Multicast-Broadcast Session Release in 5G Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 4G mobile systems face challenges in supporting multicast and broadcast services for V2X and IoT devices due to lack of capacity and support for Multicast and Broadcast Multimedia Subsystem (MBMS), leading to high control plane signaling for session release or modification.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for modifying or releasing Multicast/Broadcast sessions in 5G networks by receiving triggers and instructing Session Management Function (SMF) to configure User Plane Functions and Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) for changes, reducing control plane signaling through efficient message flows and network function interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If MBMS is used in 4G systems for multicast and broadcast services, then video broadcasting and streaming services are supported, but V2X and IoT devices cannot be supported due to lack of capacity and support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidservice support

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the multicast-broadcast service support into two distinct pathways: MBMS for traditional video broadcasting/streaming services, and unicast transmission for V2X and IoT devices. This segmentation allows each service type to use the most appropriate transmission method, resolving the contradiction between device compatibility and service support reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If a large number of devices access MB sessions for V2X and IoT communications, then device coverage is improved, but control plane signaling overhead increases significantly for session release or modification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of devicesVSAvoidcontrol plane signaling

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control plane signaling for multiple devices into a single collective release or modification procedure. Instead of sending individual release messages to each device, the network sends a single control plane message that affects all devices in the MB session, dramatically reducing signaling overhead while maintaining coverage for large numbers of devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If individual control plane messages are sent to each device for MB session release or modification, then precise device control is achieved, but signaling overhead becomes unmanageable with large numbers of devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice control precisionVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach where the network controller manages MB session release and modification through collective signaling mechanisms. This intermediary layer aggregates control operations, allowing precise device control to be achieved through group-based management rather than individual messaging, thereby reducing overall signaling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11716780B2Methods and systems for multicast-broadcast session release and modification

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

Methods and Systems for modifying or releasing a Multicast/Broadcast (MB) session for delivery of MB Data to a plurality of Electronic Devices (EDs) connected to a (Radio) Access Network (R)AN node is disclosed. The method includes receiving one or more triggers, and instructing the various network functions and (R)AN nodes to modify (or release) the MB session dependent on the received trigger.