Optimizing the Combination of MBSFN and PTM Transmissions in LTE Systems

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has introduced the evolved Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (e-MBMS) feature for cellular systems as an evolution to the existing MBMS service. To support e-MBMS in Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 3GPP recommends the use of Point-to-Multipoint (PTM) transmissions and MBMS over a Single Frequency Network (MBSFN). MBSFN is a new feature where a time-synchronized common waveform is transmitted from multiple cells. In this paper, the authors investigate the provision of MBMS service over a combination of MBSFN and PTM transmission methods. A cost analysis of the MBMS service is presented based on the transmission cost over all the interfaces and nodes of the LTE architecture.