A clock synchronization method, device and system

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application provide a method, device and system for clock synchronization. The method includes: a first device obtains a first time difference and a second time difference, the first time difference is the time difference between the first device and the satellite, the first time difference is determined based on the first pulse signal and the satellite information, the second time difference is the time difference between the second device and the satellite, the second time difference comes from the second device, and the first device and the second device belong to the same access network device; the first device obtains the clock synchronization information of the first device based on the first time difference and the second time difference. Through the above method, the first device can eliminate some common errors in satellite transmission based on the calculation of the first time difference and the second time difference, and improve the accuracy of clock synchronization, and the method can be applied within the access network, so that clock synchronization can be achieved without relying on the backhaul network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a clock synchronization method, device and system. Background Art

[0002] The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is a navigation system used for positioning. The GNSS is an air-based radio navigation and positioning system that can provide users with all-day positioning at any location on the Earth's surface or near-Earth space. GNSS technology can be used for clock synchronization in communication systems. GNSS receivers are deployed in the access network equipment of the communication system. The access network equipment obtains satellite information through the GNSS receiver and corrects the local clock of the access network equipment based on the satellite information. However, there are errors in the local clock corrected by this method. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present application describes a clock synchronization method, device and system.

[0004] In the first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for clock synchronization, which is performed by a first device. The method includes: the first device obtains a first time difference and a second time difference, the first time difference is the time difference between the first device and the satellite, the first time difference is determined based on the first pulse signal and the information of the satellite, the second time difference is the time difference between the second device and the satellite, the second time difference comes from the second device, and the first device and the second device belong to the same access network device; the first device obtains the clock synchronization information between the first device and the second device based on the first time difference and the second time difference. Through the above scheme, the first device can eliminate some common errors in satellite transmission based on the calculation of the first time difference and the second time difference, further improving the accuracy of the clock synchronization information, and the method can achieve clock synchronization without relying on the backhaul network.

[0005] For example, the first device obtains the clock synchronization information between the first device and the second device according to the first time difference and the second time difference. It can be understood that the first device adjusts the local clock of the first device according to the first time difference and the second time difference, and uses the local clock as the clock synchronization information, thereby obtaining the clock synchronization information of the first device. Ultimately, the clock synchronization information is used to adjust the local clock of the second device to be consistent with the local clock of the first device. The above description is also applicable to the methods provided in other aspects of the present application and will not be repeated here.

[0006] In a possible implementation, the first device sends the clock synchronization information to the second device. This implementation can also be understood as the second device is synchronized with the first device, or the second device tracks the first device, and finally, the clock information of the second device is consistent with the clock information of the first device.

[0007] In a possible implementation, the first device is a wireless device controller of the access network device, and the second device is a wireless device of the access network device. The wireless device controller may also be referred to as a radio frequency device controller, a radio frequency controller, or a radio frequency control unit, and may have other names, which are not limited by the present application. Specifically, the wireless device controller may be a baseband unit, that is, the wireless device controller may be any device having the same or similar functions as the baseband unit. The wireless device may also be referred to as a radio frequency device, or a radio frequency device, or a radio frequency unit, and may have other names, which are not limited by the present application. Specifically, the wireless device may be an active antenna unit, or a radio frequency remote unit, that is, the wireless device controller may be any device having the same or similar functions as the active antenna unit or the radio frequency remote unit. The above description is also applicable to the methods provided in other aspects of the present application and will not be repeated.

[0008] In a possible implementation manner, the first device and the second device belong to the same access network device, including: the first device and the second device are both wireless devices of the access network device.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the first pulse signal is a second pulse signal. The second pulse signal may be a 1 second pulse signal, which is used to represent a one second time signal of the satellite. The above description is also applicable to the methods provided in other aspects of the present application, and will not be repeated here.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the satellite information includes an identifier of the satellite, and may also include at least one of the following: time information of the satellite, status information of the satellite, and ephemeris data information of the satellite. The satellite identifier is used to identify the satellite, that is, the first device can determine which satellite the satellite information is based on the identifier. The satellite time information, the satellite status information, and the satellite ephemeris data information are all used to calculate the first time difference. The above description is also applicable to the methods provided in other aspects of the present application and will not be repeated here.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the first device obtains clock synchronization information of the first device based on the first time difference and the second time difference, including: the first device calculates a third time difference based on the first time difference and the second time difference; the first device determines an average relative phase frequency difference based on the third time difference; and the first device adjusts the local clock information of the first device based on the average relative phase frequency difference.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the first time difference is determined based on the first pulse signal and the information of the satellite, including: the first device receives the first pulse signal and the information of the satellite from a first satellite receiver; the first device determines the first time difference based on the first pulse signal and the information of the satellite.

[0013] In the second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for clock synchronization, which is performed by a second device. The method includes: the second device sends the second time difference to the first device, the second time difference is determined according to the second pulse signal and the satellite information, the second time difference is the time difference between the second device and the satellite, and the first device and the second device belong to the same access network device; the second device receives the clock synchronization information from the first device; the second device obtains the local clock information of the second device according to the clock synchronization information. Through the above scheme, the second device is synchronized with the first device, so that the clocks of different devices in the first access network device are kept consistent, and the method reduces the requirements for the stability and delay characteristics of the network system where the first device and the second device are located, and further reduces the dependence of the clock synchronization performance on the network system.

[0014] For example, the clock synchronization information is clock synchronization information between the first device and the second device.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the second device acquires the second time difference. Specifically, the second device determines the second time difference according to the second pulse signal and satellite information. In a possible implementation, the first device and the second device belong to the same access network device, including: the first device is a wireless device controller of the access network device, and the second device is a wireless device of the access network device.

[0016] In a possible implementation manner, the first device and the second device belong to the same access network device, including: the first device and the second device are both wireless devices of the access network device.

[0017] In a possible implementation manner, the second pulse signal is a pulse-per-second signal.

[0018] In a possible implementation manner, the satellite information includes an identifier of the satellite, and may also include at least one of the following: time information of the satellite, status information of the satellite, and ephemeris data information of the satellite.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the second device obtains a second time difference, where the second time difference is determined based on a second pulse signal and satellite information, including: the second device receives the second pulse signal and the satellite information from a second satellite receiver; and the second device determines the second time difference based on the second pulse signal and the satellite information.

[0020] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for clock synchronization, which is performed by a first device. The method includes: the first device receives a first time difference from a second device, the first time difference being the time difference between the second device and a satellite; the first device receives a second time difference from a third device, the second time difference being the time difference between the third device and the satellite, and the first device, the second device and the third device belong to the same access network device; the first device obtains clock synchronization information between the first device, the second device and the third device according to the first time difference and the second time difference.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: the first device sending the clock synchronization information to the second device and the third device.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the first device, the second device and the third device belong to the same access network device, including: the first device is a wireless device controller of the access network device, and the second device and the third device are wireless devices of the access network device.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the first device receives the satellite information from the second device, where the satellite information includes an identifier of the satellite and may also include at least one of the following: time information of the satellite, status information of the satellite, and ephemeris data information of the satellite.

[0024] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for clock synchronization, the method comprising: a first device obtains a first time difference, and a second device obtains a second time difference; the second device sends the second time difference to the first device; the first device obtains clock synchronization information between the first device and the second device based on the first time difference and the second time difference; the second device receives the clock synchronization information from the first device; the second device obtains the local clock information of the second device based on the clock synchronization information.

[0025] The beneficial effects and possible implementation methods of this aspect can be referred to the description of the first aspect and the second aspect, and will not be elaborated here.

