Base Station MBS Switching for Unicast-Multicast Efficiency

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cellular wireless communication networks face inefficiencies in dynamically switching between unicast and multicast/broadcast service (MBS) transmissions, particularly in managing MBMS service data based on the number of UEs receiving the data, leading to suboptimal resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for a base station to dynamically change the transmission type between unicast and multicast/broadcast services, minimizing service interruptions and optimizing resource use based on the number of UEs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the base station transmits MBMS service data using multicast/broadcast transmission, then the efficiency of radio resource use is improved when serving multiple UEs, but the system efficiency deteriorates when the number of UEs receiving the data is small

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio resource use efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission type adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between unicast and multicast/broadcast transmission types based on real-time conditions. The base station monitors the number of UEs interested in MBMS services and dynamically changes the transmission type accordingly, transitioning from unicast when few UEs are served to multicast/broadcast when many UEs are served, thereby optimizing radio resource efficiency while maintaining adaptability to varying service demands

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission type parameter (unicast vs. multicast/broadcast) based on the number of UEs receiving MBMS service data. By monitoring UE count and adjusting the transmission type parameter dynamically, the system achieves high radio resource efficiency when serving multiple UEs while maintaining the ability to adapt when the number of UEs changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the base station dynamically changes transmission type between unicast and multicast/broadcast, then the overall system efficiency is improved, but the complexity of transmission management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall system efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the base station monitors the number of UEs interested in MBMS services and uses this feedback information to dynamically determine the appropriate transmission type. This feedback-driven approach enables the system to achieve high overall efficiency through automatic adaptation while managing complexity through rule-based decision making rather than complex manual management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The base station autonomously monitors UE interest levels and automatically switches between unicast and multicast/broadcast transmission types without requiring complex external control. This self-service capability improves overall system efficiency while keeping management complexity manageable through automated, condition-based transmission type selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4021127B1MBS data switching method and device
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 KT CORP
  • EP4021127B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4021127B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4021127B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a method and device for switching between unicast transmission and multicast/broadcast service (MBS) transmission in a cellular wireless communication network. The method for a base station to switch MBS data transmission may include: transmitting configuration information for reception of MBS data of a user equipment (UE) to the UE; transmitting information instructing a change of radio bearer for the reception of the MBS data to the UE; and receiving a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) status report from the UE