Dynamic Multicast Switching for Wireless Network Resource Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication systems are unable to dynamically reconfigure Multicast Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MB-SFN) areas in response to changes in the number of users subscribing to programs in particular cells, leading to inefficient resource allocation and increased interference.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a controller to monitor unicast sessions and dynamically switch between multicast/broadcast and unicast services by adding or removing cells from MB-SFN areas based on user thresholds, optimizing resource allocation and minimizing interference by converting unicast sessions to broadcast/multicast sessions when the number of users exceeds a certain threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple unicast sessions are maintained to serve users requesting content, then user service quality is ensured, but network resource consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple unicast sessions transmitting the same content into a single multicast session. When the controller determines that multiple users are receiving the same content via unicast sessions, it converts these sessions into one multicast session, thereby consolidating resource usage and improving network efficiency while reducing bandwidth consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission mode parameter from unicast to multicast based on the number of users requesting the same content. The controller monitors user requests and dynamically switches the service mode, transforming the system from a state where individual unicast sessions are maintained to a state where a shared multicast session serves multiple users, thus optimizing resource allocation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MB-SFN areas are predetermined and fixed, then network configuration is simple, but the system cannot adapt to changes in user subscription numbers leading to inefficient resource allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfiguration of MB-SFN areas by enabling the controller to add or remove cells from MB-SFN areas based on real-time user subscription numbers. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing user demands and optimize resource allocation, transforming the static MB-SFN configuration into a flexible, demand-responsive structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the number of users subscribing to content in each cell. Based on this feedback information, the controller makes informed decisions about converting unicast sessions to multicast sessions and adjusting MB-SFN area configurations, ensuring the system adapts to actual user需求的 changes while maintaining operational efficiency.
3Productivity
If unicast sessions are converted to multicast sessions, then resource allocation efficiency improves, but interference management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different cells with different transmission modes based on their specific user subscription patterns. The controller identifies cells where multicast conversion is beneficial and applies multicast transmission locally to those cells, while other cells continue with unicast or different configurations. This localized approach optimizes resource allocation efficiency in specific areas without causing widespread interference issues.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the claimed subject matter provide a method and apparatus for switching between multicast/broadcast and unicast service. Some embodiments of the method include determining a number of first users in a first cell receiving one or more first sessions for unicasting content in response to a second user in the first cell requesting the content. Some embodiments of the method also include assigning the first and second users to a second session for broadcasting or multicasting time-aligned content in response to the number of first users being larger than a threshold.