Timing synchronization method and apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a timing synchronization method, device and storage medium, the method comprising: receiving first timing synchronization reference information sent by a previous hop IAB node; determining timing synchronization error information, and adjusting the first timing synchronization reference information according to the timing synchronization error information to obtain second timing synchronization reference information; the second timing synchronization reference information is used for timing synchronization. The timing synchronization method, device and storage medium provided by the embodiments of the present application adjust the timing synchronization reference information according to the timing synchronization error information by the IAB node, obtain more accurate timing synchronization reference information, and reduce the timing synchronization error between the UE and the base station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a timing synchronization method, apparatus and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) refers to a time-sensitive mechanism for Ethernet data transmission. It adds determinism and reliability to standard Ethernet, ensuring that Ethernet can provide a stable and consistent level of service for the transmission of critical data, and enabling various industrial Ethernet protocols that were originally not interoperable to interconnect.

[0003] To support TSN synchronization, the 5G system is integrated into the TSN network via a TSN bridge. In existing technologies, the internal system clock of the 5G system can be obtained by various entities (network elements) within the 5G system. Specifically, the User Plane Function (UPF) entity obtains the 5G internal clock from the base station through a potentially Precision Time Protocol (PTP) compatible transmission network. The base station then sends timing synchronization reference information to the user equipment (UE) via time information signaling. The timing synchronization reference message is generated by the Central Unit (CU) of the Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB), sent to the Distributed Unit (DU), and then transmitted by the DU to the UE over the air interface.

[0004] However, due to factors such as base station equipment, UE internal processing, air interface propagation delay, and synchronization signaling transmission time, the timing synchronization error between the UE and the base station is relatively large. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a timing synchronization method, apparatus, and storage medium to solve the technical problem of large timing synchronization errors between UE and base station in the prior art.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a timing synchronization method applied to a first integrated access and rotation (IAB) node, the method comprising:

[0007] Receive the first timing synchronization reference information sent by the previous hop IAB node;

[0008] Determine the timing synchronization error information, and adjust the first timing synchronization reference information according to the timing synchronization error information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information; the second timing synchronization reference information is used for timing synchronization.

[0009] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0010] The second timing synchronization reference information is sent to the next-hop IAB node; the second timing synchronization reference information is used by the next-hop IAB node to perform timing synchronization with the first IAB node.

[0011] Optionally, the first timing synchronization reference information is adjusted based on the timing synchronization error information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information, including:

[0012] The timing synchronization error information is used to correct the first timing synchronization reference information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0013] Optionally, the second timing synchronization reference information is used for the first IAB node to perform timing synchronization with the previous hop IAB node.

[0014] Optionally, the first timing synchronization reference information is adjusted based on the timing synchronization error information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information, including:

[0015] The timing synchronization error is used to compensate for the first timing synchronization reference information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0016] Optionally, the timing synchronization error includes one or more of the following:

[0017] The time offset information within the first IAB node includes the time offset information between uplink and downlink transmissions within the DU within the first IAB node, the time offset information between uplink and downlink transmissions within the MT within the first IAB node, and the time offset information between the DU and the MT within the first IAB node.

[0018] The time offset information between the first IAB node and the parent IAB node.

[0019] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0020] The third timing synchronization reference information generated by the IAB host is updated using the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0021] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0022] Receive indication information sent by the IAB host; the indication information is used to indicate the processing capability of the first IAB node to report timing synchronization reference information;

[0023] The processing capability includes one or more of the following:

[0024] Does it support adjusting the timed synchronization reference information?

[0025] The step size for adjusting the timing synchronization reference information;

[0026] The granularity at which the timing synchronization reference information is adjusted.

[0027] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an integrated access backhaul IAB node, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0028] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory and performing the following operations:

[0029] Receive the first timing synchronization reference information sent by the previous hop IAB node;

[0030] Determine the timing synchronization error information, and adjust the first timing synchronization reference information according to the timing synchronization error information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information; the second timing synchronization reference information is used for timing synchronization.

[0031] Optionally, it also includes:

[0032] The second timing synchronization reference information is sent to the next-hop IAB node; the second timing synchronization reference information is used by the next-hop IAB node to perform timing synchronization with the first IAB node.

[0033] Optionally, the first timing synchronization reference information is adjusted based on the timing synchronization error information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information, including:

[0034] The timing synchronization error information is used to correct the first timing synchronization reference information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0035] Optionally, the second timing synchronization reference information is used for the first IAB node to perform timing synchronization with the previous hop IAB node.

[0036] Optionally, the first timing synchronization reference information is adjusted based on the timing synchronization error information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information, including:

[0037] The timing synchronization error is used to compensate for the first timing synchronization reference information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0038] Optionally, the timing synchronization error includes one or more of the following:

[0039] The time offset information within the first IAB node includes the time offset information between uplink and downlink transmissions within the DU within the first IAB node, the time offset information between uplink and downlink transmissions within the MT within the first IAB node, and the time offset information between the DU and the MT within the first IAB node.

