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mansoor2
2008-10-03, 09:14 AM
<i>Introduction</i>
Point to multipoint services exist today which
allow data from a single source entity to be transmitted to multiple
endpoints. These services are expected to be used extensively over
wireless networks, hence there is a need for a capability in the PLMN
to efficiently support them. The Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service
(MBMS) will provide this capability for such broadcast/multicast
services provided by the home environment and other VASPs.
MBMS is an IP datacast (IPDC) service that can
be offered via exsiting UMTS and GSM networks. It would be possible for
the user to interact with this service via an uplink channel. This
feature causes this service to be more complicated as it is not as
straightforward as a Unicast service like conventional digital
telivision. MBMS is a UMTS release 6 feature and according
to [1] it is already very popular with operators and equipment
manafacturers. It is expected that Networks would be supporting MBMS by
Q4, 2007 while UE's will be supporting MBMS by Q2, 2008. As per [1],
30% of UE's will be supporting MBMS by 2010. Release 6 was finalised in
June 2005.
It is important to note that MBMS is not just a
technology to preserve capacity or reduce costs - by providing an
efficient means to reliably distribute multimedia content over 3G
networks but also an opportunity for 3G network operators to deliver
new and innovative revenue-generating services to their subscribers. <br><i>Difference between Broadcast and Multicast</i>

<table width="90%" border="1"><tbody><tr><th>BROADCAST</th><th>MULTICAST</th></tr>
<tr>
<td>Broadcast service is a unidirectional point-to-multipoint service
in which data is transmitted from single source to multiple UE's in the
associated broadcast area</td>
<td>Muticast service is a unidirectional point-to-multipoint service in
which data is transmitted from single source to Multicast group in
associated Multicast area.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>These are push type services. The end user does not have to subscribe to be part of broadcast group</td>
<td>The end user has to be part of Multicast group to receive them.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>No interaction possible</td>
<td>Interaction possible. In this case multicast users have a return channel for the interaction procedure.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>They are free</td>
<td>They could be free or paid type.</td></tr></tbody></table>