Multicast Cell Configuration with Selective Unicast Retransmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular networks face challenges in efficiently delivering cell configuration information due to limited network resources, high processing loads, and lengthy reconfiguration times, particularly in multimedia broadcast services.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network controller that uses a multicast protocol to transmit cell configuration information simultaneously to multiple network elements, reducing bandwidth and processing load, and employing a combination of multicast and unicast protocols for acknowledgement and retransmission as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a point-to-point connection from the RNC to each individual cell is used for cell configuration, then the configuration can be delivered to each cell individually, but the bandwidth consumption and processing load at the network controller increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual configuration deliveries into a single multicast message that can be received by multiple network elements simultaneously. The RNC sends one cell configuration message that is replicated and delivered to multiple Node Bs at the same time, combining what would otherwise be multiple separate transmission operations into one unified operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cell configuration message is designed with universal applicability, containing configuration information that can be applied by multiple different network elements. The message structure allows it to serve multiple recipients with the same content, making it multi-functional rather than requiring separate customized messages for each cell.
2Productivity
If cell configuration information is transmitted to multiple network elements simultaneously using multicast protocol, then bandwidth and processing load are reduced, but the need for reliable delivery and acknowledgement to each element increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the acknowledgement process into two parts: a collective multicast acknowledgement where multiple network elements can simultaneously indicate receipt, and individual unicast acknowledgements only for those elements that need confirmation. This segmentation allows the system to handle the majority case efficiently while providing reliable individual delivery when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where network elements send acknowledgements back to the RNC to confirm receipt of cell configuration messages. The RNC monitors these feedback signals and can trigger retransmissions if acknowledgements are not received, ensuring reliable delivery while maintaining efficient multicast operation.
3Reliability
If the RNC retransmits cell configuration messages to ensure reliable delivery, then delivery reliability improves, but the bandwidth consumption and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the receiving network elements actively indicate their receipt status through acknowledgements. The RNC only needs to retransmit messages when it detects missing acknowledgements, rather than continuously retransmitting to all elements. This self-reporting system reduces unnecessary retransmissions and associated energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial retransmission action, sending retransmissions only to the extent necessary based on received acknowledgements. Rather than always sending complete sets of configuration messages, the RNC sends only the specific messages that were not acknowledged, reducing overall bandwidth consumption and processing load while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A base station comprising a processor, a wireless interface, and a communication interface are configured to receive broadcast or multicast data using shared delivery with the shared delivery broadcast or multicast data being received by a plurality of base stations. Further, the cell configuration information is received over the communication interface and the processor and the wireless interface transmit the broadcast or multicast data based on the cell configuration information. The communication interface and processor are further configured to transmit an acknowledgement upon reception of the received broadcast or multicast data. The wireless interface configured to transmit the broadcast or multicast data to a plurality of user equipments (UEs) and based on acknowledgement feedback, the broadcast or multicast data is selectively retransmitted using unicast or multicast or broadcast, wherein when a first number of acknowledgements is received, the retransmission uses unicast.