Timing method and communication device

Abstract

An embodiment of the present application provides a timing method and communication device, the method comprising: a clock management network element receiving a clock request message from at least one terminal device, the clock request message including an identifier of the terminal device and the timing accuracy requested by the terminal device, the at least one terminal device including a second terminal device requesting a first timing accuracy; the clock management network element determining that a first clock deployed on the first terminal device satisfies the first timing accuracy; the clock management network element sending first timing configuration information to the first terminal device, the first timing configuration information including an identifier of the second terminal device. Based on the present application, the manner in which the first terminal device provides timing to the second terminal device can be optimized to achieve isolation of timing information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a timing method and a communication device. Background Art

[0002] In wireless communication systems, user equipment (UE) can communicate directly with each other without the aid of network equipment. This direct communication interface between UEs is called the PC5 interface. The PC5 interface can also be used for device-to-device (D2D) communication and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. For example, in V2X communication, each vehicle is a UE. Since data can be transmitted directly between UEs without going through the network, communication latency can be effectively reduced.

[0003] If two UEs that can communicate directly have at least one clock deployed on one UE and the other UE has timing requirements, the UE deployed with the clock can provide timing for the UE with timing requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiment of the present application provides a timing method to optimize the timing mode.

[0005] In a first aspect, a time synchronization method is provided, the method comprising: a clock management network element receives a clock request message from at least one terminal device, the clock request message including an identifier of the terminal device and a time synchronization accuracy requested by the terminal device, the at least one terminal device including a second terminal device requesting a first time synchronization accuracy; the clock management network element determines that a first clock deployed on the first terminal device satisfies the first time synchronization accuracy; the clock management network element sends first time synchronization configuration information to the first terminal device, the first time synchronization configuration information including an identifier of the second terminal device.

[0006] Among them, if the timing accuracy of the first clock deployed on the first terminal device is the same as the first timing accuracy, or the timing accuracy of the first clock deployed on the first terminal device is higher than the first timing accuracy, it means that the first clock deployed on the first terminal device meets the first timing accuracy.

[0007] Based on the above technical solution, when the clock management network element determines that the first terminal device has deployed a first clock that meets the first timing accuracy, it sends the first timing configuration information to the first terminal device. The first timing configuration information includes the identifier of the second terminal device that requests the first timing accuracy, so that the first terminal device can send the information of the first clock within the first terminal device group according to the first timing configuration information. The first terminal device group includes the first terminal device and the second terminal device. It can be understood that since the first terminal device sends the information of the first clock within the first terminal device group, and the first terminal device group includes the second terminal device that requests the first timing accuracy, it is beneficial for the first terminal device to send the information of the first clock to the second terminal device that requests the first timing accuracy, and not to send the information of the first clock to the terminal device that does not request the first timing accuracy, thereby optimizing the way in which the first terminal device provides time to the second terminal device and realizing the isolation of timing information. Among them, the information of the first clock is used as reference clock information (reference time information) to provide time for the second terminal device. The information of the first clock can also be called timing information.

[0008] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method also includes: the clock management network element determines a first terminal device group based on the clock request message, the first terminal device group includes the first terminal device and the terminal device requesting the first timing accuracy among the at least one terminal device, and the terminal device requesting the first timing accuracy among the at least one terminal device includes the second terminal device; the first timing configuration information is used to indicate information about sending the first clock within the first terminal device group, and the first timing configuration information includes an identifier of the terminal device requesting the first timing accuracy among the at least one terminal device.

[0009] Based on the above technical solution, the clock management network element determines the first terminal device group, and instructs the first terminal device group to send the first clock information through the first timing configuration information, so that the first terminal device can directly determine the first clock information to be sent within the first terminal device group according to the first timing configuration information, without increasing the processing burden of the first terminal device.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the clock management network element determines, based on the contract information of the second terminal device, that the second terminal device has subscribed to the clock service with the first timing accuracy.

[0011] The contract information of the second terminal device includes the clock service subscribed by the second terminal device.

[0012] Based on the above technical solution, the clock management network element can determine that the second terminal device has subscribed to the clock service with the first timing accuracy based on the contract information of the second terminal device, thereby avoiding providing the second terminal device with a clock service with high timing accuracy that the second terminal device has not subscribed to, and further realizing the isolation of timing information.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the clock management network element sending an identifier of the first terminal device to the second terminal device.

[0014] Based on the above technical solution, the clock management network element sends the identifier of the first terminal device to the second terminal device, so that the second terminal device can request time synchronization from the first terminal device based on the identifier of the first terminal device, instead of requesting time synchronization from other terminal devices, thereby avoiding the second terminal device from obtaining information about the clock that the second terminal device does not need, thereby realizing the isolation of timing information.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method also includes: the clock management network element obtains first security information, the first security information is obtained from the first terminal device, the clock management network element sends the first security information to the second terminal device, and the first security information is used by the second terminal device to decrypt the information of the first clock encrypted by the first terminal device.

[0016] Based on the above technical solution, the clock management network element sends the first security information for decrypting the encrypted information of the first clock to the second terminal device, so that the first terminal device can send the encrypted information of the first clock to the second terminal device, which can ensure the safe transmission of the information of the first clock and prevent other terminal devices from obtaining the information of the first clock, thereby realizing the isolation of timing information.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the clock management network element obtains second security information, then the first timing configuration information also includes second security information, and the second security information is used by the first terminal device to encrypt the information of the first clock; the method also includes: the clock management network element sends the first security information to the second terminal device, and the first security information is used by the second terminal device to decrypt the information of the first clock encrypted by the first terminal device.

[0018] Based on the above technical solution, the clock management network element sends the first security information to the second terminal device, and sends the second security information to the first terminal device, so that the first terminal device can send the encrypted first clock information to the second terminal device, which can ensure the safe transmission of the first clock information and prevent other terminal devices from obtaining the first clock information, thereby realizing the isolation of timing information.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the clock management network element determining that a second clock meeting a second timing accuracy is also deployed on the first terminal device.

[0020] Exemplarily, the second timing accuracy is different from the first timing accuracy.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the clock management network element sending an identifier of the first clock to the second terminal device.

[0022] Based on the above technical solution, when multiple clocks with different timing accuracy are deployed on the first terminal device, the clock management network element sends the identifier of the first clock to the second terminal device, so that the second terminal device can request information of the first clock from the first terminal device based on the identifier of the first clock.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first timing configuration information further includes an identifier of the first clock.

[0024] Based on the above technical solution, when multiple clocks with different timing accuracy are deployed on the first terminal device, the clock management network element sends the identifier of the first clock to the first terminal device, so that the first terminal device can determine to send the information of the first clock to the second terminal device instead of sending the information of other clocks, thereby realizing the isolation of timing information.

[0025] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the at least one terminal device also includes a third terminal device that requests the second timing accuracy, and the method also includes: the clock management network element sends second timing configuration information to the first terminal device, and the second timing configuration information includes an identifier of the third terminal device and an identifier of the second clock.

[0026] Based on the above technical solution, when the clock management network element determines that the first terminal device has deployed a second clock that meets the second timing accuracy, it sends the second timing configuration information to the first terminal device. The second timing configuration information includes the identifier of the third terminal device that requests the second timing accuracy, so that the first terminal device can send the second clock information within the second terminal device group according to the second timing configuration information. The second terminal device group includes the first terminal device and the third terminal device. It can be understood that since the first terminal device sends the second clock information within the second terminal device group, and the second terminal device group includes the third terminal device that requests the second timing accuracy, it is beneficial for the first terminal device to send the second clock information to the third terminal device that requests the second timing accuracy, and not to send the second clock information to the terminal device that does not request the second timing accuracy, thereby realizing the isolation of timing information. Among them, the second clock information is used to provide timing for the third terminal device.

[0027] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method also includes: the clock management network element receives clock capability information of the first terminal device from the access and mobility management function network element or the network storage function network element, and the clock capability information includes the identification of the first terminal device and at least one of the following: the timing accuracy of the at least one clock, the identification of the at least one clock, and at least one security information for decrypting the encrypted information of the at least one clock.

[0028] Based on the above technical solution, after the clock management network element receives the clock capability information of the first terminal device, it can determine the timing accuracy of the clock deployed on the first terminal device according to the clock capability information of the first terminal device.

[0029] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the at least one terminal device also includes a fifth terminal device requesting a third timing accuracy, and the method also includes: the clock management network element determines that the third clock deployed on the fourth terminal device meets the third timing accuracy; the clock management network element sends third timing configuration information to the fourth terminal device, and the third timing configuration information includes an identifier of the fifth terminal device.

[0030] In a second aspect, a time synchronization method is provided, the method comprising: a first terminal device receives first timing configuration information from a clock management network element, the first timing configuration information including an identifier of a second terminal device; the first terminal device determines a first terminal device group based on the first timing configuration information, the first terminal device group including the first terminal device and the second terminal device; the first terminal device sends information of a first clock within the first terminal device group, the first clock being a clock deployed on the first terminal device that meets the first timing accuracy.

[0031] The information of the first clock is used to provide timing for the terminal devices in the first terminal device group, and the information of the first clock may also be referred to as first timing information. The timing accuracy of the first clock is the same as the first timing accuracy, or the timing accuracy of the first clock is higher than the first timing accuracy.

[0032] Based on the above technical solution, the first terminal device can determine the first terminal device group based on the first timing configuration information and send the first clock information within the first terminal device group, where the first terminal device group includes the first terminal device and the second terminal device. It can be understood that since the first terminal device sends the first clock information within the first terminal device group, and the first terminal device group includes the second terminal device that requests the first timing accuracy, it is beneficial for the first terminal device to send the first clock information to the second terminal device that requests the first timing accuracy, and not to send the first clock information to terminal devices that do not request the first timing accuracy, thereby achieving isolation of timing information.

[0033] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first timing configuration information is used to indicate information about sending the first clock within the first terminal device group.

[0034] Based on the above technical solution, the first timing configuration information indicates the information of sending the first clock within the first terminal device group, so that the first terminal device can directly determine the information of sending the first clock within the first terminal device group based on the first timing configuration information, without increasing the processing burden of the first terminal device.

[0035] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first terminal device sends information of the first clock within the first terminal device group, including: the first terminal device receives a timing request message from the second terminal device, and the timing request message includes an identifier of the second terminal device; the first terminal device determines that the second terminal device belongs to the first terminal device group based on the identifier of the second terminal device; and the first terminal device sends information of the first clock to the second terminal device.

[0036] Based on the above technical solution, the first terminal device will send the first clock information to the second terminal device only when the first terminal device determines that the first terminal device belongs to the first terminal device group according to the identification of the second terminal device, thereby achieving isolation of timing information.

[0037] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first terminal device sends the information of the first clock within the first terminal device group, including: the first terminal device sends the information of the first clock to the terminal devices in the first terminal device group via multicast.

[0038] Based on the above technical solution, if the first terminal device group includes multiple terminal devices requesting the first timing accuracy, the first terminal device sends the information of the first clock via multicast, which can save signaling.

[0039] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method also includes: the first terminal device encrypts the information of the first clock based on the second security information; the first terminal device sends the information of the first clock within the first terminal device group, including: the first terminal device sends the encrypted information of the first clock within the first terminal device group.

[0040] Based on the above technical solution, the first terminal device encrypts the first clock information, ensuring secure transmission of the first clock information. Because the first terminal device transmits encrypted first clock information, only terminal devices that have access to the first security information can decrypt the encrypted first clock information. Terminal devices that have not accessed the first security information cannot correctly obtain the first clock information, thus achieving isolation of timing information.

[0041] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first timing configuration information also includes the second security information.

[0042] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, when the first terminal device further deploys a second clock that meets the second timing accuracy, the first timing configuration information further includes an identifier of the first clock.

[0043] Exemplarily, the second timing accuracy is different from the first timing accuracy.

[0044] Based on the above technical solution, the first timing configuration information includes the identifier of the first clock and is sent to the first terminal device, so that the first terminal device can determine to send the information of the first clock to the second terminal device based on the first timing configuration information instead of sending information of other clocks, thereby realizing the isolation of timing information.

