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5G Multicast Broadcast Services (MBS)

Architecture

At a glance
  • MBS User Services: the MBSF (control plane) and MBSTF (user plane) in the network, the optional MBS AF, MBS AS and MBSSF, and the MBS Client in the UE. TS 26.502 adds reference points MBS-1 to MBS-11 to the Nmb reference points of TS 23.247.
  • APIs: Nmbsf (TS 29.580) at Nmb10 and Nmb5, Nmbstf (TS 29.581) at Nmb2; the announcement, repair and key retrieval protocols at MBS-1, MBS-5, MBS-4-UC and MBS-10 are in TS 26.517.
  • MBS: the MB-SMF and MB-UPF, with MBS extensions to the AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, NEF, NRF, UDM and NG-RAN. New reference points include N3mb, N4mb, N6mb and N19mb.
  • Delivery: 5GC Shared delivery (one copy to each NG-RAN node) is used for broadcast and multicast; 5GC Individual delivery (one copy per UE, in a PDU Session) only for multicast. Over the radio, NG-RAN uses PTM or PTP.

MBS User Services​

Functions​

  • MBSF: receives provisioning and control from the MBS Application Provider, directly at Nmb10 or through the NEF at Nmb5. It invokes MBS Session operations on the MB-SMF at Nmb1 and configures the MBSTF at Nmb2. It compiles the User Service Announcement for each MBS User Data Ingest Session and manages its updates.
  • MBSTF: receives user plane data at Nmb8 and sends MBS data packets to the MB-UPF at Nmb9. It acts as a user plane anchor when it sources IP multicast traffic. It receives its Distribution Session configurations from the MBSF at Nmb2 and sends notification events back, for example data ingest failure, session terminated or delivery started. For the Object Distribution Method its subfunctions are object ingest, object segmentation into payload units, optional Application Layer FEC (AL-FEC), packetisation and packet scheduling to a target bit rate.
  • MBS AF (optional): serves User Service Announcements to the MBSF Client by unicast at MBS-5, and object manifests and announcements to the MBSTF at MBS-11. The MBSF configures it at MBS-3, an interaction TS 26.502 does not define further.
  • MBS AS (optional): provides a byte-range file repair service to the MBSTF Client at MBS-4-UC, for the Object Distribution Method. It may stand alone or be co-located with the MBSTF or with a 5GMS AS.
  • MBSSF (optional): the MBS Security Function. It provides a security anchor at MBS-10, realising the user plane security procedure of TS 33.501, and may be co-located with the MBSF or the MBSTF.
  • MBS Client, in the UE, split into two subfunctions. The MBSF Client communicates with the MBS AF at MBS-5 on User Service control, and with the MBSSF at MBS-10. The MBSTF Client receives from the MBSTF at MBS-4-MC and from the MBS AS at MBS-4-UC, and provides an MBS Application Data Session to the application.
  • MBS-Aware Application: uses the MBS Client at MBS-6 and MBS-7.
  • MBS Application Provider: plays the role of the AF/AS. Outside the trusted data network it reaches the MBSF through the NEF at N33 instead of Nmb10.

The functions are shown as standalone. In deployments they may be co-located with other functions.

Reference points​

TS 26.502 reuses seven reference points of TS 23.247 (Nmb1, Nmb2, Nmb5, Nmb8, Nmb9, Nmb10 and Nmb12) and adds its own.

