KR102170158B1 - Location based mbms service control method and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for controlling an MBMS service provided to a specific location through an LTE system. In the MBMS service system of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently control and manage an MBMS service that is valid only at a specific location. For example, it is possible to more efficiently manage MBMS content that is valid only in a specific cell or a specific cluster (a set of specific cells).

Description

Location-based MBMS broadcasting service control method and apparatus {LOCATION BASED MBMS SERVICE CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS}

The present invention relates to a location-based multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) broadcast service control method and apparatus.

MBMS (Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service) refers to a broadcast service specified in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) of the International Organization for Standardization. In order to provide MBMS, in addition to terminals/base stations/ePCs (MME/GW) constituting the existing LTE (Long Term Evolution) network, BMSC (Broadcast/Multicast Service Center) that manages broadcast content and MCE that manages MBMS control information Additional functional nodes such as (Multi-cell/Multicast Coordination Entity) and MBMS GW (GateWay) that control/manage MBMS traffic are required.

MBMS provides synchronized services to specific areas managed by BMSC. That is, in order for a specific content to become a service with a technology called MBMS, the BM-SC must be able to control it. This means that in order to service broadcasting that is valid only in a specific area (large shopping mall, disaster area, etc.) in real time, all traffic must be transmitted to the BMSC and then serviced again through MBMS GW.

An object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for controlling an MBMS broadcast service provided at a specific location through a mobile communication (eg, LTE) system.

The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

A broadcast service method using a base station according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: receiving an uplink broadcast content from a user terminal and determining a forwarding method according to a broadcast type; And whether the uplink broadcast content is directly mapped to downlink broadcast content and transmitted or the uplink broadcast content is transmitted to a gateway on a network according to the determined forwarding method, so that the downlink broadcast content is transferred to a plurality of base stations through the gateway. Determining whether or not to be transmitted.

In addition, a broadcast service method according to another embodiment of the present invention includes: determining a forwarding method according to a broadcast type at one base station, receiving uplink broadcast content for activating a service in a specific area from a user terminal; And performing downlink transmission through the one base station or a plurality of base stations by mapping the uplink broadcasting content to downlink broadcasting content according to the determined forwarding method, wherein in the downlink transmitting step, the one Directly performing the mapping at a base station of downlink transmission of the downlink broadcast content, or the one base station transmits the uplink broadcast content to a gateway on a network, and the gateway downlink broadcasts the uplink broadcast content It is characterized in that the content is mapped and downlink transmitted through the plurality of base stations.

The broadcast service method is characterized by providing a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) service by using the base station for supporting mobile communication.

Before the step of determining the forwarding scheme, the user terminal transmits a message for bearer establishment to the mobility management entity through the base station using a non-access stratum (NAS) message so that the mobility management entity establishes an uplink bearer. And controlling.

Before the step of determining the forwarding scheme, when the user terminal transmits a message for bearer setup to the base station using a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, the base station includes additional information in the message for bearer setup. And controlling the mobility management entity to set up an uplink bearer by transmitting to the mobility management entity.

The additional information includes an uplink signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) between the user terminal and the base station to be referred to when the mobility management entity sets a quality of service for a broadcast service session. .

Before the step of determining the forwarding scheme, after setting up an uplink bearer in the mobility management entity according to the request of the user terminal, in the mobility management entity, the one base station or the plurality of base stations according to the broadcast type And establishing a session for and transmitting a downlink bearer ID and session information to a corresponding base station or base stations and the gateway.

When the one base station transmits the uplink broadcast content downlink, the one base station performing sequential processing in the PHY-MAC-RLC-PDCP-GTP layer, the uplink in the RLC, PDCP, or GTP layer. The downlink broadcast content is forwarded through a downlink bearer by mapping broadcast content to downlink broadcast content.

When the gateway transmits the uplink broadcast content downlink through a plurality of base stations, the gateway receives the uplink broadcast content in GTP packet format from the one base station, and downlink broadcasts the uplink broadcast content When mapping to content and transmitting it to the plurality of base stations, each base station performs sequential processing of the GTP-PDCP-RLC-MAC-PHY layer on the downlink broadcast content and transmits the downlink broadcast content through a downlink bearer. It is characterized by forwarding.

In the downlink transmitting step, in a proxy server that receives broadcast content processed by the MAC layer of the base station and performs image data processing, when the broadcast type is enb_single, the broadcast content processed with image data is transmitted to the base station. And controlling the base station to forward the downlink broadcast content through a downlink bearer by mapping the uplink broadcast content to downlink broadcast content in the RLC, PDCP, or GTP layer by transmitting to the RLC layer of .

In the proxy server, when the broadcast type is enb_cluster, the broadcast content processed with video data is converted into GTP packets and transmitted to the gateway, and the gateway receives the broadcast content converted into GTP packets, and the uplink The downlink broadcast content can be forwarded through a downlink bearer by mapping broadcast content to downlink broadcast content.

In addition, a broadcasting system according to another embodiment of the present invention includes: at least one base station; And a gateway for broadcasting broadcast content through the base station, and for receiving uplink broadcasting content for activating a service in a specific region from a user terminal, one base station determines a forwarding method according to a broadcast type, According to the determined forwarding scheme, the one base station maps the uplink broadcast content to downlink broadcast content and transmits the downlink, or the one base station transmits the uplink broadcast content to the gateway, and the gateway The uplink broadcast content is mapped to downlink broadcast content, and downlink transmission is performed through a plurality of base stations.

