An Effective and Efficient Dynamic eMBMS Multicast Grouping Scheduling Algorithm in MBSFNs for Public Safety Scenarios

Abstract

The LTE (Long-Term Evolution) eMBMS (evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service) technology employed in MBSFNs (Multicast Broadcast Single Frequency Networks) has been shown to be capable of considerably increasing the capacity of serving public safety users under group communication scenarios. However, due to its own limitations, a more fine-tuned scheduling approach is needed in order to fully utilize the strengths of eMBMS multicast. In this work, we first identify and analyze several overlooked challenges for scheduling multicast traffic in MBSFNs. Then we develop an effective and efficient dynamic scheduling algorithm for eMBMS multicast in time and frequency varying channel. The proposed algorithm leverages the advantages of both multicast and unicast schemes via user grouping; and through extensive simulations, is shown to be capable of significantly enhancing the mission critical performances under both best effort and guaranteed bit rate delivery models. We also show the resiliency of our proposed algorithm by applying it onto various network and user deployment scenarios. Our consistent results further prove that LTE eMBMS in MBSFN is a key solution in overcoming limitations in near future public safety networks.

Call Model and Test-Verification Methods for PS-LTE Core Equipment

“…MBSFN areas can be configured up to 256, and each cell can be a component of up to 8 different MBSFN areas. Unicast-based MCPTT group calls should allocate as many bearer resources as the number of terminals, but eMBMS-based MCPTT group calls should allocate as many bearer resources as the number of groups [19,20]. The resource allocation of base stations for eMBMS services can freely switch between unicast and multicast methods, and DSCNs in the format of frequency division duplex can be allocated up to 60% of the resources.…”