Scheduler Resource Allocation for eMBMS Broadcast Channels

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing eMBMS broadcast solutions face inefficiencies in resource scheduling, leading to low utilization of broadcast channel resources due to complex signaling procedures and the need for multiple network elements, which results in unclear execution results and suboptimal resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

A resource scheduling method that involves a scheduler interacting with a program source server and a base station to allocate and manage multimedia broadcast multicast service single frequency network area (MA) resources, simplifying the signaling process and reducing the number of network elements required, while ensuring clear mapping and efficient utilization of air interface broadcast channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple network elements (BM-SC, MBMS-GW, MME, MCE, eNodeB) are used in the resource scheduling procedure, then the broadcast service can be delivered through a standardized network architecture, but the signaling procedure becomes long and complex, reducing resource utilization efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebroadcast service deliveryVSAvoidsignaling procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple network elements (BM-SC, MBMS-GW, MME, MCE) into a single integrated network element that can perform all necessary functions: receiving session start requests, determining resource allocation, and sending resource scheduling messages. This merging eliminates the complex multi-element signaling chain while maintaining reliable broadcast service delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple network elements are involved in resource scheduling, then network functionality is distributed and robust, but the upper-level network element only knows execution results of lower-level elements and not the final execution result, leading to poor resource allocation visibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork functionality distributionVSAvoidexecution result visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the resource determination function from the lower-level network elements and concentrates it in the upper-level network element. This allows the upper-level element to directly determine resource allocation based on complete information about broadcast programs and user equipment, eliminating the information loss that occurs when only execution results are passed up the chain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a detailed multi-element signaling procedure is used, then each network element can perform its specialized function, but the resource scheduling procedure becomes lengthy and resource utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork element specializationVSAvoidresource scheduling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the upper-level network element universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions that were previously distributed across specialized elements: session management, resource determination, scheduling message generation, and direct communication with base stations. This multi-functionality maintains adaptability while dramatically improving scheduling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10440681B2Resource scheduling method, base station, scheduler, program source server, and system
Publication Date: 2019.10.08 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US10440681B2 patent drawing
  • US10440681B2 patent drawing
  • US10440681B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments relate to a resource scheduling method, a base station, a scheduler, a program source server, and a system. A method includes receiving, a session start request message comprising carries an SAI corresponding to a program source from a program source server; sending the session start request message to a base station corresponding to the SAI; receiving a session start response message from the base station; adding the base station to an IP multicast group; sending a resource scheduling message comprising information about a MA resource allocated to the program source to the base station; and receiving a resource scheduling response message from the base station.