Multicast Group Message Delivery in 4G LTE Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current group messaging services in 4G LTE networks face inefficiencies due to the need to transmit separate copies of messages to multiple UEs, leading to latency, reduced quality of service, increased network traffic, and resource wastage, especially when messaging large groups.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a single group message is transmitted to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device using multicast technique, which then distributes it to a set of UEs, eliminating the need for individual message transmission and optimizing resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate copies of group messages are transmitted to multiple UEs using unicast technique, then each UE receives the message individually, but network latency increases, quality of service deteriorates, and network traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual message transmissions into a single multicast transmission. The AMF device receives one group message and uses multicast to simultaneously deliver it to multiple UEs, merging what would otherwise be separate unicast transmissions. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable delivery to all UEs while eliminating the time loss associated with sequential unicast transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The AMF device is enhanced to perform both unicast and multicast functions. It can operate in unicast mode for individual message delivery and multicast mode for group message delivery, making it a universal message distribution point. This multi-functionality allows the system to choose the optimal transmission method based on the message type, improving efficiency without sacrificing reliability.
2Reliability
If separate copies of group messages are transmitted to multiple UEs, then all UEs receive the message, but network traffic increases and resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple duplicate message copies into a single transmission stream. Instead of sending separate copies over the network to each UE, the AMF device creates one multicast stream that all target UEs receive simultaneously. This maintains complete message delivery to all UEs while dramatically reducing the quantity of network traffic from O(N) individual transmissions to O(1) multicast transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses efficient copying at the network level rather than at the application level. The AMF device receives one original message and creates multiple logical copies for distribution via multicast, but these copies are generated and transmitted efficiently at the network protocol level rather than being sent as separate physical transmissions. This reduces actual network traffic while ensuring each UE receives a complete copy.
3Reliability
If separate copies of group messages are transmitted to multiple UEs, then message delivery is achieved, but processing resources and memory resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the processing workload for group message distribution into a single point at the AMF device. Instead of having multiple network elements each process and forward separate message copies, the AMF device performs the subscription management, message routing, and distribution logic in one place. This consolidates resource usage while ensuring reliable delivery, improving overall system productivity by eliminating redundant processing at multiple nodes.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may obtain, for an account associated with a user equipment (UE) that is connected to a network, subscriber profile data that includes a group identifier for a messaging group for UEs that are eligible to utilize a group messaging service. The device may update a data structure to associate the group identifier and a UE identifier for the UE, wherein the data structure also associates the group identifier and other UE identifiers for other UEs of the messaging group. The device may receive, based on being subscribed to the group messaging service, group message data for a group message. The device may select the UE and the one or more other UEs as target recipients of the group message and may provide, using multicast, the contents of the group message to the UE and the one or more other UEs.