Multicast Broadcast Service Session Identifier for Multi-PLMN Shared RAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current approaches to providing Multicast and Broadcast Services (MBS) in shared radio access networks (RAN) among multiple Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) face challenges, including limitations in allowing UEs from other PLMNs to receive MBS sessions and lack of mechanisms for configuring UEs to receive MBS sessions via shared base stations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting information identifying multiple PLMNs associated with an MBS session in a shared RAN cell, and allowing UEs to receive the MBS session based on this information. This includes receiving an MBS container with configuration information from the core network, which enables UEs to access MBS sessions across different PLMNs using point-to-multipoint bearers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MBS is provided as a PLMN-specific service with single PLMN ID in TMGI, then service security and network identification are ensured, but UEs from other PLMNs cannot receive MBS sessions in shared RAN
Solution Approach 1:
The TMGI is segmented into multiple PLMN ID fields (first PLMN ID and second PLMN ID) to allow identification of multiple PLMNs within a single MBS session identifier. This enables UEs from different PLMNs to recognize and join appropriate MBS sessions while maintaining PLMN-specific service security through the first PLMN ID.
Solution Approach 2:
The MBS session is designed to serve multiple PLMNs simultaneously through a single session instance. The base station transmits the MBS session to UEs from different PLMNs using the same session resources, making the service universal across multiple network operators while maintaining individual PLMN identification and security.
2Reliability
If separate MBS sessions are created for each PLMN in shared RAN, then PLMN-specific service requirements are met, but resource efficiency deteriorates due to duplication
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple PLMNs share a single MBS session instance in the shared RAN. Instead of creating separate session instances for each PLMN, the invention merges the service delivery into one unified session that multiple PLMNs can access simultaneously, eliminating resource duplication while maintaining PLMN-specific service requirements through identification fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention discards the traditional approach of creating separate MBS session instances for each PLMN and recovers resources by implementing a shared session model. The single MBS session instance is reused across multiple PLMNs, recovering radio resources and reducing energy consumption while still fulfilling PLMN-specific service requirements.
3Ease of operation
If UEs monitor system information for MBS configuration, then autonomous MBS access is enabled, but complexity increases when multiple PLMNs are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The MBS configuration information is segmented to include separate PLMN identification fields (first PLMN ID and second PLMN ID). UEs can autonomously monitor system information and identify MBS sessions relevant to their PLMN by checking these segmented identification fields, simplifying the selection process despite multiple PLMNs being involved.
Solution Approach 2:
The system information broadcast by the base station acts as an intermediary that carries MBS configuration information including PLMN identification fields. UEs use this intermediary information to autonomously determine which MBS sessions they can join based on their PLMN affiliation, reducing device complexity while maintaining autonomous access capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system is disclosed in which a Multicast and Broadcast Services (MBS) session is provided in a cell of an access network shared by a plurality of Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs). A user equipment (UE) associated with a first PLMN receives information identifying the PLMNs associated with the MBS session to be provided in the cell. The UE receives the MBS session in the cell in a case that the first PLMN is included in the PLMNs associated with the MBS session to be provided in the cell.