Clock synchronization method, device, equipment and product

Abstract

The present application provides a clock synchronization method, apparatus, device and product. When the clock source currently providing the clock synchronization signal for the 5G system cannot meet the timing requirements, the 5G core network 5GC can obtain a first clock source that meets the timing requirements, and send a notification message containing the clock source information of the first clock source to a first device in the 5G system. The first device includes a terminal device UE, a terminal-side time-sensitive network converter DS‑TT or an access network device RAN. Therefore, the first clock source that meets the timing requirements can provide the 5G system with a clock synchronization signal, thereby realizing clock synchronization within the 5G system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of 5G communication technology, and in particular to a clock synchronization method, device, equipment and product. Background Art

[0002] The fifth generation (5G) network can communicate with the time-sensitive network (TSN) to form 5G TSN technology, which has both the flexibility of 5G and the extremely low latency of TSN, and can be widely used in industrial control, machine manufacturing, high-definition audio and video transmission and other fields.

[0003] Currently, 5G networks rely on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to provide clock synchronization signals. GNSS is a unified name for individual satellite navigation and positioning systems such as the Beidou system and GPS (Global Positioning System).

[0004] However, if problems such as GNSS interference occur, the process of GNSS providing clock synchronization signals for the 5G network will be affected, which will affect the clock synchronization of terminal equipment (User Equipment, UE), access network equipment (Radio Access Network, RAN) and 5G core network (5G Core, 5GC) in the 5G network. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application provides a clock synchronization method, device, equipment and product to solve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a clock synchronization method, which is applied to a 5G core network 5GC, including:

[0007] Obtain a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined when a second clock source within the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement;

[0008] A notification message containing clock source information of the first clock source is sent to a first device, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the first device includes a terminal device UE, a terminal side time-sensitive network converter DS-TT, or an access network device RAN, and the notification message is used to achieve clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0009] In some embodiments, obtaining the first clock source includes:

[0010] According to the timing requirement, determining a first clock source that meets the timing requirement from the candidate clock sources;

[0011] Among them, the timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's punctuality keeping capability, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

[0012] In some embodiments, obtaining the first clock source includes:

[0013] receiving a notification message sent by a second device and containing clock source information of the first clock source, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined by the second device;

[0014] The second device includes one of UE, DS-TT or RAN, and the second device is different from the first device.

[0015] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0016] Determine a master clock according to the first clock source and other clock sources providing time synchronization services;

[0017] The state of each port is configured according to the determined master clock.

[0018] In some embodiments, determining the master clock according to the first clock source and other clock sources providing time synchronization services includes:

[0019] Selecting a clock source from the first clock source and the other clock sources according to the clock source information of the first clock source and the clock source information of other clock sources providing time synchronization services;

[0020] Determine the selected clock source as the primary clock.

[0021] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0022] Sending master clock determination information to the first device, wherein the master clock determination information includes the determined clock source information of the master clock.

[0023] In some embodiments, the clock source information further includes: at least one or more of: clock source accuracy, time interval for providing timing information, coverage, number of UEs supported, and activation time.

[0024] In some embodiments, the 5G core network 5GC includes: any one of: a user plane function network element UPF, a network side time-sensitive network converter NW-TT, a policy control function network element PCF, a network open function network element NEF, and a time-sensitive communication language clock synchronization function network element TSCTSF.

[0025] In some embodiments, if the 5G core network 5GC is any one of PCF, NEF or TSCTSF, obtaining a first clock source specifically includes:

[0026] Receive a notification message containing clock source information of the first clock source forwarded via the session management function network element SMF and the access and mobility management function network element AMF.

[0027] In some embodiments, if the 5G core network 5GC is any one of PCF, NEF or TSCTSF, sending a notification message including clock source information of the first clock source to the first device specifically includes:

[0028] A notification message including the clock source information of the first clock source is sent through a user plane node management information container UMIC or a port management information container PMIC.

[0029] In some embodiments, the clock source information of the first clock source is carried in a designated field in the UMIC or the PMIC.

[0030] In a second aspect, the present application provides a clock synchronization method, which is applied to an access network device RAN, including:

[0031] Obtain a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined when a second clock source within the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement;

[0032] A notification message containing the clock source information of the first clock source is sent to the terminal device UE, the terminal side time-sensitive network converter DS-TT or the 5G core network 5GC, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the notification message is used to achieve clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0033] In some embodiments, obtaining the first clock source includes:

[0034] According to the timing requirement, determining a first clock source that meets the timing requirement from the candidate clock sources;

[0035] Among them, the timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's punctuality keeping capability, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

[0036] In some embodiments, obtaining the first clock source includes:

[0037] Receive a notification message sent by UPF, NW-TT or TSCTSF containing clock source information of the first clock source, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the first clock source is a clock source determined by UPF, NW-TT or TSCTSF that meets the timing requirements.

[0038] In some embodiments, the clock source information further includes: at least one or more of: clock source accuracy, time interval for providing timing information, coverage, number of UEs supported, and activation time.

[0039] In a third aspect, the present application provides a clock synchronization method, applied to a terminal device UE, comprising:

[0040] Obtain a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined when a second clock source within the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement;

[0041] Perform clock synchronization within the 5G system according to the first clock source.

[0042] In some embodiments, performing clock synchronization within the 5G system according to the first clock source includes:

[0043] The clock source currently providing the clock synchronization signal is switched to the first clock source.

[0044] In some embodiments, obtaining the first clock source includes:

[0045] Receive a notification message containing clock source information of a first clock source sent by an access network device RAN or a 5G core network 5GC, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the first clock source is a clock source determined by the RAN or 5GC that meets the timing requirements.

[0046] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0047] According to the timing requirement, determining a first clock source that meets the timing requirement from the candidate clock sources;

[0048] The timing requirements include at least one or more of the accuracy of the clock source, coverage, the punctuality keeping capability of the 5G system, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for the 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source;

[0049] A notification message including clock source information of the first clock source is sent to the 5GC, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier.

[0050] In some embodiments, the clock source information further includes: at least one or more of: clock source accuracy, time interval for providing timing information, coverage, number of UEs supported, and activation time.

[0051] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a clock synchronization device, which is applied to a 5G core network 5GC, and the device includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0052] A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0053] Obtain a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined when a second clock source within the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement;

[0054] A notification message containing clock source information of the first clock source is sent to a first device, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the first device includes a terminal device UE, a terminal side time-sensitive network converter DS-TT, or an access network device RAN, and the notification message is used to achieve clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0055] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0056] According to the timing requirement, determining a first clock source that meets the timing requirement from the candidate clock sources;

[0057] Among them, the timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's punctuality keeping capability, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

[0058] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0059] receiving a notification message sent by a second device and containing clock source information of the first clock source, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the first clock source is a clock source determined by the second device to meet the timing requirement;

[0060] The second device includes one of UE, DS-TT or RAN, and the second device is different from the first device.

[0061] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0062] Determine a master clock according to the first clock source and other clock sources providing time synchronization services;

[0063] The state of each port is configured according to the determined master clock.

[0064] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0065] Selecting a clock source from the first clock source and the other clock sources according to the clock source information of the first clock source and the clock source information of other clock sources providing time synchronization services;

[0066] Determine the selected clock source as the primary clock.

[0067] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0068] Sending master clock determination information to the first device, wherein the master clock determination information includes the determined clock source information of the master clock.

[0069] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a clock synchronization device, which is applied to an access network device RAN, and the device includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0070] A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0071] Obtain a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined when a second clock source within the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement;

[0072] A notification message containing the clock source information of the first clock source is sent to the terminal device UE, the terminal side time-sensitive network converter DS-TT or the 5G core network 5GC, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the notification message is used to achieve clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0073] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0074] According to the timing requirement, determining a first clock source that meets the timing requirement from the candidate clock sources;

[0075] Among them, the timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's punctuality keeping capability, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

[0076] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0077] Receive a notification message sent by UPF, NW-TT or TSCTSF containing clock source information of the first clock source, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the first clock source is a clock source determined by UPF, NW-TT or TSCTSF that meets the timing requirements.