[0040] The time offset information between the first IAB node and the parent IAB node.

[0041] Optionally, it also includes:

[0042] The third timing synchronization reference information generated by the IAB host is updated using the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0043] Optionally, it also includes:

[0044] Receive indication information sent by the IAB host; the indication information is used to indicate the processing capability of the first IAB node to report timing synchronization reference information;

[0045] The processing capability includes one or more of the following:

[0046] Does it support adjusting the timed synchronization reference information?

[0047] The step size for adjusting the timing synchronization reference information;

[0048] The granularity at which the timing synchronization reference information is adjusted.

[0049] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a timing synchronization device, including:

[0050] The receiving module is used to receive the first timing synchronization reference information sent by the previous hop IAB node;

[0051] The determining module is used to determine timing synchronization error information and adjust the first timing synchronization reference information according to the timing synchronization error information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information; the second timing synchronization reference information is used for timing synchronization.

[0052] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a processor-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing the processor to perform the steps of the timing synchronization method described in the first aspect above.

[0053] Fifthly, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing the computer to perform the steps of the timing synchronization method described in the first aspect above.

[0054] The timing synchronization method, apparatus, and storage medium provided in this application allow the IAB node to adjust the timing synchronization reference information based on the timing synchronization error information, thereby obtaining more accurate timing synchronization reference information and reducing the timing synchronization error between the UE and the base station. Attached Figure Description

[0055] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the IAB network topology;

[0057] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the IAB nodes;

[0058] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the timing synchronization method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 4 This is one of the schematic diagrams of timed synchronization information interaction provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 5 This is the second schematic diagram of timed synchronization information interaction provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0061] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an IAB node provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a timing synchronization device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0063] The internal system clock of a 5G system can be obtained by various entities within the 5G system. For example, the UPF-side entity can obtain the 5G internal clock from the base station side through a potentially Precision Time Protocol (PTP) compatible transmission network.

[0064] The terminal obtains the 5G internal clock from the base station via time information signaling (Radio Resource Control (RRC) unicast or System Information Block (SIB) broadcast). Specifically, the timing synchronization reference information (ReferenceTimeInfo) is transmitted from the base station to the UE via RRC signaling (DL RRC transfer message) or SIB9.

[0065] In existing technologies, timing synchronization reference messages are generated by the CU, sent to the DU, and then transmitted to the UE via the air interface by the DU. However, due to factors such as the internal processing of base station equipment and terminal equipment, air interface propagation delay, and synchronization signaling transmission time, timing synchronization errors exist between the terminal and the base station.

[0066] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the IAB network topology, such as... Figure 1 As shown, an IAB network deployment consists of an IAB host (donor) node or central control node, IAB nodes, and UEs. The IAB host connects to the core network, transmits information from the IAB nodes and UEs back to the core network, and transmits information from the core network to the IAB nodes and UEs. The IAB host is also responsible for managing the IAB nodes throughout the entire IAB network.

[0067] The IAB node is responsible for relaying UE information to the IAB host and vice versa via a wireless link (Uu interface). IAB nodes are connected to each other, and between IAB nodes and the IAB host, via wireless links.

[0068] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the IAB nodes, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, an IAB node consists of two parts: one part is the DU part of the IAB Mobile Termination (MT) that connects to the base station or the upper-level IAB node, which is called its parent node; the other part is the MT part of the IAB Distributed Unit (DU) that connects to the UE or the lower-level IAB node, which is called the child node.

[0069] like Figure 1As shown, IAB node 1 is the parent node of IAB node 2, IAB node 3 is the child node of IAB node 2, and IAB node 3 is a descendant node of IAB node 1. The CU resides on the IAB host node. All RRC messages sent by IAB DUs over the air interface (Uu interface) are generated in the CU of the IAB host and sent to the DUs of each IAB node via the F1 interface.

[0070] However, in multi-hop scenarios, due to the accumulation of timing errors in each hop, it is difficult for the IAB host CU to generate high-precision timing synchronization information for each IAB node that is adapted to the Uu interface under that IAB node. This results in large timing errors between nodes that are far apart within the 5G system, making it impossible to achieve timing synchronization of the TSN network, or resulting in large synchronization errors.

[0071] Based on the above-mentioned technical problems, this application proposes a method for adjusting timing synchronization reference information by an IAB node, which can reduce the timing synchronization error between the UE and the base station.

[0072] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0073] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the timing synchronization method provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, this application provides a timed synchronization method, the execution subject of which can be an IAB node (hereinafter referred to as the first IAB node). The method includes:

[0074] Step 301: Receive the first timing synchronization reference information sent by the previous hop IAB node.

[0075] The previous hop node can be any IAB node in the IAB system other than the IAB host, or it can be the IAB host node.

[0076] Optionally, in this embodiment, the IAB host needs to determine the ability of other IAB nodes to process timing synchronization reference information. The following explanation uses the first IAB node as an example.

