Network Node Dynamic Unicast Multicast Bearer Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks face inefficiencies in handling unicast and multicast traffic due to limited information about network conditions and user equipment mobility, leading to unnecessary resource consumption and potential service disruptions when switching between unicast and broadcast/multicast delivery modes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow network nodes to receive context information from control plane functions to dynamically select between unicast and multicast radio bearers based on mobility, session, and network conditions, enabling efficient delivery of unicast content data over a communications network by instructing radio access network nodes to establish appropriate bearers for content distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If unicast subsystem is used to deliver content to multiple UEs, then each UE receives dedicated content delivery, but network bandwidth consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection between unicast and multicast/broadcast delivery modes based on real-time context information including number of UEs, mobility patterns, and network conditions. This allows the system to adaptively switch delivery mechanisms rather than statically committing to one approach, optimizing resource usage while maintaining service reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes delivery parameters (unicast vs multicast/broadcast mode) based on contextual parameters such as UE count thresholds, mobility states, and network load conditions. This parameter-based decision-making enables efficient resource allocation by selecting the appropriate delivery mode for each specific scenario
2Loss of energy
If multicast subsystem is used for content delivery, then network resource efficiency improves, but service continuity may be disrupted during mode switching
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of context information and pre-determines the optimal delivery mode before actual content delivery begins. This advance planning allows for smooth transitions between unicast and multicast/broadcast modes without disrupting ongoing services, as the switching decisions are made based on predicted rather than reactive conditions
3Device complexity
If content provider selects delivery mode without context information, then system complexity is reduced, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network node as an intermediary between the content provider and the delivery subsystems. This intermediary collects context information, evaluates delivery conditions, and makes intelligent routing decisions, thereby relieving the content provider of complex decision-making while optimizing resource allocation through informed selection of unicast or multicast/broadcast modes
Data Source
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AI summary
The delivery of streaming content to User Equipment (UE) connected to a wireless communication network supports a decision between unicast and broadcast/multicast delivery systems to be made using information associated with the RN (s) serving the UEs. In serving areas associated with a limited number of UEs, the streaming content can be delivered using a series of unicast transmissions, while in other areas where there are a sufficient number of UEs receiving the same content, a broadcast/multicast delivery service can be employed. The RN can switch between the unicast and broadcast/multicast delivery services based on changing demands and situations.