The broadcasting system is characterized by providing a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) service using the base station for supporting mobile communication.

The user terminal can control the mobility management entity to set up an uplink bearer by transmitting a message for bearer setup to the mobility management entity through the base station using a Non Access Stratum (NAS) message.

When the user terminal transmits a message for bearer setup to the base station using a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, the base station includes additional information in the message for bearer setup and transmits it to a mobility management entity to manage the mobility. It is possible to control the entity to set up an uplink bearer.

The additional information includes an uplink signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) between the user terminal and the base station for reference when the mobility management entity sets the quality of service for a broadcast service session. I can.

After setting up an uplink bearer in the mobility management entity according to the request of the user terminal, the mobility management entity establishes a session for the one base station or the plurality of base stations according to the broadcast type, and the corresponding base station Alternatively, a downlink bearer ID and session information may be transmitted to base stations and the gateway.

When the one base station transmits the uplink broadcast content downlink, the one base station performing sequential processing in the PHY-MAC-RLC-PDCP-GTP layer, the uplink in the RLC, PDCP, or GTP layer. The downlink broadcast content can be forwarded through a downlink bearer by mapping broadcast content to downlink broadcast content.

When the gateway transmits the uplink broadcast content downlink through a plurality of base stations, the gateway receives the uplink broadcast content in GTP packet format from the one base station, and downlink broadcasts the uplink broadcast content When mapping to content and transmitting it to the plurality of base stations, each base station performs sequential processing of the GTP-PDCP-RLC-MAC-PHY layer on the downlink broadcast content and transmits the downlink broadcast content through a downlink bearer. Can be forwarded.

A proxy server that receives broadcast content processed by the MAC layer of the base station and performs image data processing, wherein the proxy server, when the broadcast type is enb_single, transmits the broadcast content processed by the image data to the base station. By transmitting to the RLC layer of, the base station can control the RLC, PDCP, or GTP layer to map the uplink broadcast content to downlink broadcast content and forward the downlink broadcast content through a downlink bearer.

When the broadcast type is enb_cluster, the proxy server converts the video data-processed broadcast content into a GTP packet and transmits it to the gateway, the gateway receives the GTP packetized broadcast content, and the uplink The downlink broadcast content can be forwarded through a downlink bearer by mapping broadcast content to downlink broadcast content.

An MBMS broadcast service control method and apparatus using a mobile communication (eg, LTE) system according to an embodiment of the present invention can efficiently control and manage an MBMS service that is only valid at a specific location in a mobile communication (eg, LTE) system. I can. For example, it is possible to more efficiently manage MBMS content that is valid only in a specific cell or a specific cluster (a set of specific cells).

1 is a diagram illustrating a network environment to which an MBMS service system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining an MBMS service system according to embodiments of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart for explaining a subscriber identification procedure in the MBMS service system in the present invention.
4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of a bearer setup procedure in an MBMS service system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart illustrating another method of a bearer setup procedure in an MBMS service system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a diagram for describing a traffic flow according to a broadcast type in the MBMS service system of the present invention.
7 is a diagram for explaining a protocol stack of a base station that processes user data in the MBMS service system of the present invention.
8 is a diagram for explaining an MBMS service through each protocol layer according to a base station configuration in the MBMS service system of the present invention.
9 is a diagram for explaining a concept of providing an MBMS service through a plurality of base stations through an MBMS GW in the MBMS service system of the present invention.
10 is a diagram for explaining a traffic transmission/reception relationship between an MBMS proxy server, an MBMS GW, and a base station in the MBMS service system of the present invention.
11 is a view for explaining an example of an implementation method for the components of the MBMS service system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to elements of each drawing, it should be noted that the same elements are assigned the same numerals as possible even if they are indicated on different drawings. In addition, in describing an embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function obstructs an understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In describing the constituent elements of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, order, or order of the component is not limited by the term. In addition, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in a commonly used dictionary should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related technology, and should not be interpreted as an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless explicitly defined in this application. Does not.

1 is a diagram for explaining a network environment to which an MBMS service system (or device) according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. Although FIG. 1 shows a network environment for sports broadcasting, such a network environment can be similarly applied to other broadcasting contents such as other multimedia contents.

As shown in FIG. 1, for a sports relay broadcast, the on-site camera 20 transmits content (baseball game content data) shot at a baseball stadium 10 to the central broadcasting station 30, and the central broadcasting station 30 corresponds to Content is received and propagated to each local broadcasting station 50 through a repeater 40 or the like. Each local broadcasting station 50 receives the corresponding content and transmits it to a terminal such as a TV (television) set in each home or office.

Meanwhile, in MBMS (Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service) as well, in order for specific contents to be serviced, all contents must be managed by a Broadcast/Multicast Service Center (BMSC) that acts like a broadcasting station. However, from a camera mounted on the equipment of a player participating in a game in a specific area, such as, for example, a shopping center dense area in Seoul, information on a sudden sale, a real-time warning broadcast occurring in a disaster area, or a baseball stadium. It can be said that it is very inefficient to transmit the transmitted content to the BMSC and transmit it to the terminal through the base station again. In addition, various communication modules (LTE, Wifi, etc.) can be used to transmit broadcast content photographed in the field to the network, and it is a very difficult problem to integrate and manage such various methods in the BMSC.