[0077] If it is determined that the first IAB node supports the adjustment of the timing synchronization reference information, the IAB host sends the first timing synchronization reference information to the previous hop node of the first IAB node.

[0078] For example, Figure 1 The previous hop node of IAB node 2 is IAB node 1, and the previous hop node of IAB node 1 is the IAB host itself.

[0079] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0080] Receive indication information sent by the IAB host; the indication information is used to indicate the processing capability of the first IAB node to report timing synchronization reference information.

[0081] Specifically, in this embodiment of the application, the IAB host can first confirm whether the first IAB node supports adjusting the timing synchronization reference information.

[0082] The IAB host can send indication information to the first IAB node, which indicates the first IAB node's ability to report timed synchronization reference information.

[0083] The indication information sent by the IAB host to the first IAB node can be carried by F1AP signaling. This may be carried by existing Reference Time Information Reporting Control signaling, or a new F1AP signaling may be introduced to carry the indication information.

[0084] The first IAB node can explicitly inform the IAB host whether it supports adjusting the timing synchronization reference information.

[0085] For example, the first IAB node can report capability information to the IAB host, and use this capability information to inform the IAB host whether it supports adjusting the timing synchronization reference information.

[0086] The first IAB node can report capability information via F1AP signaling. This could be done by carrying capability information through existing Reference Time Information Report messages or by introducing a new F1AP signaling message to carry capability information.

[0087] The first IAB node can also implicitly inform the IAB host whether it supports adjusting the timing synchronization reference information.

[0088] For example, if the IAB host does not receive a response message for the aforementioned indication information sent by the first IAB node within a preset time period, the IAB host determines that the first IAB node does not support adjusting the timing synchronization reference information; conversely, if the IAB host receives a response message for the aforementioned indication information sent by the first IAB node within a preset time period, the IAB host determines that the first IAB node supports adjusting the timing synchronization reference information.

[0089] After receiving the first timing synchronization reference information, the upstream node of the first IAB node sends the first timing reference information to the first IAB node.

[0090] The first IAB node receives the first timing synchronization reference information sent by the previous hop node.

[0091] The first timing synchronization reference information can be the timing synchronization reference information that has not been adjusted.

[0092] For example, Figure 1 The upstream node of IAB node 1 is the IAB host itself. The first timing synchronization reference information is generated by the IAB host. However, the timing synchronization reference information generated by the IAB host for the first IAB node may have a large error relative to the first IAB node.

[0093] The first timing synchronization reference information can also be an adjusted timing synchronization reference information.

[0094] For example, Figure 1 The upstream node of IAB node 2 is IAB node 1. After receiving the original timing synchronization reference information sent by the IAB host, IAB node 1 can adjust the original timing synchronization reference information to obtain the first timing synchronization reference information. In this case, the first timing synchronization reference information is the timing synchronization reference information that has been adjusted.

[0095] Optionally, the processing capability of the timed synchronization reference information reported by the first IAB node includes one or more of the following:

[0096] Does it support adjusting the timed synchronization reference information?

[0097] The step size for adjusting the timing synchronization reference information;

[0098] The granularity at which the timing synchronization reference information is adjusted.

[0099] The step size for adjusting the timing synchronization reference information refers to the magnitude by which the first IAB node can adjust the timing synchronization reference information. For example, it can adjust it up to 5 seconds (s).

[0100] The granularity of adjusting the timing synchronization reference information refers to the level at which the first IAB node makes the adjustment, which includes: link level, path level, or parent node level.

[0101] Link-level adjustment refers to adjusting and eliminating errors that occur when a link transmits timing synchronization reference information.

[0102] Path-level adjustment means adjusting to eliminate errors that occur when a path transmits timing synchronization reference information.

[0103] The upper-level node adjustment means eliminating the timing synchronization reference error between the MT in the IAB node and the previous hop DU by adjusting the settings.

[0104] Step 302: Determine the timing synchronization error information, and adjust the first timing synchronization reference information according to the timing synchronization error information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information; the second timing synchronization reference information is used for timing synchronization.

[0105] Specifically, in the embodiments of this application, after the first IAB node receives the first timing synchronization reference information sent by the previous hop node, it can adjust the first timing synchronization reference information in at least the following two ways.

[0106] First, the timing synchronization error information is used to correct the first timing synchronization reference information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0107] Specifically, the first IAB node first determines the timing synchronization error information, and then uses the timing synchronization error to correct the first timing synchronization reference information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0108] After the first IAB node obtains the second timing synchronization reference information, it sends the second timing synchronization reference information to the next-hop IAB node. The second timing synchronization reference information is used by the next-hop IAB node to perform timing synchronization with the first IAB node.

[0109] For example, Figure 1 In the process, IAB node 2 first determines the timing synchronization error information, and then uses the timing synchronization error to correct the timing synchronization reference information sent by IAB node 1 to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0110] After obtaining the second timing synchronization reference information, IAB node 2 sends the second timing synchronization reference information to IAB node 3. The second timing synchronization reference information is used by IAB node 3 and IAB node 2 for timing synchronization.

