Apparatus and method for time synchronization between heterogeneous systmem in wireless communication system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method of operation for an application function (AF) for synchronizing time between heterogeneous systems in a wireless communication network. The method of operation may include the step of synchronizing the time of a first system and the time of a second system; and the step of transmitting information regarding the synchronization to a policy control function (PCF).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless communication network, and more specifically, to a method of providing time-sensitive communication (TSC) as well as time-sensitive networking (TSN) between terminals by linking with a wired network that supports time-sensitive networking (TSN) using 3GPP 5GS (5th generation system). Background Technology

[0002] Efforts are being made to develop improved 5G or pre-5G communication systems to meet the increasing demand for wireless data traffic since the commercialization of 4G communication systems. For this reason, 5G or pre-5G communication systems are referred to as systems beyond the 4G network or systems following the LTE system. To achieve high data transmission rates, the implementation of 5G communication systems in the mmWave band (e.g., the 60 GHz band) is being considered. To mitigate path loss and increase transmission distance in the mmWave band, technologies such as beamforming, massive MIMO, full Dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, and large-scale antennas are being discussed for 5G communication systems. In addition, to improve the network of the system, the development of technologies such as advanced small cell, advanced small cell, cloud radio access network (cloud RAN), ultra-dense network, Device to Device communication (D2D), wireless backhaul, moving network, cooperative communication, CoMP (Coordinated Multi-Points), and interference cancellation is taking place in 5G communication systems.In addition, advanced coding modulation (ACM) methods such as FQAM (Hybrid FSK and QAM Modulation) and SWSC (Sliding Window Superposition Coding), as well as advanced access technologies such as FBMC (Filter Bank Multi Carrier), NOMA (non-orthogonal multiple access), and SCMA (sparse code multiple access), are being developed in 5G systems.

[0003] Meanwhile, the Internet is evolving from a human-centric network where humans generate and consume information into an IoT (Internet of Things) network that processes information by exchanging it among distributed components, such as objects. IoE (Internet of Everything) technology, which combines IoT with Big Data processing technologies through connections with cloud servers, is also emerging. To implement IoT, technological elements such as sensing technology, wired and wireless communication and network infrastructure, service interface technology, and security technology are required; consequently, technologies such as sensor networks, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and Machine-Type Communication (MTC) are currently being researched to facilitate the connection of objects. In an IoT environment, intelligent IT services that create new value for human life by collecting and analyzing data generated from connected objects can be provided. Through the convergence and integration of existing IT technologies with various industries, IoT can be applied to fields such as smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart or connected cars, smart grids, healthcare, smart home appliances, and advanced medical services.

[0004] Accordingly, various attempts are being made to apply 5G communication systems to IoT networks. For example, technologies such as sensor networks, Machine to Machine (M2M), and Machine Type Communication (MTC) are being implemented using 5G communication techniques such as beamforming, MIMO, and array antennas. The application of cloud RAN as a big data processing technology, as previously described, can also be considered an example of the convergence of 5G and IoT technologies. The problem to be solved

[0005] The 3GPP network provides a method to support Time Sensitive Communication (TSC) in conjunction with TSN. Delay requirements for TSC traffic are provided based on the TSN Clock, and to support this, the 3GPP network provides QoS based on the 5GS Clock. Due to the difference between the TSN Clock and the 5GS Clock, delay requirements may not be satisfied when selecting 5QI (5G QoS Identifier) ​​based on the TSN Clock. means of solving the problem

[0006] The present invention discloses a method of operation for an application function (AF) for synchronizing time between heterogeneous systems in a wireless communication network. The method of operation may include the step of synchronizing the time of a first system and the time of a second system; and the step of transmitting information regarding the synchronization to a policy control function (PCF). Effects of the invention

