Timing method and device

Abstract

The present application provides a timing method and device that can meet the needs of higher precision time. The method includes: a time function network element receives a clock configuration request message from a mobility management network element, determines the timing mode for one or more access network devices among the at least two access network devices to perform timing on one or more terminal devices based on the clock capability information corresponding to the at least two access network devices, and sends a corresponding timing indication message to at least one access network device among the at least two access network devices. The clock configuration request message is used to request timing for one or more terminal devices, and the clock configuration request message includes: the identification of one or more terminal devices, and the identification of the access network device that provides services for the one or more terminal devices. The timing indication message is used to indicate the timing mode, and the clock capability information corresponding to the at least two access network devices includes the identification of one or more satellite signals that the access network device can receive.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, in the fourth generation (4G) mobile communications stage, time synchronization solutions use timing technology based on the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and precision time protocol technology based on the network measurement and control system precision clock synchronization protocol standard (IEEE 1588) for time synchronization. The combination of these two technologies enables the time synchronization error accuracy between access network devices to be controlled at the order of hundreds of nanoseconds, which can meet the basic time synchronization requirements of long-term evolution mobile systems.

[0003] However, with the rapid growth of mobile communication services, the speed of mobile communication network upgrade and evolution has gradually accelerated. Not only has the network structure changed, but the requirements for time synchronization accuracy have also been further improved. The time error between access network devices obtained by the current time synchronization solution is too large. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a timing method and device that can meet higher time precision requirements.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, a timing method is provided. The timing method includes: a time function network element receives a clock configuration request message from a mobility management network element, determines a timing mode for one or more access network devices among the at least two access network devices to perform timing on one or more terminal devices based on the clock capability information corresponding to the at least two access network devices, and sends a corresponding timing indication message to at least one access network device among the at least two access network devices. The clock configuration request message is used to request timing for one or more terminal devices, and the clock configuration request message includes: identifiers of the one or more terminal devices and identifiers of one or more access network devices providing services to the one or more terminal devices. The at least two access network devices include one or more access network devices providing services to the one or more terminal devices, and the clock capability information corresponding to the at least two access network devices includes identifiers of one or more satellite signals that the at least two access network devices can receive. The timing indication message is used to indicate the timing mode, and the at least one access network device includes the access network device corresponding to the timing mode.

[0007] Based on the timing method provided in the first aspect, a time function network element receives a clock configuration request message from a mobility management network element, determines a timing mode based on the clock capability information corresponding to at least two access network devices, and sends a corresponding timing indication message to at least one of the at least two access network devices. The clock capability information corresponding to the at least two access network devices includes identifiers of one or more satellite signals that the at least two access network devices can respectively receive. This application determines a timing mode based on the satellite signals that the at least two access network devices can respectively receive, thereby meeting higher time precision requirements.

[0008] In addition, the present application determines the timing method based on the satellite signals that can be received by at least two access network devices respectively. Compared with the case where the ability of other access network devices to receive satellite signals is not considered, the time error between access network devices can be reduced and the time error accuracy can be improved. The access network device with low time error performs timing on the terminal device, which can further effectively reduce the time error between terminal devices served by multiple access network devices.

[0009] In one possible design method, the above-mentioned time function network element determines the timing mode for one or more access network devices among at least two access network devices to provide time to one or more terminal devices based on the clock capability information corresponding to the at least two access network devices, including: if at least two access network devices are both capable of receiving the first satellite signal, then the time function network element determines the timing mode corresponding to the at least two access network devices, including: receiving the first satellite signal, and providing time to the terminal devices among the one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the access network devices.

[0010] In this way, when multiple access network devices can receive the same satellite signal, multiple access network devices can be configured to selectively receive satellite signals. For example, multiple access network devices can be configured to receive the same satellite signal. Based on the similarity characteristics of the GNSS neighborhood, receiving the same satellite signal between access network devices can enable the time error accuracy between access network devices to be controlled at the nanosecond level, thereby reducing the time error between access network devices. The access network device performs time synchronization for the terminal device, thereby effectively reducing the time error of the terminal device served by multiple access network devices.

[0011] In one possible design, at least two access network devices include a first access network device, a second access network device, and a third access network device. A time function network element determines, based on clock capability information corresponding to the at least two access network devices, a timing mode for one or more of the at least two access network devices to provide timing to one or more terminal devices. This may include: if the first access network device and the second access network device can receive a first satellite signal but not a second satellite signal, and the third access network device cannot receive the first satellite signal but can receive the second satellite signal, then the time function network element determines that the timing mode corresponding to the first access network device includes: receiving the first satellite signal and providing timing to one or more terminal devices receiving services provided by the first access network device; and the timing mode corresponding to the second access network device includes: receiving the first satellite signal and providing timing to one or more terminal devices receiving services provided by the second access network device. The timing mode corresponding to the third access network device is determined based on timing error accuracy.

[0012] Optionally, the timing error accuracy is the time error accuracy between the terminal device receiving the service provided by the third access network device and the terminal device receiving the service provided by the first access network device, or the timing error accuracy is the time error accuracy between the terminal device receiving the service provided by the third access network device and the terminal device receiving the service provided by the second access network device.

[0013] In this way, when some access network devices can receive the same satellite signal and other access network devices cannot receive the same satellite signal, the access network devices that can receive the same satellite signal can use the method of receiving the same satellite signal to synchronize the terminal devices they serve, and the timing method of the access network devices that cannot receive the same satellite signal can be determined according to the timing error accuracy.

[0014] It should be noted that when there is only one timing and method corresponding to the terminal device receiving the service provided by the third access network device, the timing can be directly adopted in this method without calculating the timing error accuracy.

[0015] In one possible design, the timing method corresponding to the third access network device may include: receiving a second satellite signal and providing timing to one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the third access network device.

[0016] In one possible design method, the timing method corresponding to the first access network device, or the timing method corresponding to the second access network device, also includes the method with the smallest timing error accuracy among one or more of the following methods: receiving the first satellite signal, and providing timing to terminal devices in the area indicated by the timing range of the access network device in one or more terminal devices. Alternatively, when the first access network device or the second access network device is able to communicate with the third access network device, the first satellite signal is received, and timing is provided to the third access network device, and the third access network device is instructed to provide timing to terminal devices in one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the third access network device. The timing range is used to indicate an area that can receive the timing signal sent by the access network device. The timing method corresponding to the third access network device includes: providing timing to terminal devices in one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the third access network device based on the timing information of the first access network device and / or the timing information of the second access network device. In this way, when some access network devices can receive the same satellite signal and other access network devices cannot receive the same satellite signal, for the access network devices that cannot receive the same satellite signal, several timing methods can be provided for the terminal devices served by the access network devices. The method with the smallest or smaller timing error accuracy is selected for timing, which can effectively reduce the time error of terminal devices served by multiple access network devices.

[0017] In one possible design, the time function network element determines the timing mode in which one or more of the at least two access network devices provide time to one or more terminal devices based on the clock capability information corresponding to the at least two access network devices. This may include: if the one or more satellite signals that the at least two access network devices can receive are different, then the time function network element determines the timing mode corresponding to the at least two access network devices to include the mode with the smallest timing error accuracy among one or more of the following modes: timing for the terminal devices in the one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the access network device, timing for the terminal devices in the one or more terminal devices that are within the area indicated by the timing range of the access network device, and timing for the terminal devices in the one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the access network device based on the timing information of the access network devices other than the access network device. The timing range is used to indicate the area that can receive the timing signal sent by the access network device.

[0018] In this way, when multiple access network devices cannot receive the same satellite signal, the time error accuracy of multiple timing methods can be calculated to obtain the timing method with the best or better timing error accuracy, which can effectively reduce the time error of terminal devices served by multiple access network devices.

[0019] In one possible design, the timing method may further include a weight for using the first satellite signal for timing. This can indicate the weight of time information using the same satellite signal, thereby minimizing the time error of terminal devices served by multiple access network devices.

[0020] In one possible design, the clock capability information may also include a timing range and / or clock accuracy supported by the access network device.

[0021] In one possible design, the timing method provided in the first aspect may further include: receiving a capability notification message from a storage function network element. The capability notification message includes clock capability information. Optionally, the capability notification message may include clock capability information for one access network device, or the capability notification message may include clock capability information for multiple access network devices.

[0022] In one possible design, the timing indication message may include one or more of the following: identifiers of one or more terminal devices, identifiers of one or more access network devices, identifiers of one or more satellite signals, clock accuracy and timing frequency, and weight information, where the weight information is used to indicate the weight of using the first satellite signal for timing. Optionally, a corresponding relationship may exist between the identifiers of one or more terminal devices, identifiers of one or more access network devices, identifiers of one or more satellite signals, clock accuracy, timing frequency, and weight information.

[0023] In one possible design, the clock configuration request message may further include: the clock accuracy expected by the terminal device, and / or the timing frequency expected by the terminal device.

[0024] A second aspect provides a timing method. The method includes: an access network device sending clock capability information to a mobility management network element, receiving a timing indication message from a time function network element, and performing timing according to a timing mode. The clock capability information includes identifiers of one or more satellite signals that the access network device can receive. The timing indication message is used to instruct the access network device on a timing mode to perform timing.

[0025] In one possible design, the clock capability information may also include a timing range and / or clock accuracy supported by the access network device. The timing range is used to indicate an area that can receive the timing signal sent by the access network device.

[0026] In one possible design, the timing indication message may include one or more of the following: the identification of one or more terminal devices, the identification of one or more access network devices, the identification of one or more satellite signals, clock accuracy, and timing frequency, and weight information, where the weight information is used to indicate the weight of using the first satellite signal for timing.

[0027] In a possible design, the timing method may include: receiving a first satellite signal and providing time to a terminal device receiving a service provided by the access network device. The first satellite signal is a satellite signal that the access network device can receive.

[0028] In one possible design, the timing method may include: receiving a first satellite signal and providing time to a terminal device within an area indicated by a timing range of the access network device. The first satellite signal is a satellite signal that the access network device can receive.

[0029] In one possible design, the timing method may include: receiving a first satellite signal, performing timing on an access network device other than the access network device, and instructing the access network device other than the access network device to perform timing on a terminal device receiving a service provided by the access network device other than the access network device. The first satellite signal is a satellite signal receivable by the access network device.

[0030] In one possible design, the timing method may include: receiving one or more satellite signals that the access network device can receive, and providing time to a terminal device that receives services provided by the access network device.

[0031] In one possible design method, the timing method may include: timing the terminal equipment receiving the service provided by the access network equipment based on the timing information of the access network equipment other than the access network equipment.

[0032] In one possible design method, the timing indication message may include the identification of one or more terminal devices, and timing according to the timing method includes: determining the timing information based on the first satellite signal, and sending the timing information to one or more terminal devices corresponding to the identification of the one or more terminal devices.

[0033] In one possible design method, the timing indication message may include the identification of one or more access network devices. The above-mentioned timing according to the timing method includes: determining the timing information based on the first satellite signal, and sending the timing information and the identification of the terminal device to one or more access network devices corresponding to the identification of the one or more access network devices.

[0034] In one possible design method, the above-mentioned timing according to the timing method includes: receiving timing information and an identifier of a terminal device from an access network device other than the access network device, and sending timing information to a terminal device corresponding to the identifier of the terminal device.

[0035] In addition, the technical effects of the timing method described in the second aspect can refer to the technical effects of the timing method described in any possible implementation method in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0036] In a third aspect, a timing method is provided. The timing method includes: a mobility management network element receives a timing request message from a terminal device, and sends a clock configuration request message to a time function network element. The timing request message is used to request timing for the terminal device, and the timing request message includes: an identifier of the terminal device, and an identifier of an access network device providing services for the terminal device. The clock configuration request message is used to request timing for one or more terminal devices, and the clock configuration request message includes: an identifier of one or more terminal devices, and an identifier of an access network device providing services for the one or more terminal devices.

[0037] In one possible design, the timing method provided in the third aspect may further include: receiving clock capability information from an access network device. The clock capability information may include identifiers of one or more satellite signals that the access network device can receive.

[0038] In one possible design, the clock capability information may also include a timing range and / or clock accuracy supported by the access network device. The timing range may be used to indicate an area that can receive the timing signal sent by the access network device.

[0039] In a possible design, the timing method provided in the third aspect may further include: sending a capability registration request message to the storage function network element, wherein the capability registration request message may include clock capability information.

[0040] In one possible design, the timing request message may further include: the clock accuracy expected by the terminal device, and / or the timing frequency expected by the terminal device.

[0041] In one possible design, the clock configuration request message may further include: the clock accuracy expected by the terminal device, and / or the timing frequency expected by the terminal device.

[0042] In addition, the technical effects of the timing method described in the third aspect can refer to the technical effects of the timing method described in any possible implementation method in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0043] In a fourth aspect, a timing method is provided. The timing method includes: a storage function network element receiving a capability registration request message from a mobility management network element. The capability registration request message includes clock capability information, and the clock capability information includes identifiers of one or more satellite signals that the access network device can receive.

[0044] Send a capability notification message to the time function network element, wherein the capability notification message includes clock capability information.

[0045] In one possible design, the clock capability information also includes a timing range and / or a clock accuracy supported by the access network device. The timing range is used to indicate an area that can receive the timing signal sent by the access network device.

[0046] In addition, the technical effects of the timing method described in the fourth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the timing method described in any possible implementation method in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0047] A fifth aspect provides a timing method. The timing method includes: a terminal device sending a timing request message to a mobility management network element, receiving timing information from at least two access network devices, and determining final timing information based on the timing information from the at least two access network devices. The timing request message is used to request timing for the terminal device, and includes an identifier of the terminal device and an identifier of an access network device providing services to the terminal device.

[0048] Exemplarily, the terminal device may perform a weighted average on the timing information of at least two access network devices, and use the obtained result as the final timing information.

[0049] In one possible design, the timing request message may also include the clock accuracy expected by the terminal device and / or the timing frequency expected by the terminal device.

[0050] In addition, the technical effects of the timing method described in the fifth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the timing method described in any possible implementation method in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0051] In a sixth aspect, a device is provided. The device includes: a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is used to receive a clock configuration request message from a mobility management network element. The processing module is used to determine, based on the clock capability information corresponding to the at least two access network devices, a timing mode for one or more access network devices among the at least two access network devices to perform timing on one or more terminal devices. The transceiver module is also used to send a corresponding timing indication message to at least one access network device among the at least two access network devices. The clock configuration request message is used to request timing for one or more terminal devices, and the clock configuration request message includes: the identifiers of the one or more terminal devices and the identifiers of one or more access network devices providing services to the one or more terminal devices. The at least two access network devices include one or more access network devices providing services to the one or more terminal devices, and the clock capability information corresponding to the at least two access network devices includes the identifiers of one or more satellite signals that the at least two access network devices can respectively receive. The timing indication message is used to indicate the timing mode, and the at least one access network device includes the access network device corresponding to the timing mode.

[0052] In one possible design, if at least two access network devices are capable of receiving the first satellite signal, the processing module is also used to determine the timing methods corresponding to the at least two access network devices, including: receiving the first satellite signal and providing time to one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the access network device.

[0053] In one possible design, at least two access network devices include a first access network device, a second access network device, and a third access network device. If the first access network device and the second access network device can receive the first satellite signal but do not support the second satellite signal, and the third access network device does not support the first satellite signal but can receive the second satellite signal, the processing module is further configured to determine that the timing mode corresponding to the first access network device includes: receiving the first satellite signal and providing time to one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the first access network device; and the timing mode corresponding to the second access network device includes: receiving the first satellite signal and providing time to one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the second access network device. The timing mode corresponding to the third access network device is determined based on the timing error accuracy.

[0054] Optionally, the timing error accuracy is the time error accuracy between the terminal device receiving the service provided by the third access network device and the terminal device receiving the service provided by the first access network device, or the timing error accuracy is the time error accuracy between the terminal device receiving the service provided by the third access network device and the terminal device receiving the service provided by the second access network device.

[0055] In one possible design, the timing method corresponding to the third access network device may include: receiving a second satellite signal and providing time to one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the third access network device.

[0056] In one possible design, the timing mode corresponding to the first access network device or the timing mode corresponding to the second access network device may also include one or more of the following modes with the least timing error accuracy: receiving the first satellite signal and providing timing to terminal devices in the area indicated by the timing range of the access network device among one or more terminal devices; or, when the first access network device or the second access network device is able to communicate with the third access network device, receiving the first satellite signal, providing timing to the third access network device, and instructing the third access network device to provide timing to terminal devices in one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the third access network device. The timing range can be used to indicate an area that can receive the timing signal sent by the access network device. The timing mode corresponding to the third access network device may include: providing timing to terminal devices in one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the third access network device based on the timing information of the first access network device and / or the timing information of the second access network device.

[0057] In one possible design, if at least two access network devices are capable of receiving one or more different satellite signals, the processing module is further configured to determine that the timing modes corresponding to the at least two access network devices include one or more of the following modes with the least accurate timing error: timing for one or more terminal devices receiving services provided by the access network device, timing for one or more terminal devices within an area indicated by a timing range of the access network device, and timing for one or more terminal devices receiving services provided by the access network device based on timing information from access network devices other than the access network device. The timing range indicates an area capable of receiving timing signals sent by the access network device.

[0058] In one possible design, the timing method may further include: a weight for using the first satellite signal for timing.

[0059] In one possible design, the clock capability information may also include a timing range and / or clock accuracy supported by the access network device.

[0060] In a possible design, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a capability notification message from the storage function network element, wherein the capability notification message may include clock capability information.

[0061] In one possible design, the timing indication message may include one or more of the following: the identification of one or more terminal devices, the identification of one or more access network devices, the identification of one or more satellite signals, the clock accuracy and timing frequency, and weight information, the weight information is used to indicate the weight of using the first satellite signal for timing.

[0062] In one possible design, the clock configuration request message may further include: the clock accuracy expected by the terminal device, and / or the timing frequency expected by the terminal device.

[0063] It should be noted that the transceiver module described in the sixth aspect may include a receiving module and a sending module. The receiving module is configured to receive data and / or signaling from a mobility management network element, an access network device, and a storage function network element; and the sending module is configured to send data and / or signaling to the mobility management network element, the storage function network element, and the access network device. This application does not specifically limit the specific implementation of the transceiver module.

[0064] Optionally, the apparatus according to the sixth aspect may further include a storage module, wherein the storage module stores a program or instruction. When the processing module executes the program or instruction, the apparatus according to the sixth aspect may execute the method according to the first aspect.

[0065] It should be noted that the device described in the sixth aspect can be a time function network element, such as a time network function network element, or it can be a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in a time function network element. This application does not limit this.

