MBMS Transmission Parameter Configuration via Non-MBMS UE Signal Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) solutions rely on extensive and costly drive tests to configure transmission parameters, which are time-consuming and inefficient for ensuring Quality of Service (QoS) across Multicast Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) areas, as MBMS UEs do not provide channel quality measurement feedback.
Innovation Solution
A network entity that receives signal quality measurement data from non-MBMS UEs to determine a combined signal quality data, estimate the Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) for MBMS services, and configure transmission parameters to satisfy QoS requirements, using this data to optimize radio resources and reduce the need for physical drive tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drive tests are used to configure MBMS transmission parameters, then QoS can be ensured across MBSFN areas, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses signal quality measurement data from non-MBMS UEs as a substitute (copy) for actual MBMS UE measurements. Since non-MBMS UEs are already present in the network and providing measurement data, this copying approach eliminates the need for physical drive tests while maintaining the ability to determine appropriate MCS values for MBMS services
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces non-MBMS UEs as intermediaries to provide signal quality measurement data. These UEs act as mediators between the network's need for quality assurance and the absence of feedback from MBMS UEs, enabling automated parameter configuration without direct intervention from MBMS UEs or physical testing
2Reliability
If drive tests are used to configure MBMS transmission parameters, then QoS can be ensured, but costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive physical drive tests with a virtual copying approach, using measurement data from existing non-MBMS UEs to determine MBMS transmission parameters. This eliminates the need for specialized testing equipment, personnel travel, and time-consuming field tests, significantly reducing operational costs
Solution Approach 2:
The network utilizes measurement data that is already being collected from non-MBMS UEs for their own service optimization. This self-service approach repurposes existing measurement infrastructure and data to solve the MBMS configuration problem, eliminating the need for separate, costly drive test campaigns
3Device complexity
If MBMS UEs do not provide channel quality measurement feedback, then system complexity is reduced, but automated parameter configuration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the measurement data from non-MBMS UEs serve multiple functions: it continues to support unicast service optimization while simultaneously enabling MBMS parameter configuration. This multi-functionality allows the network to automate MBMS configuration without adding dedicated feedback mechanisms specifically for MBMS services
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses non-MBMS UEs as intermediaries to bridge the gap between the lack of MBMS UE feedback and the need for automated parameter configuration. These intermediary UEs provide the necessary measurement data that enables the network to automatically determine appropriate transmission parameters for MBMS services
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS), and in particular to a method, system and network entity for configuring transmission parameters for providing MBMS service(s). In one embodiment, a network entity in communication with a plurality of network nodes within a geographical area is provided. The network entity includes a communication interface configured to receive a representation of signal quality measurement data associated with a plurality of non-Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service, non-MBMS, user equipments, UEs. Each UE is served by at least one of the plurality network nodes. The network entity includes a processor communicatively coupled to the communication interface. The processor is configured to determine a combined signal quality data of a plurality of MBMS UEs based at least in part on the received representation of signal quality measurement data associated with the plurality of non-MBMS UEs.