Therefore, in the present invention, broadcast content photographed on-site in real time is transmitted to a mobile communication (eg, LTE) base station as mobile communication (eg, LTE) uplink traffic, and this traffic is transmitted in a mobile communication (eg, LTE) network. We propose a technology for switching to downlink MBMS traffic and serving through a specific area defined by a specific single or multiple base stations.

Hereinafter, while describing the broadcasting system for MBMS, that is, the MBMS service system of the present invention, a multicast service and a broadcast service are not separately described, and transmission/reception of radio signals is performed by multicast or It can be done in a broadcast method.

2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining an MBMS service system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A shows a case where the MCE (Multicast Coordination Entity) 160 is implemented as an independent node, and FIG. 2B shows a case where the MCE 160 is implemented to be included in the base station 170. Except for these differences, the message flow and data flow for MBMS provision in the structures of FIGS. 2A and 2B are the same.

2A and 2B, the MBMS service system for MBMS according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a content provider 110 and a Broadcast/Multicast Service Center (BMSC) on a network. Multicast Service Center)(120), MBMS GW (Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service Gateway, Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service Gateway)(130), PGW(Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway)(140), MME (Mobility Management Entity, mobility management entity) 150, MCE (Multicast Coordination Entity, multicast coordination entity) 160, mobile communication (e.g., LTE) base station (eNB, evolved Node B) 170.

The content provider 110 may provide various broadcast contents photographed on-site, and may provide broadcast contents including various digital multimedia data prepared in advance.

The BMSC 120 manages broadcast content received from the content provider 110 or broadcast content received from the PGW 140 through the Internet.

The MME 150 is the access information of a user terminal accessed through the base station 170 (e.g., a smartphone using mobile communication such as LTE, a wearable device, a wireless terminal such as a tablet PC, a notebook PC, or a wired terminal such as a desktop PC). It manages (eg, IP address, etc.), context (eg, session information, etc.), and controls data transmission of MBMS GW 130 and PGW 140.

The PGW 140 is controlled by the MME 150 and, based on a mobile communication (e.g., LTE) protocol, delivers data received from the Internet to a destination IP address, and data of the user terminal received through the base station 170 Can be transmitted over the Internet.

MBMS GW (130) receives the control (Sm) of the MME (150), and communicates with various base stations 170 through an MI interface (an interface for transmitting and receiving MBMS traffic) for MBMS service, BMSC (120), user terminal MBMS traffic (data required for services such as broadcast content) from (UE) and the like can be broadcast by transmitting through various base stations 170. To this end, the MBMS GW 130 has an MBMS CP (control plane) for overall control according to signals (SGmb/SG-imb) exchanged with the BMSC 120 and MBMS UP ( User plane) may be included.

The MCE 160 performs an integrated management function of radio resources related to the MBMS service. The MCE 160 is controlled by the MME 150 through an M3 interface (an interface for transmitting and receiving MBMS control messages), and may control the base station 170 through an M2 interface (an interface for transmitting and receiving an MBMS control message). As shown in FIG. 2B, when the MCE 160 is included in the base station 170, the M2 interface may be omitted, and the MME 150 transmits and receives an MBMS control message with the base station 170 through the M3 interface. ) To control everything.

Under the control of the MME 150, the base station 170 receives the uplink traffic transmitted from the user terminal when necessary (e.g., broadcastType = enb_cluster) PHY-MAC-RLC-PDCP-GTP layer (Layer ), it can be transmitted to the MBMS GW 130 on the network according to the routing of the Layer 3 Control Plane (L3CP) layer after each sequential processing (refer to FIG. 7). Here, PHY (Physical), MAC (Media Access Control), RLC (Radio Link Control), PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol), GTP (GPRS Tunneling Protocol), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service).

Hereinafter, in the MBMS service system of the present invention, an operation method in which a user terminal accessed through the base station 170 activates the MBMS service only in a specific area through uplink traffic transmission will be described.

<1. Identification procedure for individual broadcasting subscribers>

3 is a flowchart for explaining a subscriber identification procedure in the MBMS service system in the present invention.

A procedure in which a user terminal (UE) accessed through the base station 170 accesses a network to receive a service is referred to as an attach procedure. During the attach procedure, various types of non-access stratum (NAS) messages are transmitted and received between the user equipment (UE) and the MME (150) through the base station 170, and the first message among them is the user equipment (UE). This is an Attach Request message 310 starting from. At this time, the Attach Request message includes a predetermined Global MCE ID (eg, 0x00 01). This is the basis for determining whether a specific user is a user who may activate MBMS through uplink transmission in the MME 150, MCE 160, etc., and billing or service through the MME 150, MCE 160, etc. The Global MCE ID is also required for the approval procedure through confirmation of subscription to MBMS service due to quality problems. Global MCE ID consists of a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID and a 2-byte Multicast Coordination Entity (MCE) ID. Since the PLMN ID is already stored in the universal subscriber identity module (USIM) card of the user terminal (UE), additional configuration of the MCE ID is required.

As shown in [Table 1], in the MME 150 on the network, if the user terminal (UE) is a local MBMS member based on the user's subscription condition, whether the service radius is one base station or one MBMS GW 130 It should be possible to determine whether there are multiple base stations in charge. At this time, N (natural numbers) of Global MCE IDs may be included in the Attach Request message, such as Global MCE ID[N].