[0007] Previously, when a 3GPP network selected a 5QI for TSC support, it used a delay requirement based on the TSN clock, so it was possible to fail to satisfy the delay requirement. Through the present invention, when a 3GPP network selected a 5QI for TSC support, it used a delay requirement based on the 5GS clock, thereby always satisfying the delay requirement. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0008] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the TSN management operation on Ethernet of a TSN according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a TSN support structure of a 5G network according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration of bridge delay guaranteed by a 5G network according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for a time-sensitive networking application function (TSN AF) to convert delay requirements according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method in which a policy control function (PCF) according to an embodiment of the present invention converts delay requirements. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for converting 5QI into SMF as needed according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a TSN AF converting a Delay requirement according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a PCF converting a Delay requirement according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an SMF converting 5QI as needed according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a base station according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of an SMF according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a PCF according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of a TSN AF according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0009] The operating principle of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In describing the present invention below, specific descriptions of related known functions or configurations will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined considering their functions in the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intentions or conventions of the user or operator. Therefore, their definitions should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0010] Terms used in the following description to identify connection nodes, terms referring to network entities, terms referring to messages, terms referring to interfaces between network entities, terms referring to various identification information, etc., are examples provided for the convenience of explanation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms referring to objects having equivalent technical meanings may be used.

[0011] For the convenience of the following explanation, the present invention uses terms and names defined in the 5GS and NR specifications, which are the most recent standards defined by the 3GPP (The 3rd Generation Partnership Project) among currently existing communication standards. However, the present invention is not limited by the above terms and names and can be applied in the same way to wireless communication networks conforming to other standards. In particular, the present invention can be applied to 3GPP 5GS / NR (5th generation mobile communication standard).

[0012] To support scenarios such as factory automation, time synchronization of related nodes is required. In particular, in situations requiring precision work, the precision of this time synchronization must also be high. When Ethernet is utilized for industrial purposes, Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) technology, which supports time synchronization between nodes connected via Ethernet, has been researched and is commercially used.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the TSN management operation on Ethernet of a TSN according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Referring to Fig. 1, the principle of supporting Time-Sensitive Communication (TSC) over Ethernet in TSN is explained. TSC traffic has the characteristic of occurring at regular intervals and can be referred to as a stream. A node that generates a stream can be referred to as a talker. A node that receives a stream can be referred to as a listener. For example, a machine tool can generate traffic reporting its operating status at regular intervals, and a management server can receive said traffic to monitor the operating status. In this case, the machine tool can be the talker, and the monitoring server can be the listener. Alternatively, a robot control server can generate an operation control signal at regular intervals, and the robot can receive said control signal and operate in accordance with said control signal. In this case, the robot control server can be the talker, and the robot can be the listener. A device that transmits the stream between the talker and the listener can be referred to as a bridge (BR). All nodes supporting TSN, such as talkers, listeners, and bridges, can operate with clock synchronization based on the TSN GM (grand master). The CUC (centralized user configuration) within the TSN can transmit stream information aggregated from talkers and listeners to the CNC (centralized network configuration). The CNC determines the path between talkers and listeners based on stream requirements and can transmit requirements for stream delivery to each bridge as management information. Referring to Fig. 1, the talker generates and transmits traffic occurring every 10ms at 0ms, and the CNC can transmit management information to each bridge to transmit traffic to BR 1 at 2ms, BR 2 at 4ms, BR 3 at 6ms, and BR 4 at 8ms.At this time, it can be assumed that the link latency between bridges is negligible. For example, since BR 2 receives a stream every 2ms and must transmit the stream every 4ms, it may have a latency requirement to transmit the stream within a maximum latency of 2ms.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a TSN support structure of a 5G network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Referring to Fig. 2, a 5G network can support TSN time synchronization and TSC. For example, a 5G network can be modeled as the TSN bridge (TSN node) of Fig. 1. That is, the 5G network, consisting of a UPF (user plane function), gNB (5G RAN (Radio Access Network) base station), and UE (user equipment), acts as a single TSN node and can support TSN time synchronization by compensating for link delay and residence time to update sync frames and exchange them with other TSN nodes. To support TSN time synchronization, it can be assumed that the UPF, gNB, and UE within the 5G network are synchronized with a common 5GS GM. For example, the gNB is connected to the GPS, the UPF is connected to the gNB via an Ethernet-based TSN to synchronize with the gNB, and the UE can be synchronized with the gNB through the process of transmitting and receiving PHY frames. The logical function block responsible for the interworking between the UPF and the TSN can be referred to as the NW-TT (network-side TSN translator), and the logical function block responsible for the interworking between the UE and the TSN can be referred to as the DS-TT (Device-Side TSN translator). The UPF / NW-TT is connected to the TSN node of the wired network, and the UE / DS-TT can also be connected to the TSN node of the wired network. Therefore, the UPF can know the 5GS clock and the TSN clock simultaneously. The UPF can transmit information regarding the difference between the 5GS clock and the TSN clock to the SMF (session management function), which may include the time offset and frequency difference (rate ratio).

