Multicast and broadcast services in cellular communication networks

Abstract

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a method is provided comprising: receiving a message while the device is in a wireless resource control inactive state — the message includes a first indication indicating a multicast-broadcast service session in which the device participated and a second indication indicating to maintain the wireless resource control inactive state — and in response to receiving the message, if the device determines, based at least on information received in the wireless resource control message, that it belongs to a subset of user equipment, initiating the resumption of a wireless resource control connection; and if the device does not determine that it belongs to a subset, maintaining the wireless resource control inactive state.

Description

Technology Field

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

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

[0003] Multicast and broadcast services (MBS) can be provided on various cellular communication networks, such as those operating under 5G radio access technology. 5G radio access technology may also be referred to as new radio (NR) access technology. The 3GPP develops standards for 5G / NR, and some topics of 3GPP discussions relate to MBS. According to these discussions, there is a need to provide improved methods, devices, and computer programs related to the use of MBS. Such improvements can also be utilized in other cellular communication networks.

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

[0005] The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the present invention is established by independent claims. Embodiments and features described herein that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims, if any, should be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided comprising at least one processing core and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and computer program code together with the at least one processing core are configured to enable the apparatus to receive a message while the apparatus is in a wireless resource control inactive state—the message includes a first indication indicating a multicast-broadcast service session in which the apparatus participated and a second indication indicating to maintain the wireless resource control inactive state—and, in response to receiving the message, to initiate the resumption of a wireless resource control connection if the apparatus determines, based at least on information received in the wireless resource control message, that the apparatus belongs to a subset of user equipment, and to maintain the wireless resource control inactive state if the apparatus does not determine that it belongs to a subset. The apparatus of the first aspect may be a user equipment or a control device configured to control the functions thereof, possibly when installed therein.

[0007] Exemplary embodiments 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, together with at least one processing core, is further configured to enable the device to receive at least a wireless resource control message, and the wireless resource control message includes a configuration indicating that the device belongs to a subset of user equipment; At least one memory and computer program code, together with at least one processing core, is further configured to enable the device to receive a paging message during at least a paging opportunity, and to determine that the device belongs to said subset when the paging opportunity is a paging opportunity of a subset of user devices; At least one memory and computer program code, together with at least one processing core, is additionally configured to allow the device to determine that the device belongs to a subset when the device is configured as privileged user equipment; The message further includes an indication of whether user equipment belonging to a subset will initiate the resumption of the wireless resource control connection in response to the reception of the message; At least one memory and computer program code, together with at least one processing core, is further configured to cause the device to determine that the device will initiate the resumption of the wireless resource control connection based on a parameter representing a ratio or fraction of user equipment that will initiate the resumption of the wireless resource control connection in a subset, at least; At least one memory and computer program code, together with at least one processing core, is further configured to enable the device to receive parameters in at least a broadcast message or a paging message; At least one memory and computer program code, together with at least one processing core, is additionally configured to cause the device to ignore a second indication when it is determined that the device belongs to a subset of user equipment; At least one memory and computer program code, together with at least one processing core, is further configured to cause the device to start a timer when the device is moved to a wireless resource control inactive state, and to determine that the device belongs to a subset of user equipment when the timer is running; The wireless resource control message is a wireless resource release, reconfiguration, or setup message; The device is a control device configured to control user equipment or the functions of said user equipment.

[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 including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and computer program code together with the at least one processing core are configured to cause the apparatus to transmit a message to at least one user equipment while at least one user equipment is in a wireless resource control inactive state—the message includes a first indication indicating a multicast-broadcast service session in which at least one user equipment participated and a second indication indicating to maintain a wireless resource control inactive state—and to transmit an indication to a neighboring wireless network node indicating a subset of user equipment, and the user equipment of the subset initiates the resumption of a wireless resource control connection in response to receiving the message. The apparatus of the second aspect may be a wireless network node or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0009] Embodiments of the second aspect may include the following features: The indication is transmitted to a neighboring wireless network when at least one user device is released from a wireless resource control inactive state or when wireless access network paging is performed.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a first method is provided, comprising: receiving a message by a device while the device is in a wireless resource control inactive state — the message comprises a first indication indicating a multicast-broadcast service session in which the device participated and a second indication indicating to maintain the wireless resource control inactive state — and in response to receiving the message, initiating the resumption of a wireless resource control connection by the device if, at least based on information received in the wireless resource control message, the device determines that the device belongs to a subset of user equipment; and maintaining the wireless resource control inactive state by the device if the device does not determine that the device belongs to a subset. The first method may be performed by user equipment or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a second method is provided, comprising the steps of: transmitting a message to at least one user device while at least one user device is in a wireless resource control inactive state by a device—the message comprises a first indication indicating a multicast-broadcast service session in which at least one user device participated and a second indication indicating to maintain a wireless resource control inactive state—and transmitting a indication to a neighboring wireless network node indicating a subset of user devices by a device, wherein the user devices of the subset initiate the resumption of a wireless resource control connection in response to receiving the message. The second method may be performed by a wireless network node or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein, or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a device is provided, comprising means for receiving a message while the device is in a wireless resource control inactive state — the message comprises a first indication indicating a multicast-broadcast service session in which the device participated and a second indication indicating to maintain the wireless resource control inactive state — and means for initiating the resumption of a wireless resource control connection in response to receiving the message, if the device determines, at least based on information received in the wireless resource control message, that it belongs to a subset of user equipment, and means for maintaining the wireless resource control inactive state if the device does not determine that it belongs to a subset. The device of the fifth aspect may be a user equipment or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0013] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided, comprising means for transmitting a message to at least one user apparatus while at least one user apparatus is in a wireless resource control inactive state—the message comprises a first indication indicating a multicast-broadcast service session in which at least one user apparatus has participated and a second indication indicating to maintain a wireless resource control inactive state—and means for transmitting an indication to a neighboring wireless network node indicating a subset of user apparatus, wherein the user apparatus of the subset initiates the resumption of a wireless resource control connection in response to receiving the message. The apparatus of the sixth aspect may be a wireless network node or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

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

[0015] FIG. 1a illustrates an example of a network scenario according to at least some exemplary embodiments;

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a first signaling graph according to at least some exemplary embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a second signaling graph according to at least some exemplary embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a third signaling graph according to at least some exemplary embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a fourth signaling graph according to at least some exemplary embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary device capable of supporting at least some exemplary embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a first method according to at least some exemplary embodiments. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a network scenario according to at least some exemplary embodiments. According to the exemplary scenario of FIG. 1, there may be a beam-based wireless communication system comprising 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.