Upon receiving the attach request message 310, the MME 150 determines whether the corresponding user terminal (UE) is a terminal capable of MBMS broadcasting through interworking with a Home Subsciber Server (HSS) that stores and manages subscriber information ( Refer to the PLMN ID or Global MCE ID), transmits an Attach Accept message 311 from the MME 150 to the user equipment (UE), but at this time, information on local MBMS membership included in the message (Local MBMS Membership information) ) Is set to true (true) or false (false) and transmitted. During such an attach procedure, the user terminal (UE) receiving the Attach Accept message recognizes that uplink mobile communication (e.g., LTE) traffic generated from itself can be provided to the MBMS when Local MBMS membership is true. .

As shown in [Table 1], the MME 150 sets Local MBMS Membership to true when there is an MCE 160 that has been connected through the M3 interface among the Global MCE IDs included in the received Attach Request message. ), and if there is no Global MCE ID, it is also possible to check whether the corresponding user terminal (UE) is a terminal capable of MBMS broadcasting through subscriber information in the HSS as described above.

In this Attach procedure, by sending an Attach Request message 320 to other user terminals and receiving an Attach Accept message 321, the MBMS service can be activated through uplink data transmission. have.

[Table 1]

<2. Bearer setup procedure for LTE uplink data transmission>

When it is determined whether uplink transmission for MBMS service is possible as shown in FIG. 3, the user terminal (UE) proceeds with a bearer setup procedure for MBMS service on the network. In general, a bearer for transmitting and receiving data or control signals between the UE and the network is set through an Attach procedure in which the UE accesses the network. A bearer for transmitting and receiving user data is called a data bearer, and a bearer set during the attach process is called a default bearer.

Uplink transmission for the MBMS service is also possible through a default bearer, but a separate bearer setup procedure is required to implement the technology described later in the present invention. That is, in the present invention, since there is no method to determine whether data received from a network through a default bearer is data to be used in the MBMS in the future, a new procedure for distinguishing this is proposed. However, in the case of an uplink transmission-only UE for MBMS, it may be used to set a default bearer set in the Attach step as a bearer for MBMS without a separate additional bearer setup procedure.

In general, the additional bearer configuration including the default bearer begins when the user equipment (UE) transmits a NAS message, a PDN Connectivity Request message, to the network. Thereafter, a bearer to the terminal is established through a message transmission/reception procedure in the MME 150 and the base station 170.

In the present invention, the uplink bearer configuration for MBMS is a method of using the same existing PDN Connectivity Request message (see FIG. 4) and a method of using a new message, UL (Up Link) MBMS Information Transfer (information transfer) message ( 5) is proposed.

In order to set up a new bearer through a PDN Connectivity Request or UL MBMS Information Tranfer message, both the UE and the network must include a new APN (Access Point Name) configuration and a processing function for this. In the present invention, it is assumed that an APN (Access Ponit Name) used when setting a bearer for an uplink service is apn_mbms. The bearer configuration procedure and the MBMS configuration procedure may follow the contents specified in the existing 3GPP standard.

<a. PDN Connectivity Request>

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of a bearer setup procedure in an MBMS service system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 4, first, a user terminal (UE) transmits a PDN Connectivity Request message, which is a NAS message, to the network for bearer setup (410).

Accordingly, the MME 150, which has received the PDN Connectivity Request message through the base station 170, first determines whether or not MBMS service through mobile communication (e.g., LTE) uplink traffic is possible in consideration of the current resource situation. If it is determined and is determined to be impossible, a PDN Connectivity Reject message is transmitted to the UE and the procedure is terminated.

On the other hand, if the MBMS service is possible in consideration of the resource situation, etc., the MME 150 checks the information in the HSS to determine whether the user terminal (UE) is a user permitted to transmit uplink data for the MBMS service, and is correct. If the MBMS service is valid only in one base station, it is determined whether the MBMS service is available within a set of a plurality of base stations connected to one MBMS GW 130. Thereafter, when the APN included in the PDN Connectivity Request message is apn_mbms, the MME 150 knows that the corresponding bearer is an uplink bearer for MBMS in all of the MBMS GW 130, MCE 160, and base station 170. The uplink bearer ID (Bearer id = id_mbms_UL) promised in advance is set. The uplink bearer ID (Bearer id = id_mbms_UL) includes an evolved radio access bearer (E_RAB) ID, a data radio bearer (DRB) ID, and a tunnel endpoint ID (GTP TEID).

The MME 150 sets several parameters for bearer allocation corresponding to the bearer ID (Bearer id = id_mbms_UL), and then E_RAB Setup Request to the base station 170 including the bearer ID (Bearer id = id_mbms_UL). The message is transmitted (411). In the case of the Attach process as shown in FIG. 3, the MME 150 may transmit and process an Initial Context Setup Request message.

In the E_RAB Setup Request (or Initial Context Setup Request) message, a parameter for a broadcast type such as broadcastType = {enb_single, enb_cluster} is included, and as shown in [Table 2], this is a bearer ID (Bearer ID) at the base station 170 later. It is possible to determine whether data received through id = id_mbms_UL) is valid only in its own region (enb_single) or is valid in other base stations (enb_cluster). Whether the broadcastType is enb_single or enb_cluster may be determined in advance or may be determined according to predetermined information included in a PDN Connectivity Request message of a user terminal (UE).

