5G Multicast Session Buffering for Non-MBMS IoT and V2X Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Many IoT and V2X devices do not support the MBMS function in 4G systems, lacking sufficient capacity for multicast and broadcast transmission, necessitating alternative solutions for 5G systems to ensure reliable data delivery without relying on the MBMS protocol stack.

Innovation Solution

A method for establishing MB sessions using a network exposure function (NEF), session management function (SMF), and data transmission protocol that allows for reliable end-to-end packet delivery through data buffering and retransmission schemes, enabling devices to acknowledge successful reception of data without using the MBMS protocol stack.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If MBMS protocol stack is used for multicast and broadcast transmission, then data delivery reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and compatibility with simple IoT/V2X devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata delivery reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the MBMS protocol stack from the device requirements, allowing network-side nodes to handle multicast/broadcast transmission independently of device capabilities. The network function establishes MB sessions and manages data delivery without requiring IoT/V2X devices to support MBMS, thus maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces network-side intermediary functions (session management function, data transmission node) that mediate between the multicast source and simple IoT/V2X devices. These intermediaries handle the complex MBMS protocol operations and data buffering/retransmission logic, allowing simple devices to receive reliable data without implementing complex protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If MBMS protocol stack is used for multicast and broadcast transmission, then data delivery reliability is improved, but adaptability to different device types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata delivery reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to device types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal data delivery mechanism where the network function can serve multiple device types (MBMS-capable devices, simple IoT devices, V2X devices) through a single unified approach. The session management function and data transmission nodes handle all device types using standard IP protocols, eliminating the need for device-specific handling and enhancing versatility while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the protocol parameter requirements from device-dependent to network-controlled. Instead of requiring devices to support specific MBMS parameters, the network dynamically manages session parameters, data buffering, and retransmission mechanisms, allowing the same reliable delivery mechanism to adapt to different device capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If application-layer error handling is used for data delivery, then packet reception reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket reception reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces network-side intermediaries (session management function, data transmission nodes) that take over application-layer error handling responsibilities. These intermediaries implement data buffering and retransmission mechanisms at the network layer, eliminating the need for complex error handling logic in simple IoT/V2X devices while maintaining packet reception reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms at the network layer where data transmission nodes monitor packet delivery status and provide feedback to the session management function. This enables automatic retransmission of missing packets based on feedback information, ensuring reliability without requiring complex error handling capabilities at the device level

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4181538B1Method and system for multicast and broadcast services
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4181538B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4181538B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4181538B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of MB delivery of Downlink (DL) MB Data to a plurality of Electronic Devices (EDs) connected to a (Radio) Access Network (R)AN node, the method comprises: storing the DE MB Data in a buffer of the (R)AN node; and transmitting, by the (R)AN node, the DE MB Data to the plurality of EDs.