[0023] The UE (110) may include, for example, a smartphone, a cellular phone, a machine-to-machine (M2M) node, a machine-type communication (MTC) node, an Internet of Things (IoT) node, a vehicle telemetry unit, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or any other suitable wireless terminal. In the exemplary system of FIG. 1, the UE (110) may communicate wirelessly with a wireless network node (120), for example, via a beam (112) and / or a beam (114). The wireless network node (120) may be considered as a serving node of the UE (110), and one cell of the wireless network node (120) may be a serving cell of the UE (110).

[0024] The air interface between the UE (110) and the wireless network node (120) may be configured according to a radio access technology (RAT) configured to be supported by both the UE (110) and the wireless network node (120). Examples of cellular RATs include Long Term Evolution (LTE), New Radio (NR) — also known as 5th generation (5G) — radio access technology and MulteFire.

[0025] For example, in the context of LTE, the wireless network node (120) may be referred to as an eNB, whereas in the context of NR, the wireless network node (120) may be referred to as a gNB. In some exemplary embodiments, the wireless network node (120) may control a plurality of TRPs, which may be referred to as transmitting and receiving points (TRPs) or may be located in the same place or not in the same place. In any case, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to any specific wireless technology. Instead, the exemplary embodiments may be utilized in any wireless communication system in which a multicast-broadcast service (MBS) or other similar features are used.

[0026] A wireless network node (120) can be connected to a core network (130) directly or through at least one intermediate node via an interface (125). The core network (130) can, in turn, be combined with another network (not shown in FIG. 1) via the interface (135), thereby enabling connectivity to additional networks, for example, through a global interconnection network. A wireless network node (120) can be connected to a core network (130) or another core network directly or through at least one intermediate node.

[0027] Paging may be used to enable a network, e.g., a wireless network node (120), to reach UEs in RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE states, e.g., UE (110), via paging messages. Alternatively, or additionally, paging may be used to notify user devices in RRC_IDLE, RRC_INACTIVE, and RRC_CONNECTED states of changes in system information. In some exemplary embodiments, paging messages may be addressed by a paging wireless network temporary identifier (P-RNTI) on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmitted from a paging control channel (PCCH). Although RRC_IDLE, RRC_INACTIVE, and RRC_CONNECTED states are used as examples in this disclosure, these states may generally refer to any similar wireless resource control idle, wireless resource control inactive, and wireless resource connected states, respectively.

[0028] While the UE (110) is in the RRC_IDLE state, the UE (110) may monitor paging channels for, for example, core network (CN)-initiated paging. The CN-initiated paging may include the identifier of the UE (110) in the paging message. In the RRC_INACTIVE state, the UE (110) may monitor paging channels for wireless access network (RAN)-initiated paging. The RAN-initiated paging may include an inactive wireless network temporary identifier (I-RNTI). The I-RNTI may be configured by a RAN node, such as a wireless network node (120), that sent the UE (110) to the RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0029] In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE (110) may monitor paging opportunities as specified in 3GPP TS 38.304 to receive paging messages. Upon receiving a paging message, the UE (110) in the RRC_IDLE state may initiate an RRC connection. When receiving a paging message in the RRC_INACTIVE state, if the UE (110) identifier, such as a 5G serving temporary mobile subscriber identifier (5G-S-TMSI ID), is not indicated in the paging message, the UE (110) may initiate the resumption of RRC connections. If the UE (110)'s 5G-S-TMSI ID is indicated in the paging message received by the UE (110) in the RRC_INACTIVE state, the UE (110) may move to the RRC_IDLE state.

[0030] Regarding MBS, point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission can be utilized to provide MBS services to multiple users, for example, using the same wireless framework as that used for unicast transmissions. One important issue regarding the use of MBS in 3GPP networks is enabling the reception of multicast services by UEs in the RRC_INACTIVE state for scalability and power saving purposes. Support and improvements related to end-to-end MBS traffic delivery for multiple UEs should be made possible, for example, by enabling the reception of MBS session data in an RRC-inactive state. Additionally, support for multicast reception by UEs in the RRC_INACTIVE state and PTM configurations for UEs receiving multicast in the RRC_INACTIVE state must be specified. For example, when a UE (110) is in the RRC_INACTIVE state, the configuration of the multicast service in the cell must be applicable to start / continue reception of the multicast service in which the UE participated.

[0031] A wireless network node (120) may move the UE (110) to the RRC_INACTIVE state if there is no data to transmit to the UE (110) for an active multicast session. When an MBS multicast session is deactivated, the wireless network node (120) may move the UE (110) to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. Wireless network nodes supporting MBS may 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 transmit. Upon receiving a group notification, the UEs reconnect to the network. The group notification may be addressed from PDCCH to P-RNTI. The paging message for the group notification may include an identifier for the MBS session, such as TMGI, that identifies a specific multicast service. The MBS session identifier can be used to page all UEs in RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE states participating in the associated MBS multicast session. That is, UEs may not be paged individually. A UE can stop monitoring group notifications associated with a specific multicast session when it leaves the associated multicast session.

[0032] If a UE in the RRC_IDLE state participating in an MBS multicast session is camping on a wireless network node that does not support MBS, the UE may be notified of the activation of the multicast session or data availability by CN-initiated paging, which allows the core network (130) to page each UE individually. On the other hand, if a UE in the RRC_INACTIVE state participating in an MBS multicast session is camping on a wireless network node that does not support MBS, it may be notified individually of data availability by RAN-initiated paging.