After receiving the E_RAB Setup Request (or Initial Context Setup Request) message, the base station 170 sets the contents for each base station internal protocol and then sends the user terminal through the RRC (Radio Resource Control) Connection Reconfiguration message. Notifies configuration information (eg, id_mbms_UL, etc.) for the bearer added as (UE) (420). Accordingly, when the base station 170 receives a response message, that is, an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete (complete) message from the user terminal (UE) (421), a response message to the E_RAB Setup Request (or Initial Context Setup Request) message, that is, , E_RAB Setup Response (or Initial Context Setup Response) is transmitted to the MME 150 (422).

[Table 2]

<b. UL MBMS Information Tranfer>

5 is a flowchart illustrating another method of a bearer setup procedure in an MBMS service system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, in order to activate the MBMS service, a case in which the UE transmits an RRC message, an UL (Up Link) MBMS Information Transfer (information transfer) message, to the base station 170 instead of a NAS message.

5, first, the user terminal (UE) transmits a UL MBMS Information Transfer message to the base station 170 (510). At this time, the UL MBMS Information Transfer message includes information for notifying that it corresponds to the PDN Connectivity Request as shown in [Table 3]. The content of the UL MBMS Information Transfer message is the same as "UL MBMS Information Tranfer = {PDN Connectivity Request}".

The introduction of the UL MBMS Information Transfer message is because a general NAS message cannot be controlled by the base station 170. If it knows what nature the uplink message started from the current UE (UE) is, the base station 170 may set additional information thereto and transmit it to the MME 150.

Therefore, unlike NAS messages that are interpreted only by the UE and the MME 150, such as the PDN Connectivity Request message, the base station 170 receiving the UL MBMS Information Transfer message, which is an RRC message, sends the {PDN Connectivity Request}. It copies and includes the additional information {Uplink SINR} in the content, and transmits it to the MME 150 through an S1AP (base station-MME) Uplink MBMS NAS Transport (NAS transmission) message (511). As shown in [Table 3], the contents of the Uplink MBMS NAS Transport message are as follows: "Uplink MBMS NAS Transport = {PDN Connectivity Request, Uplink SINR}".

Uplink SINR (Signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio, uplink signal-to-interference ratio) refers to an approximate quality of service in a portion for transmitting data between a user terminal (UE) and a base station 170. The base station 170 transmits the Uplink SINR information to the MME 150 for reference when the MME 150 sets QoS (Quality of Service) for a broadcast service session (MBMS session) later.

For example, if the uplink data transmission rate estimated from the Uplink SINR is 10Mb/s, if the MBMS traffic setting is 1Mb/s, the service will not be able to support normally. On the contrary, if the MBMS setting is 100Mb/s, It will lead to inefficiency of resource utilization. Therefore, in the present invention, as a method for efficiently managing MBMS QoS, the base station 170 uses a message indicating the Uplink SINR to the MME 150.

[Table 3]

The process of transmitting the E_RAB Setup Request (or Initial Context Setup Request) message from the MME 150 to the base station 170 is similar to the process 411 of FIG. 4 (512), and the RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete process and the E_RAB Setup Response (or Initial Context Setup Request) message Context Setup Response) process is similar to processes 420 to 422 of FIG. 4 (520 to 522).

<3. MBMS Settings>

2 procedures as above, i.e. <1. Identification procedure for private broadcasting subscribers>, <2. When all messages are normally processed through the bearer setup procedure for LTE uplink data transmission>, after the E_RAB Setup Response (or Initial Context Setup Response) procedure, the MME 150 establishes an MBMS Session (session). The procedure in which the user terminal (UE), the MME 150, the MCE 160, and the base station 170 interwork with each other to establish an MBMS session may follow the content of the 3GPP standard, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. At this time, it is assumed that the downlink bearer ID set by the MME 150 for the MBMS service is id_mbms_DL. For a user terminal (UE) generating uplink traffic, if the broadcastType (broadcast type) is enb_single (one base station), only the corresponding one base station, and if the broadcastType is enb_cluster (base station set), the MCE 160 MBMS Session setup is performed in a plurality of connected base stations (see FIG. 6). In this way, the MME 150 notifies the MBMS GW 130 of a downlink bearer ID (id_mbms_DL) and session information for connection to the base station(s).

<4. Traffic forwarding>

The present invention is a case in which broadcast content generated in a specific area is provided as an MBMS effective only in the corresponding area. In this case, since it is inefficient for broadcast traffic to be transmitted to the BMSC 120, a technology for switching this at the base station 170 or the MBMS GW 130 is proposed. That is, <3. When the MBMS setup> procedure is completed, the MBMS setup procedure is completed, and uplink traffic may be transmitted from the user terminal (UE) to the base station 170. In the present invention, as the base station 170 determines the forwarding method based on the broadcastType, the base station 170 or the MBMS GW 130 converts mobile communication (eg, LTE) uplink traffic to downlink MBMS traffic and transmits it. We propose each forwarding method.

<a. broadcastType: enb_single>

7 is a diagram for explaining a protocol stack of a base station 170 that processes user data in the MBMS service system of the present invention.

When the broadcastType (broadcast type) is enb_single, the MBMS Session is set up only in the corresponding base station 170 connected to the MCE 160 to transmit and receive data between the user terminal (UE) and the base station 170.

