Continuing multimedia broadcast multicast services for out-of-coverage devices

Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for managing a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS). In one configuration, content of an MBMS may be received while operating in a coverage area of a base station. A transition to operate outside the coverage area of the base station may be sensed. A peer discovery signal to request a relay of the content of the MBMS may be transmitted. The peer discovery signal may include an identifier of the MBMS. In another configuration, a first peer discovery signal including an out-of-coverage status indicator for the mobile device or MBMS query and an identifier of an MBMS may be received from the mobile device. A determination may be made regarding whether to relay content of the MBMS. Upon determining to relay the content of the MBMS, a second peer discovery signal indicating a capability to relay the content of the MBMS may be transmitted.

BACKGROUND

A wireless communication network may include a number of base stations, NodeBs, or eNodeBs (eNBs) that can support communication for a number of mobile devices or user equipments (UEs). A UE may communicate with a base station via downlink and uplink. The downlink (or forward link) refers to the communication link from the base station to the UE, and the uplink (or reverse link) refers to the communication link from the UE to the base station.

In a 3GPP cellular network, broadcast and multicast services are transported via a transport service called multimedia broadcast multicast services (MBMS). A broadcast multicast service centre (BM-SC) server is responsible to disseminate the media content to a group of subscribers. Also, a UE that desires to deliver information to the group may send the information to the BM-SC server, which will then distribute the content to the members of the group. When a UE is using an MBMS but moves out of network coverage, the UE is unable to continue using the MBMS because the uplink and downlink connections to the BM-SC server are no longer available.

SUMMARY

The described features generally relate to one or more improved methods, systems, and/or apparatuses for managing a multimedia broadcast multicast services (MBMS).

A method for managing an MBMS is described. In one configuration, content of an MBMS may be received while operating in a coverage area of a base station. A transition to operate outside the coverage area of the base station may be sensed. A peer discovery signal to request a relay of the content of the MBMS may be transmitted. The peer discovery signal may include an identifier of the MBMS.

In some embodiments of the method, one or more peer discovery signals may be received from one or more devices operating within the coverage area of the base station. The one or more peer discovery signals may indicate the capability of the one or more devices to relay the content of the MBMS.

In some embodiments of the method, one of the devices operating within the coverage area of the base station may be identified to relay the content of the MBMS.

In some embodiments of the method, a direct link may be established with an identified device operating within the coverage area of the base station. The identified device may be an MBMS relay device for the content of the MBMS.

In some embodiments of the method, content of the MBMS may be transmitted to an identified device, operating within the coverage area of the base station, for retransmission to the base station.

In some embodiments of the method, unicast data may be transmitted to an identified device, operating within the coverage area of the base station, for retransmission to the base station.

In some embodiments of the method, a paging message ma be transmitted to an identified device operating within the coverage area of the base station. The paging message may indicate a desire to transmit data to the identified device. Subsequent to transmitting the paging message, the data may be transmitted to the identified device.

In some embodiments of the method, sensing the transition to operate outside the coverage area of the base station may occur after operating outside the coverage area of the base station.

In some embodiments of the method, sensing the transition to operate outside the coverage area of the base station may occur before operating outside the coverage area of the base station.

In some embodiments of the method, the identifier of the MBMS may include a temporary mobile group identifier (TMGI).

In some embodiments of the method, the peer discovery signal may include a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Direct peer discovery signal.

An apparatus for managing MBMS is also described. In one configuration, the apparatus may include a means for receiving content of an MBMS while operating in a coverage area of a base station, a means for sensing a transition to operate outside the coverage area of the base station, and a means for broadcasting a peer discovery signal to request a relay of the content of the MBMS. The peer discovery signal may include an identifier of the MBMS.

Another apparatus for managing an MBMS is also described. In one configuration, the apparatus may include a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to receive content of an MBMS while operating in a coverage area of a base station, sense a transition to operate outside the coverage area of the base station, and broadcast a peer discovery signal to request a relay of the content of the MBMS. The peer discovery signal may include an identifier of the MBMS.

A computer program product for managing an MBMS is also described. The computer program product may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by a processor to receive content of an MBMS while operating in a coverage area of a base station, sense a transition to operate outside the coverage area of the base station, and broadcast a peer discovery signal to request a relay of the content of the MBMS. The peer discovery signal may include an identifier of the MBMS.

Another method for managing an MBMS is also described. In one configuration, a first peer discovery signal including an out-of-coverage status indicator for the mobile device or MBMS query and an identifier of an MBMS may be received from the mobile device. A determination may be made regarding whether to relay content of the MBMS. Upon determining to relay the content of the MBMS, a second peer discovery signal indicating a capability to relay the content of the MBMS may be transmitted.

In some embodiments of the method, transmitting the second peer discovery signal may include transmitting a paging message to the out-of-coverage mobile device to establish a direct link.

In some embodiments of the method, determining whether to relay the content of the MBMS may include acquiring an MBMS control channel (MCCH) to determine whether content of the MBMS can be received.

In some embodiments of the method, a paging message may be transmitted to the mobile device. The paging message may indicate a desire to transmit data to the mobile device. Subsequent to transmitting the paging message, the data may be transmitted to the mobile device.

In some embodiments of the method, a current status may be escalated to an MBMS relay status upon determining to relay the content of the MBMS.