Reference points of MBS User Services
Reference pointBetweenPurposeSpecified
Nmb10MBS Application Provider (AF/AS) and MBSFProvisioning of MBS User Services, by invoking the Nmbsf serviceTS 26.502 cl. 7.2; TS 29.580
Nmb5NEF and MBSFThe same Nmbsf service, for an AF/AS outside the trusted domainTS 26.502 cl. 7.2; TS 29.580
Nmb1MBSF and MB-SMFMBS Session operations (Nmbsmf)TS 23.247 cl. 9.1
Nmb2MBSF and MBSTFConfiguration and control of the distribution methods (Nmbstf); push of object manifestsTS 26.502 cl. 7.3; TS 29.581
Nmb8MBS Application Provider and MBSTFContent ingest by the MBSTF, pull or pushTS 26.502 cl. 4.3.3
Nmb9MBSTF and MB-UPFMBS data packets towards the MB-UPFTS 23.247 cl. 5.3.1
Nmb12MBSF and PCFQoS for the MBS Session, set from the provisioned 5QITS 26.502 table 4.5.6-1
MBS-1MBSF and MBS Application ProviderExposure of the User Service Announcement for private advertisement at MBS-8TS 26.517 cl. 8A
MBS-3MBSF and MBS AFConfiguration of the MBS AF and publication of announcements to it. Not described furthernone
MBS-4-MCMBSTF and MBS ClientUnidirectional multicast distribution of contentTS 26.517 cl. 6 and 7
MBS-4-UCMBSTF Client and MBS ASFile-based unicast repairTS 26.517 cl. 10
MBS-5MBSF Client and MBS AFUser plane interactions for control and service handlingTS 26.517 cl. 9
MBS-6MBS-Aware Application and MBSF ClientAPI to manage and control MBS User Servicesnone
MBS-7MBS-Aware Application and MBSTF ClientAPI to receive the distributed user datanone
MBS-8MBS Application Provider and MBS-Aware ApplicationAnnouncement of MBS User Services. Beyond the scope of 3GPPnone
MBS-9MBSF and MBS ASConfiguration of the MBS AS. Not described furthernone
MBS-10MBSF Client and MBSSFAuthorisation of access to security-protected MBS dataTS 26.517 cl. 11
MBS-11MBSTF and MBS AFRetrieval of object manifests and the announcements they listTS 26.502 cl. 4.3.3.2

Two more reference points, MBS-6′ and MBS-7′, sit inside the MBS Client between the MBSF Client and the MBSTF Client. They are outside the scope of MBS User Services.

Services and APIs​

The MBSF exposes two services and the MBSTF one. An MBS Application Provider outside the trusted data network reaches the MBSF services through the NEF, as Nnef_MBSUserService and Nnef_MBSUserDataIngestSession. The protocol and data model of each service are specified in TS 29.580 (Nmbsf) and TS 29.581 (Nmbstf); TS 29.580 calls the Destroy operation of TS 26.502 "Delete".

Services, operations and resources
ServiceOperations (TS 26.502)ConsumerResources (stage 3)
Nmbsf_MBSUserServiceCreate, Retrieve, Update, DestroyAF, NEFTS 29.580 cl. 6.1: /mbs-user-services, /mbs-user-services/{mbsUserServId}
Nmbsf_MBSUserDataIngestSessionCreate, Retrieve, Update, Destroy, StatusSubscribe, StatusUnsubscribe, StatusNotify, StatusSubscribeModAF, NEFTS 29.580 cl. 6.2: /sessions, /sessions/{sessionId}, /status-subscriptions, /status-subscriptions/{subscriptionId}
Nmbstf_MBSDistributionSessionCreate, Retrieve, Update, Destroy, StatusSubscribe, StatusUnsubscribe, StatusNotify, StatusSubscribeModMBSFTS 29.581 cl. 6.1: /dist-sessions, /dist-sessions/{distSessionRef}, /dist-sessions/{distSessionRef}/subscriptions
Reference pointAPI or protocolTS 26.517
MBS-1User Service Description retrieval API, exposed by the MBSFcl. 8A
MBS-5User Service Description retrieval API, exposed by the MBS AF, base path {apiRoot}/3gpp-mbs-user-service-discovery/{apiVersion}/cl. 9
MBS-4-UCUnicast Object Repair protocol, between the MBSTF Client and the MBS AScl. 10
MBS-10MBS Service Key retrieval from the MBSSF, using the protocol of TS 33.246 clause 6.3cl. 11
Nmb8General HTTP provisions for the MBSTF endpoint that receives pushed objectscl. 8.2.1.3

Distribution methods​

MethodWhat it deliversOperating modes (TS 26.502 tables 6.1-1 and 6.2-1)
Object Distribution MethodDiscrete binary objects, in real time or not, including media segmentsOBJECT_SINGLE: each ingested object is distributed once. OBJECT_COLLECTION: a set of objects described by a manifest, distributed once. OBJECT_CAROUSEL: a set of objects repeated as the manifest specifies, with changes reflected at the next opportunity. OBJECT_STREAMING: a sequence of objects streamed in real time, for example on the schedule of a DASH MPD
Packet Distribution MethodApplication Data Units, delivered transparentlyPACKET_FORWARD_ONLY: the payloads of ingested IP packets are forwarded to the MB-UPF in new IP packets (Layer 3 proxying). PACKET_PROXY: the payloads of ingested UDP packets are forwarded in new UDP packets (Layer 4 proxying). RTP packets can be distributed in either mode

