Field Test for 5G NR Multicast and Broadcast Services

This paper first provides an overview of 5G new radio (NR) multicast and broadcast service (MBS), which is under development in 3GPP Release-17. Multicast and broadcast services based on Rel-17 5G NR network are supported and capable of transporting multimedia streaming or download services to various types of general-purpose 5G-capable devices. Following the principle of Release-17 5G NR MBS, China Broadcasting Network (CBN) cooperated with industry partners to develop the world's first 5G NR MBS end-to-end prototype trial system using commercially-available 5G NR network platform and 5G-capable smartphones. Based on the prototype system, field trial tests for cellular deployment and high-tower deployment are conducted for mobile and fixed receptions respectively. The field test results demonstrate the versatility, flexibility and efficiency of 5G NR multicast and broadcast technology, which can be heavily integrated with the deployed mobile communication network, and represents the evolution direction of new broadcast/multicast technology in the future.