[0066] In addition, the technical effects of the device described in the sixth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the timing method described in any possible implementation method in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0067] In a seventh aspect, a device is provided. The device includes a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is configured to send clock capability information to a mobility management network element. The clock capability information includes identifiers of one or more satellite signals that the device can receive.

[0068] The transceiver module is further configured to receive a timing indication message from the time function network element, wherein the timing indication message is used to indicate a timing mode for the access network device to perform timing.

[0069] The processing module is used to provide timing according to the timing mode.

[0070] In one possible design, the clock capability information may also include a timing range and / or clock accuracy supported by the device. The timing range is used to indicate an area that can receive the timing signal sent by the device.

[0071] In one possible design, the timing indication message may include one or more of the following: the identification of one or more terminal devices, the identification of one or more access network devices, the identification of one or more satellite signals, clock accuracy, and timing frequency, and weight information, where the weight information is used to indicate the weight of using the first satellite signal for timing.

[0072] In a possible design, the timing method may include: receiving a first satellite signal and providing time to a terminal device receiving a service provided by the device. The first satellite signal is a satellite signal that the device can receive.

[0073] In one possible design, the timing method may include: receiving a first satellite signal and providing time service to a terminal device within an area indicated by a timing range of the device. The first satellite signal is a satellite signal that the device can receive.

[0074] In one possible design, the timing method may include: receiving a first satellite signal, providing timing to a device other than the device, and instructing the device other than the device to provide timing to a terminal device receiving a service provided by the device other than the device. The first satellite signal is a satellite signal that the device can receive.

[0075] In one possible design, the timing method may include: receiving one or more satellite signals that the receiving device can receive, and providing time to a terminal device that receives services provided by the device.

[0076] In one possible design, the timing method may include: providing time to a terminal device that receives a service provided by the device based on timing information of a device other than the device.

[0077] In one possible design, the timing indication message may include identifiers of one or more terminal devices, and the processing module is further configured to determine timing information based on the first satellite signal. The transceiver module is further configured to send the timing information to one or more terminal devices corresponding to the identifiers of the one or more terminal devices.

[0078] In one possible design, the timing indication message may include identifiers of one or more access network devices. The processing module is further configured to determine timing information based on the first satellite signal. The transceiver module is further configured to send the timing information and the terminal device identifier to one or more access network devices corresponding to the identifiers of the one or more access network devices.

[0079] In a possible design, the transceiver module is further configured to receive timing information and an identifier of a terminal device from a device other than the device, and to send timing information to a terminal device corresponding to the identifier of the terminal device.

[0080] It should be noted that the transceiver module described in Aspect 7 may include a receiving module and a sending module. The receiving module is configured to receive data and / or signaling from a time function network element, other access network devices, and terminal devices; and the sending module is configured to send data and / or signaling to a mobility management network element, a time function network element, other access network devices, and terminal devices. This application does not specifically limit the specific implementation of the transceiver module.

[0081] Optionally, the apparatus described in the seventh aspect may further include a storage module, wherein the storage module stores a program or instruction. When the processing module executes the program or instruction, the apparatus described in the seventh aspect may execute the method described in the second aspect.

[0082] It should be noted that the device described in the seventh aspect can be an access network device, or it can be a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the access network device. This application does not limit this.

[0083] In addition, the technical effects of the device described in the seventh aspect can refer to the technical effects of the timing method described in any possible implementation method in the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0084] In an eighth aspect, a device is provided, comprising: a receiving module and a sending module.

[0085] The receiving module is used to receive a timing request message from a terminal device, wherein the timing request message is used to request timing for the terminal device, and the timing request message includes: an identifier of the terminal device and an identifier of an access network device providing services to the terminal device.

[0086] The sending module is configured to send a clock configuration request message to the time function network element. The clock configuration request message is used to request timing for one or more terminal devices, and includes: the identifiers of the one or more terminal devices and the identifiers of the access network devices providing services for the one or more terminal devices.

[0087] In one possible design, the apparatus provided in the third aspect may further include: a receiving module further configured to receive clock capability information from an access network device, wherein the clock capability information may include identifiers of one or more satellite signals that the access network device can receive.

[0088] In one possible design, the clock capability information may also include a timing range and / or clock accuracy supported by the access network device. The timing range may be used to indicate an area that can receive the timing signal sent by the access network device.

[0089] In a possible design, the sending module is configured to send a capability registration request message to the storage function network element, wherein the capability registration request message may include clock capability information.

[0090] In one possible design, the timing request message may further include: the clock accuracy expected by the terminal device, and / or the timing frequency expected by the terminal device.

[0091] In one possible design, the clock configuration request message may further include: the clock accuracy expected by the terminal device, and / or the timing frequency expected by the terminal device.

[0092] It should be noted that the transceiver module described in Aspect 8 may include a receiving module and a sending module. The receiving module is configured to receive data and / or signaling from access network devices and terminal devices; the sending module is configured to send data and / or signaling to storage function network elements and time function network elements. This application does not specifically limit the specific implementation of the transceiver module.

[0093] Optionally, the apparatus described in the eighth aspect may further include a storage module, wherein the storage module stores a program or instruction. When the processing module executes the program or instruction, the apparatus described in the eighth aspect may execute the method described in the third aspect.

[0094] It should be noted that the device described in the eighth aspect can be a mobility management network element, for example, an access and mobility management function network element, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in a mobility management network element. This application does not limit this.

[0095] In addition, the technical effects of the device described in the eighth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the timing method described in any possible implementation method in the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0096] In a ninth aspect, a device is provided, which includes a receiving module and a sending module.

[0097] The receiving module is configured to receive a capability registration request message from a mobility management network element, wherein the capability registration request message includes clock capability information, and the clock capability information includes identifiers of one or more satellite signals that the access network device can receive.

[0098] The sending module is used to send a capability notification message to the time function network element, wherein the capability notification message includes clock capability information.

[0099] In one possible design, the clock capability information also includes a timing range and / or a clock accuracy supported by the access network device. The timing range is used to indicate an area that can receive the timing signal sent by the access network device.

[0100] It should be noted that the receiving module and the sending module can be provided separately or integrated into one module, namely the sending and receiving module. This application does not make any specific restrictions on the specific implementation of the receiving module and the sending module.

[0101] Optionally, the apparatus described in the ninth aspect may further include a processing module and a storage module, wherein the storage module stores a program or instruction. When the processing module executes the program or instruction, the apparatus described in the ninth aspect may execute the method described in the fourth aspect.

[0102] It should be noted that the device described in the ninth aspect can be a storage function network element, such as a network function storage library function network element, or it can be a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in a storage function network element. This application does not limit this.

[0103] In addition, the technical effects of the device described in the ninth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the timing method described in any possible implementation method in the fourth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0104] In a tenth aspect, a device is provided, which includes a transceiver module and a processing module.

[0105] The transceiver module is used to send a timing request message to the mobility management network element, wherein the timing request message is used to request timing for the device, and the timing request message includes the identifier of the device and the identifier of the access network device providing services for the device.

[0106] The transceiver module is further used to receive timing information from at least two access network devices.

[0107] The processing module is used to determine final timing information based on the timing information of at least two access network devices.

[0108] In a possible design, the timing request message may further include the clock accuracy expected by the device and / or the timing frequency expected by the device.

[0109] It should be noted that the receiving module and the sending module can be provided separately or integrated into one module, namely the sending and receiving module. This application does not make any specific restrictions on the specific implementation of the receiving module and the sending module.

[0110] Optionally, the apparatus of the tenth aspect may further include a processing module and a storage module, wherein the storage module stores a program or instruction. When the processing module executes the program or instruction, the apparatus of the tenth aspect may execute the method of the fifth aspect.

[0111] It should be noted that the device described in the tenth aspect can be a terminal device, or it can be a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the terminal device, and this application does not limit this.

[0112] In addition, the technical effects of the device described in the tenth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the timing method described in any possible implementation method in the fifth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0113] In an eleventh aspect, a device is provided, comprising: a processor coupled to a memory for storing a computer program.

[0114] The processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory so that the timing method described in any possible implementation manner of the first aspect to the fifth aspect is executed.

[0115] In one possible design, the apparatus described in the eleventh aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an input / output port. The transceiver may be used for the apparatus to communicate with other devices.

[0116] It should be noted that the input port can be used to implement the receiving functions involved in the first to fifth aspects, and the output port can be used to implement the sending functions involved in the first to fifth aspects.

[0117] In the present application, the device described in the eleventh aspect can be a time function network element, an access network device, a mobility management network element, a storage function network element, or a terminal device, or a chip or chip system arranged inside a time function network element, an access network device, a mobility management network element, a storage function network element, or a terminal device.

[0118] In addition, the technical effects of the device described in the eleventh aspect can refer to the technical effects of the timing method described in any one of the implementation methods of the first to fifth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0119] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes the apparatus described in the sixth aspect and the apparatus described in the seventh aspect. Optionally, the communication system may also include the apparatus described in the eighth aspect and the apparatus described in the ninth aspect.

[0120] Alternatively, the communication system includes the apparatus for implementing the method described in the first aspect as described in the sixth aspect and the apparatus for implementing the method described in the second aspect as described in the seventh aspect. Optionally, the communication system may also include the apparatus for implementing the method described in the third aspect as described in the eighth aspect and the apparatus for implementing the method described in the fourth aspect as described in the ninth aspect.

[0121] It should be noted that this application does not limit the names of the devices in aspects 6 to 12. For example, the device can be called a communication device.

[0122] In a thirteenth aspect, a chip system is provided, comprising a logic circuit and an input / output port. The logic circuit is used to implement the processing functions involved in aspects 1 to 5, and the input / output port is used to implement the transceiver functions involved in aspects 1 to 5. Specifically, the input port can be used to implement the receiving function involved in aspects 1 to 5, and the output port can be used to implement the transmitting function involved in aspects 1 to 5.

[0123] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory, which is used to store program instructions and data for implementing the functions involved in the first to fifth aspects.

[0124] The chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0125] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program or instruction; when the computer program or instruction is run on a computer, the timing method described in any possible implementation method of the first to fifth aspects is executed.

[0126] In a fifteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the timing method described in any one of the possible implementations of the first to fifth aspects to be executed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0127] Figure 1a A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0128] Figure 1b A schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0129] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of end-to-end delay provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0130] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another end-to-end delay provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0131] Figure 4 A flowchart of a timing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0132] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the process of transmitting messages between access network devices provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0133] Figure 6 A flowchart of another timing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0134] Figure 7 A flowchart of another timing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0135] Figure 8 A flowchart of another timing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0136] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0137] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of another device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0138] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0139] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), wireless local area network (WLAN), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, wired network, vehicle to everything (V2X) communication system, device-to-device (D2D) communication system, Internet of Vehicles communication system, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication system, such as long term evolution (LTE) system, world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system, such as new radio (NR) system, and future communication systems, such as sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system.

[0140] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features in the context of systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the figures. Furthermore, combinations of these aspects may also be used.

[0141] Additionally, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplarily" and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described in this application as an "exemplary" should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.

[0142] In the embodiments of the present application, the terms "information," "signal," "message," "channel," and "signaling" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, when the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings they intend to convey are the same. The terms "of," "corresponding," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, when the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings they intend to convey are the same.

[0143] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field will know that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0144] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, first Figure 1a The communication system shown in FIG is used as an example to describe in detail the communication system applicable to the embodiment of the present application. Figure 1a A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system applicable to the timing method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0145] like Figure 1a As shown, the communication system includes core network elements and access network equipment, and may also include terminal equipment. There may be multiple access network equipment and one or more terminal equipment.

[0146] The core network element is a device located on the network side of the communication system and providing network services to the terminal device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be set in the device. The core network element may include but is not limited to: a mobility management network element, a storage function network element, and / or a time function network element. For details, please refer to the following Figure 1b The corresponding explanation in .

[0147] Among them, the above-mentioned access network equipment can also be called access equipment. The access network equipment can manage wireless resources, provide access services for user equipment, and complete the forwarding of user equipment data between user equipment and the core network. The access network equipment can also be understood as a base station in the network.

[0148] Exemplarily, the access network device in the embodiment of the present application may be any communication device with wireless transceiver functions for communicating with user equipment. The access network equipment includes but is not limited to: evolved NodeB (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home evolved NodeB (HeNB, or home Node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP) in wireless fidelity (WIFI) system, wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP) or transmission and reception point (TRP), etc., and can also be 5G, such as gNB in ​​NR system, or transmission point (TRP or TP), one or a group of (including multiple antenna panels) antenna panels of a base station in 5G system, or it can also be a network node constituting a gNB or transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (DU), etc.

[0149] In some deployments, a gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and a DU. The gNB may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements some gNB functions, while the DU implements some gNB functions. For example, the CU is responsible for processing non-real-time protocols and services, implementing the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layers. The DU is responsible for processing physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layers. The AAU implements some physical layer processing functions, RF processing, and active antenna-related functions. RRC layer information is generated by the CU and ultimately encapsulated by the DU's PHY layer into PHY layer information, or is converted from PHY layer information. Therefore, in this architecture, higher-layer signaling, such as RRC layer signaling, can also be considered to be sent by the DU, or by a combination of the DU and the AAU. It is understood that the access network device may include one or more of a CU node, a DU node, and an AAU node. In addition, the CU may be classified as an access network device in an access network (RAN) or as an access network device in a core network (CN), and this application does not limit this.

[0150] The terminal device is a terminal that accesses the communication system and has wireless transceiver capabilities, or a chip or chip system that can be installed in the terminal. The terminal device can also be called a terminal, user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The terminal in the embodiments of the present application can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a terminal in a 5G network or a terminal in a future evolution network, etc.

[0151] Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for wearable devices that use wearable technology to intelligently design and develop wearable devices for daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not just hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. In a broad sense, wearable smart devices include those that are fully functional, large in size, and can achieve full or partial functions without relying on smartphones, such as smart watches or smart glasses, as well as those that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0152] It is understood that the above-mentioned network element or function can be a network element in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The above-mentioned network element or function can be implemented by a single device, or by multiple devices, or can be a functional module within a single device, and the embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this.

[0153] Optional, Figure 1a The communication system shown can be applicable to the communication network currently under discussion, and can also be applicable to other networks in the future, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations on this.

[0154] For example, Figure 1b This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1a The communication system shown can be applied to Figure 1b In the network architecture shown in Figure 1b As shown, the network architecture may include terminal equipment 110, (wireless) access network equipment 120, user plane network element 130, data network 140, authentication server 150, mobility management network element 160, session management network element 170, application network element 180, unified data management network element 190, policy control network element 191, storage function network element 192, network open network element 193, network slice selection function network element 194, and time function network element 195. Each network element involved in the network architecture is described below.

[0155] 1. The implementation of the terminal device 110 can refer to the above Figure 1a The description of terminal devices in [1] will not be repeated here.

[0156] 2. The implementation of the (radio) access network (R)AN) 120 can refer to the above Figure 1a The description of access network equipment in

[15] will not be repeated here.

[0157] 3. User plane network element 130: As the interface with the data network, it performs functions such as user plane data forwarding, session / flow-level billing statistics, and bandwidth limiting. This includes packet routing and forwarding, as well as quality of service (QoS) processing for user plane data.

[0158] In a 5G communication system, the user plane network element may be a user plane function (UPF) network element.

[0159] 4. Data network 140: provides, for example, operator services, Internet access, or third-party services, including servers that implement video source encoding, rendering, etc. In a 5G communication system, this data network can be a data network (DN).

[0160] 5. Authentication server 150: performs user security authentication. In the 5G communication system, the authentication server may be an authentication server function (AUSF) network element.

[0161] 6. Mobility Management NE 160: This is primarily responsible for mobility management and access management. In a 5G communication system, this access management NE may be the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), which primarily performs mobility management and access authentication / authorization. Furthermore, it is responsible for communicating user policies between the terminal and the Policy Control Function (PCF) NE.

[0162] 7. Session management network element 170: mainly used for session management, Internet protocol (IP) address allocation and management of user equipment, selection of endpoints for manageable user plane functions, policy control and charging function interfaces, and downlink data notification.

[0163] In the 5G communication system, the session management network element can be a session management function (SMF) network element, which completes terminal IP address allocation, UPF selection, and billing and QoS policy control.

[0164] 8. Application network element 180: In the 5G communication system, the application network element can be an application function (AF) network element, which represents the application function of a third party or operator. It is the interface for the 5G network to obtain external application data and is mainly used to convey the requirements of the application side to the network side.

[0165] 9. Unified Data Management NE 190: Responsible for the management of user identification, subscription data, authentication data, and user service NE registration management. In the 5G communication system, the unified data management NE can be a unified data management (UDM).

[0166] 10. Policy control network element 191: includes user contract data management functions, policy control functions, billing policy control functions, quality of service (QoS) control, etc. It is used to guide the unified policy framework of network behavior and provide policy rule information for control plane functional network elements (such as AMF, SMF network elements, etc.).

[0167] In a 5G communication system, the policy control network element may be a PCF.

[0168] 11. Storage function network element 192: Provides storage and selection functions for other core network elements. In the 5G communication system, this network element can be a network function repository function (NRF).

[0169] 12. Network open network element 193: In the 5G communication system, the network open network element may be a network open function (NEF) network element, which is mainly used to expose the services and capabilities of the 3GPP network function to the AF, and also allows the AF to provide information to the 3GPP network function.

[0170] 13. Network slice selection function network element 194: responsible for selecting network slices for UE. In the 5G communication system, this application network element can be a network slice selection function (NSSF) network element.

[0171] 14. Time Function NE 195: Responsible for recording the clock capability information of access network devices, the error accuracy information between access network devices, determining the timing mode, sending timing indication messages, and instructing the corresponding access network devices to perform timing. This time function NE can be a timing network function (T-NF) NE.

[0172] The above-mentioned functional network element can be a network element in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform). The above-mentioned functional network element can be divided into one or more services. Furthermore, there may be services that exist independently of the network function. In this application, an instance of the above-mentioned functional network element, an instance of a service included in the above-mentioned functional network element, or an instance of a service that exists independently of the network function can be referred to as a service instance.

[0173] It should be noted that the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to Figure 1aFor the communication system shown, the specific implementation can refer to the following method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0174] It should be noted that the solutions in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to other communication systems, and the corresponding names can also be replaced by the names of corresponding functions in other communication systems.

[0175] It should be understood that Figure 1a This is a simplified schematic diagram for ease of understanding only. The communication system may also include other network devices and / or other terminal devices. Figure 1a Not drawn in.