[0033] In some exemplary embodiments, the wireless network node (120) may determine whether to enable multicast reception for UEs in the RRC_INACTIVE state, and the core network (130) may provide auxiliary information to the wireless network node (120) to assist in this selection. The auxiliary information may include information on whether the UE (110) belongs to a subset of UEs, such as a "privileged" category of a multicast group. If the UE (110) belongs to the subset, that is, if it is a privileged UE, the wireless network node (120) should ideally not send the UE (110) to the RRC_INACTIVE state, because the UE (110) should have the advantage of being in the RRC_CONNECTED state while receiving multicast services. For example, the UE (110) in the RRC_CONNECTED state can provide Hybrid Auto Repeat Request (HARQ), feedback, and Channel State Information (CSI) measurements to the wireless network node (120), and thus may experience better performance compared to the RRC_INACTIVE state. Next, the wireless network node (120) can adjust multicast transmission parameters to meet the requirements of the UE (110) and, if necessary, perform some HARQ retransmissions.

[0034] One use case for privileged UEs could be public safety. For example, application functions can provide information (e.g., privilege status, priority) about specific public safety participants in group calls. This information can be used to identify which UEs should be kept in the RRC_CONNECTED state and which UEs are candidates for transitioning to the RRC_INACTIVE or RRC_IDLE state. These privileged UEs could be, for example, "frequent speakers" who need to be kept in the RRC_CONNECTED state, or simply premium subscribers or high-priority UEs.

[0035] UEs in a multicast group may be pushed to the RRC_INACTIVE state when the multicast service is deactivated, for example, by a wireless network node (120). To activate the session and move the UEs back to RRC_CONNECTED, a group-paging mechanism may be used in which the paging message may include a temporary mobile group identifier (TMGI) for the multicast service.

[0036] Alternatively, the wireless network node (120) may decide to keep the UEs in the RRC_INACTIVE state at the time of session activation, and the UEs may receive multicast services while in the RRC_INACTIVE state. In this case, the wireless network node (120) may perform group paging to the UEs in the RRC_INACTIVE state with an indication, such as a flag, that they remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state but are only notified about session activation. Thus, although a privileged UE should ideally always be in the RRC_CONNECTED state, the privileged UE will remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state to receive multicast transmissions and will not initiate an RRC connection to the cell of the wireless network node (120).

[0037] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure enable a UE (110) belonging to a subset, such as a privileged UE, to trigger an RRC connection even when paginated to group pagination that includes an indication to maintain an RRC_INACTIVE state to receive a multicast service.

[0038] A paging message may include a list of identifiers of a subset of UEs, such as identifiers of privileged UEs. The paging message may be a wireless paging message. The subset may include UEs (110), and a wireless network node (120) may transmit a paging message at the active time of a multicast session. Thus, UEs (110) may receive paging messages while in the RRC_INACTIVE state. The paging message may include a first indication of an MBS session in which UEs (110) have joined and a second indication to maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. In some exemplary embodiments, the first indication may be the TMGI of the session and / or the second indication may be a flag to allow non-privileged UEs to maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0039] Generally, the first and second indications can be transmitted in an RRC message. The RRC message may be an RRC disable, reconfigure, or set message. Using an RRC message instead of, for example, a NAS message to indicate UE behavior can be beneficial because the wireless network node (120) can have more dynamic control over it and additional information (such as a validity timer) can be easily added. The RRC message also enables UE-specific indications.

[0040] When paging, if the wireless network node (120) decides to use RRC_INACTIVE mode multicast reception for UEs that do not belong to a subset, i.e., UEs other than privileged UEs, the wireless network node (120) may include TMGI and a flag for UEs that do not belong to a subset. The flag may indicate that UEs that do not belong to a subset should maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state and start receiving multicast services corresponding to TMGI.

[0041] Additionally, if the UE (110) determines that it belongs to a subset based on information received in an RRC release message, the UE (110) may initiate the resumption of the RRC connection in response to receiving a paging message. The information received in the RRC release message may include a list of identifiers of a subset of UEs, such as identifiers of privileged UEs, for example. Subsequently, the UE (110) may determine that it belongs to a subset and initiate the resumption of the RRC connection when its identifier is in the list. However, if the UE (110) determines that it does not belong to a subset, for example when its identifier is not in the list, the UE (110) may maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. The items in the list of identifiers of UEs belonging to a subset may be 5G-S-TMSI, I-RNTI, or other unique identifiers that the UE (110) and the wireless network node (120) interpret similarly.

[0042] In some exemplary embodiments, paging messages may be transmitted at all paging opportunities of all UEs, including paging opportunities of UEs in a subset such as privileged UEs. Alternatively, the wireless network node (120) may calculate paging opportunities corresponding to a subset of UEs and transmit one or more additional paging messages to the UEs in the subset to move the UEs in the subset to the RRC_CONNECTED state. In this case, the paging message transmitted to the UEs in the subset may not include TMGI but may include one or more identifiers of the UEs in the subset. Furthermore, since the UEs in the subset are paged separately, the transmission of a paging message containing an indication for UEs not in the subset that must maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state does not require consideration of the paging opportunities of the UEs in the subset.

[0043] In some exemplary embodiments, if a particular paging opportunity for an MBS multicast service is for a subset of UEs rather than other UEs, the wireless network node (120) may page at such opportunities by transmitting a first indication indicating an MBS session without transmitting a second indication indicating to maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. For example, if the paging opportunity includes only UEs privileged for a given MBS multicast service (identified by TMGI), the network may page at such opportunities with TMGI without a flag indicating to maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. On the other hand, if another paging opportunity for an MBS multicast service is for UEs not belonging to a subset rather than for a subset of UEs, the wireless network node (120) may page at such paging opportunities by transmitting the first indication and the second indication. For example, if a paging opportunity includes non-privileged UEs rather than privileged UEs, the network may page to TMGI on such paging opportunities with a flag indicating to maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. In this case, for paging opportunities for both UEs belonging to a subset (such as privileged UEs and non-privileged UEs) and UEs not belonging to a subset, it may be necessary to page to TMGI with the flag and to page to I-RNTI.

