device 600 for communications made through the device 600.

[0081] The processor 610 may include a transmitter configured to output information from the processor 610 to other devices configured within the device 600 via electrical leads inside the device 600. Such a transmitter may consist of, for example, a serial bus transmitter configured to output information to and store it in a memory 620 via at least one electrical lead. Instead of a serial bus, the transmitter may consist of a parallel bus transmitter. Similarly, the processor 610 may include a receiver configured to receive information into the processor 610 from other devices configured within the device 600 via electrical leads inside the device 600. Such a receiver may consist of, for example, a serial bus receiver configured to receive information from a receiver 640 via at least one electrical lead for processing in the processor 610. Instead of a serial bus, the receiver may also consist of a parallel bus receiver.

[0082] Device 600 may include further devices not shown in Figure 6. For example, if device 600 constitutes a smartphone, it may include at least one digital camera. Some devices 600 may have a rear camera and a front camera, with the rear camera for digital photography and the front camera for video calls. Device 600 may include, at least in part, a fingerprint sensor positioned to authenticate the user of device 600. Some devices 600 in exemplary embodiments lack at least one of the above-mentioned devices. For example, some devices 600 may lack an NFC transceiver 650 and / or a user ID module 670.

[0083] The processor 610, memory 620, transmitter 630, receiver 640, NFC transceiver 650, UI 660, and / or user ID module 670 can be interconnected in numerous different ways by electrical leads inside device 600. For example, each of the aforementioned devices can be individually connected to a master bus inside device 600 so that the devices can exchange information. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, this is merely an example, and depending on the exemplary embodiment, various methods can be selected for interconnecting at least two of the aforementioned devices without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiment.

[0084] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the first method in at least some exemplary embodiments. The apparatus of the first method may be a control device configured to control the UE 110 or its functions, and may be installed therein. That is, the steps of the first method may be performed by the UE 110, or by a control device configured to control its functions when it is installed therein.

[0085] The first method may include, in step 710, the device receiving a message while the device is in a radio resource control inactive state, the message including a first instruction indicating a multicast broadcast service session to which the device has joined, and a second instruction indicating that the device will remain in a radio resource control inactive state. The first method may also include, in step 720, in response to receiving the message, if the device determines, based on at least the information received in the radio resource control message, that the device belongs to a subset of user devices, initiating a restart of the radio resource control connection, and remaining in a radio resource control inactive state if the device does not determine that the device belongs to a subset.

[0086] It should be understood that the disclosed exemplary embodiments are not limited to the specific structures, process steps, or materials disclosed in these embodiments, but extend to their equivalents as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the art. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terminology used in these embodiments is used solely for the purpose of describing specific exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit them.

[0087] Any reference to an exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiment throughout this specification means that certain features, structures, or characteristics described in relation to the exemplary embodiment are included in at least one exemplary embodiment. Thus, while the phrases "in one exemplary embodiment" or "in an exemplary embodiment" appear in various places throughout this specification, they do not necessarily all refer to the same exemplary embodiment. Where numerical values ​​are referred to in this embodiment using terms such as, for example, about, substantially, the exact numerical values ​​are also disclosed.

[0088] In this specification, multiple items, structural elements, components, and / or materials may be shown in common lists for convenience. However, these lists should be interpreted as if each member of the list were a distinct and uniquely identified member. Therefore, individual members of such lists should not be interpreted as de facto equivalents of other members of the same list based solely on their presentation in a common group, without the contrary instruction. Furthermore, various exemplary embodiments and examples may be referenced in these embodiments along with alternatives for their various components. It is understood that such exemplary embodiments, examples, and alternatives should not be interpreted as de facto equivalents of one another, but rather as distinct and autonomous representations.

[0089] In exemplary embodiments, devices such as UE110 or wireless network node 120 may constitute means for implementing the exemplary embodiments described above and any combination thereof.

[0090] In exemplary embodiments, a computer program may be configured to perform the methods in the exemplary embodiments and any combination thereof described above. In exemplary embodiments, a computer program product embodied on a non-transient computer-readable medium may be configured to control a processor to perform a process including the exemplary embodiments and any combination thereof described above.

[0091] In exemplary embodiments, a device such as a UE110 or a wireless network node 120 may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code together with the at least one processor, to cause the device to execute at least the exemplary embodiments described above and any combination thereof.

[0092] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or properties can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments. The preceding description has provided numerous specific details, such as examples of length, width, and shape, to provide a complete understanding of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure can be implemented without one or more of the specific details, or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other examples, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of this disclosure.