[0111] Optionally, if the first IAB node includes MT and DU, the first IAB node uses the timing synchronization error information to correct the first timing synchronization reference information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information, specifically including:

[0112] First, the MT of the first IAB node obtains the first timing synchronization reference information sent by the DU of the previous IAB node.

[0113] Second, the MT of the first IAB node determines the timing synchronization error information based on the first timing synchronization reference information.

[0114] Specifically, the MT of the first IAB node can determine the timing synchronization error information through TAC commands, uplink and downlink transmission time difference assessment on the base station or terminal side, etc.

[0115] The timing synchronization error information includes one or more of the following:

[0116] The time offset information within the first IAB node includes the time offset information between uplink and downlink transmissions within the DU within the first IAB node, the time offset information between uplink and downlink transmissions within the MT within the first IAB node, and the time offset information between the DU and the MT within the first IAB node.

[0117] The time offset information between the MT of the first IAB node and the parent IAB node.

[0118] Third, the MT of the first IAB node sends the timing synchronization error information to the DU of the first IAB node.

[0119] Fourth, the DU of the first IAB node receives the timing synchronization error information sent by the MT of the first IAB node.

[0120] Fifth, the DU of the first IAB node uses this timing synchronization error to correct the first timing synchronization reference information obtained by the DU of the first IAB node, and obtain the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0121] Here, the first timing synchronization reference information obtained by the DU of the first IAB node can be the timing synchronization reference information generated by the IAB donor for the IAB node.

[0122] The correction in this application may refer to the absolute time alignment of a specified System Frame Number (SFN).

[0123] This second timing synchronization reference information is used for timing synchronization of the next-hop node.

[0124] For example, the DU of the first IAB node sends the second timing synchronization reference information to the MT of the next-hop IAB node, and the MT of the next-hop IAB node uses the second timing synchronization reference information to perform timing synchronization with the DU of the first IAB node.

[0125] The timing synchronization method provided in this application involves the IAB node correcting the timing synchronization reference information based on the timing synchronization error information to obtain more accurate timing synchronization reference information, thereby reducing the timing synchronization error between the UE and the base station.

[0126] Second, the timing synchronization error is used to compensate for the first timing synchronization reference information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0127] Specifically, the first IAB node first determines the timing synchronization error information, and then uses the timing synchronization error to compensate for the first timing synchronization reference information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0128] After obtaining the second timing synchronization reference information, the first IAB node performs timing synchronization with the previous IAB node based on the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0129] For example, Figure 1 In the process, IAB node 2 first determines the timing synchronization error information, and then uses the timing synchronization error to compensate for the transmission delay of the timing synchronization reference information sent by IAB node 1, so as to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0130] After obtaining the second timing synchronization reference information, IAB node 2 performs timing synchronization with IAB node 1 based on the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0131] Optionally, if the first IAB node includes MT and DU, then the first IAB node compensates for the first timing synchronization reference information using the timing synchronization error to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information, specifically including:

[0132] The MT of the first IAB node obtains the first timing synchronization reference information sent by the DU of the previous hop node.

[0133] The MT of the first IAB node determines the timing synchronization error information.

[0134] The MT of the first IAB node can determine timing synchronization error information through TAC commands, uplink / downlink transmission time difference assessment on the base station or terminal side, etc.

[0135] The timing synchronization error information includes the time offset information between the MT of the first IAB node and the parent IAB node.

[0136] Optionally, the timing synchronization error information may also include time offset information within the first IAB node. This time offset information within the first IAB node includes time offset information between uplink and downlink transmissions within the DU within the first IAB node, time offset information between uplink and downlink transmissions within the MT within the first IAB node, and time offset information between the DU and the MT within the first IAB node.

[0137] The MT of the first IAB node uses this timing synchronization error to compensate for the first timing synchronization reference information, thereby obtaining the second timing synchronization reference information. The compensation in this application can refer to compensation for the propagation delay of the timing synchronization reference information.

[0138] The second timed synchronization reference information is used for timed synchronization.

[0139] The timing synchronization method provided in this application involves the IAB node compensating for the transmission delay of the timing synchronization reference information based on the timing synchronization error information, thereby obtaining more accurate timing synchronization reference information and reducing the timing synchronization error between the UE and the base station.

[0140] Optionally, the second timing synchronization reference information is used for the first IAB node to perform timing synchronization with the previous hop IAB node.

[0141] For example, the second timing synchronization reference information can be used to perform timing synchronization between the MT of the first IAB node and the DU of its parent node. The distance between the first IAB node and its parent IAB node is a set hop, which can be configured according to actual conditions. For example, the parent IAB node can be the parent node of another IAB node, or it can be the parent node of the parent node of another IAB node, etc.

