MBS Data Delivery During Xn Handover to Non-MBS NG-RAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G networks lack a method to smoothly provide multicast services to mobile terminals as they move between base stations, especially when the target base station does not support multicast/broadcast service capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for Xn handover in a 5G network that involves a session management function (SMF) to determine whether a target NG-RAN supports multicast/broadcast service (MBS) and set up individual delivery of MBS data to user equipment (UE) through the target NG-RAN node when MBS is not supported.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multicast service is provided to mobile terminals moving between base stations, then service continuity is improved, but the system complexity increases due to need to handle both MBS-supported and non-MBS-supported target NG-RAN nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the delivery method (shared or individual) to change dynamically based on the target NG-RAN node's MBS capability. The session management function determines the appropriate delivery method during handover preparation, allowing the system to adapt between multicast (shared delivery) when the target supports MBS and unicast (individual delivery) when it does not, thus maintaining service continuity without fixed complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the delivery parameter (shared vs. individual delivery) based on the capability status of the target NG-RAN node. By detecting whether the target node supports MBS and adjusting the delivery method accordingly, the system resolves the contradiction between maintaining service continuity and managing system complexity through parameter adaptation rather than handling all cases with maximum complexity
2Productivity
If shared delivery is used for MBS data, then network resource efficiency is improved, but compatibility issues arise when target NG-RAN does not support MBS capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the session management function determine the appropriate delivery method during the handover preparation phase, before the actual handover executes. The network detects the target NG-RAN's MBS capability in advance and pre-configures the delivery method (shared if supported, individual if not), ensuring both resource efficiency and compatibility are maintained without waiting for compatibility issues to manifest
Solution Approach 2:
The session management function acts as an intermediary that mediates between the multicast service delivery requirement and the target NG-RAN's capability. It receives MBS data for shared delivery but translates to individual delivery when the target does not support MBS, thus maintaining network resource efficiency while ensuring compatibility through this intermediary translation layer
Data Source
AI summary
A method for Xn handover of a multicast/broadcast service (MBS) by a session management function (SMF) device in a mobile communication system is provided. The method includes receiving, from a target next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) node through an access and mobility management function (AMF), a first message including information on whether the target NG-RAN node supports the MBS, determining an individual delivery method for MBS data, in case that the target NG-RAN node does not support the MBS based on the first message, and setting up the MBS data to be individually delivered to a user equipment (UE) through the target NG-RAN node.