[0045] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, when the first terminal device also deploys a second clock that meets the second timing accuracy, the first terminal device determines the first terminal device group based on the first timing configuration information, including: the first terminal device sends the identifier of the first terminal device and the identifier of the at least one clock to the second terminal device based on the first timing configuration information; the first terminal device receives the identifier of the second terminal device and the identifier of the first clock from the second terminal device; the first terminal device determines that the first terminal device group includes the first terminal device and the second terminal device based on the identifier of the second terminal device and the identifier of the first clock.

[0046] Based on the above technical solution, if the first terminal device deploys multiple clocks with different timing accuracy, the first terminal device sends the identifier of at least one clock to the second terminal device and receives the identifier of the first clock fed back by the second terminal device, so that it can be determined that the second terminal device belongs to the first terminal device group rather than other terminal device groups. Therefore, the first terminal device sends the information of the first clock in the first terminal device group, and can send the information of the first clock to the second terminal device instead of sending the information of other clocks, thereby realizing the isolation of timing information.

[0047] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method also includes: the first terminal device receives second timing configuration information from the clock management network element, and the second timing configuration information includes an identifier of a third terminal device; the first terminal device determines a second terminal device group based on the second timing configuration information, and the second terminal device group includes the first terminal device and the third terminal device; the first terminal device sends information about the second clock within the second terminal device group.

[0048] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method also includes: the first terminal device sends clock capability information to the access and mobility management function network element, and the clock capability information includes the identification of the first terminal device and at least one of the following: the timing accuracy of the at least one clock, the identification of the at least one clock, and at least one security information used to decrypt the information of the at least one clock encrypted by the first terminal device.

[0049] According to a third aspect, a method for timing is provided, which includes: a second terminal device sends a clock request message to a clock management network element, the clock request message including an identifier of the second terminal device and a first timing accuracy requested by the second terminal device; the second terminal device receives an identifier of a first terminal device from the clock management network element, and a first clock deployed on the first terminal device meets the first timing accuracy; the second terminal device sends a timing request message to the first terminal device according to the identifier of the first terminal device; the second terminal device receives information about the first clock from the first terminal device.

[0050] The information of the first clock is used to provide timing for the terminal devices in the first terminal device group, and the information of the first clock may also be referred to as first timing information. The timing accuracy of the first clock is the same as the first timing accuracy, or the timing accuracy of the first clock is higher than the first timing accuracy.

[0051] Based on the above technical solution, the second terminal device can request timing from the first terminal device according to the identification of the first terminal device, rather than requesting timing from other terminal devices, so that the second terminal device can only receive information about the first clock from the first terminal device, and will not receive information about other clocks, thereby achieving isolation of timing information.

[0052] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the second terminal device receives first security information from the clock management network element; the second terminal device receives information about the first clock from the first terminal device, including: the second terminal device receives encrypted information about the first clock from the first terminal device; the method also includes: the second terminal device decrypts the encrypted information about the first clock based on the first security information.

[0053] Based on the above technical solution, the clock management network element sends the first security information for decrypting the encrypted information of the first clock to the second terminal device, so that the first terminal device can send the encrypted information of the first clock to the second terminal device, which can ensure the safe transmission of the information of the first clock and prevent other terminal devices from obtaining the information of the first clock, thereby realizing the isolation of timing information.

[0054] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the timing request message also includes an identifier of the first clock, and the method further includes: the second terminal device receives the identifier of the first clock from the clock management network element.

[0055] Based on the above technical solution, the second terminal device sends the identifier of the first clock to the first terminal device, so that the first terminal device can determine to send the information of the first clock to the second terminal device instead of sending information of other clocks, thereby realizing the isolation of timing information.

[0056] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the method also includes: the second terminal device receives the identifier of the first terminal device and the identifier of the at least one clock from the first terminal device; the second terminal device determines that the at least one clock includes the first clock based on the identifier of the at least one clock; and the second terminal device sends the identifier of the second terminal device and the identifier of the first clock to the first terminal device.

[0057] Based on the above technical solution, the second terminal device receives the identifier of at least one clock sent by the first terminal device, and feeds back the identifier of the first clock to the first terminal device, so that the first terminal device can determine to send the information of the first clock to the second terminal device instead of sending the information of other clocks, thereby realizing the isolation of timing information.

[0058] In a fourth aspect, a time synchronization method is provided, which includes: a clock management network element receives a clock request message from a second terminal device, the clock request message including a first time synchronization accuracy requested by the second terminal device; the clock management network element determines that a first clock deployed on the first terminal device meets the first time synchronization accuracy; the clock management network element sends an identifier of the first terminal device to the second terminal device.

[0059] Based on the above technical solution, when the clock management network element determines that the first terminal device has deployed the first clock with the full first timing accuracy, it sends the identification of the first terminal device to the second terminal device, so that the second terminal device can request timing from the first terminal device based on the identification of the first terminal device, instead of requesting timing from other terminal devices, so that the second terminal device can only obtain the information of the first clock, but not the information of other clocks, thereby achieving isolation of timing information.

[0060] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the clock management network element determines, based on the contract information of the second terminal device, that the second terminal device has subscribed to the clock service with the first timing accuracy.

[0061] The contract information of the second terminal device includes the clock service subscribed by the second terminal device.

[0062] Based on the above technical solution, the clock management network element can determine that the second terminal device has subscribed to the clock service with the first timing accuracy based on the contract information of the second terminal device, thereby avoiding providing the second terminal device with a clock service with high timing accuracy that the second terminal device has not subscribed to, and further realizing the isolation of timing information.

[0063] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the method also includes: the clock management network element obtains first security information, the first security information is obtained from the first terminal device, the clock management network element sends the first security information to the second terminal device, and the first security information is used by the second terminal device to decrypt the first clock information encrypted by the first terminal device.

[0064] Based on the above technical solution, the clock management network element sends the first security information for decrypting the encrypted information of the first clock to the second terminal device, so that the first terminal device can send the encrypted information of the first clock to the second terminal device, which can ensure the safe transmission of the information of the first clock and prevent other terminal devices from obtaining the information of the first clock, thereby realizing the isolation of timing information.

[0065] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the method also includes: the clock management network element determines that a second clock that meets the second timing accuracy is also deployed on the first terminal device; the clock management network element sends the identifier of the first clock to the second terminal device.

[0066] Exemplarily, the second timing accuracy is different from the first timing accuracy

[0067] Based on the above technical solution, when multiple clocks with different timing accuracy are deployed on the first terminal device, the clock management network element sends the identifier of the first clock to the first terminal device, so that the first terminal device can determine to send the information of the first clock to the second terminal device instead of sending the information of other clocks, thereby realizing the isolation of timing information.

[0068] In a fifth aspect, a timing method is provided, which includes: a first terminal device receives a timing request message from a second terminal device, the timing request message including an identifier of the second terminal device and a first timing accuracy requested by the second terminal device; the first terminal device sends information of a first clock to the second terminal device, the first clock being a clock deployed on the first terminal device that meets the first timing accuracy.

[0069] Based on the above technical solution, the second terminal device carries the requested first timing accuracy in the timing request message, so that the first terminal device can send the information of the first clock to the second terminal device according to the timing request message, thereby realizing the isolation of timing information. For example, if the first clock deployed on the first terminal device does not meet the first timing accuracy, the first terminal device will not send the information of the first clock to the second terminal device. For another example, if multiple clocks are deployed on the first terminal device, such as a second clock that meets the second timing accuracy, the first terminal device will only send the information of the first clock to the second terminal device, and will not send the information of the second clock.

[0070] In a sixth aspect, a timing method is provided, which includes: a second terminal device sends a timing request message to a first terminal device, the timing request message including an identifier of the second terminal device and a first timing accuracy requested by the second terminal device; the second terminal device receives information from a first clock of the first terminal device, the first clock being a clock deployed on the first terminal device that meets the first timing accuracy.

[0071] Based on the above technical solution, the second terminal device carries the requested first timing accuracy in the timing request message, so that the first terminal device can send the information of the first clock to the second terminal device according to the timing request message, thereby realizing the isolation of timing information. For example, if the first clock deployed on the first terminal device does not meet the first timing accuracy, the first terminal device will not send the information of the first clock to the second terminal device. For another example, if multiple clocks are deployed on the first terminal device, such as a second clock that meets the second timing accuracy, the first terminal device will only send the information of the first clock to the second terminal device, and will not send the information of the second clock.

[0072] In the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, including a transceiver unit and a processing unit, the transceiver unit being used to receive a clock request message from at least one terminal device, the clock request message including an identifier of the terminal device and a timing accuracy requested by the terminal device, the at least one terminal device including a second terminal device requesting a first timing accuracy; the processing unit being used to determine that a first clock deployed on the first terminal device meets the first timing accuracy; the transceiver unit being further used to send first timing configuration information to the first terminal device, the first timing configuration information including an identifier of the second terminal device.

[0073] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the processing unit is further used to determine a first terminal device group based on the clock request message, the first terminal device group including the first terminal device and the terminal device requesting the first timing accuracy among the at least one terminal device, and the terminal device requesting the first timing accuracy among the at least one terminal device includes the second terminal device; the first timing configuration information is used to indicate information about sending the first clock within the first terminal device group, and the first timing configuration information includes an identifier of the terminal device requesting the first timing accuracy among the at least one terminal device.

[0074] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the processing unit is further used to determine, based on the contract information of the second terminal device, that the second terminal device has subscribed to the clock service with the first timing accuracy.

[0075] In combination with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to send the identifier of the first terminal device to the second terminal device.

[0076] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to obtain first security information, which is obtained from the first terminal device. The transceiver unit is also used to send the first security information to the second terminal device, and the first security information is used by the second terminal device to decrypt the information of the first clock encrypted by the first terminal device.

[0077] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the first timing configuration information also includes second security information, which is used by the first terminal device to encrypt the information of the first clock; the transceiver unit is also used to send the first security information to the second terminal device, and the first security information is used by the second terminal device to decrypt the information of the first clock encrypted by the first terminal device.

[0078] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the processing unit is further used to determine that a clock that meets the second timing accuracy is also deployed on the first terminal device.

[0079] In combination with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to send the identifier of the first clock to the second terminal device.

[0080] In combination with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the first timing configuration information also includes an identifier of the first clock.

[0081] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the at least one terminal device also includes a third terminal device that requests the second timing accuracy, and the transceiver unit is also used to send second timing configuration information to the first terminal device, and the second timing configuration information includes an identifier of the third terminal device and an identifier that satisfies the second clock.

[0082] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to receive clock capability information of the first terminal device from an access and mobility management function network element or a network storage function network element, and the clock capability information includes an identifier of the first terminal device and at least one of the following: the timing accuracy of the at least one clock, the identifier of the at least one clock, and at least one security information for decrypting the information of the at least one clock encrypted by the first terminal device.

[0083] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the at least one terminal device also includes a fifth terminal device requesting a third timing accuracy, and the processing unit is also used to determine that the third clock deployed on the fourth terminal device meets the third timing accuracy; the transceiver unit is also used to send third timing configuration information to the fourth terminal device, and the third timing configuration information includes an identifier of the fifth terminal device.

[0084] In the eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a transceiver unit and a processing unit, the transceiver unit is used to receive first timing configuration information from a clock management network element, the first timing configuration information including an identifier of a second terminal device; the processing unit is used to determine a first terminal device group based on the first timing configuration information, the first terminal device group including the first terminal device and the second terminal device; the transceiver unit is also used to send information of a first clock within the first terminal device group, the first clock being a clock deployed on the first terminal device that meets the first timing accuracy.

[0085] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the first timing configuration information is used to indicate information about sending the first clock within the first terminal device group.

[0086] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to receive a timing request message from the second terminal device, and the timing request message includes an identifier of the second terminal device; the processing unit is also used to determine that the second terminal device belongs to the first terminal device group based on the identifier of the second terminal device; the transceiver unit is also used to send information of the first clock to the second terminal device.

[0087] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to send the information of the first clock to the terminal devices in the first terminal device group via multicast.

[0088] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the processing unit is further used to encrypt the information of the first clock based on the second security information; the transceiver unit is further used to send the encrypted information of the first clock within the first terminal device group.

