Multicast Handover Pre-Configuration for 5G Service Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G networks, there is no effective solution to reduce the multicast service delay caused by handover between base stations, leading to interruptions in service continuity.

Innovation Solution

A communication method where the target access network device receives an identifier from the source network device to determine the transmission mode and sends wireless configuration information to the terminal device before handover, allowing seamless transition and reducing delay by using unicast or multicast modes based on signal measurement and QoS flow information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If wireless configuration information is sent after handover in existing solutions, then the terminal device can receive configuration information, but multicast service delay increases due to handover interruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulticast service delayVSAvoidservice continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the target access network device send wireless configuration information to the terminal device before handover occurs. This allows the terminal device to pre-configure itself for the target network, eliminating service interruption during handover and reducing multicast service delay while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If dedicated broadcast channel is used to send air interface configuration information, then terminal devices can obtain configuration information, but spectrum utilization decreases and terminal device requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidterminal device requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling the unicast channel to serve dual purposes: it continues to provide unicast services while also transmitting air interface configuration information for multicast services. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated broadcast channel, improving spectrum utilization and reducing terminal device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the function of sending multicast configuration information with the existing unicast channel infrastructure. By combining these functions, the system eliminates redundant dedicated broadcast channels, thereby improving spectrum utilization and lowering terminal device requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If handover is performed without pre-configuration, then the handover process is simple, but multicast service interruption occurs during handover

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover process simplicityVSAvoidservice interruption time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the target access network device send wireless configuration information to the terminal device before handover occurs. This allows the terminal device to pre-configure itself for the target network, eliminating service interruption during handover and reducing multicast service delay while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4730867A2Communication method, device, and system
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4730867A2 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4730867A2 patent drawingFigure 1c
  • EP4730867A2 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide a communication method, a device, and a system that are applied to a scenario in which a first terminal device moves from a source access network device to a target access network device, to reduce a multicast service delay caused by handover between access network devices. The communication method includes: The source access network device sends a first identifier to the target access network device, where the first identifier is for identifying a first multicast service. Correspondingly, the target access network device receives the first identifier from the source access network device, and determines a transmission mode for transmitting data of the first multicast service between the target access network device and the first terminal device, where the transmission mode includes a unicast mode or a multicast mode. Then, the target access network device sends wireless configuration information corresponding to the transmission mode to the first terminal device through the source access network device.