Distributed Base Station MBS Resource Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, there is a challenge in configuring resources for multicast and/or broadcast services (MBS) in distributed or disaggregated base station architectures, especially in scenarios where multiple nodes with different radio access technologies are involved, and it is unclear how to efficiently manage resource allocation for broadcast communications.
Innovation Solution
A network node, acting as a central unit (CU) or distributed unit (DU) of a distributed base station, configures resources for MBS by receiving messages from the core network to set up MBS sessions, generating and transmitting configuration parameters, including PDCP, RLC, and DRX configurations, to user equipment (UEs) to enable them to receive MBS data, using Group Radio Network Temporary Identifiers (G-RNTI) and session IDs, thereby managing resource allocation and session management for MBS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distributed base station architecture is used for MBS, then resource allocation flexibility and service coverage are improved, but system complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base station is segmented into centralized unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU) components. The CU handles high-layer protocols (RRC, PDCP) while the DU handles lower-layer protocols (RLC, MAC, PHY), allowing independent optimization and deployment of each segment. This segmentation enables flexible resource allocation across multiple DUs while keeping the system manageable through centralized control in the CU.
Solution Approach 2:
The CU acts as an intermediary between the core network and multiple DUs, coordinating MBS resource allocation and session management. The CU receives MBS session setup requests from the core network, generates appropriate configuration parameters, and distributes them to relevant DUs, thereby simplifying the overall system complexity while maintaining allocation flexibility.
2Reliability
If multiple nodes with different RATs are involved in DC operation, then service coverage and reliability are improved, but resource management complexity and handover coordination difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The MBS configuration mechanism is designed to be universal across different radio access technologies (EUTRA and NR). The same configuration parameters and procedures are used regardless of whether the UE is connected to EUTRA or NR nodes, enabling seamless dual connectivity operation while simplifying resource management despite the heterogeneity of involved nodes.
3Reliability
If detailed PDCP, RLC, and DRX configurations are provided for MBS, then service quality and reliability are improved, but configuration overhead and signaling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple configuration parameters (PDCP configuration, RLC configuration, DRX configuration, G-RNTI, and session ID) are merged into a single MBS configuration message that is broadcast to UEs. This consolidation reduces the number of separate signaling transactions required while ensuring all necessary configuration details are provided for high-quality MBS delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed unit (DU) of a distributed base station including a central unit (CU) and the DU can implement a method for configuring a user equipment (UE) to receive multicast and/or broadcast services (MBS). The method may include: receiving (1002), from the CU, a CU-to-DU message identifying an MBS session and requesting that the DU configure resources for the MBS session; and transmitting (1004), to the UE in response to receiving the CU-to-DU message, configuration parameters for receiving the MBS session.