As shown in FIG. 7, uplink traffic (broadcast content) transmitted from a user terminal (UE) is transmitted to the MBMS GW 130 on the network through the PHY-MAC-RLC-PDCP-GTP layer. Among them, the PHY layer does not operate based on the bearer ID (id_mbms_UL), so it cannot perform the traffic forwarding function. In the MAC layer or higher protocol, it can be recognized that the corresponding data must be broadcast to the corresponding base station 170 area again through the MBMS bearer (downlink bearer) from the uplink bearer ID (id_mbms_UL) of the data received from the user terminal (UE). have. However, since the RLC layer is the layer where the segmented packets are reassembled to confirm the complete packet, the MAC layer cannot perform the traffic forwarding function like the PHY.

Each layer of RLC, PDCP, and GTP except the PHY layer and the MAC layer can perform a traffic forwarding function. In the present invention, detailed descriptions of headers processed by protocols of each layer are omitted, but a process of processing user traffic is described. In addition, when the traffic forwarding function is performed in the RLC layer, it is assumed that all divided packets are assembled.

When performing the traffic forwarding function in the RLC layer, it is necessary to check not only the uplink bearer ID but also the logical channel identifier. Since data transmitted from the MAC layer is classified and processed by the ID of the logical channel rather than the ID of the data bearer, the fact that the specific logical channel ID is mapped to the specific bearer ID in the RLC layer is the uplink bearer and the MBMS bearer (downlink Link bearer) must be recognized at the time of setting. Also, the logical channel ID used in the MAC layer is also used in advance so that it can be known that it is for MBMS service like the bearer ID.

Each layer of RLC, PDCP, and GTP knows both the bearer ID id_mbms_UL and the MBMS bearer (downlink bearer) id_mbms_DL for the uplink data (notified by the MME), and the above procedures 1. to 3. Accordingly, it is already known that the uplink data (traffic) corresponding to id_mbms_UL should be transmitted as downlink data again through the MBMS bearer (downlink bearer) corresponding to id_mbms_DL and sent down.

8 is a diagram for explaining an MBMS service through each protocol layer according to a base station configuration in the MBMS service system of the present invention.

In FIG. 8, when the broadcastType (broadcast type) is enb_single, the uplink traffic (broadcast content) transmitted from the user terminal (UE) does not need to be transmitted to the BMSC 120 and processed, and the base station 170 It represents a case in which the MBMS service function is performed in one layer of RLC, PDCP, and GTP according to the information and re-service (broadcast/multicast) is performed directly within the corresponding base station 170.

For example, when receiving uplink traffic (broadcast content) from a user terminal (UE) through an uplink bearer id_mbms_UL, such as 810, the base station 170 performs the MBMS service function in the RLC layer according to the session information Mapping to link traffic (broadcasting content), and broadcasting/multicasting the corresponding downlink traffic (broadcasting content) through the MAC-PHY layer sequentially through the MBMS bearer (downlink bearer) id_mbms_DL so that other terminals can view it. can do.

In this way, in the process of mapping uplink traffic (broadcast content) to an MBMS bearer (downlink bearer), the base station 170 can map a downlink channel to a mobile communication (e.g., LTE) PMCH (Physical Multicast Channel). However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be mapped to a downlink channel to a mobile communication (eg, LTE) Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH). Although the channels to be mapped are physically different, the logical concept and procedure are the same.

Likewise, as shown in 821 and 830, the base station 170 broadcasts/multicasts the uplink traffic (broadcast content) to the PMCH channel or the PDSCH channel by downlink mapping even in the PDCP or GTP layer according to the session information. You can make it viewable.

<b. broadcastType: enb_cluster>

In the MBMS service of the present invention, a synchronization protocol (refer to the 3GPP standard) between the BMSC 120 and the base station 170 is required in order to synchronize between each base station. In the MBMS service of the present invention, such a sync protocol is installed in the MBMS GW 130.

When the broadcastType is enb_single, since MBMS is provided only to one base station 170 to which a user terminal (UE) transmitting uplink traffic belongs, traffic forwarding is performed at a specific layer of the base station 170 as shown in FIG. .

On the other hand, when the broadcastType is enb_cluster, the uplink traffic is transmitted to the MBMS GW 130 so that the MBMS service can be provided through a plurality of base stations (including base stations that transmit uplink traffic).

9 is a diagram for explaining the concept of providing an MBMS service through a plurality of base stations 170 through the MBMS GW 130 in the MBMS service system of the present invention.

The conventional gateway was able to transmit traffic only to the base station, but in the MBMS service system of the present invention, the MBMS GW 130 can transmit traffic (broadcast content) to the base station 170 as well as traffic from the base station 170 ( Broadcast content).

For this, as described above, the uplink bearer ID (Bearer id = id_mbms_UL) includes a GTP (UL) TEID (Tunnel Endpoint ID). In the uplink bearer, uplink traffic (broadcast content) transmitted by the user terminal (UE) may include an uplink bearer ID (eg, id_mbms_UL, TEID, etc.). The base station 170 receiving the uplink traffic (broadcast content), when the broadcastType is enb_cluster, refers to the TEID and sequentially processes the PHY-MAC-RLC-PDCP-GTP layer and makes GTP packetization (e.g., IP (Internet Protocol ) In addition to the address, a new identifier according to the protocol is added) and the packet is delivered to the MBMS GW 130 instead of the PGW 140. According to the session information as described above, the MBMS GW 130 performs an MBMS service function to map downlink traffic (broadcast content), and the corresponding downlink traffic (broadcast content) through the MBMS bearer (downlink bearer) id_mbms_DL. ), the corresponding traffic is simultaneously transmitted to a plurality of base stations. A plurality of base stations perform sequential processing of the corresponding downlink traffic (broadcast content) in the GTP-PDCP-RLC-MAC-PHY layer, and broadcast/multicast through the MBMS bearer (downlink bearer) id_mbms_DL to be viewed by other terminals. You can make it possible.

