Inactive-State Multicast Configuration for Power-Efficient UE Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in enabling multicast services for user equipment (UE) operating in an inactive state, particularly for Mission Critical Services, as maintaining the RRC_CONNECTED state is power inefficient and does not fully meet the requirements for UEs in cells with a large number of users.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented in the radio access network (RAN) to transmit multicast configurations to UEs in both connected and inactive states, allowing UEs to receive multicast data efficiently by managing data transmission through the core network and RAN nodes, using multicast and broadcast services (MBS) communication methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UEs maintain RRC_CONNECTED state to receive multicast services, then service reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling UEs to dynamically transition between RRC_CONNECTED and RRC_INACTIVE states based on multicast service requirements. The network can configure UEs to receive multicast data while in inactive state, allowing flexible state changes that optimize both power efficiency and service reliability without being constrained to a single static state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the multicast service delivery mechanism into two distinct paths: one for connected state UEs using traditional RRC-connected multicast, and another for inactive state UEs using the new multicast configuration approach. This segmentation allows the system to serve different UE states with appropriate mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between maintaining connection for reliability and entering inactive state for power saving.
2Use of energy by moving object
If UEs enter inactive state to save power, then power efficiency is improved, but multicast service capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the inactive state multi-functional by enabling it to support both traditional unicast services and new multicast services. The network can configure UEs in inactive state to receive multicast data through appropriate RRC release messages and configurations, making the inactive state universally capable of handling multiple service types without requiring UEs to remain in connected state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring UEs with multicast reception capabilities before they transition to inactive state. The network provides necessary multicast configurations and parameters while the UE is still in connected state, so that when the UE enters inactive state, it is already prepared to receive multicast services without needing to maintain active connection.
3Reliability
If the network maintains continuous connection for multicast delivery, then data delivery reliability is improved, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the multicast data delivery function from the RRC_CONNECTED state requirement. By separating multicast service delivery from the need for active RRC connection, the network can deliver multicast data to UEs in inactive state using optimized resource allocation, reducing overall network resource consumption while maintaining delivery reliability through appropriate configuration and transmission mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio access network. RAN, participating in a multicast and broadcast services. MBS, session can implement a method for managing MBS communication. The method includes: transmitting (702), to a first UE operating in a connected state, a first multicast configuration for receiving MBS data in the inactive state: transmitting (703), to a second UE operating in the connected state, a second multicast configuration for receiving the MBS data in the connected state; and transmitting (708) the MBS data to the first UE operating in the inactive state, according to the first multicast configuration and the second UE operating in the connected state, according to the second multicast configuration.