When FLUTE realises the Object Distribution Method, the MBS Distribution Session conforms to the MBMS Download Profile of TS 26.346 clause L.4, with the additions of TS 26.517 clause 6.2. TS 26.517 recommends the OBJECT_STREAMING mode for streaming DASH or HLS content to a Media Player in the UE. The Packet Distribution Method combines three delivery methods of TS 26.346, the MBMS Streaming, Group Communication and Transparent Delivery Methods, with modifications.

For the Object Distribution Method, ingest at Nmb8 is pull-based (the MBSTF fetches objects from the MBS Application Provider) or push-based (the MBS Application Provider sends them).

Sessions and their life cycle​

An MBS Application Provider provisions an MBS User Service, and within it time-bound MBS User Data Ingest Sessions. Each ingest session has one or more MBS Distribution Sessions; an ingest session without any is not valid. A Distribution Session uses an MBS Session for delivery, identified by a TMGI or a Source-Specific Multicast (SSM) address. It has one MBS Session Context, unless several target service areas are specified.

An ingest session may carry a set of active periods. If none is given, it and its Distribution Sessions are active until further notice. The Service type (multicast or broadcast) of an MBS User Service cannot be changed; the other parameters assigned by the provider can be updated at any time.

State of a Distribution SessionWhat happens (TS 26.502 clause 4.6.1)
INACTIVEThe state when the session is first provisioned in the MBSF, and its replica in the MBSTF
ESTABLISHEDShortly before the start of the active period, the MBSF reserves resources with the MB-SMF and establishes the session in the MBSTF, which may start ingesting data but not distributing it. The MBSF advertises the session
ACTIVEAt the start time, the MBSTF starts sending MBS data packets to the MB-UPF at Nmb9, and MBS Clients that activated reception start receiving at MBS-4-MC
DEACTIVATINGAt the end time, or on a severe error, the MBSF stops advertising the session, deactivates and releases it in the MBSTF, and releases the resources with the MB-SMF

How a User Service is provisioned and announced​

TS 26.502 clauses 5.3 to 5.5, condensed, with the step numbers:

  1. Optional TMGI pre-allocation (step 1). The MBS Application Provider may pre-allocate a TMGI with Nmbsmf_TMGI_Allocate on the MB-SMF at Nmb13 (or N33+N29mb through the NEF).
  2. User Service (step 2). It invokes Nmbsf_MBSUserService_Create at Nmb10 (or N33+Nmb5).
  3. Ingest session (steps 3 and 4). It invokes Nmbsf_MBSUserDataIngestSession_Create, with the details of one or more Distribution Sessions, and subscribes to its status events.
  4. MBS Session (steps 6 to 9). Shortly before the active period, the MBSF may allocate a TMGI, then invokes Nmbsmf_MBSSession_Create on the MB-SMF at Nmb1. The MB-SMF can allocate the TMGI as a side effect.
  5. Distribution Session in the MBSTF (steps 10 to 15). The MBSF invokes Nmbstf_MBSDistributionSession_Create at Nmb2, a mirror of its own entity. The MBSTF tries to establish content ingest at Nmb8; on success the session becomes ESTABLISHED.
  6. Announcement (clause 5.4). The MBSF compiles an MBS User Service Announcement describing the current Distribution Sessions. It is delivered by unicast at MBS-5, in the MBS User Service Announcement Channel at MBS-4-MC (an MBS Distribution Session in OBJECT_CAROUSEL mode), or passed back to the provider for private advertisement at MBS-8.
  7. Activation (clause 5.5.1). At the start time, for a multicast service, the MBSF activates the Multicast MBS Session in the MB-SMF so that UEs can join. It then sets the Distribution Session to ACTIVE in the MBSTF with Nmbstf_MBSDistributionSession_Update.
  8. Reception (clause 5.5.2). The MBS-Aware Application asks the MBSF Client at MBS-6 to activate the User Service; the MBSTF Client receives the MBS data at MBS-4-MC.
  9. Deactivation (clause 5.5.4). At the end time, the MBSF tears down the MBS Session for a broadcast service, or for the last period. For a multicast service with further periods, it only deactivates the MBS Session.