[0026] In a fifth aspect, the second device obtains a first time difference, and the third device obtains a second time difference; the second device sends the first time difference to the first device, and the third device sends the second time difference to the first device; the first device obtains clock synchronization information between the first device, the second device and the third device based on the first time difference and the second time difference; the first device sends clock synchronization information to the second device and the third device; the second device obtains local clock information of the second device based on the clock synchronization information, and the third device obtains local clock information of the third device based on the clock synchronization information.

[0027] The beneficial effects and possible implementation methods of this aspect can be referred to the description of the second and third aspects and will not be elaborated here.

[0028] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor; the processor is used to read and run a program from a memory to implement a method as in the first aspect or any possible implementation method of the first aspect, or to implement a method as in the second aspect or any possible implementation method of the second aspect, or to implement a method as in the third aspect or any possible implementation method of the third aspect.

[0029] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, comprising a first device and a second device, wherein the first device can execute the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or, to implement the method of the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, the second device can execute the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0030] A possible communication involves that the communication system further includes a third device, and the third device can execute the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation manner of the second aspect.

[0031] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute a method as in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or a method as in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or to implement a method as in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, or to implement a method as in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, or to implement a method as in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0032] In the ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which instructions are stored, which, when executed on a computer, enables a processor to execute a method as in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or a method as in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or to implement a method as in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, or to implement a method as in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, or to implement a method as in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of a clock synchronization method applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 2B A schematic diagram of another clock synchronization method applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a clock synchronization method provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another clock synchronization method provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a clock synchronization system architecture provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another clock synchronization method provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of another clock synchronization system architecture provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of another clock synchronization method provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of another clock synchronization method provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a system architecture of another clock synchronization provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of another clock synchronization method provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of another communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiment of the present application clearer, the embodiment of the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The technical solution of the embodiment of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system or new radio (NR) system, or applied to future communication systems or other similar communication systems. The network architecture and business scenarios described in this application are to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solution provided in this application. It is known to those of ordinary skill in the art that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution provided in this application is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0048] Figure 1 A communication system architecture diagram applicable to the present application is shown, in which an access network, a backhaul network and a core network are shown. The core network is a network composed of multiple functional network elements, which are used to manage user needs and provide users with different types of communication services. The core network can refer to the description in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0049] The access network may be referred to as a radio access network (RAN), which is used to implement wireless-related functions. The nodes in the RAN may also be referred to as access network devices or base stations, which are used to access terminal devices to a wireless network. The access network device may be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB) in an LTE system or an evolved LTE system (LTE-Advanced, LTE-A), a next generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G communication system, a transmission reception point (TRP), a base band unit (BBU), a WiFi access point (AP), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. The radio access network device may also be a module or unit that completes some functions of a base station, for example, a centralized unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the radio access network device. For example, in a network structure, the radio access network device may be a CU node, a DU node, or an access network device including a CU node and a DU node. Specifically, the CU node is used to support protocols such as radio resource control (RRC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), and service data adaptation protocol (SDAP); the DU node is used to support radio link control (RLC) layer protocol, media access control (MAC) layer protocol, and physical layer protocol. For the convenience of description, the radio access network equipment is referred to as RAN in the following text.

[0050] The backhaul transport network is used to connect the access network and the core network and provide the function of transmitting information between the two.

[0051] like Figure 1As shown, the access network may include a wireless device controller, a fronthaul transport network, and a wireless device. The wireless device controller may also be called a radio frequency device controller, a radio frequency controller, or a radio frequency control unit, and may have other names, which are not limited in this application. The wireless device controller may be a unit or module for processing baseband signals. Specifically, the wireless device controller may be a baseband unit, that is, the wireless device controller may be any device having the same or similar functions as the baseband unit. For example, a baseband unit (BBU). The wireless device may also be called a radio frequency device, or a radio frequency device, or a radio frequency unit, and may have other names, which are not limited in this application. The wireless device may be a unit module for processing radio frequency signals. Specifically, the wireless device may be an active antenna unit, or a radio frequency remote unit, that is, the wireless device may be any device having the same or similar functions as the active antenna unit or the radio frequency remote unit. For example, a radio frequency remote module (RRU) may also be an active antenna processing unit (AAU), which is not limited in this application. The fronthaul network is a network between a wireless device controller and a wireless device. The wireless device controller and the wireless device may be connected via optical fiber or other connecting lines, which is not limited in this application. The fronthaul network may use the Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) protocol, the Enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI) protocol, or other types of protocols. This application is described by taking the wireless device controller included in the base station device as a BBU and the wireless device as an AAU as an example. The above description also applies to the methods provided in other aspects of this application and will not be repeated here.

[0052] The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is a navigation system used for positioning. The GNSS is an air-based radio navigation and positioning system that can provide users with all-day services at any location on the earth's surface or in near-Earth space. The GNSS has a timing function, which can also be understood as a function of calibrating the clock or synchronizing the clock. This application will be described in terms of clock synchronization later. Taking the use of GNSS in the access network for clock synchronization as an example, a GNSS receiver is deployed in the access network, and the GNSS receiver receives satellite navigation information from the satellite. The access network obtains the satellite navigation information through the GNSS receiver, and determines the error between the local clock of the access network and the satellite's clock based on the satellite navigation information, thereby further adjusting the local clock based on the error, and finally achieving clock synchronization.

[0053] Specifically, the method for access network to achieve clock synchronization through GNSS can be referred to Figure 2A and Figure 2B Description shown.

[0054] by Figure 2A Taking as an example, the figure shows a method for clock synchronization based on GNSS. As shown in the figure, a GNSS receiver is deployed on the BBU side in the access network. Similar to the above method, the GNSS receiver obtains satellite navigation information from the satellite. After the BBU obtains the satellite navigation information from the GNSS receiver, it determines the error between the BBU's local clock and the satellite's clock based on the satellite navigation information, and finally adjusts the BBU's local clock based on the error. The adjusted local clock can be regarded as the system clock. Subsequently, in a possible implementation method, the BBU can refer to the precision clock synchronization protocol standard for network measurement and control systems, namely the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1588 protocol, and pass the system clock to the AAU to achieve clock synchronization of the communication system.

[0055] by Figure 2BAs an example, the figure shows another method of clock synchronization based on GNSS. As shown in the figure, a GNSS receiver is deployed on the AAU side in the access network. Similar to the aforementioned method, the GNSS receiver obtains satellite navigation information from the satellite. After the AAU obtains the satellite navigation information from the GNSS receiver, it sends the satellite navigation information to the BBU. The BBU calculates the time difference between the satellite clock and the local clock of the AAU based on the satellite clock in the satellite navigation information and the local clock, and further corrects the local clock of the BBU based on the time difference to obtain a more accurate moment, and uses the corrected moment as the system clock of the communication system where the base station equipment where the BBU is located is located. Subsequently, the BBU refers to the precision clock synchronization protocol standard of the network measurement and control system, that is, the IEEE1588 protocol, and passes the system clock to the AAU, so that the wireless network and the transmission-related clocks are consistent.

[0056] The above two methods of GNSS obtaining system clock can meet the basic business requirements of existing communication systems, that is, the error relative to the Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) can be controlled within 1.5 microseconds (μs), but this method cannot meet the business with high requirements for time error, such as inter-station collaborative business. The error of this method can come from factors of the atmospheric environment, from the system error of the satellite, from the multipath error caused by the reflection of objects when the satellite reaches the ground, and from other errors.

