MBS Bearer Switching for 5G Handover Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The next-generation mobile communication system faces challenges in supporting multicast and broadcast services (MBS) through multicast or unicast bearers, particularly in maintaining service continuity during mode transitions and handovers, and requires efficient data processing methods for various layers of the protocol stack.
Innovation Solution
A method for UEs and base stations to monitor and respond to MBS identifiers in physical downlink control channels, enabling activation or deactivation of MBS services, and switching between multicast and unicast bearers based on these identifiers, with support for different RRC modes and handovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multicast bearer is used for MBS service, then service efficiency is improved, but service continuity during handover deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between multicast bearer and unicast bearer based on UE mobility state and handover conditions. When UE is stationary or moving slowly, multicast bearer is used for high efficiency. When handover is detected or UE mobility increases, the system transitions to unicast bearer to ensure service continuity, thus adapting the bearer type to current operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the bearer configuration parameters (multicast vs unicast) based on detected conditions such as handover events, RRC mode transitions, and UE mobility patterns. This parameter switching allows the system to optimize between efficiency and reliability depending on the current operational context.
2Reliability
If unicast bearer is used for MBS service, then service continuity during handover is improved, but service efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects unicast bearer only when necessary (during handover or high mobility scenarios) rather than using it continuously. This dynamic selection ensures service continuity when needed while avoiding the efficiency loss of unicast in scenarios where multicast would be sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies unicast bearer partially - only during specific conditions such as handover events or RRC mode transitions - rather than universally. This partial application of unicast ensures reliability during critical moments while maintaining multicast efficiency during normal operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If MBS service is activated, then service coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MBS service implementation is segmented into distinct processing stages across different protocol layers (PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC). Each layer handles specific functions independently, allowing the system to provide comprehensive service coverage while distributing processing complexity across multiple specialized components rather than concentrating it in a single complex module.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to: a communication technique merging IoT technology with a 5G communication system for supporting a data transmission rate higher than a 4G system; and a system therefor. The present disclosure can be applied to intelligent services (for example, smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart cars or connected cars, healthcare, digital education, retail, security- and safety-related services, and the like) on the basis of a 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology. Disclosed in the present invention is a method for structuring or setting a multicast bearer or unicast bearer supporting an MBS service so as to support the MBS service in a next-generation mobile communication system, and a method for processing data of a PHY layer device, MAC layer device, RLC layer device or PDCP layer device receiving and processing MBS data.