MBS​

Functions in the 5G System​

Functions and their MBS roles (TS 23.247 clause 5.3.2)
FunctionMBS role, as TS 23.247 lists it
MB-SMFMBS session management, including QoS control; configures the MB-UPF; allocates and de-allocates TMGIs; for broadcast, controls shared delivery through the AMF; for multicast, provides MBS Session Context information to the SMF and controls the MB-UPF for individual delivery
MB-UPFProcesses incoming downlink multicast and broadcast packets; enforces QoS; delivers data to NG-RAN nodes for 5GC Shared delivery, and multicast data to the UPF for 5GC Individual delivery
SMFDiscovers the MB-SMF for a Multicast MBS session; authorises join requests if needed; interacts with RAN and UPF for individual delivery. The SMF and MB-SMF may be co-located
UPFReceives multicast data from the MB-UPF and delivers it to UEs through PDU Sessions, for individual delivery
AMFSignalling with NG-RAN and the MB-SMF for MBS Session management; selects the NG-RAN nodes for broadcast distribution and for multicast activation notification of UEs in CM-IDLE
NG-RANDelivers MBS data over radio with PTM or PTP; controls switching between PTM and PTP per UE; supports multicast service continuity at Xn and N2 handover; group paging; may move multicast UEs to RRC_INACTIVE
UEReceives multicast with PTM or PTP in RRC_CONNECTED, and if supported with PTM in RRC_INACTIVE; receives broadcast with PTM; joins and leaves Multicast MBS sessions
AFRequests multicast or broadcast service with service information, including QoS requirements
NEFInterface to AFs for MBS service provisioning, session and QoS management; selects the MB-SMF
MBSFService level functionality and interworking with LTE MBMS; selects the MB-SMF; controls the MBSTF if used
MBSTFMedia anchor; sourcing of IP multicast; packet transport functions such as framing and FEC; delivery of input files as objects or object flows
PCFQoS handling and policy information for the MBS Session, when dynamic PCC is needed
UDM, UDRMBS subscription data for authorising UEs for multicast MBS sessions
NRFThe MB-SMF and MBSF NF types; MB-SMF discovery

Reference points and interfaces​

New reference points (TS 23.247 clause 5.3.1)
Reference pointBetween
N3mbRAN and MB-UPF
N4mbMB-SMF and MB-UPF (protocols in TS 29.244)
N6mbMB-UPF and AF/AS
N7mbMB-SMF and PCF
N11mbAMF and MB-SMF
N16mbSMF and MB-SMF
N19mbUPF and MB-UPF
N29mbMB-SMF and NEF
Nmb1MB-SMF and MBSF
Nmb2MBSF and MBSTF
Nmb5MBSF and NEF
Nmb8MBSTF and AF/AS
Nmb9MB-UPF and MBSTF
Nmb10MBSF and AF/AS
Nmb12MBSF and PCF
Nmb13MB-SMF and AF/AS
Nmb14NEF and MBSTF
N101MB-SMF and CHF

In functionality, Nmb13, N29mb and Nmb1 are identical, Nmb5 and Nmb10 are identical, and Nmb9 and N6mb are identical. The existing reference points N1, N2, N4, N5, N10, N11, N30, N33 and N40 are enhanced for MBS. Between NG-RAN and the MB-SMF, the AMF relays the N2 SM information transparently.

