MBMS Packet Routing Across Relay Nodes in IAB Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data transmission methods in relay communication systems, such as IAB systems, are inadequate for efficiently transmitting multimedia broadcast multicast services (MBMS) to multiple terminal devices, as they are designed primarily for unicast services.

Innovation Solution

A data transmission method that involves configuring network devices with routing addresses and service identifiers for MBMS services, allowing them to identify and forward data packets to appropriate network devices and terminal devices, and optionally modifying IP addresses to ensure delivery across multiple hops in the IAB system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If unicast-based transmission methods are used in relay communication systems, then the system can maintain simple routing and addressing mechanisms, but the system cannot efficiently transmit MBMS services to multiple terminal devices simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMBMS service transmission capabilityVSAvoidrouting and addressing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling IAB nodes to perform multiple functions: they can handle both unicast services (original function) and MBMS services (new function). The routing mechanism is designed to accommodate both service types through a unified approach where MBMS data packets are forwarded based on routing addresses configured for multiple potential destinations, allowing the same infrastructure to serve diverse service requirements without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If MBMS service transmission is implemented in IAB systems, then multiple terminal devices can receive multimedia broadcast multicast services, but the routing and forwarding complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of terminal devices receiving serviceVSAvoidrouting and forwarding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring routing addresses at IAB nodes before MBMS service transmission begins. The IAB donor configures each IAB node with routing addresses corresponding to potential next-hop destinations for MBMS data packets. This advance configuration allows nodes to quickly forward packets based on simple address matching without performing complex real-time routing decisions, thereby enabling multi-device service delivery while controlling operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the MBMS service delivery process into distinct functional segments: (1) The IAB donor segments the task of routing configuration, (2) Each IAB node segments the forwarding decision-making process by comparing packet routing addresses against its configured set, and (3) The system segments the delivery path into multiple possible hops. This segmentation allows each component to perform a simplified function rather than handling the complete complex routing problem

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If data packets are forwarded to multiple next-hop IAB nodes, then MBMS service coverage is expanded, but the risk of duplicate delivery and resource waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice coverage areaVSAvoidresource waste from duplicate transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback through the routing address matching mechanism where each IAB node compares the routing address in incoming MBMS data packets against its pre-configured routing addresses. This feedback loop enables nodes to intelligently determine whether to forward or discard packets based on address correspondence, expanding service coverage to areas where routing addresses match while preventing duplicate transmissions to nodes that have already received or do not need the service

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4132020B1Data transmission method and apparatus, and device
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4132020B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4132020B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4132020B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

This application provides a data transmission method, an apparatus, and a device. The method may be applied to a relay communication system. The method includes: A first network device receives a first data packet, where the first data packet is a data packet of a first multimedia broadcast multicast service MBMS service, and the first data packet carries first information. If second information of the first network device matches the first information, the first network device sends the first data packet to a terminal device that accesses the first network device, where the second information is preconfigured for the first network device. In this way, the MBMS service is transmitted in the relay communication system.