MBS Broadcast Support Notification in 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems, particularly those following 3GPP standards, face challenges in supporting multicast and broadcast services (MBS) due to limitations in radio access network (RAN) nodes, which can lead to errors and inability to deliver broadcast services to user equipment (UE) in unsupported areas.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves informing the application function (AF) about cells where MBS broadcast is not supported, allowing the AF to deliver data via alternative methods like unicast transmission, and enabling the decision to switch from MBS broadcast to MBS multicast. This information is facilitated by subscriptions to notifications from the multicast and broadcast session management function (MB-SMF) regarding supported and unsupported sub-areas within the requested MBS service area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the AF requests MBS service areas not covered by a single MB-SMF service area, then the service coverage is expanded, but an error scenario occurs due to inability to change session assignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MBS service area into multiple sub-areas that can be independently managed by different MB-SMF instances. This allows the system to handle large service areas without requiring a single MB-SMF to manage the entire area, thereby avoiding session management errors while maintaining expanded coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic session assignment where MB-SMF instances can be dynamically selected and assigned based on the current service area requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing service area configurations without being constrained by static service area definitions, resolving the error scenario while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the AF constructs MBS broadcast service area without RAN node support information, then the service area can be defined, but UEs in unsupported areas cannot receive broadcast service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the MB-SMF notify the AF in advance about RAN node capabilities and supported service areas before the actual broadcast service delivery. This allows the AF to pre-configure alternative delivery methods for UEs in unsupported areas, ensuring reliable service delivery without complicating the service area configuration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the MB-SMF as an intermediary that bridges the AF and RAN nodes. The MB-SMF provides the AF with information about RAN node support status and facilitates the selection of appropriate delivery methods, thereby ensuring reliable broadcast service delivery while maintaining ease of service area configuration.
3Productivity
If MBS broadcast is used for service delivery, then concurrent transmission to multiple UEs is achieved, but service cannot be delivered to UEs in areas where RAN nodes do not support MBS broadcast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different delivery methods for different local areas. In areas where RAN nodes support MBS broadcast, the system uses efficient concurrent broadcast transmission. In areas where RAN nodes do not support MBS broadcast, the system automatically switches to unicast delivery. This localized approach maintains high productivity in supported areas while ensuring adaptability in unsupported areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic delivery method selection where the system can switch between MBS broadcast and unicast delivery based on the current service area and RAN node capabilities. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain high concurrent transmission efficiency in supported areas while being versatile enough to handle unsupported areas through alternative delivery methods.
4Device complexity
If the AF is not informed about unsupported cells, then the system remains simple, but the AF cannot deliver data to UEs in unsupported areas via alternative methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the MB-SMF provides information about unsupported cells and RAN node capabilities to the AF. This feedback allows the AF to understand which areas require alternative delivery methods and configure accordingly, ensuring reliable data delivery to all UEs while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured information flow.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, computer program products, and apparatus are provided for communicating information regarding support of broadcast transmission in a requested multicast and broadcast services (MBS) service area. An access and mobility function (AMF), application function (AF), network repository function (NRF), network exposure function (NEF), multicast and broadcast session management function (MB-SMF), or a network repository function (NRF) may communicate or receive communication relating to support of MBS broadcast transmission in a requested MBS service area.