Group Paging for 5G Multicast Signaling Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G network technologies face inefficiencies in paging a group of UEs in a multicast group, particularly when transitioning from a CM-IDLE to a CM-CONNECTED state, especially when the RAN node does not support group paging mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of group paging methods during MBS session activation, including the use of a Group ID to identify multicast groups and updating RFSP indices to favor RAN nodes that support group paging or 5G MBS services, along with modifications to control plane procedures to facilitate group paging and handovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual paging is used for each UE in a multicast group, then each UE can be reliably paged to transition from CM-IDLE to CM-CONNECTED state, but the signaling overhead increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual paging messages into a single group paging message by combining the paging records of multiple UEs in a multicast group. The AMF generates one group paging message containing multiple paging records, each identifying a UE by its 5G-S-TMSI, and sends this single message to the RAN node, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining the ability to page multiple UEs simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the group paging message into multiple paging records within a single message structure. Each paging record is independently structured to identify a specific UE by its 5G-S-TMSI, allowing the RAN node to distribute these records to appropriate UEs while maintaining individual UE identification and paging reliability
2Productivity
If group paging is implemented, then signaling efficiency is improved by reducing the number of paging messages, but compatibility issues arise with RAN nodes that do not support group paging mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the AMF as an intermediary that translates between group paging requests from the MBSMF and RAN node capabilities. The AMF determines whether the target RAN node supports group paging based on stored capability information, and selectively generates either group paging messages (when supported) or individual paging messages (when not supported), thereby ensuring backward compatibility while enabling efficient group paging where possible
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the paging message structure parameter based on RAN node capability. When the RAN node supports group paging, the message contains a single group paging record with multiple UE identifiers. When the RAN node does not support group paging, the message is transformed into multiple individual paging records, each targeting a single UE. This parameter adaptation ensures universal compatibility across different RAN node types
3Reliability
If UEs are paged individually during MBS session activation, then each UE can be reliably reached, but the activation process becomes slower and less efficient for large groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the paging operations for multiple UEs into a single group paging message sent during MBS session activation. The MBSMF requests group paging from the AMF, which generates one message containing multiple paging records for all UEs in the multicast group. This allows simultaneous notification of all UEs, dramatically reducing the time required compared to sequential individual paging while maintaining reliable delivery to each UE
Data Source
AI summary
A method and devices may assist in addressing signaling efficiency issues when the network aims to page a group of UEs in a multicast group so that the UEs will switch from CM-IDLE state to CM-CONNECTED state.