[0176] The time synchronization solution utilizes both GNSS-based timing technology and the Precision Time Protocol (PTP) based on the IEEE 1588 standard for Precision Clock Synchronization Protocol for Network Measurement and Control Systems. Specifically, GNSS-based timing technology uses GNSS signals to achieve high-precision receiver timing, with receiver timing accuracy on the order of hundreds of nanoseconds. IEEE 1588-based PTP technology transmits a master reference clock over a 1588 fiber optic network to achieve high-precision time synchronization between access network devices through a limited number of hops, with a time synchronization accuracy loss of 3ns to 5ns per hop. The combination of these two technologies can meet the basic time synchronization requirements of 3GPP Release 17.

[0177] The end-to-end (E2E) delay accuracy requirement defined by the current 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) R17 is less than 1us, and the current product capability baseline can meet the requirements of 3GPP R17. Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the E2E delay includes four error parts, namely: (1) GNSS satellite timing reception and solution error, the current product capability baseline is about 50ns to 100ns; (2) BBU to AAU feeder error, the product capability baseline is about 400ns; (3) AAU to terminal equipment air interface timing error, the product capability baseline is 260ns; (4) terminal equipment timing signal solution error, the current chip solution error is 50ns.

[0178] The combination of the aforementioned GNSS-based timing technology and the IEEE 1588-based Precision Time Protocol technology can meet the basic time synchronization requirements of 4G mobile communications. However, for higher-precision time synchronization, existing time synchronization technologies still have significant room for improvement. For example, the positioning technology specified in 5G technology requires time synchronization accuracy of at least 3ns for access network equipment to achieve sub-meter positioning error. Further improvements are needed when factors such as the positioning geometric dilution of precision are considered. Current time synchronization technologies cannot meet the high-precision time synchronization requirements of 5G mobile communications.

[0179] In the 5G mobile communication stage, the incremental functions and key technologies such as high-precision positioning technology, multi-point collaboration, and carrier aggregation have put forward higher requirements for the time synchronization of access network equipment, and the time synchronization requirements for access network equipment have even reached the nanosecond level. Figure 3 As shown in the R18+ mid- to long-term challenge, the E2E delay accuracy is set to less than 250ns. The 250ns indicator is divided into the four error parts mentioned above, namely: (1) GNSS satellite timing reception and solution error, the R18+ target is 20ns to 30ns; (2) BBU to AAU feeder error, the R18+ target is 95ns to 130ns; (3) AAU to terminal device air interface timing error, the R18+ target is 50ns to 75ns; (4) terminal device timing signal solution error, assuming that the baseline chip solution error is 50ns unchanged.

[0180] In the existing time synchronization technology, the time error between access network devices is large and cannot meet the needs of higher-precision time synchronization. In addition, the access network devices provide time synchronization to the terminal devices, and the large time error between the access network devices will lead to large time error between the terminal devices.

[0181] Therefore, how to reduce the time error between access network devices and how to reduce the time error between terminal devices have become issues that need to be solved urgently.

[0182] This application addresses the need for high-precision time synchronization by determining a timing method based on the satellite signals that can be received by at least two access network devices, including the present access network device and another access network device, to meet the need for higher-precision time. Furthermore, compared to situations where the ability of other access network devices to receive satellite signals is not considered, this application can reduce time errors between access network devices and between terminal devices, thus meeting the high-precision time synchronization requirements of the 5G mobile communication phase.

[0183] Optionally, the timing method proposed in this application based on the nanosecond-level high-precision time synchronization theory of GNSS field similarity can further reduce the time error between access network devices and reduce the time error between terminal devices. Among them, the GNSS neighborhood similarity characteristic is that within any geographically adjacent area, the errors of any GNSS single-star signal received by each access network device have similar characteristics, and the measurement errors have a high degree of consistency. Within a geographically adjacent area, the probability of multiple access network devices receiving the same satellite signal is relatively high, or the number of received identical satellite signals is relatively large. It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the location of the access network device.

[0184] The following will be combined Figure 4-Figure 8 The timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail.

[0185] For example, Figure 4 A flow chart of a timing method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The timing method can be applied to Figure 1a Communication between any two nodes shown. Figure 4 The method shown is described by taking as an example that the time function network element is called a time network function network element, the mobility management network element is called an access and mobility management function network element, and the storage function network element is called a network function storage library function network element.

[0186] like Figure 4 As shown, the timing method includes the following steps:

[0187] S401: The access and mobility management function network element sends a clock configuration request message to the time network function network element. Correspondingly, the time network function network element receives the clock configuration request message from the access and mobility management function network element.

[0188] Exemplarily, the clock configuration request message may be used to request timing for one or more terminal devices.

[0189] Exemplarily, the clock configuration request message may include: identifiers of one or more terminal devices, and identifiers of one or more access network devices that provide services to the one or more terminal devices.

[0190] Optionally, the one or more terminal devices are one or more terminal devices requesting timing, such as terminal devices that perform the following S405 action (the terminal device sends a timing request message to the access and mobility management function network element).

[0191] In a possible implementation, the clock configuration request message may further include: clock accuracy expected by the terminal device, and / or timing frequency expected by the terminal device.

[0192] For example, the clock accuracy may include nanosecond level, microsecond level, etc.

[0193] Optionally, the AMF network element may request the T-NF network element to provide a timing method for timing multiple terminal devices through multiple steps, or the AMF network element may request the T-NF network element to provide a timing method for timing multiple terminal devices through one step.

[0194] In some embodiments, the AMF network element may send multiple clock configuration request messages to the T-NF network element, and the multiple clock configuration request messages correspond one-to-one to multiple terminal devices.

[0195] For example, taking multiple terminal devices including a first terminal device and a second terminal device as an example, the access and mobility management function network element sends a first clock configuration request message to the time network function network element, and the access and mobility management function network element sends a second clock configuration request message to the time network function network element. Correspondingly, the time network function network element receives the first clock configuration request message from the access and mobility management function network element, and the time network function network element receives the second clock configuration request message from the access and mobility management function network element.

[0196] Among them, the first clock configuration request message can be used to request time synchronization for the first terminal device, and the second clock configuration request message can be used to request time synchronization for the second terminal device. The first clock configuration request message may include: the identification of the first terminal device, and the identification of the first access network device providing services for the first terminal device, and may also include: the clock accuracy expected by the first terminal device, and / or the time synchronization frequency expected by the first terminal device. The second clock configuration request message may include: the identification of the second terminal device, and the identification of the second access network device providing services for the second terminal device, and may also include: the clock accuracy expected by the second terminal device, and / or the time synchronization frequency expected by the second terminal device.

[0197] In other embodiments, the AMF network element may send a clock configuration request message to the T-NF network element, and the clock configuration request message may be used to request timing for one or more terminal devices. Optionally, the clock configuration request message may include: the identifiers of one or more terminal devices, and the identifiers of one or more access network devices. The identifiers of one or more terminal devices correspond to the identifiers of one or more access network devices, and may be one-to-one or not. The clock configuration request message may also include: the clock accuracy expected by one or more terminal devices, and / or the timing frequency expected by one or more terminal devices.

[0198] In a possible implementation, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S405: the terminal device sends a timing request message to the access and mobility management function network element. Correspondingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the timing request message from the terminal device.

[0199] Optionally, the timing request message may be used to request timing for the terminal device. The timing request message may include an identifier of the terminal device and an identifier of an access network device providing services to the terminal device.

[0200] In some embodiments, the timing request message may further include: the clock accuracy expected by the terminal device, and / or the timing frequency expected by the terminal device.

[0201] For example, the terminal device can send a timing request message to the AMF network element through a non-access stratum (NAS) message, such as a registration request or a protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment request.

[0202] Figure 1a In the communication system shown, the number of terminal devices can be one or more, and the AMF network element can receive timing request messages from multiple terminal devices. For example, the multiple terminal devices include: terminal device 1 and terminal device 2. The timing request message of terminal device 1 is used to request timing for terminal device 1, and the timing request message of terminal device 2 is used to request timing for terminal device 2.

[0203] In this way, the AMF network element can request the T-NF network element to provide timing for the terminal device based on the content of the timing request message.

[0204] It should be noted that S405 can be executed before the above S401. For example, after the AMF network element receives the timing request message from the terminal device, it sends a clock configuration request message to the T-NF network element.

[0205] Optionally, the content included in the timing request message (such as the identifier of the terminal device and the identifier of the access network device providing services to the terminal device) can be sent by the terminal device to the access network device, and forwarded by the access network device to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0206] S402: The time network function network element determines a timing mode for one or more access network devices of the at least two access network devices to provide time to one or more terminal devices based on clock capability information corresponding to the at least two access network devices.

[0207] Exemplarily, the at least two access network devices may include an access network device that provides services to one or more terminal devices. Optionally, the at least two access network devices may also include an access network device that cannot provide services to the terminal device. For example, the access network device that cannot provide services to the terminal device may be any access network device other than the access network device that provides services to the terminal device, or an access network device that can provide time for the terminal device (i.e., the terminal device is within the time range of the access network device), or an access network device that can communicate with the access network device that provides services to the terminal device.

[0208] For example, the T-NF network element may determine a timing mode for synchronizing terminal device 1 based on the clock capability information corresponding to access network device 1 and the clock capability information corresponding to access network device 2. Access network device 1 provides services to terminal device 1, and access network device 2 may be an access network device that cannot provide services to terminal device 1. Optionally, the T-NF network element may also determine a timing mode for synchronizing terminal device 2.

[0209] Exemplarily, the clock capability information corresponding to the at least two access network devices respectively includes: identifiers of one or more satellite signals that the at least two access network devices can respectively receive.

[0210] In some embodiments, the clock capability information may include identification of one or more satellite signals that the access network device is capable of receiving.

[0211] In some embodiments, the clock capability information may include reception range information, and the reception range information may include identifications of one or more satellite signals that the access network device can receive.

[0212] For example, the clock capability information of access network device 1 includes GNSS 1, GNSS 2, and GNSS 3, and the clock capability information of access network device 2 includes GNSS 2, GNSS 3, and GNSS 4. Therefore, the range of satellite signals that access network device 1 can receive includes: signals from GNSS 1 satellite, signals from GNSS 2 satellite, and signals from GNSS 3 satellite. The range of satellite signals that access network device 2 can receive includes: signals from GNSS 2 satellite, signals from GNSS 3 satellite, and signals from GNSS 4 satellite.

[0213] For another example, the clock capability information of access network device 1 includes the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) 1, BDS2, and BDS3, while the clock capability information of access network device 2 includes BDS2, BDS3, and BDS4. The range of satellite signals that access network device 1 can receive may include: signals from BDS 1, BDS 2, and BDS 3. The range of satellite signals that access network device 2 can receive may include: signals from BDS 2, BDS 3, and BDS 4.

[0214] In one possible implementation, the clock capability information may further include one or more of the following: a timing range, a clock accuracy supported by the access network device, and / or a timing frequency supported by the access network device. Optionally, the timing range may be used to indicate an area capable of receiving timing signals sent by the access network device.

[0215] For example, assuming that terminal device 1 can receive the timing signal sent by access network device 1, terminal device 2 can receive the timing signal sent by access network device 1, and terminal device 3 cannot receive (does not support reception) the timing signal sent by access network device 1, it can be considered that terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 are in the timing range of access network device 1, and terminal device 3 is not in the timing range of access network device 1.

[0216] Exemplarily, the timing frequency may be the frequency at which the access network device sends a timing signal, for example, sending a timing signal 1000 times per second.

[0217] Optionally, the time network function network element may determine a timing mode in which one or more access network devices of at least two access network devices perform timing on one or more terminal devices based on clock capability information corresponding to the at least two access network devices.

[0218] For example, access network device 1 corresponds to clock capability information 1, access network device 2 corresponds to clock capability information 2, access network device 1 can provide services for terminal device 1, and access network device 2 can provide services for terminal device 2. Then the T-NF network element can determine the method for timing the terminal device 1 based on the clock capability information 1 and the clock capability information 2, or the T-NF network element can determine the method for timing the terminal device 2 based on the clock capability information 1 and the clock capability information 2, or the T-NF network element can determine the method for timing the terminal device 1 and the terminal device 2 based on the clock capability information 1 and the clock capability information 2.

[0219] In a possible implementation, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S406, the network function repository function network element sends a capability notification message to the time network function network element. Correspondingly, the time network function network element receives the capability notification message from the network function repository function network element.

[0220] Optionally, the capability notification message includes clock capability information.

[0221] Exemplarily, the capability notification message may include one piece of clock capability information, or the capability notification message may include multiple pieces of clock capability information.

[0222] That is, the NRF network element can send the clock capability information of multiple access network devices to the T-NF network element by sending a capability notification message once, or the NRF network element can send the clock capability information of multiple access network devices to the T-NF network element by sending multiple capability notification messages.

[0223] It should be noted that the present application does not limit the execution order of S406 and the above S402. For example, S406 can be executed before S402.

[0224] Optionally, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S407, the time network function element sends a subscription request message to the network function repository element. Correspondingly, the network function repository element receives the subscription request message from the time network function element.

[0225] Optionally, the subscription request message may be used to subscribe to clock capability information.

[0226] It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the execution order of the above S407, and it can be executed before the above S406.

[0227] In a possible implementation, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S408, the access network device sends clock capability information to the access and mobility management function network element. Correspondingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the clock capability information from the access network device.

[0228] For example, access network device 1 sends clock capability information 1 to the AMF network element, and access network device 2 sends clock capability information 2 to the AMF network element.

[0229] Optionally, the access network device can send clock capability information to the AMF network element through an NG setup request message.

[0230] In one possible implementation, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S409, the access and mobility management function network element sends a capability registration request message to the network function repository function network element. Correspondingly, the network function repository function network element receives the capability registration request message from the access and mobility management function network element.

[0231] Optionally, the capability registration request message includes clock capability information.

[0232] Exemplarily, the capability registration request message may include one piece of clock capability information, or the capability registration request message may include multiple pieces of clock capability information.

[0233] That is to say, the AMF network element can register the clock capability information of multiple access network devices to the NRF network element by sending a capability registration request message once, or the NRF network element can register the clock capability information of multiple access network devices to the NRF network element by sending multiple capability registration request messages.

[0234] In one possible implementation, the above S402 may include: if at least two access network devices are capable of receiving the first satellite signal, determining the timing modes corresponding to the at least two access network devices respectively includes: receiving the first satellite signal and providing time to one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the access network devices.

[0235] Exemplarily, at least two access network devices include access network device 1 and access network device 2. Access network device 1 provides services to terminal device 1, and access network device 2 provides services to terminal device 2. The clock capability information of access network device 1 includes satellite signal 1, satellite signal 2, and satellite signal 4, and the clock capability information of access network device 2 includes satellite signal 1 and satellite signal 3. Wherein, both access network device 1 and access network device 2 are capable of receiving satellite signal 1. Then, the T-NF network element may determine that the timing method for timing terminal device 1 includes: access network device 1 receives satellite signal 1 and performs timing on terminal device 1 (i.e., after satellite signal 1 performs timing on access network device 1, access network device 1 performs timing on terminal device 1); and the timing method for timing terminal device 2 includes: access network device 2 receives satellite signal 1 and performs timing on terminal device 2 (i.e., after satellite signal 2 performs timing on access network device 2, access network device 2 performs timing on terminal device 2).

[0236] In this way, when multiple access network devices can receive the same satellite signal, multiple access network devices can be configured to selectively receive satellite signals. For example, multiple access network devices can be configured to receive the same satellite signal. Based on the similarity characteristics of the GNSS neighborhood, receiving the same satellite signal between access network devices can enable the time error accuracy between access network devices to be controlled at the nanosecond level, thereby reducing the time error between access network devices. The access network device performs time synchronization for the terminal device, thereby effectively reducing the time error of the terminal device served by multiple access network devices.

[0237] In one possible implementation, the at least two access network devices include a first access network device, a second access network device, and a third access network device. The above S402 may include: if the first access network device and the second access network device can receive the first satellite signal but do not support receiving the second satellite signal, and the third access network device does not support receiving the first satellite signal but can receive the second satellite signal, determining that the timing mode corresponding to the first access network device includes: receiving the first satellite signal and providing time to a terminal device among one or more terminal devices that receives services provided by the first access network device. The timing mode corresponding to the second access network device includes: receiving the first satellite signal and providing time to a terminal device among one or more terminal devices that receives services provided by the second access network device.

[0238] For example, when some access network devices can receive the same satellite signal while other access network devices cannot, the access network devices that can receive the same satellite signal can use the same satellite signal to synchronize their own time and the terminal devices they serve.

[0239] Exemplarily, at least two access network devices include access network device 1, access network device 2, and access network device 3. Access network device 1 provides services for terminal device 1, access network device 2 provides services for terminal device 2, and access network device 3 provides services for terminal device 3. The clock capability information of access network device 1 includes satellite signal 1, satellite signal 2, and satellite signal 4; the clock capability information of access network device 2 includes satellite signal 1 and satellite signal 3; and the clock capability information of access network device 3 includes satellite signal 5 and satellite signal 6. If both access network device 1 and access network device 2 are capable of receiving satellite signal 1, the T-NF network element may determine that the timing mode for synchronizing terminal device 1 includes: access network device 1 receives satellite signal 1 and performs timing on terminal device 1; and the timing mode for synchronizing terminal device 2 includes: access network device 2 receives satellite signal 1 and performs timing on terminal device 2.

[0240] Optionally, the timing mode corresponding to the third access network device is determined based on timing error accuracy. The timing error accuracy is the time error accuracy between a terminal device receiving services provided by the third access network device and a terminal device receiving services provided by the first access network device, or the timing error accuracy is the time error accuracy between a terminal device receiving services provided by the third access network device and a terminal device receiving services provided by the second access network device.

[0241] For example, the timing mode corresponding to the third access network device may be a timing mode with the smallest or smaller value of timing error accuracy among one or more timing modes.

[0242] It should be noted that when there is only one timing and method corresponding to the terminal device receiving the service provided by the third access network device, the timing can be directly adopted in this method without calculating the timing error accuracy.

[0243] In some embodiments, the timing synchronization methods corresponding to the third access network device include: Method 1, receiving the second satellite signal and providing timing synchronization to one or more terminal devices receiving services provided by the third access network device. In other words, an access network device that cannot receive the same satellite signal can receive the satellite signal it can receive to provide timing synchronization for itself and the terminal devices it serves.

[0244] Exemplarily, corresponding to the above-mentioned method 1, the timing method for synchronizing the terminal device 3 includes: the access network device 3 receives the satellite signal 5 or the satellite signal 6, and performs timing for the terminal device 3.

[0245] In some embodiments, the timing mode corresponding to the first access network device or the timing mode corresponding to the second access network device also includes one or more of the following modes with the smallest or smaller timing error accuracy: Mode 2, receiving the first satellite signal and providing time to one or more terminal devices within the area indicated by the timing range of the access network device; or, Mode 3, receiving the first satellite signal and providing time to the third access network device when the first access network device or the second access network device can communicate with the third access network device, and instructing the third access network device to provide time to one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the third access network device.