In some embodiments of the method, the identifier of the MBMS may include a temporary mobile group identifier (TMGI).

In some embodiments of the method, the first and second peer discovery signals may be Long Term Evolution (LTE) Direct peer discovery signals.

An apparatus for managing an MBMS is also described. In one configuration, the apparatus may include means for receiving a first peer discovery signal from a mobile device, means for determining whether to relay content of the MBMS, and means for transmitting a second peer discovery signal indicating a capability to relay the content of the MBMS upon determining to relay the content of the MBMS. The first peer discovery signal may include an out-of-coverage status indicator for the mobile device or an MBMS query and an identifier of an MBMS.

Another apparatus for managing an MBMS is also described. The apparatus may include a processor, memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to receive a first peer discovery signal from a mobile device, determine whether to relay content of the MBMS, and transmit a second peer discovery signal indicating a capability to relay the content of the MBMS upon determining to relay the content of the MBMS. The first peer discovery signal may include an out-of-coverage status indicator for the mobile device or an MBMS query and an identifier of an MBMS.

A computer program product for managing an MBMS is also described. The computer program product may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by a processor to receive a first peer discovery signal from a mobile device, determine whether to relay content of the MBMS, and transmit a second peer discovery signal indicating a capability to relay the content of the MBMS upon determining to relay the content of the MBMS. The first peer discovery signal may include an out-of-coverage status indicator for the mobile device or MBMS query and an identifier of an MBMS.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A base station of a wireless communications system is associated with a coverage area. When a mobile device moves outside the coverage area of a base station, it may lose service via the wireless communications system with which the base station is associated. The loss of service may in some cases include the loss of an MBMS in which the mobile device was participating prior to losing service. In wireless peer-to-peer group communications, loss of MBMS service has two consequences. First, the out-of-coverage device can no longer receive the MBMS content delivered by the server, e.g., a BM-SC server. Second, the out-of-coverage device's self-generated content cannot be uploaded to the server, e.g., the BM-SC server, and be delivered to other group peers by the MBMS service. To provide for continued participation in the MBMS, the mobile device may use an in-coverage device as an MBMS relay for both the traffic from and to the server, e.g., the BM-SC server. More specifically, and by way of example, the mobile device may broadcast a first peer discovery signal to request a relay of the content of the MBMS. A device within the coverage area of the base station that receives the first peer discovery signal (and possibly another mobile device) may then determine whether it is capable of relaying the content of the MBMS. When the in-coverage device is capable of relaying the MBMS content, it may transmit a second peer discovery signal to the mobile device, indicating its capability to relay the MBMS content. The mobile device may receive such a second peer discovery signal from each of a plurality of in-coverage devices, and may then identify and establish a direct link (e.g., a peer-to-peer link) with one of the devices to relay the content of the MBMS. This peer-to-peer link between the MBMS relay and the out-of-coverage device may take the form of a unicast, multicast, or broadcast link. In some cases, the peer discovery signals may be Long Term Evolution (LTE) Direct Peer-Discovery Signals.

Referring first toFIG. 1, a diagram illustrates an example of a wireless communications system100. The wireless communications system100includes base stations (or cells)105, communication devices115, and a core network130. The base stations105may communicate with the communication devices115under the control of a base station controller (not shown), which may be part of the core network130or the base stations105in various embodiments. Base stations105may communicate control information and/or user data with the core network130through backhaul links132. In embodiments, the base stations105may communicate, either directly or indirectly, with each other over backhaul links134, which may be wired or wireless communication links. The system100may support operation on multiple carriers (waveform signals of different frequencies). Multi-carrier transmitters can transmit modulated signals simultaneously on the multiple carriers. For example, each communication link125may be a multi-carrier signal modulated according to the various radio technologies described above. Each modulated signal may be sent on a different carrier and may carry control information (e.g., reference signals, control channels, etc.), overhead information, data, etc.

In embodiments, the system100is an LTE/LTE-A network. In LTE/LTE-A networks, the terms evolved Node B (eNB) and user equipment (UE) may be generally used to describe the base stations105and devices115, respectively. The system100may be a Heterogeneous LTE/LTE-A network in which different types of eNBs provide coverage for various geographical regions. For example, each eNB105may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a pico cell, a femto cell, and/or other types of cell. A macro cell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions with the network provider. A pico cell would generally cover a relatively smaller geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions with the network provider. A femto cell would also generally cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a home) and, in addition to unrestricted access, may also provide restricted access by UEs having an association with the femto cell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs for users in the home, and the like). An eNB for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro eNB. An eNB for a pico cell may be referred to as a pico eNB. And, an eNB for a femto cell may be referred to as a femto eNB or a home eNB. An eNB may support one or multiple (e.g., two, three, four, and the like) cells.

The core network130may communicate with the eNBs105via a backhaul links132(e.g., S1, etc.). The eNBs105may also communicate with one another, e.g., directly or indirectly via backhaul links134(e.g., X2, etc.) and/or via backhaul links132(e.g., through core network130). The wireless communications system100may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, the eNBs may have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different eNBs may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, the eNBs may have different frame timing, and transmissions from different eNBs may not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for either synchronous or asynchronous operations.

