MAC Layer Dynamic Scheduling for eMBMS Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In radio communication networks, particularly in LTE Release 9, there is a challenge in efficiently transmitting dynamic scheduling control information for eMBMS services, which is crucial for real-time resource allocation and utilization, especially since MBMS scheduling has higher real-time requirements than unicast scheduling and lacks a dedicated control channel like PDCCH for PDSCH.
Innovation Solution
The MAC layer is optimized to provide dynamic scheduling control information to UEs within the MAC packet data unit, indicating practical transmission details for each scheduling period, allowing eNBs to determine and transmit this information efficiently, enabling UEs to receive and utilize resources correctly without extra out-band signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dynamic scheduling control information is transmitted for eMBMS services, then real-time resource allocation is improved, but the complexity of control information transmission increases due to lack of dedicated control channel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines dynamic scheduling control information with MBMS data transmission by using MAC layer signaling (MAC CE) to convey scheduling information. This merging approach integrates control and data planes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control channels while maintaining real-time resource allocation capability for eMBMS services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the MAC layer as a universal signaling mechanism that can serve both unicast and multicast/broadcast services. By using MAC CE (Control Element) for dynamic scheduling information transmission, the system achieves multi-functionality where the same layer handles different service types, reducing overall system complexity despite the absence of dedicated control channels for MBMS.
2Productivity
If MAC layer is optimized to provide dynamic scheduling control information, then resource utilization is improved, but the complexity of MAC layer processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of MBMS service parameters and scheduling policies at higher layers (RRC layer) before actual data transmission. This preliminary action prepares the MAC layer with necessary scheduling information and service configurations, enabling efficient dynamic scheduling without requiring complex real-time decision-making at the MAC layer, thus balancing resource utilization improvement with processing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic scheduling is implemented for MBMS services, then service transmission flexibility is improved, but the real-time processing requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scheduling of MBMS services where dynamic scheduling control information is transmitted at regular intervals (e.g., every scheduling period). This periodic action provides a balance between transmission flexibility and processing time requirements, as the system only needs to perform scheduling operations at predetermined intervals rather than continuously, reducing real-time processing burden while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a communication method and device of broadcast and/or multicast in radio network. The eNB determines dynamic scheduling control information of each service, according to the practical transmission of the broadcast and/or multicast service in one scheduling period, and provides, in a MAC packet data unit, the UE with the dynamic scheduling control information; the UE receives, in a MAC packet data unit, the dynamic scheduling control information, and receives the broadcast and/or multicast service data from the eNB in the scheduling period, according to the dynamic scheduling control information.