[0017] Additionally, the 5GS can transmit and receive management information to and from the TSN's CNC as a bridge, and the TSN AF (application function) is responsible for this. For example, the TSN AF can receive information about the stream exemplified in Fig. 1 from the CNC. The stream information may include delay requirements for transmitting the corresponding stream within the 5GS bridge. When the TSN AF modifies the delay requirements and transmits them to the PCF (policy control function), the PCF can determine a 5QI (5G QoS identifier) ​​that can provide QoS satisfying the requirements according to a predefined policy. The PCF can transmit the determined 5QI and the information about the corresponding stream to the SMF. Subsequently, the SMF can transmit signaling to the UE, RAN, and UPF to apply the 5QI-based QoS settings.

[0018] For example, it can be assumed that the latency requirement received from the CNC guarantees a maximum of 10ms. The above requirement can be determined based on the TSN time. Additionally, it can be assumed that the 5QIs held by the PCF guarantee a latency of 10ms for 5QI1, 7ms for 5QI2, and 5ms for 5QI3. According to the operation of Figure 2, the PCF determines 5QI1 that satisfies the latency requirement of 10ms based on the TSN time and transmits said 5QI1 to the SMF, and the SMF can request QoS settings based on said 5QI1. At this time, if the rate ratio (Freq_TSN / Freq_5GS) between the 5GS time and the TSN time is 1.01, the latency requirement based on the 5GS time can be determined as “10ms * 1 / rateRatio = 9.900990099009901ms”. In order for a 5G network or 5GS (5G System) to satisfy the latency requirements based on 5GS time standards, 5QI2, rather than 5QI1, may need to be selected and applied. Therefore, the operation of Fig. 2 may result in the 5GS failing to satisfy the latency requirements of actual TSC traffic.