The UEs115are dispersed throughout the wireless communications system100, and each UE may be stationary or mobile. A UE115may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a mobile device, a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a wireless device, a wireless communications device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, a relay, or some other suitable terminology. A UE115may be a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, or the like. A UE may be able to communicate with macro eNBs, pico eNBs, femto eNBs, relays, and the like. In one embodiment, a UE115within a coverage area of a base station105may serve as a relay of data for a UE115-athat is outside the coverage area of the base station105. For example, the in-coverage UE115may relay (or retransmit) communications received from the base station105to the out-of-coverage UE115-a. Similarly, the in-coverage UE115may relay to the base station105communications received from the out-of-coverage UE. In some cases, the relayed data may include the content of an MBMS.

The communication links125shown in wireless communications system100may include uplink (UL) transmissions from a mobile device115to a base station105, and/or downlink (DL) transmissions, from a base station105to a mobile device115. The downlink transmissions may also be called forward link transmissions while the uplink transmissions may also be called reverse link transmissions.

FIG. 2is a block diagram of an example of an environment200in which the present systems and methods may be implemented. In one configuration, a base station105-amay communicate with one or more devices that fall within a coverage area110-aof the base station105-a. In one example, an in-coverage mobile device115-b-1(or other device capable of providing relaying services) may receive/transmit communications from/to the base station105-a. One or more mobile devices115-b-2,115-b-3,115-b-4,115-b-5may be outside the coverage area110-aof the base station105-a. The base station105-aand the mobile devices115-bmay be examples of the base stations105and mobile devices115described with reference toFIG. 1.

In one embodiment, the in-coverage mobile device115-b-1may receive, from an out-of-coverage mobile device (e.g., mobile device115-b-2), a first peer discovery signal205. The first peer discovery signal may include an out-of-coverage status for the mobile device115-b-2(or an MBMS query), as well as an identifier of the MBMS in which the mobile device115-b-2would like to participate. The in-coverage mobile device115-b-1may then determine whether to relay the content of the MBMS. Upon determining to relay the content of the MBMS, the in-coverage mobile device115-b-1may transmit a second peer discovery signal205indicating a capability to relay the content of the MBMS.

The peer discovery signals205may in some cases be LTE Direct Peer-Discovery Signals. In one configuration, each signal205may include an identifier of the transmitting device115-b. The identifier may in some cases be a media access control (MAC) address of the transmitting device115-b. In the case of the in-coverage mobile device115-b-1, the second peer discovery signal205may include an MBMS relay status of the mobile device115-b-1and/or a paging message to establish a direct link with the out-of-coverage mobile device115-b-2. The MBMS relay status may indicate whether the in-coverage mobile device115-b-1is capable of providing relay services for the mobile device115-b-2. The second peer discovery signal205may also indicate whether the mobile device115-b-1is capable of relaying the content of the MBMS in which the out-of-coverage mobile device115-b-2is interested.

In one example, an out-of-coverage mobile device may receive the second peer discovery signal from more than one in-coverage mobile device. The out-of-coverage mobile device may then select one of the in-coverage mobile devices to provide relay services. The determination as to which in-coverage mobile device to select may be based on the comparative strengths of the received peer discovery signals; the identities of the in-coverage mobile devices; the MBMS relay statuses of the in-coverage mobile devices; etc.

In one configuration, the out-of-coverage mobile device115-b-2may broadcast the first peer discovery signal205after operating outside the coverage area110-aof the base station105-a. In another configuration, the out-of-coverage mobile device115-b-2may broadcast the first peer discovery signal205before operating outside the coverage area110-aof the base station105-a. For example, the mobile device115-b-2may determine it is about to leave the coverage area110-aof the base station (e.g., based on a declining signal strength of received communications) and proactively broadcast the first peer discovery signal205.

In one example, out-of-coverage mobile devices115-b-2,115-b-3, may communicate with each other. For example, the mobile devices115-b-2,115-b-3may establish a direct peer-to-peer connection. The in-coverage mobile device115-b-1may also provide relay services to one or more out-of-coverage mobile devices. In one configuration, a first out-of-coverage mobile device115-b-4may serve as an MBMS relay device for a second out-of-coverage mobile device115-b-5. The first out-of-coverage mobile device115-b-4may transmit a peer discovery signal205to inform the second out-of-coverage mobile device115-b-5that it (115-b-4) is capable of providing relay services. As another example, the second out-of-coverage mobile device115-b-5may transmit a signal205requesting relay services from the first out-of-coverage mobile device115-b-4. As a result, the in-coverage mobile device115-b-1may relay communications to/from the base station105-afrom/to the first out-of-coverage UE115-b-4. The first out-of-coverage mobile device115-b-4may relay at least a part of the communications from/to the second out-of-coverage mobile device115-b-5.

FIG. 3is a message flow diagram300illustrating one embodiment of communications between an in-coverage mobile device115-c-1(or other device capable of providing relaying services) and a mobile device115-c-2. The mobile devices115-cmay be examples of the mobile devices115described with reference toFIGS. 1 and/or 2.

In one configuration, and at block305, the mobile device115-c-2may initially operate within the coverage area of a base station105and receive content of an MBMS from the base station105. At block310, the mobile device115-c-2may sense a transition from in-coverage operation to out-of-coverage operation with respect to the base station105(e.g., a transition to operation outside the coverage area of the base station105). The mobile device115-c-2may sense the transition to out-of-coverage operation before or after operating outside the coverage area of the base station105. In the former case, the mobile device115-c-2may, for example, sense the transition to out-of-coverage operation based on a declining signal strength of communications it receives from the base station105.

