Base Station Unicast to Multicast Switching for 5G Resource Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently switching from unicast to multicast/broadcast data transmission schemes, particularly in scenarios like V2X services, massive cellular IoT, or public safety services, where minimizing service interruption is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that allows for flexible switching between unicast and multicast/broadcast transmission schemes by measuring the number of user equipment (UEs) and traffic consumption, identifying suitable packets for switching, and replacing unicast tunnels with multicast/broadcast tunnels when necessary, thereby maximizing resource utilization in existing 5G systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If unicast transmission is used to deliver data to multiple UEs, then data can be reliably delivered to each UE individually, but network resources are wasted by transmitting duplicate data to multiple UEs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between unicast and multicast/broadcast transmission schemes based on real-time conditions. The base station monitors the number of UEs requiring a service and dynamically selects the optimal transmission mode, allowing the system to adapt from static unicast to flexible multicast/broadcast when beneficial, resolving the contradiction between resource efficiency and transmission flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameter from individual unicast connections to group multicast/broadcast connections when the number of UEs exceeds a threshold. This parameter change enables the system to transition between transmission modes, achieving both resource savings and operational flexibility through controlled parameter adjustment
2Productivity
If switching from unicast to multicast/broadcast transmission scheme, then resource efficiency is improved, but service interruption may occur during the switching process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multicast/broadcast parameters and preparing the transmission infrastructure before actually switching from unicast to multicast/broadcast mode. This preparation phase ensures that when switching occurs, the system can seamlessly transition without service interruption, as all necessary components are already in place and configured
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that coordinates the switching process between unicast and multicast/broadcast modes. This intermediary ensures smooth transition by managing the switch carefully, maintaining service continuity while achieving the productivity benefits of multicast/broadcast transmission
3Loss of energy
If multicast/broadcast transmission is implemented in existing 5G systems, then resource efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to the need for switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a transmission scheme that can function in multiple modes (unicast and multicast/broadcast) within the existing 5G system framework. The base station is equipped with multi-functional capabilities to handle both transmission modes, allowing the system to achieve resource efficiency improvements without requiring entirely new infrastructure, thus limiting the increase in system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by replicating existing unicast transmission infrastructure and protocols to support multicast/broadcast functionality. Rather than creating entirely new systems, the patent copies and adapts existing 5G components, which reduces the complexity increase while still achieving the resource efficiency benefits of multicast/broadcast transmission
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a base station (BS) is configured to: transmit traffic to at least one user equipment (UE) connected to the BS via a unicast scheme; based on information about a number of UEs connected to the BS to use a particular application, a particular service, or a particular session, or information of traffic to be used by the UE, determine whether to switch a transmission scheme of the traffic from the unicast scheme to a broadcast/multicast scheme; and as the broadcast/multicast scheme is determined as the transmission scheme of the traffic, transmit a message informing that the transmission scheme of the traffic is to be switched.