[0019] Additionally, the unified data management (UDM) of Fig. 2 can store subscriber information of the UE. The UE's subscriber information may include supported default QoS rules. The PCF can transmit to the SMF sets of QoS rules available for the PDU session for the UE, other than the default QoS rules. The network exposure function (NEF) is used when interacting with an external AF, and since the TSN AF can be viewed as an internal AF, it may not be used here. However, the NEF can be used in special use cases where TSN requirements need to be transmitted to the 5GS without a TSN AF.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration of bridge delay guaranteed by a 5G network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates the configuration of the delay time within the 5GS bridge. The 5GS bridge delay may include the DS-TT-UE residence time and the PDB (packet delay budget). The DS-TT-UE residence time can be assumed to be a predetermined value based on the characteristics of the UE and DS-TT. The PDB is a QoS parameter and may be a value that varies depending on the determination of the 5QI. The PDB can be further subdivided to represent the delay time between the UPF and backhaul segments as the CN (core network) PDB, and the delay time between the RAN segments as the AN (access network) PDB.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for converting delay requirements in a TSN AF according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 4, when the SMF receives information regarding the difference between the 5GS time and the TSN time from the UPF, it transmits the difference information to the PCF, and the PCF can transmit the difference information to the TSN AF. Based on the difference information, the TSN AF can convert the delay requirements of the TSC stream from a TSN time-based to a 5GS Clock-based. The TSN AF can transmit the converted delay requirements to the PCF. The PCF can determine a 5QI corresponding to the delay requirements converted based on the 5GS time. The PCF transmits the determined 5QI to the SMF, and the SMF can apply the QoS corresponding to the 5QI. By using the method described above, the optimal 5QI that satisfies the delay requirements can be determined. However, additional signaling may occur to transmit information regarding the difference between the 5GS time and the TSN time from the SMF through the PCF to the TSN AF.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for a PCF to convert delay requirements according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The SMF receives information regarding the difference between the 5GS time and the TSN time from the UPF and can transmit said time information to the PCF. The TSN AF can transmit delay requirements based on the TSN time to the PCF. The PCF can convert the delay requirements into delay requirements based on the 5GS time. The PCF can determine a 5QI that satisfies the converted delay requirements. The PCF can transmit the determined 5QI to the SMF. The SMF applies the QoS corresponding to the 5QI. Using the method described above, the 5GS can determine the optimal 5QI that satisfies the delay requirements. However, additional signaling may occur to transmit information regarding the difference between the 5GS time and the TSN time from the SMF to the PCF.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for converting 5QI into SMF as needed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The TSN AF can transmit delay requirements based on the TSN time to the PCF. The PCF can determine a 5QI that satisfies the delay requirements. The PCF can transmit the determined 5QI to the SMF. Before applying the 5QI, the SMF can determine a 5QI' converted based on the 5GS time using the rateRatio. Based on 5QI' and various criteria, a new 5QI can be determined, or an existing 5QI can be used as is. If a 5QI update is required, the SMF can perform the procedure for changing the 5QI with the PCF. By using the above method, the 5GS can select a 5QI that satisfies the delay requirements. Furthermore, overall system efficiency can be improved because there is no additional signaling load involved in transmitting information regarding the difference between the 5GS time and the TSN time from the SMF to the PCF or TSN AF.

[0028] When re-determining 5QI based on 5QI', various criteria may be applied. For example, if the maximum delay time of 5QI' is greater than the maximum delay time of 5QI, the existing 5QI may be used. Additionally, if the maximum delay time of 5QI' is smaller than the maximum delay time of 5QI, the optimal combination among the 5QI combinations capable of satisfying the maximum delay time of 5QI' may be re-determined. In this case, if the DS-TT-UE residence time described in Fig. 3 has a minimum (Min) and a maximum (Max) value that allows for adjustment between them, and if the difference between the maximum delay time of 5QI' and the maximum delay time of 5QI can be compensated by utilizing the margin between the minimum and the maximum, the existing 5QI may be used as is. Alternatively, depending on the settings, if the difference between the maximum delay time of 5QI' and the maximum delay time of 5QI is less than or equal to a predetermined margin, the existing 5QI may be used as is. The aforementioned margin can already be reflected during the process of sharing the 5GS bridge delay with the TSN's CNC. Since the CNC determines the stream delivery path based on the margin and requests a delay including the margin from the 5GS bridge on the determined path, the 5GS can guarantee the delay request. As another example, this can be applied in cases where the margin may probabilistically cause a phenomenon where the delay request is not satisfied, but the resulting loss of messages or packets in TSC traffic does not cause problems at the application level. The maximum allowable time during which the application is not affected even if messages or packets delivered at regular intervals are lost can be referred to as the survival time. The survival time can be determined according to the characteristics of each application. The survival time can be transmitted to the SMF via the NEF or OAM (Operation Administration and Management). The SMF can determine the margin based on the survival time.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a TSN AF converting delay requirements according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In step 1, the UE can create a PDU session that supports TSN. At this time, the necessary 5QI Profiles can be stored in the SMF.