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments, the UE (110) may be allowed to learn that it belongs to a subset, for example, that it is a privileged UE. The UE (110) may learn that it belongs to a subset, for example, if it receives both group paging with TMGI and RAN paging with I-RNTI in the same paging opportunity or within a given time. After learning that it belongs to a subset, the UE (110) may later act accordingly, that is, resume the RRC connection even when receiving group paging with an indication such as a flag indicating to maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. That is, the UE (110) may receive both group paging and private paging in the same slot, and in this case, the UE (110) may understand that it belongs to a subset, for example, that it is a privileged UE, and may act accordingly in the future, for example, if the behavior is defined for privileged UEs in the CONNECTED state.

[0045] In some exemplary embodiments, for RAN paging, a wireless network node (120), such as an anchor gNB that moves a UE from the RRC_CONNECTED state to the RRC_INACTIVE state, may transmit a list of a subset of UEs, such as UEs that have the privilege of participating in the multicast service, to other BSs in the RAN-based notification area (RNA) within a RAN paging message. For a separated gNB, a list of a subset of UEs may also be transmitted from the gNB-Central Unit (CU) to the gNB-Distributed Unit (DU) within an F1 paging message.

[0046] In some exemplary embodiments, a UE in a subset may be configured with information that it is actually in the subset. For example, a privileged UE may be configured with information that it is actually a privileged UE, or at least with information that it can reconnect when receiving paging with an indication that UEs not belonging to the subset, such as non-privileged UEs, should maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. That is, a UE in the subset may be configured to ignore the indication that it should maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. Configuration may be performed per UE and / or per multicast service.

[0047] When the wireless network node (120) moves the UE (110) from the RRC_CONNECTED state to the RRC_INACTIVE state, the wireless network node (120) may indicate in the RRC reconfiguration (sent as an RRCRelease message) that the UE (110) belongs to a subset. Alternatively, the wireless network node (120) may include in the RRC reconfiguration information configuring the UE (110) to ignore the indication to maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state after receiving paging. Thus, the UE (110) may determine that it belongs to a subset based on the information received in the RRCRelease message and initiate the resumption of the RRC connection.

[0048] When UE (110) receives a paging message with an indication that TMGI and UEs should maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state for a service in which UE (110) participated, one option is that UE (110) that received the information may directly initiate RRC resumption, such as a configuration in a subset that is "privileged". Another option is that the paging message contains third information in addition to the indication that TMGI and RRC_INACTIVE UEs should maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. This third information enables the wireless network node (120) to specifically control whether UEs in a subset, such as the privileged UEs, should reconnect. If a UE (110) in a subset receives the third information, it may not initiate the resumption of the RRC connection. Otherwise, the UE (110) in the subset may initiate the resumption of the RRC connection. UEs that do not belong to a subset, such as non-privileged UEs, may maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state in both cases. While the use of the aforementioned third information can be used to introduce more network control operations, the direct resumption of the RRC connection will not introduce new bits into the paging message.

[0049] In some exemplary embodiments, the configuration that a UE belongs to a subset, for example, that a UE is "privileged," may be temporary. For example, there may be new "frequent speakers" in the multicast session after a while, or there may be some other reason why the configuration of the UE belonging to the subset needs to be updated / removed. A network, such as a wireless network node (120), may not want the UE to belong to the subset indefinitely.

[0050] Accordingly, the RRC reconfiguration that moves the UE (110) to the RRC_INACTIVE state may also include information on how long the UE (110) can consider itself to belong to a subset. When the UE (110) moves to the RRC_INACTIVE state, a timer may be started, and after the timer expires, the UE (110) may behave as if it no longer belongs to a subset. That is, the UE (110) may start a timer when it moves to the RRC_INACTIVE state and may determine that it belongs to a subset of user devices while the timer is running.

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, when the UE (110) is in the RRC_INACTIVE state, the UE (110) may receive configuration of the multicast service from the camped cell to start / continue receiving the multicast service to which the UE (110) participated. When the UE in the RRC_INACTIVE state performs cell reselection, it may miss paging performed by the cell. Additionally, if such paging is performed periodically by the wireless network node (120), the UE (110) may have to wait for the next opportunity, and waiting will cause delays. To overcome these problems, the cell may broadcast some information regarding the status of the current session, for example, whether UEs can receive the service in the RRC_CONNECTED state or the RRC_INACTIVE state, whether the multicast session is active, etc.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments, the cell may indicate in a System Information Block (SIB) or Multicast Control Channel (MCCH) message whether a subset of UEs can reconnect to a specific TMGI. For example, SIB / MCCH information may indicate that UEs in the RRC_INACTIVE state that do not belong to the subset must maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. In some exemplary embodiments, both paging enhancements and SIB / MCCH enhancements may coexist, where paging may be used for faster activation of MBS sessions and SIB / MCCH may be used for new UEs in the cell.

[0053] In some exemplary embodiments, the cell may also represent a parameter x representing the proportion of UEs in a subset who can reconnect after receiving a paging message, with an indication that UEs not belonging to the subset, for example via SIB / MCCH, should remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state. For example, all UEs belonging to the cell's subset can generate a random number between 1 and 100, and for UE (110), if this random number is less than x, UE (110) can reconnect, otherwise UE (110) can remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state. Thus, UE (110) may decide to initiate the reconnection of the RRC connection based on the parameter representing the proportion of UEs in the subset who should initiate the reconnection of the RRC connection.

[0054] In some exemplary embodiments, the configuration of a UE belonging to a subset (regarding the processing of a mark indicating that UEs not belonging to the subset remain inactive) may be received through the Non-Access Layer (NAS). The configuration may be in a NAS registration acceptance message or a NAS protocol data unit (PDU) session setup / modification command. Additionally, updates to this configuration from belonging to a subset to not belonging to a subset, or vice versa, may be transmitted through the NAS in a UE configuration update message or a PDU session modification command message. For example, a configuration update from privileged / non-privileged to non-privileged / privileged may be transmitted through the NAS in a UE configuration update message or a PDU session modification command message. The configuration information may be received by the UE (110) at the time of participation.

[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates a first signaling graph according to at least some exemplary embodiments. On the vertical axes, the UE (110), wireless network node (120), and core network (130) of FIG. 1 are arranged from left to right. Additionally, another wireless network node (122) is shown.