Upon sensing the transition to out-of-coverage operation, the out-of-coverage mobile device115-c-2may broadcast a first peer discovery signal315. The first peer discovery signal315may include an identifier of the MBMS in which it was participating while operating within the coverage area of the base station105. The first peer discovery signal may be transmitted using an LTE Direct, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi ad hoc, Bluetooth, and/or other radio access technology. The identifier of the MBMS may include a temporary mobile group identifier (TMGI) when the base station105providing the MBMS is an LTE/LTE-A/UMTS base station.

Upon receiving the first peer discovery signal315, the in-coverage mobile device115-c-1may determine whether to relay content of the MBMS at block320. This determination may be based on whether the in-coverage mobile device115-c-1can receive the MBMS content specified by the MBMS identifier, e.g., TMGI. This determination may also be based on the available battery power or bandwidth of the in-coverage mobile device115-c-1, the strength of the first peer discovery signal, whether the in-coverage mobile device115-c-1is already providing relay services to another out-of-coverage mobile device, the type of relay services requested by the out-of-coverage mobile device115-c-2, etc. Upon determining to relay the content of the MBMS, the in-coverage mobile device115-c-1may transmit to the out-of-coverage mobile device115-c-2asecond peer discovery signal325indicating its capability to relay the content of the MBMS. The in-coverage mobile device115-c-1and the out-of-coverage mobile device115-c-2may then establish a direct link330(e.g., a peer-to-peer link) for the transmission of MBMS content. This direct peer-to-peer link330between the in-coverage mobile device (i.e., the MBMS relay device) and the out-of-coverage mobile device may take the form of a unicast, multicast, or broadcast link.

Data may be received and/or transmitted by the out-of-coverage mobile device115-c-2via the direct link. In some cases, this may include receiving, at the out-of-coverage mobile device115-c-2, content of the MBMS relayed from the base station105by the in-coverage mobile device115-c-1. In other cases, this may include transmitting content of the peer-to-peer group communication from the out-of-coverage mobile device115-c-2to the in-coverage mobile device115-c-1for retransmission to the base station105. The base station105may then send the content to a server, e.g., a BM-SC server, and the server may broadcast the content to other subscribers of the MBMS. In still other cases, transmitting data via the direct link may include transmitting unicast data from the out-of-coverage mobile device115-c-2to the in-coverage mobile device115-c-1, for retransmission to the base station105.

Prior to transmitting data to the out-of-coverage mobile device115-c-2, the in-coverage mobile device115-c-1may transmit a paging message to the out-of-coverage mobile device115-c-2. The paging message may indicate a desire of the in-coverage mobile device115-c-1to transmit data to the out-of-coverage mobile device115-c-2. Prior to transmitting data to the in-coverage mobile device115-c-1, the out-of-coverage mobile device115-c-2may transmit a paging message to the in-coverage device115-c-1. The paging message may indicate a desire of the out-of-coverage mobile device115-c-2to transmit data to the in-coverage mobile device115-c-1. Data transmitted to the in-coverage mobile device115-c-1may be relayed to the base station105.

FIG. 4is an example of a block diagram400of a mobile device115-d. In some embodiments, the mobile device115-dmay embody one or more aspects of one of the mobile devices115described with reference toFIGS. 1, 2, and/or3. The mobile device115-dmay have any of various configurations, such as personal computers (e.g., laptop computers, netbook computers, tablet computers, etc.), cellular telephones, PDAs, digital video recorders (DVRs), internet appliances, gaming consoles, e-readers, etc. The mobile device115-dmay have an internal power supply (not shown), such as a small battery, to facilitate mobile operation.

The mobile device115-dmay include antennas405, a transceiver module410, memory415, and a processor module425, which each may be in communication, directly or indirectly, with each other (e.g., via one or more buses). The transceiver module410may be configured to communicate bi-directionally, via the antennas405and/or one or more wired or wireless links, with one or more networks, as described above. For example, the transceiver module410may be configured to communicate bi-directionally with one or more of the base stations105ofFIGS. 1, 2, and/or3. The transceiver module410may also be configured to communicate with one or more other mobile devices115, either as a relay for the one or more other mobile devices115, or as a device in need of relaying services from one or more other mobile devices115. The transceiver module410may include a modem configured to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to the antennas405for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the antennas405. While the mobile device115-dmay include a single antenna, the mobile device115-dwill typically include multiple antennas405for multiple links.

The memory415may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory415may store computer-readable, computer-executable software code420containing instructions that are configured to, when executed, cause the processor module425to perform various functions (e.g., call processing, database management, message routing, etc.). Alternatively, the software code420may not be directly executable by the processor module425, but may be configured to cause the mobile device115-d(e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform various of the functions described herein.

The processor module425may include an intelligent hardware device, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The processor module425may include a speech encoder (not shown) configured to receive audio via a microphone, convert the audio into packets (e.g., 30 ms in length) representative of the received audio, provide the audio packets to the transceiver module410, and provide indications of whether a user is speaking. Alternatively, an encoder may only provide packets to the transceiver module410, with the provision or withholding/suppression of the packet itself providing the indication of whether a user is speaking.