[0031] In step 2, external TSN nodes utilizing the above PDU session and the 5GS bridge including the UE and UPF can synchronize with the TSN time by transmitting and receiving Clock Synchronization Ethernet frames. After going through the process described above, the UPF can obtain TSN time information in addition to the previously stored 5GS time information.

[0032] In step 3, the UPF can transmit information regarding the difference between the 5GS time and the TSN time to the SMF. The difference information may include an offset and a rate ratio.

[0033] In step 4, SMF can transmit the difference information between 5GS time and TSN time to PCF.

[0034] In step 5, the PCF can transmit the difference information between the 5GS time and the TSN time back to the TSN AF.

[0035] In step 6, the TSN AF can receive information about the stream from the CNC. The information about the stream may include scheduling information for the stream. The scheduling information may include delay requirements.

[0036] In step 7, the TSN AF can convert the TSN time-based latency requirements into 5GS time-based latency requirements. In the process described above, the TSN AF utilizes the difference information between the 5GS time and the TSN time obtained in step 5, and can also consider the UE-DS-TT dwell time obtained in steps 1 through 3.

[0037] In step 8, TSN AF can pass 5GS time-based latency requirements to PCF.

[0038] In step 9, PCF can determine 5QIs that satisfy 5GS time-based latency requirements.

[0039] In step 10, the PCF can update the QoS setting rule for the SMF using the 5QI selected in step 9. Afterwards, the SMF can respond to the PCF with the updated result as in step 10a. Afterwards, the PCF can respond to the TSN AF with the updated result as in step 10b.

[0040] In step 11, the SMF can send QoS setting signaling reflecting the received 5QI to the UE / RAN / UPF and apply QoS.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a PCF converting delay requirements according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] In step 1, the UE can create a PDU session that supports TSN. The necessary 5QI profiles can be stored in the SMF.

[0043] In step 2, external TSN nodes utilizing the above PDU session and the 5GS bridge including the UE and UPF transmit and receive clock synchronization Ethernet frames, and can be synchronized with the TSN time. After going through the process described above, the UPF can obtain TSN time information in addition to the previously stored 5GS time information.

[0044] In step 3, the UPF can transmit information regarding the difference between the 5GS time and the TSN time to the SMF. The difference information may include an offset and a rate ratio.

[0045] In step 4, SMF can transmit the difference information between 5GS time and TSN time to PCF.

[0046] In step 5, the TSN AF can receive information about the stream from the CNC. The information about the stream may include scheduling information about the stream. The scheduling information may include delay requirements.

[0047] In step 6, the TSN AF can transmit TSN time-based latency requirements to the PCF. In the process of determining the above latency requirements, the TSN AF may also consider the UE-DS-TT residence time obtained in steps 1 through 3.

[0048] In step 7, PCF can convert TSN time-based latency requirements into 5GS time-based latency requirements.

[0049] In step 8, PCF can determine 5QIs that satisfy 5GS time-based latency requirements.

[0050] In step 9, the PCF can update the QoS setting rule for the SMF using the 5QI determined in step 8. Afterwards, the SMF can respond to the PCF with the updated result as in step 9a. Afterwards, the PCF can respond to the TSN AF with the updated result as in step 9b.

[0051] In step 10, the SMF can send QoS setting signaling reflecting the received 5QI to the UE / RAN / UPF and apply QoS.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an SMF converting 5QI as needed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] In step 1, the UE can create a PDU session that supports TSN. The necessary 5QI profiles can be stored in the SMF.

[0054] In step 2, external TSN nodes utilizing the above PDU session and the 5GS bridge including the UE and UPF can synchronize with the TSN time by transmitting and receiving time-synchronized Ethernet frames. After going through the process described above, the UPF can obtain TSN time information in addition to the previously stored 5GS time information.

