Dynamic Frequency Switching for MBMS Congestion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications systems, the preferred frequency layer for Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) services becomes congested due to UEs staying on the same frequency after stopping MBMS Selected Services, leading to unavailable radio resources for non-MBMS services like mobile-terminated calls.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that dynamically switch the operating frequency from a first frequency to a second frequency when activating MBMS services and back to the first frequency when stopping or determining congestion in MBMS services on the second frequency, thereby managing radio resource allocation and preventing congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UEs stay on the preferred frequency layer after stopping MBMS services, then MBMS service continuity is maintained, but frequency layer congestion occurs and radio resources become unavailable for non-MBMS services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency layer selection where UEs can switch between preferred frequency layer (for MBMS services) and non-preferred frequency layer (for non-MBMS services) based on service activation state and congestion conditions. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the frequency layer assignment flexible rather than static, allowing UEs to move away from the preferred frequency when MBMS services are stopped to prevent congestion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of frequency layer assignment based on service state. When MBMS services are activated, UEs use the preferred frequency layer; when services are stopped or congestion is detected, UEs switch to non-preferred frequency layers. This parameter change approach allows the system to adapt to different service conditions and prevent frequency layer congestion while maintaining service continuity when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If UEs switch to non-preferred frequency layers when MBMS services are stopped, then frequency layer congestion is prevented, but service availability for non-MBMS services may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency layer usage into preferred frequency layers (optimized for MBMS services) and non-preferred frequency layers (used when MBMS services are stopped or congestion occurs). This segmentation allows the system to optimize each frequency layer for its primary purpose while providing fallback options, thereby preventing congestion on preferred layers without completely eliminating service availability on alternative layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network control messages (such as MBMS MODIFIED SERVICES INFORMATION and MBMS GENERAL INFORMATION messages) as intermediaries that guide UE frequency layer selection. These intermediary mechanisms coordinate between network conditions and UE behavior, ensuring that frequency layer switching decisions are made based on overall system state rather than individual UE needs, thus balancing congestion prevention with service availability.
3Reliability
If the network provides MBMS services on a single preferred frequency layer, then service quality is optimized, but radio resources become unavailable for other services like mobile-terminated calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the dimension of frequency layer selection to the service delivery architecture. Instead of providing MBMS services on a single frequency layer, the system enables UEs to operate on multiple frequency layers depending on service state. This dimensional expansion allows preferred frequency layers to be dedicated to MBMS services when active, while non-preferred frequency layers remain available for non-MBMS services, thereby optimizing both service quality and overall radio resource utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to prevent a preferred frequency providing Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service, called MBMS hereinafter, services, from getting congestion, the present invention provides a method of selecting an operating frequency for a user equipment, called UE hereinafter, in a wireless communications system. The method includes switching the operating frequency from a first frequency to a second frequency when the UE activates to receive a MBMS service of a service group; and switching the operating frequency from the second frequency to the first frequency when the UE determines not to receive any MBMS services provided on the second frequency.