Patent ID: 7423986
Filing Date: 2008-09-09
Classification: H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method to provide a multicast service, comprising: maintaining multicast service information at an application server, the multicast service information describing a multicast service having an associated subscriber, the multicast service operates to deliver multicast content from a multicast source; determining a cell supporting a user device associated with the subscriber; initiating creation of a bearer path for the multicast service by instructing, from the application server, an enabler mobile to establish one or more radio access bearer (RAB)/Packet Data Protocol (PDP) contexts for one or more multicast services and to set up and maintain the bearer path; and directing the enabler mobile to facilitate delivery of the multicast content to the user device using the bearer path, the enabler mobile located in the cell for which the enabler mobile enables delivery, the enabler mobile substantially fixed in position and distinct from a base station operable to communicate the multicast content to the user device; the enabler mobile further distinct from a base station controller.