Method and apparatus for multicast scheduling in wireless networks

Abstract

The invention includes a method and apparatus for scheduling multicast transmissions in a wireless network by selecting one of a plurality of multicast groups of a cellular region that is permitted to transmit information during a current timeslot. A method includes receiving data rate request values from wireless user terminals of each of a plurality of multicast groups, assigning a data rate to each multicast group using the data rate request values of wireless user terminals belonging to the respective multicast groups, selecting one of the multicast groups using the assigned data rates, and transmitting information to the selected one of the multicast groups at the associated assigned data rate. In one embodiment, the multicast scheduling algorithm may be a multicast proportional fairness (MPF) scheduling algorithm which attempts to maximize utility value of data received by individual users. In one embodiment, the multicast scheduling algorithm may be an inter-group proportional fairness (IPF) scheduling algorithm which attempts to maximize utility value of data received by multicast groups.