[0078] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a clock synchronization device, applied to a UE, the device including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0079] A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0080] Obtain a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined when a second clock source within the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement;

[0081] Perform clock synchronization within the 5G system according to the first clock source.

[0082] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0083] The clock source currently providing the clock synchronization signal is switched to the first clock source.

[0084] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0085] Receive a notification message containing clock source information of a first clock source sent by an access network device RAN or a 5G core network 5GC, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the first clock source is a clock source determined by the RAN or 5GC that meets the timing requirements.

[0086] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0087] According to the timing requirement, determining a first clock source that meets the timing requirement from the candidate clock sources;

[0088] The timing requirements include at least one or more of the accuracy of the clock source, coverage, the punctuality keeping capability of the 5G system, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for the 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source;

[0089] A notification message including clock source information of the first clock source is sent to the 5GC, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier.

[0090] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a clock synchronization device, applied to a 5G core network 5GC, including:

[0091] An acquisition module, used to acquire a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement when a second clock source inside the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement;

[0092] A sending module is used to send a notification message containing clock source information of the first clock source to a first device, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the first device includes a terminal device UE, a terminal-side time-sensitive network converter DS-TT, or an access network device RAN, and the notification message is used to achieve clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0093] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a clock synchronization device, applied to an access network device RAN, including:

[0094] An acquisition module, used to acquire a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement when a second clock source inside the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement;

[0095] A sending module is used to send a notification message containing clock source information of the first clock source to a terminal device UE, a terminal-side time-sensitive network converter DS-TT or a 5G core network 5GC, wherein the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the notification message is used to achieve clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0096] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a clock synchronization device, applied to a terminal device UE, including:

[0097] An acquisition module, used to acquire a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement when a second clock source inside the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement;

[0098] A synchronization module is used to synchronize the clock within the 5G system according to the first clock source.

[0099] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer execution instructions, and the computer execution instructions are used to implement the above-mentioned clock synchronization method when executed by a processor.

[0100] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which implements the above-mentioned clock synchronization method when executed by a processor.

[0101] The clock synchronization method, apparatus, equipment and product provided in the present application can obtain a first clock source that meets the timing requirements when the clock source currently providing the clock synchronization signal for the 5G system cannot meet the timing requirements, and send a notification message containing the clock source information of the first clock source to the first device in the 5G system. The first device includes one of the terminal device UE, the terminal-side time-sensitive network converter DS-TT or the access network device RAN. Therefore, the first clock source that meets the timing requirements can provide the 5G system with a clock synchronization signal, thereby realizing clock synchronization within the 5G system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0102] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0103] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the TSN network architecture (3GPP Rel-16) supported by 5GS;

[0104] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the network architecture (3GPP Rel-17) supporting TSC and time synchronization for 5GS;

[0105] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of achieving time synchronization for 5G TSN system;

[0106] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a clock synchronization method applied to 5GC provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0107] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a clock synchronization method applied to a RAN provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0108] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a clock synchronization method applied to a UE provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0109] Figure 7 This is an example diagram of communication between devices in a 5G system in an embodiment of the present application;

[0110] Figure 8 This is another example diagram of communication between devices in a 5G system in an embodiment of the present application;

[0111] Fig. 9 This is another example diagram of communication between devices in a 5G system in an embodiment of the present application;

[0112] Fig.10 This is another example diagram of communication between devices in a 5G system in an embodiment of the present application;

[0113] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a clock synchronization device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0114] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a clock synchronization device applied to 5GC provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0115] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of the structure of a clock synchronization device applied to a RAN provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0116] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of the structure of a clock synchronization device applied to a UE provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0117] The above drawings show clear embodiments of the present disclosure, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and text descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way, but to illustrate the concepts of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0118] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0119] The terms used in the embodiments of the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" used in the embodiments of the present application are also intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates other meanings.

[0120] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is only a way to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the characters "three" in this article generally indicate that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0121] As used herein, the words "if" and "if" may be interpreted as "at the time of" or "when" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting", depending on the context. Similarly, the phrases "if it is determined" or "if (stated condition or event) is detected" may be interpreted as "when it is determined" or "in response to determining" or "when detecting (stated condition or event)" or "in response to detecting (stated condition or event)", depending on the context.

[0122] It should also be noted that the terms "include", "comprises" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a product or system including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such a product or system. In the absence of more restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprises a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the product or system including the elements.

[0123] IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.1 Time Sensitive Network (TSN) is becoming the standard Ethernet technology for Industry 4.0 converged networks. 5G networks and TSN networks can coexist in factory deployments and meet key requirements, such as the flexibility of 5G and the extremely low latency of TSN.

[0124] 5G TSN technology requires modifications to terminal equipment UE, access network equipment RAN, and 5G core network 5GC. For example, the UPF (User Port Function) in UE and 5GC needs to support TT (TSN Translator) function.

[0125] The UE side corresponds to the device-side TSN translator (DS-TT), which is used to connect to the TSN system on the terminal side. DS-TT can be integrated into the UE, or DS-TT can be deployed independently of the UE. The UPF side corresponds to the network-side TSN translator (NW-TT), which is used to connect to the TSN system on the network side and can be integrated into the UPF.

[0126] 5GS (5G System) can be regarded as a Bridge, which consists of a port on the UPF side, a user plane tunnel between the UE and UPF, and a port on the DS-TT side.

[0127] Figure 1 The following is a schematic diagram of the 5GS supporting TSN network architecture (3GPP Rel-16), Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the network functions are introduced as follows:

[0128] CNC: Centralized Network Configuration, centralized network configuration, can be applied to network devices (bridges).

[0129] CUC: Centralized User Configuration, centralized user configuration, can be applied to user equipment (End Station).

[0130] AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function, access and mobility management function, registration, connection management, etc.

[0131] UPF: User Plan Function, user plane function. External PDU session node interconnected with the data network, message routing and forwarding.

[0132] SMF: Session Management Function, session management function. Session establishment, deletion, user plane selection and control, UE IP allocation, etc.

[0133] AF: Application Function. Interacts with the 3GPP core network to provide services. Based on the operator's deployment, the trusted AF can interact directly with the relevant NF, while the untrusted AF cannot interact directly with the NF, but should use the public framework through the NEF. The TSN AF is the AF that interacts with the 5G system control plane on behalf of the TSN domain (including CUC / CNC).

[0134] PCF: Policy Control Function. Supports a unified policy framework to manage network behavior and provide policy rules for control plane NF execution.

[0135] UDM: Unified Data Management, which stores UE information, such as contract information and information about established PDU sessions.

[0136] NEF: Network Exposure Function. Provides functions related to securely exposing the services and capabilities provided by the 3GPP network to external networks.

[0137] Based on the 3GPP Rel-16 standard, the 5G system is used as a transparent transmission bridge of the TSN network, and the entire 5G system is regarded as a time-aware system. It is required that UE / DS-TT and UPF / NW-TT can implement TSN Translator and meet all functions defined by IEEE 802.1AS, such as supporting (g)PTP (Precision Time Protocol), timestamp, Best Master Clock Algorithm (BMCA), etc. It realizes the synchronization of UE, RAN, and UPF to 5G GM to maintain the synchronization of network entities and the synchronization with the TSN domain to achieve end-to-end downlink and uplink time synchronization.

[0138] In addition, based on the 3GPP Rel-17 standard, the 5G system supports TSC (Time Sensitive Communication) and time synchronization services when TSN (including TSN CUC and TSN CNC) is not deployed.

[0139] Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the network architecture (3GPP Rel-17) supporting TSC and time synchronization for 5GS is shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 As shown in the figure, in this architecture, a new core network element TSCTSF (Time Sensitive Communication and Time Synchronization function) is introduced. TSCTSF contains TSC and time synchronization service logic, and can control DS-TT(s) and NW-TT to form (g)PTP instance.

[0140] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of implementing time synchronization for 5G TSN system, as shown in Figure 3 As shown, it includes two clock synchronization systems: 1) 5GS clock synchronization: that is, the clock synchronization within the 5G system; 2) (g) PTP domain synchronization: that is, 5GS provides synchronization services to the (g) PTP network.