[0057] Based on the above problems, the present application proposes a method for clock synchronization.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a clock synchronization method applicable to the present application, the Figure 3 The method shown can be performed by a first device and a second device, wherein the first device and the second device belong to the same access network device, and the access network device can be Figure 1 The access network equipment in the network architecture.

[0059] In a possible implementation manner, the first device in the method may be a wireless device controller of the access network device, and the second device may be a wireless device of the access network device.

[0060] In another possible implementation manner, the first device and the second device in the method are both wireless devices of the access network device.

[0061] The method may include the following steps:

[0062] Step 301: A first device obtains a first time difference.

[0063] For example, the first time difference is the time difference between the first device and a satellite, and the first device determines the first time difference according to the first pulse signal and information of the satellite.

[0064] In a possible implementation, the first device determines the first time difference based on the first pulse signal and the information of the satellite, including: the first device receives the first pulse signal and the information of the satellite from a first satellite receiver, and the first device determines the first time difference based on the first pulse signal and the information of the satellite.

[0065] In a possible implementation, the first pulse signal is a pulse per second signal. The pulse per second signal may be a 1 second pulse (Pulse per second, PPS) signal. For example, the first device receives satellite information from a satellite receiver of the first device, and generates the 1PPS signal according to the satellite information.

[0066] In a possible implementation, the satellite information includes an identifier of the satellite, and may also include at least one of the following: time information of the satellite, state information of the satellite, and ephemeris data information of the satellite. The satellite identifier is used to identify the satellite, that is, the first device and the second device can determine which satellite the satellite information is based on the identifier. The satellite time information, the satellite state information, and the satellite ephemeris data information are all used to calculate the first time difference and the second time difference.

[0067] Step 302: The second device obtains a second time difference.

[0068] For example, the second time difference is the time difference between the second device and the satellite, and the second time difference is determined by the second device according to the second pulse signal and satellite information.

[0069] Similarly, the second pulse signal may be a second pulse signal, which may refer to the aforementioned second pulse signal.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the second device obtains a second time difference, where the second time difference is determined based on a second pulse signal and satellite information, including: the second device receives the second pulse signal and the satellite information from a second satellite receiver; and the second device determines the second time difference based on the second pulse signal and the satellite information.

[0071] It should be understood that step 301 may be performed simultaneously with step 302 , or may be performed before step 302 , or may be performed after step 302 .

[0072] Step 303: The second device sends the second time difference to the first device.

[0073] Correspondingly, the first device receives the second time difference from the second device.

[0074] Step 304: The first device obtains clock synchronization information between the first device and the second device according to the first time difference and the second time difference.

[0075] For example, the first device obtains the clock synchronization information between the first device and the second device based on the first time difference and the second time difference. It can be understood that the first device adjusts the local clock of the first device based on the first time difference and the second time difference, and uses the local clock as the clock synchronization information between the first device and the second device. Finally, the clock synchronization information is used to adjust the local clock of the second device and keep the local clock of the second device consistent with the local clock of the first device.

[0076] In a possible implementation, the first device obtains clock synchronization information of the first device based on the first time difference and the second time difference, including: the first device calculates a third time difference based on the first time difference and the second time difference; the first device determines an average relative phase frequency difference based on the third time difference; and the first device adjusts the local clock information of the first device based on the average relative phase frequency difference.

[0077] Step 305: The first device sends the clock synchronization information to the second device.

[0078] Correspondingly, the second device receives the clock synchronization information from the first device.

[0079] For example, the second device may obtain clock synchronization information from the first device through the fronthaul network.

[0080] Step 306: The second device obtains the local clock information of the second device according to the clock synchronization information of the first device.

[0081] It should be understood that in this step, the second device keeps the local clock information of the second device consistent with the clock information in the clock synchronization information, that is, the second device obtains a time information from the clock synchronization information and adjusts the local clock of the second device to the time information.

[0082] Step 305 and step 306 can also be understood as the second device is synchronized with the first device, or the second device tracks the first device, and finally, the clock information of the second device is consistent with the clock information of the first device.

[0083] pass Figure 3According to the method described, the first device can eliminate some common errors in satellite transmission based on the calculation of the first time difference and the second time difference, thereby improving the accuracy of clock synchronization information. Moreover, the method can be applied within the access network, thereby achieving clock synchronization without relying on the backhaul network.

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another clock synchronization method applicable to the present application, the Figure 4 The method shown can be performed by a first device, a second device, and a third device, wherein the first device, the second device, and the third device belong to the same access network device, and the access network device can be Figure 1 In the method shown in the figure, the first device may be a wireless device controller in the access network device, and the second device and the third device may be wireless devices in the access network device. The method may include the following steps:

[0085] Step 401: The second device obtains a first time difference.

[0086] For example, the first time difference is the time difference between the second device and the satellite, and the first time difference is determined by the second device according to the first pulse signal and the satellite information. In a possible implementation, the first device receives the first pulse signal and the satellite information from a first satellite receiver, and the first device determines the first time difference according to the first pulse signal and the satellite information. The first second pulse can refer to Figure 3 Description of the first second pulse in .

[0087] The satellite information includes an identifier of the satellite, and the identifier of the satellite can be used to identify the satellite, or in other words, the identifier of the satellite can be used to distinguish which specific satellite the satellite information belongs to. In addition, the satellite information can also include at least one of the following: time information of the satellite, state information of the satellite, and ephemeris data information of the satellite. The time information of the satellite, the state information of the satellite, and the ephemeris data information of the satellite are all used for calculating the first time difference and the second time difference.

[0088] Step 402: The third device obtains the second time difference.

[0089] The second time difference is the time difference between the third device and the satellite, and the second time difference is determined by the third device according to the second pulse signal and the satellite information. In a possible implementation manner, the third device receives the second pulse signal and the satellite information from a second satellite receiver, and the third device determines the first time difference according to the second pulse signal and the satellite information. The second second pulse can refer to Figure 3 Description of the second pulse in .

[0090] The execution order between step 401 and step 402 is not limited in this application.

[0091] Step 403: The second device sends the first time difference to the first device.

[0092] Correspondingly, the first device receives the first time difference from the first device.

[0093] In a possible implementation manner, the first device further receives information about the satellite from the second device.

[0094] Step 404: The third device sends the second time difference to the first device.

[0095] Correspondingly, the first device receives the first time difference from the third device.

[0096] In a possible implementation, the first device further receives information about the satellite from a third device. Specifically, the first device may determine, based on the information about the satellite received from the third device and the information about the satellite received from the second device, that the first time difference is the time difference between the satellite and the second device, and the second time difference is the time difference between the satellite and the third device, thereby ensuring that the time differences provided by the second device and the third device are respectively the time differences with the same satellite.

[0097] The execution order between step 403 and step 404 is not limited in this application.

[0098] Step 405: The first device obtains clock synchronization information among the first device, the second device, and the third device according to the first time difference and the second time difference.

[0099] This step can refer to Figure 3 The description of step 304 in .

[0100] Step 406: The first device sends clock synchronization information to the second device.

[0101] Step 407: The first device sends clock synchronization information to the third device.

[0102] The steps 406 and 407 can refer to Figure 3 Description of step 305 in .

[0103] The execution order between step 406 and step 407 is not limited in this application.

[0104] Step 408: The second device obtains the local clock information of the second device according to the clock synchronization information.

[0105] Step 409: The third device obtains the local clock information of the third device according to the clock synchronization information.

[0106] Step 408 and step 409 can refer to Figure 3 Description of step 306 in .

