RAN Paging for Multicast Broadcast Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently performing paging for multicast and broadcast services, particularly in transitioning UEs from RRC_IDLE to RRC_CONNECTED state for Multicast/Broadcast services, requiring effective signaling between the Central Unit (CU) and Distributed Unit (DU) of a RAN node.
Innovation Solution
A method where the DU of a RAN node receives a service identity for Multicast and/or Broadcast services from the CU and transmits it to multiple UEs in CM-IDLE state, allowing them to join the MB session, and forwards RRC messages to the CU for session management, enabling efficient paging and state transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paging for multicast and broadcast services is performed in current wireless communication systems, then UEs can be notified to transition from RRC_IDLE to RRC_CONNECTED state, but signaling complexity between CU and DU increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RAN node is segmented into CU and DU units with distinct functional responsibilities. The CU handles high-level control functions including paging message generation and service management, while the DU handles physical layer operations and direct UE communication. This segmentation allows paging signaling to be distributed appropriately, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable service delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The CU acts as an intermediary between the core network and the DU for paging operations. It receives paging indications from the core network, processes them into appropriate RRC messages, and forwards them to the DU for transmission to UEs. This intermediary role simplifies the interface between network elements and reduces signaling complexity at the DU level.
2Productivity
If service identity is transmitted to multiple UEs in CM-IDLE state, then paging efficiency is improved, but message transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The service identity information for multiple multicast and broadcast services is merged into a single RRC message that is transmitted to multiple UEs in CM-IDLE state. This consolidation approach improves paging efficiency by notifying multiple UEs simultaneously while reducing the total message transmission overhead compared to sending separate messages to each UE.
Solution Approach 2:
The RRC message structure is designed with universal applicability to handle multiple services and multiple UEs simultaneously. The message can carry service identity information that applies to multiple UEs in CM-IDLE state, enabling a single transmission to serve multiple paging purposes and reducing overall signaling overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for paging for multicast and broadcast service in a wireless communication system is provided. A Distributed Unit (DU) of a Radio Access Network (RAN) node may receive, from a central unit (CU) of the RAN node, a service identity for a Multicast and/or Broadcast (MB) service. A MB session may be set for the MB service. A DU of a RAN node may transmit, to multiple User Equipments (UEs) in Connection Management (CM)-IDLE state, the service identity of the MB service. The multiple UEs may have joined to the MB session. A DU of a RAN node may receive, from at least one UE among the multiple UEs, an RRC message to request the MB service. A DU of a RAN node may forward the RRC message to the CU of the RAN node.