Multicast/Broadcast Session Control With Timed Resource Retries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively handle multicast/broadcast sessions when radio access network nodes cannot allocate or maintain resources due to resource constraints, leading to session failures or pre-emptions without a clear mechanism for restoration.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multicast/broadcast control element that initiates sessions, handles resource allocation errors, and retries resource requests after a predetermined time, along with mechanisms for suspending and resuming sessions when resources become available.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If RAN nodes pre-empt low priority broadcast sessions due to resource constraints, then resource utilization is improved, but session continuity and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic session management where RAN nodes can transition broadcast sessions between active, suspended, and resumed states based on real-time resource availability. When resources are constrained, sessions are suspended rather than permanently terminated, and can be resumed when resources become available, making the system adaptive to changing conditions while maintaining session continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state parameter of broadcast sessions from binary (active/terminated) to multi-state (active/suspended/resumed). By introducing a suspended state with associated timer mechanisms, the system can temporarily alter session parameters without permanent termination, allowing restoration when resource conditions improve.
2Productivity
If RAN nodes permanently release broadcast sessions when resources are insufficient, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but service availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by suspending sessions before permanent termination. The suspension mechanism prepares the system for potential future resource availability by maintaining session context and triggering retry mechanisms, rather than immediately terminating sessions when resources are constrained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through timers and monitoring systems that continuously assess resource availability. When resources become available again, the system receives feedback about the improved condition and automatically resumes suspended sessions, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing resource conditions.
3Reliability
If broadcast sessions are suspended and resumed based on resource availability, then session restoration capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the session management process into distinct phases: active operation, suspension triggering, timer-based waiting, and resumption. This segmentation allows each phase to be handled by specific mechanisms (resource monitoring, suspension indicators, timers, resumption logic) rather than requiring a completely redesigned complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service through automated timer mechanisms and monitoring systems that independently manage session suspension and resumption without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically detects resource availability changes and restores sessions accordingly, reducing operational complexity despite increased functional capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus of a multicast/broadcast control element is provided, which comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: initiating a multicast/broadcast session by sending a request for allocating resources for the multicast/broadcast session to at least one radio access network node, receiving an error message from at least one radio access network node that the resources cannot be allocated and/or cannot be maintained, and re-sending a request for allocating resources for the multicast/broadcast session to the at least one radio access network node having sent the failure message after elapse of a predetermined time.