MBSFN Cluster Search via Non-MBSFN Cell Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no method for a User Equipment (UE) to search for or receive Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS) over Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) clusters based on the two types of physical layer frame structures used in prior art, resulting in the UE's inability to receive MBMS services from these clusters.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a UE to synchronize with a non-MBSFN cell associated with an MBSFN cluster, search for the MBSFN cluster using system information indications, and then synchronize with and receive the MBMS service from the identified MBSFN cluster, involving a Radio Network Controller (RNC) that stores association information and controls the distribution of system information to facilitate this process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two types of physical layer frame structures are used for MBSFN clusters, then MBMS service transmission capability is improved, but UE ability to search and receive MBMS service deteriorates due to lack of search methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces system information as an intermediary that carries MBSFN cluster identification information. This intermediary enables the UE to search for and identify MBSFN clusters by providing reference information (such as MBSFN area ID, carrier frequency, and slot configuration) that the UE can use to locate and synchronize with the appropriate cluster, thus resolving the contradiction between enhanced transmission capability and reduced operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring system information in non-MBSFN cells that contains identification and configuration data for associated MBSFN clusters. This preliminary information preparation enables UEs to efficiently search for and acquire MBSFN cluster parameters before actual MBMS service reception, eliminating the need for complex real-time search procedures while maintaining support for multiple frame structures
2Device complexity
If MBSFN cluster information is not broadcasted, then system complexity is reduced, but UE cannot locate or synchronize with MBSFN clusters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts essential MBSFN cluster identification information (MBSFN area ID, carrier frequency, slot configuration) from the complete cluster configuration and places it in system information broadcasted by non-MBSFN cells. This extraction approach provides UEs with sufficient information to locate and synchronize with MBSFN clusters without requiring complex complete configuration data, thus maintaining low system complexity while ensuring reliable UE synchronization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables UEs to self-configure for MBSFN cluster reception by providing them with identification information through system information. UEs can independently use this information to search for, identify, and synchronize with appropriate MBSFN clusters without requiring complex network-side configuration management, thereby maintaining system simplicity while ensuring reliable synchronization
Data Source
AI summary
A method for searching for a broadcast/multicast single frequency network cluster, when a terminal needs to receive the broadcast/multicast service in the broadcast/multicast single frequency network cluster, the terminal synchronizes to a non broadcast/multicast single frequency network cell which is associated with the broadcast/multicast single frequency network cluster; and the terminal searches for the broadcast/multicast single frequency network cluster on the basis of the information indicated by the system information in the non broadcast/multicast single frequency network cell. So that the UE can search for the corresponding MBSFN cluster, and can receive the MBMS service in the searched MBSFN cluster.