Multicast Function Network Element for Wireless Data Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networks, multicast data packets are discarded by user plane gateways due to IP-based destination determination, preventing the transmission of multicast data.
Innovation Solution
A multicast method and apparatus where a multicast function network element receives multicast data, obtains terminal information based on a preset correspondence, and sends the data to the corresponding terminal, enabling multicast data transmission in wireless networks by modifying or using existing network elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user plane gateway determines destination UE based on IP address, then unicast data transmission works correctly, but multicast data packets are discarded and multicast transmission becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gateway function into two distinct parts: the user plane gateway that handles unicast data using IP address routing, and a separate multicast function network element that handles multicast data using multicast address routing. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its specific protocol type without interfering with the other, thus maintaining unicast reliability while enabling multicast capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The multicast function network element acts as an intermediary between the data network and user equipment for multicast traffic. It receives multicast data packets, performs routing based on multicast addresses, and forwards them to the appropriate UEs. This intermediary approach allows the existing user plane gateway to continue handling unicast traffic unchanged while adding multicast support through a dedicated component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multicast function network element is separately deployed, then multicast data transmission is enabled, but network element complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multicast function network element is designed with universal functionality that can be deployed in multiple configurations. It can operate as a standalone network element or be integrated into existing network infrastructure such as the user plane gateway or access network devices. This multi-functionality design reduces deployment complexity by allowing flexibility in implementation while maintaining multicast capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the multicast function network element to be merged with existing network elements such as the user plane gateway or access network devices. By combining multicast functionality with existing infrastructure, the patent reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies network deployment while still enabling multicast data transmission capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this disclosure relate to the communications field, and provide a multicast method and apparatus, to transmit multicast data in a wireless network. An example method includes: receiving, by a multicast function network element, multicast data from a multicast source and that includes a multicast address; obtaining, by the multicast function network element based on a preset correspondence, terminal information or connection information that corresponds to the multicast address; and sending, by the multicast function network element, the multicast data to a terminal.