An Improved MBMS Power Counting Mechanism towards Long Term Evolution

TitleAn Improved MBMS Power Counting Mechanism towards Long Term Evolution
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsBouras, C, Alexiou, A, Rekkas, E
JournalTelecommunication Systems Journal, Springer Verlang
Volume43
Pagination 109 - 119
KeywordsLTE, MBMS, Power Control
Abstract

One of the key objectives of beyond 3rd generation mobile networks is the realization of enhanced end-user experience through the provision of rich multimedia services. Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Services (MBMS) framework epitomizes the increasing popularity of such applications and is envisaged to play an instrumental role for the Long Term Evolution (LTE) proliferation in mobile market. For exploiting resource efficiency, MBMS specifications consider the Counting Mechanism which decides whether it is more efficient to deliver MBMS multicast traffic over Point-to-Point (PTP) or Point-to-Multipoint (PTM) bearers. However, the necessity to further improve MBMS resource efficiency and integrate new technologies in the frame of LTE stresses the need for an advanced Counting Mechanism. In this work we propose a novel Power Counting Mechanism for efficient selection of MBMS bearers. The proposed mechanism optimally utilizes power resources and exploits broadband characteristics and performance enhancements emerged from Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antennas used in LTE networks.