[0141] As a network element of the 5G TSN system, the 5G system needs to receive synchronization messages ((g)PTP) sent from the TSN time source (End Station) and update the time information according to the time delay consumed by the data packet processing and transmission in the 5G system. In addition, all time information update processing is done at the edge of the 5G system, that is, by DS-TT or NW-TT.

[0142] 5G networks rely on GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) timing. RAN timing is mainly based on GPS or Beidou timing. In addition, RAN supports high-precision clocks using the IEEE 1588V2 protocol. The IEEE1588 protocol (full name: "Precision Clock Synchronization Protocol Standard for Network Measurement and Control Systems" is a general specification for improving the timing synchronization capabilities of network systems, enabling distributed communication networks to have strict timing synchronization, and is used in industrial automation systems), and its corresponding clock source can be a certified institution within the country / region (for example, the National Time Service Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences). RAN can monitor the status of the clock source. For example, when GNSS is used, when RAN cannot detect GNSS, there will be a corresponding notification. For example, when UE uses GNSS positioning, the number of signal stars that can be searched will be displayed. When the number of signal stars is 0, it means that the network connection is lost.

[0143] If problems such as GNSS interference occur, the process of GNSS providing clock synchronization signals for the 5G network will be affected, which will affect the clock synchronization of terminal equipment UE, access network equipment RAN and 5G core network 5GC in the 5G network.

[0144] The clock synchronization method, device, equipment and product provided in this application are intended to solve the above technical problems of the prior art. When the second clock source that currently provides the clock synchronization signal for the 5G system cannot meet the timing requirements, the access network equipment in the 5G system can determine the first clock source that meets the timing requirements from the alternative clock sources, and notify the terminal or the core network of the determined first clock source, so that the clock synchronization signal can be provided to the 5G system through the first clock source that meets the timing requirements, thereby realizing clock synchronization within the 5G system. In addition, the 5G system can also determine the master clock and port status based on the first clock source, so that the 5G system can provide time synchronization services to the g (PTP) network.

[0145] The technical solution of the present application and how the technical solution of the present application solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. The following specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. The embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0146] In some embodiments, a clock synchronization method is provided, which is applied to a 5G core network 5GC.

[0147] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a clock synchronization method applied to 5GC provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the method mainly includes the following steps:

[0148] S110. Obtain a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined when the second clock source in the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement;

[0149] Among them, the second clock source can be understood as the clock source that is currently providing clock synchronization signals for the 5G system. When the second clock source does not meet the timing requirements, such as the clock source accuracy decreases, the network connection is lost, etc., 5GC obtains the first clock source that meets the timing requirements.

[0150] It can be understood that the first clock source can be determined by the 5GC itself, or it can be determined by other devices in the 5G system and sent to the 5GC. The other devices may be, for example, UE, DS-TT or RAN.

[0151] S120. Send a notification message containing clock source information of a first clock source to a first device, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier. The first device includes a terminal device UE, a terminal-side time-sensitive network converter DS-TT, or an access network device RAN. The notification message is used to achieve clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0152] After 5GC obtains the first clock source, since the current second clock source does not meet the timing requirements, 5GC can send a notification message containing the clock source information of the first clock source to the first device, and the clock source information includes the clock source identifier of the first clock source, so that the first device can perform clock synchronization processing based on the clock source identifier of the first clock source, such as switching the clock source to the first clock source. Since the first clock source meets the timing requirements, the clock synchronization signal is provided to the 5G system through the first clock source, so that the clock synchronization within the 5G system can be achieved.

[0153] The clock source identifier may be a code indicating a specific clock source, such as 09, or may be information indicating the type of clock source, such as a terrestrial beacon system (TBS), a global navigation satellite system GNSS, an atomic clock, and the like.

[0154] Optionally, the clock source information also includes: at least one or more of: clock source accuracy, time interval for providing timing information, coverage, number of UEs supported, and activation time.

[0155] This embodiment provides a clock synchronization method applied to 5GC. When the second clock source currently providing the clock synchronization signal for the 5G system cannot meet the timing requirement, the 5GC obtains the first clock source that meets the timing requirement and sends it to the first device. The first device includes UE, DS-TT or RAN, so that the clock synchronization signal can be provided to the 5G system through the first clock source that meets the timing requirement, thereby realizing clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0156] In some embodiments, the first clock source may be determined by the 5GC itself.

[0157] Correspondingly, obtaining the first clock source includes:

[0158] S111. According to the timing requirements, determine the first clock source that meets the timing requirements from the alternative clock sources; wherein the timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's punctuality keeping capability, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

[0159] Specifically, when 5GC detects that the current second clock source does not meet the timing requirements, it can determine the first clock source that meets the timing requirements from one or more alternative clock sources based on at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage, 5G system (such as UE and / or RAN) holdover capability, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

[0160] The 5G system's timekeeping capability is related to factors such as the Holdover time and available clock sources. The Holdover time is the period of time during which the 5G system can still meet the synchronization accuracy requirements when the current clock source is unavailable.

[0161] In addition, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information refers to the period for the clock source to provide timing information to the 5G system or a third-party application, wherein the third-party application is an application outside the 5G system, and the third-party application can interact with the 5G system through the application layer.

[0162] In addition, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information refers to the period for 5GC to provide timing information to UE or third-party applications. The time interval can be pre-configured based on the requirements of the third application or local policy, or can be dynamically adjusted according to actual conditions.

[0163] In addition, the number of UEs supported by the clock source refers to the number of UEs supported by the currently used clock source when providing a clock synchronization service.

[0164] Therefore, 5GC determines the first clock source that meets the timing requirements to facilitate clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0165] In some embodiments, 5GC may also obtain the first clock source from other devices.

[0166] Correspondingly, obtaining the first clock source includes:

[0167] S112. Receive a notification message sent by a second device containing clock source information of a first clock source, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the first clock source is a clock source determined by the second device that meets the timing requirements; wherein the second device includes one of UE, DS-TT or RAN, and the second device is different from the first device.

[0168] Specifically, 5GC can obtain the first clock source from the second device. When the second device detects that the current second clock source does not meet the timing requirements, it can determine the first clock source that meets the timing requirements from one or more alternative clock sources based on at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage, 5G system (such as UE and / or RAN) punctuality keeping capability, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source, and then send the clock source information of the first clock source to 5GC.

[0169] It can be understood that the first device is different from the second device, that is, after 5GC obtains the first clock source from a device in the 5G system, it sends a notification message containing the clock source information of the first clock source to another device in the 5G system, so that each device in the 5G system can achieve internal clock synchronization.

[0170] For example, the 5GC may obtain the first clock source from the RAN and send a notification message containing the clock source information of the first clock source to the UE or the DS-TT. In this case, the second device is the RAN, and the first device is one of the UE or the DS-TT.

[0171] Optionally, the clock source information also includes: at least one or more of: clock source accuracy, time interval for providing timing information, coverage, number of UEs supported, and activation time.

[0172] Therefore, 5GC obtains the first clock source that meets the timing requirements from the second device to facilitate clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0173] In some embodiments, after 5GC determines that the clock source inside the 5G system has changed, that is, after the clock synchronization inside the 5G system is achieved by selecting a new clock source, it is also necessary to perform a master clock judgment with the clock source used outside the 5G system, and then realize the 5G system providing time synchronization services to the g (PTP) network through the master clock source.

[0174] In this embodiment, the method further includes:

[0175] S130, determining a master clock according to the first clock source and other clock sources providing time synchronization services;

[0176] S140: Configure the status of each port according to the determined master clock.

[0177] Among them, the master clock is the clock source for clock synchronization between the 5G system and the TSN network. After the clock synchronization within the 5G system is realized through the first clock source, the 5GC further re-determines the master clock based on the first clock source and other clock sources that provide time synchronization services, thereby enabling the 5G system to provide time synchronization services to the g (PTP) network.

