Dual-Connectivity MBS Configuration via Secondary Node
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies do not effectively support Multicast and Broadcast Services (MBS) in a Dual-Connectivity (DC) architecture, particularly when the Master Node (MN) does not provide any MBS service or broadcast relevant system information.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a terminal device to receive configuration from a first network device to connect simultaneously with a second network device acting as a Secondary Node (SN), enabling the reception of interested MBS services through point-to-point or point-to-multipoint transmissions, even if the MN cannot provide these services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal device connects only to the Master Node for MBS service reception, then the connection simplicity is maintained, but the service availability deteriorates when the MN cannot provide MBS services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MBS service reception function by separating the Master Node (control plane) from the Secondary Node (user plane for MBS). The MN handles RRC control while the SN specifically provides MBS data transmission, allowing the UE to receive MBS services even when the MN cannot provide them directly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the MN acts as a mediator that coordinates between the UE and the SN. The MN receives MBS interest indication from the UE, determines appropriate SN configuration, and manages the overall MBS delivery without the UE needing to directly select or manage the SN
2Loss of information
If the MN broadcasts all available MBS service information, then the service information completeness is improved, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts MBS service information delivery from the MN's broadcasting function and relocates it to SN-specific configuration. Instead of the MN broadcasting all MBS services in system information, the relevant MBS configuration is extracted and provided through dedicated RRC signaling when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the network pre-configure MBS parameters and service information in the SN before the UE needs to receive MBS services. The SN is prepared with MBS configuration data in advance, so when the UE indicates interest in MBS services, the information is already available for immediate delivery
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are embodiments of methods and apparatuses for supporting Multicast and Broadcast Services (MBSs) in a Dual-Connectivity (DC) scenario. A method implemented at a terminal device may comprise receiving from a first base station (BS) a command to report interested MBSs, sending information of interested MBSs to the first BS, receiving from the first BS configuration of at least one of the interested MBSs and configuration of a second BS providing the at least one interested MBS, setting up or modifying connection with the second BS based on the configuration of the second BS, and receiving the at least one interested MBS from the second BS based on the configuration of the at least one interested MBS.