This page describes the PMCH, or Physical Multicast Channel, within the context of the LTE system. This channel defines the physical layer structure responsible for carrying Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Services (MBMS).

This control channel occupies the first 1, 2, or 3 OFDM symbols in a subframe, extending across the entire system bandwidth. QPSK, 16QAM, and 64QAM modulations are used for the PMCH channel. The PMCH carries the MCH.

Multicast Channel (MCH) Characteristics

The Multicast Channel (MCH) is characterized by the following:

• Requirement to be broadcast across the entire coverage area of the cell.
• Support for MBSFN combining of MBMS transmissions across multiple cells.
• Support for semi-static resource allocation, for example, with a time frame of a long cyclic prefix.

In the Downlink (DL), the MTCH logical channel can be mapped to both the DL-SCH and MCH transport channels.

Explore More LTE Channels

• LTE PBCH Physical Broadcast Channel
• LTE PCFICH Channel : Physical Control Format Indicator Channel
• LTE PDCCH : Physical Downlink Control Channel
• LTE PDSCH Channel : Physical Downlink Shared Channel
• LTE PHICH: Physical Hybrid ARQ Indicator Channel
• [LTE PRACH Channel: Physical Random Access Channel(https://www.rfwireless-world.com/terminology/lte-prach-channel)
• LTE PUCCH: Physical Uplink Control Channel
• LTE PUSCH: Physical Uplink Shared Channel
• LTE PSS vs SSS: Primary and Secondary Synchronization Signals
• LTE Reference Signals: RS, DMRS, and SRS

Continue Learning 4G LTE

• 4G LTE Basics Tutorial
• 4G LTE Architecture: Network Elements and Interfaces
• LTE Frame Structure
• LTE Channel Types: Logical, Transport and Physical Channels
• LTE Protocol Stack: User Plane vs. Control Plane
• 4G LTE Physical Layer & its modules
• LTE Frequency Bands: FDD, TDD and E-UTRA Bands
• LTE Carrier Aggregation & its benefits
• 4G LTE Network Security
• LTE Cell Search Procedure
• LTE UE Uplink Network Entry : Random Access Procedure
• LTE Paging Procedure Mechanism and Call Flow