Communication method and communication device

Abstract

The application provides a communication method and a communication device. The method comprises: a first network element obtaining at least one first information, the at least one first information being used for indicating an internal error of at least one communication device in a communication device group. The first network element determines at least one time synchronization error budget according to the at least one first information, the at least one time synchronization error budget comprising a time synchronization error budget between a first communication device and each of the at least one communication device, the first communication device being a communication device in the communication device group and being used for providing clock synchronization information. The first network element sends the at least one time synchronization error budget to the first communication device. The clock synchronization error can be reduced, and the clock synchronization precision can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] The Industrial Internet enables the digitalization, networking, and intelligentization of industrial production through comprehensive connectivity of people, machines, things, and systems. To support the Industrial Internet, the integration of mobile communication networks and time-sensitive networking (TSN) has been proposed to achieve wireless industrial networks. Wireless industrial networks can solve problems associated with wired industrial technologies, such as poor mobility, inflexible networking, difficulties in deploying in special environments, and high costs.

[0003] However, in industrial production, equipment needs to be precisely controlled and operate in close coordination without collisions. This places strict requirements on the clock synchronization between equipment. How to ensure the accuracy of clock synchronization between equipment through mobile communication networks is the focus of current research. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that can reduce clock synchronization errors and improve clock synchronization accuracy.

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first network element, which can be a communication device, such as a core network element or an access network device, or the first network element can also be configured in the communication device, such as a device (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a processor) in the communication device.

[0006] The method includes: a first network element acquiring at least one piece of first information, the at least one piece of first information indicating an internal error of at least one communication device; the first network element determining at least one time synchronization error budget based on the at least one piece of first information, the at least one time synchronization error budget being a time synchronization error budget between the first communication device and each of the at least one communication device, the first communication device being a communication device in the communication device group used to provide clock synchronization information; and the first network element sending the at least one time synchronization error budget to the first communication device.

[0007] In this scheme, the at least one time synchronization error budget is used by the first communication device to determine clock synchronization information. The first network element determines the time synchronization error budget between the first communication device and the communication devices in the communication device group based on the internal errors of the communication devices in the communication device group, and provides it to the first communication device. This enables the first communication device to obtain a more accurate time synchronization error budget, thereby determining the clock synchronization information provided to the communication devices in the communication device group, which can improve clock synchronization accuracy and reduce clock synchronization error.

[0008] In one implementation, the first information indicates the topology information of a set of devices corresponding to the communication device.

[0009] For example, the topology information is used to indicate the number of hops in the clock synchronization information transmission within the set of devices corresponding to the communication device. By obtaining the number of hops in the clock synchronization information transmission within the communication device, the first network element can obtain the clock transmission error between the set of devices within the communication device.

[0010] In another implementation, the first information indicates the internal error of the communication device.

[0011] In other words, the first information includes clock errors transmitted between sets of devices within the communication equipment, which are related to clock synchronization information.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first network element is a terminal, core network element, or application function network element used to manage the communication equipment group; or, the first network element is a communication device in the communication equipment group.

[0013] In one implementation, the first network element can be a communication device outside the communication equipment group.

[0014] For example, the first network element can be a core network element, such as a TSCTSF network element, or the core network element can be an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element or a unified data management (UDM) function network element. This application does not limit this. The first network element can also be an AF network element, or the first network element can be an administrator terminal managing the communication equipment group.

[0015] In another implementation, the first network element can be one of the communication devices in the communication device group. Alternatively, each communication device in the communication device group can have the function of the first network element.

[0016] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first information further includes one or more of the following information for indicating the communication device:

[0017] Supported access types, clock capabilities, supported clock synchronization errors, information processing capabilities, intelligence levels, communication service quality, power information, or supported clock synchronization methods.

[0018] The access types supported by the aforementioned communication equipment can be 3GPP access and / or non-3GPP access. The clock capability information of the aforementioned communication equipment may include one or more of the following:

[0019] Clock source information, clock quality class information, clock accuracy, or clock frequency stability.

[0020] The clock synchronization error supported by the aforementioned communication equipment can be either a supported delay compensation capability (PDC) or a supported clock synchronization error value, used to indicate the clock synchronization error between two communication devices when the communication equipment provides clock synchronization reference information to other communication devices.

[0021] The clock synchronization method supported by the aforementioned communication equipment can refer to whether the communication equipment has the capability for delay correction or time offset correction. Specifically, it can be any of the following:

[0022] Does it support delay compensation using the PDC method? Does it support delay compensation algorithms? Does it support time-advanced-based (TA-based) algorithms or round-trip time-based (RTT-based) algorithms?

[0023] In clock synchronization mode, the communication device that sends time synchronization information (i.e., the timing communication device) needs to determine the propagation delay compensation amount (or time offset compensation amount) of the time synchronization information. After receiving the information sent by the timing communication device, the communication devices in the communication device group need to send response information to the timing communication device so that the timing communication device can determine the propagation delay compensation amount (or time offset compensation amount) based on the response information from the communication device, thereby achieving time synchronization between the timing communication device and the time-synchronized communication device.

[0024] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first network element determining the first communication device in the communication device group.

