A Multicast Approach for UMTS: A Performance Study

Abstract

Abstract. In this paper, a multicast scheme for UMTS which only requires insignificant modifications in the current UMTS network infrastructure is analyzed. We analytically present the multicast routing mechanism behind our scheme as well as the multicast group management functionality of it. Furthermore, we present an evaluation of our scheme in terms of its performance. The critical parameters for the evaluation of the scheme are the number of multicast users within the multicast group, the amount of data sent to the multicast users, the density of the multicast users within the cells and the type of transport channel used for the transmission of the multicast data over the air.

Supporting Group Communication in WCDMA Networks

“…The main difference between the Dedicated and Common resources is that FACH does not allow the use of fast power control. In particular, as presented in [13] the MBMS service can take significant portion of the sector power if FACH is used to carry the MBMS traffic. As a Common Channel (FACH) needs to be received by all the UEs in the cell, also those near the cell's border, it requires more radio resources (power) than a DCH.…”

“…Furthermore, we propose methods that may reduce the packet delivery cost of the multicast data and improve the performance of the delivery scheme. A preliminary version of this paper has been presented in [13] as a poster.…”