Patent ID: 11304259

Abstract:
A radio access network (RAN) entity (e.g. an eNodeB) may be configured to facilitate multicast communication in a local private Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network. The RAN entity may receive a user data packet tunneled in an IP message via one of a plurality of downlink tunnels. The RAN entity may select, from a plurality of stored mappings, one of a plurality of multicast group identifiers that is mapped to an identified one of a plurality of downlink tunnel endpoint identifiers that matches a downlink tunnel endpoint identifier from a tunnel header of the IP message, as well as one of a plurality of sets of UE identifiers that is mapped to the selected multicast group identifier. The RAN may send, for each one of the UE identifiers in the selected set of UE identifiers, the user data packet for transmission to a UE associated with the UE identifier.