[0089] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the first timing configuration information also includes the second security information.

[0090] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, when the first terminal device also deploys a second clock that meets the second timing accuracy, the first timing configuration information also includes an identifier of the first clock.

[0091] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, when the first terminal device also deploys a second clock that meets the second timing accuracy, the processing unit is also used to send the identifier of the first terminal device and the identifier of the at least one clock to the second terminal device according to the first timing configuration information; the transceiver unit is also used to receive the identifier of the second terminal device and the identifier of the first clock from the second terminal device; the processing unit is also used to determine that the first terminal device group includes the first terminal device and the second terminal device based on the identifier of the second terminal device and the identifier of the first clock.

[0092] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to receive second timing configuration information from the clock management network element, and the second timing configuration information includes an identifier of a third terminal device; the processing unit is also used to determine a second terminal device group based on the second timing configuration information, and the second terminal device group includes the first terminal device and the third terminal device; the transceiver unit is also used to send information of the second clock within the second terminal device group.

[0093] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to send clock capability information to the access and mobility management function network element, and the clock capability information includes the identifier of the first terminal device and at least one of the following: the timing accuracy of the at least one clock, the identifier of the at least one clock, and at least one security information for decrypting the information of the at least one clock encrypted by the first terminal device.

[0094] In the ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a transceiver unit, which is used to send a clock request message to a clock management network element, wherein the clock request message includes an identifier of a second terminal device and a first timing accuracy requested by the second terminal device; the transceiver unit is also used to receive an identifier of a first terminal device from the clock management network element, and a first clock deployed on the first terminal device meets the first timing accuracy; the transceiver unit is also used to send a timing request message to the first terminal device according to the identifier of the first terminal device; the transceiver unit is also used to receive information about the first clock from the first terminal device.

[0095] In combination with the ninth aspect, in certain implementations of the ninth aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to receive first security information from the clock management network element, and the transceiver unit is further used to receive encrypted information of the first clock from the first terminal device; the communication device also includes a processing unit, which is used to decrypt the encrypted information of the first clock based on the first security information.

[0096] In combination with the ninth aspect, in certain implementations of the ninth aspect, the timing request message also includes an identifier of the first clock, and the transceiver unit is further used to receive the identifier of the first clock from the clock management network element.

[0097] In combination with the ninth aspect, in certain implementations of the ninth aspect, the communication device further includes a processing unit, and the transceiver unit is further used to receive the identifier of the first terminal device and the identifier of the at least one clock from the first terminal device; the processing unit is used to determine that the at least one clock includes the first clock based on the identifier of the at least one clock; the transceiver unit is also used to send the identifier of the second terminal device and the identifier of the first clock to the first terminal device.

[0098] In the tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a transceiver unit and a processing unit, the transceiver unit is used to receive a clock request message from a second terminal device, the clock request message including a first timing accuracy requested by the second terminal device; the processing unit is used to determine that the first clock deployed on the first terminal device meets the first timing accuracy; the transceiver unit is also used to send an identifier of the first terminal device to the second terminal device.

[0099] In combination with the tenth aspect, in certain implementations of the tenth aspect, the processing unit is further used to determine, based on the contract information of the second terminal device, that the second terminal device has subscribed to the clock service with the first timing accuracy.

[0100] In combination with the tenth aspect, in certain implementations of the tenth aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to obtain first security information, which is obtained from the first terminal device. The transceiver unit is also used to send the first security information to the second terminal device, and the first security information is used by the second terminal device to decrypt the information of the first clock encrypted by the first terminal device.

[0101] In combination with the tenth aspect, in certain implementations of the tenth aspect, the processing unit is further used to determine that the first terminal device is also deployed with a second clock that meets the second timing accuracy; the transceiver unit is further used to send the identifier of the first clock to the second terminal device.

[0102] In the eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided, including a transceiver unit, which is used to receive a timing request message from a second terminal device, the timing request message including an identifier of the second terminal device and a first timing accuracy requested by the second terminal device; the transceiver unit is also used to send information of a first clock to the second terminal device, the first clock being a clock deployed on the first terminal device that meets the first timing accuracy.

[0103] In the twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a transceiver unit, which is used to send a timing request message to a first terminal device, wherein the timing request message includes an identifier of the second terminal device and a first timing accuracy requested by the second terminal device; the transceiver unit is also used to receive information from a first clock of the first terminal device, wherein the first clock is a clock deployed on the first terminal device that meets the first timing accuracy.

[0104] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be configured to execute instructions in the memory to implement the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or to implement the method of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the communication device further comprises a memory. Optionally, the communication device further comprises a communication interface, the processor being coupled to the communication interface.

[0105] In one implementation, the communication device is a clock management network element. When the communication device is a clock management network element, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0106] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip configured in a clock management network element. When the communication device is a chip configured in a clock management network element, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0107] Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0108] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be configured to execute instructions in the memory to implement the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or to implement the method of the fifth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the communication device further comprises a memory. Optionally, the communication device further comprises a communication interface, the processor being coupled to the communication interface.

[0109] In one implementation, the communication device is a first terminal device. When the communication device is the first terminal device, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0110] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip configured in the first terminal device. When the communication device is a chip configured in the first terminal device, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0111] Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0112] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be configured to execute instructions in the memory to implement the method in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, or to implement the method in the sixth aspect and any possible implementation of the sixth aspect. Optionally, the communication device further comprises a memory. Optionally, the communication device further comprises a communication interface, the processor being coupled to the communication interface.

[0113] In one implementation, the communication device is a second terminal device. When the communication device is a second terminal device, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0114] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip configured in the second terminal device. When the communication device is a chip configured in the second terminal device, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0115] Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0116] In a sixteenth aspect, a processor is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal through the input circuit and transmit a signal through the output circuit, so that the processor executes the method of any possible implementation of aspects one to six.

[0117] In a specific implementation, the processor may be one or more chips, the input circuit may be an input pin, the output circuit may be an output pin, and the processing circuit may be a transistor, a gate circuit, a trigger, or various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit may be, for example, but not limited to, received and input by a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit may be, for example, but not limited to, output to and transmitted by a transmitter. The input circuit and the output circuit may be the same circuit, which functions as an input circuit and an output circuit at different times. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0118] In a seventeenth aspect, a processing device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to read instructions stored in the memory and receive signals via a receiver and transmit signals via a transmitter to execute the method of any possible implementation of aspects one to six.

[0119] Optionally, there are one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0120] Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be provided separately from the processor.

[0121] In the specific implementation process, the memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or can be set on different chips. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the type of memory and the setting method of the memory and the processor.

[0122] It should be understood that related data interaction processes, such as sending indication information, can be the process of outputting indication information from the processor, and receiving capability information can be the process of receiving input capability information from the processor. Specifically, data output by the processor can be output to the transmitter, and input data received by the processor can be received from the receiver. The transmitter and receiver can be collectively referred to as a transceiver.

[0123] The processing device in the seventeenth aspect may be one or more chips. The processor in the processing device may be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor may be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or the like; when implemented in software, the processor may be a general-purpose processor implemented by reading software code stored in a memory, which may be integrated into the processor or located independently of the processor.

[0124] In the eighteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes: a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions), which, when executed, enables a computer to execute a method in any possible implementation of the above-mentioned first to sixth aspects.

[0125] In the nineteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions) which, when run on a computer, enables the method in any possible implementation of the above-mentioned first to sixth aspects to be executed.

[0126] In the twentieth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising the aforementioned clock management network element.

[0127] Optionally, the system further includes a first terminal device and / or a second terminal device.

[0128] Optionally, the system further includes an access and mobility management function network element and / or a network storage function network element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0129] Figure 1is a schematic diagram of a system provided in an embodiment of the present application and applicable to the method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0130] Figure 2 is a schematic flow chart of the method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0131] Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart of the method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0132] Figure 4 is a schematic flow chart of the method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0133] Figure 5 is a schematic flow chart of the method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0134] Figure 6 is a schematic flow chart of the method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0135] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0136] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0137] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0138] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present 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, for example, long term evolution (LTE) systems, frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, fifth generation (5G) systems or new radio (NR), sixth generation (6G) systems or future communication systems. The 5G mobile communication system described in this application includes a non-standalone (NSA) 5G mobile communication system or a standalone (SA) 5G mobile communication system. The communication system may also be a public land mobile network (PLMN), a device to device (D2D) communication system, a machine to machine (M2M) communication system, an Internet of Things (IoT) communication system, a vehicle to everything (V2X) communication system, an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) communication system, or other communication systems.

[0140] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Among them, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B; "and / or" in the present application is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" refers to two or more than two. "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 represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be single or multiple. In addition, in order to facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art will understand that words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and words such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit differences. At the same time, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to identify examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or technical solution described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or technical solutions. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete way for easy understanding.

[0141] In addition, 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 can 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.

[0142] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, first Figure 1 An application scenario of an embodiment of the present application is described in detail.

[0143] 1. User equipment (UE): It can be called terminal equipment, which is a device that provides voice / data connectivity to users, such as handheld devices and vehicle-mounted devices with wireless connection functions. At present, some examples of terminals may include: mobile phones, tablet computers, computers with wireless transceiver functions (such as laptops, PDAs, etc.), mobile Internet devices (MIDs), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication functions, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or terminal devices in future evolved PLMNs, etc.

[0144] 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.

[0145] Furthermore, terminal devices can also be end devices in the Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is a crucial component of future information technology development. Its primary technical feature is connecting objects to the Internet through communications, thereby enabling intelligent networks that interconnect humans and machines, and objects and things. IoT technology, for example, utilizes narrowband (NB) technology to achieve massive connectivity, deep coverage, and power-saving terminals.

[0146] 2. Access network (AN): Provides network access for authorized users in a specific area and can use transmission tunnels of different qualities based on user levels and business requirements. Access networks can be access networks that use different access technologies. Current access network technologies include: the radio access network technology used in third-generation (3G) systems, the radio access network technology used in fourth-generation (4G) systems, or the next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) technology (such as the radio access technology used in 5G systems).

[0147] An access network that implements network access functions based on wireless communication technologies is called a radio access network (RAN). The RAN manages radio resources, provides access services to terminals, and forwards control signals and user data between terminals and the core network.

[0148] The wireless access network device can be, for example, a base station (NodeB), an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB), a next generation Node Base station (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access point (AP) in a wifi wireless hotspot system, etc. It can also be a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, or the wireless access network device can be a relay station, an access point, a vehicle-mounted device, a drone, a wearable device, a network device in a 5G network, or a network device in an evolved PLMN, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the wireless access network device.

[0149] 3. Access Management NE: This is primarily responsible for mobility and access management, delivering user policies between user devices and the Policy Control Function (PCF) NE. It can be used to implement other functions of the Mobility Management Entity (MME) beyond session management, such as access authorization (authentication).

[0150] In a 5G communication system, the access management network element may be an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. In future communication systems, the access management network element may still be an AMF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0151] 4. Network repository function (NRF) network element: This element can be used to provide network element sending functionality, providing network element information corresponding to the network element type based on requests from other network elements. NRF network elements also provide network element management services, such as network element registration, update, and deregistration, as well as network element status subscription and push.

[0152] In the embodiment of the present application, the NRF can also be used to receive the clock capability information of the terminal device and provide the clock capability information of the terminal device to the clock management network element. For more descriptions of the functions of the NRF and the clock capability information, please refer to the descriptions of methods 200 to 600 below.

[0153] 5. Clock management network element: can be used to receive the clock capability information of the first terminal device and receive the clock request message of the second terminal device. Furthermore, if the clock deployed on the first terminal device meets the timing accuracy requested by the second terminal device, the first terminal device and the second terminal device are determined as a terminal device group, and the first terminal device is instructed to synchronize time within the terminal device group. For example, Figure 1 The clock management network element shown in FIG is a timing network function (T-NF) network element. For more descriptions of the functions of the clock management network element, please refer to the descriptions of methods 200 to 600 below.

