5G NR Multicast Session Management Across RAN and 5GC
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multicast/broadcast services are not currently supported on 5G NR, which hinders enhanced performance for Mission Critical Services and V2X services due to the system's advanced characteristics.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods for core network and radio access network interactions are developed to support multicast/broadcast services, including procedures for session join, start, leave, and delete, involving AMF, MB-SMF, and RAN nodes to manage MB session contexts and resources efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multicast/broadcast services are not supported on 5G NR, then the system maintains simpler architecture, but enhanced performance for Mission Critical Services and V2X services cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The AMF is designed to handle multiple functions including both unicast session management and multicast/broadcast session management. The MB-SMF further provides multi-functionality by managing both MB session contexts and interacting with both AMF and RAN nodes, enabling the system to support diverse services (Mission Critical Services, V2X, and multicast/broadcast) through unified network elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The session management function is segmented into specialized components: AMF for access and mobility management, MB-SMF for multicast/broadcast session management, and RAN nodes for radio access. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system coordination through standardized interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If individual user plane resources are set up for each UE, then personalized service delivery is enabled, but resource overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple UEs receiving the same multicast/broadcast service are merged into a single MB session context managed by the MB-SMF. Instead of creating separate user plane resources for each UE, the system consolidates resource management at the session level, reducing overhead while maintaining efficient service delivery to all participating UEs.
Solution Approach 2:
The MB session context is replicated across multiple network elements (AMF, MB-SMF, RAN nodes) to ensure all relevant entities have the necessary information to manage the multicast/broadcast service, eliminating the need for individual UE-specific resource setups while maintaining operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods related to core network and radio access network (RAN) interactions for a Multicast/Broadcast (MB) session are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method performed by an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) for a MB session join procedure includes receiving a MB session join request from a User Equipment (UE) via a RAN node, the MB session join request being a request to join a particular MB session. The method further includes determining that the MB session join request is permitted by a subscription of the UE, selecting a MB Session Management Function (MB-SMF) based on information included in the MB session join request, communicating with the MB-SMF to create a MB session context in the AMF and an MB session context in the MB-SMF, and sending a MB session join accept message to the UE.