[0056] In step (202), the UE (110) may be in the RRC_CONNECTED state in the first cell of the wireless network node (120), for example, cell 1 of gNB1. In step (204), the UE (110) may participate in 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, information that the UE is a privileged UE indicated by 5GC. The multicast session may be deactivated, that is, inactive, and there is no data to transmit.

[0057] In step (206), a core network (130), such as a 5GC, can enable a multicast session. In step (208), a wireless network node (120) can configure the UE (110) with multicast wireless bearers (MRBs) and other necessary configurations with RRC signaling to receive a multicast session. In step (210), the UE (110) can receive a multicast session from a first cell of the wireless network node (120).

[0058] 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, since there is no data for the multicast session, i.e., TMGI#1, the wireless network node (120) may decide to move the UE (110) to the RRC_INACTIVE state. In step (216), the wireless network node (120) may transmit an RRC release command that may include an indication representing RNA = Cell 1 + Cell 2. In step (218), the UE (110) moves to the RRC_INACTIVE state and may camp in the first cell. In step (220), the UE (110) may maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state and re-select the second cell (Cell 2 of gNB2) of another wireless network node (122) to camp on based on channel conditions.

[0059] In step (222), in the first case, the multicast session can be activated by the core network (130). In step (224), in the second case, data for the multicast session (TMGI#1) can reach the wireless network node (120) from the core network (130). In step (226), the wireless network node (120) can page during the paging opportunities of all UEs, including the paging opportunities of a subset of UEs, for example, privileged UEs.

[0060] In step (228), the wireless network node (120) may transmit a paging message including a first indication indicating an MBS session in which the UE (110) participated and a second indication indicating to maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. For example, the paging message may include TMGI#1 and a flag indicating that "unprivileged" UEs should maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. The paging message may also include 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 the UE (110) because the UE (110) is camping under another wireless network node (122).

[0061] In step (230), the wireless network node (120) may transmit a RAN paging message to another wireless network node (122) containing a list of UEs that belong to a subset, have participated in a session, and whose RNA includes a second cell. In step (232), the other wireless network node (122) may page during all UEs' paging opportunities, including the paging opportunities of the UEs in the subset.

[0062] In step (232), another wireless network node (120) may transmit a paging message including a first indication indicating an MBS session in which the UE (110) participated and a second indication indicating to maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. For example, the paging message may include TMGI#1 and a flag indicating that "unprivileged" UEs should maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. The paging message may also include a list of UEs belonging to a subset, such as a list of privileged UE identifiers.

[0063] In step (236), the UE (110) can compare its identifier with the identifiers in the list of UEs in the subset. If the UE (110) has its identifier in the list, it determines that it belongs to the subset and can initiate the resumption of the RRC connection in step (238). If the UE (110) has its identifier in the list, the UE (110) determines that it does not belong to the subset and can maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0064] FIG. 3 illustrates a second signaling graph according to at least some exemplary embodiments. On the vertical axes, the UE (110), wireless network node (120), and core network (130) of FIG. 1 are arranged from left to right. Additionally, another wireless network node (122) is illustrated. The steps (302-324) illustrated in FIG. 3 may each correspond to the steps (202-224) illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0065] In step (326), the wireless network node (120) may transmit a paging message including a first indication indicating an MBS session in which the UE (110) participated and a second indication indicating to maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. For example, the paging message may include TMGI#1 and a flag indicating that "unprivileged" UEs should maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. The paging message may also include 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 the UE (110) because the UE (110) is camping under another wireless network node (122).

[0066] Transmission of a paging message containing a second indication that UEs not belonging to the subset should maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state may not need to be transmitted in consideration of the paging opportunities of UEs belonging to the subset, because UEs belonging to the subset can be paged separately. In step (328), for example, if a given paging opportunity is for privileged UEs rather than non-privileged UEs for a given MBS multicast service, the wireless network node (120) may transmit a message containing the first indication without the second indication. For example, the wireless network node (120) may page in such opportunities with TMGI without a flag indicating to maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. If a given paging opportunity includes non-privileged UEs rather than privileged UEs, the wireless network node (120) may page in such paging opportunities with TMGI with a flag indicating to maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. In some exemplary embodiments, in paging opportunities where there are both privileged UEs and non-privileged UEs, it may be necessary to both paging to TMGI with a flag and paging to I-RNTI.

[0067] Since the UE (110) is camping under another wireless network node (122), the wireless network node (120) may not receive a response from the UE (110). The steps (330-338) illustrated in FIG. 3 may each correspond to the steps (230-238) illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0068] FIG. 4 illustrates a third signaling graph according to at least some exemplary embodiments. On the vertical axes, the UE (110), wireless network node (120), and core network (130) of FIG. 1 are arranged from left to right. Additionally, another wireless network node (122) is illustrated. The steps (402-424) illustrated in FIG. 2 may each correspond to the steps (202-224) illustrated in FIG. 2. Additionally, in step (404), the UE (110) may be configured by the wireless network node (120) with information that the UE (110) belongs to a subset, for example, information that the UE (110) is a privileged UE.

[0069] The above information may relate to the processing of an indication that UEs should maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. The above information may be received via the NAS, for example, via a NAS registration acceptance message or a NAS PDU session setup / modification command. Additionally, updates to this configuration from belonging to a subset to not belonging to a subset, or vice versa, may be transmitted via the NAS in a UE configuration update message or a PDU session modification command message. For example, a configuration update from privileged / non-privileged to non-privileged / privileged may be transmitted via the NAS in a UE configuration update message or a PDU session modification command message. The configuration information may be received by the UE (110) at the time of participation.

[0070] In step (416), the UE (110) may also receive an RRC release message from the wireless network node (120). The RRC release message may include information indicating that the UE (110) belongs to a subset, for example, that it is a privileged UE. In some exemplary embodiments, other RRC messages, such as an RRC reconfiguration or setup message, may be used to configure the UE (110) with "privileged" information and possibly a timer. Alternatively, the RRC release message may include a configuration that the UE (110) can ignore the second indication and resume the RRC connection after receiving paging with a second indication that the UEs should maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. In some exemplary embodiments, the RRC release message may also include information on how long the UE (110) is in the subset, for example, that it can be considered a privileged UE. In this case, the UE (110) can start a timer when the UE (110) moves to the RRC_INACTIVE state in step (418).