[0154] For example, the implementation of the T-NF may be based on the time-sensitive communication and time synchronization function (TSCTSF) network element defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). For the definition and function of the TSCTSF network element, reference may be made to the definition in 3GPP Release 17 (R17). It should be understood that when the T-NF provided in the embodiment of the present application is implemented based on the TSCTSF network element, the TSCTSF may also have all or part of the functions of the T-NF provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0155] Optionally, Figure 1 The communication system shown may further include one or more of the following network elements (not shown in the figure): a session management function (SMF) network element, a user plane function (UPF) network element, a data network (DN) network element, a PCF network element, a unified data management (UDM) network element, a network exposure function (NEF) network element, an application function (AF) network element, and a network data analysis function (NWDAF) network element.

[0156] In wireless communication systems, UEs can communicate directly with each other without the aid of network equipment. This direct communication interface between UEs is called the PC5 interface. The PC5 interface can also be used for D2D and V2X communication. For example, in V2X communication, each vehicle is a UE. Since data can be transmitted directly between UEs without going through the network, communication latency can be effectively reduced.

[0157] If two UEs can communicate directly, one of which is equipped with at least one clock and the other requires timing, the UE equipped with the clock can provide timing to the UE requiring timing after receiving a timing request from the UE requiring timing. However, as soon as the UE equipped with the clock receives a timing request from the UE requiring timing, it will provide timing to the UE requiring timing, making it impossible to isolate timing information.

[0158] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a timing method to optimize the timing method, thereby achieving isolation of timing information.

[0159] Figure 2 The schematic flow chart of the timing method provided by the embodiment of the present application is shown. The various steps included in the method 200 are described in detail below.

[0160] S210: A clock management network element receives a clock request message from at least one terminal device.

[0161] The clock request message includes the identifier of the terminal device and the timing accuracy requested by the terminal device. Taking the clock request message (hereinafter referred to as clock request message #1) received by the clock management network element from the second terminal device as an example, the clock request message #1 includes the identifier of the second terminal device and the first timing accuracy requested by the second terminal device. The timing accuracy requested by the terminal device can also be understood as the accuracy or unit of the clock information requested by the terminal device. For example, the timing accuracy requested by the terminal device can be 10 milliseconds (ms), 1 ms, 1 microsecond (us) or 1 nanosecond (ns), etc. The identifier of the terminal device can be any identifier that can identify the terminal device. For example, the identifier of the terminal device can be one or more of the following: international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), international mobile equipment identity (IMEI), subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), generic public subscription identifier (GPSI), Internet protocol (IP) quintuple, etc.

[0162] Exemplarily, the at least one terminal device includes a second terminal device requesting a first timing accuracy. That is, in S210, the clock management network element receives a clock request message #1 from the second terminal device.

[0163] Optionally, at least one terminal device further includes a third terminal device requesting a second timing accuracy, where the second timing accuracy is different from the first timing accuracy. That is, in S210, the clock management network element receives a clock request message (hereinafter referred to as clock request message #2) from the third terminal device. Clock request message #2 includes the second timing accuracy and an identifier of the third terminal device.

[0164] Optionally, at least one terminal device further includes a fifth terminal device requesting a third timing accuracy, where the third timing accuracy is different from the first timing accuracy and the second timing accuracy. That is, in S210, the clock management network element receives a clock request message (hereinafter referred to as clock request message #3) from the fifth terminal device. Clock request message #3 includes the third timing accuracy and an identifier of the fifth terminal device.

[0165] S220, the clock management network element determines that the first clock deployed on the first terminal device meets the first timing accuracy.

[0166] Exemplarily, the clock management network element determines, based on the clock capability information of the first terminal device, that the first clock deployed on the first terminal device meets the first timing accuracy. The clock capability information of the first terminal device includes an identifier of the first terminal device and at least one of the following: the timing accuracy of at least one clock deployed on the first terminal device, the identifier of the at least one clock, and at least one security information for decrypting the information of the at least one clock encrypted by the first terminal device.

[0167] The clock identifier can be any identifier that can identify the clock. For example, the clock identifier can be one or more of the following: the clock's timing accuracy, the clock's time domain number. It should be noted that among the at least one clock deployed on the first terminal device, different clocks have different identifiers. At least one security information corresponds one-to-one with the information of at least one clock, and different security information corresponds to information of different clocks. Taking the first security information in the at least one security information as an example, the first security information is used to decrypt the information of the first clock encrypted by the first terminal device, that is, the information of the first clock corresponds to the first security information.

[0168] Table 1 shows an example of the clock capability information of the first terminal device, taking three clocks deployed on the first terminal device as an example.

[0169] Table 1

[0170]

[0171] Exemplarily, if the timing accuracy of the first clock deployed on the first terminal device is the same as the first timing accuracy, or if the timing accuracy of the first clock deployed on the first terminal device is higher than the first timing accuracy, the clock management network element determines that the first clock deployed on the first terminal device meets the first timing accuracy. In other words, the timing accuracy of the first clock can be the same as the first timing accuracy, or the timing accuracy of the first clock can be higher than the first timing accuracy.

[0172] Optionally, if the timing accuracy of at least one clock deployed on the first terminal device includes the second timing accuracy, and / or the identifier of at least one clock includes the identifier of a clock that meets the second timing accuracy, the clock management network element may also determine that a second clock that meets the second timing accuracy is deployed on the first terminal device. Similarly, the timing accuracy of the second clock that meets the second timing accuracy may be the same as the second timing accuracy, or the timing accuracy of the second clock may be higher than the second timing accuracy.

[0173] Optionally, if the clock management network element does not obtain the clock capability information of the first terminal device, then before S220, method 200 further includes: the clock management network element receiving the clock capability information of the first terminal device from the access and mobility management function network element or the network storage function network element. Accordingly, the access and mobility management function network element or the network storage function network element sends the clock capability information of the first terminal device to the clock management network element. Upon receiving the clock capability information of the first terminal device, the access and mobility management function network element or the network storage function network element may send the clock capability information of the first terminal device to the clock management network element. Alternatively, the access and mobility management function network element or the network storage function network element sends the clock capability information of the first terminal device to the clock management network element in response to a request from the clock management network element. For example, the clock management network element may send a subscription request message to the network storage function network element, the subscription request message being used to request subscription to the clock capability information of the terminal device; accordingly, after receiving the clock capability information of the first terminal device, the network storage function network element sends the clock capability information of the first terminal device to the clock management network element in response to the subscription request message.

[0174] Among them, the access and mobility management network element can receive the clock capability information of the first terminal device from the first terminal device through the access network device. For example, the first terminal device sends a next generation (NG) setup request (NG setup request) message to the access network device, and the NG setup request message includes the clock capability information of the first terminal device. The access network device then sends a UE clock capability registration request message to the access and mobility management function network element, and the UE clock capability registration request message includes the capability information of the first terminal device. The network storage function network element can receive the capability information of the first terminal device from the access and mobility management network element. For example, the access and mobility management network element sends a UE clock capability registration request message to the network storage function network element, and the UE clock capability registration request message includes the clock capability information of the first terminal device.

[0175] Optionally, before S220, method 200 further includes: the clock management network element determining, based on the contract information of the second terminal device, whether the second terminal device has subscribed to a clock service with a first timing accuracy, where the contract information of the second terminal device includes the clock service subscribed to by the second terminal device. It is understood that if the second terminal device has subscribed to a clock service with a timing accuracy higher than the first timing accuracy, the clock management network element may also deem that the second terminal device has subscribed to a clock service with the first timing accuracy. For example, if the first timing accuracy is 10ns, and the second terminal device has subscribed to a clock service with a 1ns timing accuracy, the clock management network element may deem that the second terminal device has subscribed to a 10ns timing service.

[0176] Optionally, when the first timing accuracy is higher than or equal to a preset threshold, the clock management network element determines whether the second terminal device has subscribed to the clock service with the first timing accuracy based on the contract information of the second terminal device. When the first timing accuracy is lower than the preset threshold, the clock management network element may assume that the second terminal device has subscribed to the clock service with the first timing accuracy. The preset threshold may be 1 second (s), 100 ms, etc., and is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0177] Furthermore, if the clock management network element determines that the second terminal device has subscribed to a clock service with a first timing accuracy, the clock management network element may determine that information about a clock that meets the first timing accuracy is permitted to be provided to the second terminal device, and the clock management network element continues to execute S220. If the clock management network element determines that the second terminal device has not subscribed to a clock service with a first timing accuracy, the clock management network element may determine that information about a clock that meets the first timing accuracy is not permitted to be provided to the second terminal device, and the clock management network element does not execute S220. It should be understood that if the clock management network element determines that information about a clock that meets the first timing accuracy is not permitted to be provided to the second terminal device, the clock management network element does not execute S220, thereby avoiding providing the second terminal device with a clock service with high timing accuracy to which the second terminal device has not subscribed.

[0178] Optionally, if the clock management network element determines in S220 that the timing accuracy of the first clock deployed on the first terminal device (for example, recorded as timing accuracy #A) is higher than the first timing accuracy, the method 200 further includes: the clock management network element determining, based on the contract information of the second terminal device, whether the second terminal device has subscribed to a clock service with timing accuracy #A. If the second terminal device has subscribed to a clock service with timing accuracy #A, the method 200 proceeds to S230; if the second terminal device has not subscribed to a clock service with timing accuracy #A, the method 200 does not execute S230.

[0179] Optionally, if in S210, the clock management network element receives clock request message #2, then in S220, the clock management network element may further determine whether the second clock deployed on the first terminal device meets the second timing accuracy. Optionally, if the clock management network element determines, based on the contract information of the third terminal device, that the third terminal device has subscribed to a clock service with the second timing accuracy, the clock management network element then determines whether the second clock is deployed on the first terminal device.

[0180] Optionally, if in S210, the clock management network element receives clock request message #3, then in S220, the clock management network element may further determine whether the third clock deployed on the fourth terminal device meets the third timing accuracy. Optionally, if the clock management network element determines, based on the contract information of the fifth terminal device, that the fifth terminal device has subscribed to a clock service with the third timing accuracy, the clock management network element then determines whether the third clock is deployed on the fourth terminal device.

[0181] S230: The clock management network element sends first timing configuration information to the first terminal device. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the first timing configuration information from the clock management network element.

[0182] The first timing configuration information is used to indicate to the first terminal device the terminal device requesting timing. The first timing configuration information includes an identifier of the second terminal device.

[0183] Optionally, if the clock management network element determines, based on at least one clock request message, that the sixth terminal device also requests the first timing accuracy, the first timing configuration information may further include an identifier of the sixth terminal device. Optionally, the first timing configuration information includes identifiers of all terminal devices in the at least one terminal device that request the first timing accuracy.

[0184] Optionally, if the clock management network element determines that multiple clocks with different timing accuracy are deployed on the first terminal device based on the clock capability information of the first terminal device, for example, the clock management network element determines that a second clock is deployed on the first terminal device based on the clock capability information of the first terminal device, then the first timing configuration information may also include an identifier of the first clock. It should be understood that if the first timing configuration information includes the identifier of the first clock, it is beneficial for the first terminal device to send information about the first clock to the first terminal device group based on the identifier of the first clock, rather than sending information about other clocks.

[0185] Optionally, the first timing configuration information may further include second security information, which is used by the first terminal device to encrypt the first clock information. Optionally, the second security information is allocated by the clock management network element. It should be understood that if the first timing configuration information includes the second security information, it facilitates the first terminal device to encrypt the first clock information based on the second security information, thereby ensuring secure transmission of the first clock information.

[0186] Optionally, before S230, method 200 further includes S240: the clock management network element determines a first terminal device group. The first terminal device group includes the first terminal device and a terminal device requesting the first timing accuracy among at least one terminal device, and the terminal device requesting the first timing accuracy among the at least one terminal device includes the second terminal device. That is, in S240, the clock management network element determines the terminal device requesting the first timing accuracy and the first terminal device deployed with the first clock among the at least one terminal device as the first terminal device group based on the at least one clock request message and the clock capability information of the first terminal device.