[0093] While the embodiments described above illustrate the principles of exemplary embodiments in one or more specific uses, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage, and details of implementation can be made without exercising inventive ability and without departing from the principles and concepts of the Disclosure. Accordingly, the Disclosure is not intended to be limited to the claims set forth below.

[0094] In this specification, the verbs “to include” and “to contain” are used as open limitations, neither excluding nor requiring the presence of uncited features. Features described in the claims may be freely combined with each other unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it should be understood throughout this document that the use of “a” or “an,” i.e., the singular form, does not exclude the plural form.

[0095] Industrial applicability At least some exemplary embodiments will find industrial applications in cellular communication networks such as 5G networks, and possibly in other cellular communication networks in the future.

[0096] Glossary 3GPP (Registered Trademark) Third Generation Partnership Project 5G-S-TMSI 5G Serving Temporary Mobile Subscriber ID BS base station CN Core Network CSI Channel Status Information CU Central Unit DU Distributed Unit GSM (Global Standards for Mobile Communications) HARQ Hybrid Automated Resend Request IoT (Internet of Things) I-RNTI (Inactive Radio Network Temporary Identifier) LTE Long-Term Evolution M2M (Machine to Machine) MBS multicast and broadcast services MRB Multicast Wireless Bearer MCCH Multicast Control Channel NAS Non-Access Layer NFC Near Field Communication NR new radio P-RNTI (Paging Radio Network Temporary Identifier) PCCH Paging Control Channel PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel PDU (Protocol Data Unit). PTM Point-to-Multipoint RAN (Radio Access Network) RAT (Radio Access Technology) RNA RAN-based notification area RRC (Radio Resource Control) SIB System Information Block TMGI Temporary Mobile Group Identity TRP Send / Receive Point UE User Equipment UI User Interface WCDMA (Registered Trademark) Broadband Code Division Multiple Access Global interoperability for WiMAX microwave access WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)

[0097] [Table 1]

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are provided to the apparatus by the at least one processor, Receiving a message while the device is in a radio resource control inactive state, wherein the message includes a first instruction indicating a multicast broadcast service session to which the device has joined, and a second instruction indicating that the device remains in the radio resource control inactive state. In response to receiving the aforementioned message, if the device determines, based at least on the information received in the wireless resource control message, that it belongs to a subset of user devices, it will initiate the resumption of the wireless resource control connection; otherwise, it will remain in the wireless resource control inactive state. A device configured to perform a certain action.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the subset of user equipment includes privileged user equipment.

3. The at least one memory and the computer program code are provided to the device by the at least one processor, Receiving the aforementioned wireless resource control message, wherein the wireless resource control message includes a configuration indicating that the device belongs to the subset of user equipment. The apparatus according to claim 1, further configured to perform the following:

4. The at least one memory and the computer program code are provided to the device by the at least one processor, Receiving a paging message during a paging opportunity, If the paging opportunity is a paging opportunity of the subset of user equipment, it is determined that the device belongs to the subset, The apparatus according to claim 1, further configured to perform the following:

5. The at least one memory and the computer program code are provided to the device by the at least one processor, If the device is configured as a privileged user device, it is determined that the device belongs to the subset. The apparatus according to claim 1, further configured to perform the following:

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the message further includes an instruction indicating whether a user device belonging to the subset will initiate the resumption of the wireless resource control connection in response to receiving the message.

7. The at least one memory and the computer program code are provided to the device by the at least one processor, The device decides to initiate the resumption of the wireless resource control connection based on a parameter representing the percentage or ratio of user devices within the subset in which the resumption of the wireless resource control connection is initiated. The apparatus according to claim 1, further configured to perform the following:

8. The at least one memory and the computer program code are provided to the device by the at least one processor, The aforementioned parameters are received in a broadcast message or a paging message. The apparatus according to claim 7, further configured to perform the following:

9. The at least one memory and the computer program code are provided to the device by the at least one processor, If the device is determined to belong to the subset of user equipment, the second instruction shall be ignored. The apparatus according to claim 1, further configured to perform the following:

10. The at least one memory and the computer program code are provided to the device by the at least one processor, The timer is started when the device transitions to a wireless resource control inactive state. When the timer is operating, it is determined that the device belongs to a subset of user equipment, The apparatus according to claim 1, further configured to perform the following:

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless resource control message is a wireless resource control release, reconfiguration, or setup message.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the apparatus is a user device or a control device configured to control the functions of the user device.

13. When the device is in a radio resource control inactive state, the device receives a message, the message including a first instruction indicating a multicast broadcast service session to which the device has joined, and a second instruction indicating that the device remains in the radio resource control inactive state. In response to receiving the aforementioned message, if the device determines, based at least on the information received in the wireless resource control message, that the device belongs to a subset of user devices, it will initiate the resumption of the wireless resource control connection; if the device does not determine that the device belongs to the subset, it will remain in the wireless resource control inactive state. Methods that include...