[0071] The steps (426-430) illustrated in FIG. 4 may correspond to the steps (326-330) illustrated in FIG. 3, but the wireless network node (120) may also transmit an indication in step (428) that the UEs belonging to the subset should resume the RRC connection.

[0072] In some exemplary embodiments, another wireless network node (120) may, at step (432), transmit a paging message including a first indication of an MBS session in which the UE (110) participated and a second indication to maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. At step (434), the UE (110) may check whether the timer has expired. If it has not expired, the UE (110) may resume the RRC connection.

[0073] In some exemplary embodiments, another wireless network node (120) may, at step (436), transmit a paging message including a first indication indicating an MBS session in which the UE (110) participated and a second indication indicating to maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state. The paging message may also include an indication that a subset of UEs should resume the RRC connection. At step (438), the UE (110) may check whether the timer has expired. If it has not expired, the UE (110) may resume the RRC connection. Step (440) illustrated in FIG. 4 may correspond to step (338) illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0074] FIG. 5 illustrates a fourth signaling graph according to at least some exemplary embodiments. On the vertical axes, the UE (110), wireless network node (120), and core network (130) of FIG. 1 are arranged from left to right. Additionally, another wireless network node (122) is illustrated. The steps (502-518) illustrated in FIG. 5 may each correspond to the steps (202-218) illustrated in FIG. 2. Additionally, the step (516) illustrated in FIG. 5 may correspond to the step (416) illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0075] In step (520), the wireless network node (120) may broadcast a message. The message may be broadcast from the SIB / MCCH and may include an indication that an MBS session, such as TMGI#1, is deactivated. In step (522), the UE (110) may monitor the broadcast channel and the wireless network node (120) may broadcast that the MBS session is deactivated. The UE (110) may monitor, for example, the SIB / MCCH. The UE (110) may monitor the broadcast channel for the MBS session(s) and detect, for example, that TMGI#1 is deactivated. In this case, the UE (110) may not resume the RRC connection. In step (524), the UE (110) may maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state and reselect a second cell to camp on based on channel conditions.

[0076] In step (526), ​​the UE (110) can monitor the broadcast channel and another wireless network node (122) can broadcast that the MBS session is deactivated. In step (528), the UE (110) can detect that the MBS session is deactivated, for example, that TMGI#1 is deactivated. In this case, the UE (110) may not resume the RRC connection. In step (530), the MBS session may be activated. In step (532), another wireless network node (122) can determine data regarding the MBS session. In step (534), another wireless network node (122) can broadcast that the MBS session is active. Another wireless network node (122) can broadcast, for example, that TMGI#1 is active in SIB / MCCH and the configuration for receiving in the RRC_INACTIVE state. Alternatively, or additionally, another wireless network node (122) may broadcast a signal indicating that a UE (110) belonging to a subset, such as privileged user equipment, needs to resume the RRC connection.

[0077] In step (536), the UE (110) can monitor a broadcast channel, e.g., SIB / MCCH, for the MBS sessions it has participated in. The UE (110) can determine that it belongs to a subset and initiate the resumption of the RRC connection in step (538).

[0078] Therefore, safer operation may be provided if the list of identifiers of UEs belonging to a subset is not exposed. Additionally, at least some exemplary embodiments may be implemented without any modification to the paging message when the RRC connection is directly resumed. Furthermore, if new features are defined for a subset of UEs, such as privileged UEs, in the future, such UEs may be configured with this information. However, the advantage of the list is the handling of changes from or to a subset, such as from "privileged" to "general / non-privileged," particularly when such changes occur frequently. In the case of frequent changes, the network may page the UE (110) to provide a new configuration.

[0079] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary device capable of supporting at least some exemplary embodiments. Illustrated is a device (600), which may include, for example, a UE (110) or a wireless network node (120), or possibly a control device configured to control the functions of these when installed within them. Included in the device (600) is a processor (610), which may include, for example, a single-core processor which includes one processing core and a multi-core processor which includes more than one processing core. The processor (610) may generally include a control device. The processor (610) may include more than one processor. The processor (610) may be a control device. The processing core may include, for example, a Cortex-A8 processing core manufactured by ARM Holdings or a Steamroller processing core produced by Advanced Micro Devices Corporation. The processor (610) may include at least one Qualcomm Snapdragon and / or Intel Atom processor. The processor (610) may include at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor (610) may include at least one field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor (610) may be a means for performing method steps in the device (600). The processor (610) may be configured to perform operations at least partially by computer instructions.

[0080] A processor may include a circuit part or be composed of a circuit part or circuit parts, and the circuit part or circuit parts are configured to perform the steps of the methods according to the exemplary embodiments described herein. As used in this application, the term “circuit part” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations, such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuit parts, and (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, as applicable: (i) combinations of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) having software / firmware and (ii) any parts of hardware processor(s) (including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(s) having software that works together to enable a device, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions and (c) hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), e.g., microprocessors(s) or parts of microprocessors(s), which require software (e.g., firmware) for operation but may not have software when not required for operation.

[0081] This definition of circuit part applies to all uses of this term in this application, including any claims. As an additional example, as used in this application, the term circuit part also includes only a hardware circuit or processor (or a number of processors) or a part of a hardware circuit or processor and an implementation of software and / or firmware accompanying (or the same). The term circuit part also includes, for example and where applicable to specific claim elements, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit of a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0082] The device (600) may include memory (620). Memory (620) may include random-access memory and / or persistent memory. Memory (620) may include at least one RAM chip. Memory (620) may include, for example, solid-state, magnetic, optical and / or holographic memory. Memory (620) may be at least partially accessible by the processor (610). Memory (620) may be at least partially contained in the processor (610). Memory (620) may be a means for storing information. Memory (620) may include computer instructions configured for the processor (610) to execute. Computer instructions configured to cause the processor (610) to perform specific operations are stored in memory (620), and if the device (600) is configured to execute under the direction of the processor (610) using the computer instructions from memory (620) in whole, the processor (610) and / or at least one processing core thereof may be considered configured to perform the specific operations. Memory (620) may be at least partially included in the processor (610). Memory (620) may be at least partially outside the device (600) but accessible by the device (600).