[0142] The timing synchronization method provided in this application involves the IAB node adjusting the timing synchronization reference information based on the timing synchronization error information to obtain more accurate timing synchronization reference information. This information is then used for timing synchronization between the MT of the first IAB node and the DU of its parent node, thereby reducing the timing synchronization error between the UE and the base station.

[0143] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0144] The second timing synchronization reference information is sent to the next-hop IAB node; the second timing synchronization reference information is used by the next-hop IAB node to perform timing synchronization with the first IAB node.

[0145] For example, the second timing synchronization reference information can also be used for timing synchronization of the next-hop node. Specifically, the MT of the first IAB node sends the second timing synchronization reference information to the DU of the first IAB node, the DU of the first IAB node sends the second timing synchronization reference information to the MT of the next-hop IAB node, and the MT of the next-hop IAB node uses the second timing synchronization reference information to perform timing synchronization with the DU of the first IAB node.

[0146] The timing synchronization method provided in this application involves the IAB node adjusting the timing synchronization reference information based on the timing synchronization error information to obtain more accurate timing synchronization reference information, which is used for timing synchronization between the next-hop IAB node and the first IAB node, thereby reducing the timing synchronization error between the UE and the base station.

[0147] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0148] The third timing synchronization reference information generated by the IAB host is updated using the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0149] Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, if the first IAB node has already stored the third timing synchronization reference information generated by the IAB host locally before determining the second timing synchronization reference information, then the first IAB node updates the received third timing synchronization reference information generated by the IAB host using the second timing synchronization reference information after determining the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0150] The third timing synchronization reference information is the original timing synchronization reference information generated by the IAB host. The original timing synchronization reference information is the unadjusted timing synchronization reference information, and its accuracy is lower than that of the adjusted second timing synchronization reference information.

[0151] The timing synchronization method provided in this application update the original timing synchronization reference information generated by the IAB host using the adjusted timing synchronization reference information, thereby further reducing the timing synchronization error between the UE and the base station.

[0152] The methods described in the above embodiments will be further illustrated below with several specific examples.

[0153] Figure 4 This is one of the schematic diagrams of timed synchronization information interaction provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 4 As shown, in this example, the first IAB node uses the timing synchronization error to compensate for the timing synchronization reference information, thereby obtaining more accurate timing synchronization reference information.

[0154] A timed synchronization method may include the following steps:

[0155] Step 1. The host CU sends F1AP signaling to IAB-DU1, for example, sending reference timing information reporting control signaling, requesting IAB-DU1 to report some parameters used by the host CU to configure time reference information, such as reporting request type, and may also include IAB-DU1's capability information, which includes one or more of the following:

[0156] 1) Can the timing synchronization parameters of IAB-DU1 be adjusted?

[0157] 2) The IAB-DU1 can adjust the step size / granularity of timing synchronization parameters.

[0158] Step 2. IAB-DU1 sends F1AP signaling to the host CU, for example, sending a reference timing information report message to report some parameters used by the host CU to configure Time Reference Information, such as Reporting RequestType, and may also include IAB-DU1 capability information, which includes one or more of the following:

[0159] 1) Can the timing synchronization parameters of IAB-DU1 be adjusted?

[0160] 2) The IAB-DU1 can adjust the step size / granularity of timing synchronization parameters.

[0161] Step 3: The host CU sends timing synchronization reference information to IAB-DU1 via F1AP signaling. This timing synchronization reference information has not undergone any error compensation or correction processing.

[0162] Step 4: IAB-DU1 can send timing synchronization reference information to IAB-MT2 via SIB broadcast or by including it in a downlink RRC transfer message, thus synchronizing IAB-MT2 with IAB-DU1.

[0163] Step 5: IAB MT2, similar to UE, has its own error compensation mechanism, which will not be elaborated here.

[0164] Step 6: IAB DU2 obtains the timing synchronization reference information compensated by IAB MT2. Optionally, the timing synchronization reference information sent by the host CU to IAB MT3 / UE by IAB DU2 is replaced with the compensated timing reference synchronization information obtained from IAB MT2.

[0165] Note: The host CU may also send a timing synchronization reference to IAB DU2, which is uncompensated for errors. Simultaneously, IAB DU2 will also receive a timing synchronization reference from IAB MT2, which has undergone MT2 error compensation. Therefore, IAB DU2 can replace the inaccurate timing synchronization reference (sent by the host CU) with the compensated, relatively accurate one sent by IAB MT2.

[0166] Step 7: IAB DU2 can send the timing synchronization reference information obtained from IAB MT2 to IAB-MT3 via SIB broadcast or by carrying the compensated timing synchronization reference information in the downlink RRC transmission message, so that IAB-MT3 is synchronized with IAB DU2.

[0167] Figure 5 This is the second schematic diagram of timed synchronization information interaction provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 5 As shown, in this example, the first IAB node uses the timing synchronization error to correct the timing synchronization reference information, thereby obtaining more accurate timing synchronization reference information.

