GCS AS Node State Query for MBMS Congestion Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current MBMS bearer-based group communication systems lack a method for the Group Communication Service Application Server (GCS AS) to query and respond to network node states, leading to inefficiencies in resource management and user experience due to congestion or overload.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where the GCS AS requests and receives network node state information, including congestion/overload identifiers, to select optimal communication modes, such as switching to unicast or queuing messages, to mitigate network congestion or overload, using established MBMS bearers and network nodes like eNodeB, MCE, MME, MBMS GW, and BM-SC.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If GCS is sent through MBMS bearer, then resource utilization is improved, but network congestion or overload occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidnetwork reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network node reports its state (congestion/overload status) to the GCS AS. The GCS AS queries the network node state by sending a request message, and the network node responds with state information including congestion identifiers and overload identifiers. Based on this feedback, the GCS AS dynamically selects the appropriate communication mode (MBMS or unicast) to balance resource utilization and network reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic mode selection between MBMS and unicast communication based on real-time network conditions. The GCS AS transitions from a static deployment approach to a dynamic one where the communication mode adapts to changing network states. When the network is congested or overloaded, the system dynamically switches to unicast mode for affected UEs, while maintaining MBMS mode for others, thus optimizing both resource utilization and service reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If GCS AS deploys GCS without querying node state, then system complexity is reduced, but service quality deteriorates due to congestion impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidservice quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a state query feedback mechanism where the GCS AS actively queries the network node state before deploying GCS. The system sends request messages to network nodes and receives state information including congestion identifiers and overload identifiers. This feedback enables the GCS AS to make informed deployment decisions, improving service quality while adding manageable complexity through standardized message exchanges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If network node state is not monitored, then operational simplicity is maintained, but congestion impact on GCS reception increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidcongestion impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated state monitoring through feedback mechanisms where network nodes proactively report their state to the GCS AS. The GCS AS sends query requests and receives responses containing congestion and overload status. This automated feedback system reduces operational complexity by eliminating manual monitoring while effectively mitigating congestion impact through dynamic mode selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3188516B1MBMS bearer-based method, system and storage medium for querying node state in cluster communication
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 ZTE CORP
  • EP3188516B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3188516B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3188516B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Disclosed are an MBMS bearer-based method and system for querying a node state in cluster communication and a storage medium. The method comprises: a cluster service application server transmits to a network node employing a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) bearer for transmitting a cluster service a request message for reporting a node state, receives node state information reported by the network node, selects, on the basis of the node state information, a mode for transmitting the cluster service, and mitigates impacts of congestion or overload on a target UE receiving the cluster service; the node state information comprises a congestion/overload identifier, an MBMS service area identifier, an MBMS service identifier, a congestion/overload start/end identifier. The technical solution of embodiments of the present invention mitigates the impacts of congestion or overload on the cluster service, thus enhancing user experience with the service.