14. Means for receiving a message when a device is in a radio resource control inactive state, wherein the message includes a first instruction indicating a multicast broadcast service session to which the device has joined, and a second instruction indicating that the device remains in the radio resource control inactive state. In response to receiving the aforementioned message, if the device determines, based at least on the information received in the wireless resource control message, that it belongs to a subset of user devices, means for initiating the resumption of the wireless resource control connection; and if the device does not determine that it belongs to the subset, means for remaining in the wireless resource control inactive state. A device equipped with the following features.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the subset of user equipment includes privileged user equipment.

16. Means for receiving the wireless resource control message, wherein the wireless resource control message includes a configuration indicating that the device belongs to the subset of user equipment. The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising:

17. A means of receiving paging messages during paging opportunities, Means for determining that the device belongs to the subset when the paging opportunity is a paging opportunity of the subset of user devices, The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising:

18. Means for determining whether the device belongs to the subset when the device is configured as a privileged user device, The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising:

19. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the message further includes an instruction indicating whether a user device belonging to the subset will initiate the resumption of the wireless resource control connection in response to receiving the message.

20. Means for determining whether the device initiates the resumption of the wireless resource control connection, based on a parameter representing the proportion or ratio of user devices within the subset in which the resumption of the wireless resource control connection is initiated. The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising:

21. Means for receiving the aforementioned parameters in a broadcast message or paging message, The apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising:

22. If the device is determined to belong to the subset of user equipment, means for ignoring the second instruction, The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising:

23. Means for starting a timer when the device transitions to the inactive state of the wireless resource control, Means for determining whether the device belongs to a subset of user equipment when the timer is operating, The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising:

24. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the wireless resource control message is a wireless resource control release, reconfiguration, or setup message.

25. The apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein the apparatus is a user device or a control device configured to control the functions of the user device.

26. A computer program, when executed by a device, the device, The reception of a message by the device while the device is in a radio resource control inactive state, the message including a first instruction indicating a multicast broadcast service session to which the device has joined, and a second instruction indicating that the device remains in the radio resource control inactive state. In response to receiving the aforementioned message, if the device determines, based at least on the information received in the wireless resource control message, that it belongs to a subset of user devices, it will initiate the resumption of the wireless resource control connection; otherwise, if the device does not determine that it belongs to the subset, it will remain in the wireless resource control inactive state. A computer program that contains instructions to execute something.

27. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are provided to the apparatus by the at least one processor, Sending a message to at least one user device when the at least one user device is in a wireless resource control inactive state, the message includes a first instruction indicating a multicast broadcast service session to which the at least one user device has joined, and a second instruction indicating that the wireless resource control remains in an inactive state. Sending instructions to adjacent wireless network nodes indicating a subset of the user devices, the user devices within the subset in response to receiving the message to begin restarting the wireless resource control connection, A device configured to perform a certain action.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the instruction is transmitted to the adjacent wireless network node when releasing the at least one user device to the wireless resource control inactive state or when performing paging of the wireless access network.

29. When at least one user device is in a radio resource control inactive state, the device transmits a message to the at least one user device, the message comprising a first instruction indicating a multicast broadcast service session to which the at least one user device has joined, and a second instruction indicating that the device remains in the radio resource control inactive state. The device transmits an instruction to an adjacent wireless network node indicating a subset of user devices, and the user devices within the subset, in response to receiving the message, begin to restart the wireless resource control connection. Methods that include...

30. Means for sending a message to at least one user device when the at least one user device is in a radio resource control inactive state, wherein the message includes a first instruction indicating a multicast broadcast service session to which the at least one user device has joined, and a second instruction indicating that the radio resource control remains inactive state. Means for transmitting instructions to adjacent wireless network nodes indicating a subset of user devices, wherein the user devices within the subset initiate a restart of a wireless resource control connection in response to receiving the message; A device equipped with the following features.

31. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the instruction is transmitted to the adjacent wireless network node when releasing the at least one user device to the wireless resource control inactive state or when performing paging of the wireless access network.

32. A computer program, when executed by a device, the device, When at least one user device is in a radio resource control inactive state, the device transmits a message to the at least one user device, the message comprising a first instruction indicating a multicast broadcast service session to which the at least one user device has joined, and a second instruction indicating that the device remains in the radio resource control inactive state. The device transmits an instruction to an adjacent wireless network node indicating a subset of user devices, and the user devices within the subset, in response to receiving the message, begin to restart the wireless resource control connection. A computer program that contains instructions to execute something.

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