LTE Connectivity Device Bridging eMBMS to Legacy User Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy devices such as 2G/3G phones and set-top boxes are unable to receive Evolved Multimedia Services (eMBMS) directly due to the lack of a signaling mechanism between consumption end devices and LTE connectivity routing devices, limiting their access to multimedia services.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables eMBMS services to be extended via LTE connectivity devices or modems to end devices, using a service provider module that detects and forwards multimedia services, establishes a session initiation protocol, and encapsulates eMBMS data for delivery over non-LTE mediums like WiFi, allowing incompatible user equipment to receive multimedia services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If LTE eMBMS services are provided directly to end devices, then service quality and spectrum efficiency are improved, but legacy devices (2G/3G phones, set-top boxes) cannot access the services due to lack of eMBMS capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an LTE connectivity device (acting as a gateway or router) that receives eMBMS services from the LTE network and forwards them to legacy end devices through WiFi or other non-LTE interfaces. This intermediary device bridges the capability gap, allowing legacy devices to access eMBMS content without requiring native eMBMS support.
Solution Approach 2:
The system architecture is segmented into three distinct components: (1) the LTE network providing eMBMS services, (2) the LTE connectivity device that performs service reception, protocol conversion, and forwarding, and (3) the legacy end devices that consume the services. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal domain while maintaining overall system functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If eMBMS services are extended via LTE connectivity devices to legacy end devices, then device compatibility is improved, but no signaling mechanism is defined between consumption end devices and LTE connectivity routing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The LTE connectivity device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both an eMBMS receiver from the LTE network and a WiFi router to legacy devices. It incorporates multiple protocol stacks (LTE eMBMS protocol and WiFi protocol) and can perform service discovery, session management, and data forwarding across different networks, reducing the need for complex device-specific signaling mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If LTE connectivity devices proliferate to provide eMBMS access, then service accessibility is improved, but network management and service delivery become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The LTE connectivity device autonomously performs service discovery by detecting available eMBMS services from the LTE network, automatically establishes sessions with end devices, and dynamically forwards appropriate content without requiring manual configuration or complex centralized management. This self-service capability simplifies network management while enabling widespread service accessibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method to provide multimedia services to consumption end devices like set-top boxes and legacy phone and tablet devices that are incompatible to receive the multimedia service directly. These consumption devices interact with devices that provide multimedia service. Further, the present disclosure discloses mechanisms where an end consumption device can connect to a device like LTE connectivity device and obtain eMBMS multimedia services.