Author(s):
Jörg Huschke, Frank Hartung, Uwe Horn, Markus Kampmann, Thorsten Lohmar, Magnus Lundevall
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Delivery of Broadcast Services in 3G Networks (pdf)
Abstract:
TV is regarded as a key service for mobile devices. In the past, Mobile TV was often associated with broadcast transmission. However, unicast technology is sufficient in many cases, especially since mobile users prefer to access content on-demand, rather than following a fixed schedule. In this paper we will focus on 3G mobile networks, which have been primarily optimized for unicast services. Based on a traffic model we will discuss the capacity limits of 3G networks for unicast distribution of Mobile TV. From the results it can be concluded that the capacity is sufficient for many scenarios. In order to address scenarios in whichbroadcast is a more appropriate technology, 3GPP has defined a broadcast extension, called Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS). MBMS introduces shared radio broadcast bearers and has thus the capabilities of a real broadcasting technology.
We will give a short overview about MBMS including a discussion on MBMS capacity. Since MBMS is primarily a new transport technology, additional application and service layer technologies are required, like electronic service guide and service protection. These mechanisms are standardized by the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) and are favorably combined with MBMS or 3G unicast distribution in order to create complete end-to-end solutions. In order to optimize a system for delivery of broadcast services over 3G networks, the advantages of broadcast and unicast should be combined.We argue that hybrid unicast-broadcast delivery offers the best system resource usage and also the best user experience, and is thus favorable not only for broadcast delivery in 3G networks, but actually also for non-cellular broadcast systems like DVB-H or DMB.
Notice:
Copyright 2007 IEEE. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BROADCASTING, VOL. 53, NO. 1 2007. This material is posted here with permission of the IEEE. Such permission of the IEEE does not in any way imply IEEE endorsement of any of Ericsson's products or services. Internal or personal use of this material is permitted. However, permission to reprint/republish this material for advertising or promotional purposes or for creating new collective works for resale or redistribution must be obtained from the IEEE by writing to pubs-permissions@ieee.org. By choosing to view this document, you agree to all provisions of the copyright laws protecting it.
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