Dynamic FEC Redundancy for Broadcast Data Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multimedia broadcast and multicast services in radio communication systems, such as eMBMS, face challenges in ensuring 100% reliability for data file delivery due to packet loss, leading to potential network overload during file repair processes, especially for large file deliveries like Android updates, as existing error recovery methods do not effectively manage FEC redundancy levels or file repair requests.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining and transmitting a FEC redundancy level from a Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BM-SC) to User Equipments (UEs), allowing UEs to decode data and request file repairs proactively, and for the BM-SC to adjust FEC redundancy levels, extend or cancel file repair windows based on packet loss rates and UE feedback, thereby optimizing network resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If FEC redundancy level is increased to ensure 100% reliability for data file delivery, then packet loss recovery capability is improved, but network resource consumption and transmission overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of FEC redundancy levels based on real-time channel conditions and packet loss rates. The BM-SC monitors transmission quality and adaptively changes the FEC redundancy level during broadcast sessions, transitioning from static to dynamic error protection to optimize the balance between reliability and network resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the FEC redundancy parameter dynamically based on observed packet loss rates and channel conditions. By adjusting this key parameter, the system can increase reliability when needed while reducing overhead when channel conditions are good, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and resource consumption.
2Reliability
If file repair processes are activated for all UEs experiencing packet loss, then data delivery reliability is improved, but network overload occurs during large file deliveries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proactive mechanism where UEs monitor packet loss rates during broadcast and compare them against thresholds before requesting file repair. This preliminary assessment prevents unnecessary repair requests when packet loss is within acceptable limits, reducing network overhead while maintaining reliability for truly problematic transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where UEs report packet loss rates to the BM-SC, which then adjusts FEC redundancy levels and file repair window configurations accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the network to respond intelligently to actual conditions rather than activating file repair universally, optimizing network capacity utilization.
3Productivity
If FEC redundancy level is decreased to reduce transmission overhead, then network resource efficiency is improved, but packet loss recovery capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static FEC redundancy level into a dynamic parameter that adjusts based on channel conditions. During good channel conditions, lower FEC redundancy is used to improve efficiency; during poor conditions, the level increases to maintain recovery capability, thus resolving the contradiction between efficiency and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of channel conditions and packet loss rates before determining the appropriate FEC redundancy level. This preliminary assessment allows the network to select optimal error protection levels in advance, avoiding both excessive overhead and insufficient protection.
4Reliability
If UEs continue receiving data packets beyond FEC redundancy level, then complete data reception is attempted, but unnecessary data reception increases power consumption and processing load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables UEs to perform preliminary assessment of packet loss rates during reception and compare them against the FEC redundancy level. When packet loss exceeds the redundancy level, UEs can proactively stop reception and request file repair, avoiding unnecessary power consumption and processing of unrecoverable data packets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where UEs autonomously monitor their own reception quality, determine when further reception is futile, and switch to repair modes independently. This self-service approach reduces unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining complete data acquisition through intelligent decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A BM-SC, and a method therein for transmitting data file by broadcast session to at least one UE, in a radio communication system; and a UE and a method therein for receiving a broadcast session of transmission of a data file from a BM-SC are provided. The method in the BM-SC comprises determining to transmit the data file to the at least one UE, and determining a FEC redundancy level to use for the transmission. The method also comprises transmitting, to the at least one UE, the data file using the determined FEC redundancy level and an indication of the determined FEC redundancy level.