L2 Entity Continuity in SC-PTM to MBSFN Transport Channel Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 3GPP LTE, there is a challenge in handling the L2 entity continuity between single cell point-to-multipoint (SC-PTM) and multicast-broadcast single-frequency network (MBSFN) transmissions, leading to potential service interruptions during UE mobility.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a user equipment (UE) to manage the L2 entity by changing transport channels from SC-PTM to MBSFN or vice versa, determining whether to re-establish the L2 entity based on cell membership in an MBSFN area, using RRC messages and System Information Block 13 (SIB 13) to ensure seamless service continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the transport channel type is changed between SC-PTM and MBSFN during UE mobility, then service coverage and flexibility are improved, but service interruption occurs due to L2 entity discontinuity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the L2 entity configuration information in advance before transport channel switching occurs. The UE stores L2 entity configuration information received from the source cell, which can be reused when switching to MBSFN transmission, thereby avoiding service interruption and establishing continuity before the actual switch happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the L2 entity configuration information to be applicable across different transport channel types (both SC-PTM and MBSFN). The same L2 entity configuration can serve multiple transmission modes, eliminating the need for separate configurations and enabling seamless switching between transmission types.
2Reliability
If L2 entity is re-established during transport channel switching, then service continuity is maintained, but service interruption time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring and storing L2 entity configuration information before switching is needed. This advance preparation allows the UE to quickly reuse existing configurations during transport channel switching, significantly reducing the time required for L2 entity re-establishment and minimizing service interruption.
3Productivity
If separate L2 entity configurations are used for SC-PTM and MBSFN, then transmission-specific optimization is achieved, but device complexity and configuration overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a unified L2 entity configuration that works across both SC-PTM and MBSFN transmission types. This single configuration structure serves multiple purposes and transmission modes, reducing the number of separate configurations needed and simplifying the overall system while maintaining transmission-specific optimizations where necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies merging by combining the L2 entity configuration requirements for SC-PTM and MBSFN into a single unified configuration framework. Instead of maintaining separate configuration sets, the patent merges them into one adaptable configuration that can be applied to either transmission type, reducing complexity and configuration overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for handling a L2 entity in a wireless communication system is provided. A user equipment (UE) receives a service via a first transport channel, changes a type of a transport channel from the first transport channel to a second transport channel, determines whether to re-establish a L2 entity, and receives the service via the second transport channel.