Abstract: There is provided a method comprising monitoring (100; 300; 400) at least one multicast control channel (MCCH1) based on at least one selection information (sel) characterizing a selection of at least one multicast control channel configuration (conf1) associated with the at least one multicast control SNET channel (MCCH1).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to estimating downlink size for a multicast traffic. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a first device receives downlink control information (DCI) for a multicast traffic. The first device determines field size(s) in the DCI based on one or more parameters which are associated with the field size estimation for the multicast traffic. The first device decodes the DCI based on the determined field sizes(s). In this way, the DCI can be blindly decoded correctly.

Abstract: There is provided a method including receiving multicast data via a multicast transport channel that is associated with a plurality of multicast control channels. At least one multicast control channel configuration of the multicast control channels is associated with at least one location indicator.

Abstract: There is provided a method for a second network node, the method comprising: receiving a message from a first network node configured to provide a multicast-broadcast service, MBS, for a user equipment, UE, the message comprising an MBS identifier identifying the MBS and at least one data flow identifier corresponding to at least one data flow, for providing the MBS, to be offloaded from the first network node to the second network node; determining whether or not a tunnel, between the second network node and a user plane entity, associated with the MBS identifier exists; on the basis of the determining, transmitting, to the first network node, a response message indicating whether or not a new tunnel for the MBS is requested to be established; and utilizing the existing tunnel or said new tunnel requested to be established for providing the MBS.

Abstract: Techniques of transmitting and receiving HARQ feedback for point to multipoint data packets include using two different PUCCHs for providing ACK/NACK feedback to a sequence of point-to-multipoint (PTM) data packets. For example, when a gNB sends PTM data packets (e.g., as part of a subscription) to subscriber UE's, each UE sends ACK/NACK messages in response over a first PUCCH which has a smaller bandwidth than a conventional PUCCH under which full uplink control information (UCI) may be sent. In some implementations, the ACK/NACK messages are a single bit. In response to a NACK message from a UE, the gNB allocates a second PUCCH to the UE. The UE then send additional details to explain the NACK message. In some implementations, the additional details include an identifier of a missing data (e.g., packet m of n).

Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a distributed unit for a distributed access node. The distributed unit maintains, in a memory, information on a configuration of a first radio link control leg for a unicast data radio bearer or a single cell multicast radio bearer for point-to-point transmissions and a configuration of a second radio link control leg for the single cell multicast radio bearer for point-to-multipoint transmissions. The distributed unit receives channel state information and/or hybrid automatic repeat request feedback associated with one of the first and second radio link control legs being active from a terminal device and determines, based thereon, that improved efficiency is enabled if the second radio link control leg is set as active. The distributed unit transmits, to the terminal device, an activation command for activating downlink monitoring and decoding using the group radio network temporary identifier.

Abstract: For a source stream of input data where FEC scheme(s) have been used to create a repair stream, transmitting by a network node packet(s) comprising data of the source stream or the repair stream packaged as at least part of PDU(s). An ARQ or HARQ process is applied to the PDU(s). The network node receives feedback information as part of the process corresponding to the PDU(s), including positive ACK/NACK response for the PDUs. The retransmissions of the negatively acknowledged PDU(s) are controlled when the FEC scheme is known not to be able to compensate for loss(e)s of packet(s) contained in the PDU(s) indicated as being negatively acknowledged. A UE receives packet(s), determines loss(es), and, in response to a determination the FEC scheme is known to be able to recover from the loss(es), sends at least one ACK for any lost packets that correspond to the one or more loss(es).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for multicast services are provided. In a method a resource message is received on a control channel indicating a first search space type and assistance information for the first search space type. It is determined based on the assistance information that a second search space type is to be applied for monitoring of a multicast search space. Monitoring of the multicast search space can be provided according to the second search space type.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for multiplexing NACK-only HARQ feedback. A terminal device in a communication network may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory having computer program code stored thereon. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, with the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to perform: receiving, from a network device, one or more uplink control channel configurations for transmitting HARQ feedback for multicast transmission of one or more services; receiving, from the network device, the multicast transmissions of the one or more services; converting HARQ feedback bits of the HARQ feedback for the multicast transmissions of the one or more services; multiplexing the converted HARQ feedback bits into a multiplexed HARQ feedback; selecting a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource for transmission of the multiplexed HARQ feedback; and transmitting the multiplexed HARQ feedback using the selected PUCCH resource.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided to enable a receiver device monitoring a control channel configured for carrying information indicating transmission types of point-to-multipoint services detect a point-to-multipoint service of interest. The device can further detect an indication of a transmission type associated with the point-to-multipoint service of interest. In response a request can be sent for a configuration enabling reception of the indicated transmission type of the point-to-multipoint service of interest on a point-to-multipoint traffic channel. In the absence of said further detecting, the device can refrain from sending the request for the configuration for reception of the transmission type of the point-to-multipoint service.

