RRC-Inactive UE Cell Reselection for Multicast Continuity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices in RRC_INACTIVE state face challenges in maintaining continuous multicast data reception during cell reselection, as they may switch to cells that do not support the ongoing multicast session, leading to data loss and service interruption.
Innovation Solution
The communication device assesses the suitability of neighboring cells for multicast support before changing cells, delaying or initiating cell reselection based on multicast session availability and signal quality, and performs necessary session setup procedures to minimize service disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the communication device performs cell reselection based on traditional cell selection criteria (signal strength), then the device can maintain good signal quality, but the device may switch to a cell that does not support the ongoing multicast session, leading to service interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE check whether the target cell supports the multicast session before completing the cell reselection. The UE reads system information from the target cell to verify multicast support in advance, and only completes the reselection if the multicast session is available. This prevents service interruption by ensuring the target cell can continue providing the multicast service.
2Reliability
If the communication device delays cell reselection to check for multicast support, then multicast service continuity is maintained, but the device experiences increased setup time and potential data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the UE perform only the necessary checks for multicast support rather than delaying the entire reselection process. The UE reads specific system information blocks (SIB1, SIB2) that contain multicast session information and makes a quick determination. This partial checking approach minimizes the delay while ensuring multicast continuity.
3Reliability
If the communication device performs frequent measurements to ensure multicast session availability, then service continuity is improved, but the device consumes more energy and processing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by having the UE perform measurements and checks at regular intervals defined by DRX cycles rather than continuously. The UE reads system information from the serving cell and neighboring cells at periodic intervals to detect changes in multicast session availability. This periodic approach reduces energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring while maintaining adequate detection of multicast session changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein may relate to a method of operating a communication device of a communications network. The communication device receives a portion of multicast data of a MBS session via a first cell of the communications network while the communication device is in a low power state. The communication device determines that a first trigger for performing a cell change has occurred, and determines that a criterion associated with a second cell is better than a criterion associated with the first cell. The communication device attempts, or does not attempt, the cell change from the first cell to the second cell, taking into account whether MBS is supported by the second cell and/or whether an MBS session is already provided in the second cell.