[0187] It should be noted that the clock management network element determines the first terminal device group refers to that the clock management network element groups at least one terminal device and the first terminal device, thereby grouping the first terminal device and the terminal device requesting the first timing accuracy among the at least one terminal device into the same terminal device group (i.e., the first terminal device group). Alternatively, the clock management network element determines the first terminal device group refers to that the clock management network element determines the group members included in the first terminal device group, i.e., the clock management network element determines that the first terminal device group includes the first terminal device and the terminal device requesting the first timing accuracy among the at least one terminal device. Alternatively, the clock management network element determines the first terminal device group refers to that the clock management network element determines the identifiers of the group members included in the first terminal device group, i.e., the clock management network element determines the identifiers of the first terminal device included in the first terminal device group and the identifiers of the terminal device requesting the first timing accuracy among the at least one terminal device.

[0188] Furthermore, in S230, the first timing configuration information sent by the clock management network element to the first terminal device may include an identifier of a terminal device requesting the first timing accuracy in at least one terminal device, and the first timing configuration information is also used to indicate information about sending the first clock within the first terminal device group.

[0189] Optionally, after determining the first terminal device group, the clock management network element may further assign a group identifier to the first terminal device group, and carry the group identifier of the first terminal device group in the first timing configuration information and send it to the first terminal device. The group identifier of the first terminal device group may be determined based on the identifiers of the terminal devices included in the first terminal device group.

[0190] Optionally, if the clock management network element receives clock request message #2 and determines that a second clock is deployed on the first terminal device, method 200 further includes: the clock management network element sending second timing configuration information to the first terminal device, the second timing configuration information including an identifier of a third terminal device. Optionally, the second timing configuration information also includes an identifier of the second clock. Optionally, the second timing configuration information also includes third security information, the third security information being used by the first terminal device to encrypt information about the second clock. Optionally, if the clock management network element determines, based on at least one clock request message and the clock capability information of the first terminal device, that a terminal device requesting a second timing accuracy among at least one terminal device and the first terminal device deploying the second clock are a second terminal device group, the second timing configuration information may include an identifier of the terminal device requesting a second timing accuracy among the at least one terminal device, and the second timing configuration information is further used to instruct the second clock information to be sent within the second terminal device group. Optionally, the second timing configuration information may also include a group identifier of the second terminal device group.

[0191] It should be noted that the clock management network element can carry the first timing configuration information and the second timing configuration information in the same message and send it to the first terminal device, or it can carry the first timing configuration information and the second timing configuration information in different messages and send them to the first terminal device. The embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0192] Optionally, if the clock management network element receives clock request message #3 and determines that a third clock is deployed on the fourth terminal device, method 200 further includes: the clock management network element sending third timing configuration information to the fourth terminal device, where the third timing configuration information includes an identifier of the fifth terminal device. For more description of the third timing configuration information, refer to the description of the first timing configuration information and the second timing configuration information.

[0193] Optionally, the method 200 further includes S250: the clock management network element sends the identifier of the first terminal device to the second terminal device. Accordingly, in S250, the second terminal device receives the identifier of the first terminal device from the clock management network element.

[0194] After receiving the identifier of the first terminal device from the clock management network element, the second terminal device can determine that the first clock is deployed on the first terminal device. This facilitates the second terminal device to request timing from the first terminal device based on the identifier of the first terminal device, rather than requesting timing from other terminal devices, thereby preventing the second terminal device from obtaining information about a clock that it does not need.

[0195] Optionally, if multiple clocks with different timing accuracy are deployed on the first terminal device, then in S250, the clock management network element further sends the identifier of the first clock to the second terminal device. This facilitates the second terminal device to request information about the first clock from the first terminal device based on the identifier of the first clock, thereby preventing the first terminal device from sending information about other clocks to the second terminal device, for example, preventing the first terminal device from sending information about the second clock to the second terminal device.

[0196] Optionally, in S250, the clock management network element further sends first security information to the second terminal device, where the first security information is used to decrypt the first clock information encrypted by the first terminal device. Exemplarily, if the clock capability information of the first terminal device includes at least one security information, the clock management network element determines the first security information from the at least one security information and sends the first security information to the second terminal device. Exemplarily, the first security information is allocated by the clock management network element. It should be understood that if the clock management network element sends the first security information to the second terminal device, the first terminal device can send the encrypted first clock information to the second terminal device, thereby ensuring the secure transmission of the first clock information.

[0197] Similarly, the clock management network element may also send the identifier of the first terminal device to the third terminal device. Optionally, the clock management network element may also send the identifier of the second clock to the third terminal device. Optionally, the clock management network element may also send fourth security information to the third terminal device, where the fourth security information is used by the third terminal device to decrypt the second clock information encrypted by the first terminal device.

[0198] Similarly, the clock management network element may also send the identifier of the fourth terminal device to the fifth terminal device. Optionally, the clock management network element may also send the identifier of the third clock to the fifth terminal device. Optionally, the clock management network element may also send fifth security information to the fifth terminal device, where the fifth security information is used by the fifth terminal device to decrypt the third clock information encrypted by the fourth terminal device.

[0199] S260: The first terminal device sends information of the first clock within the first terminal device group.

[0200] After receiving the first timing configuration information, the first terminal device transmits the first clock information within the first terminal device group according to the first timing configuration information. The first terminal device group includes the requesting second terminal device and the first terminal device. The first clock information serves as reference clock information for timing purposes for the terminal devices within the first terminal device group.

[0201] In one possible implementation, if only the first clock is deployed on the first terminal device, the first terminal device assumes that the terminal device identifier included in the first timing configuration information is the identifier of the terminal device requesting the first timing accuracy. In other words, if the first timing configuration information received by the first terminal device includes the identifier of the second terminal device, the first terminal device assumes that the second terminal device is requesting the first timing accuracy, and can determine that the first terminal device and the second terminal device constitute a first terminal device group. Furthermore, the first terminal device transmits information about the first clock to the first terminal device group.

[0202] In another possible implementation, if a first clock and a second clock are deployed on a first terminal device, and the first timing configuration information received by the first terminal device includes an identifier of the second terminal device and an identifier of the first clock, the first terminal device can determine, based on the first timing configuration information, that the second terminal device requests the first timing accuracy, and can also determine that the first terminal device and the second terminal device constitute a first terminal device group. Furthermore, the first terminal device sends information about the first clock to the first terminal device group.

[0203] In another possible implementation, if the first timing configuration information received by the first terminal device includes the identifier of the terminal device requesting the first timing accuracy, and the first timing configuration information is also used to indicate the information of sending the first clock within the first terminal device group, then the first terminal device can determine the information of sending the first clock within the first terminal device group based on the indication of the first timing configuration information.

[0204] It should be noted that, in the above implementation, although the first terminal device can first determine that the first terminal device and the second terminal device constitute the first terminal device based on the first timing configuration information, the first terminal device is not necessarily required to determine the first terminal device group based on the first timing configuration information. For example, the first terminal device can directly send the first clock information to the terminal device corresponding to the identifier included in the first timing configuration information based on the first timing configuration information.

[0205] In another possible implementation, if the first terminal device is deployed with a first clock and a second clock, and the first timing configuration information received by the first terminal device includes an identifier of the second terminal device, then the method 200 further includes S261 to S263.

[0206] S261: The first terminal device sends an identifier of the first terminal device and an identifier of at least one clock to the second terminal device. Accordingly, in S261, the second terminal device receives the identifier of the first terminal device and an identifier of at least one clock.

[0207] It should be noted that if the identifier of at least one clock can be used by the second terminal device to determine the timing accuracy of the at least one clock, then in S261, the first terminal device sends the identifier of the first terminal device and the identifier of the at least one clock to the second terminal device. If the identifier of at least one clock cannot be used by the second terminal device to determine the timing accuracy of the at least one clock, then in S261, the first terminal device sends the identifier of the first terminal device, the identifier of the at least one clock, and the timing accuracy of the at least one clock to the second terminal device.

[0208] It can be understood that if the first timing configuration information further includes the identifier of the sixth terminal device, the first terminal device also sends the identifier of the first terminal device and the identifier of at least one clock to the sixth terminal device.

[0209] S262: The second terminal device sends the identifier of the second terminal device and the identifier of the first clock to the first terminal device. Accordingly, in S262, the first terminal device receives the identifier of the second terminal device and the identifier of the first clock.

[0210] Exemplarily, after receiving the identifier of the first terminal device and the identifier of at least one clock, the second terminal device determines the timing accuracy of the at least one clock based on the identifier of the at least one clock. Furthermore, the second terminal device determines the identifier of the first clock from the identifier of the at least one clock, and then sends the identifier of the second terminal device and the identifier of the first clock to the first terminal device. In other words, if the second terminal device determines that the at least one clock includes the first clock based on the identifier of the at least one clock, it sends the identifier of the second terminal device and the identifier of the first clock to the first terminal device.

[0211] As another example, after the second terminal device receives the identification of the first terminal device, the identification of at least one clock and the timing accuracy of at least one clock, the second terminal device determines the identification of the first clock from the identification of at least one clock, and then sends the identification of the second terminal device and the identification of the first clock to the first terminal device.

[0212] Similarly, after receiving the identifier of the first terminal device and the identifier of at least one clock, the sixth terminal device determines the identifier of the first clock from the identifier of at least one clock, and then sends the identifier of the sixth terminal device and the identifier of the first clock to the first terminal device.

[0213] S263: The first terminal device determines a first terminal device group according to the identifier of the second terminal device and the identifier of the first clock.

[0214] After receiving the identifier of the second terminal device and the identifier of the first clock, the first terminal device can determine that the second terminal device requests the first timing accuracy. Therefore, the first terminal device can determine that the first terminal device and the second terminal device form a first terminal device group. Furthermore, the first terminal device transmits information that satisfies the first clock in the first terminal device group.

[0215] Similarly, if the first terminal device receives the identifier of the sixth terminal device and the identifier of the first clock, the first terminal device can determine that the sixth terminal device requests the first timing accuracy, so the first terminal device determines that the sixth terminal device also belongs to the first terminal device group.

[0216] Similarly, if the first terminal device also receives the second timing configuration information, the first terminal device also sends the second clock information within the second terminal device group according to the second timing configuration information.

[0217] Exemplarily, the first terminal device sends the information of the first clock in the first terminal device group in a unicast manner. Taking the example of the first terminal device sending the information of the first clock to the second terminal device in a unicast manner, if the first terminal device and the second terminal device have established a unicast connection, the first terminal device can send the information of the first clock to the second terminal device through the unicast connection between the first terminal device and the second terminal device. If the first terminal device and the second terminal device have not established a unicast connection, the first terminal device and the second terminal device first establish a unicast connection, and then the first terminal device sends the information of the first clock to the second terminal device through the unicast connection between the first terminal device and the second terminal device. In the process of establishing a unicast connection between the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the unicast connection process can be initiated by the first terminal device, or it can be initiated by the second terminal device. Optionally, if method 200 executes S250, the second terminal device, upon receiving the identifier of the first terminal device, initiates a unicast connection process to the first terminal device based on the identifier of the first terminal device.

[0218] As another example, the first terminal device sends the first clock information in a multicast manner within the first terminal device group. It is understood that when the first terminal device sends the first clock information in a multicast manner, only the terminal devices in the first terminal device group can receive the first clock information sent by the first terminal device.

[0219] As another example, the first terminal device sends the information of the first clock in a broadcast manner.

[0220] Optionally, before sending the first clock information, the first terminal device encrypts the first clock information according to the second security information and sends the encrypted first clock information. It should be noted that if the first terminal device sends the first clock information in a broadcast manner, the first terminal device encrypts the first clock information according to the second security information and then sends the encrypted first clock information in a broadcast manner.

[0221] In an embodiment of the present application, when the clock management network element determines that the first terminal device has deployed the first clock, it sends the first timing configuration information to the first terminal device. The first timing configuration information includes the identifier of the second terminal device that requests the first timing accuracy, so that the first terminal device can send information that satisfies the first clock within the first terminal device group according to the first timing configuration information. The first terminal device group includes the first terminal device and the second terminal device. It can be understood that since the first terminal device sends the information of the first clock within the first terminal device group, and the first terminal device group includes the second terminal device that requests the first timing accuracy, it is beneficial for the first terminal device to send the information of the first clock to the second terminal device that requests the first timing accuracy, and not to send the information of the first clock to the terminal device that does not request the first timing accuracy, thereby optimizing the timing method and realizing the isolation of timing information.