[0055] In step 3, UPF can transmit information regarding the difference between the 5GS time and the TSN time to SMF. The difference information may include an offset and a rate ratio.

[0056] In step 4, the TSN AF can receive information about the stream from the CNC. The information about the stream may include scheduling information about the stream. The scheduling information may include delay requirements.

[0057] In step 5, the TSN AF can transmit TSN time-based latency requirements to the PCF. In the process of determining the above latency requirements, the TSN AF may also consider the UE-DS-TT residence time obtained in steps 1 through 3.

[0058] In step 6, PCF can determine 5QIs that satisfy the TSN time-based latency requirements.

[0059] In step 7, PCF can update the QoS setting rule for SMF using the 5QI determined in step 6.

[0060] In step 8, SMF can convert the maximum latency value of 5QI that satisfies the TSN time-based latency requirements from TSN time-based to 5GS time-based.

[0061] A hypothetical 5QI value satisfying the above-mentioned converted maximum delay value may be referred to as 5QI'. By comparing the maximum delay value of 5QI D_5QI with the maximum delay value of 5QI' D_5QI', depending on the case, the existing 5QI may be used, or a new 5QI may be determined and used. For example, if D_5QI' is greater than D_5QI, the existing 5QI is used; if D_5QI' is smaller than D_5QI, a 5QI with a maximum delay satisfying D_5QI' can be determined again. For example, D_5QI0 < D_5QI1 < D_5QI < D_5QI2 <D_5QI3일 때, D_5QI ≤ D_5QI’ <D_5Q2이면, 5QI를 기존과 같이 사용하고, 그렇지 않으면 D_5QIx ≤ D_5QI’를 만족하는 5QIx를 결정할 수 있다. 이때, x값을 최대로 설정할 경우, 효율을 증가시킬 수 있다. 혹은, D_5QI’가 D_5QI-Margin 보다 크면, 기존 5QI를 사용하고, 그렇지 않으면 D_5QIx ≤ D_5QI’를 만족하는 5QIx를 결정할 수도 있다. 이때, x값을 최대로 설정할 경우, 효율을 증가시킬 수 있다.

[0062] Subsequently, the SMF can respond to the PCF with the updated result as in step 8a. In step 8, if the SMF does not decide directly but sends an update request to the PCF as in step 8b, the PCF can decide again. Subsequently, the PCF can respond to the TSN AF with the updated result as in step 8c.

[0063] In step 9, the SMF can send QoS setting signaling reflecting the determined 5QI or 5QIx to the UE / RAN / UPF and apply QoS.

[0064] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 10, the terminal (UE) may include a transceiver (1010), a control unit (1010), and a memory (1030). Depending on the implementation method, the terminal may have additional components. For example, it may further include various additional devices such as a display, an input unit, and a sensor for a user interface. The present invention does not impose restrictions on such additional configurations.

[0066] The transceiver (1010) may be connected to a base station via a wireless channel based on each embodiment described in FIGS. 1 to 9, and may perform transmission and reception of signals and / or messages with various network function devices through the base station. When a terminal communicates with a 5G network, the transceiver (1010) may be a device capable of transmitting and receiving with the 5G communication network. Additionally, the transceiver (1010) may include a communication processor as needed.

[0067] If the transmitting and receiving unit (1010) does not include a communication processor, all signals and / or messages can be processed in the control unit.

[0068] The control unit (1020) can control the basic operation of the terminal and can control the reception and storage of the messages described above. It can also control the transmission or reception of data through a specific network slice. For example, the control unit (1020) can perform operations based on the terminal's policy based on what is described above.

[0069] The memory (1030) can store various data necessary for controlling the terminal and may have an area for storing the terminal policy described above.

[0070] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 11, the base station (gNB) may include a transceiver (1110), a control unit (1110), and a memory (1130). Depending on the implementation method, the base station may have additional components. For example, it may further include various additional devices such as a display for a user interface, an input unit, and sensors. The present invention does not impose restrictions on such additional configurations.

