MBSFN Application Server Dynamic Rate and Mode Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional E-MBMS systems face inefficiencies in bandwidth utilization due to the need for separate subframes for overlapping MBSFN areas with different data rates, leading to reduced capacity and wasted resources, as they are limited by the lowest common data rate, which does not leverage higher capacity areas effectively.

Innovation Solution

An application server dynamically adjusts the data rate for E-MBMS streams based on quality feedback from UEs and transitions between multicast and unicast modes within MBSFN areas to optimize data transmission, allowing higher data rates in areas with sufficient capacity and reducing unnecessary resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If separate subframes are used for overlapping MBSFN areas with different data rates, then each area can operate at its optimal data rate, but bandwidth utilization efficiency deteriorates due to wasted resources and reduced capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rateVSAvoidbandwidth utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between multicast and unicast transmission modes based on the number of UEs in each MBSFN area. When UE count is low, unicast mode is used to avoid wasting multicast resources. When UE count is high, multicast mode is activated to efficiently serve multiple users simultaneously. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing both data rate and bandwidth utilization according to real-time network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the transmission mode parameter (multicast/unicast) and data rate parameter based on the number of UEs in each MBSFN area. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves high data rates when needed while maintaining bandwidth efficiency by avoiding unnecessary transmissions when UE density is low.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If multicast mode is used for all MBSFN areas, then bandwidth efficiency is improved through shared resources, but data rate deteriorates in high-capacity areas due to the lowest common data rate limitation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth efficiencyVSAvoiddata rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different transmission qualities to different MBSFN areas based on local UE density. In areas with high UE density, multicast mode with high data rate is applied. In areas with low UE density, unicast mode is applied. This local adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing high-capacity areas to achieve high data rates while maintaining overall bandwidth efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The network is segmented into multiple MBSFN areas, each independently evaluated for UE density. This segmentation allows the system to apply appropriate transmission modes to each area, enabling high data rates in capable areas while maintaining bandwidth efficiency across the entire network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If unicast mode is used for all areas, then data rate is maximized for each user, but bandwidth utilization deteriorates due to unnecessary resource usage in high-density areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rateVSAvoidbandwidth utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from UE density measurements to determine the appropriate transmission mode. When UE density is high, the system feedback-indicates that multicast mode should be used to maximize bandwidth efficiency. When UE density is low, unicast mode is selected to maintain high data rates. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by adapting to actual network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Device complexity

If a common data rate is used across all MBSFN areas, then system complexity is reduced through simplified management, but adaptability deteriorates as higher capacity areas cannot leverage their full potential

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem management complexityVSAvoiddata rate adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the data rate and transmission mode based on UE density in each MBSFN area, rather than using a static common data rate. This dynamic approach maintains relatively simple management procedures while significantly improving adaptability to different network conditions and area capacities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9351128B2Selectively adjusting a rate or delivery format of media being delivered to one or more multicast/broadcast single frequency networks for transmission

Publication Date: 2016.05.24 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

In an embodiment, a first MBSFN area is configured to support a higher data rate than a lower data rate portion of a second MBSFN area, and an application server executes a common data rate mode by delivering a data stream for a group session to the first and second MBSFN areas via IP multicast at a common data rate that is regulated by quality feedback. In a further embodiment, the application server exits the common data rate mode and delivers the data stream to the first MBSFN area via IP multicast at an MBSFN-specific data rate that is higher than the common data rate, while delivering the data stream to the lower data rate portion of the second MBSFN area via IP unicast. In another further embodiment, the application server resumes the common data rate mode.