MBMS Multi-Cell Coordination for LTE Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The transition from 3GPP Release 6 to LTE architecture necessitates new procedures for multi-cell coordination of multimedia broadcast multicast services (MBMS) due to the absence of a radio network controller (RNC) in the new architecture, requiring alternative methods for synchronous data transmission across multiple cells.

Innovation Solution

A multi-cell coordination unit is introduced to synchronize and manage the transmission of MBMS data across multiple eNodeBs, which can be located in an access gateway or an eNodeB, employing preconfigured or dynamic scheduling schemes to ensure synchronized data transmission, including registration, resource management, and notification mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If inter-cell scheduling is implemented for synchronous MBMS transmission in LTE, then multi-cell coordination capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to the absence of RNC

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-cell coordination capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the MBMS coordination functionality into separate units: MBMS coordination units located in eNodeBs and an MBMS multi-cell coordination function. This segmentation allows distributed coordination without requiring a centralized RNC, thereby maintaining multi-cell coordination capability while reducing overall system complexity by localizing coordination tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an MBMS multi-cell coordination function as an intermediary that facilitates communication and coordination between multiple eNodeBs. This intermediary enables synchronous MBMS transmission across cells by mediating scheduling decisions and resource allocation, replacing the RNC's coordination role with a dedicated function that reduces system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If MBMS coordination unit is distributed to eNodeBs, then transmission efficiency is improved, but control overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the MBMS coordination unit with existing eNodeB functionalities rather than creating completely separate distributed coordination entities. This merging approach enables eNodeBs to perform MBMS coordination tasks using existing infrastructure, improving transmission efficiency while minimizing additional control overhead by reusing existing signaling and processing resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9780958B2Multi-cell coordination for multimedia broadcast multicast services in a wireless communication system

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

The present invention is related to a method and system for multi-cell coordination for multimedia broadcast multicast services (MBMS) in a wireless communication system. An MBMS multi-cell coordination unit is provided to coordinate a plurality of evolved Node-Bs (eNodeBs) for transmission of MBMS data synchronously in multiple cells of the same single frequency network (SFN). The MBMS multi-cell coordination unit may be located in an access gateway or in an eNodeB. An MBMS multi-cell scheduling scheme may be preconfigured for the eNodeBs for synchronization. Alternatively, the eNodeBs may be synchronized dynamically.