Service-based interfaces and their services (TS 23.247 clause 9)
InterfaceServiceOperationsConsumers
Nmbsmf (MB-SMF)Nmbsmf_TMGIAllocate, DeallocateNEF, MBSF, AF
Nmbsmf_MBSSessionCreate, Update, Delete, StatusSubscribe, StatusUnsubscribe, StatusNotifyMBSF, NEF, AF
ContextStatusSubscribe, ContextStatusUnsubscribe, ContextStatusNotifySMF
ContextUpdateAMF, SMF
Npcf (PCF)Npcf_MBSPolicyControlCreate, Update, DeleteMB-SMF
Npcf_MBSPolicyAuthorizationCreate, Update, DeleteAF, NEF, MBSF
Namf (AMF)Namf_MBSBroadcastContextCreate, ContextUpdate, ContextRelease, ContextStatusNotifyMB-SMF
Namf_MBSCommunicationN2MessageTransferMB-SMF
Nnef (NEF)Nnef_MBSTMGIAllocate, Deallocate, ExpiryNotifyAF
Nnef_MBSSessionCreate, Update, Delete, StatusNotify, StatusSubscribe, StatusUnsubscribeAF
Nnef_MBSGroupMsgDeliveryCreate, Update, Delete, StatusNotifyAF
Nmbsf (MBSF)defined in TS 26.502
NGAP procedures between NG-RAN and the AMF (TS 38.413 clauses 8.17 and 8.18)
ProcedurePurpose
Broadcast Session SetupSet up MBS session resources in the NG-RAN node for a broadcast MBS session
Broadcast Session ModificationUpdate the resources or the area of a broadcast MBS session
Broadcast Session ReleaseRelease the resources of a broadcast MBS session
Broadcast Session Release RequiredLets the NG-RAN node trigger the AMF to release a broadcast MBS session
Broadcast Session TransportAssign NG-U resources for a broadcast MBS session
Distribution SetupAssign NG-U resources for a multicast MBS session
Distribution ReleaseRelease the NG-U resources of a multicast MBS session, or of one area session of it
Multicast Session ActivationActivate the resources of a multicast MBS session in an NG-RAN node
Multicast Session DeactivationDeactivate them
Multicast Session UpdateUpdate the resources or the area of a multicast MBS session

All of them use non-UE-associated signalling.

Delivery methods​

Between the 5G Core and NG-RAN there are two delivery methods. TS 23.247 does not call them unicast, multicast or broadcast:

  • 5GC Shared MBS traffic delivery: the 5G Core receives a single copy of the MBS data packets and delivers a single copy to an NG-RAN node, which delivers it to one or more UEs. It is used for broadcast and multicast MBS sessions, and is required in all MBS deployments.
  • 5GC Individual MBS traffic delivery: the 5G Core delivers separate copies to individual UEs, each through a PDU Session associated with the Multicast MBS session. It is used only for multicast, and is required for mobility where NG-RAN nodes do not all support MBS.

Over the radio, NG-RAN has two delivery methods:

  • Point-to-Multipoint (PTM): a single copy over the radio interface to multiple UEs.
  • Point-to-Point (PTP): separate copies over the radio interface to individual UEs.

NG-RAN may combine PTP and PTM. For a broadcast service only 5GC Shared delivery with PTM applies. For a multicast service, an NG-RAN node that supports MBS is served with 5GC Shared delivery; the same multicast session may be delivered with Shared delivery to some UEs and Individual delivery to others.

5GC Shared5GC Individual
MBS sessionsBroadcast and multicastMulticast only
From the MB-UPF toNG-RAN nodes, at N3mbUPFs, at N19mb; the UPF forwards the data in the N3 tunnel of each associated PDU Session
TransportA common GTP-U tunnel per MBS session with IP multicast, otherwise a GTP-U tunnel per MBS session per NG-RAN nodeA common GTP-U tunnel per MBS session with IP multicast, otherwise one per MBS session per UPF
Shared byAll UEs that joined the multicast session through that NG-RAN node (one tunnel per session, MBS service area and node)All associated PDU Sessions served by that UPF
RadioPTM or PTPUnicast radio bearers of the associated PDU Session

The MB-UPF is the MBS Session Anchor. When the MBSTF is involved, the MBSTF is the media anchor. The MB-UPF adds a sequence number to the MBS data of each MBS QoS Flow.

NG-RAN​

The overall NG-RAN architecture applies to NR MBS. The Layer 2 stack for MBS uses the same sublayers, with a reduced set of functions: SDAP maps MBS QoS flows to MBS Radio Bearers (MRBs), and PDCP keeps transfer, sequence numbers, header compression, reordering and duplicate discarding.

