MBS Configuration Management During RRC State Transitions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of clear guidance on how base stations and user equipment handle configuration parameters for multicast and broadcast services (MBS) during state transitions in 5G NR networks, particularly when transitioning between RRC_CONNECTED, RRC_IDLE, and RRC_INACTIVE states.
Innovation Solution
The method involves managing MBS communications by receiving MBS data using configuration parameters while in a connected state and transitioning to idle or inactive states, with decisions on continuing or stopping MBS data reception based on whether the parameters are for broadcast or non-broadcast sessions, and releasing or retaining radio bearers accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the UE transitions from connected state to idle or inactive state, then power consumption is reduced and mobility is improved, but MBS service continuity and configuration parameter management become uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic state management where the UE can transition between RRC_CONNECTED, RRC_IDLE, and RRC_INACTIVE states based on MBS service requirements. The network can configure the UE to maintain MBS configuration parameters in idle or inactive states when service continuity is needed, while allowing state transitions for power saving when appropriate. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by adapting the system behavior to specific service requirements rather than using a fixed state management approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the status of MBS configuration parameters from being strictly connected-state-dependent to being maintainable across state transitions. By introducing new parameter states (e.g., whether MBS configuration should be maintained during idle/inactive states), the system can preserve MBS service continuity while allowing UE to enter low-power states. This parameter change enables the UE to retain necessary configuration information without maintaining a full connected state.
2Reliability
If the UE maintains MBS configuration parameters in idle or inactive state, then service continuity is improved, but device complexity and memory usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively maintaining only the specific MBS configuration parameters that are necessary for service continuity, rather than maintaining all radio resource configuration parameters. The network can indicate which specific MBS configuration elements should be retained (e.g., MBS session identifiers, specific bearer configurations) while allowing other parameters to be released. This selective maintenance reduces the burden on UE memory and processing while ensuring service continuity.
3Productivity
If the UE releases radio bearers during state transition, then resource usage is optimized, but MBS data reception is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the network configure the UE in advance about which MBS configuration parameters and radio bearers should be maintained during upcoming state transitions. The network can provide ahead-of-time instructions (e.g., through RRC release messages or system information) indicating that specific MBS configurations should be preserved even as the UE transitions to idle or inactive states. This allows the UE to prepare for continuous MBS reception without maintaining full connected-state resources.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of managing multicast and/or broadcast services (MBS) communications after a state transition, a UE receives MBS data from a RAN using MBS configuration parameters while the UE is in a connected state with the RAN. The CE transitions from the connected state to an idle state or an inactive state. While the UE is in the idle state or the inactive state, and based on whether the MBS configuration parameters are for receiving a broadcast MBS session or a non-broadcast MBS session, the UE either continues or does not continue, respectively, to receive MBS data using the MBS configuration parameters.