Multicast MBS Configuration Reception in Unconnected 5G UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the 5G communication system, multicast/broadcast services for user equipment (UE) are limited to connected states, which is not power efficient and does not support Mission Critical Services, especially for cells with a large number of UEs, as UEs in inactive or idle states cannot receive multicast/broadcast service configurations without reentering the connected mode.
Innovation Solution
A method for user equipment (UE) to receive multicast/broadcast service data by determining its unconnected state and receiving the multicast/broadcast service configuration and data from the first cell, allowing continued data reception without switching to connected mode, thereby enhancing power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UEs are kept in RRC_CONNECTED state to receive multicast MBS configuration, then multicast service reception is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables UEs to dynamically switch between RRC_CONNECTED and unconnected states while maintaining multicast reception capability. The key mechanism is delivering multicast MBS configuration via broadcast signaling (system information) rather than dedicated signaling, allowing UEs in unconnected states to acquire configuration without maintaining continuous connected state, thus reducing power consumption while ensuring service availability.
2Reliability
If multicast MBS configuration is delivered by dedicated signal in R-17, then configuration delivery is reliable, but unconnected UEs cannot receive it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the multicast MBS configuration delivery mechanism universal by using broadcast signaling (system information) that can be received by UEs in any state (connected, inactive, or idle). This replaces the R-17 approach of dedicated signaling which only works for connected UEs. The configuration is now delivered through a universal channel (broadcast) that all UEs can access regardless of their RRC state, enhancing adaptability while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If unconnected UEs reselect to another cell, then cell reselection is flexible, but UE must enter connected mode to acquire multicast MBS configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by delivering multicast MBS configuration through broadcast signaling that is always available in the system information, regardless of UE state or cell reselection. When a UE reselects to a new cell, the configuration is already available via broadcast, eliminating the need to transition to connected mode for acquisition. This reduces configuration acquisition time and maintains flexibility in cell reselection.
4Device complexity
If multicast is limited to connected UEs only, then configuration management is simplified, but Mission Critical Services cannot be fully supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic state management for multicast reception, allowing UEs to operate in connected, inactive, or idle states while receiving multicast MBS. The configuration is delivered via broadcast signaling that adapts to different UE states, enabling Mission Critical Services to be supported across all states. This maintains configuration management simplicity while significantly enhancing service reliability and support for critical applications.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments of the disclosure provide a method of UE receiving MBS data, UE, and a method of a cell providing an MBS data. The method includes: receiving a multicast MBS configuration, wherein the multicast MBS configuration is associated with an MBS provided by a first cell; and in response to determining that the UE in an unconnected state camping on the first cell, receiving, from the first cell, the MBS data of the MBS provided by the first cell based on the multicast MBS configuration.