MBMS Service Control via Base Station Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) technologies face inefficiencies in managing and transmitting broadcasting content to specific areas, as all traffic often needs to be transmitted to a central broadcast/multicast service center and then back out to terminals, which is inefficient for real-time services like shopping malls or disaster areas, and difficult to integrate with various communication modules.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine a forwarding scheme based on broadcast type, allowing uplink broadcasting contents to be either directly mapped to downlink contents by a base station or transmitted to a gateway for distribution to multiple base stations, optimizing traffic handling within the LTE mobile communication system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If all MBMS traffic is transmitted through the BMSC and MBMS GW for centralized control, then service management and control is simplified, but transmission efficiency and real-time service delivery to specific areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MBMS traffic handling into two paths: localized direct transmission for area-specific broadcasts and centralized gateway transmission for wide-area broadcasts. The eNodeB directly transmits MBMS traffic to specific UEs in its coverage area without routing through BMSC/MBMS GW, while still maintaining centralized control for other scenarios. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling efficient local delivery while preserving centralized management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic traffic routing where the transmission path is selected based on the broadcast type and service requirements. The system can dynamically switch between direct eNodeB transmission and gateway-based transmission, adapting to different service scenarios in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize transmission efficiency for location-based services while maintaining centralized control when needed.
2Area of stationary object
If MBMS traffic is routed through the gateway for distribution to multiple base stations, then service coverage area is expanded, but transmission delay and loss of real-time capability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coverage area into multiple eNodeB coverage zones, each capable of independent MBMS transmission. For location-based services, only the relevant eNodeB transmits to minimize delay, while the gateway remains available for multi-cell broadcasts. This segmentation enables real-time service delivery to specific areas without requiring gateway mediation, thus reducing transmission delay while maintaining expanded coverage capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the gateway as an optional intermediary rather than a mandatory routing point. For real-time location-based MBMS services, the gateway is bypassed and eNodeB transmits directly to target UEs. For wide-area broadcasts requiring multiple base stations, the gateway serves as the intermediary for coordinated transmission. This conditional use of the intermediary resolves the contradiction by eliminating unnecessary routing delays while preserving multi-base-station coverage capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If centralized MBMS control is maintained through BMSC and MBMS GW, then service management capability is preserved, but integration with various communication modules and direct base station transmission becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the eNodeB multi-functional by enabling it to perform both traditional user equipment functions and MBMS transmission functions directly. The eNodeB can handle MBMS traffic independently for location-based services while still interfacing with the BMSC and MBMS GW for centralized control scenarios. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing direct base station transmission without sacrificing service management capability, as the eNodeB can operate in both decentralized and centralized modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control architecture where the degree of centralization is adjustable based on service requirements. The system can dynamically shift between centralized BMSC/MBMS GW control and decentralized eNodeB autonomous transmission. This dynamic control mechanism preserves service management capability by maintaining the centralized control interface while enabling direct transmission when appropriate, thus reducing system integration complexity for specific service scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for controlling an MBMS service provided at a specific location in an LTE system. In an MBMS service system of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently control and manage a valid MBMS service only at a specific location. For example, it is possible to more efficiently manage the effective MBMS content only in the specific cell or the specific cluster (set of the specific cells).