MBS Radio Bearers (TS 38.300 clause 16.10.3)
SessionUE stateMRB configurations
MulticastRRC_CONNECTED, by dedicated RRC signallingRLC-UM or RLC-AM for PTP; DL-only RLC-UM for PTM; or two or three RLC entities that combine a PTP leg (RLC-UM or RLC-AM) with a PTM leg (DL-only RLC-UM). The gNB may change the MRB type
MulticastRRC_INACTIVE, by broadcast and/or dedicated RRC signallingDL-only RLC-UM for PTM
BroadcastRRC_IDLE, RRC_INACTIVE and RRC_CONNECTED, by broadcast RRC signallingOne DL-only RLC-UM entity for PTM
ItemRole (TS 38.300)
MTCH (MBS Traffic Channel)PTM downlink channel for the data of a multicast or broadcast session
DTCHPTP channel for the data of a multicast session
MCCH (MBS Control Channel)PTM downlink channel for broadcast or multicast control information. Broadcast MCCH and multicast MCCH are independent channels; the multicast MCCH is used only for reception in RRC_INACTIVE
G-RNTIIdentifies dynamically scheduled PTM transmissions of MTCH
G-CS-RNTIIdentifies PTM transmissions of MTCH scheduled with a configured grant
MCCH-RNTIIdentifies MCCH transmissions and change notifications for broadcast
Multicast MCCH-RNTIIdentifies MCCH transmissions and change notifications for multicast in RRC_INACTIVE
SIB20, SIB21MCCH configuration, and service continuity information, for broadcast
SIB24Information to acquire the multicast MCCH and MTCH configuration for RRC_INACTIVE

In a PTP transmission, the gNB schedules a UE-specific PDSCH with a PDCCH whose CRC is scrambled by a UE-specific RNTI, such as the C-RNTI. In a PTM transmission, it schedules a group-common PDSCH with a group-common PDCCH whose CRC is scrambled by a group-common RNTI. When a UE has both a PTM and a PTP leg, the gNB decides dynamically which to use, based on information such as the session QoS requirements, the number of joined UEs and the UE feedback on reception quality. The same QoS requirements apply whichever it chooses.

Multicast session states​

StateIn TS 23.247 clause 4.3
ConfiguredInformation about the session (for example QoS) is held in the 5G Core, but no user plane resources towards NG-RAN are reserved and no data can be sent. A TMGI can be allocated
ActiveThe session is established and data can be sent to the UEs that joined it. Radio resources are established
InactiveThe session is established but no data is sent. Radio resources are released

The first accepted join request establishes the session towards NG-RAN and the UE. For a broadcast MBS session, TS 23.247 clause 4.2.2 describes phases: MBS Session Creation and establishment by the AF, service announcement, data transfer, and Session Release, at which the 5G System releases the resources and deletes the session.

Sources for this page
  • MBS User Services, functions and reference points: TS 26.502 V18.6.0, clauses 4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.3.1 to 4.3.6 and 4.4.1, table 4.5.6-1.
  • Services and APIs: TS 26.502 V18.6.0, clause 7 and tables 7.2-1 and 7.3-1; TS 29.580 V18.8.0, clauses 1, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1.3 and 6.2.3; TS 29.581 V18.6.0, clauses 1, 4.1 and 6.1.3; TS 26.517 V18.6.0, clauses 8.2.1.3, 8A, 9, 10 and 11.
  • Distribution methods: TS 26.502 V18.6.0, clauses 3.1, 4.3.3.2, 6.1 and 6.2; TS 26.517 V18.6.0, clauses 6.2.1, 6.2.3.5 and 7.2.1.
  • Sessions and their life cycle; provisioning and announcement: TS 26.502 V18.6.0, clauses 3.1, 4.5.2 to 4.5.6, 4.6.1, 5.3, 5.3A, 5.4, 5.5.1, 5.5.2 and 5.5.4.
  • MBS, functions, reference points and services: TS 23.247 V18.8.0, clauses 5.1, 5.3.0, 5.3.1, 5.3.2, 8.1 and 9; TS 38.413 V18.11.0, clauses 8.17 and 8.18.
  • Delivery methods: TS 23.247 V18.8.0, clauses 3.1, 4.1, 6.7 and 7.2.1.3.
  • NG-RAN: TS 38.300 V18.11.0, clauses 3.1, 7.3.1, 8.1, 16.10.2 to 16.10.4 and 16.10.5.4.
  • Multicast session states: TS 23.247 V18.8.0, clauses 4.2.2, 4.3 and 7.2.1.1.