Abstract: This disclosure presents solutions for allowing a transmitter of multicast broadcast services (MBS) to select a mapping algorithm for mapping synchronization signal block (SSB) beams to slots with PDCCH monitoring occasions (MOs) of a multicast control channel (MCCH) window duration. The transmitter can be a communication node. In some example embodiments, the transmitter can receive assistance information from one or more UEs and utilize that assistance information to determining the mapping algorithm to utilize. The transmitter can determine whether across MCCH window duration mapping is enabled or disabled. The transmitter can determine the pattern of repetition of SSB beams when there are more slots with PDCCH MOs in the MCCH window duration than there are SSB beams in a set of SSB beams where each SSB beam has at least one UE interested at MBS. The SSB beam mapping can be communicated to MBS receivers, allowing them to optimize operations by listening to their respective appropriate monitoring occasions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method comprising determining an alternative set of random-access resources based at least partly on an estimated number of idle and/or inactive terminal devices, wherein the alternative set of random-access resources comprises at least one or more random-access resources that are not comprised in an initial set of random-access resources indicated by an initial set of configuration parameters at the estimated number of idle and/or inactive terminal devices. A group paging message indicating at least the alternative set of random-access resources and a group identifier is transmitted to the estimated number of idle and/or inactive terminal devices.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product establish at least two redundant protocol data unit sessions to at least one user equipment. The at least two redundant protocol data unit sessions are established based on dual connectivity in a radio access network. The method, apparatus and computer program product collect network status information related to the at least two redundant protocol data unit sessions. The method, apparatus and computer program product configure a set of protocol data unit session switching patterns for the at least two redundant protocol data unit sessions based on the real-time network status information.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: receive a message from at least one user equipment requesting to join a multicasting/broadcasting group; receive data for multicasting/broadcasting from a data network; generate multicasting/broadcasting session information for the data; route the data based on the multicasting/broadcasting session to at least one access point, wherein the access point wirelessly communicates the data to user equipment based on the multicasting/broadcasting session information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method comprising determining an alternative set of random-access resources based at least partly on an estimated number of idle and/or inactive terminal devices, wherein the alternative set of random-access resources comprises at least one or more random-access resources that are not comprised in an initial set of random-access resources indicated by an initial set of configuration parameters at the estimated number of idle and/or inactive terminal devices. A group paging message indicating at least the alternative set of random-access resources and a group identifier is transmitted to the estimated number of idle and/or inactive terminal devices.

Abstract: Network devices and a method for providing a session management function (SMF)-centric multicast and broadcast services (MBS) activation using group paging may include a SMF network device which is caused to receive a MBS activate message, the MBS activate message including a MBS session ID, determine a plurality of deactivated UE devices associated with the MBS session ID, the plurality of deactivated UE devices including idle UE devices, determine at least one AMF network device associated with each of the determined plurality of deactivated UE devices, and transmit an AMF MBS activate message to the AMF network device, the AMF MBS activate message including information related to at least one UE device associated with each of the determined at least one AMF network, the AMF MB S activate message causing the at least one AMF network device to trigger a group paging of the UE device.

Abstract: An apparatus in a network function comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: determine that a protocol data unit session for a user equipment is to be updated to add or modify multicast information; and provide multicast context information associated with said user equipment which causes said user equipment to receive multicast data associated with said multicast context information.

Abstract: There is provided a method for a second network node, the method comprising: receiving a message from a first network node configured to provide a multicast-broadcast service, MBS, for a user equipment, UE, the message comprising an MBS identifier identifying the MB S and at least one data flow identifier corresponding to at least one data flow, for providing the MBS, to be offloaded from the first network node to the second network node; determining whether or not a tunnel, between the second network node and a user plane entity, associated with the MBS identifier exists; on the basis of the determining, transmitting, to the first network node, a response message indicating whether or not a new tunnel for the MBS is requested to be established; and utilizing the existing tunnel or said new tunnel requested to be established for providing the MBS.

Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a distributed unit for a distributed access node. The distributed unit maintains, in a memory, information on a configuration of a first radio link control leg for a unicast data radio bearer or a single cell multicast radio bearer for point-to-point transmissions and a configuration of a second radio link control leg for the single cell multicast radio bearer for point-to-multipoint transmissions. The distributed unit receives channel state information and/or hybrid automatic repeat request feedback associated with one of the first and second radio link control legs being active from a terminal device and determines, based thereon, that improved efficiency is enabled if the second radio link control leg is set as active. The distributed unit transmits, to the terminal device, an activation command for activating downlink monitoring and decoding using the group radio network temporary identifier.

Abstract: Techniques of transmitting and receiving HARQ feedback for point to multipoint data packets include using two different PUCCHs for providing ACK/NACK feedback to a sequence of point-to-multipoint (PTM) data packets. For example, when a gNB sends PTM data packets (e.g., as part of a subscription) to subscriber UE's, each UE sends ACK/NACK messages in response over a first PUCCH which has a smaller bandwidth than a conventional PUCCH under which full uplink control information (UCI) may be sent. In some implementations, the ACK/NACK messages are a single bit. In response to a NACK message from a UE, the gNB allocates a second PUCCH to the UE. The UE then send additional details to explain the NACK message. In some implementations, the additional details include an identifier of a missing data (e.g., packet m of n).