[0107] The execution order between step 408 and step 409 is not limited in this application.

[0108] pass Figure 4 According to the method described, the first device can eliminate some common errors in satellite transmission based on the calculation of the first time difference and the second time difference, further improving the accuracy of clock synchronization information. In addition, the method can be applied within the access network, thereby achieving clock synchronization without relying on the backhaul network.

[0109] For the sake of ease of description, the wireless device controller in the access network device mentioned in the subsequent text of this application is described using the baseband unit as an example, abbreviated as BBU, the wireless device in the base station device is described using the active antenna processing unit as an example, abbreviated as AAU, and the satellite receiver is abbreviated as GNSS.

[0110] Take the deployment of two GNSSs, GNSS1 and GNSS2, in the clock synchronization network architecture as an example. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a clock synchronization system structure is shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, GNSS1 is deployed on the BBU side, GNSS2 is deployed on the AAU side, and the BBU and AAU belong to the same access network device. Specifically, during deployment, GNSS1 can be connected to the BBU side via a feeder, and GNSS2 can be connected to the AAU side via a feeder. Figure 5 The system architecture shown, Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present application is provided. Figure 3 The method shown may include the following steps:

[0111] Step 601: The satellite sends satellite information to GNSS1 and GNSS2.

[0112] Correspondingly, GNSS1 receives the satellite information from the satellite, and GNSS2 receives the satellite information from the satellite.

[0113] It can be understood that the satellite sends satellite information to GNSS1 and GNSS2 at the same time. In other words, GNSS1 and GNSS2 track the same satellite.

[0114] For example, the satellite information may include time information, status information, and ephemeris information. The time information may include the UTC time information of the satellite, which is used to represent the time of the satellite. Figure 3 Description of the satellite information.

[0115] Step 602: GNSS1 sends a pulse signal 1 and satellite information to the BBU.

[0116] The pulse signal 1 in this method can refer to Figure 3 For the description of the first pulse signal in the BBU, please refer to Figure 3 in the description of the first device.

[0117] For example, the pulse signal 1 is a pulse signal of GNSS1, and the pulse signal may be a 1PPS signal. The pulse signal 1 may be used to represent the clock information of the satellite, and the clock information includes the phase information and frequency information of the satellite clock, and the phase information and frequency information may be used for clock synchronization.

[0118] Specifically, the GNSS 1 sends the pulse signal 1 to the phase detection unit (not shown in the figure) of the BBU, and sends the satellite information to the processing unit (not shown in the figure) of the BBU. For example, the processing unit can be a satellite data processing unit, that is, the processing unit is a processing unit for processing satellite information.

[0119] Step 603: The BBU determines the time difference 1 according to the pulse signal 1 and the satellite information.

[0120] This step can refer to Figure 3 The time difference 1 in this method can refer to the description of the first device in step 301. Figure 3 Description of the first time difference in .

[0121] Specifically, the phase detection unit of the BBU obtains the pulse signal a of the local clock of the BBU, and performs phase detection on the pulse signal a and the pulse signal 1 to obtain the clock phase difference between the BBU and the satellite. The pulse signal a can be a pulse signal of the same type as the pulse signal 1. Then the processing unit of the BBU obtains the clock phase difference between the BBU and the satellite from the phase detection unit of the BBU. Then the processing unit of the BBU calculates the time difference 1 between the BBU and the satellite based on the clock phase difference between the BBU and the satellite and the satellite information. Specifically, the processing unit of the BBU calculates the time difference 1 between the BBU and the satellite based on the clock phase difference between the BBU and the satellite and the status information, ephemeris information and time information in the satellite information.

[0122] Step 604: GNSS2 sends pulse signal 2 and satellite information to AAU.

[0123] The AAU in this method can refer to Figure 3 The pulse signal 2 in this method can refer to Figure 3 Description of the second pulse signal in .

[0124] Specifically, the GNSS 2 sends the pulse signal 2 to the phase detection unit (not shown in the figure) of the AAU, and sends the satellite information to the processing unit (not shown in the figure) of the AAU. For example, the processing unit can be a satellite data processing unit, that is, the processing unit is a processing unit for processing satellite information.

[0125] Step 605: AAU determines time difference 2 based on pulse signal 2 and satellite information.

[0126] This step can refer to Figure 3 The time difference 2 in this method can refer to the description of the second device in step 301. Figure 3 Description of the second time difference in step 301 in .

[0127] Specifically, the phase detection unit of the AAU obtains the pulse signal b of the local clock of the AAU, and performs phase detection on the pulse signal b and the pulse signal 2 to obtain the clock phase difference between the AAU and the satellite. Similarly, the pulse signal b and the pulse signal 2 are signals of the same type. Then the processing unit of the AAU obtains the clock phase difference between the AAU and the satellite from the phase detection unit of the AAU. Then the processing unit of the AAU calculates the time difference 2 between the AAU and the satellite based on the clock phase difference between the AAU and the satellite and the satellite information.

[0128] Step 606: The AAU sends the time difference 2 to the BBU.

[0129] This step can refer to Figure 3 Description of step 302 in .

[0130] It should be understood that the execution of step 602 and step 603 is independent of the execution of step 604 to step 606 , but ultimately step 602 and step 603 as well as step 604 to step 606 are all executed and completed before step 607 .

[0131] Step 607: The BBU determines time difference 3 according to time difference 1 and time difference 2.

[0132] For example, the BBU calculates the difference between the time difference 1 and the time difference 2 to obtain the time difference 3. Specifically, this step is performed by the processing unit of the BBU.

[0133] The time difference 3 can be referred to Figure 3 Description of the third time difference in the method shown.

[0134] Step 608: The BBU obtains an average relative frequency deviation 1.

[0135] The above steps 601 to 607 may be repeated at least once, and at least two time differences 3 may be obtained. The at least two time differences may be different, that is, the BBU obtains time difference 31 ... time difference 3n, where n is a positive integer greater than 2, and time difference 31 ... time difference 3n may not be different from each other. The BBU calculates the average relative frequency deviation 1 based on the at least two time differences 3. The average relative frequency deviation 1 may refer to Figure 3 Description of the average relative phase frequency difference in the method shown.

[0136] Step 609: The BBU corrects the local clock of the BBU according to the average relative frequency deviation 1.

[0137] For example, the average relative frequency deviation is used as input information of a data processing unit of the BBU, and is used by the BBU to correct a local clock of the BBU.

[0138] Steps 607 to 609 can refer to Figure 3 Description of step 303 in .

[0139] Step 610: The AAU obtains the local clock of the BBU as the system clock.

[0140] This step can refer to Figure 3 Description of step 304 and step 305 in the method shown.

[0141] For example, the AAU can obtain the local clock of the BBU from the BBU through the fronthaul network. It should be understood that the local clock of the BBU obtained by the AAU in this step is the local clock of the BBU corrected in step 609. The AAU updates the information of the local clock of the BBU to the local clock of the AAU, that is, the AAU uses the local clock of the BBU as the system clock. Specifically, the interface unit of the AAU obtains the local clock of the BBU from the BBU through the fronthaul network, and sends the local clock of the BBU to the data processing unit of the AAU. After the data processing unit of the AAU obtains the local clock of the BBU, it corrects the time of the local clock module of the AAU.

[0142] It should be understood that the local clock of the BBU can be regarded as the base station system clock obtained by synchronizing the reference clock source and the reference clock source of the access network device where the BBU is located.

