Single frequency network using ethernet multicast

An apparatus, comprising:

• at least one memory comprising computer program code;
• and
• at least one processor;
• wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to:
• transmit a message from a network entity to an access point in a single frequency network through a data switch, wherein the message comprises an indication of at least one of a downlink physical channel or an uplink physical channel;
• receive a response message from the access point through the data switch indicating a signal characteristic;
• and
• select a user equipment to be served by the at least one access point based on the signal characteristic.

The method comprises:

• receiving a message at an access point in a single frequency network from a network entity through a data switch, wherein the message comprises an indication of at least of a downlink physical channel or an uplink physical channel;
• transmitting a request for a signal characteristic through the downlink physical channel to a user equipment;
• receiving the signal characteristic through the uplink physical channel from the user equipment;
• and
• transmitting a response message through the data switch from the access point to the network entity indicating the signal characteristic.