[0178] After determining the master clock, 5GC determines the port status (PTP port state) of each DS-TT and NW-TT. The port status includes Master Port, Slave Port, Passive Port, Disabled Port, etc.

[0179] It can be understood that the way in which 5GC determines the port status can be implemented through existing technologies, such as local configuration or BMCA algorithm, etc., and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0180] Therefore, 5GC determines the master clock and port status to enable the 5G system to provide time synchronization services to the g(PTP) network.

[0181] In some embodiments, determining a master clock according to the first clock source and other clock sources providing time synchronization services includes:

[0182] S131, selecting a clock source from the first clock source and the other clock sources according to the clock source information of the first clock source and the clock source information of other clock sources providing time synchronization services;

[0183] S132: Determine the selected clock source as the main clock.

[0184] The clock source information includes at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, the time interval for providing timing information, the coverage, the number of UEs supported, and the activation time.

[0185] Specifically, when determining the master clock, 5GC can select a clock source as the master clock from the first clock source and other clock sources providing time synchronization services based on at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, the time interval for providing timing information, the coverage range, the number of UEs supported, and the activation time.

[0186] For example, 5GC may select a clock source as the master clock that meets at least one or more of the following requirements: highest clock source accuracy, shortest time interval for providing timing information, largest coverage, and largest number of supported UEs.

[0187] Therefore, 5GC determines the master clock based on the clock source information of the first clock source and the clock source information of other clock sources that provide time synchronization services, which can ensure that the clock source information of the master clock is optimal, thereby facilitating the 5G system to provide time synchronization services to the g (PTP) network.

[0188] In some embodiments, after the 5GC determines the master clock, the method further includes:

[0189] S150. Send master clock determination information to the first device, where the master clock determination information includes clock source information of the determined master clock.

[0190] Specifically, after determining the master clock based on the clock source information of the first clock source and the clock source information of other clock sources providing time synchronization services, the 5GC sends master clock determination information to the first device, where the master clock determination information includes the clock source information of the determined master clock.

[0191] For example, if the 5GC determines that the first clock source is the master clock, the master clock determination information includes clock source information of the first clock source, such as the clock source identifier of the first clock source.

[0192] Optionally, the clock source information also includes: at least one or more of: clock source accuracy, time interval for providing timing information, coverage, number of UEs supported, and activation time.

[0193] After receiving the master clock confirmation information sent by 5GC, the first device can save the clock source information of the master clock.

[0194] In some embodiments, the 5G core network 5GC includes: any one of: a user plane function network element UPF, a network side time-sensitive network converter NW-TT, a policy control function network element PCF, a network open function network element NEF, and a time-sensitive communication language clock synchronization function network element TSCTSF.

[0195] That is to say, in the above embodiments, the steps of the clock synchronization method applied to 5GC can be implemented by any one of UPF, NW-TT, PCF, NEF, and TSCTSF. It should be noted that UPF, NW-TT, PCF, NEF, and TSCTSF can implement all the above steps or only some of them.

[0196] In some embodiments, if the 5G core network 5GC is any one of PCF, NEF or TSCTSF, obtaining the first clock source specifically includes:

[0197] Receive a notification message containing clock source information of a first clock source forwarded via a session management function network element SMF and an access and mobility management function network element AMF.

[0198] Among them, the first clock source can be determined by 5GC itself, for example, by UPF / NW-TT inside 5GC, and the main clock can be determined by PCF, NEF or TSCTSF.

[0199] In this case, UPF / NW-TT first sends the clock source information of the first clock source to SMF, and then SMF sends the clock source information of the first clock source to PCF. At this time, PCF can directly determine the master clock based on the first clock source. Alternatively, PCF continues to send the clock source information of the first clock source to NEF / TSCTSF, and NEF / TSCTSF determines the master clock. Alternatively, PCF sends the clock source information of the first clock source to TSCTSF, and then TSCTSF continues to send the clock source information of the first clock source to NEF, so that NEF determines the master clock.

[0200] In addition, the first clock source can also be determined by UE, DS-TT or RAN and sent to 5GC, and the master clock can be determined by PCF, NEF or TSCTSF.

[0201] In this case, UE / DS-TT or RAN first sends the clock source information of the first clock source to AMF, AMF sends the clock source information of the first clock source to SMF, and SMF sends the clock source information of the first clock source to PCF. At this time, PCF can directly determine the master clock based on the first clock source, or PCF continues to send the clock source information of the first clock source to NEF / TSCTSF, and NEF / TSCTSF determines the master clock, or PCF sends the clock source information of the first clock source to TSCTSF, and TSCTSF continues to send the clock source information of the first clock source to NEF, so that NEF determines the master clock.

[0202] Therefore, the network element that determines the master clock in 5GC (such as PCF, NEF or TSCTSF, etc.) can receive the clock source information of the first clock source sent by UPF / NW-TT, UE / DS-TT or RAN via SMF, AMF, so as to facilitate the determination of the master clock.

[0203] In some embodiments, if the 5G core network 5GC is any one of PCF, NEF or TSCTSF, a notification message including clock source information of the first clock source is sent to the first device, specifically including: sending a notification message including the clock source information of the first clock source through a user plane node management information container (User plane Node Management Information Container, UMIC) or a port management information container (Port Management Information Container, PMIC).

[0204] Among them, the first device includes a terminal device UE, a terminal-side time-sensitive network converter DS-TT or an access network device RAN, and the PCF, NEF or TSCTSF sends a notification message containing clock source information of the first clock source to the UE / DS-TT or RAN, and the notification message can be sent through UMIC or PMIC.

[0205] Specifically, if the step of sending the notification message is performed by PCF, the PCF sends the UMIC or PMIC containing the clock source information of the first clock source to the SMF; if the step of sending the notification message is performed by NEF or TSCTSF, the NEF or TSCTSF first sends the UMIC or PMIC containing the clock source information of the first clock source to the PCF, and then the PCF sends the UMIC or PMIC containing the clock source information of the first clock source to the SMF.

[0206] The SMF then sends the UMIC or PMIC containing the clock source information of the first clock source to the AMF, and finally the AMF sends the UMIC or PMIC containing the clock source information of the first clock source to the UE / DS-TT or RAN.

[0207] In some embodiments, the clock source information of the first clock source is carried in a designated field in the UMIC or the PMIC.

[0208] Specifically, when the notification message including the clock source information of the first clock source is sent through the UMIC or the PMIC, the clock source information of the first clock source is carried in a designated field in the UMIC or the PMIC.

[0209] The clock source information of the first clock source can be represented by existing parameters in UMIC or PMIC, that is, the designated field is an existing parameter in UMIC or PMIC, for example, default DS.clock Quality.clock Accuracy represents the clock source accuracy, default DS.clock Identity represents the clock source identity, and so on.

[0210] In addition, a new parameter may be added in the UMIC or PMIC, and the clock source information of the first clock source may be represented by the new parameter, that is, the designated field is the new parameter added in the UMIC or PMIC.

[0211] In some embodiments, a clock synchronization method is provided, which is applied to an access network device RAN.

[0212] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a clock synchronization method applied to a RAN provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the method mainly includes the following steps:

[0213] S210. Obtain a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined when the second clock source in the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement;

[0214] Among them, the second clock source can be understood as the clock source that is currently providing clock synchronization signals for the 5G system. When the second clock source does not meet the timing requirements, such as the clock source accuracy decreases, the network connection is lost, etc., RAN obtains the first clock source that meets the timing requirements.

[0215] It can be understood that the first clock source can be determined by the RAN itself, or determined by other devices of the 5G system and sent to the RAN. The other devices can be network elements of the 5GC, such as UPF, NW-TT or TSCTSF.

[0216] S220. Send a notification message containing clock source information of a first clock source to the terminal device UE, the terminal side time-sensitive network converter DS-TT or the 5G core network 5GC, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the notification message is used to achieve clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0217] After RAN obtains the first clock source, since the current second clock source does not meet the timing requirements, RAN can send a notification message containing the clock source information of the first clock source to UE / DS-TT or 5GC, and the clock source information includes the clock source identifier of the first clock source, so that UE / DS-TT or 5GC can perform clock synchronization processing based on the clock source identifier of the first clock source, such as switching the clock source to the first clock source. Since the first clock source meets the timing requirements, the clock synchronization signal is provided to the 5G system through the first clock source, so that the clock synchronization within the 5G system can be achieved.