[0222] In addition, the clock management network element can determine whether the second terminal device has subscribed to the clock service with the first timing accuracy based on the contract information of the second terminal device, thereby avoiding providing the second terminal device with a clock service with high timing accuracy that the second terminal device has not subscribed to, and further realizing the isolation of timing information.

[0223] In addition, when the first terminal device group includes multiple terminal devices requesting the first timing accuracy, if the first terminal device sends the information of the first clock within the first terminal device group in a multicast manner, signaling can also be saved.

[0224] Figure 3 FIG3 is a schematic flow chart of a timing method according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0225] S310. A clock management network element receives a clock request message from at least one terminal device.

[0226] Exemplarily, the at least one terminal device includes a second terminal device requesting a first timing accuracy. That is, in S310, the clock management network element receives a clock request message #1 from the second terminal device. The clock request message #1 includes the first timing accuracy and an identifier of the second terminal device.

[0227] For more descriptions about S310 , please refer to S210 in method 200 , which will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0228] S320, the clock management network element determines that the first clock deployed on the first terminal device meets the first timing accuracy.

[0229] For the description of S320 , reference may be made to S220 in method 200 , and for the sake of brevity, details will not be given here.

[0230] Optionally, before S320, method 300 further includes: the clock management network element determines whether the second terminal device has subscribed to the clock service of the first timing accuracy based on the contract information of the second terminal device. If the second terminal device has subscribed to the clock service of the first timing accuracy, the clock management network element continues to execute S320; if the second terminal device has not subscribed to the clock service of the first timing accuracy, the clock management network element does not execute S320. It should be understood that when the clock management network element determines that it is not allowed to provide the second terminal device with information of a clock that meets the first timing accuracy, the clock management network element does not execute S320, thereby avoiding providing the second terminal device with a clock service with high timing accuracy that the second terminal device has not subscribed to.

[0231] S330: The clock management network element sends the identifier of the first terminal device to the second terminal device. Accordingly, in S330, the second terminal device receives the identifier of the first terminal device.

[0232] It should be understood that, when the clock management network element determines that the first clock is deployed on the first terminal device, it sends the identifier of the first terminal device to the second terminal device. Accordingly, after the second terminal device receives the identifier of the first terminal device from the clock management network element, it can determine that the first clock is deployed on the first terminal device.

[0233] Optionally, if multiple clocks with different timing accuracies are deployed on the first terminal device, then in S330, the clock management network element further sends the identifier of the first clock to the second terminal device. This facilitates the second terminal device to request information about the first clock from the first terminal device based on the identifier of the first clock, thereby preventing the first terminal device from sending information about other clocks to the second terminal device, for example, preventing the first terminal device from sending information about the second clock to the second terminal device.

[0234] Optionally, in S330, the clock management network element further sends first security information to the second terminal device, where the first security information is used to decrypt the first clock information encrypted by the first terminal device. It should be understood that when the clock management network element sends the first security information to the second terminal device, the first terminal device can send the encrypted first clock information to the second terminal device, thereby ensuring secure transmission of the first clock information.

[0235] Optionally, if the first security information is allocated by the clock management network element, method 300 further includes: the clock management network element sending second security information to the first terminal device, where the second security information is used to encrypt the first clock information. It should be understood that sending the second security information to the first terminal device facilitates the first terminal device to encrypt the first clock information based on the second security information, thereby ensuring secure transmission of the first clock information.

[0236] S340: The second terminal device sends a timing request message to the first terminal device. Accordingly, in S340, the first terminal device receives the timing request message from the second terminal device.

[0237] The timing request message includes the identifier of the second terminal device.

[0238] Optionally, if the second terminal device receives the identifier of the first clock from the clock management network element, the timing request message may also include the identifier of the first clock. The timing request message includes the identifier of the first clock, so that the first terminal device can determine that the second terminal device is requesting information about the first clock.

[0239] In a possible implementation, if before S340, the second terminal device has established a unicast connection with the first terminal device, the second terminal device sends a timing request message to the first terminal device through the unicast connection between the second terminal device and the first terminal device.

[0240] In another possible implementation, if before S340, the second terminal device and the first terminal device have not established a unicast connection, then in S340, the second terminal device may send a timing request message to the first terminal device via a direct communication request message. For example, the direct communication request message sent by the second terminal device to the first terminal device includes a request type field, and the request type field is timing. Accordingly, the first terminal device determines that the unicast connection initiated by the second terminal device is established for timing based on the request type field in the direct communication request message.

[0241] S350: The first terminal device sends the first clock information to the second terminal device. Correspondingly, in S350, the second terminal device receives the first clock information.

[0242] Exemplarily, if only the first clock is deployed on the first terminal device, then in S350, the first terminal device sends information of the first clock to the second terminal device in response to the timing request message.

[0243] As another example, if multiple clocks are deployed on the first terminal device and the timing request message includes the identifier of the first clock, then in S350, the first terminal device sends information of the first clock to the second terminal device according to the identifier of the first clock.

[0244] It should be noted that if the second terminal device sends a timing request message to the first terminal device through a direct communication request message, the first terminal device establishes a unicast connection with the second terminal device according to the direct communication request message, and then sends the first clock information to the second terminal device through the unicast connection.

[0245] Optionally, after sending the first clock information, the first terminal device encrypts the first clock information based on the second security information and sends the encrypted first clock information to the second terminal device. Correspondingly, after receiving the encrypted first clock information, the second terminal device decrypts the encrypted first clock information based on the first security information.

[0246] In an embodiment of the present application, when the clock management network element determines that the first terminal device has deployed the first clock, it sends the identifier of the first terminal device to the second terminal device, so that the second terminal device can request time synchronization from the first terminal device based on the identifier of the first terminal device, instead of requesting time synchronization from other terminal devices, so that the second terminal device can only obtain information about the first clock, but not information about other clocks, thereby achieving isolation of timing information.

[0247] In addition, the clock management network element can determine whether the second terminal device has subscribed to the clock service with the first timing accuracy based on the contract information of the second terminal device, thereby avoiding providing the second terminal device with a clock service with high timing accuracy that the second terminal device has not subscribed to, and further realizing the isolation of timing information.

[0248] Optionally, method 300 may further include S360 to S370.

[0249] S360: The clock management network element sends first timing configuration information to the first terminal device. Accordingly, in S360, the first terminal device receives the first timing configuration information.

[0250] It should be understood that when the clock management network element determines that the first clock is deployed on the first terminal device, it sends the first timing configuration information to the first terminal device. For more description of the first timing configuration information, please refer to S230 above. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0251] Furthermore, before the first terminal device sends the first clock information to the second terminal device, method 300 may further execute S370.

[0252] S370: The first terminal device determines, based on the identifier of the second terminal device, that the second terminal device belongs to the first terminal device group.

[0253] After the first terminal device receives the timing request message, if the identifier of the second terminal device included in the timing request message is consistent with the identifier of the terminal device included in the first terminal device group, the first terminal device can determine that the second terminal device belongs to the first terminal device group.

[0254] Further, when it is determined that the second terminal device belongs to the first terminal device group, the first terminal device sends the information of the first clock to the second terminal device.

[0255] In an embodiment of the present application, when the clock management network element determines that the first terminal device has deployed the first clock, it sends the first timing configuration information to the first terminal device. The first timing configuration information includes the identifier of the second terminal device requesting the first timing accuracy, so that the first terminal device can send the first clock information within the first terminal device group according to the first timing configuration information. The first terminal device group includes the first terminal device and the second terminal device. It can be understood that since the first terminal device sends the first clock information within the first terminal device group, it can be achieved that when the terminal device requesting timing belongs to the first terminal device group, the first terminal device will send the first clock information to the terminal device requesting timing, thereby achieving isolation of timing information.

[0256] Figure 4 FIG4 is a schematic flow chart of a timing method according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0257] S410: The second terminal device sends a timing request message to the first terminal device. Accordingly, in S410, the first terminal device receives the timing request message from the second terminal device.

[0258] The timing request message includes the identifier of the second terminal device and the first timing accuracy requested by the second terminal device.

[0259] The second terminal device can send the timing request message in a broadcast manner or in a unicast manner, and this embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0260] S420: The first terminal device sends the first clock information to the second terminal device. Correspondingly, in S420, the second terminal device receives the first clock information from the first terminal device.

[0261] After receiving the timing request message, the first terminal device can determine the information of the first clock that the second terminal device requests to meet the first timing accuracy based on the timing request message. Furthermore, if the first clock is deployed on the first terminal device, the first terminal device sends the information of the first clock to the second terminal device.

[0262] Optionally, if the first terminal device receives a timing request message requesting the first timing accuracy from multiple terminal devices, the first terminal device may send the first clock information to the multiple terminal devices via multicast. For example, if the first terminal device also receives a timing request message from a sixth terminal device requesting the first timing accuracy, the first terminal device may send the first clock information to the second terminal device and the sixth terminal device via multicast.

[0263] In an embodiment of the present application, the second terminal device carries the requested first timing accuracy in the timing request message, so that the first terminal device can send the information of the first clock to the second terminal device according to the timing request message, thereby realizing the isolation of timing information. For example, if the first clock deployed on the first terminal device does not meet the first timing accuracy, the first terminal device will not send the clock information to the second terminal device. For another example, if multiple clocks are deployed on the first terminal device, such as a clock that meets the second timing accuracy, the first terminal device will only send information that meets the first clock to the second terminal device, and will not send information that meets the second timing accuracy.

[0264] The following combination Figure 5 , taking the deployment of a clock on the first terminal device (hereinafter referred to as UE#A) and the fourth terminal device (hereinafter referred to as UE#B) as an example, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application is explained.

[0265] The following details Figure 5 The method 500 shown includes various steps.

[0266] In step S501, UE#A and UE#B respectively send NG establishment request messages to the access and mobility management function network element (hereinafter referred to as AMF).

[0267] Exemplarily, UE#A sends an NG Setup Request Message #1 to the RAN, which then forwards it to the AMF. NG Setup Request Message #1 includes UE#A's clock capability information, which includes UE#A's identity and the timing accuracy of a first clock deployed on UE#A (hereinafter referred to as Clock #1). Optionally, UE#A's clock capability information also includes security information #1 (i.e., first security information), which is used to decrypt the encrypted Clock #1 information (i.e., the first clock information) from UE#A.

[0268] Exemplarily, UE#B sends NG Setup Request Message #2 to the RAN, which then forwards it to the AMF. NG Setup Request Message #2 includes UE#B's clock capability information, which includes UE#B's identity and the timing accuracy of a third clock deployed on UE#B (hereinafter referred to as Clock #2). Optionally, UE#B's clock capability information also includes Security Information #2, which is used to decrypt the encrypted Clock #2 information of UE#B.

[0269] S502, AMF sends a UE clock capability registration request message to the network storage function network element (hereinafter referred to as NRF).

[0270] Exemplarily, after receiving the NG establishment request message #1, the AMF may send a UE clock capability registration request message #1 to the NRF, where the UE clock capability registration request message #1 includes the clock capability information of UE#A.

[0271] Exemplarily, after receiving the NG establishment request message #2, the AMF may send a UE clock capability registration request message #1 to the NRF, where the UE clock capability registration request message #2 includes the clock capability information of UE #B.

[0272] As another example, after receiving NG establishment request message #1 and NG establishment request message #2, AMF can send UE clock capability registration request message #3 to NRF. UE clock capability registration request message #3 includes: clock capability information of UE#A and clock capability information of UE#B.

[0273] Optionally, the method 500 further includes S503, where a clock management network element (hereinafter referred to as T-NF) sends a subscription request message to the NRF.

[0274] The Subscribe Request message is used to request subscription to the UE's clock capability.

[0275] S504, the NRF sends a UE clock capability notification to the T-NF.

[0276] Exemplarily, after receiving the UE clock capability registration request message #1 from the AMF, the NRF sends a UE clock capability notification #1 to the T-NF, where the UE clock capability notification #1 includes the clock capability information of UE#A.

