5G Multicast Service Implementation Through Unicast Sessions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multicast services cannot be provided on the 5G network architecture due to the service-based architecture of the 5G core network, which is different from the network element-based architecture of previous generations.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method where the first network function receives a multicast service request and establishes a unicast session connection, invoking subsequent network functions to facilitate multicast service provision on the 5G network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multicast services are provided based on network elements in the 5G core network, then multicast service compatibility with legacy networks is maintained, but the service cannot be provided on the 5G network architecture due to its service-based architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a translation mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the service-based 5G core network and the network element-based multicast service framework. The translation device converts service-based interface interactions into network element-based control signals, enabling multicast services to run on 5G architecture without direct modification of the core network elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the fundamental parameter of service delivery by converting from a service-based architecture model to a network element-based model through a translation layer. This parameter change allows the same multicast service to be delivered over different architectural paradigms, maintaining compatibility while adapting to 5G's service-based structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a translation device is introduced to enable multicast services on 5G network architecture, then multicast service provision is enabled, but the system complexity increases due to the additional translation component
Solution Approach 1:
The translation device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a service interface adapter and a control signal router. By consolidating multiple functions into a single component, the patent reduces the overall system complexity that would otherwise result from adding separate translation and routing devices.
3Reliability
If unicast session establishment procedure is executed before multicast service provision, then service configuration compatibility with 5G architecture is ensured, but the service establishment time increases due to the additional interaction steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs unicast session establishment as a preliminary action before multicast service provisioning. By pre-establishing the unicast control plane connection, the system ensures that the service configuration is compatible with 5G architecture before initiating the actual multicast data flow, thereby avoiding reconfiguration delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The unicast session established in the preliminary phase maintains continuous control plane connectivity throughout the multicast service lifecycle. This continuous connection allows for real-time service management and dynamic adjustments without breaking the control link, reducing overall service establishment and modification time.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a multicast service implementation method and apparatus and a communications device, and relate to the field of communications technologies. The multicast service implementation method is applied to a first network function of a communications device and includes: receiving from a terminal a request carrying multicast service information; and executing a unicast session establishment procedure to establish a unicast session connection to the terminal.