[0218] Optionally, the clock source information also includes: at least one or more of: clock source accuracy, time interval for providing timing information, coverage, number of UEs supported, and activation time.

[0219] This embodiment provides a clock synchronization method applied to RAN. When the second clock source currently providing the clock synchronization signal for the 5G system cannot meet the timing requirements, the RAN obtains the first clock source that meets the timing requirements and sends it to the UE / DS-TT or 5GC, so that the clock synchronization signal can be provided to the 5G system through the first clock source that meets the timing requirements, thereby realizing clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0220] In some embodiments, the first clock source may be determined by the RAN itself.

[0221] Correspondingly, obtaining the first clock source includes:

[0222] S211. According to the timing requirements, determine the first clock source that meets the timing requirements from the alternative clock sources; wherein the timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's punctuality keeping capability, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

[0223] Specifically, when the RAN detects that the current second clock source does not meet the timing requirements, it can determine the first clock source that meets the timing requirements from one or more alternative clock sources based on at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage, punctuality keeping capability of the 5G system (such as UE and / or RAN), the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

[0224] Therefore, RAN determines the first clock source that meets the timing requirements to facilitate clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0225] In some embodiments, the RAN may also obtain the first clock source from other devices.

[0226] Correspondingly, obtaining the first clock source includes:

[0227] S212. Receive a notification message containing clock source information of a first clock source sent by UPF, NW-TT or TSCTSF, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the first clock source is a clock source that meets timing requirements and is determined by UPF, NW-TT or TSCTSF.

[0228] Specifically, RAN may obtain the first clock source from UPF, NW-TT or TSCTSF.

[0229] When UPF, NW-TT or TSCTSF detects that the current second clock source does not meet the timing requirements, it can determine the first clock source that meets the timing requirements from one or more alternative clock sources based on at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage, punctuality keeping capability of the 5G system (such as UE and / or RAN), the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source, and then send the clock source information of the first clock source to RAN.

[0230] Optionally, the clock source information also includes: at least one or more of: clock source accuracy, time interval for providing timing information, coverage, number of UEs supported, and activation time.

[0231] Therefore, RAN obtains the first clock source that meets the timing requirements from UPF, NW-TT or TSCTSF to facilitate clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0232] In some embodiments, a clock synchronization method is provided, which is applied to a terminal device UE.

[0233] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a clock synchronization method applied to a UE provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the method mainly includes the following steps:

[0234] S310. Obtain a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined when the second clock source in the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement;

[0235] Among them, the second clock source can be understood as the clock source that is currently providing clock synchronization signals for the 5G system. When the second clock source does not meet the timing requirements, such as the clock source accuracy decreases, the network connection is lost, etc., the UE obtains the first clock source that meets the timing requirements.

[0236] It can be understood that the first clock source can be determined by other devices in the 5G system and sent to the UE. The other devices may be, for example, RAN or 5GC.

[0237] S320. Perform clock synchronization within the 5G system according to the first clock source.

[0238] After the UE obtains the first clock source, since the current second clock source does not meet the timing requirements, the UE can perform clock synchronization based on the first clock source. Since the first clock source meets the timing requirements, the clock synchronization signal is provided to the 5G system through the first clock source, so that the clock synchronization within the 5G system can be achieved.

[0239] Optionally, the clock source information also includes: at least one or more of: clock source accuracy, time interval for providing timing information, coverage, number of UEs supported, and activation time.

[0240] This embodiment provides a clock synchronization method applied to UE. When the second clock source that currently provides the clock synchronization signal for the 5G system cannot meet the timing requirements, the UE obtains the first clock source that meets the timing requirements, and performs clock synchronization within the 5G system according to the first clock source. Thus, the clock synchronization signal can be provided to the 5G system by the first clock source that meets the timing requirements, thereby achieving clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0241] In some embodiments, performing clock synchronization within the 5G system according to the first clock source includes:

[0242] S321. Switch the clock source currently providing the clock synchronization signal to the first clock source.

[0243] Specifically, when the UE performs clock synchronization within the 5G system, it can use the first clock source as the clock source for providing a clock synchronization signal. Since the first clock source meets the timing requirements, the clock synchronization signal is provided to the 5G system by the first clock source, so that the clock synchronization within the 5G system can be achieved.

[0244] In some embodiments, the UE may obtain the first clock source from other devices, and the other devices may be, for example, a RAN or a 5GC.

[0245] Correspondingly, obtaining the first clock source includes:

[0246] S311. Receive a notification message containing clock source information of a first clock source sent by an access network device RAN or a 5G core network 5GC. The clock source information includes a clock source identifier. The first clock source is a clock source determined by the RAN or 5GC that meets the timing requirements.

[0247] Specifically, the UE can obtain the first clock source from the RAN or 5GC. When the RAN or 5GC detects that the current second clock source does not meet the timing requirements, it can determine the first clock source that meets the timing requirements from one or more alternative clock sources based on at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage, 5G system (such as UE and / or RAN) punctuality keeping capability, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for the 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source, and then send the clock source information of the first clock source to the UE.

[0248] Optionally, the clock source information also includes: at least one or more of: clock source accuracy, time interval for providing timing information, coverage, number of UEs supported, and activation time.

[0249] Therefore, the UE obtains the first clock source that meets the timing requirements from the RAN or 5GC to achieve clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0250] In some embodiments, during the process of determining the master clock by 5GC, the UE may also determine a clock source that meets the timing requirements and send it to 5GC.

[0251] Correspondingly, the method further includes:

[0252] S301. Determine a first clock source that meets the timing requirement from the candidate clock sources according to the timing requirement; wherein the timing requirement includes at least one or more of the accuracy of the clock source, the coverage range, the punctuality keeping capability of the 5G system, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for the 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source;

[0253] S302. Send a notification message containing clock source information of a first clock source to 5GC, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier.

[0254] Specifically, when the UE detects that the current second clock source does not meet the timing requirements, it can determine the first clock source that meets the timing requirements from one or more alternative clock sources based on at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, punctuality keeping capability of the 5G system (such as UE and / or RAN), the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source, and then send the clock source information of the first clock source to 5GC, so that 5GC can determine the master clock.

[0255] Optionally, the clock source information also includes: at least one or more of: clock source accuracy, time interval for providing timing information, coverage, number of UEs supported, and activation time.

[0256] Therefore, the UE determines the first clock source that meets the timing requirements and sends it to the 5GC so that the 5GC can determine the master clock, thereby enabling the 5G system to provide time synchronization services to the g(PTP) network.

[0257] In some embodiments, specific scenarios for communication between devices in a 5G system are explained.

[0258] Figure 7 This is an example diagram of communication between devices in a 5G system in an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 7 As shown, the communication process between the devices includes the following steps:

[0259] A1. When RAN detects that the current second clock source does not meet the timing requirement, it determines a first clock source that meets the timing requirement from the candidate clock sources according to the timing requirement;

[0260] Among them, the timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's timekeeping capability, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

[0261] A2. RAN sends a notification message including clock source information of the first clock source to UE / DS-TT through RRC signaling or by broadcasting SIB-9 (System Information Block-9), where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier.

[0262] Optionally, the clock source information also includes: at least one or more of: clock source accuracy, time interval for providing timing information, coverage, number of UEs supported, and activation time.

[0263] A3. UE / DS-TT performs clock synchronization within the 5G system according to the first clock source.

[0264] Specifically, the UE may switch the clock source currently providing the clock synchronization signal to the first clock source.

[0265] A41. RAN sends a notification message containing clock source information of the first clock source to UPF / NW-TT in 5GC through the underlying transport network notification or other means, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier.

[0266] A42 (as another optional method of A41), UE / DS-TT sends a notification message containing clock source information of the first clock source to UPF / NW-TT via a user plane data packet.