[0246] Optionally, corresponding to the above-mentioned method 3, the timing method corresponding to the third access network device includes: timing one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the third access network device based on the timing information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device.

[0247] The following describes the above-mentioned method 2 and method 3 by taking access network device 1 as an example.

[0248] Corresponding to the above method 2, assuming that terminal device 3 is within the timing range of access network device 1, access network device 1 can receive satellite signal 1 and provide time to terminal device 3. Alternatively, assuming that terminal device 3 is within the timing range of access network device 2, access network device 2 can receive satellite signal 1 and provide time to terminal device 3.

[0249] Corresponding to the above-mentioned method 3, assuming that the access network device 3 can communicate with the access network device 1, the access network device 1 can provide time synchronization to the access network device 3, and then the access network device 3 can provide time synchronization to the terminal device 3.

[0250] Optionally, the timing error accuracy (also called time error accuracy) between terminal device 3 and terminal device 1 (or terminal device 2) in the above-mentioned methods 1, 2, and 3 can be determined, and the method with the smallest or smaller timing error accuracy can be selected to perform timing on terminal device 3.

[0251] Based on the similarities in the GNSS field, if access network device 1 and access network device 2 use the same satellite signal for timing, the time error accuracy between the access network devices can be controlled to the nanosecond level, thereby reducing the time error between the access network devices. Access network device 1 and access network device 2 then provide time to terminal device 1 and terminal device 2, respectively, thus achieving nanosecond-level time error accuracy between terminal device 1 and terminal device 2. The following uses access network device 1 and terminal device 1 as an example to calculate the time error accuracy between terminal device 3 and terminal device 1.

[0252] When the above-described method 1 is used to synchronize the timing of terminal device 3, and access network device 1 receives satellite signal 1 and synchronizes the timing of terminal device 1, the time error accuracy between terminal device 3 and terminal device 1 is t1 = (t_ran3 + t_ue3) - (t_ran1 + t_ue1). Here, t_ran3 is the time information of access network device 3, and t_ue is the error delay of air-interface timing. Therefore, t_ue1 is the error delay of air-interface timing from access network device 1 to terminal device 1, t_ue3 is the error delay of air-interface timing from access network device 3 to terminal device 3, and t_ran1 is the time information of access network device 1.

[0253] When using the above method 2 to synchronize time for terminal device 3, and access network device 1 receives satellite signal 1 and synchronizes time for terminal device 1, the time error accuracy between terminal device 3 and terminal device 1 is t2 = (t_ran1 + t_ue3) - (t_ran1 + t_ue1). Here, t_ran1 is the time information of access network device 1, t_ue1 is the error delay of air-interface timing synchronization between access network device 1 and terminal device 1, and t_ue3 is the error delay of air-interface timing synchronization between access network device 1 and terminal device 3.

[0254] When the above-described method 3 is used to synchronize terminal device 3, and access network device 1 receives satellite signal 1 and synchronizes terminal device 1, the time error accuracy between terminal device 3 and terminal device 1 is t3 = (t_ran1 + t13 + t_ue3) - (t_ran1 + t_ue1). Here, t_ran1 is the time information of access network device 1, t13 is the delay in transmitting time information between access network device 1 and access network device 3, t_ue1 is the error delay in air-interface timing synchronization between access network device 1 and terminal device 1, and t_ue3 is the error delay in air-interface timing synchronization between access network device 1 and terminal device 3.

[0255] The time network function network element can compare the sizes of the above t1, t2, and t3, and select the method corresponding to the minimum or smaller timing error accuracy to provide time to the terminal device 3.

[0256] In this way, when some access network devices can receive the same satellite signal and other access network devices cannot receive the same satellite signal, for the access network devices that cannot receive the same satellite signal, several timing methods can be provided for the terminal devices served by the access network devices. The method with the smallest or smaller timing error accuracy is selected for timing, which can effectively reduce the time error of terminal devices served by multiple access network devices.

[0257] It should be noted that the T-NF network element can determine the time error accuracy between terminal device 3 and terminal device 1 for the above methods 1 to 3, and select the best or better method from these methods for timing.

[0258] In one possible implementation, the above S402 may include: if the one or more satellite signals that can be received by at least two access network devices are different, then determining that the timing modes corresponding to the at least two access network devices include one or more of the following modes with the smallest or smaller timing error accuracy: timing for one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the access network device, timing for one or more terminal devices within the area indicated by the timing range of the access network device, and timing for one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the access network device based on the timing information of access network devices other than the access network device.

[0259] Exemplarily, at least two access network devices include access network device 1 and access network device 2, and one or more terminal devices include terminal device 1 and terminal device 2. Access network device 1 provides services to terminal device 1, and access network device 2 provides services to terminal device 2. Access network device 1's clock capability information includes satellite signal 1, satellite signal 2, and satellite signal 4, and access network device 2's clock capability information includes satellite signal 3 and satellite signal 5. If access network device 1 and access network device 2 are capable of receiving different satellite signals, access network device 1 can provide time synchronization for terminal device 1; if terminal device 2 is within the timing range of access network device 1, access network device 1 can provide time synchronization for terminal device 2; and / or, if access network device 1 is capable of communicating with access network device 2, access network device 2 can send access network device 2's timing information to access network device 1, and access network device 1 can provide time synchronization for terminal device 1 based on the timing information of access network device 2. Similar to access network device 1, access network device 2 can provide timing to terminal device 2. If terminal device 1 is within the timing range of access network device 2, access network device 2 can provide timing to terminal device 1. And / or, if access network device 2 is able to communicate with access network device 1, access network device 2 can provide timing to terminal device 2 based on the timing information of access network device 1. The specific method used to provide timing for terminal devices 1 and 2 can be determined based on the accuracy of the timing error.

[0260] For example, in mode 4, the access network devices perform timing for the terminal devices they serve. In mode 5, one access network device performs timing for the terminal devices it serves, and also performs timing for other terminal devices within its service range. In mode 6, one access network device performs timing for the terminal devices it serves, and also performs timing for the access network devices it communicates with. In mode 7 (a combination of mode 4 and mode 5), at least two access network devices perform timing for the terminal device, and the terminal device performs a weighted average of the timing information of at least two access network devices to obtain the final timing information.

[0261] The access network device can determine the timing error accuracy of the above methods 4 to 7, and select the method with the smallest or smaller timing error accuracy to time terminal device 1 and terminal device 2. The following takes the timing of terminal device 2 as an example.

[0262] For example, if method 4 is used for timing synchronization, the time error accuracy between terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 is t4 = (t_ran1 + t_ue1) - (t_ran2 + t_ue2). Here, t_ran1 is the time information of access network device 1, and t_ue is the error delay of air-interface timing synchronization. Therefore, t_ue1 is the error delay of air-interface timing synchronization from access network device 1 to terminal device 1, t_ue2 is the error delay of air-interface timing synchronization from access network device 2 to terminal device 2, and t_ran2 is the time information of access network device 2.

[0263] For example, if method 5 is used for timing, and terminal device 2 is within the timing range of access network device 1, access network device 1 receives satellite signal 3 and performs timing for both terminal device 1 and terminal device 2. The time error accuracy between terminal device 2 and terminal device 1 is t5 = (t_ran1 + t_ue1) - (t_ran1 + t_ue2), where t_ran1 is the time information of access network device 1, t_ue1 is the error delay of air-interface timing provided by access network device 1 to terminal device 1, and t_ue2 is the error delay of air-interface timing provided by access network device 1 to terminal device 2.

[0264] For example, if method 6 is used for timing, access network device 1 provides timing to access network device 2 and terminal device 1, and access network device 2 provides timing to terminal device 2, the time error accuracy between terminal device 2 and terminal device 1 is t6 = (t_ran1 + t12 + t_ue2) - (t_ran1 + t_ue1). Here, t_ran1 is the time information of access network device 1, t12 is the delay in transmitting time information between access network device 1 and access network device 2, t_ue1 is the error delay in air-interface timing between access network device 1 and terminal device 1, and t_ue2 is the error delay in air-interface timing between access network device 2 and terminal device 2.

[0265] For example, when the above-mentioned method 7 is used for timing synchronization, terminal device 1 receives timing information from access network device 1 and access network device 2, and terminal device 2 receives timing information from access network device 1 and access network device 2. The time error accuracy between terminal device 2 and terminal device 1 is t7 = 1 / 2[(t_ran1 + t_ue11 + t_ran2 + t_ue21) - (t_ran1 + t_ue12 + t_ran2 + t_ue22)]. Among them, t_ran1 is the time information of access network device 1, t_ran2 is the time information of access network device 2, t_ue11 is the time when terminal device 1 receives the time information of access network device 1, t_ue21 is the time when terminal device 1 receives the time information of access network device 2, t_ue12 is the time when terminal device 2 receives the time information of access network device 1, and t_ue22 is the time when terminal device 2 receives the time information of access network device 2.

[0266] The time network function network element can compare the sizes of the above t4, t5, t6 and t7, and select the method corresponding to the minimum or smaller timing error accuracy to provide time to the terminal device 2.

[0267] In this way, when multiple access network devices cannot receive the same satellite signal, the time error accuracy of multiple timing methods can be calculated to obtain the timing method with the best or better timing error accuracy, which can effectively reduce the time error of terminal devices served by multiple access network devices.

[0268] In a possible implementation, the timing method may further include: a weight for using the first satellite signal for timing.

[0269] For example, if the timing mode corresponding to access network device 1 includes: receiving a first satellite signal and providing timing information to terminal devices receiving services provided by access network device 1; receiving a first satellite signal and providing timing information to terminal devices within the area indicated by the timing range of access network device 1; and / or, if access network device 1 is able to communicate with access network device 2, receiving a first satellite signal and providing timing information to access network device 3, then the timing mode may also include a weight. In this way, the weight of the time information using the same satellite signal can be indicated, thereby minimizing time errors for terminal devices served by multiple access network devices.

[0270] Optionally, the time network function network element may determine the clock accuracy for timing the terminal device according to the clock accuracy supported by the access network device and the clock accuracy expected by the terminal device.

[0271] Optionally, the time network function network element may determine the timing frequency for providing time to the terminal device according to the timing frequency supported by the access network device and the timing frequency expected by the terminal device.

[0272] In a possible implementation, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S410: the access network device sends error accuracy information to the time network function network element. Correspondingly, the time network function network element receives the error accuracy information from the access network device.

[0273] Optionally, the error accuracy information may include: a time delay for transmitting a message between the access network device and one or more other access network devices.

[0274] Exemplarily, access network device 1 may send error accuracy information to the time network function network element. The error accuracy information may include: t12 and t13. t12 is the delay in transmitting timing information between access network device 1 and access network device 2, and t13 is the delay in transmitting timing information between access network device 1 and access network device 3.

[0275] The following combination Figure 5 The calculation method of the error accuracy information is described, taking the calculation of the delay of transmitting timing information between access network device 1 and access network device 2 as an example.

[0276] Combine Figure 5 , t12 = [(t2'-t1')+(t4'-t3')] / 2. t1' is the time when access network device 1 sends the message, t2' is the time when access network device 2 receives the message, t3' is the time when access network device 2 sends the message, and t4' is the time when access network device 1 receives the message.

[0277] It should be noted that the present application does not limit the execution order of S410 and the above-mentioned S402. For example, S410 can be executed before S402, or S410 can be executed after S402.

[0278] S403: The time network function network element sends a corresponding timing indication message to at least one of the at least two access network devices. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the timing indication message from the time network function network element.

[0279] Exemplarily, the at least one access network device includes an access network device corresponding to the timing mode. For example, the access network device corresponding to the timing mode may be the access network device corresponding to the timing mode determined in S402 above.

[0280] Optionally, the timing indication message may be used to indicate a timing mode for the access network device to perform timing.

[0281] In one possible implementation, the timing method may include one or more of the following: receiving a first satellite signal and providing timing to a terminal device receiving services provided by the access network device; receiving a first satellite signal and providing timing to terminal devices within an area indicated by a timing range of the access network device; and / or receiving a first satellite signal and providing timing to access network devices other than the access network device, and instructing access network devices other than the access network device to provide timing to terminal devices receiving services provided by the access network devices other than the access network device. It should be noted that the specific implementation of the timing method can be referred to in S402 above and will not be repeated here.

[0282] Optionally, the first satellite signal may be a satellite signal that can be received by at least two access network devices, and the at least two access network devices include an access network device that receives the timing indication message.

[0283] For example, when multiple access network devices can receive the same satellite signal, or when some access network devices can receive the same satellite signal and other access network devices cannot receive the same satellite signal, the access network devices that can receive the same satellite signal can use the same satellite signal for timing.

[0284] In a possible implementation, the timing method may include: receiving one or more satellite signals that can be received by the access network device, and providing time to a terminal device that receives services provided by the access network device.

[0285] For example, when some of at least two access network devices can receive the same satellite signal and another part of the access network devices cannot receive the same satellite signal, the access network devices that cannot receive the same satellite signal can receive one or more satellite signals that the access network device can receive, and perform time synchronization for themselves and for terminal devices that receive services provided by the access network device.

[0286] In a possible implementation, the timing method includes: timing a terminal device receiving a service provided by the access network device according to timing information of an access network device other than the access network device itself.

[0287] Exemplarily, when an access network device is capable of communicating with other access network devices, the terminal device receiving services provided by the access network device may be timed based on the timing information of the other access network devices.

[0288] In one possible implementation, the timing indication message may include one or more of the following: identification of one or more terminal devices, identification of one or more access network devices, identification of one or more satellite signals, clock accuracy, timing frequency, and weight information.

[0289] Exemplarily, the timing indication message includes the identifier of terminal device 1, which may instruct the access network device to perform timing for terminal device 1. The timing indication message includes the identifier of access network device 1, which may instruct the access network device to perform timing for access network device 1. The timing indication message includes the identifier of satellite signal 1, which may instruct the access network device to perform timing by receiving satellite signal 1. The timing indication message includes clock accuracy 1, which may instruct the access network device to use clock accuracy 1 for timing. The timing indication message includes timing frequency 1, which may instruct the access network device to use timing frequency 1 for timing.

[0290] Optionally, when the timing indication message includes a satellite signal identifier but does not include weight information, the access network device may be instructed to receive only the satellite signal corresponding to the satellite signal identifier. There may be one or more satellite signal identifiers. When there are multiple satellite signal identifiers, there may also be multiple weight information items. The weight information items correspond to the satellite signal identifiers.

[0291] Optionally, there may be a correspondence between the identifiers of one or more terminal devices, the identifiers of one or more access network devices, the identifiers of one or more satellite signals, the clock accuracy, the timing frequency, and the weight information.

[0292] For example, assuming that the identifier of terminal device 1, the identifier of satellite signal 2, the clock accuracy 1, and the timing frequency 2 in the timing indication message correspond, and the identifier of terminal device 2, the identifier of satellite signal 2, the clock accuracy 2, and the timing frequency 1 correspond, then receiving the timing indication message indicates that the access network device can receive satellite signal 2 and perform time service for terminal device 1 with clock accuracy 1 and timing frequency 2, and receive satellite signal 2 and perform time service for terminal device 2 with clock accuracy 2 and timing frequency 1.

[0293] In some embodiments, when the identification of one or more terminal devices includes the identification of a terminal device within the timing range of an access network device, and / or the timing indication message includes the identification of one or more access network devices, the identification of the terminal device within the timing range, and / or the identification of one or more access network devices can be sent to the access network device via a timing configuration information request message.

[0294] Exemplarily, the timing configuration information request message includes one or more of the following: the identifiers of one or more terminal devices, and the identifiers of one or more access network devices. The timing indication message includes: the identifier of the satellite signal, the clock accuracy, the timing frequency, and the weight information. Among them, the timing configuration information request message is used to request the access network device to provide timing for one or more terminal devices within its timing range, and the timing indication message is used to indicate which satellite signals the access network device receives. Optionally, the timing configuration information request message may also include one or more of the following: one or more clock accuracy, and one or more timing frequencies. The clock accuracy and timing frequency in the timing configuration information request message may indicate the clock accuracy and timing frequency for one or more terminal devices within the timing range. Optionally, the timing indication message may also include: the identifiers of one or more terminal devices served by the access network device.

[0295] Optionally, the access network device receives the timing configuration information request message from the T-NF network element and sends a timing configuration information response message to the T-NF network element. The timing configuration information response message may include time-frequency resource information, which may be used to indicate the time-frequency resources used by the access network device to send timing information.

[0296] In some embodiments, the time network function element may send time-frequency resource information to the terminal device. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the time-frequency resource information from the time network function element. Optionally, the terminal device may be within the timing range of the access network device, such as a terminal device corresponding to one or more terminal device identifiers in the timing configuration information request message. In this manner, the terminal device may receive timing information using the time-frequency resources indicated by the time-frequency resource information.

[0297] Exemplarily, the time-frequency resource information may be sent via a NAS message.

[0298] S404: The access network device performs timing according to the timing mode.

[0299] In a possible implementation, the timing indication message includes the identification of one or more terminal devices, and the above S404 may include the following steps 1 to 2.

[0300] Step 1: The access network device determines timing information based on the first satellite signal.

[0301] Exemplarily, if the timing indication message includes the identifier of the first satellite signal but does not include weight information, the access network device may only receive the time information of the first satellite signal and use the time information as the timing information.

[0302] Optionally, if the timing indication message includes the identifier and weight information of the first satellite signal, the above step 1 may include: the access network device determines the timing information according to the first satellite signal and the weight information.

[0303] For example, the access network device may receive the first satellite signal and other satellite signals, and determine the timing information in combination with the weight information.

[0304] Step 2: The access network device sends timing information to one or more terminal devices corresponding to the identifiers of the one or more terminal devices. Correspondingly, the terminal devices receive the timing information from the access network device.

[0305] Exemplarily, the identifiers of one or more terminal devices may include: identifiers of terminal devices served by the access network device, and / or identifiers of terminal devices within the timing range of the access network device. In this way, timing of the terminal devices can be completed.

[0306] In a possible implementation, the timing indication message includes identifications of one or more access network devices, and the above S404 may include the following steps 3 to 4.

[0307] Step 3: The access network device determines timing information based on the first satellite signal.

[0308] The specific implementation of step three can refer to step one above and will not be repeated here.

[0309] In step 4, the access network device sends the timing information and the identifier of the terminal device to one or more access network devices corresponding to the identifiers of the one or more access network devices.

[0310] For example, the access network device 1 may send the timing information 1 and the identifier of the terminal device 2 to the access network device 2. In this way, the access network device 2 may be instructed to use the timing information 1 to provide the terminal device 2 with time.