According to the architecture ofFIG. 4, the mobile device115-dmay further include a communications management module430, a state module435, and a peer discovery module440. The communications management module430may establish and manage communications with base stations105and/or other mobile devices115, including the transmission of MBMS content from the base station and the transmission of relevant data to a BM-SC server, via base stations105and/or other mobile devices115. By way of example, the communications management module430may be a component of the mobile device115-din communication with some or all of the other components of the mobile device115-dvia a bus. Alternatively, functionality of the communications management module430may be implemented as a component of the transceiver module410, as a computer program product, and/or as one or more controller elements of the processor module425. The communications management module430may in some cases include a direct link management module460. The module460may be used to establish a direct link (e.g., a peer-to-peer link) with another device (e.g., another mobile device). This direct peer-to-peer link between the relay and the out-of-coverage device can take the form of a unicast, multicast, or broadcast link.

The state module435may reflect and control the current device state (e.g., context, authentication, base station association, other connectivity issues).

The peer discovery module440may identify the mobile device115-dto other mobile devices115. The peer discovery module440may also identify other mobile devices115, such as 1) mobile devices115that are out of the coverage area of a base station105, which mobile devices115may use the mobile device115as an MBMS relay device, and/or 2) in-coverage mobile devices115that may be capable of providing relaying services to the mobile device115-dwhen the mobile device115-dis out of the coverage area of a base station105.

The peer discovery module440may include a status module445, an MBMS management module450, and/or a sensing module455. The status module445may determine whether the mobile device115-dis capable of functioning as an MBMS relay device and providing relay services. The status module445may also determine when the mobile device115-dtransitions to (or from) an MBMS relay status. For example, the status module445may analyze the available power or bandwidth of the mobile device115-d, whether the mobile device115-dpossesses LTE Direct, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi ad hoc, Bluetooth, and/or other capabilities, etc. Upon determining that it is capable of providing relay services, the status module445may transition the status of the mobile device115-dto an MBMS relay status. The mobile device115-dmay then transmit or broadcast a peer discovery signal205indicating a capability of the mobile device115-dto function as an MBMS relay device. An out-of-coverage mobile device115may receive the transmitted or broadcast signal and determine whether to use the mobile device115-das an MBMS relay device.

In one configuration, the MBMS management module450may analyze service announcement information received for at least one MBMS bearer service. The module450may identify at least a subset of the service announcement information. The identified subset of the MBMS service announcement information may be broadcast to one or more out-of-coverage mobile devices along with the peer discovery signal indicating its MBMS relay status. The mobile device115-dmay relay content of the MBMS bearer service to the one or more out-of-coverage mobile devices.

The sensing module455may sense when the mobile device115-dis about to be out of range of a base station105. The sensing module455may also determine when the mobile device115-dis already out of range of a base station105. Upon sensing that the mobile device115-dis about to transition out of the coverage area (or has already transitioned out of the coverage area) of a base station105, the mobile device115-dmay broadcast a peer discovery signal205to request relay services. One or more mobile devices that are still within the coverage area of a base station105may receive the broadcast and determine whether to provide the relay services.

FIG. 5is a block diagram500of an example of a peer discovery module440-a. In some embodiments, the peer discovery module440-amay be an example of one or more aspects of the peer discovery module440described with reference toFIG. 4. The peer discovery module440-amay include a sensing module455-a, a peer discovery signal generating module515, and/or a relay services acquisition module520. Each of these components may be in communication with each other. In some embodiments, the sensing module455-amay be an example of one or more aspects of the sensing module455described with reference toFIG. 4.

FIG. 5illustrates an example of how the peer discovery module440-a, when residing in a mobile device115that moves outside the coverage area of a base station105, may generate a peer discovery signal to request a relay of the content of an MBMS.

The sensing module455-amay sense when the mobile device115has moved outside the coverage area of the base station105. The sensing module455-amay also, or alternately, sense when the mobile device115is about to move outside the coverage area of the base station105. To assist in these determinations, the sensing module455-amay include a location determination module505. The location determination module505may sense the location of the mobile device115using global positioning system (GPS) coordinates and/or other location information, and may determine (or assist in determining) whether the mobile device115is likely to be outside the coverage area of the base station105. The signal strength analysis module510may also, or alternately, be used to determine whether the mobile device115has moved outside the coverage area of the base station105(or is about to move outside the coverage area). In some cases, the signal strength analysis module510may interpret a declining signal strength of base station communications, and/or base station communications having a signal strength below a threshold, as indicative of the mobile device115having moved outside the coverage area of the base station105(or indicative of the mobile device115being about to move outside the coverage area of the base station105).

Upon sensing that the mobile device115is about to transition outside the coverage area of the base station105(or has already transitioned outside the coverage area), the sensing module455-amay cause the peer discovery signal generating module515to broadcast a peer discovery signal to request a relay of the content of the MBMS. The peer discovery signal generating module515may in some cases include an MBMS identifier module530to generate an identifier of the MBMS for inclusion in the peer discovery signal. One or more mobile devices that are still in the coverage area of the base station105may receive the peer discovery signal and determine whether to relay the MBMS content of the identified MBMS to the mobile device115.

The peer discovery signal may in some cases be an LTE Direct, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi ad hoc, or Bluetooth discovery signal. The identifier of the MBMS may include a TMGI when the base station105providing the MBMS is an LTE/LTE-A/UMTS base station.