[0267] Optionally, the clock source information also includes: at least one or more of: clock source accuracy, time interval for providing timing information, coverage, number of UEs supported, and activation time.

[0268] A5. UPF / NW-TT determines the status of the master clock and each port according to the first clock source.

[0269] A6. When the UPF / NW-TT determines that the first clock source is the master clock, the UPF / NW-TT sends master clock determination information to the UE / DS-TT. The master clock determination information includes the clock source information of the determined master clock.

[0270] A7. The UE saves the clock source information of the master clock.

[0271] Therefore, through the above processing flow, clock synchronization within the 5G system can be achieved, and the 5G system can provide time synchronization services to the g(PTP) network.

[0272] Figure 8 This is another example diagram of communication between devices in a 5G system in an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 8 As shown, the communication process between the devices includes the following steps:

[0273] B1. When the RAN detects that the current second clock source does not meet the timing requirement, it determines a first clock source that meets the timing requirement from the candidate clock sources according to the timing requirement;

[0274] Among them, the timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's timekeeping capability, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

[0275] B2. RAN sends a notification message containing clock source information of the first clock source to UPF / NW-TT in 5GC through the underlying transport network notification or other means, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier.

[0276] Optionally, the clock source information also includes: at least one or more of: clock source accuracy, time interval for providing timing information, coverage, number of UEs supported, and activation time.

[0277] B3. UPF / NW-TT determines the status of the master clock and each port according to the first clock source.

[0278] B4. NW-TT sends a notification message including clock source information of the first clock source to UE / DS-TT via a user plane data packet.

[0279] B5. UE / DS-TT performs clock synchronization within the 5G system according to the first clock source.

[0280] B6. When the UPF / NW-TT determines that the first clock source is the master clock, the UPF / NW-TT sends master clock determination information to the UE / DS-TT. The master clock determination information includes the clock source information of the determined master clock.

[0281] B7. The UE saves the clock source information of the master clock.

[0282] Therefore, through the above processing flow, clock synchronization within the 5G system can be achieved, and the 5G system can provide time synchronization services to the g(PTP) network.

[0283] Fig. 9 This is another example diagram of communication between devices in a 5G system in an embodiment of the present application, such as Fig. 9 As shown, the communication process between the devices includes the following steps:

[0284] C1. When RAN detects that the current second clock source does not meet the timing requirement, it determines the first clock source that meets the timing requirement from the candidate clock sources according to the timing requirement;

[0285] Among them, the timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's timekeeping capability, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

[0286] C21. RAN sends the clock source information of the first clock source to AMF.

[0287] Optionally, the clock source information also includes: at least one or more of: clock source accuracy, time interval for providing timing information, coverage, number of UEs supported, and activation time.

[0288] C22. AMF calls the Nsmf_PDU Session_Update SM Context operation to send the clock source information of the first clock source to SMF.

[0289] C23. SMF triggers SM Policy Association Modification and sends the clock source information of the first clock source to PCF.

[0290] Optionally, the PCF sends the clock source information of the first clock source to the TSCTSF or NEF by calling the Npcf_Policy Authorization service operation, or the TSCTSF sends the clock source information of the first clock source to the NEF by calling the Nnef_Time Synchronization_Config Update Notify service operation.

[0291] C3. NEF / TSCTSF / PCF determines the status of the main clock and each port according to the first clock source.

[0292] When C41 and UPF / NW-TT determine that the first clock source is the master clock, they send the clock source information of the master clock and the new port status to SMF through UMIC / PMIC;

[0293] C42, SMF sends UMIC / PMIC to AMF through PDU Session Modification procedure (calling Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer);

[0294] C43 and AMF send UMIC / PMIC to RAN via N2 message;

[0295] C51, RAN sends UMIC / PMIC to UE / DS-TT through AN dedicated signaling;

[0296] C52. RAN sends UMIC / PMIC to UPF / NW-TT through N4 Session Modification Request.

[0297] Therefore, through the above processing flow, clock synchronization within the 5G system can be achieved, and the 5G system can provide time synchronization services to the g(PTP) network.

[0298] Fig.10 This is another example diagram of communication between devices in a 5G system in an embodiment of the present application, such as Fig.10 As shown, the communication process between the devices includes the following steps:

[0299] D11. When UE / DS-TT detects that the current second clock source does not meet the timing requirement, it determines the first clock source that meets the timing requirement from the alternative clock sources according to the timing requirement;

[0300] Among them, the timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's timekeeping capability, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

[0301] D12 (as another optional mode of D11), when UPF / NW-TT detects that the current second clock source does not meet the timing requirement, it determines the first clock source that meets the timing requirement from the alternative clock sources according to the timing requirement;

[0302] D21 (corresponding to D11), UE / DS-TT sends the UMIC / PMIC containing the clock source information of the first clock source to AMF through PDU Session Modification Request;

[0303] Optionally, the clock source information includes: at least one or more of: a clock source identifier, a clock source accuracy, a time interval for providing timing information, a coverage range, a number of UEs supported, and an activation time.

[0304] D22 (corresponding to D12), UPF / NW-TT sends the UMIC / PMIC containing the clock source information of the first clock source to SMF through N4 Session Modification Request;

[0305] D31. AMF calls the Nsmf_PDU Session_Update SM Context operation to send the clock source information of the first clock source to SMF.

[0306] D32. SMF triggers SM Policy Association Modification and sends the clock source information of the first clock source to PCF.

[0307] Optionally, the PCF sends the clock source information of the first clock source to the TSCTSF or NEF by calling the Npcf_Policy Authorization service operation, or the TSCTSF sends the clock source information of the first clock source to the NEF by calling the Nnef_Time Synchronization_Config Update Notify service operation.

[0308] D4. NEF / TSCTSF / PCF determines the status of the main clock and each port according to the first clock source.

[0309] D51, UPF / NW-TT, when determining that the first clock source is the master clock, sends the clock source information of the master clock and the new port status to SMF through UMIC / PMIC;

[0310] D52, SMF sends UMIC / PMIC to AMF through PDU Session Modification procedure (calling Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer);

[0311] D53, AMF sends UMIC / PMIC to RAN via N2 message;

[0312] D61, RAN sends UMIC / PMIC to UE / DS-TT through AN dedicated signaling;

[0313] D62. RAN sends UMIC / PMIC to UPF / NW-TT through N4 Session Modification Request.

[0314] Therefore, through the above processing flow, clock synchronization within the 5G system can be achieved, and the 5G system can provide time synchronization services to the g(PTP) network.

[0315] It should be understood that, although the various steps in the flowcharts in the above-described embodiments are sequentially displayed according to the indications of the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed sequentially in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless there is a clear description in this article, the execution of these steps is not strictly limited in order, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least a portion of the steps in the figure may include a plurality of sub-steps or a plurality of stages, and these sub-steps or stages are not necessarily executed at the same time, but can be executed at different times, and their execution order is not necessarily to be carried out sequentially, but can be executed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least a portion of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0316] In some embodiments, a clock synchronization device is provided for application in a 5G core network 5GC.

[0317] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a clock synchronization device provided in an embodiment of the present application, such as Fig.11 As shown, the clock synchronization device includes a memory 11, a transceiver 12, and a processor 13:

[0318] A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of a processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0319] Obtain a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined when a second clock source within the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement;

[0320] A notification message containing clock source information of a first clock source is sent to a first device, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, the first device includes a terminal device UE, a terminal side time-sensitive network converter DS-TT or an access network device RAN, and the notification message is used to achieve clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0321] In some embodiments, the processor is also used to perform the following operations: according to the timing requirements, determine a first clock source that meets the timing requirements from the alternative clock sources; wherein the timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's punctuality keeping capability, time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

[0322] In some embodiments, the processor is further used to perform the following operations: receiving a notification message sent by a second device containing clock source information of a first clock source, the clock source information including a clock source identifier, and the first clock source being a clock source determined by the second device to meet the timing requirements; wherein the second device includes a UE, a DS-TT or a RAN, and the second device is different from the first device.

[0323] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: determine a master clock according to the first clock source and other clock sources providing time synchronization services; and configure the status of each port according to the determined master clock.