[0083] The device (600) may include a transmitter (630). The device (600) may include a receiver (640). The transmitter (630) and the 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 more than one transmitter. The receiver (640) may include more than one receiver. The transmitter (630) and / or the receiver (640) may be configured to operate according to, for example, Global Mobile Communications System (GSM), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and / or 5G / NR standards.

[0084] The 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 similar technologies.

[0085] The device (600) may include a user interface, a UI (660). The UI (660) may include at least one of a display, a keyboard, a touchscreen, a vibrator arranged to vibrate the device (600) to signal to the user, a speaker, and a microphone. The user may operate the device (600) through the UI (660) to, for example, accept an incoming phone call, make a phone call or video call, browse the internet, manage digital files stored in the cloud accessible via memory (620) or via a transmitter (630) and receiver (640) or via an NFC transceiver (650), and / or play a game.

[0086] The device (600) may include or be arranged to accommodate a user identification module (670). The user identification module (670) may include, for example, a subscriber identification module (SIM) card that can be installed in the device (600). The user identification module (670) may include information that identifies the subscription of the user of the device (600). The user identification module (670) may include encryption information that can be used to verify the identity of the user of the device (600) and / or to facilitate the encryption of communicated information and to charge the user of the device (600) for communications made through the device (600).

[0087] The processor (610) may have a transmitter arranged to output information from the processor (610) to other devices included in the device (600) via electrical leads within the device (600). Such a transmitter may include, for example, a serial bus transmitter arranged to output information to a memory (620) for storage via at least one electrical lead. As an alternative to the serial bus, the transmitter may include a parallel bus transmitter. Likewise, the processor (610) may include a receiver arranged to receive information from the processor (610) from other devices included in the device (600) via electrical leads within the device (600). Such a receiver may include, for example, a serial bus receiver arranged to receive information for processing in the processor (610) from a receiver (640) via at least one electrical lead. As an alternative to the serial bus, the receiver may include a parallel bus receiver.

[0088] The device (600) may include additional devices not illustrated in FIG. 6. For example, if the device (600) includes a smartphone, it may include at least one digital camera. Some devices (600) may include a rear camera and a front camera, wherein the rear camera is for taking digital photos and the front camera is for video calls. The device (600) may include a fingerprint sensor arranged to authenticate the user of the device (600) at least partially. In some exemplary embodiments, the device (600) may not have at least one of the above-described devices. For example, some devices (600) may not have an NFC transceiver (650) and / or a user identification module (670).

[0089] The processor (610), memory (620), transmitter (630), receiver (640), NFC transceiver (650), UI (660), and / or user identification module (670) may be interconnected in various ways by electrical leads within the device (600). For example, each of the above-described devices may be individually connected to a master bus within the device (600) so that the devices can exchange information. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, this is merely one example, and various ways of interconnecting at least two of the above-described devices according to exemplary embodiments may be selected without exceeding the scope of exemplary embodiments.

[0090] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a first method according to at least some exemplary embodiments. The device of the first method may be a UE (110) or a control device configured to control its functions when 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 installed therein.

[0091] The first method may include, in step (710), receiving a message by the device while the device is in a wireless resource control inactive state, the message comprising a first indication indicating a multicast-broadcast service session in which the device participated and a second indication indicating to maintain the wireless resource control inactive state. The first method may also include, in step (720), in response to receiving the message, initiating the resumption of a wireless resource control connection if the device determines, based at least on information received in the wireless resource control message, that the device belongs to a subset of user equipment, and maintaining the wireless resource control inactive state if the device does not determine that the device belongs to a subset.

[0092] It should be understood that the disclosed exemplary embodiments are not limited to the specific structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but extend to equivalents thereof as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are used solely for the purpose of describing specific exemplary embodiments and are not intended to be limiting.

[0093] Throughout this specification, a reference to "one exemplary embodiment" or "one exemplary embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to the exemplary embodiment is included in at least one exemplary embodiment. Accordingly, appearances of phrases such as "one exemplary embodiment" or "one exemplary embodiment" in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same exemplary embodiment. For example, where a numerical value is referred to using terms such as "about" or "substantially," the exact numerical value is also disclosed.

[0094] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements and / or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, such lists should be interpreted as if each member of the list is individually identified as a distinct and unique member. Accordingly, no individual member of such lists should be interpreted as being substantially equivalent to any other member of the same list based solely on their presentation in the common group, unless otherwise indicated. Additionally, various exemplary embodiments and examples may be referenced herein along with alternatives for their various components. It is understood that such exemplary embodiments, examples, and alternatives should be considered as distinct and autonomous representations, rather than being interpreted as substantially equivalents of one another.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, the device, such as, for example, UE (110) or wireless network node (120), may include means for performing the exemplary embodiments described above and any combination thereof.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, a computer program may be configured to cause a method according to the exemplary embodiments described above and any combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, a computer program product implemented on a non-transient computer-readable medium may be configured to control a processor to perform a process including the exemplary embodiments described above and any combination thereof.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, a device such as a UE (110) or a wireless network node (120) may include at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and computer program code together with the at least one processor are configured to enable the device to perform at least the exemplary embodiments described above and any combination thereof.

[0098] Additionally, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments. In this prior art description, a number of specific details, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., are provided to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other cases, to avoid obscuring aspects of the present disclosure, widely known structures, materials, or operations are not illustrated or described in detail.

[0099] While the foregoing examples illustrate the principles of exemplary embodiments in one or more specific applications, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications in the form, use, and details of implementation may be made without exercising creative ability and without departing from the principles and concepts of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited except by the claims set forth below.