[0168] A timed synchronization method may include the following steps:

[0169] Step 1. The host CU sends F1AP signaling to IAB-DU1, for example, sending reference timing information reporting control signaling, requesting IAB-DU1 to report some parameters used by the host CU to configure Time Reference Information, such as Reporting Request Type, and may also include IAB-DU1's capability information, which includes one or more of the following:

[0170] 1) Can the timing synchronization parameters of IAB-DU1 be adjusted?

[0171] 2) The IAB-DU1 can adjust the step size / granularity of timing synchronization parameters.

[0172] Step 2. IAB-DU1 sends F1AP signaling to the host CU, for example, sending a reference timing information report message to report some parameters used by the host CU to configure Time Reference Information, such as Reporting RequestType, and may also include IAB-DU1 capability information, which includes one or more of the following:

[0173] 1) Can the timing synchronization parameters of IAB-DU1 be adjusted?

[0174] 2) The IAB-DU1 can adjust the step size / granularity of timing synchronization parameters.

[0175] Step 3: The host CU sends timing synchronization reference information to IAB-DU1 via F1AP signaling. This timing synchronization reference information has not undergone any error compensation or correction processing.

[0176] Step 4: IAB-DU1 can broadcast via SIB or by carrying timing synchronization reference information in the downlink RRC transmission message. The timing synchronization reference information is then sent to IAB-MT2, causing IAB-MT2 to synchronize with IAB-DU1.

[0177] Step 5: IAB node 2 can determine the synchronization error through IAB-MT2. The specific steps for determining the synchronization error will not be repeated here.

[0178] Step 6: After determining the synchronization error, IAB node 2 can correct the timing synchronization reference information sent by IAB-DU1 through IAB DU2 to obtain more accurate timing synchronization reference information. Optionally, IAB DU2 replaces the timing synchronization reference information sent by the host CU to IABMT3 / UE with the corrected timing reference synchronization information.

[0179] Note: The host CU may also send a timing synchronization reference to IAB DU2, which is uncorrected. Simultaneously, IAB DU2 will perform correction to obtain a timing synchronization reference, which has been corrected by IAB DU2. Therefore, IAB DU2 can replace the inaccurate timing synchronization reference (sent by the host CU) with the corrected timing synchronization reference (compensated and relatively accurate).

[0180] Step 7: IAB DU2 can send the corrected timing synchronization reference information to IAB-MT3 via SIB broadcast or by carrying the corrected timing synchronization reference information in the downlink RRC transmission message, so that IAB-MT3 is synchronized with IAB DU2.

[0181] In order to mitigate timing synchronization errors, this embodiment of the application adjusts the timing synchronization reference information through the IAB node, so that the IAB obtains more accurate timing synchronization reference information. The timing synchronization reference information after error adjustment is then used as the timing synchronization reference information for the current hop and sent to the next hop, thereby reducing the timing synchronization error of the multi-hop network.

[0182] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an IAB node provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 6As shown, the IAB node includes a memory 620, a transceiver 600, and a processor 610.

[0183] The memory 620 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 600 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 610; the processor 610 is used to read the computer program in the memory 620 and perform the following operations:

[0184] Receive the first timing synchronization reference information sent by the previous hop IAB node;

[0185] Determine the timing synchronization error information, and adjust the first timing synchronization reference information according to the timing synchronization error information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information; the second timing synchronization reference information is used for timing synchronization.

[0186] Specifically, transceiver 600 is used to receive and send data under the control of processor 610.

[0187] Among them, Figure 6 In this context, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 610 and memory represented by memory 620 together. The bus architecture can also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 600 can be multiple components, including transmitters and receivers, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical fibers, etc. For different user equipment, the user interface 630 can also be an interface capable of connecting external or internal devices, including but not limited to keypads, displays, speakers, microphones, joysticks, etc.

[0188] The processor 610 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, while the memory 620 can store the data used by the processor 610 when performing operations.

[0189] Alternatively, the processor 610 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and the processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0190] The processor executes any of the methods described in the embodiments of this application according to the obtained executable instructions by calling a computer program stored in memory. The processor and memory may also be physically separated.

[0191] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0192] The second timing synchronization reference information is sent to the next-hop IAB node; the second timing synchronization reference information is used by the next-hop IAB node to perform timing synchronization with the first IAB node.

[0193] Optionally, the first timing synchronization reference information is adjusted based on the timing synchronization error information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information, including:

[0194] The timing synchronization error information is used to correct the first timing synchronization reference information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0195] Optionally, the second timing synchronization reference information is used for the first IAB node to perform timing synchronization with the previous hop IAB node.

[0196] Optionally, the first timing synchronization reference information is adjusted based on the timing synchronization error information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information, including:

[0197] The timing synchronization error is used to compensate for the first timing synchronization reference information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0198] Optionally, the timing synchronization error includes one or more of the following:

[0199] The time offset information within the first IAB node includes the time offset information between uplink and downlink transmissions within the DU within the first IAB node, the time offset information between uplink and downlink transmissions within the MT within the first IAB node, and the time offset information between the DU and the MT within the first IAB node.