[0324] In some embodiments, the processor is also used to perform the following operations: based on the clock source information of the first clock source and the clock source information of other clock sources providing time synchronization services, select a clock source from the first clock source and the other clock sources to determine as the main clock; wherein the clock source information includes at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, the time interval for providing timing information, the coverage range, the number of UEs supported, and the activation time.

[0325] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: sending master clock determination information to the first device, where the master clock determination information includes clock source information of the determined master clock.

[0326] In some embodiments, a clock synchronization device is provided, which is applied to an access network device RAN. The specific structure of the clock synchronization device is as follows: Fig.11 , the clock synchronization device includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0327] A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of a processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0328] Obtain a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined when a second clock source within the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement;

[0329] A notification message containing clock source information of a first clock source is sent to a terminal device UE, a terminal-side time-sensitive network converter DS-TT, or a 5G core network 5GC, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the notification message is used to achieve clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0330] In some embodiments, the processor is also used to perform the following operations: according to the timing requirements, determine a first clock source that meets the timing requirements from the alternative clock sources; wherein the timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's punctuality keeping capability, time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

[0331] In some embodiments, the processor is also used to perform the following operations: receive a notification message sent by UPF, NW-TT or TSCTSF containing clock source information of a first clock source, the clock source information including a clock source identifier, and the first clock source is a clock source determined by UPF, NW-TT or TSCTSF that meets the timing requirements.

[0332] In some embodiments, a clock synchronization device is provided, which is applied to a terminal device UE. The specific structure of the clock synchronization device is as follows: Fig.11 , the clock synchronization device includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0333] A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of a processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0334] Obtain a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined when a second clock source within the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement;

[0335] Perform clock synchronization within the 5G system according to the first clock source.

[0336] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: switching a clock source currently providing a clock synchronization signal to a first clock source.

[0337] In some embodiments, the processor is also used to perform the following operations: receiving a notification message containing clock source information of a first clock source sent by an access network device RAN or a 5G core network 5GC, the clock source information including a clock source identifier, and the first clock source is a clock source determined by the RAN or 5GC that meets the timing requirements.

[0338] In some embodiments, the processor is also used to perform the following operations: according to the timing requirements, determine a first clock source that meets the timing requirements from the alternative clock sources; wherein the timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's punctuality keeping capability, time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source; and send a notification message containing the clock source information of the first clock source to the 5GC, wherein the clock source information includes a clock source identifier.

[0339] In the above-mentioned clock synchronization device, the memory and the processor are electrically connected directly or indirectly to realize data transmission or interaction. For example, these elements can be electrically connected to each other through one or more communication buses or signal lines, such as through a bus connection. The memory stores computer-executable instructions for implementing the data access control method, including at least one software function module that can be stored in the memory in the form of software or firmware. The processor executes various functional applications and data processing by running the software programs and modules stored in the memory.

[0340] The memory may be, but is not limited to, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc. The memory is used to store programs, and the processor executes the programs after receiving the execution instructions. Furthermore, the software programs and modules in the above-mentioned memory may also include an operating system, which may include various software components and / or drivers for managing system tasks (such as memory management, storage device control, power management, etc.), and may communicate with various hardware or software components to provide an operating environment for other software components.

[0341] The processor may be an integrated circuit chip having the ability to process signals. The above-mentioned processor may be a general-purpose processor, including a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), etc. The disclosed methods, steps and logic block diagrams in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may be any conventional processor, etc.

[0342] In some embodiments, a clock synchronization device is provided for application in a 5G core network 5GC.

[0343] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a clock synchronization device applied to 5GC provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown, the clock synchronization device comprises:

[0344] An acquisition module 21 is used to acquire a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement when the second clock source in the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement;

[0345] The sending module 22 is used to send a notification message containing clock source information of a first clock source to a first device, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier. The first device includes a terminal device UE, a terminal-side time-sensitive network converter DS-TT, or an access network device RAN. The notification message is used to achieve clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0346] In some embodiments, the acquisition module is also used to: determine, according to the timing requirements, a first clock source that meets the timing requirements from the alternative clock sources; wherein the timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's punctuality keeping capability, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

[0347] In some embodiments, the acquisition module is also used to: receive a notification message sent by a second device containing clock source information of a first clock source, the clock source information including a clock source identifier, and the first clock source is a clock source determined by the second device that meets the timing requirements; wherein the second device includes a UE, a DS-TT or a RAN, and the second device is different from the first device.

[0348] In some embodiments, the clock synchronization device further includes: a processing module, configured to determine a master clock according to the first clock source and other clock sources providing time synchronization services; and configure the status of each port according to the determined master clock.

[0349] In some embodiments, the processing module is further used to: select a clock source from the first clock source and other clock sources based on the clock source information of the first clock source and the clock source information of other clock sources providing time synchronization services; and determine the selected clock source as the master clock.

[0350] In some embodiments, the sending module is further used to: send master clock determination information to the first device, where the master clock determination information includes clock source information of the determined master clock.

[0351] In some embodiments, a clock synchronization device is provided, which is applied to an access network device RAN.

[0352] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of the structure of a clock synchronization device applied to a RAN provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown, the clock synchronization device comprises:

[0353] An acquisition module 31 is used to acquire a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement when the second clock source in the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement;

[0354] The sending module 32 is used to send a notification message containing clock source information of a first clock source to the terminal device UE, the terminal side time-sensitive network converter DS-TT or the 5G core network 5GC, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the notification message is used to achieve clock synchronization within the 5G system.

[0355] In some embodiments, the acquisition module is also used to: determine, according to the timing requirements, a first clock source that meets the timing requirements from the alternative clock sources; wherein the timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's punctuality keeping capability, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

[0356] In some embodiments, the acquisition module is also used to: receive a notification message sent by UPF, NW-TT or TSCTSF containing clock source information of a first clock source, the clock source information including a clock source identifier, and the first clock source is a clock source determined by UPF, NW-TT or TSCTSF that meets the timing requirements.

[0357] In some embodiments, a clock synchronization device is provided, which is applied to a terminal device UE.

[0358] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of the structure of a clock synchronization device applied to a UE provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Fig.14 As shown, the clock synchronization device comprises:

[0359] An acquisition module 41 is used to acquire a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement when the second clock source inside the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement;

[0360] The synchronization module 42 is used to perform clock synchronization within the 5G system according to the first clock source.

[0361] In some embodiments, the synchronization module is further used to: switch the clock source currently providing the clock synchronization signal to the first clock source.

[0362] In some embodiments, the acquisition module is also used to: receive a notification message containing clock source information of a first clock source sent by an access network device RAN or a 5G core network 5GC, the clock source information including a clock source identifier, and the first clock source is a clock source determined by the RAN or 5GC that meets the timing requirements.

[0363] In some embodiments, the acquisition module is also used to: determine a first clock source that meets the timing requirements from alternative clock sources according to the timing requirements; wherein the timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's punctuality keeping capability, time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source; and send a notification message containing the clock source information of the first clock source to the 5GC, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier.

[0364] For the specific definition of the clock synchronization device, please refer to the definition of the clock synchronization method above, which will not be repeated here. Each module in the above-mentioned clock synchronization device can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware and a combination thereof. The above-mentioned modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in the computer device in the form of hardware, or can be stored in the memory in the computer device in the form of software, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to the above modules.

[0365] In some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, in which computer-executable instructions are stored. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, they are used to implement the steps of various method embodiments of the present application.

[0366] In some embodiments, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program, which implements the steps of the method embodiments of the present application when executed by a processor.

[0367] Those skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the processes in the above-mentioned embodiment methods can be completed by instructing the relevant hardware through a computer program, and the computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above-mentioned methods. Among them, any reference to memory, storage, database or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include non-volatile and / or volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM) or flash memory. Volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. As an illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDRSDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link (Synchlink) DRAM (SLDRAM), memory bus (Rambus) direct RAM (RDRAM), direct memory bus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and memory bus dynamic RAM (RDRAM).

