MBMS PDCP Reconfiguration for Lossless Multicast-Unicast Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 4G MBMS technology faces inefficiencies in network resource utilization due to complex signaling procedures and inability to dynamically convert between multicast and unicast modes for multimedia broadcast services, while 5G NR requires efficient conversion methods for MBMS service data packet reception.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for converting multicast bearers to unicast bearers in UE and network nodes by reconstructing MBMS PDCP entities using RRC reconfiguration messages, ensuring seamless data packet transmission without loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If MBMS service data packets are transmitted through multicast bearer in 4G MBMS technology, then network resource utilization is improved, but complex signaling procedures are required and dynamic mode conversion is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode conversion between multicast and unicast bearers by allowing the UE to send mode conversion requests to the network device. The network device can dynamically switch the bearer type based on UE feedback and network conditions, enabling flexible adaptation rather than static multicast-only operation. This resolves the contradiction by adding dynamic control capability while maintaining network resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the UE sends feedback information to the network device regarding its reception status and service requirements. Based on this feedback, the network device determines whether to convert the bearer type from multicast to unicast or vice versa. This feedback loop enables intelligent decision-making that balances network resource utilization with service quality, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and complexity.
2Reliability
If mode conversion is initiated by core network according to UE feedback and configured strategies, then service delivery is maintained, but many complex signaling procedures are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mode conversion initiation capability from the core network and places it at the edge network device (base station). The edge network device directly receives UE feedback and autonomously decides on mode conversion, eliminating the need for complex core network involvement and extensive signaling procedures. This extraction maintains service delivery reliability while significantly reducing signaling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the UE to actively participate in the mode conversion process by sending mode conversion requests or feedback information directly to the network device. The network device uses this information to make self-service decisions about bearer type conversion without requiring complex coordinated signaling with the core network. This self-service approach simplifies the overall signaling procedure while maintaining reliable service delivery.
3Reliability
If unicast transmission of MBMS service data packets is accomplished by traditional unicast PDU session establishment procedure, then reliable point-to-point delivery is achieved, but conversion from multicast bearer is not efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a preliminary multicast bearer connection before conversion to unicast is needed. When mode conversion is triggered, the system reuses the existing multicast bearer resources and configuration as a foundation, then transitions to unicast mode by modifying the bearer type rather than establishing a completely new unicast PDU session. This preliminary action significantly improves conversion efficiency while maintaining delivery reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves mode conversion by changing the bearer type parameter from multicast to unicast while reusing existing connection resources, configuration parameters, and session context. Instead of establishing a new unicast PDU session with all its associated signaling overhead, the system modifies the bearer type parameter and associated transmission parameters, thereby achieving efficient conversion with minimal signaling while maintaining reliable point-to-point delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present application provide a unicast multicast conversion method and apparatus, and a processor-readable storage medium, wherein the unicast multicast conversion method comprises: receiving a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message sent by a first network node, when Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) service data packets sent by the first network node are received through a multicast bearer and a User Equipment (UE) is in a connected state; reconstructing an MBMS Packet Data Convergence Protocol (MBMS PDCP) entity according to the RRC reconfiguration message; sending a reconfiguration completion message to the first network node so that the first network node converts the multicast bearer to a unicast bearer and sends the MBMS service data packets to the UE through the unicast bearer, the reconfiguration completion message being configured to characterize that reconstruction of the MBMS PDCP entity is accomplished by the UE; and receiving the MBMS service data packets sent by the first network node through the unicast bearer. The method realizes the conversion of the UE from receiving the MBMS service data packets through the multicast bearer to receiving the MBMS service data packets through the unicast bearer, thereby ensuring that no data packets are lost.