MBMS Transmission Mode Switching via QoE Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE MooD systems face issues such as a 'ping-pong' effect of mode switching between unicast and broadcast, leading to variable user experience due to inadequate consideration of quality of reception and limited network resources, resulting in poor service selection and user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that evaluate the quality of experience (QoE) for each user equipment, allowing for dynamic switching between unicast and broadcast modes based on Mean Opinion Score (MOS) calculations and user segregation, ensuring efficient resource allocation and improved user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transmission mode is switched from unicast to broadcast based on user count threshold, then network resource efficiency is improved, but user experience quality deteriorates due to lack of HARQ mechanism in broadcast mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments users into different groups based on their reception quality (e.g., cell edge users vs. cell center users) and applies different transmission modes to different segments. Cell edge users continue to receive unicast transmission with HARQ protection, while cell center users with good reception conditions receive broadcast transmission without HARQ, thus resolving the contradiction between resource efficiency and user experience quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transmission mode is switched between unicast and broadcast dynamically, then service flexibility is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to ping-pong effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hysteresis thresholds for mode switching: a higher threshold for switching from unicast to broadcast, and a lower threshold for switching from broadcast to unicast. This preliminary action prevents frequent mode switching by requiring significant changes in user count before mode transition, thus stabilizing the system while maintaining flexibility.
3Productivity
If broadcast mode is used for popular services, then network resource utilization is improved, but service selection quality deteriorates due to limited broadcast resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network monitors user experience quality metrics (such as reception quality, buffer status, and satisfaction levels) for services delivered via broadcast mode. Based on this feedback, the network can dynamically adjust service selection priorities, switch affected users back to unicast mode, or allocate additional broadcast resources, thus maintaining both resource utilization and service selection quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) in a wireless communication system and an apparatus are provided, the method comprises obtaining information on a quality of experience (QoE) evaluated for each evolved MBMS (eMBMS) from among a plurality of eMBMSs in a service region, the QoE being evaluated based on a report from each user equipment (UE) receiving data of the each eMBMS, and determining, based on the information on the evaluated QoE, whether to switch a transmission mode for transmission of at least one of eMBMS content associated with the plurality of eMBMSs.