What are the best practices and standards for designing and deploying eMBMS services and applications?

1 eMBMS architecture

eMBMS uses a multicast-broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) to transmit data over the air interface. This means that multiple base stations use the same frequency and time slot to send the same content to multiple users, reducing interference and increasing spectral efficiency. The eMBMS architecture consists of three main components: the BM-SC (Broadcast Multicast Service Center), the MBMS-GW (MBMS Gateway), and the eNB (evolved Node B).

2 eMBMS standards

eMBMS is based on a set of standards defined by 3GPP, the organization that develops specifications for 4G networks. The main standards that define eMBMS are: TS 23.246, which specifies the service requirements and architecture; TS 36.300, which specifies the radio access network aspects; TS 36.443, which specifies the interface between the MBMS-GW and the eNB; and TS 26.346, which specifies the media formats and codecs.

3 eMBMS service types

eMBMS can support two types of services: broadcast and multicast. Broadcast services are delivered to all users in the coverage area, regardless of whether they have subscribed or not. Multicast services are delivered only to users who have subscribed and are within the coverage area. Broadcast services are suitable for mass-market applications, such as live TV or public safety alerts. Multicast services are suitable for niche applications, such as group chat or interactive gaming.

4 eMBMS service design

To design an eMBMS service, several aspects need to be considered, such as the service area, the service duration, the service content, the service delivery mode, and the service quality. The service area defines the geographic scope of the service, and can be defined by a list of cells or a polygon. The service duration defines the start and end time of the service, and can be fixed or flexible. The service content defines the type and format of the media that is delivered, and can be static or dynamic. The service delivery mode defines whether the service is broadcast or multicast, and whether it is scheduled or on-demand. The service quality defines the level of reliability, availability, and performance of the service, and can be influenced by factors such as modulation, coding, transmission rate, and error correction.

5 eMBMS service deployment

To deploy an eMBMS service, several steps need to be followed, such as the service provisioning, the service announcement, the service activation, the service delivery, and the service deactivation. The service provisioning involves registering the service with the BM-SC and configuring the parameters of the service. The service announcement involves notifying the users about the availability and characteristics of the service. The service activation involves establishing the connection between the BM-SC, the MBMS-GW, and the eNB, and allocating the radio resources for the service. The service delivery involves transmitting the content from the BM-SC to the MBMS-GW, and from the MBMS-GW to the eNB, and from the eNB to the users. The service deactivation involves releasing the connection and the radio resources for the service.

6 eMBMS applications

eMBMS can enable a variety of applications that can benefit from efficient and scalable content delivery, such as live TV streaming, video on demand, emergency alerts, and group communication. Live TV streaming allows high-quality video to be delivered to a large number of users without congesting the network. Video on demand allows users to request specific content without requiring individual unicast sessions or buffering delays. Emergency alerts provide timely information to users in case of disasters or emergencies without relying on network availability or user subscription. Group communication enables interactive and collaborative communication for users sharing common interests or goals, without consuming excessive bandwidth or battery power.