[0311] In one possible implementation, the timing indication message includes the identifiers of one or more access network devices and the identifiers of one or more terminal devices. The specific implementation of the above S404 can refer to the above steps one to two in combination with steps three to four, which will not be repeated here.

[0312] In a possible implementation, the above S404 may include the following steps five to six.

[0313] Step 5: The access network device receives the timing information and the terminal device identifier from access network devices other than the access network device itself.

[0314] Exemplarily, the access network device 2 receives the timing information 1 and the identifier of the terminal device 2 from the access network device 1 .

[0315] Step 6: The access network device sends timing information to the terminal device corresponding to the terminal device identifier. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the timing information from the access network device.

[0316] Exemplarily, the access network device 2 sends the timing information 1 to the terminal device 2. In this way, the timing of the terminal device can be completed.

[0317] Optionally, before step 6, the access network device may determine final timing information based on the timing information and the timing information, and in step 6, send the final timing information to the terminal device.

[0318] In a possible implementation, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include the following steps seven to eight.

[0319] Step 7: The terminal device receives timing information from at least two access network devices.

[0320] Exemplarily, terminal device 1 receives timing information 1 from access network device 1 and timing information 2 from access network device 2.

[0321] Step 8: The terminal device determines the final timing information based on the timing information of at least two access network devices.

[0322] Exemplarily, the terminal device 1 may perform a weighted average on the timing information 1 and the timing information 2, and use the obtained result as the final timing information.

[0323] based on Figure 4 In the method shown, a time function network element receives a clock configuration request message from a mobility management network element, determines a timing mode for one or more of the at least two access network devices to provide timing to one or more terminal devices based on the clock capability information corresponding to at least two access network devices, and sends a corresponding timing indication message to at least one of the at least two access network devices. The clock configuration request message is used to request timing for one or more terminal devices and includes: identifiers of the one or more terminal devices and the identifier of the access network device providing service for the one or more terminal devices. The timing indication message is used to indicate the timing mode for the access network device to provide timing. The clock capability information corresponding to the at least two access network devices includes identifiers of one or more satellite signals that the access network device can receive. This allows for meeting higher time accuracy requirements. Furthermore, the present application determines the timing mode based on the satellite signals that the at least two access network devices can receive. This reduces time errors between access network devices compared to a scenario where the satellite signal reception capabilities of other access network devices are not considered, thereby effectively reducing time errors between terminal devices served by multiple access network devices.

[0324] For example, Figure 6 A flowchart of another timing method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 The method shown is described by taking as an example that the time function network element is called a time network function network element, the mobility management network element is called an access and mobility management function network element, and the storage function network element is called a network function storage library function network element.

[0325] Figure 4 The method shown is applicable to scenarios where multiple access network devices can receive the same satellite signal. Figure 6 Take the example of multiple access network devices receiving the same satellite signal. Figure 4 The method shown is specifically described, assuming that the multiple access network devices include a first access network device and a second access network device, the first access network device ( Figure 6 RAN1) is the first terminal device ( Figure 6UE1) provides services, the second access network device ( Figure 6 RAN2) is the second terminal device ( Figure 6 The first access network device may receive the first satellite signal and the fourth satellite signal, and the second access network device may receive the first satellite signal and the third satellite signal.

[0326] like Figure 6 As shown, the timing method includes the following steps:

[0327] S601-1: The access and mobility management function network element sends a first clock configuration request message to the time network function network element. Correspondingly, the time network function network element receives the first clock configuration request message from the access and mobility management function network element.

[0328] S601-2: The access and mobility management function network element sends a second clock configuration request message to the time network function network element. Correspondingly, the time network function network element receives the second clock configuration request message from the access and mobility management function network element.

[0329] It should be noted that Figure 6 Taking the AMF network element sending multiple clock configuration request messages as an example, the specific implementation methods of the above S601-1 and S601-2 can refer to the corresponding implementation methods in the above S401, and will not be repeated here.

[0330] In one possible implementation, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S605-1: the first terminal device sends a first timing request message to the access and mobility management function network element. Correspondingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the first timing request message from the first terminal device.

[0331] In one possible implementation, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S605-2, the second terminal device sends a second timing request message to the access and mobility management function network element. Correspondingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the second timing request message from the second terminal device.

[0332] Optionally, the first timing request message may be used to request timing for the first terminal device. The first timing request message may include an identifier of the first terminal device and an identifier of a first access network device providing services for the first terminal device.

[0333] Optionally, the second timing request message may be used to request timing for the second terminal device. The second timing request message may include an identifier of the second terminal device and an identifier of a second access network device providing services for the second terminal device.

[0334] In some embodiments, the first timing request message may further include: the clock accuracy expected by the first terminal device, and / or the timing frequency expected by the first terminal device.

[0335] In some embodiments, the second timing request message may further include: the clock accuracy expected by the second terminal device, and / or the timing frequency expected by the second terminal device.

[0336] It should be noted that the specific implementation methods of the above S605-1 and S605-2 can refer to the above S405, and the specific implementation methods of the first timing request message and the second timing request message can refer to the specific implementation methods of the timing request message in the above S405, which will not be repeated here.

[0337] It should be noted that S605-1 can be executed before the above S601-1, and S605-2 can be executed before the above S601-2. This application does not limit the order of S605-1 and S605-2.

[0338] S602: The time network function network element determines a timing mode for timing the terminal device according to the clock capability information corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device respectively.

[0339] It should be noted that the specific implementation of the clock capability information can refer to the corresponding implementation in the above S402, which will not be repeated here.

[0340] Optionally, the time network function network element can obtain, based on the clock capability information of the first access network device and the clock capability information of the second access network device, that both the first access network device and the second access network device can receive the first satellite signal, and then determine that the timing mode includes: the first access network device receives the first satellite signal and provides time to the first terminal device, and the second access network device receives the first satellite signal and provides time to the second terminal device.

[0341] In this way, when multiple access network devices can receive the same satellite signal, multiple access network devices can be configured to selectively receive satellite signals, for example, receive the same satellite signal, thereby reducing the time error between access network devices. The access network devices perform time synchronization for the terminal devices, thereby effectively reducing the time error of the terminal devices served by multiple access network devices.

[0342] In one possible implementation, the timing mode may further include a weight for using the first satellite signal for timing. This weight can be indicated for using time information of the same satellite signal, thereby minimizing time errors for terminal devices served by multiple access network devices.

[0343] Exemplarily, the first access network device may provide time to the first terminal device based on the first satellite signal and the weight, and the second access network device may provide time to the second terminal device based on the first satellite signal and the weight.

[0344] It should be noted that the value of the weight corresponding to the first access network device may be the same as or different from the value of the weight corresponding to the second access network device, and this application does not limit this.

[0345] Optionally, the time network function network element may determine the clock accuracy for timing the first terminal device based on the clock accuracy supported by the first access network device and the clock accuracy expected by the first terminal device.

[0346] Optionally, the time network function network element may determine the timing frequency for providing time to the first terminal device based on the timing frequency supported by the first access network device and the timing frequency expected by the first terminal device.

[0347] Optionally, the time network function network element may determine the clock accuracy for timing the second terminal device based on the clock accuracy supported by the second access network device and the timing accuracy expected by the second terminal device.

[0348] Optionally, the time network function network element may determine the timing frequency for providing time to the second terminal device based on the timing frequency supported by the second access network device and the timing frequency expected by the second terminal device.

[0349] In a possible implementation, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S606: the network function repository function network element sends a capability notification message to the time network function network element. Correspondingly, the time network function network element receives the capability notification message from the network function repository function network element.

[0350] Taking the capability notification message including multiple clock capability information as an example, the capability notification message may include the clock capability information of the first access network device and the clock capability information of the second access network device.

[0351] The specific implementation of S606 can refer to the above S406 and will not be repeated here.

[0352] Optionally, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S607. The implementation of S607 is similar to that of S407 above and will not be described in detail here.

[0353] It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the execution order of the above S607 and S606, and the above S607 can be executed before the above S606.

[0354] In one possible implementation, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S608-1: The first access network device sends clock capability information of the first access network device to the access and mobility management function network element. In response, the access and mobility management function network element receives the clock capability information from the first access network device.

[0355] In one possible implementation, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S608-2: the second access network device sends clock capability information of the second access network device to the access and mobility management function network element. Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the clock capability information from the second access network device.

[0356] The specific implementation of S608-1 and S608-2 can refer to the above S408 and will not be repeated here.

[0357] In one possible implementation, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S609-1, the access and mobility management function network element sends a first capability registration request message to the network function repository function network element. Correspondingly, the network function repository function network element receives the first capability registration request message from the access and mobility management function network element.

[0358] Optionally, the first capability registration request message may include clock capability information of the first access network device.

[0359] In one possible implementation, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S609-2, the access and mobility management function network element sends a second capability registration request message to the network function repository function network element. Correspondingly, the network function repository function network element receives the second capability registration request message from the access and mobility management function network element.

[0360] Optionally, the second capability registration request message may include clock capability information of the second access network device.

[0361] The specific implementation of S609-1 and S609-2 can refer to the above S409, and the implementation of the first capability registration request message and the second capability registration request message can refer to the capability registration request message, which will not be repeated here.

[0362] It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the execution order of the above S607 and S609-1. For example, S609-1 can be executed before or after S607. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the execution order of the above S607 and S609-2. For example, S609-2 can be executed before or after S607. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the execution order of the above S609-1 and S609-2.

[0363] S603-1: The time network function network element sends a first timing indication message to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first timing indication message from the time network function network element.

[0364] Optionally, the first timing indication message may be used to indicate a timing mode of the first access network device.

[0365] Optionally, the timing mode in the first timing indication message may include: receiving a first satellite signal and providing time to the first terminal device.

[0366] In a possible implementation, the first timing indication message may include the identifier of the first satellite signal, and may also include one or more of the following: the identifier of the first terminal device, clock accuracy, timing frequency, and weight information.

[0367] Optionally, if the first timing indication message does not include the identifier of the first terminal device, it may be a default indication to provide timing to the terminal devices (including the first terminal device) that receive services provided by the first access network device.

[0368] S603-2: The time network function network element sends a second timing indication message to the second access network device. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the second timing indication message from the time network function network element.

[0369] Optionally, the second timing indication message may be used to indicate a timing mode of the second access network device.

[0370] Optionally, the timing mode in the second timing indication message may include: receiving a first satellite signal and providing time to the second terminal device.

[0371] In a possible implementation, the second timing indication message may include the identifier of the first satellite signal, and may also include one or more of the following: the identifier of the second terminal device, clock accuracy, timing frequency, and weight information.

[0372] Optionally, if the second timing indication message does not include the identifier of the second terminal device, it may be a default indication to provide timing to the terminal devices (including the second terminal device) that receive services provided by the second access network device.

[0373] S604-1, the first access network device provides time to the first terminal device according to the first timing indication message.

[0374] If the first timing indication message includes the identifier of the first satellite signal but does not include weight information, the first access network device may only receive the time information of the first satellite signal and use the time information as the timing information.

[0375] If the timing indication message includes the identifier and weight information of the first satellite signal, the first access network device may receive the time information of the first satellite signal and the time information of the fourth satellite signal, and determine the timing information in combination with the weight information.

[0376] Optionally, the first access network device may provide time to the first terminal device based on the timing information, and the clock accuracy and timing frequency in the first timing indication message.

[0377] S604-2, the second access network device provides time to the second terminal device according to the second timing indication message.

[0378] If the second timing indication message includes the identifier of the first satellite signal but does not include weight information, the second access network device may only receive the time information of the first satellite signal and use the time information as the timing information.

[0379] If the timing indication message includes the identifier and weight information of the first satellite signal, the second access network device can receive the time information of the first satellite signal and the time information of the third satellite signal, and determine the timing information in combination with the weight information.

[0380] Optionally, the second access network device can provide time to the second terminal device based on the timing information, and the clock accuracy and timing frequency in the second timing indication message.

[0381] Combine Figure 6 In the timing method shown, the time function network element determines the authorization method based on the time capability information of multiple access network devices. When multiple access network devices are able to receive the same satellite signal, the access network device can be instructed to receive the same satellite signal to synchronize itself with the time, and synchronize the time for the terminal device. In this way, the time error of the terminal device served by multiple access network devices can be effectively reduced.

[0382] For example, Figure 7 A flowchart of another timing method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 The method shown is described by taking as an example that the time function network element is called a time network function network element, the mobility management network element is called an access and mobility management function network element, and the storage function network element is called a network function storage library function network element.

[0383] Figure 4 The method shown is applicable to scenarios where multiple access network devices cannot receive the same satellite signal. Figure 7 Take the example of multiple access network devices that cannot receive the same satellite signal. Figure 4 The method shown is specifically described, assuming that the multiple access network devices include a first access network device and a second access network device, the first access network device ( Figure 7 RAN1) is the first terminal device ( Figure 7 UE1) provides services, the second access network device ( Figure 7 RAN2) is the second terminal device ( Figure 7 In the embodiment of the present invention, a first access network device can provide a service for UE2 in the access network, the first access network device can receive a fourth satellite signal, and the second access network device can receive a fifth satellite signal. This application does not limit the number of satellite signals that an access network device can receive. The first access network device can communicate with the second access network device, the first terminal device is within the timing range of the second access network device, and the second terminal device is within the timing range of the first access network device.

[0384] like Figure 7 As shown, the timing method includes the following steps:

[0385] The specific implementation of S701 - 1 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S601 - 1 , and reference may be made to the specific implementation of S601 - 1 , which will not be repeated here.

[0386] The specific implementation method of S701 - 2 is similar to that of the above S601 - 2 , and reference may be made to the specific implementation method of the above S601 - 2 , which will not be repeated here.

[0387] Optionally, the specific implementation of S705-1 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S605-1, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of the above-mentioned S605-1, which will not be repeated here.

[0388] Optionally, the specific implementation of S705-2 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S605-2, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of the above-mentioned S605-2, which will not be repeated here.

[0389] It should be noted that S705-1 can be executed before the above S701-1, and S705-2 can be executed before the above S701-2. This application does not limit the order of S705-1 and S705-2.

[0390] S702: The time network function network element determines a timing mode for timing the terminal device according to the clock capability information corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device respectively.

[0391] It should be noted that the specific implementation of the clock capability information can refer to the corresponding implementation in the above S402, which will not be repeated here.

[0392] Optionally, the time network function network element can obtain that the satellite signals that the first access network device and the second access network device can receive are different based on the clock capability information of the first access network device and the clock capability information of the second access network device. The time network function network element can determine the timing error accuracy between the first terminal device and the second terminal device in the following ways, and select the way with the smallest or smaller timing error accuracy for timing.

[0393] Corresponding to Method 4 in S402, the first access network device receives the fourth satellite signal and provides timing for the first terminal device, while the second access network device receives the fifth satellite signal and provides timing for the second terminal device. The corresponding timing error accuracy calculation method can refer to Method 4 above and is not further described here.

[0394] Corresponding to Method 5 in S402, the first access network device receives the fourth satellite signal and provides timing to the first terminal device, and the first access network device also provides timing to a second terminal device within its service range; alternatively, the second access network device receives the fifth satellite signal and provides timing to the second terminal device, and the second access network device also provides timing to the first terminal device within its service range. The corresponding timing error accuracy calculation method can refer to Method 5 above and is not further described here.

[0395] Corresponding to Method 6 in S402, the first access network device receives the fourth satellite signal and provides timing to the first terminal device, and also provides timing to the second access network device, which in turn provides timing to the second terminal device. Alternatively, the second access network device receives the fifth satellite signal and provides timing to the second terminal device, and also provides timing to the first access network device, which in turn provides timing to the first terminal device. The corresponding method for calculating the timing error accuracy can be referred to Method 6 above and will not be further described here.

[0396] Regarding equation 7 in S402, the first access network device receives the fourth satellite signal and provides timing information to the first and second terminal devices. The second access network device receives the fifth satellite signal and provides timing information to the first and second terminal devices. The first terminal device performs a weighted average of the timing information of the first access network device and the timing information of the second access network device to obtain final timing information. The second terminal device performs a weighted average of the timing information of the first and second access network devices to obtain final timing information. The corresponding method for calculating the timing error accuracy can be referred to the above method 7 and is not further described here.

[0397] In this way, when multiple access network devices cannot receive the same satellite signal, the time error accuracy of multiple timing methods can be calculated to obtain the timing method with the best or better timing error accuracy, which can effectively reduce the time error of terminal devices served by multiple access network devices.

[0398] It should be noted that Figure 7 The method shown is described by taking the example that the number of satellite signals that can be received by the first access network device and the second access network device is one.

[0399] In some embodiments, the number of satellite signals that the first access network device can receive may be multiple, and the number of satellite signals that the second access network device can receive may be multiple. Then the first access network device can receive one or more satellite signals for time synchronization. Optionally, the timing method corresponding to the first access network device may include a weight corresponding to the satellite signal.

[0400] Similar to the first access network device, the second access network device may receive one or more satellite signals for timing. Optionally, the timing mode corresponding to the second access network device may include a weight corresponding to the satellite signal.

[0401] Optionally, the time network function network element may determine the clock accuracy for timing the first terminal device based on the clock accuracy supported by the first access network device and the clock accuracy expected by the first terminal device.

[0402] Optionally, the time network function network element may determine the timing frequency for providing time to the second terminal device based on the timing frequency supported by the first access network device and the timing frequency expected by the second terminal device.

[0403] Optionally, the time network function network element may determine the clock accuracy for timing the first terminal device based on the clock accuracy supported by the second access network device and the clock accuracy expected by the first terminal device.

[0404] Optionally, the time network function network element may determine the timing frequency for providing time to the second terminal device based on the timing frequency supported by the second access network device and the timing frequency expected by the second terminal device.

[0405] Optionally, the specific implementation of S706 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S606, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of the above-mentioned S606, which will not be repeated here.

[0406] Optionally, the specific implementation of S707 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S607, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of the above-mentioned S607, which will not be repeated here.

[0407] Optionally, the specific implementation of S708-1 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S608-1, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of the above-mentioned S608-1, which will not be repeated here.

[0408] Optionally, the specific implementation of S708-2 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S608-2, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of the above-mentioned S608-2, which will not be repeated here.

[0409] Optionally, the specific implementation of S709-1 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S609-1, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of the above-mentioned S609-1, which will not be repeated here.

[0410] Optionally, the specific implementation of S709-2 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S609-2, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of the above-mentioned S609-2, which will not be repeated here.

[0411] In a possible implementation, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S710-1: the first access network device sends error accuracy information to the time network function network element. Accordingly, the time network function network element first receives the error accuracy information from the access network device.