[0368] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present disclosure after considering the specification and practicing the application disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the present disclosure, which follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art that are not disclosed in the present disclosure. The specification and examples are intended to be exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0369] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact structures that have been described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A clock synchronization method, characterized in that: Applied to 5G core network 5GC, including: Obtain a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined when a second clock source within the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement; Sending a notification message including clock source information of the first clock source to a first device, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, the first device includes a terminal device UE, a terminal side time-sensitive network converter DS-TT, or an access network device RAN, and the notification message is used to achieve clock synchronization within the 5G system; The obtaining of the first clock source comprises: receiving a notification message sent by a second device and containing clock source information of the first clock source, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined by the second device; The second device includes one of UE, DS-TT or RAN, and the second device is different from the first device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's timekeeping capability, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: Determine a master clock according to the first clock source and other clock sources providing time synchronization services; The state of each port is configured according to the determined master clock.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The determining the master clock according to the first clock source and other clock sources providing time synchronization services includes: Selecting a clock source from the first clock source and the other clock sources according to the clock source information of the first clock source and the clock source information of other clock sources providing time synchronization services; Determine the selected clock source as the primary clock.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that: Also includes: Sending master clock determination information to the first device, wherein the master clock determination information includes the determined clock source information of the master clock.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The clock source information also includes: at least one or more of: clock source accuracy, time interval for providing timing information, coverage, number of UEs supported, and activation time.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The 5G core network 5GC includes: any one of: a user plane function network element UPF, a network side time-sensitive network converter NW-TT, a policy control function network element PCF, a network open function network element NEF, and a time-sensitive communication language clock synchronization function network element TSCTSF.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that If the 5G core network 5GC is any one of PCF, NEF or TSCTSF, obtaining a first clock source specifically includes: Receive a notification message containing clock source information of the first clock source forwarded via the session management function network element SMF and the access and mobility management function network element AMF.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: If the 5G core network 5GC is any one of PCF, NEF or TSCTSF, sending a notification message including clock source information of the first clock source to the first device specifically includes: A notification message including the clock source information of the first clock source is sent through a user plane node management information container UMIC or a port management information container PMIC.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The clock source information of the first clock source is carried in a designated field in the UMIC or the PMIC.

11. A clock synchronization method, characterized in that: Applied to access network equipment RAN, including: Obtain a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined when a second clock source within the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement; Sending a notification message including clock source information of the first clock source to a terminal-side time-sensitive network converter DS-TT or a 5G core network 5GC, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the notification message is used to achieve clock synchronization within the 5G system; The obtaining of the first clock source comprises: A notification message including clock source information of the first clock source sent by the NW-TT or the TSCTSF is received, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined by the NW-TT or the TSCTSF.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's timekeeping capability, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

13. A clock synchronization method, characterized in that: Applied to terminal equipment UE, including: Obtain a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined when a second clock source within the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement; Performing clock synchronization within the 5G system according to the first clock source; The obtaining of the first clock source comprises: According to the timing requirement, determine a first clock source that meets the timing requirement from the candidate clock sources; wherein the timing requirement includes at least one or more of the accuracy of the clock source, the coverage range, the punctuality keeping capability of the 5G system, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for the 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source; The method further includes: sending a notification message including clock source information of the first clock source to the 5GC, wherein the clock source information includes a clock source identifier.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The performing clock synchronization within the 5G system according to the first clock source includes: The clock source currently providing the clock synchronization signal is switched to the first clock source.

15. A clock synchronization device, characterized in that: Applied to 5G core network 5GC, the device includes memory, transceiver, and processor: A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations: Obtain a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined when a second clock source within the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement; Sending a notification message including clock source information of the first clock source to a first device, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, the first device includes a terminal device UE, a terminal side time-sensitive network converter DS-TT, or an access network device RAN, and the notification message is used to achieve clock synchronization within the 5G system; The processor is further configured to perform the following operations: receiving a notification message sent by a second device and containing clock source information of the first clock source, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined by the second device; The second device includes one of UE, DS-TT or RAN, and the second device is different from the first device.

16. The clock synchronization device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's timekeeping capability, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

17. The clock synchronization device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The processor is further configured to perform the following operations: Determine a master clock according to the first clock source and other clock sources providing time synchronization services; The state of each port is configured according to the determined master clock.

18. The clock synchronization device according to claim 17, characterized in that: The processor is further configured to perform the following operations: Selecting a clock source from the first clock source and the other clock sources according to the clock source information of the first clock source and the clock source information of other clock sources providing time synchronization services; Determine the selected clock source as the primary clock.

19. The clock synchronization device according to claim 17, characterized in that: The processor is further configured to perform the following operations: Sending master clock determination information to the first device, wherein the master clock determination information includes the determined clock source information of the master clock.

20. A clock synchronization device, characterized in that: Applicable to access network equipment RAN, the equipment includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor: a memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; A processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Obtain a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined when a second clock source within the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement; Sending a notification message including clock source information of the first clock source to a terminal-side time-sensitive network converter DS-TT or a 5G core network 5GC, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the notification message is used to achieve clock synchronization within the 5G system; The processor is further configured to perform the following operations: A notification message including clock source information of the first clock source sent by the NW-TT or the TSCTSF is received, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined by the NW-TT or the TSCTSF.

21. The clock synchronization device according to claim 20, characterized in that: The timing requirements include at least one or more of the clock source accuracy, coverage range, 5G system's timekeeping capability, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source.

22. A clock synchronization device, characterized in that: Applied to UE, the device includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor: A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations: Obtain a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined when a second clock source within the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement; Performing clock synchronization within the 5G system according to the first clock source; The processor is further configured to perform the following operations: According to the timing requirement, determine a first clock source that meets the timing requirement from the candidate clock sources; wherein the timing requirement includes at least one or more of the accuracy of the clock source, the coverage range, the punctuality keeping capability of the 5G system, the time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, the time interval for the 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source; A notification message including clock source information of the first clock source is sent to the 5GC, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier.

23. A clock synchronization device, characterized in that: Applied to 5G core network 5GC, including: An acquisition module, used to acquire a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement when a second clock source inside the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement; a sending module, configured to send a notification message including clock source information of the first clock source to a first device, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the first device includes one of a terminal device UE, a terminal side time sensitive network converter DS-TT, or an access network device RAN, and the notification message is used to achieve clock synchronization within the 5G system; The acquisition module is specifically configured to receive a notification message sent by a second device and containing clock source information of the first clock source, wherein the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined by the second device; The second device includes one of UE, DS-TT or RAN, and the second device is different from the first device.

24. A clock synchronization device, characterized in that: Applied to access network equipment RAN, including: An acquisition module, used to acquire a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement when a second clock source inside the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement; A sending module, configured to send a notification message including clock source information of the first clock source to a terminal side time-sensitive network converter DS-TT or a 5G core network 5GC, wherein the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the notification message is used to achieve clock synchronization within the 5G system; The acquisition module is specifically used for A notification message including clock source information of the first clock source sent by the NW-TT or the TSCTSF is received, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier, and the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement and is determined by the NW-TT or the TSCTSF.

25. A clock synchronization device, characterized in that: Applied to terminal equipment UE, including: An acquisition module, used to acquire a first clock source, where the first clock source is a clock source that meets the timing requirement when a second clock source inside the 5G system does not meet the timing requirement; A synchronization module, used to perform clock synchronization within the 5G system according to the first clock source; The acquisition module is specifically used to determine, according to the timing requirement, a first clock source that meets the timing requirement from the candidate clock sources; wherein the timing requirement includes at least one or more of clock source accuracy, coverage, 5G system punctuality keeping capability, time interval for the clock source to provide timing information, time interval for 5GC to provide timing information, and the number of UEs supported by the clock source; A notification message including clock source information of the first clock source is sent to the 5GC, where the clock source information includes a clock source identifier.

26. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by a processor, implement the clock synchronization method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

27. A computer program product comprising a computer program, characterized in that When the computer program is executed by a processor, the clock synchronization method according to any one of claims 1 to 14 is implemented.

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