[0143] Through the method shown in this embodiment, the radio frequency device of the access network device and the radio frequency device control unit perform clock synchronization, which can not only further eliminate some errors in the satellite information transmission, but also improve the reliability of clock synchronization. It should be understood that the method shown in the embodiment of the present application is only an example. In specific implementation, multiple GNSSs can be deployed on the AAU side, or one GNSS can be deployed on each AAU in multiple AAUs. Since the accuracy of the satellite information obtained by different GNSSs is different during actual deployment, the BBU can select the optimal time difference calculated by the AAU, that is, the time difference calculated by the AAU based on the information of the satellite with the best accuracy, and perform clock synchronization based on the time difference, thereby achieving the effect of improving the system clock accuracy of the base station. In addition, multiple GNSSs can be deployed on the AAU side or multiple GNSSs can be deployed on the AAU side to ensure that there is at least one GNSS receiver on the AAU side that can work, further improving the reliability and stability of clock synchronization.

[0144] Take the deployment of two GNSSs, GNSS1 and GNSS2, in the clock synchronization network architecture as an example. Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a clock synchronization system architecture is shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, GNSS1 is deployed on the AAU1 side, GNSS2 is deployed on the AAU2 side, and AAU1 and AAU2 belong to the same access network device. Specifically, during deployment, both GNSS can be connected to the AAU side where they are deployed through feeders. Figure 7 The system architecture shown, combined with Figure 4 The method shown, Figure 8 The following is a flow diagram of a clock synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method may include the following steps:

[0145] Step 801: The satellite sends satellite information to GNSS1 and GNSS2.

[0146] The satellite information can be referenced Figure 4 Description of the satellite information in the method shown.

[0147] This step can refer to Figure 6 Description of step 601 in .

[0148] Step 802: GNSS1 sends a pulse signal 3 and satellite information to AAU1.

[0149] The AAU1 can refer to Figure 4 The method shown is described in detail in the second device.

[0150] The pulse signal 3 in this step can refer to Figure 4In the method shown in FIG. 1 , the first pulse signal in step 401 and Figure 6 Description of the pulse signal 1 in step 602 of the method shown.

[0151] Step 803: AAU1 determines the time difference 4 based on the pulse signal 3 and the satellite information.

[0152] This step can refer to Figure 4 A description of the actions of the second device in step 401 of the method shown, and Figure 6 The description of the action of the BBU in step 603 in FIG. 4 can refer to Figure 4 Description of the first time difference in the method shown.

[0153] Step 804: AAU1 sends the time difference 4 to the BBU.

[0154] This step can refer to Figure 4 The description of the action of the second device in step 402 of the method shown in FIG. Figure 4 in the description of the first device.

[0155] Step 805: GNSS2 sends pulse signal 4 and satellite information to AAU2.

[0156] The pulse signal 4 in this step can refer to Figure 4 The second pulse signal in step 401 of the method shown in FIG. Figure 6 Description of pulse signal 2 in step 604 in .

[0157] AAU2 can refer to Figure 4 Description of the third device in step 401 of the method shown.

[0158] Step 806: AAU2 determines the time difference 5 based on the pulse signal 4 and the satellite information.

[0159] This step can refer to Figure 4 A description of the actions of the third device in step 401 of the method shown, and Figure 6 Description of the actions of the AAU in step 605 in .

[0160] The time difference 5 can be referred to Figure 4 Description of the second time difference in .

[0161] Step 807: AAU2 sends the time difference 5 to the BBU.

[0162] This step can refer to Figure 4 Description of the actions of the third device in step 402 of the method shown

[0163] It should be understood that the execution of steps 802 to 804 and the execution of steps 805 to 807 are independent, but steps 802 to 804 and steps 805 to 807 should be completed before step 808.

[0164] Step 808: The BBU determines the time difference 6 according to the time difference 4 and the time difference 5.

[0165] Step 809: The BBU obtains an average relative frequency deviation 2.

[0166] Step 810: The BBU corrects the local clock of the BBU according to the average relative frequency deviation 2.

[0167] Steps 808 to 810 can refer to Figure 4 The description of the action of the first device in step 403 of Figure 6 Description of the actions of the BBU in steps 607 to 609.

[0168] Step 811: AAU1 and AAU2 obtain the local clock of the BBU as the system clock.

[0169] In this step, AAU1 and AAU2 can refer to Figure 4 Description of the actions of the second device and the third device in steps 404 to 405 of the method shown, and Figure 6 Description of the actions of the AAU in step 610.

[0170] The beneficial effects of the implementation method shown in this figure can be referred to Figure 6 Description.

[0171] It should be understood that the method shown in the embodiment of the present application is only an example. In specific implementation, multiple GNSSs can be deployed on the AAU side, or GNSSs can be deployed separately in at least three AAUs, both of which can achieve the effect of improving the system clock accuracy of the base station. In addition, by deploying multiple GNSSs on the AAU side or by deploying GNSSs on at least three AAU sides, the effect of mutual backup between GNSSs can be achieved, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the time synchronization method.

[0172] also, Figure 8The action of the BBU in the method shown can also be performed by AAU3, that is, in the access network device, there are three AAUs, namely AAU1, AAU2 and AAU3. AAU3 obtains the time difference between AAU1 and the satellite, and the time difference between AAU2 and the satellite from AAU1 and AAU2, and corrects the local clock of AAU3 according to the time difference between AAU1 and the satellite, and the time difference between AAU2 and the satellite. After AAU3 corrects the local clock, AAU1 and AAU2 are synchronized with AAU3, thereby finally realizing the synchronization of the clock of the communication system.

[0173] based on Figure 7 The system architecture shown, Fig. 9 This is a flow diagram of another clock synchronization method provided according to an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, the method may include the following steps:

[0174] Step 901: The satellite sends satellite information to GNSS1 and GNSS2.

[0175] This step can refer to Figure 6 Description of step 601 in .

[0176] Step 902: GNSS1 sends a pulse signal 5 and satellite information to AAU1.

[0177] The pulse signal 5 in this step can refer to Figure 6 Description of pulse signal 1 in step 602 in .

[0178] Step 903: AAU1 determines the time difference 7 based on the pulse signal 5 and the satellite information.

[0179] The time difference 7 can be referred to Figure 6 Description of time difference 1 in step 603 in .

[0180] Step 904: AAU1 sends the time difference 7 to AAU2.

[0181] Step 905: GNSS2 sends a pulse signal 6 and satellite information to AAU2.

[0182] The pulse signal 6 in this step can refer to Figure 6 Description of pulse signal 1 in step 602 in .

[0183] Step 906: AAU2 determines the time difference 8 based on the pulse signal 6 and the satellite information.

[0184] The time difference 8 can be referred to Figure 6 Description of time difference 1 in step 603 in .

[0185] Step 907: AAU2 sends the time difference 8 to AAU1.

[0186] It should be understood that the execution of steps 902 to 904 is independent of the execution of steps 905 to 907 , but steps 902 to 904 and steps 905 to 907 should be completed before step 908 .

[0187] Step 908: AAU1 determines time difference 9 based on time difference 7 and time difference 8.

[0188] Step 909: AAU1 obtains the average relative frequency deviation 3.

[0189] Step 910: AAU1 corrects the local clock of AAU1 according to the average relative frequency deviation 3.

[0190] Steps 908 to 910 can refer to Figure 6 Description of the actions of the BBU in steps 607 to 609.

[0191] Step 911: AAU2 determines time difference 9 based on time difference 7 and time difference 8.

[0192] Step 912: AAU2 obtains average relative frequency deviation 3

[0193] Step 913: AAU2 corrects the local clock of AAU2 according to the average relative frequency deviation 3.

