Dynamic PTP-PTM Mode Switching for MBS Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks face challenges in providing flexible and dynamic resource allocation and signaling mechanisms for Multicast/Broadcast Services (MBS) sessions, especially in scenarios requiring point-to-point (PTP) and point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission modes, which leads to inefficient use of air interface resources and potential service interruptions.
Innovation Solution
The proposed architecture enables dynamic context management and resource allocation for MBS sessions in wireless access networks, allowing for switching between PTP and PTM delivery modes at the access network level without involving application layers. This is achieved through collaborative resource allocation between a central unit (CU) and distributed units (DUs) using novel signaling message architectures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional MBS delivery modes are used, then service coverage is maintained, but resource allocation flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic delivery mode switching between PTP and PTM based on real-time UE reception conditions and network resource availability. The access network can dynamically adjust the delivery mode for each UE or UE group, enabling flexible adaptation to changing conditions while maintaining service continuity through seamless transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the MBS delivery system into distinct PTP and PTM delivery instances, allowing independent management and optimization of each mode. This segmentation enables selective application of different delivery modes to different UE sets based on their specific reception conditions, improving overall resource allocation flexibility.
2Productivity
If access network level switching is implemented, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated signaling interface between the access network and UEs for delivering MBS session information. This intermediary signaling mechanism simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a standardized communication path, reducing the complexity of implementing access network level switching while maintaining high resource utilization efficiency.
3Reliability
If dynamic mode switching is enabled, then service quality and reliability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access network is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle both PTP and PTM delivery modes through a unified architecture. This universality allows the same network infrastructure to provide different delivery modes without requiring separate dedicated systems, thereby improving service quality while limiting the increase in system architecture complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes an architecture for supporting MBS sessions in a wireless access network. Each of such MBS sessions is flexibly and dynamically delivered by the access network into one or more Point-To-Point (PTP, or unicast) and Point-To-Multipoint (PTM, or multicast) delivery instances. As such, a subset of the UEs participating in the MBS may be configured to receive the MBS session in a PTP-like manner and quality. The architecture further allows for access network level switching of one or more of the UEs participating in the MBS session between the PTP mode and PTM mode. Such switching are effectuated dynamically without involvement of application layer. The resource allocations and configuration for the PTP and PTM delivery instances may be performed in the access network collaboratively between a central unit (CU) and one or more distributed units (DUs). Such collaborative resource allocation and configuration may be effectuated using a novel architecture for the signaling messages between the CU and the DUs.