Service content synchronization of multicast data for mobile nodes moving between networks with different radio access technologies

摘要

The invention relates to a method for continuing the provision of a multicast service to a mobile node, which moved to a network area, in which the multicast service is provided at a different data rate than before. A content synchronization entity is introduced into the mobile communications system for deciding whether to establish an additional multicast session to be provided to the mobile node via an additional data channel, in order to allow a seamless multicast service provision. The content synchronization entity may base its decision on various parameters and algorithms, such as the progress of the session provision in the source network at the time the mobile node performs the handover. Subsequent mobile nodes that enter the same network area may reuse the previously established additional data channel and receive the additional multicast session, since the additional data channel may be established as a multicast radio bearer.