[0194] Steps 911 to 913 can refer to Figure 6 Description of the actions of the BBU in steps 607 to 609.

[0195] It should be understood that the execution of steps 908 to 910 is independent of the execution of steps 911 to 913. Any one of steps 908 to 910 is not required to be executed before any one of steps 911 to 913.

[0196] That is to say, Fig. 9 In the method shown, the clock synchronization between AAU1 and AAU2 does not need to rely on the BBU for clock synchronization. Fig. 9 The beneficial effects can be referred to the description of the aforementioned method and will not be described in detail.

[0197] Fig.10 This is another system architecture diagram applicable to this application. Fig.10 and Figure 7 The architecture shown differs in that the clock synchronization method based on multiple satellites is applicable to this Fig.10 The architecture shown is based on Fig.10 The system architecture shown, Fig.11The following is a flow diagram of another clock synchronization method provided according to an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, the method may include the following steps:

[0198] Step 1101: Satellite 1 sends satellite information of satellite 1 to GNSS1 and GNSS2.

[0199] Step 1102: Satellite 2 sends satellite information of Satellite 2 to GNSS1 and GNSS2.

[0200] Step 1101 and step 1102 can refer to Figure 6 Description of step 601 in .

[0201] The execution order of step 1101 and step 1102 is not limited in this application.

[0202] Step 1103: GNSS1 sends pulse signal 7 and satellite information of satellite 1 to AAU1.

[0203] The pulse signal 7 in this step can refer to Figure 6 The description of pulse signal 1 in step 602 in FIG. 1 and the satellite information of satellite 1 can be referred to in Figure 6 Description of satellite information.

[0204] Step 1104: AAU1 determines the time difference 10 based on the pulse signal 7 and the satellite information of satellite 1.

[0205] The time difference 10 can be referred to Figure 6 Description of time difference 1 in step 603 in .

[0206] Step 1105: GNSS2 sends pulse signal 8 and satellite information of satellite 1 to AAU2.

[0207] The pulse signal 8 in this step can refer to Figure 6 Description of pulse signal 1 in step 602 in .

[0208] Step 1106: AAU2 determines the time difference 11 based on the pulse signal 8 and the satellite information of satellite 1.

[0209] The time difference 11 can be referred to Figure 6 Description of time difference 1 in step 603 in .

[0210] Step 1107: AAU2 sends the time difference 11 to AAU1.

[0211] Step 1108: AAU1 determines the time difference 12 based on the time difference 10 and the time difference 11.

[0212] Step 1109: AAU1 obtains the average relative frequency deviation 4.

[0213] Step 1110: AAU1 corrects the local clock of AAU1 according to the average relative frequency deviation 4.

[0214] Steps 1108 to 1110 may refer to Figure 6 Description of the actions of the BBU in steps 607 to 6009.

[0215] It should be understood that the execution of step 1103 and step 1104 is independent of the execution of step 1105 to step 1107 , but step 1103 and step 1104 as well as step 1105 to step 1107 should be completed before step 1108 .

[0216] Step 1111: GNSS2 sends pulse signal 10 and satellite information of satellite 2 to AAU2.

[0217] The pulse signal 10 in this step can refer to Figure 6 The description of pulse signal 1 in step 602 in FIG. 1 and the satellite information of satellite 2 can be referred to in Figure 6 Description of satellite information.

[0218] Step 1112: AAU2 determines the time difference 13 based on the pulse signal 10 and the satellite information of satellite 2.

[0219] The time difference 13 can be referred to Figure 6 Description of time difference 1 in step 603 in .

[0220] Step 1113: GNSS1 sends pulse signal 9 and satellite information of satellite 2 to AAU1.

[0221] The pulse signal 9 in this step can refer to Figure 6 Description of pulse signal 1 in step 602 in .

[0222] Step 1114: AAU2 determines the time difference 14 based on the pulse signal 9 and the satellite information of satellite 2.

[0223] The time difference 14 can be referred to Figure 6 Description of time difference 1 in step 603 in .

[0224] Step 1115: AAU1 sends the time difference 14 to AAU2.

[0225] It should be understood that the execution of step 1111 and step 1112 is independent of the execution of step 1113 to step 1115, and the execution of step 1111 and step 1112 and the execution of step 1113 to step 1115 should be completed before step 1116.

[0226] Step 1116: AAU2 determines the time difference 15 based on the time difference 13 and the time difference 14.

[0227] Step 1117: AAU2 obtains the average relative frequency deviation 5.

[0228] Step 1118: AAU2 corrects the local clock of AAU2 according to the average relative frequency deviation 5.

[0229] Steps 1116 to 1118 can refer to Figure 6 Description of the actions of the BBU in steps 607 to 609.

[0230] It should be understood that the execution of step 1103 to step 1110 is independent of the execution of step 11111 to step 1118.

[0231] In this embodiment, AAU1 and AAU2 can refer to different satellites to calibrate their respective local clocks, that is, AAU1 can select reference satellite 1 to calibrate the local clock of AAU1, and AAU2 can select reference satellite 2 to calibrate the local clock of AAU2. Furthermore, AAU1 does not need to rely on BBU for clock synchronization, and can autonomously select different satellites for clock synchronization.

[0232] The beneficial effects of the implementation method shown in this figure can be referred to Figure 6 Description.

[0233] Accordingly, the embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device, which may be any of the first device, second device, third device, BBU, AAU, AAU1, AAU2 and AAU3 in the above method embodiment, or a device including the functions of any of the above first device, second device, third device, BBU, AAU, AAU1, AAU2 and AAU3, or a component with similar functions to any of the first device, second device, third device, BBU, AAU, AAU1, AAU2 and AAU3. It can be understood that in order to implement the above functions, the communication device includes a hardware structure and / or software module corresponding to each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the present application.

[0234] Fig.12A schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0235] The communication device includes a processing module 1201, a receiving module 1202 and a sending module 1203. The processing module 1201 is used to implement the processing of data by the communication device. The receiving module 1202 is used to receive the content of the communication device and other units or network elements, and the sending module 1203 is used to receive the content of the communication device and other units or network elements. It should be understood that the processing module 1201 in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented by a processor or a processor-related circuit component (or, referred to as a processing circuit), and the receiving module 1202 can be implemented by a receiver or a receiver-related circuit component. The sending module 1203 can be implemented by a transmitter or a transmitter-related circuit component.

[0236] Exemplarily, the communication device may be a communication device, or may be a chip used in the communication device, or other combined devices, components, etc. having the functions of the above communication device.

[0237] Exemplarily, the communication device may be Figures 3 to 6 either the first device or the BBU, or, Figure 7 as well as Fig. 9 Either AAU1 or AAU2, or, Fig.10 as well as Fig.11 Either AAU1 or AAU2.

[0238] When the communication device is Figures 3 to 6 Either the first device or the BBU, or Figure 7 as well as Fig. 9 Any of AAU1 or AAU2, or Fig.10 as well as Fig.11 When any AAU1 or AAU2 is received, the processing module 1201 is used to obtain a first time difference (e.g., step 301, step 603, step 903, step 1104, and step 1112), the first time difference being the time difference between the first device and the satellite, and the first time difference being determined according to the first pulse signal and the information of the satellite. The receiving module 1202 is used to obtain a second time difference (e.g., step 302, step 606, step 907, step 1107, and step 1115), the second time difference being the time difference between the second device and the satellite, the second time difference being from the second device, and the first device and the second device belonging to the same access network device. The processing module 1201 is also used to obtain clock synchronization information between the first device and the second device according to the first time difference and the second time difference (e.g., step 303, step 607 to step 609, step 908 to step 910, step 1108 to step 1110, and step 1116 to step 1118).