Upon receiving one or more peer discovery signals from one or more devices operating within the coverage area of the base station105, where the one or more signals indicate the capability of the one or more devices to relay the content of the identified MBMS, a module such as the direct link management module460described with reference toFIG. 4may identify one of the devices operating within the coverage area of the base station105to relay the content of the MBMS, and may establish a direct link (e.g., a peer-to-peer link) with the identified device operating within the coverage area of the base station. The identified device may be an MBMS relay device for the content of the MBMS.

FIG. 6is a block diagram500of an example of a peer discovery module440-b. In some embodiments, the peer discovery module440-bmay be an example of one or more aspects of the peer discovery module440described with reference toFIG. 4. The peer discovery module440-amay include a status module445-a, and/or a peer discovery signal generating module515-a. Each of these components may be in communication with each other. In some embodiments, the status module445-amay be an example of the status module445described with reference toFIGS. 4and/or the peer discovery signal generating module515-amay be an example of one or more aspects of the respective peer discovery signal generating module515described with reference toFIG. 5.

FIG. 6illustrates an example of how the peer discovery module440-b, when residing in a device115that operates within the coverage area of a base station105, may generate a peer discovery signal to indicate a capability to relay the content of an identified MBMS.

The status module445-amay receive a first peer discovery signal (i.e., a Peer Discovery Signal A) from an out-of-coverage mobile device115. The first peer discovery signal may include an out-of-coverage status indicator for the mobile device115(or an MBMS query), as well as an identifier of an MBMS. The first peer discovery signal may in some cases be an LTE Direct, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi ad hoc, or Bluetooth discovery signal. The identifier of the MBMS may include a TMGI when the base station105providing the MBMS is an LTE/LTE-A/UMTS base station.

Upon receiving the first peer discovery signal, the status module445-amay determine whether to relay content of the MBMS. The determination to relay content may be made for an in-coverage device in which the peer discovery module440-bis implemented. In some cases, the in-coverage device may be one of the mobile devices115. In other cases, the in-coverage device may be another form of in-coverage device that is capable of relaying the content of the MBMS.

In some embodiments, the status module445-amay acquire an MBMS control channel (MCCH). The information contained in the MCCH may be used to determine whether the MBMS identified in the first peer discovery signal can be received by this mobile device from one or more base stations.

In some cases, the status module445-amay include a power analysis module605for determining whether an available operating power of the device in which the peer discovery module is implemented exceeds a threshold. In some cases, the status module445-amay only transition the device to an MBMS relay status upon determining that the available operating power of the device exceeds the operating power threshold. Otherwise, the device may be maintained in a non-relay status. In this manner, the power analysis module605may determine, for example, whether the device has sufficient operating power to provide for its own functions as well as for relaying the content of the MBMS identified by the out-of-coverage mobile device115.

The status module445-amay also include a bandwidth analysis module610for determining whether an available transmission bandwidth of the device exceeds a threshold. In some cases, the status module445-amay only transition the device to an MBMS relay status upon determining that the available bandwidth of the device exceeds the available bandwidth threshold. Otherwise, the device may be maintained in a non-relay status. In this manner, the bandwidth analysis module610may ensure, for example, that the device has enough bandwidth to serve its own functions as well as for relaying the content of the identified MBMS.

The status module445-amay in some cases analyze additional or alternative factors when determining its capability to relay the content of the identified MBMS. For example, the status module445-amay determine whether the candidate MBMS relay device possesses LTE Direct capabilities.

Upon determining to relay the identified MBMS, the status module445-amay cause the peer discovery signal generating module515-ato broadcast a second peer discovery signal indicating a capability to relay the content of the MBMS. The out-of-coverage mobile device115that transmitted the first peer discovery signal may receive the second peer discovery signal. The second peer discovery signal may in some cases be an LTE Direct, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi ad hoc, or Bluetooth discovery signal.

A module such as the direct link management module460described with reference toFIG. 4may establish a direct link (e.g., a peer-to-peer link) with the out-of-coverage mobile device115. The direct peer-to-peer link between the MBMS relay device and the out-of-coverage mobile device115may take the form of a unicast, multicast, or broadcast link.

In some embodiments, the status module445-a, and/or peer discovery signal generating module515-amay perform the operations described above for each of a number of peer discovery signals (e.g., Peer Discovery Signals A, B, C, . . . , N) received from one or more out-of-coverage mobile devices115.

FIG. 7is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method700for managing an MBMS. For clarity, the method700is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the mobile devices115described with reference toFIGS. 1, 2, 3, and/or4. In some implementations, the peer discovery module440described with reference toFIGS. 4 and/or 5may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of a mobile device115to perform the functions described below.

At block705, content of an MBMS may be received while operating in a coverage area of a base station, such as one of the base stations105described with reference toFIGS. 1 and/or 2. In some cases, the content may be received by a mobile device115. The mobile device115may be operating within the coverage area of the base station105. In some embodiments, the content may be received at block705using the communications management module430described with reference toFIG. 4.

At block710, a transition to operate outside the coverage of the base station105may be sensed (e.g., by the mobile device115). In some embodiments, the transition may be sensed at block710using the peer discovery module440and/or sensing module455described with reference toFIGS. 4 and/or 5.