[0412] Optionally, the error accuracy information may include: a time delay for transmitting a message between the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0413] In some embodiments, if the first access network device can also communicate with access network devices other than the second access network device, the error accuracy information sent by the first access network device may also include: the delay in transmitting messages between the first access network device and access network devices other than the second access network device.

[0414] In a possible implementation, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S710-2, the second access network device sends error accuracy information to the time network function network element. Correspondingly, the time network function network element receives the error accuracy information from the access network device.

[0415] Optionally, the error accuracy information may include: a time delay for transmitting a message between the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0416] In some embodiments, if the second access network device can also communicate with access network devices other than the first access network device, the error accuracy information sent by the second access network device may also include: the delay in transmitting messages between the second access network device and access network devices other than the first access network device.

[0417] It should be noted that the specific implementation of S710 - 1 and S710 - 2 can refer to the specific implementation of S410 mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0418] S703-1: The time network function network element sends a first timing indication message to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first timing indication message from the time network function network element.

[0419] Optionally, the first timing indication message may be used to indicate a timing mode of the first access network device.

[0420] Optionally, the timing method in the first timing indication message may include: receiving a fourth satellite signal and timing the first terminal device (corresponding to the above method 4); receiving a fourth satellite signal and timing the first terminal device and the second terminal device (corresponding to the above method 5 or method 7); receiving a fourth satellite signal and timing the first terminal device and the second access network device, and instructing the second access network device to time the second terminal device (corresponding to the above method 6); or timing the first terminal device according to the timing information of the second access network device (corresponding to the above method 6).

[0421] In a possible implementation, the first timing indication message may include the identifier of the fourth satellite signal and the identifier of the first terminal device, and may also include one or more of the following: clock accuracy, and timing frequency.

[0422] In one possible implementation, the first timing indication message may include the identifier of the fourth satellite signal, the identifier of the first terminal device, and the identifier of the second terminal device (corresponding to the above-mentioned method 5 or method 7), and may also include one or more of the following: clock accuracy and timing frequency.

[0423] In another possible implementation, the first timing indication message may include an identifier of the fourth satellite signal, an identifier of the first terminal device (corresponding to the above-mentioned method 5 or method 7), and may also include one or more of the following: clock accuracy, timing frequency. The method provided in the embodiment of the present application may also include: S711, the time network function network element sends a timing configuration information request message to the first access network device. Accordingly, the first access network device receives the timing configuration information request message from the time network function network element.

[0424] Optionally, the timing configuration information request message may include the identifier of the second terminal device and may also include one or more of the following: clock accuracy and timing frequency. In this way, the first access network device may be requested to provide timing to the second terminal device within its timing range.

[0425] In some embodiments, the method provided by the embodiment of the present application may further include: S712, the first access network device sends a timing configuration information response message to the time network function network element. Accordingly, the time network function network element receives the timing configuration information response message from the first access network device.

[0426] Optionally, the timing configuration information response message may include time-frequency resource information, and the time-frequency resource information may be used to indicate the time-frequency resources for the first access network device to send timing information.

[0427] In some embodiments, the method provided by the embodiments of the present application may further include: S713: The time network function network element may send time-frequency resource information to the second terminal device. Accordingly, the second terminal device receives the time-frequency resource information from the time network function network element. In this way, the second terminal device may receive timing information using the time-frequency resources indicated by the time-frequency resource information.

[0428] It should be noted that the present application does not limit the execution order of the above S711. S711 can be executed before or after sending the first timing indication message.

[0429] It should be noted that, when the first timing indication message includes the identifier of the fourth satellite signal, the identifier of the first terminal device, and the identifier of the second terminal device (corresponding to the above-mentioned method 5 or method 7), the method provided in this embodiment of the present application may further include: S712 and S713. In this way, the second terminal device can receive the timing information in the time-frequency resource indicated by the time-frequency resource information.

[0430] In one possible implementation, the first timing indication message may include the identifier of the fourth satellite signal, the identifier of the first terminal device, the identifier of the second access network device, and the identifier of the second terminal device, and may also include one or more of the following: clock accuracy and timing frequency.

[0431] Optionally, if the first timing indication message does not include the identifier of the first terminal device, it may be a default indication to provide timing to the terminal devices (including the first terminal device) that receive services provided by the first access network device.

[0432] It should be noted that step S703-1 is optional. For example, if, in step S702, it is determined that the authorization method corresponding to the first access network device is as follows: timing the first terminal device based on the timing information of the second access network device (corresponding to method 6 above), the time network function network element may not execute step S703-1, and the second access network device may indicate the authorization method to the first access network device.

[0433] Optionally, in S703-2, the time network function network element sends a second timing indication message to the second access network device. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the second timing indication message from the time network function network element.

[0434] Optionally, the second timing indication message may be used to indicate a timing mode of the second access network device.

[0435] Optionally, the timing method in the second timing indication message may include: receiving the fifth satellite signal and timing the second terminal device (corresponding to the above method 4); receiving the fifth satellite signal and timing the first terminal device and the second terminal device (corresponding to the above method 5 or method 7); receiving the fifth satellite signal and timing the first terminal device and the first access network device, and instructing the second access network device to time the second terminal device (corresponding to the above method 6); or timing the second terminal device according to the timing information of the first access network device (corresponding to the above method 6).

[0436] In a possible implementation, the second timing indication message may include the identifier of the fifth satellite signal and the identifier of the second terminal device, and may also include one or more of the following: clock accuracy, and timing frequency.

[0437] In one possible implementation, the second timing indication message may include the identifier of the fifth satellite signal, the identifier of the first terminal device, and the identifier of the second terminal device (corresponding to the above-mentioned method 5 or method 7), and may also include one or more of the following: clock accuracy, timing frequency.

[0438] In another possible implementation, the second timing indication message may include an identifier of the fifth satellite signal, an identifier of the second terminal device (corresponding to the above-mentioned method 5 or method 7), and may also include one or more of the following: clock accuracy, timing frequency. The method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: the time network function network element sends a timing configuration information request message to the second access network device. Accordingly, the second access network device receives the timing configuration information request message from the time network function network element.

[0439] Optionally, the timing configuration information request message may include the identifier of the first terminal device and may also include one or more of the following: clock accuracy and timing frequency. In this way, the second access network device may be requested to provide timing to the first terminal device within its timing range.

[0440] In some embodiments, the method provided by the embodiment of the present application may further include: the second access network device sending a timing configuration information response message to the time network function network element. Accordingly, the time network function network element receives the timing configuration information response message from the second access network device.

[0441] Optionally, the timing configuration information response message may include time-frequency resource information, and the time-frequency resource information may be used to indicate the time-frequency resources for the access network device to send timing information.

[0442] In some embodiments, the method provided by the embodiments of the present application may further include: the time network function element may send time-frequency resource information to the first terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device receives the time-frequency resource information from the time network function element. In this way, the first terminal device can receive timing information using the time-frequency resources indicated by the time-frequency resource information.

[0443] In one possible implementation, the second timing indication message may include the identifier of the fifth satellite signal, the identifier of the second terminal device, the identifier of the first access network device and the identifier of the first terminal device, and may also include one or more of the following: clock accuracy and timing frequency.

[0444] Optionally, if the second timing indication message does not include the identifier of the second terminal device, it may be a default indication to provide timing to the terminal devices (including the second terminal device) that receive services provided by the second access network device.

[0445] It should be noted that step S703-2 is optional. For example, if, in step S702, it is determined that the authorization method corresponding to the second access network device is as follows: timing the second terminal device based on the timing information of the first access network device (corresponding to method 6 above), the time network function element may not execute step S703-2, and the first access network device may indicate the authorization method to the second access network device.

[0446] Taking the determination in S702 above that method 6 is optimal as an example, assume that the authorization method corresponding to the first access network device is: receiving the fourth satellite signal and providing timing to the first terminal device and the second access network device, and instructing the second access network device to provide timing to the second terminal device. The authorization method corresponding to the second access network device is: providing timing to the second terminal device based on the timing information of the first access network device. The first timing indication message may include the identifier of the fourth satellite signal, the identifier of the first terminal device, the identifier of the second access network device, and the identifier of the second terminal device. It may also include one or more of the following: clock accuracy and timing frequency. The time network function element may not perform S703-2.

[0447] Figure 7 The method shown may further include: S714, the first access network device sends a timing message to the second access network device. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the timing message from the first access network device.

[0448] Optionally, the timing message may include an identifier of the second terminal device and time information of the first access network device.

[0449] In this way, the second access network device can provide time to the second terminal device according to the instructions of the first access network device.

[0450] S704-1, the first access network device provides time to the first terminal device.

[0451] Optionally, the first access network device may provide time synchronization to the first terminal device according to the first timing indication message.

[0452] In one possible implementation, the first timing indication message may include an identifier of the fourth satellite signal and an identifier of the first terminal device. S704-1 may include: the first access network device determining timing information based on the fourth satellite signal, and sending the timing information to the first terminal device. For specific implementation, refer to steps 1 and 2 above.

[0453] In one possible implementation, the first timing indication message may include an identifier of a fourth satellite signal, an identifier of the first terminal device, and an identifier of the second terminal device. S704-1 may include: the first access network device determining timing information based on the fourth satellite signal, and sending the timing information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device. For specific implementation, refer to steps 1 and 2 above. Accordingly, the second access network device may not perform S704-2.

[0454] Similarly, S704-1 may be an optional step. For example, when the second access network device sends timing information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the first access network device may not execute S704-1.

[0455] In one possible implementation, the first timing indication message may include the identifier of the fourth satellite signal, the identifier of the first terminal device, the identifier of the second access network device, and the identifier of the second terminal device. The above S704-1 may include: the first access network device determines the timing information based on the fourth satellite signal, sends the timing information to the first terminal device, and sends the timing information and the identifier of the second terminal device to the second access network device (refer to the above S714).

[0456] In a possible implementation, the above S704-1 may include: the first access network device receives the timing information from the second access network device and the identifier of the first terminal device, and sends the timing information of the second access network device to the first terminal device.

[0457] S704-2, the second access network device provides time to the second terminal device.

[0458] Optionally, the second access network device provides time to the second terminal device according to the second timing indication message.

[0459] It should be noted that the specific implementation method of S704-2 can refer to the specific implementation method of the above-mentioned S704-1, and the first timing indication message, the fourth satellite signal, the first terminal device, the first access network device, the second terminal device, and the second access network device can be replaced by the second timing indication message, the fifth satellite signal, the second terminal device, the second access network device, the first terminal device, and the first access network device, respectively, and they will not be repeated here.

[0460] Combine Figure 7 In the timing method shown, the time function network element determines the authorization method based on the time capability information of multiple access network devices, and can instruct the access network devices to use the corresponding timing method to provide time to the terminal devices. In this way, when the satellite signals that multiple access network devices can receive are different, the time error of the terminal devices served by multiple access network devices can still be effectively reduced.

[0461] For example, Figure 8 A flowchart of another timing method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 The method shown is described by taking as an example that the time function network element is called a time network function network element, the mobility management network element is called an access and mobility management function network element, and the storage function network element is called a network function storage library function network element.

[0462] Figure 4 The method shown is applicable to a scenario where some of the multiple access network devices can receive the same satellite signal. Figure 8 Take the example of some access network devices that can receive the same satellite signal among multiple access network devices. Figure 4 The method shown is specifically described, assuming that the multiple access network devices include a first access network device, a second access network device and a third access network device, the first access network device ( Figure 8 RAN1) is the first terminal device ( Figure 8 UE1) provides services, the second access network device ( Figure 8 RAN2) is the second terminal device ( Figure 8 UE2) provides services, the third access network equipment ( Figure 8 RAN3) is the third terminal device ( Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, a first access network device can receive a first satellite signal, a second access network device can receive a first satellite signal, and a third access network device can receive a second satellite signal. The present application does not limit the number of satellite signals that an access network device can receive. The third access network device can communicate with the first access network device and the second access network device. The third terminal device is within the timing range of the first access network device and the third terminal device is within the timing range of the second access network device.

[0463] like Figure 8 As shown, the timing method includes the following steps:

[0464] The specific implementation of S801-1 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S601-1, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of the above-mentioned S601-1, which will not be repeated here.

[0465] The specific implementation of S801-2 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S601-2, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of S601-2, which will not be repeated here.

[0466] S801-3, the access and mobility management function network element sends a third clock configuration request message to the time network function network element. Correspondingly, the time network function network element receives the third clock configuration request message from the access and mobility management function network element.

[0467] It should be noted that Figure 8 Taking the AMF network element sending multiple clock configuration request messages as an example, the specific implementation method of the above S801-3 can refer to the corresponding implementation method in the above S401, which will not be repeated here.

[0468] In a possible implementation, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S805-1 to S805-3.

[0469] The specific implementation of S805-1 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S605-1, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of the above-mentioned S605-1, which will not be repeated here.

[0470] The specific implementation of S805-2 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S605-2, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of the above-mentioned S605-2, which will not be repeated here.

[0471] S805-3: The third terminal device sends a third timing request message to the access and mobility management function network element. Correspondingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the third timing request message from the third terminal device.

[0472] Optionally, the third timing request message may be used to request timing for a third terminal device. The third timing request message may include an identifier of the third terminal device and an identifier of a third access network device providing services for the third terminal device.

[0473] In some embodiments, the third timing request message may further include: the clock accuracy expected by the third terminal device, and / or the timing frequency expected by the third terminal device.

[0474] It should be noted that the specific implementation of the above S805-3 can refer to the above S405, and the specific implementation of the third timing request message can refer to the specific implementation of the timing request message in the above S405, which will not be repeated here.

[0475] It should be noted that S805-1 can be executed before the above S801-1, S805-2 can be executed before the above S801-2, and S805-3 can be executed before the above S801-3. This application does not limit the order of S805-1, S805-2 and S805-3.

[0476] S802: The time network function network element determines a timing mode for timing the terminal device according to the clock capability information corresponding to the first access network device and the second access network device respectively.

[0477] It should be noted that the specific implementation of the clock capability information can refer to the corresponding implementation in the above S402, which will not be repeated here.

[0478] Optionally, the time network function network element can obtain, based on the clock capability information of the first access network device, the clock capability information of the second access network device, and the clock capability information of the third access network device, that the first access network device and the second access network device can receive the same satellite signal, i.e., the first satellite signal, and the third access network device cannot receive the first satellite signal.

[0479] The time network function element can enable access network devices that can receive the same satellite signal to use the same satellite signal receiving method to synchronize timing for the terminal devices they serve. For a third access network device, the time network function element can determine several methods and the timing error accuracy between the third terminal device and the second terminal device (or first terminal device) among these methods. The method with the lowest or lessest timing error accuracy is then selected to synchronize timing for the third terminal device.

[0480] Optionally, the timing service mode corresponding to the first access network device includes: receiving a first satellite signal and providing time service to the first terminal device. The timing service mode corresponding to the second access network device includes: receiving a first satellite signal and providing time service to the second terminal device.

[0481] Optionally, the timing mode corresponding to the third access network device is determined based on timing error accuracy. The timing error accuracy refers to the time error accuracy between a terminal device receiving services provided by the third access network device and a terminal device receiving services provided by the first access network device, or the timing error accuracy refers to the time error accuracy between a terminal device receiving services provided by the third access network device and a terminal device receiving services provided by the second access network device. For specific implementations, refer to the description of the corresponding mode in S402 above and are not further elaborated here.

[0482] In some embodiments, the timing mode corresponding to the third access network device includes: Mode 1, receiving the second satellite signal and providing time to one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the third access network device.

[0483] In some embodiments, the timing mode corresponding to the first access network device, or the timing mode corresponding to the second access network device, also includes one or more of the following modes with the smallest or smaller timing error accuracy: Mode 2, receiving the first satellite signal, and providing time to one or more terminal devices within the area indicated by the timing range of the access network device; or, Mode 3, receiving the first satellite signal, providing time to the third access network device, and instructing the third access network device to provide time to one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the third access network device when able to communicate with the third access network device.

[0484] Optionally, corresponding to the above-mentioned method 3, the timing method corresponding to the third access network device includes: timing one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the third access network device based on the timing information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device.

[0485] That is, the third terminal device can be timed using the above-mentioned methods 1 to 3. Furthermore, the timing error accuracy (also called time error accuracy) between the terminal device 3 and the terminal device 1 (or the terminal device 2) in the above-mentioned methods 1, 2, and 3 can be determined, and the method with the smallest or smaller timing error accuracy is selected to provide time to the terminal device 3. The specific implementation method can be referred to the corresponding description of methods 1 to 3 in S402 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0486] Optionally, the specific implementation of S806 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S606, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of the above-mentioned S606, which will not be repeated here.

[0487] It should be noted that the present application does not limit the execution order of S806 and the above-mentioned S802. For example, S806 can be executed before S802.

[0488] Optionally, the specific implementation of S807 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S607, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of the above-mentioned S607, which will not be repeated here.

[0489] Optionally, the specific implementation of S808-1 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S608-1, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of the above-mentioned S608-1, which will not be repeated here.

[0490] Optionally, the specific implementation of S808-2 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S608-2, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of the above-mentioned S608-2, which will not be repeated here.

[0491] In one possible implementation, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S808-3: The third access network device sends clock capability information of the third access network device to the access and mobility management function network element. Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element receives the clock capability information from the third access network device.

[0492] The specific implementation of S808-3 can refer to the above S408 and will not be repeated here.

[0493] Optionally, the specific implementation of S809-1 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S609-1, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of the above-mentioned S609-1, which will not be repeated here.

[0494] Optionally, the specific implementation of S809-2 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S609-2, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of the above-mentioned S609-2, which will not be repeated here.

[0495] In one possible implementation, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S809-3, the access and mobility management function network element sends a third capability registration request message to the network function repository function network element. Correspondingly, the network function repository function network element receives the third capability registration request message from the access and mobility management function network element.

[0496] Optionally, the third capability registration request message may include clock capability information of the third access network device.

[0497] The specific implementation of S809-3 may refer to the above S409, and the implementation of the third capability registration request message may refer to the capability registration request message, which will not be repeated here.

[0498] It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the execution order of the above-mentioned S807 and S809-1. For example, S809-1 can be executed before or after the above-mentioned S807. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the execution order of the above-mentioned S807 and S809-2. S809-2 can be executed before or after the above-mentioned S807. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the execution order of the above-mentioned S807 and S809-3. S809-3 can be executed before or after the above-mentioned S807. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the execution order of the above-mentioned S809-1, S809-2 and S809-3.

[0499] Optionally, the specific implementation of S810 - 1 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S710 - 1 , and reference may be made to the specific implementation of S710 - 1 , which will not be repeated here.

