MBS Capability Signaling for UEs in RRC_INACTIVE State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP MBS standards do not efficiently support multicast and broadcast services for UEs in RRC_INACTIVE and RRC_IDLE states, particularly in scenarios requiring mission-critical services, leading to inefficient resource usage and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implement methods for access and core network nodes to manage multicast/broadcast services by transmitting capability messages to UEs in RRC_INACTIVE state, allowing them to receive MBS sessions without transitioning to RRC_CONNECTED mode, and facilitating handover and session management across network nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UEs transition to RRC_CONNECTED mode to receive MBS sessions, then service reliability is improved, but power consumption and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary actions by establishing MBS sessions and configuring UEs with necessary parameters while UEs are in RRC_INACTIVE state. The access network node stores MBS session information and UE capabilities in advance, so when UEs need to receive MBS services, they can do so without transitioning to RRC_CONNECTED mode, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining service reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If UEs remain in RRC_INACTIVE state to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but service reliability and quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MBS service delivery mechanism into two parts: control plane functions remain with the access network node while user plane functions are delivered directly to UEs in RRC_INACTIVE state. This segmentation allows UEs to receive MBS services without full RRC connection establishment, reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate service reliability through targeted control signaling.
3Productivity
If the network supports MBS for UEs in RRC_INACTIVE state, then resource efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access network node is designed with multi-functionality to handle both traditional RRC_CONNECTED MBS services and the new RRC_INACTIVE MBS services. The same access network node can manage MBS sessions for UEs in different RRC states using unified procedures, avoiding the need for separate specialized infrastructure and thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while improving resource efficiency.
4Reliability
If MBS sessions are established for each UE individually, then service quality is improved, but network capacity and resource usage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple UEs' MBS session requirements into a single shared MBS session at the access network node. Instead of establishing separate MBS sessions for each UE, the network creates one MBS session that can serve multiple UEs simultaneously in RRC_INACTIVE state, thereby improving network capacity and resource efficiency while maintaining service quality through individualized session management parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for an access network node is provided. The method comprises transmitting, to a user equipment, UE, a first message including an enquiry of a capability of the UE to receive a multicast/broadcast service, MBS, in a case where the UE is in a Radio Resource Control, RRC,_INACTIVE state; and receiving from the UE, a second message including a list of one or more MBS sessions which the UE can support in a case where the UE is in the RRC_INACTIVE state, in a case where the UE has information identifying at least one MBS that is available to the UE.