[0200] The time offset information between the first IAB node and the parent IAB node.

[0201] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0202] The third timing synchronization reference information generated by the IAB host is updated using the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0203] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0204] Receive indication information sent by the IAB host; the indication information is used to indicate the processing capability of the first IAB node to report timing synchronization reference information;

[0205] The processing capability includes one or more of the following:

[0206] Does it support adjusting the timed synchronization reference information?

[0207] The step size for adjusting the timing synchronization reference information;

[0208] The granularity at which the timing synchronization reference information is adjusted.

[0209] It should be noted that the IAB node provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented by the method embodiment with the execution subject being the IAB node, and can achieve the same technical effect. Therefore, the parts and beneficial effects that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0210] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a timing synchronization device provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, this application embodiment provides a timing synchronization device, including:

[0211] The receiving module 701 is used to receive the first timing synchronization reference information sent by the previous hop IAB node;

[0212] The determining module 702 is used to determine timing synchronization error information and adjust the first timing synchronization reference information according to the timing synchronization error information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information; the second timing synchronization reference information is used for timing synchronization.

[0213] Optionally, it also includes a first transmitting module;

[0214] The first sending module is used to send the second timing synchronization reference information to the next-hop IAB node; the second timing synchronization reference information is used by the next-hop IAB node to perform timing synchronization with the first IAB node.

[0215] Optionally, the determining module includes a correction unit;

[0216] The correction unit is used to correct the first timing synchronization reference information using the timing synchronization error information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0217] Optionally, the second timing synchronization reference information is used for the first IAB node to perform timing synchronization with the previous hop IAB node.

[0218] Optionally, the determining module includes a compensation unit;

[0219] The compensation unit is used to compensate the first timing synchronization reference information using the timing synchronization error to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0220] Optionally, the timing synchronization error includes one or more of the following:

[0221] The time offset information within the first IAB node includes the time offset information between uplink and downlink transmissions within the DU within the first IAB node, the time offset information between uplink and downlink transmissions within the MT within the first IAB node, and the time offset information between the DU and the MT within the first IAB node.

[0222] The time offset information between the first IAB node and the parent IAB node.

[0223] Optionally, a replacement module may also be included;

[0224] The replacement module is used to update the received third timing synchronization reference information generated by the IAB host using the second timing synchronization reference information.

[0225] Optionally, it also includes a first receiving module;

[0226] The first receiving module is used to receive indication information sent by the IAB host; the indication information is used to indicate the processing capability of the first IAB node to report timing synchronization reference information.

[0227] The processing capability includes one or more of the following:

[0228] Does it support adjusting the timed synchronization reference information?

[0229] The step size for adjusting the timing synchronization reference information;

[0230] The granularity at which the timing synchronization reference information is adjusted.

[0231] Specifically, the timing synchronization device provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented by the method embodiment with the execution subject being an IAB node, and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0232] It should be noted that the division of units / modules in the above embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated units described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional units.

[0233] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0234] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a processor-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing the processor to execute the methods provided in the above embodiments, including:

[0235] Receive the first timing synchronization reference information sent by the previous hop IAB node;

[0236] Determine the timing synchronization error information, and adjust the first timing synchronization reference information according to the timing synchronization error information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information; the second timing synchronization reference information is used for timing synchronization.

[0237] It should be noted that the processor-readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device that the processor can access, including but not limited to magnetic memory (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, magneto-optical disk (MO)), optical memory (e.g., CD, DVD, BD, HVD), and semiconductor memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, non-volatile memory (NAND FLASH), solid-state drive (SSD)).

[0238] It should also be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same class, and the number of objects is not limited. For example, the first object can be one or more.

[0239] In the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following associated objects have an "or" relationship.

[0240] In the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0241] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various systems, especially 5G systems. For example, applicable systems include Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and 5G New Radio (NR). All of these systems include terminal equipment and network equipment. The systems may also include a core network component, such as Evolved Packet System (EPS) and 5G system (5GS).

[0242] The terminal devices involved in the embodiments of this application can be devices that provide voice and / or data connectivity to users, handheld devices with wireless connectivity, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. The names of the terminal devices may differ in different systems; for example, in a 5G system, a terminal device can be called User Equipment (UE). Wireless terminal devices can communicate with one or more core networks (CNs) via a Radio Access Network (RAN). Wireless terminal devices can be mobile terminal devices, such as mobile phones (or "cellular" phones) and computers with mobile terminal devices, for example, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices that exchange voice and / or data with the RAN. Examples include Personal Communication Service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Wireless terminal equipment can also be referred to as a system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, access point, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, or user device, but is not limited to these terms in the embodiments of this application.