[0500] Optionally, the specific implementation of S810-2 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S710-2, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of the above-mentioned S710-2, which will not be repeated here.

[0501] In a possible implementation, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: S710-3, the third access network device sends error accuracy information to the time network function network element. Correspondingly, the time network function network element third receives the error accuracy information from the access network device.

[0502] Optionally, the error accuracy information may include: a delay in transmitting messages between the third access network device and the first access network device, and / or a delay in transmitting messages between the third access network device and the second access network device.

[0503] It should be noted that the present application does not limit the execution order of S810-1, S810-2, and S810-3 with the above S802. For example, S810-1 can be executed before or after S802. The present application does not limit the execution order of S810-1, S810-2, and S810-3.

[0504] S803-1: The time network function network element sends a first timing indication message to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first timing indication message from the time network function network element.

[0505] Optionally, the timing method in the first timing indication message may include: receiving the first satellite signal and timing the first terminal device; receiving the first satellite signal and timing the first terminal device and the third terminal device (corresponding to the above method 2); receiving the first satellite signal and timing the first terminal device and the third access network device, and instructing the third access network device to time the third terminal device (corresponding to the above method 3).

[0506] In a possible implementation, the first timing indication message may include an identifier of the first satellite signal and an identifier of the first terminal device, and may also include one or more of the following: clock accuracy, timing frequency, and weight information.

[0507] In one possible implementation, the first timing indication message may include the identifier of the first satellite signal, the identifier of the first terminal device and the identifier of the third terminal device (corresponding to the above-mentioned method 2), and may also include one or more of the following: clock accuracy and timing frequency, and weight information.

[0508] In another possible implementation, the first timing indication message may include an identifier of the first satellite signal, an identifier of the first terminal device (corresponding to the above-mentioned method 2), and may also include one or more of the following: clock accuracy and timing frequency, and weight information. The method provided in the embodiment of the present application may also include: S811, the time network function network element sends a timing configuration information request message to the first access network device. Accordingly, the first access network device receives the timing configuration information request message from the time network function network element.

[0509] Optionally, the timing configuration information request message may include the identifier of the third terminal device and may also include one or more of the following: clock accuracy and timing frequency. In this way, the first access network device may be requested to provide timing to the third terminal device within its timing range.

[0510] In some embodiments, the method provided in the embodiments of the present application may further include: S812. The specific implementation of S812 is similar to that of the above-mentioned S712, and reference may be made to the specific implementation of the above-mentioned S712, which will not be repeated here.

[0511] In some embodiments, the method provided by the embodiments of the present application may further include: S813: The time network function network element may send time-frequency resource information to the third terminal device. Accordingly, the second terminal device receives the time-frequency resource information from the time network function network element. In this way, the third terminal device may receive timing information using the time-frequency resources indicated by the time-frequency resource information.

[0512] It should be noted that the present application does not limit the execution order of the above S811. S811 can be executed before or after sending the first timing indication message.

[0513] It should be noted that, when the first timing indication message includes the identifier of the fourth satellite signal, the identifier of the first terminal device, and the identifier of the second terminal device (corresponding to the above-mentioned method 2), the method provided in this embodiment of the present application may further include: S812 and S813. In this way, the third terminal device can receive the timing information in the time-frequency resource indicated by the time-frequency resource information.

[0514] In one possible implementation, the first timing indication message may include the identifier of the first satellite signal, the identifier of the first terminal device, the identifier of the third access network device and the identifier of the third terminal device, and may also include one or more of the following: clock accuracy and timing frequency.

[0515] Optionally, if the first timing indication message does not include the identifier of the first terminal device, it may be a default indication to provide timing to the terminal devices (including the first terminal device) that receive services provided by the first access network device.

[0516] S803-2: The time network function network element sends a second timing indication message to the second access network device. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the second timing indication message from the time network function network element.

[0517] It should be noted that the specific implementation method of S803-2 can refer to the specific implementation method of S803-1 mentioned above. The first access network device can be replaced by the second access network device, the first terminal device can be replaced by the second terminal device, and the first timing indication message can be replaced by the second timing indication message. It will not be repeated here.

[0518] S803-3: The time network function network element sends a third timing indication message to the second access network device. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the third timing indication message from the time network function network element.

[0519] Optionally, the timing method in the third timing indication message may include: receiving a second satellite signal to provide timing to the third terminal device (corresponding to the above method 1), or providing timing to the first terminal device based on the timing information of the first access network device or the second access network device (corresponding to the above method 3).

[0520] In a possible implementation, the third timing indication message may include the identifier of the second satellite signal and the identifier of the third terminal device, and may also include one or more of the following: clock accuracy, and timing frequency.

[0521] It should be noted that the above step S803-3 is an optional step. For example, if it is determined in the above step S802 that the authorization method corresponding to the third access network device is as follows: the third terminal device is timed according to the timing information of the first access network device or the second access network device (corresponding to the above method 3), the time network function network element may not execute S803-3, and the first access network device or the second access network device may indicate the authorization method to the third access network device.

[0522] S804-1, the first access network device provides time to the first terminal device.

[0523] Optionally, the first access network device may provide time synchronization to the first terminal device according to the first timing indication message.

[0524] In one possible implementation, the first timing indication message may include an identifier of the first satellite signal and an identifier of the first terminal device. S804-1 may include: the first access network device determining timing information based on the first satellite signal, and the first access network device sending the timing information to the first terminal device. For specific implementation, refer to steps 1 and 2 above.

[0525] In one possible implementation, the first timing indication message may include the identifier of the first satellite signal, the identifier of the first terminal device, and the identifier of the third terminal device. S804-1 may include: the first access network device determining timing information based on the first satellite signal, and the first access network device sending the timing information to the first terminal device and the third terminal device. For specific implementation, refer to steps 1 and 2 above. Accordingly, the third access network device may not provide timing information to the third terminal device.

[0526] In one possible implementation, the first timing indication message may include the identifier of the first satellite signal, the identifier of the first terminal device, the identifier of the third access network device, and the identifier of the third terminal device. The above S804-1 may include: the first access network device determines the timing information based on the first satellite signal, the first access network device sends the timing information to the first terminal device, and sends the timing information and the identifier of the third terminal device to the third access network device.

[0527] S804-2, the second access network device provides time to the second terminal device.

[0528] It should be noted that the specific implementation method of S804-2 can refer to the specific implementation method of S804-1 mentioned above. The first access network device can be replaced by the second access network device, the first terminal device can be replaced by the second terminal device, and the first timing indication message can be replaced by the second timing indication message. It will not be repeated here.

[0529] S804-3, the first access network device provides time to the third terminal device.

[0530] Exemplarily, the first access network device determines timing information based on the first satellite signal and sends the timing information to the third terminal device.

[0531] Figure 8 In the example, the first access network device provides time to the third terminal device.

[0532] In one possible design, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: a third access network device providing time synchronization to a third terminal device.

[0533] Optionally, the third timing indication message may include the identifier of the second satellite signal and the identifier of the third terminal device. The above-mentioned third access network device provides timing to the third terminal device, which may include: the third access network device determines the timing information based on the second satellite signal and sends the timing information to the third terminal device.

[0534] Optionally, the above-mentioned third access network device provides time synchronization to the third terminal device, which may include: the third access network device receives the timing information from the first access network device or the second access network device and the identifier of the third terminal device, and sends the timing information of the first access network device or the second access network device to the third terminal device.

[0535] based on Figure 8 In the method shown, when some access network devices can receive the same satellite signal while others cannot, the access network devices that can receive the same satellite signal can use this method to synchronize timing for the terminal devices they serve. For access network devices that cannot receive the same satellite signal, a timing method is determined based on the clock capability information corresponding to at least two access network devices. For example, several timing methods can be provided to the terminal devices served by the access network device, and the method with the lowest or lesser timing error can be selected for timing. This method can meet higher-precision time requirements and effectively reduce time errors in terminal devices.

[0536] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can refer to each other. In the various embodiments in this application, and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in each embodiment, if there is no special explanation and logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in each embodiment are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, implementation methods, implementation methods, or implementation methods according to their inherent logical relationships. The implementation methods of this application described below do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0537] Combination of the above Figure 4-Figure 8 The timing method provided by the embodiment of the present application is described in detail. Figure 9-10 Detailed description of the device provided in the embodiment of the present application, the device is used to implement Figure 4-Figure 8 The timing method in .

[0538] Figure 9A structural diagram of a device that can be used to implement an embodiment of the present application. Device 900 can be a time function network element (also called a time network function network element), an access network device, a mobility management network element (also called an access and mobility management function network element), a storage function network element (also called a network function storage library function network element), or a terminal device, or can be applied to a time function network element (also called a time network function network element), an access network device, a mobility management network element (also called an access and mobility management function network element), a storage function network element (also called a network function storage library function network element), or a chip or other component with corresponding functions in a terminal device. Figure 9 As shown, apparatus 900 may include a processor 901. Optionally, apparatus 900 may further include one or more of a memory 902 and a transceiver 903. Processor 901 may be coupled to one or more of memory 902 and transceiver 903, such as via a communication bus. Processor 901 may also be used alone.

[0539] The following combination Figure 9 The components of the device 900 are described in detail:

[0540] Processor 901 is the control center of device 900 and can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, processor 901 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement embodiments of the present application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs) or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0541] The processor 901 can execute various functions of the device 900 by running or executing software programs stored in the memory 902 and calling data stored in the memory 902.

[0542] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the processor 901 may include one or more CPUs, such as Figure 9 CPU0 and CPU1 are shown in the figure.

[0543] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the apparatus 900 may also include multiple processors, for example Figure 9901 and processor 904 are shown in FIG. Each of these processors can be a single-core processor (single-CPU) or a multi-core processor (multi-CPU). A processor herein can refer to one or more communication devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0544] Alternatively, the memory 902 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage communication device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage communication device that can store information and instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compact disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, Blu-ray disc, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage communication device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory 902 may be integrated with the processor 901 or exist independently and accessed through the input / output port ( Figure 9 (not shown) is coupled to the processor 901, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0545] Exemplarily, the input port can be used to implement the receiving function performed by the time function network element (also known as the time network function network element), access network equipment, mobility management network element (also known as access and mobility management function network element), storage function network element (also known as network function storage library function network element), or terminal equipment in any of the above method embodiments, and the output port can be used to implement the sending function performed by the time function network element (also known as the time network function network element), access network equipment, mobility management network element (also known as access and mobility management function network element), storage function network element (also known as network function storage library function network element), or terminal equipment in any of the above method embodiments.

[0546] The memory 902 may be used to store software programs for executing the solution of the present application, and the execution is controlled by the processor 901. The above specific implementation can be referred to the following method embodiment, which will not be described in detail here.

[0547] Optionally, the transceiver 903 is used for communication with other timing devices. For example, when the timing device 900 is a time network function network element, the transceiver 903 can be used to communicate with the access and mobility management function network element, the access network device and the network storage function network element. For another example, when the timing device 900 is an access network device, the transceiver 903 can be used to communicate with the access and mobility management function network element, the time network function network element, other access network devices and terminal devices. In addition, the transceiver 903 may include a receiver and a transmitter ( Figure 9 The receiver is used to implement the receiving function, and the transmitter is used to implement the sending function. The transceiver 903 can be integrated with the processor 901 or exist independently and is transmitted through the input / output port ( Figure 9 (not shown) is coupled to the processor 901, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0548] It should be noted that Figure 9 The structure of the timing device 900 shown in the figure does not constitute a limitation on the timing device. The actual timing device may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

[0549] Among them, the above Figure 2-Figure 7 The actions of the network function element in the time period can be determined by Figure 9 The processor 901 in the timing device 900 shown calls the application code stored in the memory 902 to instruct the time network function network element to execute.

[0550] above Figure 2-Figure 7 The actions of the access network equipment can be determined by Figure 9 The processor 901 in the timing device 900 shown calls the application code stored in the memory 902 to instruct the access network device to execute, and this embodiment does not impose any limitation on this.

[0551] above Figure 2-Figure 7 The actions of the access and mobility management function network element, network storage function network element, and terminal equipment can be controlled by Figure 9 The processor 901 in the timing device 900 shown calls the application code stored in the memory 902 to instruct the access and mobility management function network element, the network storage function network element, and the terminal device to execute respectively, and this embodiment does not impose any limitation on this.

[0552] When the timing device is a time network function network element, the timing device 900 may execute any one or more possible design methods involved in the time network function network element in the above method embodiment.

[0553] Exemplarily, the transceiver 903 is used to receive a clock configuration request message from a mobility management network element. The processor 901 is used to determine a timing mode based on the clock capability information corresponding to at least two access network devices. The transceiver 903 is also used to send a corresponding timing indication message to at least one access network device among the at least two access network devices. The clock configuration request message is used to request timing for one or more terminal devices, and the clock configuration request message includes: the identifiers of one or more terminal devices and the identifier of the access network device that provides services for the one or more terminal devices. The at least two access network devices include a device corresponding to the identifier of the access network device that provides services for the one or more terminal devices, and the clock capability information includes the identifiers of one or more satellite signals that the access network device can receive. The timing indication message is used to indicate the timing mode of the access network device for timing, and at least one access network device includes an access network device corresponding to the timing mode.

[0554] It should be noted that all relevant contents of each step involved in the above method embodiment can be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module and will not be repeated here.

[0555] When the apparatus is an access network device, the apparatus 900 may execute any one or more possible design modes involved in the access network device in the above method embodiment.

[0556] Exemplarily, the transceiver 903 is configured to send clock capability information to the mobility management network element, wherein the clock capability information includes identifiers of one or more satellite signals that the apparatus 1000 can receive.

[0557] The transceiver 903 is further configured to receive a timing indication message from the time function network element, wherein the timing indication message is used to indicate a timing mode for the access network device to perform timing.

[0558] The processor 901 is configured to perform timing according to a timing mode.

[0559] It should be noted that all relevant contents of each step involved in the above method embodiment can be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module and will not be repeated here.

[0560] When the device is a mobility management network element, the device 900 may execute any one or more possible design modes involved in the mobility management network element in the above method embodiment.

[0561] Exemplarily, the transceiver 903 is configured to receive a timing request message from a terminal device, wherein the timing request message is used to request timing for the terminal device, and includes: an identifier of the terminal device and an identifier of an access network device providing services to the terminal device.

[0562] The transceiver 903 is configured to send a clock configuration request message to the time function network element. The clock configuration request message is used to request timing for one or more terminal devices, and includes: the identifiers of the one or more terminal devices and the identifier of the access network device providing services for the one or more terminal devices.

[0563] It should be noted that all relevant contents of each step involved in the above method embodiment can be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module and will not be repeated here.

[0564] When the device is a storage function network element, the device 900 can execute any one or more possible design methods involved in the storage function network element in the above method embodiment.

[0565] Exemplarily, the transceiver 903 is configured to receive a capability registration request message from a mobility management network element, wherein the capability registration request message includes clock capability information, and the clock capability information includes identifiers of one or more satellite signals that the access network device can receive.

[0566] The transceiver 903 is configured to send a capability notification message to the time function network element, wherein the capability notification message includes clock capability information.

[0567] It should be noted that all relevant contents of each step involved in the above method embodiment can be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module and will not be repeated here.

[0568] When the apparatus is an end device, the apparatus 900 may execute any one or more possible design modes involved in the terminal device in the above method embodiment.

[0569] Exemplarily, the transceiver 903 is configured to send a timing request message to the mobility management network element, wherein the timing request message is used to request timing for the device, and includes an identifier of the device and an identifier of an access network device providing services for the device.

[0570] The transceiver 903 is further configured to receive timing information from at least two access network devices.

[0571] It should be noted that all relevant contents of each step involved in the above method embodiment can be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module and will not be repeated here.

[0572] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another device provided in an embodiment of the present application. For ease of explanation, Figure 10 Only the main components of the device are shown.

[0573] Apparatus 1000 includes a transceiver module 1001 and a processing module 1002. Apparatus 1000 may be a time function network element (TFNE) or an access network device in the aforementioned method embodiments. Transceiver module 1001, also referred to as a transceiver unit, implements the transceiver functions performed by the TFNE or access network device in any of the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0574] It should be noted that the transceiver module 1001 may include a receiving module and a sending module ( Figure 10 (not shown). The receiving module is used to receive data and / or signaling from other devices; the sending module is used to send data and / or signaling to other devices. This application does not specifically limit the specific implementation of the transceiver module. The transceiver module can be composed of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0575] The processing module 1002 may be configured to implement the processing functions performed by the time function network element or the access network device in any of the above method embodiments. The processing module 1002 may be a processor.

[0576] In this embodiment, the device 1000 is presented in the form of various functional modules divided in an integrated manner. The "module" here can refer to a specific ASIC, circuit, processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuit, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions. In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art can imagine that the device 1000 can be used Figure 9 The form of the device 900 is shown.

[0577] for example, Figure 9 The processor 901 in the device 900 shown can execute the timing method in the above method embodiment by calling the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 902.

[0578] Specifically, Figure 10 The functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 1001 and the processing module 1002 can be realized by Figure 9 The processor 901 in the device 900 shown calls the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 902 to implement. Or, Figure 10 The function / implementation process of the processing module 1002 can be achieved by Figure 9 The processor 901 in the device 900 shown calls the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 902 to implement, Figure 10 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1001 can be achieved by Figure 9 The transceiver 903 in the apparatus 900 shown in FIG.

[0579] Since the device 1000 provided in this embodiment can execute the above-mentioned timing method, the technical effects that can be obtained can be referred to the above-mentioned method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0580] In one possible design, Figure 10 The device 1000 shown is suitable for Figure 1a In the system shown, the function of the time function network element in any of the above method embodiments is performed.

[0581] Among them, the transceiver module 1001 is used to receive a clock configuration request message from the mobility management network element. The processing module 1002 is used to determine the timing mode according to the clock capability information corresponding to at least two access network devices. The transceiver module 1001 is also used to send a corresponding timing indication message to at least one access network device among the at least two access network devices. Among them, the clock configuration request message is used to request timing for one or more terminal devices, and the clock configuration request message includes: the identification of one or more terminal devices and the identification of one or more access network devices that provide services to the one or more terminal devices. The at least two access network devices include an access network device that provides services to one or more terminal devices, and the clock capability information corresponding to the at least two access network devices includes the identification of one or more satellite signals that the at least two access network devices can receive respectively. The timing indication message is used to indicate the timing mode, and the at least one access network device includes the access network device corresponding to the timing mode.

[0582] In one possible design, if at least two access network devices are capable of receiving the first satellite signal, the processing module 1002 is also used to determine the timing modes corresponding to the at least two access network devices, including: receiving the first satellite signal and providing time to one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the access network device.

