Dynamic Unicast Multicast Channel Selection in 5G NG-RAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multicasting techniques in wireless communication systems are unable to seamlessly select unicast/multicast transport channels, leading to limited capacity under unfavorable radio conditions, and lack dynamic management of radio bearers in NG-RAN architectures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic selection process for unicast and multicast transport channels in NG-RAN, allowing for efficient transmission of multicast data by determining the appropriate transport channels based on user equipment feedback and radio conditions, using a switching function that operates below the PDCP layer and above the RLC layer, and configuring RLC entities and logical channels for efficient data delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current multicasting techniques are used with fixed transport channel selection, then system complexity is reduced, but system capacity is limited under unfavorable radio conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection between unicast and multicast transport channels based on real-time radio conditions and UE feedback. The RAN dynamically determines whether to use multicast or unicast channels for each UE, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and maximize capacity while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes feedback from UEs regarding their radio conditions and reception status to dynamically adjust transport channel selection. This feedback mechanism enables the RAN to make informed decisions about whether to switch between multicast and unicast modes, optimizing system capacity without requiring complex manual configuration.
2Loss of energy
If multicast transport channels are used for all user equipment, then network resource consumption is reduced, but power consumption increases for user equipment in poor radio conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different transport channel strategies to different UEs based on their local radio conditions. UEs with good radio conditions receive multicast data efficiently, while UEs in poor conditions are switched to unicast mode. This localized adaptation ensures that each UE uses energy appropriately for its specific situation, reducing overall network resource consumption while preventing excessive power consumption at individual devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transport channel parameter (multicast vs. unicast) based on UE-specific conditions such as radio quality and reception capability. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize the balance between network resource efficiency and individual UE power consumption, switching to unicast only when necessary for UEs in challenging radio environments.
3Productivity
If seamless selection of unicast/multicast transport channels is implemented, then system capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated self-service mechanisms where the RAN autonomously monitors radio conditions, receives UE feedback, and makes real-time decisions about transport channel selection. This self-service approach enables seamless switching between unicast and multicast modes to maximize system capacity while minimizing the complexity burden on individual devices, as the coordination is handled automatically by the network infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with some embodiments, a method may include receiving, by a first network entity, at least one user equipment context modification request from a second network entity. The method may further include configuring, by the first network entity, at least one of one or more unicast channels and one or more multicast channels. The method may further include receiving, by the first network entity, multicast data. The method may further include selecting, by the first network entity, at least one of one or more multicast channels and one or more unicast channels to transmit multicast data.