Logical-Channel Mapping for CU-DU Multicast-to-Unicast Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is no related technology to specifically implement transmitting a multicast service in a unicast manner in a CU-DU architecture, which is necessary for efficient resource utilization in 5G communication systems.

Innovation Solution

A method is provided to transmit multicast services in a unicast manner by associating multicast service information with logical channels through interaction between the CU and DU, enabling flexible transmission of multicast services in a CU-DU architecture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multicast service is transmitted using traditional multicast mechanisms, then network resource utilization is improved, but adaptability to CU-DU architecture is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to CU-DU architectureVSAvoidnetwork resource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic transmission mode selection for multicast services, allowing the system to flexibly switch between multicast and unicast transmission based on service requirements and network conditions. The CU can dynamically configure DUs to use appropriate transmission modes, making the system adaptable to the CU-DU architecture while maintaining efficient resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the CU-DU architecture to support both traditional multicast transmission and unicast transmission through a unified configuration mechanism. The CU can configure multiple DUs with different transmission modes, making the system universally applicable to various service scenarios and architecture configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multicast service is transmitted in a unicast manner, then adaptability to CU-DU architecture is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The CU acts as an intermediary that centralizes the configuration and management of multicast service transmission. It generates and sends configuration information to multiple DUs, coordinating their transmission modes and parameters. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system complexity by providing centralized control while enabling flexible unicast transmission at the DU level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the multicast service transmission function between CU and DU, with the CU responsible for configuration and control, and DUs responsible for actual transmission execution. This segmentation allows each component to have focused, simpler functionality while achieving complex overall behavior through their coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If multiple DUs are configured for multicast service, then transmission coverage is improved, but information consistency becomes difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission coverageVSAvoidconfiguration consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the CU sends configuration information to multiple DUs, and DUs report their configuration status and service information back to the CU. The CU uses this feedback to maintain consistent configuration across all DUs, ensuring information consistency while expanding transmission coverage through multiple DUs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4184958B1Method for multicast communication, and first network device and second network device
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4184958B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4184958B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4184958B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This application provides a method for multicast communication, a first network device, and a second network device. The method includes: A first network device sends first information to a second network device, where the first information indicates an association relationship between multicast service information and a first terminal device; the first network device receives second information from the second network device; the first network device generates a configuration message based on the second information, where the configuration message indicates an association relationship between the multicast service information and a first logical channel, and the first logical channel is a logical channel of the first terminal device; and the first network device sends the configuration message to the first terminal device. Through interaction between the first network device and the second network device, the first network device may determine an association relationship between multicast service information and a logical channel of a terminal device, and may send the association relationship to the terminal device, so that a multicast service can be transmitted in a unicast manner based on the association relationship, thereby implementing flexible transmission of the multicast service.