8 Network requirements

3GPP43.246Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS) in the GERANRelease 17Stage 2TS

8.1 General requirements

In a network providing MBMS services, the support of the PBCCH is not mandatory.

If the PBCCH is not present in a cell, the network shall provide the parameters affecting cell reselection towards neighbouring cells either on BCCH or on the PACCH.

For each session in a given cell, the network may provide MBMS neighbouring cell information as described in sub-clause 6.2.1.

If the PBCCH is allocated, the support of NMO I is mandatory.

NOTE: If NMO III is used, the mobile station may need to interrupt the reception of MBMS to listen to CS paging messages.

The network may transmit an MBMS session on up to 4 timeslots, regardless of whether data transfer is with or without ARQ (see subclause 6.3).

8.2 MBMS notification for mobile stations in dedicated mode or packet transfer mode or dual transfer mode

The network indicates whether the network supports the Dedicated MBMS Notification mechanism and therefore whether the mobile stations are allowed to send the SERVICE INFORMATION message or include information in the GPRS SUSPENSION REQUEST message being sent to the network on the main DCCH.

The network may notify a mobile station that has requested to be notified on the main DCCH of starting MBMS sessions when in dedicated mode or MAC-Dedicated state, using the MBMS ANNOUNCEMENT message.

The network may inform a mobile station in the HANDOVER COMMAND message that a mobile station after completing the Handover procedure should re-request the network to send notifications on the main DCCH for starting MBMS sessions, if previously requested.

Note: The network should ensure that any transmissions of the MBMS ANNOUNCEMENT message, for the purpose of notifying the mobile station of the start of an MBMS session, are only sent to mobile stations that joined that MBMS session.

Annex A (normative):
Requirements and recommendations