[0583] In one possible design, the at least two access network devices include a first access network device, a second access network device, and a third access network device. If the first access network device and the second access network device can receive the first satellite signal but do not support the second satellite signal, and the third access network device does not support the first satellite signal but can receive the second satellite signal, then the processing module 1002 is further configured to determine whether the timing mode corresponding to the first access network device includes: receiving the first satellite signal and providing time to one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the first access network device; and whether the timing mode corresponding to the second access network device includes: receiving the first satellite signal and providing time to one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the second access network device. The timing mode corresponding to the third access network device is determined based on the timing error accuracy.

[0584] Optionally, the timing error accuracy is the time error accuracy between the terminal device receiving the service provided by the third access network device and the terminal device receiving the service provided by the first access network device, or the timing error accuracy is the time error accuracy between the terminal device receiving the service provided by the third access network device and the terminal device receiving the service provided by the second access network device.

[0585] In one possible design, the timing method corresponding to the third access network device may include: receiving a second satellite signal and providing time to one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the third access network device.

[0586] In one possible design, the timing mode corresponding to the first access network device or the timing mode corresponding to the second access network device may also include one or more of the following modes with the least timing error accuracy: receiving the first satellite signal and providing timing to terminal devices in the area indicated by the timing range of the access network device among one or more terminal devices; or, when the first access network device or the second access network device is able to communicate with the third access network device, receiving the first satellite signal, providing timing to the third access network device, and instructing the third access network device to provide timing to terminal devices in one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the third access network device. The timing range can be used to indicate an area that can receive the timing signal sent by the access network device. The timing mode corresponding to the third access network device may include: providing timing to terminal devices in one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the third access network device based on the timing information of the first access network device and / or the timing information of the second access network device.

[0587] In one possible design, if the one or more satellite signals that at least two access network devices can receive are different, the processing module 1002 is further configured to determine that the timing modes corresponding to the at least two access network devices include one or more of the following modes with the least timing error accuracy: timing for one or more terminal devices receiving services provided by the access network device, timing for one or more terminal devices within an area indicated by a timing range of the access network device, and timing for one or more terminal devices receiving services provided by the access network device based on timing information of access network devices other than the access network device. The timing range indicates an area that can receive timing signals sent by the access network device.

[0588] In one possible design, the timing method may further include: a weight for using the first satellite signal for timing.

[0589] In one possible design, the clock capability information may also include a timing range and / or clock accuracy supported by the access network device.

[0590] In a possible design, the transceiver module 1001 is further configured to receive a capability notification message from a storage function network element, wherein the capability notification message may include clock capability information.

[0591] In one possible design, the timing indication message may include one or more of the following: the identification of one or more terminal devices, the identification of one or more access network devices, the identification of one or more satellite signals, the clock accuracy and timing frequency, and weight information, the weight information is used to indicate the weight of using the first satellite signal for timing.

[0592] In one possible design, the clock configuration request message may further include: the clock accuracy expected by the terminal device, and / or the timing frequency expected by the terminal device.

[0593] It should be noted that all relevant contents of each step involved in the above method embodiment can be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module and will not be repeated here.

[0594] It should be noted that the transceiver module 1001 may include a receiving module and a sending module ( Figure 10 (not shown). The receiving module may be used to receive data and / or signaling from a mobility management network element, an access network device, and a storage function network element; and the sending module may be used to send data and / or signaling to the mobility management network element, the storage function network element, and the access network device. This application does not specifically limit the specific implementation of the transceiver module 1001.

[0595] Optionally, the device 1000 may further include a storage module ( Figure 10 (not shown), the storage module stores a program or instruction. When the processing module 1002 executes the program or instruction, the device 1000 can execute Figure 4-Figure 8 The function of the time function network element in the method shown.

[0596] It should be noted that the device 1000 can be a time function network element, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the time function network element, and this application does not limit this.

[0597] In addition, the technical effects of the device 1000 can be referred to Figure 4-Figure 8 The technical effects of the timing method shown will not be described in detail here.

[0598] In another possible design, Figure 10 The device 1000 shown is suitable for Figure 1a In the system shown, the functions of the access network device in any of the above method embodiments are performed.

[0599] The transceiver module 1001 is configured to send clock capability information to the mobility management network element, wherein the clock capability information includes identifiers of one or more satellite signals that the apparatus 1000 can receive.

[0600] The transceiver module 1001 is further configured to receive a timing indication message from a time function network element, wherein the timing indication message is used to indicate a timing mode for the access network device to perform timing.

[0601] The processing module 1002 is configured to provide timing according to the timing mode.

[0602] In one possible design, the clock capability information may also include a timing range and / or clock accuracy supported by the device. The timing range is used to indicate an area that can receive the timing signal sent by the device.

[0603] In one possible design, the timing indication message may include one or more of the following: the identification of one or more terminal devices, the identification of one or more access network devices, the identification of one or more satellite signals, clock accuracy, and timing frequency, and weight information, where the weight information is used to indicate the weight of using the first satellite signal for timing.

[0604] In a possible design, the timing method may include: receiving a first satellite signal and providing time to a terminal device receiving a service provided by the device. The first satellite signal is a satellite signal that the device can receive.

[0605] In one possible design, the timing method may include: receiving a first satellite signal and providing time service to a terminal device within an area indicated by a timing range of the device. The first satellite signal is a satellite signal that the device can receive.

[0606] In one possible design, the timing method may include: receiving a first satellite signal, providing timing to a device other than the device, and instructing the device other than the device to provide timing to a terminal device receiving a service provided by the device other than the device. The first satellite signal is a satellite signal that the device can receive.

[0607] In one possible design, the timing method may include: receiving one or more satellite signals that the receiving device can receive, and providing time to a terminal device that receives services provided by the device.

[0608] In one possible design, the timing method may include: providing time to a terminal device that receives a service provided by the device based on timing information of a device other than the device.

[0609] In one possible design, the timing indication message may include identifiers of one or more terminal devices. The processing module 1002 is further configured to determine timing information based on the first satellite signal. The transceiver module 1001 is further configured to send the timing information to one or more terminal devices corresponding to the identifiers of the one or more terminal devices.

[0610] In one possible design, the timing indication message may include identifiers of one or more access network devices. The processing module 1002 is further configured to determine timing information based on the first satellite signal. The transceiver module 1001 is further configured to send the timing information and the terminal device identifier to one or more access network devices corresponding to the identifiers of the one or more access network devices.

[0611] In a possible design, the transceiver module 1001 is further configured to receive timing information and an identifier of a terminal device from a device other than the device, and to send timing information to a terminal device corresponding to the identifier of the terminal device.

[0612] It should be noted that all relevant contents of each step involved in the above method embodiment can be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module and will not be repeated here.

[0613] It should be noted that the transceiver module 1001 may include a receiving module and a sending module ( Figure 10 (not shown). The receiving module is used to receive data and / or signaling from the time function network element, other access network devices, and terminal devices; and the sending module is used to send data and / or signaling to the mobility management network element, the time function network element, other access network devices, and terminal devices. This application does not specifically limit the specific implementation of the transceiver module.

[0614] Optionally, the device 1000 may further include a storage module ( Figure 10 (not shown in the figure), the storage module stores a program or instruction. When the processing module executes the program or instruction, the device 1000 can execute Figure 4-Figure 8 The functions of the access network device in the method shown.

[0615] It should be noted that the apparatus 1000 may be an access network device, or may be a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be provided in the access network device, and this application does not limit this.

[0616] In addition, the technical effects of the device 1000 can be referred to Figure 4-Figure 8 The technical effects of the timing method shown will not be described in detail here.

[0617] In some embodiments, the apparatus corresponding to the mobility management network element, the storage function network element, or the terminal device may include a sending module and a receiving module, and optionally, may also include a processing module and a storage module. The apparatus performs the functions corresponding to the mobility management network element, the storage function network element, or the terminal device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0618] The sending module, which may also be referred to as a sending unit, is used to implement the sending function performed by the mobility management network element, the storage function network element, or the terminal device in any of the above method embodiments. The receiving module, which may also be referred to as a receiving unit, is used to implement the receiving function performed by the mobility management network element, the storage function network element, or the terminal device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0619] The processing module can be used to implement the processing function executed by the mobility management network element, the storage function network element, or the terminal device in any of the above method embodiments. The processing module can be a processor.

[0620] It should be noted that all relevant contents of each step involved in the above method embodiment can be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here. Figure 4-Figure 8 The technical effects of the timing method shown will not be described in detail here.

[0621] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication system. The communication system includes: a time function network element and an access network device. Optionally, the communication system may also include a mobility management network element and a storage function network element.

[0622] Among them, the time function network element is used to execute the actions of the time function network element in the above method embodiment. The specific execution method and process can refer to the above method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0623] The access network device is used to execute the actions of the access network device in the above method embodiment. The specific execution method and process can refer to the above method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0624] The mobility management network element is used to execute the actions of the mobility management network element in the above method embodiment. The specific execution method and process can refer to the above method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0625] The storage function network element is used to execute the actions of the storage function network element in the above method embodiment. The specific execution method and process can refer to the above method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0626] The present invention provides a chip system including a logic circuit and an input / output port. The logic circuit can be used to implement the processing functions involved in the timing method provided in the present invention, and the input / output port can be used for the transceiver functions involved in the timing method provided in the present invention.

[0627] Exemplarily, the input port may be used to implement the receiving function involved in the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application, and the output port may be used to implement the sending function involved in the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0628] For example, the processor in apparatus 900 may be used to perform, for example, but not limited to, baseband-related processing, and the transceiver in apparatus 900 may be used to perform, for example, but not limited to, radio frequency transceiver. The aforementioned devices may be provided on separate chips, or at least partially or entirely on the same chip. For example, the processor may be further divided into an analog baseband processor and a digital baseband processor. The analog baseband processor may be integrated with the transceiver on the same chip, while the digital baseband processor may be provided on a separate chip. With the continuous development of integrated circuit technology, more and more devices can be integrated on the same chip. For example, a digital baseband processor may be integrated with multiple application processors (for example, but not limited to, a graphics processor, a multimedia processor, etc.) on the same chip. Such a chip may be referred to as a system on chip. Whether each device is provided independently on different chips or integrated on one or more chips often depends on the specific needs of the product design. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation of the aforementioned devices.

[0629] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory, which is used to store program instructions and data for implementing the functions involved in the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0630] The chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0631] An embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application is executed.

[0632] An embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which includes: a computer program or instructions, which, when the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, enables the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application to be executed.

[0633] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), and the processor may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0634] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0635] The above embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware (such as circuits), firmware or any other combination. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer program are loaded or executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via a wired (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that contains one or more available media sets. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a tape), an optical medium (for example, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium. The semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0636] It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein simply describes a relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A alone, A and B together, or B alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, the character " / " as used herein generally indicates an "or" relationship between the associated objects, but it may also indicate an "and / or" relationship. For specific understanding, please refer to the context.

[0637] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, "at least two" and "plurality" mean two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or plural.

[0638] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0639] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0640] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0641] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0642] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0643] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0644] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0645] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A timing method, characterized in that: include: The time function network element receives a clock configuration request message from the mobility management network element; wherein the clock configuration request message is used to request time synchronization for one or more terminal devices, and the clock configuration request message includes: identifiers of the one or more terminal devices and identifiers of one or more access network devices providing services for the one or more terminal devices; The time function network element determines, based on the clock capability information respectively corresponding to the at least two access network devices, a timing mode in which one or more access network devices of the at least two access network devices perform timing on the one or more terminal devices; wherein the at least two access network devices include access network devices that provide services for the one or more terminal devices, and the clock capability information respectively corresponding to the at least two access network devices includes identifiers of one or more satellite signals that can be received by the at least two access network devices respectively; The time function network element sends a corresponding timing indication message to at least one access network device among the at least two access network devices; wherein, the timing indication message is used to indicate the timing mode, and the at least one access network device includes the access network device corresponding to the timing mode.

2. The timing method according to claim 1, wherein: The time function network element determines, based on clock capability information respectively corresponding to at least two access network devices, a timing mode in which one or more access network devices of the at least two access network devices provide time to the one or more terminal devices, including: If the at least two access network devices are both capable of receiving the first satellite signal, the time function network element determines the timing modes corresponding to the at least two access network devices respectively, including: receiving the first satellite signal and timing the terminal devices among the one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the access network device.

3. The timing method according to claim 1, wherein: The at least two access network devices include a first access network device, a second access network device, and a third access network device, and the time function network element determines, based on clock capability information respectively corresponding to the at least two access network devices, a timing mode in which one or more access network devices of the at least two access network devices perform timing on the one or more terminal devices, including: If the first access network device and the second access network device can receive the first satellite signal but do not support receiving the second satellite signal, and the third access network device does not support receiving the first satellite signal but can receive the second satellite signal, then the time function network element determines that the timing mode corresponding to the first access network device includes: receiving the first satellite signal and providing time to the terminal device among the one or more terminal devices that receives the service provided by the first access network device; the timing mode corresponding to the second access network device includes: receiving the first satellite signal and providing time to the terminal device among the one or more terminal devices that receives the service provided by the second access network device; the timing mode corresponding to the third access network device is determined based on the timing error accuracy, and the timing error accuracy is the time error accuracy between the terminal device that receives the service provided by the third access network device and the terminal device that receives the service provided by the first access network device, or the timing error accuracy is the time error accuracy between the terminal device that receives the service provided by the third access network device and the terminal device that receives the service provided by the second access network device.

4. The timing method according to claim 3, wherein: The timing method corresponding to the third access network device includes: receiving the second satellite signal, and providing time to a terminal device among the one or more terminal devices that receives the service provided by the third access network device.

5. The timing method according to claim 3, wherein: The timing mode corresponding to the first access network device, or the timing mode corresponding to the second access network device, further includes the mode with the smallest timing error accuracy among one or more of the following modes: receiving the first satellite signal, and providing timing to terminal devices among the one or more terminal devices that are within an area indicated by a timing range of the access network device; or, when the first access network device or the second access network device is capable of communicating with the third access network device, receiving the first satellite signal, providing timing to the third access network device, and instructing the third access network device to provide timing to terminal devices among the one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the third access network device; wherein the timing range is used to indicate an area capable of receiving the timing signal sent by the access network device; The timing method corresponding to the third access network device includes: timing the terminal device among the one or more terminal devices that receives the service provided by the third access network device based on the timing information of the first access network device and / or the timing information of the second access network device.

6. The timing method according to claim 1, wherein: The time function network element determines, based on clock capability information respectively corresponding to at least two access network devices, a timing mode in which one or more access network devices of the at least two access network devices provide time to the one or more terminal devices, including: If the one or more satellite signals that can be received by the at least two access network devices are all different, the time function network element determines that the timing mode corresponding to the at least two access network devices includes one or more of the following modes with the smallest timing error accuracy: timing for the terminal devices among the one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the access network device, timing for the terminal devices among the one or more terminal devices that are within the area indicated by the timing range of the access network device, and timing for the terminal devices among the one or more terminal devices that receive services provided by the access network device based on the timing information of access network devices other than the access network device; wherein the timing range is used to indicate the area that can receive the timing signal sent by the access network device.

7. The timing method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The timing method further includes: using the weight of the first satellite signal for timing.

8. The timing method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The clock capability information also includes the timing range and / or the clock accuracy supported by the access network device.

9. The timing method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Receive a capability notification message from a storage function network element; wherein the capability notification message includes the clock capability information.

10. The timing method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The timing indication message includes one or more of the following: the identification of one or more terminal devices, the identification of one or more access network devices, the identification of one or more satellite signals, the clock accuracy and timing frequency, and weight information, wherein the weight information is used to indicate the weight of using the first satellite signal for timing.

11. The timing method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The clock configuration request message also includes: the clock accuracy expected by the terminal device, and / or the timing frequency expected by the terminal device.

12. A timing method, characterized in that: include: The access network device sends clock capability information to the mobility management network element; wherein the clock capability information includes an identifier of one or more satellite signals that the access network device can receive; The access network device receives a timing indication message from a time function network element; wherein the timing indication message is used to indicate a timing mode for the access network device to perform timing; The access network device performs time synchronization according to the time synchronization method.

13. The timing method according to claim 12, wherein: The clock capability information also includes a timing range and / or a clock accuracy supported by the access network device. The timing range is used to indicate an area that can receive a timing signal sent by the access network device.

14. The timing method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The timing indication message includes one or more of the following: the identification of one or more terminal devices, the identification of one or more access network devices, the identification of one or more satellite signals, clock accuracy, and timing frequency, and weight information, wherein the weight information is used to indicate the weight of using the first satellite signal for timing.

15. The timing method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that: The timing method includes: receiving a first satellite signal and providing time to a terminal device that receives services provided by the access network device; the first satellite signal is a satellite signal that can be received by the access network device.

16. The timing method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that: The timing method includes: receiving a first satellite signal and providing time to terminal equipment within an area indicated by a timing range of the access network device; the first satellite signal is a satellite signal that can be received by the access network device.

17. The timing method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that: The timing method includes: receiving a first satellite signal, performing timing on access network devices other than the access network device, and instructing access network devices other than the access network device to perform timing on terminal devices that receive services provided by access network devices other than the access network device; the first satellite signal is a satellite signal that can be received by the access network device.

18. The timing method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that: The timing method includes: receiving one or more satellite signals that can be received by the access network device, and providing time to a terminal device that receives a service provided by the access network device.

19. The timing method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that: The timing method includes: timing the terminal equipment receiving the service provided by the access network equipment according to the timing information of the access network equipment other than the access network equipment.

20. The timing method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that: The timing indication message includes the identifier of one or more terminal devices, and performing timing according to the timing mode includes: determining timing information according to the first satellite signal; The timing information is sent to one or more terminal devices corresponding to the identifiers of the one or more terminal devices.

21. The timing method according to claim 17, wherein: The timing indication message includes the identifiers of one or more access network devices, and performing timing according to the timing mode includes: determining timing information according to the first satellite signal; Send the timing information and the identifier of the terminal device to one or more access network devices corresponding to the identifiers of the one or more access network devices.

22. The timing method according to claim 19, wherein: The performing time service according to the time service mode includes: Receiving timing information and an identifier of a terminal device from an access network device other than the access network device; Send timing information to the terminal device corresponding to the identifier of the terminal device.

23. A device, characterized in that The apparatus comprises units or modules for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

24. A device, characterized in that The apparatus comprises units or modules for performing the method according to any one of claims 12 to 22.

25. A device, characterized in that The device includes: a processor; the processor is configured to execute the timing method according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instruction, and when the computer program or instruction is run on a computer, the timing method according to any one of claims 1 to 22 is executed.

27. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises: a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, the timing method according to any one of claims 1 to 22 is executed.

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