[0277] As another example, after the NRF receives the UE clock capability registration request message #2 from the AMF, it sends the UE clock capability notification #2 to the T-NF, where the UE clock capability notification #2 includes the clock capability information of UE#B.

[0278] As another example, the NRF receives UE clock capability registration request message #1 and UE clock capability registration request message #2 from the AMF, or receives UE clock capability registration request message #3, and the NRF sends UE clock capability notification #3 to the T-NF, where the UE clock capability notification #3 includes the clock capability information of UE#A and the clock capability information of UE#B.

[0279] S505, UE#1 to UE#3 respectively send non-access stratum (NAS) messages to AMF.

[0280] The NAS message may be a registration request message or a packet data unit (PDU) session establishment request message.

[0281] Exemplarily, UE#1 (an example of a second terminal device) sends NAS message #1 to AMF, where NAS message #1 includes clock request message #1, where clock request message #1 includes an identifier of UE#1 and a first timing accuracy requested by UE#1.

[0282] Exemplarily, UE#2 sends NAS message #2 to AMF, where NAS message #2 includes clock request message #2, where clock request message #2 includes an identifier of UE#2 and a first timing accuracy requested by UE#2.

[0283] Exemplarily, UE#3 sends NAS message #3 to AMF, where NAS message #3 includes clock request message #3, where clock request message #3 includes the identifier of UE#3 and the third timing accuracy requested by UE#3.

[0284] S506: AMF sends a clock request message to T-NF.

[0285] Exemplarily, the AMF sends a clock request message #1 to the T-NF according to the NAS message #1.

[0286] Exemplarily, the AMF sends a clock request message #2 to the T-NF according to the NAS message #2.

[0287] Exemplarily, the AMF sends a clock request message #3 to the T-NF according to the NAS message #3.

[0288] S507 , T-NF determines UE group #1 and UE group #2.

[0289] After receiving Clock Request Messages #1 through #3, the T-NF compares the timing accuracy requested by UE#1 through UE#3 with the timing accuracy of the clocks deployed on UE#A and UE#B. The T-NF determines that the timing accuracy of Clock #1 deployed on UE#A meets the first timing accuracy requested by UE#1 and UE#2, and that the timing accuracy of Clock #2 deployed on UE#B meets the third timing accuracy requested by UE#3. Furthermore, the T-NF identifies UE#A, UE#1, and UE#2 as UE Group #1, and UE#B and UE#3 as UE Group #2.

[0290] S508, T-NF sends timing configuration information to UE#A and UE#B respectively.

[0291] Exemplarily, the T-NF sends timing configuration information #1 to UE#A, where the timing configuration information #1 includes the identifiers of UE#1 and UE#2. Optionally, the timing configuration information #1 also includes security information #3 (i.e., second security information), which is used to encrypt information of clock #1.

[0292] Exemplarily, the T-NF sends timing configuration information #2 to UE#B, where the timing configuration information #2 includes the identifier of UE#3. Optionally, the timing configuration information #2 also includes security information #4, where the security information #4 is used to encrypt information of clock #2.

[0293] Optionally, method 500 may further include S509 and S510.

[0294] S509: T-NF sends a clock request response to AMF.

[0295] The T-NF sends a clock request response #1 to the AMF in response to the clock request message #1. The clock request response #1 includes the identifier of UE #A. Optionally, the clock request response #1 also includes security information #1.

[0296] The T-NF sends a clock request response #2 to the AMF for the clock request message #2. The clock request response #2 includes the identifier of UE #A. Optionally, the clock request response #1 also includes security information #1.

[0297] The T-NF sends a clock request response #3 to the AMF in response to the clock request message #3. The clock request response #3 includes the identifier of UE #B. Optionally, the clock request response #1 also includes security information #2.

[0298] S510: AMF sends NAS messages to UE#1 to UE#3 respectively.

[0299] The NAS message may be a registration accept message or a PDU session establishment accept message.

[0300] The AMF sends NAS message #4 to UE #1 according to the clock request response #1. NAS message #4 includes the identifier of UE #A. Optionally, NAS message #4 also includes security information #1.

[0301] The AMF sends NAS message #5 to UE #2 according to clock request response #2. NAS message #5 includes the identifier of UE #A. Optionally, NAS message #5 also includes security information #1.

[0302] The AMF sends NAS message #6 to UE #3 according to clock request response #3. NAS message #6 includes the identifier of UE #A. Optionally, NAS message #6 also includes security information #2.

[0303] S511, UE#A sends information of clock #1 to UE#1 and / or UE#2.

[0304] UE#A determines to send clock #1 information in UE group #1 according to the received timing configuration information #1. For more description of S511, please refer to S270 in the above method 200.

[0305] S512, UE#B sends information of clock #2 to UE#3.

[0306] UE#B determines to send clock #2 information in UE group #2 according to the received timing configuration information #2. For more description of S512, please refer to S270 in the above method 200.

[0307] S513, T-NF records the timing status of the UE and generates charging information.

[0308] In an embodiment of the present application, after receiving multiple clock request messages, the T-NF groups the UEs with the same timing request and the UEs that can meet the timing request into the same UE group, so that the UEs deployed with clocks can provide time to the UEs in the same UE group, thereby achieving isolation of timing information.

[0309] The following combination Figure 6 , taking the deployment of two clocks (denoted as clock #1 and clock #2) on the first terminal device (hereinafter referred to as UE#A) as an example, the timing method provided in the embodiment of the present application is explained.

[0310] The following details Figure 6 The method 600 shown includes various steps.

[0311] S601, UE#A sends an NG establishment request message to the access and mobility management function network element (hereinafter referred to as AMF).

[0312] Exemplarily, UE#A sends an NG establishment request message to the RAN, which then forwards the NG establishment request message to the AMF. The NG establishment request message includes the clock capability information of UE#A, which includes the identifier of UE#A and the timing accuracy of the first clock deployed on UE#A (hereinafter referred to as clock #1), the clock domain number of clock #1, the timing accuracy of the second clock deployed on UE#A (hereinafter referred to as clock #2), and the clock domain number of clock #2. Optionally, the clock capability information of UE#A also includes security information #1 (i.e., first security information) and security information #2. Security information #1 is used to decrypt the information of clock #1 encrypted by UE#A (i.e., the information of the first clock), and security information #2 is used to decrypt the information of clock #2 encrypted by UE#A (i.e., the information of the second clock).

[0313] S602, AMF sends a UE clock capability registration request message to the network storage function network element (hereinafter referred to as NRF).

[0314] After receiving the NG establishment request message, the AMF may send a UE clock capability registration request message to the NRF, where the UE clock capability registration request message includes the clock capability information of UE#A.

[0315] Optionally, the method 600 further includes S603, where a clock management network element (hereinafter referred to as T-NF) sends a subscription request message to the NRF.

[0316] The Subscribe Request message is used to request subscription to the UE's clock capability.

[0317] S604, the NRF sends a UE clock capability notification to the T-NF.

[0318] Exemplarily, after receiving the UE clock capability registration request message from the AMF, the NRF sends a UE clock capability notification to the T-NF, where the UE clock capability notification #1 includes the clock capability information of UE#A.

[0319] S605 and S606 are the same as S505 and S506 in method 500 .

[0320] Further, method 600 executes S607a or S607b.

[0321] S607a, T-NF determines UE group #1 and UE group #2.

[0322] After receiving Clock Request Messages #1 through #3, the T-NF compares the timing accuracy requested by UE#1 through UE#3 with the timing accuracy of the clock deployed on UE#A. The T-NF determines that the timing accuracy of Clock #1 deployed on UE#A meets the first timing accuracy requested by UE#1 and UE#2, and that the timing accuracy of Clock #2 deployed on UE#A meets the third timing accuracy requested by UE#3. Furthermore, the T-NF identifies UE#A, UE#1, and UE#2 as UE Group #1, and UE#A and UE#3 as UE Group #2.

[0323] S607b, T-NF determines that UE#A meets the timing requirements of UE#1 to UE#3.

[0324] After receiving clock request messages #1 to #3, T-NF compares the timing accuracy requested by UE#1 to UE#3 with the timing accuracy of the clock deployed on UE#A. It can be determined that the timing accuracy of clock #1 deployed on UE#A can meet the first timing accuracy requested by UE#1 and UE#2, and it can be determined that the timing accuracy of clock #2 deployed on UE#A can meet the third timing accuracy requested by UE#3.

[0325] S608, T-NF sends timing configuration information to UE#A.

[0326] If method 600 executes S607a, the timing configuration information includes the identifier of UE#1, the identifier of UE#2, the identifier of UE#3, the clock domain number of clock #1, and the clock domain number of clock #2. The identifiers of UE#1 and UE#2 are associated with the clock domain number of clock #1 to indicate that UE#1, UE#2, and UE#A belong to the same UE group #1. The identifier of UE#3 is associated with the clock domain number of clock #2 to indicate that UE#3 and UE#A belong to the same UE group #2.

[0327] If the method 600 executes S607b, the timing configuration information includes the identifier of UE#1, the identifier of UE#2, and the identifier of UE#3.

[0328] Optionally, the timing configuration information further includes security information #3 (ie, second security information) and / or security information #4, where security information #3 is used to encrypt information of clock #1 and security information #4 is used to encrypt information of clock #2.

[0329] Optionally, method 600 may further include S609 and S610 , which are the same as S509 and S510 in method 500 .

[0330] Furthermore, if the timing configuration information received by UE#A indicates that UE#1, UE#2, and UE#A belong to UE group #1, and indicates that UE#3 and UE#B belong to UE group #2, then after receiving the timing configuration information, UE#A can directly determine, based on the timing configuration information, to transmit clock #1 information in UE group #1 and to transmit clock #2 information in UE group #2. That is, after method 600 completes S608, it can directly proceed to S613 and / or S614.

[0331] If the timing configuration information received by UE#A includes the identifiers of UE#1 to UE#3 but does not include the clock domain numbers, the method 600 further includes S612 and S613.

[0332] S612, UE#A sends a group member discovery request message to UE#1 to UE#3.

[0333] The group member discovery request message includes the identifier of UE#A, the timing accuracy of clock #1, the clock domain number of clock #1, the timing accuracy of clock #2, and the clock domain number of clock #2.

[0334] S613, UE#1 to UE#3 respectively send a group member discovery response message to UE#A.

[0335] For example, after UE#1 receives the group member discovery request message, it determines that the timing accuracy of clock #1 meets the first timing accuracy requested by UE#1, then UE#1 sends a group member discovery response message #1 to UE#A, and the group member discovery response message #1 includes the identifier of UE#1 and the clock domain number of clock #1.

[0336] After UE#2 receives the group member discovery request message, it determines that the timing accuracy of clock #1 meets the first timing accuracy requested by UE#2, then UE#2 sends a group member discovery response message #2 to UE#A. The group member discovery response message #2 includes the identifier of UE#2 and the clock domain number of clock #1.

[0337] After UE#3 receives the group member discovery request message, it determines that the timing accuracy of clock #2 meets the first timing accuracy requested by UE#3, then UE#3 sends a group member discovery response message #3 to UE#A. The group member discovery response message #3 includes the identifier of UE#3 and the clock domain number of clock #2.

[0338] Accordingly, after receiving Group Member Discovery Response Messages #1 to #3, UE#A can determine that UE#1 and UE#2 request the first timing accuracy, and that UE#3 requests the second timing accuracy. Therefore, UE#A can determine that UE#A, UE#1, and UE#2 form UE Group #1, and that UE#A and UE#3 form UE Group #2.

[0339] S613, UE#A sends information of clock #1 in UE group #1.

[0340] S614, UE#A sends information of clock #2 in UE group #2.

[0341] For more descriptions about S613 and S614 , please refer to S270 in the above method 200 .

[0342] S615, T-NF records the timing status of the UE and generates charging information.

[0343] In an embodiment of the present application, after receiving multiple clock request messages, T-NF groups UEs with the same timing request and UE#A that can meet the timing request into the same UE group. In the case where UE#A is deployed with multiple clocks, the clock domain number of the clock that meets the timing request is associated with the UE group, so that UE#A can provide time to UEs in the same UE group, thereby achieving isolation of timing information.