[0239] In addition, the above modules can also be used to support other processes of the technology described in this article. The beneficial effects can be referred to the previous description, which will not be repeated here.

[0240] Exemplarily, the communication device may be Figures 3 to 11 Any of the second device, the third device, AAU1 and AAU2.

[0241] When the communication device is Figures 3 to 11 When any second device, third device, AAU1 or AAU2 is received, the sending module 1203 is used to send the second time difference to the first device (for example, step 302, step 402, step 606, step 807, step 907, step 1107 and step 1115), the first device and the second device belong to the same access network equipment, the second time difference is determined according to the second pulse signal and the satellite information, and the second time difference is the time difference between the second device and the satellite; the receiving module 1202 is used to receive the clock synchronization information from the first device (for example, step 304, step 404, step 610 and step 811). The processing module 1201 is used to obtain the local clock information of the second device according to the clock synchronization information (for example, step 305, step 405, step 610 and step 811).

[0242] In addition, the above modules can also be used to support other processes of the technology described in this article. The beneficial effects can be referred to the previous description, which will not be repeated here.

[0243] Exemplarily, the communication device may be Figure 4 , Figure 7 or Figure 8 Any first device or BBU.

[0244] When the communication device is Figure 4 , Figure 7 or Figure 8 When any first device or BBU is received, the receiving module 1202 is used to receive a first time difference from the second device, the first time difference being the time difference between the second device and the satellite, and receive a second time difference from the third device, the second time difference being the time difference between the third device and the satellite (for example, step 402, step 804 and step 807), and the first device, the second device and the third device belong to the same access network device. The processing module 1201 is used to obtain clock synchronization information of the first device, the second device and the third device according to the first time difference and the second time difference (for example, step 403, step 808 to step 810).

[0245] In addition, the above modules can also be used to support other processes of the technology described in this article. The beneficial effects can be referred to the previous description, which will not be repeated here.

[0246] Fig.13 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present application, the communication device includes: a processor 1301, a communication interface 1302, and a memory 1303. The processor 1301, the communication interface 1302, and the memory 1303 can be interconnected via a bus 1304; the bus 1304 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus. The above-mentioned bus 1304 can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus. For ease of representation, Fig.13 Only one line is used to represent it, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The processor 1301 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP) or a combination of a CPU and a NP. The processor can further include a hardware chip. The above-mentioned hardware chip can be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD) or a combination thereof. The above-mentioned PLD can be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL) or any combination thereof. The memory 1303 can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM) or a flash memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache.

[0247] The processor 1301 is used to implement data processing operations of the communication device, and the communication interface 1302 is used to implement receiving operations and sending operations of the communication device.

[0248] Exemplarily, the communication device may be Figures 3 to 6 either the first device or the BBU, or, Figure 7 as well as Fig. 9 Either AAU1 or AAU2, or, Fig.10 as well as Fig.11 Either AAU1 or AAU2.

[0249] When the communication device is Figures 3 to 6 Either the first device or the BBU, or Figure 7 as well as Fig. 9 Any of AAU1 or AAU2, or Fig.10 as well as Fig.11 When any AAU1 or AAU2 is received, the processor 1301 is used to obtain a first time difference (e.g., step 301, step 603, step 903, step 1104, and step 1112), the first time difference being the time difference between the first device and the satellite, and the first time difference being determined according to the first pulse signal and the information of the satellite. The communication interface 1302 is used to obtain a second time difference (e.g., step 302, step 606, step 907, step 1107, and step 1115), the second time difference being the time difference between the second device and the satellite, the second time difference being from the second device, and the first device and the second device belonging to the same access network device. The processor 1301 is also used to obtain clock synchronization information between the first device and the second device according to the first time difference and the second time difference (e.g., step 303, step 607 to step 609, step 908 to step 910, step 1108 to step 1110, and step 1116 to step 1118).

[0250] In addition, the above modules can also be used to support other processes of the technology described in this article. The beneficial effects can be referred to the previous description, which will not be repeated here.

[0251] Exemplarily, the communication device may be Figures 3 to 11 Any of the second device, the third device, AAU1 and AAU2.

[0252] When the communication device is Figures 3 to 11When any second device, third device, AAU1 or AAU2 is connected to the first device, the communication interface 1302 is used to send the second time difference to the first device (for example, step 302, step 402, step 606, step 807, step 907, step 1107 and step 1115), the first device and the second device belong to the same access network equipment, the second time difference is determined according to the second pulse signal and the satellite information, and the second time difference is the time difference between the second device and the satellite; the communication interface 1302 is used to receive the clock synchronization information from the first device (for example, step 304, step 404, step 610 and step 811). The processor 1301 is used to obtain the local clock information of the second device according to the clock synchronization information (for example, step 305, step 405, step 610 and step 811).

[0253] In addition, the above modules can also be used to support other processes of the technology described in this article. The beneficial effects can be referred to the previous description, which will not be repeated here.

[0254] Exemplarily, the communication device may be Figure 4 , Figure 7 or Figure 8 Any first device or BBU.

[0255] When the communication device is Figure 4 , Figure 7 or Figure 8 When any first device or BBU is connected, the communication interface 1302 is used to receive a first time difference from the second device, the first time difference being the time difference between the second device and the satellite, and receive a second time difference from the third device, the second time difference being the time difference between the third device and the satellite (for example, step 402, step 804 and step 807), and the first device, the second device and the third device belong to the same access network device. The processor 1301 is used to obtain clock synchronization information of the first device, the second device and the third device according to the first time difference and the second time difference (for example, step 403, step 808 to step 810).

[0256] In addition, the above modules can also be used to support other processes of the technology described in this article. The beneficial effects can be referred to the previous description, which will not be repeated here.

[0257] The embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device executes Figures 3 to 11 The method performed by the first device, AAU1, AAU2 and BBU in any of the embodiments shown in the figure, the second communication device performs Figures 3 to 11 A method performed by the second device, AAU, AAU1 and AAU2 in any of the embodiments shown.

[0258] In a possible design, the communication system further includes a third communication device, the third communication device executing Figure 4 A third device or Fig. 9 Description of AAU2 in.

[0259] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can Figures 3 to 11 The method performed by the first device, the second device, the third device, the AAU1, the AAU2 and the BBU in any of the embodiments shown in the figure, or the computer may Figures 3 to 11 The method performed by the first device, the second device, the third device, AAU1, AAU2 and the BBU in any of the embodiments shown.

[0260] The present application also provides a computer program product, wherein the computer program product is used to store a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can Figures 3 to 11 The method performed by the first device, the second device, the third device, the AAU1, the AAU2 and the BBU in any of the embodiments shown in the figure, or the computer may Figures 3 to 11 The method performed by the first device, the second device, the third device, AAU1, AAU2 and the BBU in any of the embodiments shown.

[0261] The present application also provides a chip, including a processor. The processor is used to read and run a computer program stored in a memory to execute the corresponding operations and / or processes in the method performed by the first device, the second device, the third device, AAU1, AAU2 and the BBU in the clock synchronization method provided by the present application. Optionally, the chip also includes a memory, which is connected to the processor through a circuit or wire, and the processor is used to read and execute the computer program in the memory. Optionally, the memory may also be a memory located outside the chip. Further optionally, the chip also includes a communication interface, and the processor is connected to the communication interface. The communication interface is used to receive processed data and / or information, and the processor obtains the data and / or information from the communication interface and processes the data and / or information. The communication interface may be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin or a related circuit on the chip. The processor may also be embodied as a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0262] The above-mentioned chip can also be replaced by a chip system, which will not be described here.

