Dual-Connectivity Radio QoS Switching from Unicast to Multicast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-connectivity systems in radio networks face inefficiencies in resource usage and spectrum efficiency due to the reliance on multiple unicast channels, which can be improved by switching to multicast channels for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for switching QoS flows from unicast to multicast channels in dual-connectivity scenarios, utilizing a request to de-map and map user plane data based on service identifiers and thresholds to optimize resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple unicast channels are used to serve multiple radio terminals, then individual service quality is maintained, but resource usage increases and spectrum efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple unicast channels into a single multicast channel when multiple radio terminals receive the same service data. The secondary node identifies that multiple UEs require identical QoS flow data and consolidates the transmission through one multicast channel, thereby reducing resource usage while maintaining service quality for all recipients.
Solution Approach 2:
The multicast channel serves multiple radio terminals simultaneously with the same service data, making the transmission channel universal for multiple recipients. This multi-functionality allows a single channel to fulfill the service requirements of multiple UEs, improving spectrum efficiency without compromising individual service quality.
2Reliability
If multiple unicast channels are used to serve multiple radio terminals, then individual service quality is maintained, but spectrum efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple unicast channels into a single multicast channel when multiple radio terminals receive the same service data. The secondary node identifies that multiple UEs require identical QoS flow data and consolidates the transmission through one multicast channel, thereby reducing resource usage while maintaining service quality for all recipients.
Solution Approach 2:
The multicast channel serves multiple radio terminals simultaneously with the same service data, making the transmission channel universal for multiple recipients. This multi-functionality allows a single channel to fulfill the service requirements of multiple UEs, improving spectrum efficiency without compromising individual service quality.
3Loss of energy
If the system switches to multicast channel for multiple recipients, then resource usage decreases and spectrum efficiency increases, but system complexity increases due to de-mapping and mapping operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing service identifiers and counting recipient UEs before switching to multicast mode. The secondary node pre-configures the multicast channel and prepares the de-mapping/mapping operations in advance, reducing the complexity impact during actual operation. This preliminary setup allows the system to manage the complexity systematically rather than reactively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor the number of recipient UEs and dynamically decide when to switch between unicast and multicast modes. The secondary node counts UEs receiving the same service and uses this feedback to trigger multicast activation, ensuring the complexity increase is justified by actual resource savings. This feedback-driven approach optimizes the trade-off between complexity and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method comprising transmitting (102) a request (MR #1) indicating a de-mapping of at least one QoS flow from a unicast radio channel (UCH) between a secondary node (SN) and a radio terminal (UE), and indicating a mapping of the at least one QoS flow to a multicast radio channel (MCH) between the secondary node (SN) and a plurality of radio terminals, the plurality of radio terminals comprising the radio terminal (UE); and demapping (108) received user plane data (upd) associated with the at least one QoS flow from the unicast radio channel (UCH); and mapping (110) the received user plane data (upd) associated with the at least one QoS flow to the multicast radio channel (MCH).