[0100] The verbs "include" and "have" are used in this document as open restrictions that do not exclude or require the presence of uncited features. The cited features in dependent clauses are freely interchangeable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it should be understood that the use of articles, specifically the singular form, does not exclude the plural form throughout this document. Industrial Applicability

[0101] At least some exemplary embodiments find industrial applications in cellular communication networks such as 5G networks, and possibly in other cellular communication networks in the future. Abbreviation list 3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project 5G-S-TMSI 5G Serving Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity BS Base Station CN Core Network CSI Channel State Information CU Central Unit DU Distributed Unit GSM Global System for Mobile communication HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat 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 Radio Bearers MCCH Multicast Control Channel NAS Non-Access Stratum 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 Transmission and Reception Point UE User Equipment UI User Interface WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access WLAN Wireless Local Area Network 참조 부호들의 리스트 110 UE 112, 114 빔들 115, 125, 135 인터페이스들 120, 122 BS 130 core network 202 - 238 Steps of the signaling graph in Fig. 2 302 - 338 Steps of the signaling graph in Fig. 3 Steps of the signaling graph in Fig. 402 - 440 502 - 538 Steps of the signaling graph in Fig. 5 Structure of the device in Fig. 600 - 670 Steps of Method 7, 710 - 730

Claims

Claim 1 A device 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, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to receive a message while the device is in a wireless resource control inactive state — the message comprises a first indication indicating a multicast-broadcast service session in which the device participated and a second indication indicating to maintain the wireless resource control inactive state —; and in response to receiving the message, if the device determines, based at least on information received in the wireless resource control message, that it belongs to a subset of user equipment, it initiates the resumption of a wireless resource control connection, and if the device does not determine that it belongs to the subset, it maintains the wireless resource control inactive state. Claim 2 In paragraph 1, the device, wherein a subset of the user devices includes privileged user devices. Claim 3 A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are additionally configured, together with the at least one processing core, to enable the device to receive at least the wireless resource control message, and the wireless resource control message includes a configuration indicating that the device belongs to a subset of the user equipment. Claim 4 A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processing core, enable the device to receive a paging message during at least a paging opportunity; and further configured to enable the device to determine that it belongs to said subset when the paging opportunity is a paging opportunity of said subset of user devices. Claim 5 A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are additionally configured, together with the at least one processing core, to cause the device to determine that the device belongs to the subset, at least, when the device is configured as privileged user equipment. Claim 6 A device according to claim 1, wherein the message further comprises an indication of whether user equipment belonging to the subset will initiate the resumption of the wireless resource control connection in response to receipt of the message. Claim 7 A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured, together with the at least one processing core, to cause the device to determine that the device will initiate the resumption of the wireless resource control connection based on a parameter representing a ratio or fraction of the user equipment of the subset that will initiate the resumption of the wireless resource control connection. Claim 8 A device according to claim 7, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured, together with the at least one processing core, to enable the device to receive the parameters in at least a broadcast message or a paging message. Claim 9 A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are additionally configured, together with the at least one processing core, to cause the device to ignore the second indication when it is determined that the device belongs to a subset of the user equipment. Claim 10 A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processing core, are further configured to cause the device to start a timer when the device is moved to the wireless resource control inactive state; and to determine that the device belongs to a subset of user equipment when the timer is running. Claim 11 A device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless resource control message is a wireless resource control release, reconfiguration, or setup message. Claim 12 A device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the device is a user device or a control device configured to control the functions of the user device. Claim 13 A method comprising: receiving a message by a device while the device is in a wireless resource control inactive state — the message comprises a first indication indicating a multicast-broadcast service session in which the device participated and a second indication indicating to maintain the wireless resource control inactive state —; in response to receiving the message, if the device determines, based at least on information received in the wireless resource control message, that the device belongs to a subset of user equipment, initiating the resumption of a wireless resource control connection; and if the device does not determine that the device belongs to the subset, maintaining the wireless resource control inactive state. Claim 14 A computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium, the computer program comprising instructions, wherein, when executed by a device, the device receives a message while the device is in a wireless resource control inactive state — the message comprises a first indication indicating a multicast-broadcast service session in which the device participated and a second indication indicating to maintain the wireless resource control inactive state —; in response to receiving the message, the device initiates the resumption of a wireless resource control connection if, based at least on information received in the wireless resource control message, it determines that the device belongs to a subset of user equipment, and if the device does not determine that the device belongs to the subset, it maintains the wireless resource control inactive state. Claim 15 A device 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, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to transmit a message to at least one user device while the user device is in a wireless resource control inactive state — the message comprises a first indication indicating a multicast-broadcast service session in which the user device has participated and a second indication indicating to maintain the wireless resource control inactive state — and is configured to transmit an indication to a neighboring wireless network node indicating a subset of user devices, and the user devices of the subset initiate the resumption of a wireless resource control connection in response to receiving the message. Claim 16 In paragraph 15, the above indication is transmitted to the neighboring wireless network when releasing the at least one user device to the wireless resource control inactive state or when performing wireless access network paging. Claim 17 A method comprising: transmitting a message to at least one user device by a device while at least one user device is in a wireless resource control inactive state — the message comprises a first indication indicating a multicast-broadcast service session in which the at least one user device participated and a second indication indicating to maintain the wireless resource control inactive state —; and transmitting a indication to a neighboring wireless network node by the device indicating a subset of user devices, wherein the user devices of the subset initiate the resumption of a wireless resource control connection in response to receiving the message. Claim 18 A computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium, the computer program comprising instructions, wherein, when executed by a device, the device causes the device to transmit a message to at least one user device while at least one user device is in a wireless resource control inactive state — the message comprises a first indication indicating a multicast-broadcast service session in which the at least one user device participated and a second indication indicating to maintain the wireless resource control inactive state —; and cause the device to transmit an indication indicating a subset of user devices to a neighboring wireless network node, and the user devices of the subset initiate the resumption of a wireless resource control connection in response to receiving the message. Claim 19 delete Claim 20 delete Claim 21 delete Claim 22 delete Claim 23 delete Claim 24 delete Claim 25 delete Claim 26 delete Claim 27 delete Claim 28 delete Claim 29 delete Claim 30 delete Claim 31 delete Claim 32 delete

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