Group Identity Multicast for Push-to-Talk Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current push-to-talk solutions in wireless communication networks face challenges in handling large numbers of users within a single cell, particularly in terms of capacity and efficient utilization of radio access network resources, as existing MBMS solutions restrict uplink packet data channels to signaling and do not support PS handover.
Innovation Solution
The method involves providing terminals within a group communication session with a partly identical identification reference, allowing them to be identified as a single entity by the infrastructure network, and using a multicast protocol to send communication data, which can include encrypting data, enabling efficient resource utilization without requiring MBMS support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If MBMS solution is used for push-to-talk services, then group communication capability is provided, but capacity to handle large numbers of users in a single cell is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple terminals are merged into a single logical entity by assigning them a common group identity. The network infrastructure treats the entire group as one user, enabling efficient resource allocation and multicast transmission without requiring complex MBMS support at each terminal.
Solution Approach 2:
The group identity mechanism provides universal functionality that works across different network configurations and terminal capabilities. Instead of requiring specialized MBMS support, any terminal can participate in group communication by adopting the shared group identity, making the solution broadly applicable.
2Reliability
If uplink packet data channels are reserved for MBMS signaling, then downlink multicast support is enabled, but channel flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The signaling function is extracted from the data channel. Terminals send uplink packets containing only signaling information ( acknowledgments, group identity confirmation) rather than reserving entire channels for MBMS control. This allows the same uplink resources to serve both signaling and data transmission needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel allocation is made dynamic rather than static. Uplink packet data channels are not permanently reserved for MBMS signaling but are allocated on-demand for signaling purposes when needed, allowing flexible reuse of resources for actual data transmission at other times.
3Ease of operation
If terminals are identified individually with unique identities, then terminal-specific services are enabled, but network resource utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual terminal identities are merged into a single group identity for the purpose of group communication. The network recognizes the group as one entity, enabling efficient multicast transmission where a single data stream serves multiple terminals simultaneously, dramatically improving resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Identity functionality is segmented into two layers: individual terminal identity for network access and authentication, and group identity for communication resource allocation. This segmentation allows terminals to maintain unique identities for security and management while using shared group identity for efficient resource utilization during group sessions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a group communication solution in a wireless communication network comprising at least one base station (5) and a plurality of terminals (1, 2, 3, 4) communicating wirelessly with the base station and where the terminals has at least partly identical identity references in order to be part of a multicast protocol push to talk group.