<c. MBMS proxy server>

Broadcast content generally means a real-time video streaming service. In order to receive and play video data in a mobile communication (eg, LTE) terminal, there are cases where special techniques such as compression/decompression of video are required (eg, video data interpretation through a specific codec). The base station 170 may include an MBMS proxy server 171 for performing and controlling special processing such as compression/decompression of image data. In some cases, the MBMS proxy server 171 may be located on a network outside the base station 170. Hereinafter, a case where the MBMS proxy server 171 is installed inside the base station 170 will be described, but it may operate similarly even when installed outside the MBMS proxy server 171

10 is a diagram for explaining a traffic transmission/reception relationship between the MBMS proxy server 171, the MBMS GW 130, and the base station 170 in the MBMS service system of the present invention.

The MBMS proxy server 171 not only performs various physical processes such as compression/decompression of image data, but also the above <4. The traffic forwarding function mentioned in a/b of the traffic forwarding> section can be performed. The MBMS proxy server 171 shares bearer-related information such as id_mbms_UL and id_mbms_DL through internal operation of the base station 170.

That is, the MBMS proxy server 171 is the above <a. broadcastType: As in enb_single>, an interface with MAC/RLC is provided to perform traffic forwarding functions (uplink traffic (broadcast content) to downlink mapping, etc.) in each layer of RLC, PDCP, and GTP. , PDCP, may further have an interface with GTP.

In addition, MBMS proxy server 171 above <b. broadcastType: In order to perform traffic forwarding (uplink traffic (broadcast content) to downlink mapping, etc.) to MBMS GW 130 when broadcastType is enb_cluster as in >, it has an interface with MBMS GW 130 .

For example, for uplink traffic (broadcast content), after processing at the MAC layer where the base station 170 can first check the bearer ID, the base station 170 unconditionally transmits the corresponding traffic to the MBMS proxy server 171 I can.

Thereafter, the MBMS proxy server 171, which received the traffic processed by the MAC layer of the base station 170, primarily processes the video data of the traffic according to the transmission/reception standard, and when the broadcastType is enb_single, the processed uplink traffic ( Broadcast content) to the RLC layer of the base station 170 to be broadcast/multicast through the MAC-PHY layer (1010). In some cases, after the RLC-PDCP-GTP layer is sequentially processed, the lower link can be transmitted through the processing of the GTP-PDCP-RLC-MAC-PHY layer (see FIG. 8).

Alternatively, if the broadcastType is enb_cluster, the MBMS proxy server 171 receiving the traffic processed in the MAC layer of the base station 170 primarily processes the video data of the traffic according to the transmission/reception standard, and sends the processed traffic to the MBMS. For example, GTP packetization may be performed and transmitted to the MBMS GW 130 (1020). Accordingly, the MBMS GW 130 performs the MBMS service function on the GTP packet according to the session information as described above to map it to downlink traffic (broadcast content), and corresponds to the MBMS bearer (downlink bearer) through id_mbms_DL. Downlink traffic (broadcast content) can be simultaneously transmitted to a plurality of base stations (see FIG. 9).

11 is a view for explaining an example of an implementation method for the components of the MBMS service system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Content provider 110, BMSC 120, MBMS GW 130, PGW 140, MME 150, MCE 160, base station 170 of the MBMS service system according to an embodiment of the present invention, The MBMS proxy server 171 and the like may be formed of hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, components of the MBMS service system according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented by the computing system 1000 as shown in FIG. 11.

The computing system 1000 includes at least one processor 1100, a memory 1300, a user interface input device 1400, a user interface output device 1500, a storage 1600, and a network connected through the bus 1200. An interface 1700 may be included. The processor 1100 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a semiconductor device that processes instructions stored in the memory 1300 and/or the storage 1600. The memory 1300 and the storage 1600 may include various types of volatile or nonvolatile storage media. For example, the memory 1300 may include a read only memory (ROM) 1310 and a random access memory (RAM) 1320.

Accordingly, the steps of the method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be directly implemented in hardware executed by the processor 1100, a software module, or a combination of the two. Software modules reside in storage media (i.e., memory 1300 and/or storage 1600) such as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM. You may. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor 1100, which is capable of reading information from and writing information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integral with the processor 1100. The processor and storage media may reside within an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC may reside within the user terminal. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium may reside as separate components within the user terminal.

As described above, in the method and apparatus for controlling a mobile communication (eg, LTE) MBMS service according to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently control and manage an MBMS service that is valid only at a specific location in the MBMS service system. For example, it is possible to more efficiently manage MBMS content that is valid only in a specific cell (base station) or a specific cluster (a set of specific cells).

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. For example, LTE has been described as an example of mobile communication above, but this is only an example, and may be similarly applied to MBMS services based on various wireless communication fields instead of LTE.

Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but to explain the technical idea, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

Contents Provider(110)
Broadcast/Multicast Service Center (BMSC)(120)
MBMS GW (Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service Gateway)(130)
PGW (Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway)(140)
MME (Mobility Management Entity, Mobility Management Entity) 150
MCE (Multicast Coordination Entity) (160)
Base station (eNB, evolved Node B) 170
MBMS Proxy Server(171)

Claims (20)

As a method of providing a local multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) in which content of an uplink UE is broadcast to a plurality of user equipments (UEs) located in a predetermined area according to a base station delivery method. ,
A radio resource control (RRC) message including a packet data network (PDN) connection request for setting an uplink bearer in which the content is transmitted from the uplink UE to the base station is transmitted to the uplink UE Receiving from,
Transmitting an uplink MBMS message including information on the quality of service of the local MBMS and the PDN connection request to a core network,
Setting the uplink bearer between the uplink UE and the base station based on a radio access bearer (RAB) setup request message including broadcast type information of the content, received from the core network, And
Broadcasting the content received from the uplink UE through the uplink bearer to the plurality of UEs located in the predetermined area based on the broadcast type information without delivering the content to the core network
Local MBMS providing method comprising a. In claim 1,
The information on the quality of service of the local MBMS is uplink signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) information for estimating an uplink transmission rate of the content. delete delete In claim 1,
The content is not delivered to the core network, and the content received from the uplink UE through the uplink bearer is broadcast to the plurality of UEs located in the predetermined area based on the broadcast type information,
Mapping the content to downlink broadcast content in a radio link control (RLC) layer, and
Broadcasting the downlink broadcast content in the predetermined area through a downlink bearer between the base station and the plurality of UEs
Including, a method of providing a local MBMS. In claim 1,
The content is not delivered to the core network, and the content received from the uplink UE through the uplink bearer is broadcast to the plurality of UEs located in the predetermined area based on the broadcast type information,
Mapping the content to downlink broadcast content in a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and
Broadcasting the downlink broadcast content in the predetermined area through a downlink bearer between the base station and the plurality of UEs
Including, a method of providing a local MBMS. In claim 1,
The content is not delivered to the core network, and the content received from the uplink UE through the uplink bearer is broadcast to the plurality of UEs located in the predetermined area based on the broadcast type information,
Mapping the content to downlink broadcast content in a GPRS tunneling protocol (GTP) layer, and
Broadcasting the downlink broadcast content in the predetermined area through a downlink bearer between the base station and the plurality of UEs
Including, a method of providing a local MBMS. In claim 1,
The content is not delivered to the core network, and the content received from the uplink UE through the uplink bearer is broadcast to the plurality of UEs located in the predetermined area based on the broadcast type information,
When the broadcast type information indicates to broadcast the content through the cluster of the base station, delivering the content to an MBMS gateway so that the content can be broadcast from the cluster of the base station
Including, a method of providing a local MBMS. As a base station that provides a local multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) in which contents of an uplink UE are broadcast to a plurality of user equipments (UEs) located in a predetermined area according to the base station delivery method. ,
A processor, a memory, and a network interface, wherein the processor executes a program stored in the memory,
A radio resource control (RRC) message including a packet data network (PDN) connection request for setting an uplink bearer in which the content is transmitted from the uplink UE to the base station is transmitted to the uplink UE Receiving from,
Transmitting an uplink MBMS message including information on the quality of service of the local MBMS and the PDN connection request to a core network,
Setting the uplink bearer between the uplink UE and the base station based on a radio access bearer (RAB) setup request message including broadcast type information of the content, received from the core network, And
Broadcasting the content received from the uplink UE through the uplink bearer to the plurality of UEs located in the predetermined area based on the broadcast type information without delivering the content to the core network
To perform, the base station. In claim 9,
The content is not delivered to the core network, and the content received from the uplink UE through the uplink bearer is broadcast to the plurality of UEs located in the predetermined area based on the broadcast type information. When doing, the base station executes the program,
Mapping the content to downlink broadcast content in a radio link control (RLC) layer, and
Broadcasting the downlink broadcast content in the predetermined area through a downlink bearer between the base station and the plurality of UEs
To perform, the base station. In claim 9,
The content is not delivered to the core network, and the content received from the uplink UE through the uplink bearer is broadcast to the plurality of UEs located in the predetermined area based on the broadcast type information. When doing, the base station executes the program,
Mapping the content to downlink broadcast content in a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and
Broadcasting the downlink broadcast content in the predetermined area through a downlink bearer between the base station and the plurality of UEs
To perform, the base station. In claim 9,
The content is not delivered to the core network, and the content received from the uplink UE through the uplink bearer is broadcast to the plurality of UEs located in the predetermined area based on the broadcast type information. When doing, the base station executes the program,
Mapping the content to downlink broadcast content in a GPRS tunneling protocol (GTP) layer, and
Broadcasting the downlink broadcast content in the predetermined area through a downlink bearer between the base station and the plurality of UEs
To perform, the base station. In claim 9,
The content is not delivered to the core network, and the content received from the uplink UE through the uplink bearer is broadcast to the plurality of UEs located in the predetermined area based on the broadcast type information. When doing, the base station executes the program,
When the broadcast type information indicates to broadcast the content through the cluster of the base station, delivering the content to an MBMS gateway so that the content can be broadcast from the cluster of the base station
To perform, the base station. In claim 9,
The information on the quality of service of the local MBMS is uplink signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) information for estimating an uplink transmission rate of the content. delete delete delete delete delete delete

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