At block715, a peer discovery signal to request a relay of the content of the MBMS may be broadcast. The peer discovery signal may include an identifier of the MBMS. In some embodiments, the peer discovery signal may be broadcast at block715using the peer discovery module440described with reference toFIGS. 4 and/or 5, and/or the peer discovery signal generating module515described with reference toFIG. 5.

Therefore, the method700may be used for managing an MBMS. It should be noted that the method700is just one implementation and that the operations of the method700may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 8is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method800for managing an MBMS. For clarity, the method800is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the mobile devices115described with reference toFIGS. 1, 2, 3, and/or4. In some implementations, the peer discovery module440described with reference toFIGS. 4 and/or 5may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of a mobile device115to perform the functions described below.

At block805, content of an MBMS may be received while operating in a coverage area of a base station, such as one of the base stations105described with reference toFIGS. 1 and/or 2. In some cases, the content may be received by a mobile device115. The mobile device115may be operating within the coverage area of the base station105. In some embodiments, the content may be received at block805using the communications management module430described with reference toFIG. 4.

At block810, a transition to operate outside the coverage of the base station105may be sensed (e.g., by the mobile device115). In some cases, the transition may be sensed after operating outside the coverage area of the base station105. In other cases, the transition may be sensed before operating outside the coverage area of the base station105(e.g., as the mobile device115is about to leave the coverage area of the base station105, as determined, for example, by a failing signal strength of communications with the base station105). In some embodiments, the transition may be sensed at block810using the peer discovery module440and/or sensing module455described with reference toFIGS. 4 and/or 5.

At block815, a peer discovery signal to request a relay of the content of the MBMS may be broadcast (e.g., by the mobile device115). The peer discovery signal may include an identifier of the MBMS. The peer discovery signal may in some cases be an LTE Direct, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi ad hoc, or Bluetooth discovery signal. The identifier of the MBMS may include a TMGI when the base station105providing the MBMS is an LTE/LTE-A/UMTS base station. In some embodiments, the peer discovery signal may be broadcast at block815using the peer discovery module440described with reference toFIGS. 4 and/or 5, and/or the peer discovery signal generating module515described with reference toFIG. 5.

At block820, a peer discovery signal may be received from one or more devices operating within the coverage area of the base station (e.g., at the mobile device115). The one or more signals may indicate the capability of the one or more devices to relay the content of the MBMS. In some cases, the one or more signal may be LTE Direct, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi ad hoc, or Bluetooth discovery signals.

At block825, one of the devices operating within the coverage area of the base station may be identified to relay the content of the MBMS.

In some embodiments, the operation at block820and/or825may be performed using the peer discovery module440described with reference toFIGS. 4 and/or 5, and/or the relay services acquisition module520described with reference toFIG. 5.

At block830, a direct link (e.g., a peer-to-peer link) may be established with the identified device operating within the coverage area of the base station (e.g., between the mobile device115and the identified device). The identified device may be an MBMS relay device for the content of the MBMS. In some embodiments, the direct link may be established at block830using the communications management module330and/or the direct link management module460described with reference toFIG. 4.

At block835, data may be received and/or transmitted via the direct link. In some cases, this may include receiving content of the MBMS from the identified device operating within the coverage area of the base station105. In other cases, this may include to the transmission of relevant data to a BM-SC server via a base station105, and/or via other mobile devices operating within the coverage area of the base station105. The BM-SC server may then broadcast the content of the MBMS to other subscribers of the MBMS. In still other cases, transmitting data via the direct link may include transmitting unicast data (e.g., unicast data transmitted from a mobile device115operating outside the coverage area of the base station105to the identified device operating within the coverage area of the base station105).

Prior to receiving data, a paging message may be received. The paging message may indicate a desire of the MBMS relay device to transmit data to a recipient (e.g., the mobile device115). Prior to transmitting data, a paging message may be transmitted (e.g., by the mobile device115). The transmitted paging message may indicate a desire to transmit data to the MBMS relay device. Subsequent to transmitting the paging message, data may be transmitted to the MBMS relay device.

Therefore, the method800may be used for managing an MBMS. It should be noted that the method800is just one implementation and that the operations of the method800may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 9is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method900for managing an MBMS. For clarity, the method900is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the mobile devices115described with reference toFIGS. 1, 2, 3, and/or4. In some implementations, the peer discovery module440described with reference toFIGS. 4 and/or 6may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of a mobile device115to perform the functions described below.

At block905, a first peer discovery signal may be received from a mobile device115. The peer discovery signal may include an out-of-coverage status indicator for the mobile device or MBMS query and an identifier of an MBMS. The out-of-coverage status indicator may indicate the mobile device is outside the coverage area of a base station105. The MBMS query may be a query to participate in the identified MBMS.

At block910, a determination regarding whether to relay content of the MBMS may be made.

In some embodiments, the operation at block905and/or910may be performed using the peer discovery module440and/or the status module445described with reference toFIGS. 4 and/or 6.

At block915, and upon determining to relay the content of the MBMS at block910, a second peer discovery signal indicating a capability to relay the content of the MBMS may be transmitted. In some embodiments, the second peer discovery signal may be transmitted at block915using the peer discovery module440described with reference toFIGS. 4 and/or 6, and/or the peer discovery signal generating module515described with reference toFIG. 6.

