Multicast Mobility in RRC Inactive State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G networks face challenges in enabling multicast data reception by user equipment (UEs) in inactive states and enhancing mobility and state transitions for UEs, particularly in receiving multicast services across different beams and network nodes.
Innovation Solution
A method for multicast mobility in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state, where UEs receive RRC release messages to transition from an RRC connected state to an inactive state, change associations between beams or network nodes, and request updated configuration parameters using layer 1 or layer 2 indications, allowing for inter-beam and intra-network node mobility while maintaining multicast service continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If UEs transition to RRC inactive state to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but multicast data reception capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The network configures multicast reception parameters and beam association information in advance while the UE is in RRC connected state. This preliminary configuration is stored and reused when the UE transitions to inactive state, enabling multicast reception without requiring full connection setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lightweight signaling mechanism using layer 1 or layer 2 indications as intermediaries between the UE and network. These indications allow the UE to request updated multicast configuration while in inactive state without establishing a full RRC connection, bridging the gap between energy saving and service capability.
2Reliability
If UEs maintain RRC connected state to receive multicast data, then multicast data reception is ensured, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic state transitions between RRC connected and inactive states based on multicast service requirements. The UE can switch to inactive state when multicast reception is needed, using pre-configured parameters and lightweight signaling to maintain service continuity without sustained connected state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If UEs change beam association in inactive state for mobility, then mobility support is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different configuration strategies for different mobility scenarios. For intra-cell beam changes, the UE uses pre-configured parameters with simple layer 1/2 indications. For inter-cell mobility, the network provides updated configuration only when needed, reducing overall complexity while maintaining adaptability.
4Reliability
If UEs request updated configuration parameters frequently, then service continuity is maintained, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial action by implementing a threshold-based mechanism where the UE only requests updated configuration parameters when necessary (e.g., when service quality degrades or mobility triggers update). This avoids excessive signaling while maintaining service continuity through selective configuration updates.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of multicast mobility in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state includes receiving, by a user equipment (UE), an RRC release message indicating transitioning of the UE from an RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state and changing, by the UE for receiving multicast data, an association to a beam or a network node from a first beam or a first network node to a second beam or a second network node.