MBMS Session Update via Dynamic QoS Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, such as UMTS and LTE, lack the ability to dynamically update the quality of service (QoS) for ongoing multimedia broadcast/multicast services (MBMS) sessions, which is essential for adapting to changing bandwidth requirements and priority adjustments, especially in public safety and group communication scenarios where media types may switch dynamically.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for updating the MBMS bearer context by receiving a session update request with a temporary mobile group identity (TMGI) and new QoS requirements, allowing for stopping and starting sessions or allocating radio resources to modify QoS, and optionally adding secondary sessions with updated QoS attributes, enabling dynamic changes in bandwidth and priority.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the MBMS session parameters are fixed at session establishment, then the system architecture remains simple and stable, but the system cannot adapt to dynamic bandwidth requirements and priority changes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQoS adaptabilityVSAvoidsession update complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic QoS parameters that can be modified during an ongoing MBMS session through session update requests. The network node receives update requests containing new QoS parameters and applies them to the active session, transforming the static session model into a dynamic one that adapts to changing requirements without requiring session termination and re-establishment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables modification of QoS parameters (bandwidth, priority, media type) during session execution by processing session update requests. The network node validates and applies new parameter values to the active MBMS session, allowing dynamic adjustment of service characteristics while maintaining session continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the MBMS session is stopped and restarted to update QoS, then the new QoS requirements are applied, but service continuity is interrupted and user experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidQoS update capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent processes QoS update requests during session execution rather than requiring pre-session configuration. The network node receives and validates update requests, then applies parameter changes to the active session, ensuring service continuity while enabling adaptive QoS modification without interrupting the broadcast or multicast service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If QoS parameters are updated during an active MBMS session, then dynamic bandwidth allocation is achieved, but radio resource management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth utilization efficiencyVSAvoidradio resource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network node receives session update requests with new QoS parameters, validates them against current session state and resource availability, and applies approved changes. This controlled feedback loop enables efficient bandwidth utilization through dynamic adjustment while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic parameter validation and update procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2987381B1Multimedia broadcast/multimedia service (MBMS) session update
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2987381B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2987381B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2987381B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for multimedia broadcast/multimedia service (MBMS) session update are provided. One method includes receiving a session update request which may include a TGMI pointing to the current active MBMS session and new QoS requirement. The method may then include updating the MBMS bearer context with the new QoS.