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

Siyuan Feng,Hyeong-Ah Choi,Chunmei Liu,Chen Shen,Richard A Rouil

doi:10.1109/access.2020.3000251

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.

Highlights

In public safety scenarios, significant amount of massive mission-critical group traffic is expected among First Responders (FRs) [1]
WORK In this work, we developed an effective and efficient dynamic eMBMS Multicast grouping scheduling algorithm in MBSFNs for public safety scenarios
The dynamic multicast grouping scheduling (DMGS) algorithm leverages the advantages of both multicast and unicast traffic; and is shown to be capable of significantly enhancing the mission critical capacity and coverage performances for the deployed FRs

Summary

Introduction

Significant amount of massive mission-critical group traffic is expected among First Responders (FRs) [1] Due to this fact, the LTE (Long-Term Evolution) eMBMS (evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service) technology is considered to be a prominent solution over the point-to-point unicast scheme for enhancing the capacity, coverage, and resilience of Public Safety Networks (PSNs). Chronized and coordinated eNBs (evolved-NodeBs) in the MBSFN area are to broadcast the exact same content at the exact same time over shared resources In this way, the traditionally destructive Inter-Cell Interference (ICI) becomes constructive Multi-path factors for UEs (user equipment) within the MBSFN area (denoted as MBSFN UEs). UEs who can successfully combine these eMBMS multicast signals will benefit from the diversity, and will attain higher SINRs (Signal-to-Interference-and-NoiseRatios), i.e., the MBSFN gain, especially those at sector/cell edges

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