Multicast Session Setup With CU-Mediated MBS QoS Flow Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The unclear specification of which NGAP message the core network should utilize for multicast session context establishment in 5G NR systems, leading to insufficient information for base stations to properly configure multicast services.
Innovation Solution
A central unit (CU) of a distributed base station receives or retrieves MBS quality of service (QoS) flow configurations from the core network before configuring a distributed unit (DU) during multicast session establishment, ensuring proper configuration of MBS QoS flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the core network sends NGAP messages to trigger multicast session context establishment, then the multicast session can be established, but the existing NGAP messages do not convey sufficient information for the base station to properly configure the MBS session
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the CU obtain MBS QoS flow configurations from the core network or memory before the DU is configured during multicast session establishment. This ensures that all necessary configuration information is prepared in advance, eliminating information gaps in the NGAP message exchange and enabling the DU to be properly configured with complete MBS session parameters.
2Reliability
If the CU obtains MBS QoS flow configurations before configuring the DU, then the DU can be properly configured with sufficient information, but this requires additional message exchange and coordination between CU and core network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by obtaining MBS QoS flow configurations before DU configuration, ensuring reliability of complete configuration information. Simultaneously, it uses parallel processing by having the CU retrieve configurations from pre-stored data or receive them from the core network while other setup procedures occur, minimizing the time penalty through efficient coordination rather than sequential waiting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the CU to retrieve MBS QoS flow configurations from pre-stored data in memory when available, rather than always requiring core network message exchange. This autonomous retrieval mechanism reduces dependency on external message passing, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining configuration completeness through locally cached information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing NGAP messages are used for multicast session activation, then message compatibility is maintained, but the messages lack the necessary fields to convey MBS session configuration information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the CU obtain complete MBS QoS flow configurations from the core network or pre-stored data before the DU configuration phase. This ensures that even though existing NGAP message structures are used for compatibility, the necessary MBS configuration information is captured in advance and made available when needed, preventing information loss despite message structure limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the CU as a mediator between the core network and the DU. The CU receives or retrieves MBS QoS flow configurations from the core network or memory, processes and stores this information, then provides it to the DU during configuration. This intermediary role allows existing NGAP messages to maintain compatibility while ensuring complete MBS configuration information is conveyed through the CU's internal data handling and forwarding mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A central unit (CU) of a distributed base station transmits, to a core network (CN), a distribution setup request message: receives, from the CN, a distribution setup response message including a first MBS QoS flow configuration; and transmits, to a distributed unit (DU) of the distributed base station, a multicast context setup request message including a second MBS QOS flow configuration based on the first MBS QoS flow configuration, to establish a multicast context for an MBS session.