[0263] The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or apparatus comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or apparatuses.

[0264] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0265] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0266] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0267] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual conditions to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0268] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0269] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application can be essentially or partly embodied in the form of a software product that contributes to the prior art. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage media include: various media that can store program codes, such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, read-only memories (ROM), random access memories (RAM), magnetic disks or optical disks.

[0270] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of the present application and the drawings are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally includes steps or units that are not listed, or optionally includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0271] Although the present application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments thereof, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Accordingly, this specification and the drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of the present application as defined by the appended claims, and are deemed to have covered any and all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents within the scope of the present application. Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

[0272] The above is only a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, which should be included in the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A clock synchronization method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The first device acquires a first time difference and a second time difference, wherein the first time difference is a time difference between the first device and a satellite, the first time difference is determined according to a first pulse signal and information about the satellite, the second time difference is a time difference between the second device and the satellite, the second time difference comes from the second device, and the first device and the second device belong to the same access network device, wherein the first pulse signal is used to determine phase information and frequency information of a clock of the satellite; The first device obtains clock synchronization information between the first device and the second device according to the first time difference and the second time difference.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: The first device sends the clock synchronization information to the second device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first device and the second device belong to the same access network device, including: The first device is a wireless device controller of the access network device, and the second device is a wireless device of the access network device.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first device and the second device belong to the same access network device, including: The first device and the second device are both wireless devices of the access network device.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first pulse signal is a pulse-per-second signal.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The satellite information includes an identifier of the satellite, and at least one of the following: time information of the satellite, status information of the satellite, and ephemeris data information of the satellite.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first device obtains clock synchronization information of the first device according to the first time difference and the second time difference, including: The first device calculates a third time difference according to the first time difference and the second time difference; The first device determines an average relative phase frequency difference according to the third time difference; The first device adjusts local clock information of the first device according to the average relative phase frequency difference.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first time difference is determined according to the first pulse signal and the information of the satellite, including: The first device receives the first pulse signal and the information of the satellite from a first satellite receiver; The first device determines the first time difference according to the first pulse signal and the information of the satellite.

9. A clock synchronization method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The second device sends a second time difference to the first device, where the second time difference is determined according to the second pulse signal and satellite information, the second time difference is a time difference between the second device and the satellite, the first device and the second device belong to the same access network device, wherein the second pulse signal is used to determine the phase information and frequency information of the satellite clock; The second device receives clock synchronization information from the first device; The second device obtains local clock information of the second device according to the clock synchronization information.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The first device and the second device belong to the same access network device, including: The first device is a wireless device controller of the access network device, and the second device is a wireless device of the access network device.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The first device and the second device belong to the same access network device, including: The first device and the second device are both wireless devices of the access network device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that: The second pulse signal is a pulse-per-second signal.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that: The satellite information includes an identifier of the satellite, and the satellite information also includes at least one of the following: time information of the satellite, status information of the satellite, and ephemeris data information of the satellite.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that: The second device acquires a second time difference, where the second time difference is determined according to the second pulse signal and the satellite information, including: The second device receives the second pulse signal and the information of the satellite from a second satellite receiver; The second device determines the second time difference according to the second pulse signal and the information of the satellite.

15. A clock synchronization method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The first device receives a first time difference from the second device, the first time difference being a time difference between the second device and a satellite, the first time difference being determined according to a first pulse signal and information about the satellite, wherein the first pulse signal is used to determine phase information and frequency information of a clock of the satellite; The first device receives a second time difference from a third device, where the second time difference is a time difference between the third device and the satellite, and the second time difference is determined according to a second pulse signal and information about the satellite, wherein the second pulse signal is used to determine phase information and frequency information of a clock of the satellite; The first device, the second device and the third device belong to the same access network device; The first device obtains clock synchronization information among the first device, the second device, and the third device according to the first time difference and the second time difference.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that Also includes: The first device sends the clock synchronization information to the second device and the third device.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The first device, the second device and the third device belong to the same access network device, including: The first device is a wireless device controller of the access network device, and the second device and the third device are wireless devices of the access network device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that: The first device receives the satellite information from the second device, where the satellite information includes an identifier of the satellite, and the satellite information also includes at least one of the following: time information of the satellite, status information of the satellite, and ephemeris data information of the satellite.

19. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises: A receiving module, the receiving module is used to obtain a second time difference, the second time difference is a time difference between the second device and the satellite, and the second time difference comes from the second device; A processing module, wherein the processing module is used to obtain a first time difference, wherein the first time difference is the time difference between the communication device and the satellite, and the first time difference is determined based on a first pulse signal and information about the satellite, and the communication device and the second device belong to the same access network device; and is also used to obtain clock synchronization information between the first device and the second device based on the first time difference and the second time difference, wherein the first pulse signal is used to determine the phase information and frequency information of the satellite's clock.

20. The communication device according to claim 19, characterized in that Also includes: A sending module, wherein the sending module is used to send the clock synchronization information to the second device.

21. The communication device according to claim 19, characterized in that: The processing module is used to calculate a third time difference based on the first time difference and the second time difference; it is also used to determine an average relative phase frequency difference based on the third time difference; and it is also used to adjust the local clock information of the communication device based on the average relative phase frequency difference.

22. The communication device according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that: The receiving module is used to receive the first pulse signal and the information of the satellite from a first satellite receiver; The processing module is used to determine the first time difference according to the first pulse signal and the information of the satellite.

23. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises: a sending module, the sending module being used to send a second time difference to the first device, the second time difference being determined according to a second pulse signal and information of a satellite, the second time difference being a time difference between the second device and the satellite, the first device and the second device belonging to the same access network device, wherein the second pulse signal is used to determine phase information and frequency information of a clock of the satellite; A receiving module, the receiving module is used to receive clock synchronization information from the first device; The processing module is used to obtain the local clock information of the second device according to the clock synchronization information.

24. The communication device according to claim 23, characterized in that The receiving module is used to receive the second pulse signal and the information of the satellite from a second satellite receiver; The processing module is used to determine the second time difference according to the second pulse signal and the information of the satellite.

25. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises: a receiving module, the receiving module being used to receive a first time difference from a second device, the first time difference being a time difference between the second device and a satellite, the first time difference being determined according to a first pulse signal and information about the satellite, wherein the first pulse signal is used to determine phase information and frequency information of a clock of the satellite; Used to receive a second time difference from a third device, where the second time difference is a time difference between the third device and the satellite, and the second time difference is determined according to a second pulse signal and information about the satellite, wherein the second pulse signal is used to determine phase information and frequency information of a clock of the satellite; The first device, the second device and the third device belong to the same access network device; A processing module, wherein the processing module is used to obtain clock synchronization information between the first device, the second device and the third device according to the first time difference and the second time difference.

26. The communication device according to claim 25, characterized in that Also includes: A sending module, wherein the sending module is used to send the clock synchronization information to the second device and the third device.

27. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system comprises: a first device and a second device, the first device executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, and the second device executing the method according to any one of claims 9 to 14.

28. A computer program product comprising instructions, characterized in that When the method is executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or any one of claims 9 to 14, or any one of claims 15 to 18.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enable a processor to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or any one of claims 9 to 14, or any one of claims 15 to 18.

Images