[0243] The network device involved in this application embodiment can be a base station, which may include multiple cells providing services to terminals. Depending on the specific application, a base station may also be called an access point, or a device in an access network that communicates with a wireless terminal device through one or more sectors on the air interface, or other names. The network device can be used to exchange received air frames with Internet Protocol (IP) packets, acting as a router between the wireless terminal device and the rest of the access network, where the rest of the access network may include an Internet Protocol (IP) communication network. The network device can also coordinate the attribute management of the air interface. For example, the network equipment involved in the embodiments of this application can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), a NodeB in a Wide-band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, an evolved Node B (eNB or e-NodeB) in a long term evolution (LTE) system, a 5G base station (gNB) in a next generation system, a Home evolved Node B (HeNB), a relay node, a femto, a pico, etc., and is not limited in the embodiments of this application. In some network structures, the network equipment may include centralized unit (CU) nodes and distributed unit (DU) nodes, and the centralized unit and distributed unit may be geographically separated.

[0244] Network devices and terminal devices can each use one or more antennas for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission. MIMO transmission can be single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) or multiple-user MIMO (MU-MIMO). Depending on the configuration and number of antenna combinations, MIMO transmission can be 2D-MIMO, 3D-MIMO, FD-MIMO, or massive-MIMO, and can also be diversity transmission, precoding transmission, or beamforming transmission, etc.

[0245] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage and optical storage) containing computer-usable program code.

[0246] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0247] These processor-executable instructions may also be stored in a processor-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0248] These processors can execute instructions that can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device, causing a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable device for implementing the process. Figure 1One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0249] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A timed synchronization method, characterized in that, Applied to the first integrated access and rotation IAB node, the method includes: Receive the first timing synchronization reference information sent by the previous hop IAB node; Determine the timing synchronization error information, and adjust the first timing synchronization reference information according to the timing synchronization error information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information; wherein, the second timing synchronization reference information is used for the first IAB node to perform timing synchronization with the next hop IAB node, or for the first IAB node to perform timing synchronization with the previous hop IAB node. The granularity at which the first timing synchronization reference information is adjusted includes: link level, path level, or parent node level; The method further includes: The second timing synchronization reference information is sent to the next-hop IAB node.

2. The timing synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first timing synchronization reference information is adjusted based on the timing synchronization error information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information, including: The timing synchronization error information is used to correct the first timing synchronization reference information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information.

3. The timing synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first timing synchronization reference information is adjusted based on the timing synchronization error information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information, including: The timing synchronization error is used to compensate for the first timing synchronization reference information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information.

4. The timing synchronization method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The timing synchronization error includes one or more of the following: The time offset information within the first IAB node includes the time offset information between uplink and downlink transmissions within the DU within the first IAB node, the time offset information between uplink and downlink transmissions within the MT within the first IAB node, and the time offset information between the DU and the MT within the first IAB node. The time offset information between the first IAB node and the parent IAB node.

5. The timing synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The third timing synchronization reference information generated by the IAB host is updated using the second timing synchronization reference information.

6. The timing synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive indication information sent by the IAB host; the indication information is used to indicate the processing capability of the first IAB node to report timing synchronization reference information; The processing capability includes one or more of the following: Does it support adjusting the timed synchronization reference information? The step size for adjusting the timing synchronization reference information; The granularity at which the timing synchronization reference information is adjusted.

7. A first access backhaul integrated IAB node, characterized in that, Includes memory, transceiver, and processor; Memory, used to store computer programs; Transceiver, used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; Processor, configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Receive the first timing synchronization reference information sent by the previous hop IAB node; Determine the timing synchronization error information, and adjust the first timing synchronization reference information according to the timing synchronization error information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information; wherein, the second timing synchronization reference information is used for the first IAB node to perform timing synchronization with the next hop IAB node, or for the first IAB node to perform timing synchronization with the previous hop IAB node. The granularity at which the first timing synchronization reference information is adjusted includes: link level, path level, or upper-level node level; The processor also performs the following operations: The second timing synchronization reference information is sent to the next-hop IAB node.

8. The IAB node according to claim 7, characterized in that, The timing synchronization error includes one or more of the following: The time offset information within the first IAB node includes the time offset information between uplink and downlink transmissions within the DU within the first IAB node, the time offset information between uplink and downlink transmissions within the MT within the first IAB node, and the time offset information between the DU and the MT within the first IAB node. The time offset information between the first IAB node and the parent IAB node.

9. A timing synchronization device, characterized in that, Applied to the first integrated access rotation IAB node, including: The receiving module is used to receive the first timing synchronization reference information sent by the previous hop IAB node; The determination module is used to determine timing synchronization error information and adjust the first timing synchronization reference information according to the timing synchronization error information to obtain the second timing synchronization reference information; wherein, the second timing synchronization reference information is used for the first IAB node to perform timing synchronization with the next hop IAB node, or for the first IAB node to perform timing synchronization with the previous hop IAB node. The granularity at which the first timing synchronization reference information is adjusted includes: link level, path level, or upper-level node level; The timing synchronization device is also used to send the second timing synchronization reference information to the next-hop IAB node.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that causes the computer to perform the timing synchronization method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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