[0072] The transceiver (1110) may be connected to a terminal via a wireless channel based on each embodiment described in FIGS. 1 to 9 and may perform transmission and reception of signals and / or messages with various network function devices. When a base station communicates with a 5G network, the transceiver (1110) may be a device capable of transmitting and receiving with the 5G communication network. Additionally, the transceiver (1110) may include a communication processor as needed.

[0073] If the transmitting and receiving unit (1110) does not include a communication processor, all signals and / or messages can be processed in the control unit.

[0074] The control unit (1120) can control the basic operation of the base station and can control the reception and storage of the messages described above. It can also control the transmission or reception of data through a specific network slice. For example, the control unit (1120) can perform operations based on the base station's policy based on what has been described above.

[0075] The memory (1130) can store various data required for the control of the base station and can have an area for storing the terminal policy described above.

[0076] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of an SMF according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 12, the SMF can communicate with other network entities of the core network through the network interface (1210). For example, the SMF can communicate with the UE, gNB, UDF, AMF, PCF, TSN AF, etc.

[0078] The control unit (1220) may be implemented as at least one processor or / and program for performing the operation of the SMF. For example, the control unit (1220) may perform the operation of the AMF described above.

[0079] For example, the control unit (1220) can convert the 5GS time and the TSN time based on the delay requirement.

[0080] The memory (1230) can store programs and various control information required by the control unit (1220), and can also store other information described in the present invention. In the case of other network entities, information required for the operation described above can be stored in the same way.

[0081] In addition to the configurations described above, the SMF may further include various interfaces for connecting with an operator. The present disclosure does not impose any specific restrictions on such additional configurations.

[0082] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a PCF according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 13, the PCF can communicate with other network entities of the core network through the network interface (1310). For example, the PCF can communicate with the UE, gNB, UDF, AMF, SMF, TSN AF, etc.

[0084] The control unit (1320) may be implemented as at least one processor or / and program for performing the operation of the PCF. For example, the control unit (1320) may perform the operation of the PCF described above.

[0085] For example, the control unit (1320) can convert the 5GS time and the TSN time based on the delay requirement.

[0086] The memory (1330) can store programs and various control information required by the control unit (1320), and can also store other information described in the present invention. In the case of other network entities, information required for the operation described above can be stored in the same way.

[0087] In addition to the configurations described above, the PCF may further include various interfaces for connecting with an operator. The present disclosure does not impose any specific restrictions on such additional configurations.

[0088] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of a TSN AF according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] The TSN AF can communicate with other network entities of the core network through the network interface (1410). For example, the TSN AF can communicate with the UE, gNB, UDF, AMF, SMF, PCF, etc.

[0090] The control unit (1420) may be implemented as at least one processor or / and program for performing the operation of the TSN AF. For example, the control unit (1420) may perform the operation of the TSN AF described above.

[0091] For example, the control unit (1420) can convert the 5GS time and the TSN time based on the delay requirement.

[0092] The memory (1430) can store programs and various control information required by the control unit (1420), and can also store other information described in the present invention. In the case of other network entities, information required for the operation described above can be stored in the same way.

[0093] In addition to the configuration described above, the TSN AF may further include various interfaces for connecting with an operator. The present disclosure does not impose any specific restrictions on such additional configurations.

[0094] Methods according to the embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present invention may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0095] When implemented in software, a computer-readable storage medium may be provided for storing one or more programs (software modules). One or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium are configured for execution by one or more processors within an electronic device. One or more programs include instructions that cause the electronic device to execute methods according to embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present invention.

[0096] Such programs (software modules, software) may be stored in random access memory, non-volatile memory including flash memory, ROM (Read Only Memory), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), magnetic disc storage devices, Compact Disc-ROM (CD-ROM), Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), or other forms of optical storage devices, magnetic cassettes. Alternatively, they may be stored in memory composed of some or all of these. Additionally, each constituent memory may include multiple units.