The method900may be performed by a device within the coverage area of the base station105, and in some cases may be performed by another mobile device115. Alternately, the method900may be performed by a stationary device. The method900may in some cases be performed by a mobile or stationary device that provides relay services as one of its core or mission functions. In other cases, the method900may be performed by a mobile or stationary device (e.g., a phone) that provides relay services when needed, as a secondary function.

Therefore, the method900may be used for managing an MBMS. It should be noted that the method900is just one implementation and that the operations of the method900may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 10is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method1000for managing an MBMS. For clarity, the method1000is described below with reference to aspects of one or more of the mobile devices115described with reference toFIGS. 1, 2, 3, and/or4. In some implementations, the peer discovery module440described with reference toFIGS. 4 and/or 6may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elements of a mobile device115to perform the functions described below.

At block1005, a first peer discovery signal may be received from a mobile device115. The peer discovery signal may include an out-of-coverage status indicator for the mobile device or MBMS query and an identifier of an MBMS. The peer discovery signal may in some cases be an LTE Direct, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi ad hoc, or Bluetooth discovery signal. The identifier of the MBMS may include a TMGI when the base station105providing the MBMS is an LTE/LTE-A/UMTS base station. The MBMS query may be a query to participate in the identified MBMS.

At block1010, an attempt may be made to acquire an MBMS control channel (MCCH). Acquisition of the MCCH enables a device to determine whether content of the MBMS can be received.

At block1015, and based at least in part on acquiring the MCCH, a determination may be made regarding whether to relay content of the MBMS. When a determination is made to relay content of the MBMS, the method1000may continue at block1020. When a determination is made to not relay content of the MBMS, the device performing the method1000may continue normal operation at block1020.

In some embodiments, one or more additional factors may be analyzed to determine whether to relay content of the MBMS. For example, the device performing the method1000may determine whether an available operating power of the device exceeds a threshold, or whether an available transmission bandwidth of the device exceeds a threshold. The device may also analyze its communication with the out-of-coverage mobile device115, such as the signal strength(s) of the peer discovery signal(s) received from the out-of-coverage mobile device115.

In some embodiments, the operation at block1005,1010,1015, and/or1020may be made using the peer discovery module440and/or the status module445described with reference toFIGS. 4 and/or 6.

At block1025, the current status of the device performing the method1000may be confirmed to be an MBMS relay status. When the current status of the device is not already an MBMS relay status, the current status may be escalated to MBMS relay status. The MBMS relay status may indicate the capability of the device performing the method1000to function as an MBMS relay device between the base station105and the out-of-coverage mobile device115.

At block1030, and upon determining to relay the content of the MBMS at block1015, a second peer discovery signal indicating a capability to relay the content of the MBMS may be transmitted. In some cases, the second peer discovery signal may include a paging message to the mobile device115, indicating to the mobile device115to establish a direct link (e.g., a peer-to-peer link) with the device performing the method1000. In some embodiments, the second peer discovery signal may be broadcast at block1030using the peer discovery module440described with reference toFIGS. 4 and/or 6, and/or the peer discovery signal generating module515described with reference toFIG. 6.

In some embodiments, the second peer discovery signal may be transmitted at block1025using the peer discovery module440described with reference toFIGS. 4 and/or 6, and/or the peer discovery signal generating module515described with reference toFIG. 6.

The method1000may be performed by a device within the coverage area of the base station105, and in some cases may be performed by another mobile device115. Alternately, the method1000may be performed by a stationary device. The method1000may in some cases be performed by a mobile or stationary device that provides relay services as one of its core or mission functions. In other cases, the method1000may be performed by a mobile or stationary device (e.g., a phone) that provides relay services when needed, as a secondary function.

At block1035, a direct link (e.g., a peer-to-peer link) may be established with the out-of-coverage mobile device115(e.g., between the mobile device115and the device performing the method1000). In some embodiments, the direct link may be established at block1035using the communications management module430and/or the direct link management module460described with reference toFIG. 4.

At block1040, data may be received and/or transmitted via the direct link. In some cases, this may include transmitting content of the MBMS from the base station105to the out-of-coverage mobile device115. In other cases, this may include receiving relevant data from the out-of-coverage mobile device and relaying it to a BM-SC server via the base station105. The base station105may then broadcast the content of the MBMS to other subscribers of the MBMS. In still other cases, transmitting data via the direct link may include receiving unicast data from the out-of-coverage mobile device115and relaying the unicast data to the base station105.

Prior to transmitting data, a paging message may be transmitted. The paging message may indicate a desire of the MBMS relay device to transmit data to the out-of-coverage mobile device115. Prior to receiving data from the out-of-coverage mobile device115, a paging message may be received from the out-of-coverage mobile device115.

Therefore, the method1000may be used for managing an MBMS. It should be noted that the method1000is just one implementation and that the operations of the method1000may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

The communication networks that may accommodate some of the various disclosed embodiments may be packet-based networks that operate according to a layered protocol stack. For example, communications at the bearer or Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer may be IP-based. A Radio Link Control (RLC) layer may perform packet segmentation and reassembly to communicate over logical channels. A Medium Access Control (MAC) layer may perform priority handling and multiplexing of logical channels into transport channels. The MAC layer may also use Hybrid ARQ (HARQ) to provide retransmission at the MAC layer to improve link efficiency. At the Physical layer, the transport channels may be mapped to Physical channels.