[0344] Alternatively, when UE#A can meet the timing requests of multiple UEs, the identifiers of multiple UEs are sent to UE#A, so that UE#A can send group member discovery request messages to the multiple UEs based on the identifiers of the multiple UEs, and based on the group member discovery response messages fed back by the multiple UEs, the UEs with the same timing requests are divided into the same UE group, so that UE#A can provide time to the UEs in the same UE group and realize the isolation of timing information.

[0345] Figure 7 1 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in the figure, the communication device 1000 may include: a transceiver unit 1010 and a processing unit 1020.

[0346] In one possible design, the communication device 1000 can be the first terminal device in the above method embodiment, or it can be a chip used to implement the functions of the first terminal device in the above method embodiment.

[0347] It should be understood that the communication device 1000 may correspond to the first terminal device in the method 200, method 300, method 400, method 500 or method 600 of the embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 1000 may include a device for executing Figure 2Method 200, Figure 3 Method 300, Figure 4 Method 400, Figure 5 Method 500 or Figure 6 The units of the method performed by the first terminal device in the method 600 are respectively Figure 2 Method 200, Figure 3 Method 300, Figure 4 Method 400, Figure 5 Method 500 or Figure 6 It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0348] In another possible design, the communication device 1000 may be the second terminal device in the above method embodiment, or may be a chip for implementing the functions of the second terminal device in the above method embodiment.

[0349] It should be understood that the communication device 1000 may correspond to the second terminal device in the method 200, method 300, method 400, method 500 or method 600 of the embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 1000 may include a device for executing Figure 2 Method 200, Figure 3 Method 300, Figure 4 Method 400, Figure 5 Method 500 or Figure 6 The units of the method performed by the second terminal device in the method 600. In addition, the units in the communication device 1000 and the above-mentioned other operations and / or functions are respectively for implementing Figure 2 Method 200, Figure 3 Method 300, Figure 4 Method 400, Figure 5 Method 500 or Figure 6 It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0350] In another possible design, the communication device 1000 can be the clock management network element in the above method embodiment, or it can be a chip used to implement the functions of the clock management network element in the above method embodiment.

[0351] It should be understood that the communication device 1000 may correspond to the clock management network element in the method 200, method 300, method 400, method 500 or method 600 of the embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 1000 may include a clock management network element for executing Figure 2 Method 200, Figure 3 Method 300, Figure 4 Method 400, Figure 5 Method 500 or Figure 6 The clock management network element in the method 600 is executed by the unit. In addition, the units in the communication device 1000 and the above-mentioned other operations and / or functions are respectively for implementing Figure 2 Method 200, Figure 3 Method 300, Figure 4 Method 400, Figure 5 Method 500 or Figure 6 It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0352] It should also be understood that the transceiver unit 1010 in the communication device 1000 may correspond to Figure 8 The transceiver 2020 in the communication device 2000 shown in FIG. 1 may correspond to the processing unit 1020 in the communication device 1000. Figure 8 The processor 2010 in the communication device 2000 shown in FIG.

[0353] It should also be understood that when the communication device 1000 is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver unit. Optionally, the chip may also include a processing unit. The transceiver unit may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processing unit may be a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip.

[0354] The transceiver unit 1010 is used to implement the signal transceiver operation of the communication device 1000, and the processing unit 1020 is used to implement the signal processing operation of the communication device 1000.

[0355] Optionally, the communication device further includes a storage unit 1030, and the storage unit 1030 is used to store instructions.

[0356] Figure 8 2 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 2000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8As shown, the communication device 2000 includes: at least one processor 2010 and a transceiver 2020. The processor 2010 is coupled to a memory and is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to control the transceiver 2020 to send and / or receive signals. Optionally, the communication device 2000 also includes a memory 2030 for storing instructions.

[0357] It should be understood that the processor 2010 and the memory 2030 may be combined into a processing device, and the processor 2010 is used to execute the program code stored in the memory 2030 to implement the uplink function. In specific implementation, the memory 2030 may also be integrated into the processor 2010 or independent of the processor 2010.

[0358] It should also be understood that the transceiver 2020 may include a receiver (or receiver) and a transmitter (or transmitter). The transceiver 2020 may further include an antenna, which may be one or more. The transceiver 2020 may also be an antenna interface or interface circuit.

[0359] When the communication device 2000 is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processing unit may be a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip.

[0360] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of a chip system according to an embodiment of the present application. The chip system here can also be a system composed of circuits. Figure 9 The chip system 3000 shown includes: a logic circuit 3010 and an input / output interface (input / output interface) 3020, wherein the logic circuit is coupled to the input interface and transmits data (such as the first timing configuration information) through the input / output interface to perform Figures 2 to 6 The method described.

[0361] The present application also provides a processing device, including a processor and an interface. The processor can be used to execute the method in the above method embodiment.

[0362] It should be understood that the processing device may be a chip. For example, the processing device may be a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on chip (SoC), a central processor unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD), or other integrated chips.

[0363] During implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor or by instructions in the form of software. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art such as a random access register, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in a memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in conjunction with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0364] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiment of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method embodiment can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor or an instruction in the form of software. The above-mentioned processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component. The disclosed methods, steps and logic block diagrams in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0365] It is 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.

[0366] According to the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the present application also provides a computer program product, which includes: a computer program code, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to execute Figures 2 to 6 A method according to any one of the embodiments shown.

[0367] According to the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the present application also provides a computer-readable medium, which stores a program code, and when the program code is run on a computer, the computer executes Figures 2 to 6 A method according to any one of the embodiments shown.

[0368] According to the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the present application also provides a system, which includes the aforementioned first terminal device, a clock management network element and a second terminal device.

[0369] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it 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. When the computer instructions are loaded and 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 instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable information medium to another computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a tape), an optical medium (e.g., a high-density digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid-state drive (SSD)).

[0370] 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.

[0371] 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 time service method, characterized in that: include: The clock management network element receives a clock request message from at least one terminal device, the clock request message including an identifier of the terminal device and a timing accuracy requested by the terminal device, the at least one terminal device including a second terminal device requesting a first timing accuracy; The clock management network element determines that a first clock deployed on the first terminal device meets the first timing accuracy; The clock management network element sends first timing configuration information to the first terminal device, where the first timing configuration information includes an identifier of the second terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: The clock management network element determines a first terminal device group according to the clock request message, where the first terminal device group includes the first terminal device and a terminal device among the at least one terminal device that requests the first timing accuracy, and the terminal device among the at least one terminal device that requests the first timing accuracy includes the second terminal device; The first timing configuration information is used to indicate information about sending the first clock within the first terminal device group, and the first timing configuration information includes an identifier of a terminal device among the at least one terminal device that requests the first timing accuracy.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The method further comprises: The clock management network element determines, based on the contract information of the second terminal device, that the second terminal device has subscribed to the clock service with the first timing accuracy.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: The clock management network element sends the identifier of the first terminal device to the second terminal device.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: The clock management network element obtains first security information, where the first security information is obtained from the first terminal device; The clock management network element sends the first security information to the second terminal device, and the first security information is used by the second terminal device to decrypt the information of the first clock encrypted by the first terminal device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The clock management network element obtains the second security information, and the first timing configuration information further includes the second security information, where the second security information is used by the first terminal device to encrypt information of the first clock; The method further comprises: The clock management network element sends first security information to the second terminal device, where the first security information is used by the second terminal device to decrypt the information of the first clock encrypted by the first terminal device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: The clock management network element determines that a second clock meeting a second timing accuracy is also deployed on the first terminal device.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: The clock management network element sends the identifier of the first clock to the second terminal device.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The first timing configuration information also includes an identifier of the first clock.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that The at least one terminal device further includes a third terminal device requesting the second timing accuracy, and the method further includes: The clock management network element sends second timing configuration information to the first terminal device, where the second timing configuration information includes an identifier of the third terminal device and an identifier of the second clock.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The method further comprises: The clock management network element receives the clock capability information of the first terminal device from the access and mobility management function network element or the network storage function network element, and the clock capability information includes the identification of the first terminal device and at least one of the following: the timing accuracy of at least one clock deployed on the first terminal device, the identification of the at least one clock, and at least one security information used to decrypt the information of the at least one clock encrypted by the first terminal device.

12. A time service method, characterized in that: include: The first terminal device receives first timing configuration information from the clock management network element, where the first timing configuration information includes an identifier of the second terminal device; The first terminal device determines a first terminal device group according to the first timing configuration information, where the first terminal device group includes the first terminal device and the second terminal device; The first terminal device sends information of a first clock within the first terminal device group, where the first clock is a clock deployed on the first terminal device and meets a first timing accuracy.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first timing configuration information is used to indicate information about sending the first clock within the first terminal device group.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The first terminal device sending the first clock information within the first terminal device group includes: The first terminal device receives a timing request message from the second terminal device, where the timing request message includes an identifier of the second terminal device; The first terminal device determines, according to the identifier of the second terminal device, that the second terminal device belongs to the first terminal device group; The first terminal device sends information about the first clock to the second terminal device.

15. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The first terminal device sending the first clock information within the first terminal device group includes: The first terminal device sends the information of the first clock to the terminal devices in the first terminal device group in a multicast manner.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first terminal device encrypts information of the first clock according to the second security information; The first terminal device sending the first clock information within the first terminal device group includes: The first terminal device sends the encrypted information of the first clock within the first terminal device group.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The first timing configuration information also includes the second security information.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that When the first terminal device also deploys a second clock that meets the second timing accuracy, the first timing configuration information also includes an identifier of the first clock.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that When the first terminal device further deploys a second clock that meets the second timing accuracy, the first terminal device determines a first terminal device group according to the first timing configuration information, including: The first terminal device sends, to the second terminal device, an identifier of the first terminal device and an identifier of at least one clock deployed on the first terminal device according to the first timing configuration information; The first terminal device receives the identifier of the second terminal device and the identifier of the first clock from the second terminal device; The first terminal device determines, based on the identifier of the second terminal device and the identifier of the first clock, that the first terminal device group includes the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first terminal device receives second timing configuration information from the clock management network element, where the second timing configuration information includes an identifier of the third terminal device; The first terminal device determines a second terminal device group according to the second timing configuration information, where the second terminal device group includes the first terminal device and the third terminal device; The first terminal device sends information of the second clock within the second terminal device group.

21. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first terminal device sends clock capability information to the access and mobility management function network element, and the clock capability information includes the identifier of the first terminal device and at least one of the following: the timing accuracy of at least one clock deployed on the first terminal device, the identifier of the at least one clock, and at least one security information used to decrypt the information of the at least one clock encrypted by the first terminal device.

22. A time service method, characterized in that: include: The second terminal device sends a clock request message to the clock management network element, where the clock request message includes an identifier of the second terminal device and a first timing accuracy requested by the second terminal device; The second terminal device receives an identifier of the first terminal device from the clock management network element, and the first clock deployed on the first terminal device meets the first timing accuracy; The second terminal device sends a timing request message to the first terminal device according to the identifier of the first terminal device; The second terminal device receives information about the first clock from the first terminal device.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second terminal device receives first security information from the clock management network element; The second terminal device receives the first clock information from the first terminal device, including: The second terminal device receives the encrypted information of the first clock from the first terminal device; The method further comprises: The second terminal device decrypts the encrypted information of the first clock according to the first security information.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that The timing request message further includes an identifier of the first clock, and the method further includes: The second terminal device receives the identifier of the first clock from the clock management network element.

25. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second terminal device receives, from the first terminal device, an identifier of the first terminal device and an identifier of at least one clock deployed on the first terminal device; The second terminal device determines, according to the identifier of the at least one clock, that the at least one clock includes the first clock; The second terminal device sends the identifier of the second terminal device and the identifier of the first clock to the first terminal device.

26. A communication device, characterized in that: Used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

27. A communication device, characterized in that: Used to implement the method according to any one of claims 12 to 21.

28. A communication device, characterized in that: Used to implement the method according to any one of claims 22 to 25.

29. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises at least one processor configured to execute a computer program stored in a memory, so that the device implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The invention comprises a computer program which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

Images