[0097] In addition, the above program may be stored on an attachable storage device that can be accessed via a communication network such as the Internet, Intranet, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide LAN (WLAN), or Storage Area Network (SAN), or a combination thereof. Such a storage device may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present invention through an external port. Additionally, a separate storage device on a communication network may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] In the specific embodiments of the present invention described above, the components included in the invention are expressed in a singular or plural form according to the specific embodiments presented. However, the singular or plural expression is selected to suit the situation presented for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not limited to singular or plural components; even if a component is expressed in the plural form, it may be composed in the singular form, or even if a component is expressed in the singular form, it may be composed in the plural form.

[0099] Meanwhile, although specific embodiments have been described in the detailed description of the present invention, it is understood that various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims set forth below as well as equivalents thereof.

Claims

Claim 1 A method of an application function (AF) entity for time sensitive communication (TSC) in a wireless communication system, comprising: a step of obtaining first delay information for a time sensitive network (TSN); a step of obtaining second delay information for a 5th generation system (5GS); and a step of transmitting a request regarding quality of service (QoS) based on the first delay information and the second delay information to a policy control function (PCF) entity, wherein a first delay request item related to the first delay information is converted into a second delay request item related to the second delay information based on the difference in delay time. Claim 2 A method according to claim 1, wherein the request comprises a set of request items regarding the difference in the delay time related to the first delay information and the second delay information. Claim 3 A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of updating a QoS policy based on the above request. Claim 4 A method for a policy control function (PCF) entity for time sensitive communication (TSC) in a wireless communication system, comprising: a step of acquiring first delay information for a 5th generation system (5GS) and transmitting it to an application function (AF) entity; a step of acquiring a request for quality of service (QoS) from the AF entity based on the first delay information and second delay information for a time sensitive network (TSN); and a step of determining a QoS-related policy based on the QoS-related request, wherein the first delay request item related to the first delay information is converted into a second delay request item related to the second delay information based on the difference in delay time. Claim 5 A method according to claim 4, wherein the request comprises a set of request items regarding the difference in the delay time related to the first delay information and the second delay information. Claim 6 A method characterized by further including the step of updating the determined QoS policy for an SMF (session management function) entity in claim 4. Claim 7 An application function (AF) entity for time sensitive communication (TSC) in a wireless communication system comprises: a transceiver; and a control unit that acquires first delay information for a time sensitive network (TSN), acquires second delay information for a 5th generation system (5GS), and controls the transmission of a request for quality of service (QoS) based on the first delay information and the second delay information to a policy control function (PCF) entity, wherein the first delay request item related to the first delay information is converted into a second delay request item related to the second delay information based on the difference in delay time. Claim 8 An AF entity according to claim 7, wherein the request comprises a set of request items regarding the difference in the delay time related to the first delay information and the second delay information. Claim 9 In claim 7, the AF entity is characterized in that the control unit further controls to update the QoS policy based on the request. Claim 10 A PCF (policy control function) entity for TSC (time sensitive communication) in a wireless communication system, comprising: a transceiver; and a control unit that acquires first delay information for a 5GS (5th generation system) and transmits it to an AF (application function) entity, acquires a request for QoS (quality of service) based on the first delay information and second delay information for a TSN (time sensitive network) from the AF entity, and controls to determine a QoS policy based on the request for QoS, wherein the first delay request item related to the first delay information is converted into a second delay request item related to the second delay information based on the difference in delay time. Claim 11 A PCF entity according to claim 10, wherein the request comprises a set of request items regarding the difference in the delay time related to the first delay information and the second delay information. Claim 12 In claim 10, the PCF entity is characterized in that the control unit further controls the session management function (SMF) entity to update the determined QoS policy. Claim 13 delete Claim 14 delete Claim 15 delete Claim 16 delete Claim 17 delete Claim 18 delete

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