[0025] According to the above scheme, the first network element can determine the first communication device in the communication equipment group as the communication device that provides clock synchronization information in the communication equipment group. Communication devices in the communication equipment group can achieve clock synchronization through direct communication (such as through a side link or other communication links). This scheme does not require each communication device in the communication equipment group to have Uu interface (i.e., air interface, or simply air interface) communication capability; clock synchronization of the communication equipment group is achieved through communication with network devices via the Uu interface. This scheme can achieve clock synchronization of the communication equipment group simply by direct communication between the communication devices in the group.

[0026] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first information is further used to indicate information about clock synchronization errors supported by the communication device. The first network element determines the first communication device within the communication device group by: the first network element determining the first communication device based on second information and the at least one piece of first information, wherein the second information is used to indicate the service error budget of the communication device group.

[0027] The service error budget can be an end-to-end clock synchronization service error budget, which can be determined by a third-party AF network element based on the clock synchronization error budget that needs to be met between communication devices. It can be regarded as the time synchronization service error budget that needs to be met between communication devices.

[0028] According to the above scheme, the first network element can determine the first communication device that can meet the service error budget as the communication device providing clock synchronization information in the communication equipment group based on one or more of the following: the service error budget of the communication equipment group's services, the internal errors of the communication devices in the communication equipment group, and the supported clock synchronization errors. This enables the communication devices in the communication equipment group to achieve clock synchronization that meets the service clock error budget through direct communication.

[0029] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first network element determines the first communication device based on second information and / or at least one piece of first information, including: the first network element determines a time synchronization error budget among the communication devices in the communication device group based on the second information and the internal errors of the communication devices in the communication device group. The first network element determines the first communication device based on the clock synchronization errors supported by the communication devices in the communication device group and the time synchronization error budget among the communication devices in the communication device group.

[0030] According to the above scheme, the first network element can specifically determine the time synchronization error budget between communication devices in the communication equipment group based on the service error budget and the internal errors of the communication devices in the communication equipment group. That is, the remaining error budget after excluding the internal errors of the communication devices is the service error budget. This time synchronization error budget represents the maximum error in transmitting clock synchronization information between communication devices. The first network element then determines the first communication device that can meet the time synchronization error budget with each communication device based on the clock synchronization error supported by the communication devices and the time synchronization error budget between the communication devices. This enables clock synchronization that meets the service clock error budget to be achieved between the communication devices in the communication equipment group through direct communication.

[0031] In some implementations of the first aspect, the clock synchronization error supported by the first communication device is less than or equal to the time synchronization error budget between the first communication device and any other communication device in the group of communication devices other than the first communication device.

[0032] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first network element sending fourth information to the first communication device, the fourth information being used to instruct the first communication device to send clock synchronization information to the communication devices in the communication device group, that is, instructing the first communication device to synchronize the time with the communication devices in the communication device group.

[0033] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first network element sending fifth information to communication devices in the communication device group other than the first communication device, the fifth information being used to indicate receiving clock synchronization information from the first communication device.

[0034] According to the above scheme, after the first network element determines the first communication device that provides clock synchronization information to the communication devices in the communication equipment group, it notifies the communication devices in the communication equipment group so that the communication devices in the communication equipment group can reach a consensus on the communication device that provides clock synchronization information and achieve clock synchronization.

[0035] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first network element sending third information to multiple communication devices, the third information being used to instruct the establishment of the communication device group, the communication device group including the multiple communication devices. The multiple communication devices in the communication device group can be formed based on service requirements, and within a communication device group, the communication devices share the same service error budget.

[0036] According to the above scheme, the first network element can notify multiple communication devices to establish a communication device group, thereby enabling clock synchronization of the communication device group.

[0037] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first network element receives third information from a second network element, the third information being used to instruct the establishment of the communication device group. The first network element receives the first information from communication devices within the communication device group. When the first network element is a communication device within the communication device group, the first network element receives the first information from communication devices within the communication device group other than the first network element.

[0038] According to the above scheme, the first network element can be a communication device in a communication device group. After the communication device in the communication device group establishes the communication device group, it obtains the first information of other communication devices in the communication device group, thereby determining the communication device that provides clock synchronization information.

[0039] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first network element receiving second information from the second network element, the second information being used to indicate the service error budget of the communication services of the communication equipment group.

[0040] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second network element is a terminal, core network element, or application function network element used to manage the communication equipment group.

[0041] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a communication device or by a device configured in the communication device (such as a chip, chip system, or processor). The following description uses the execution of the method by a first communication device as an example.

[0042] The method includes: a first communication device acquiring at least one time synchronization error budget, the at least one time synchronization error budget including a time synchronization error budget between the first communication device and each of at least one communication device in a communication device group, the at least one time synchronization error budget being determined based on at least one first piece of information, the at least one first piece of information being used to indicate the internal error of at least one communication device in the communication device group, the communication device group including the first communication device;

[0043] The first communication device sends clock synchronization information to the communication devices in the communication device group based on the at least one time synchronization error budget.

[0044] In some implementations of the second aspect, the first information is used to indicate topological information of a set of devices corresponding to the communication device; or, the first information is used to indicate internal errors of the communication device.

[0045] In some implementations of the second aspect, the first information is further used to indicate one or more of the following information of the communication device:

[0046] Supported access types, clock capabilities, supported clock synchronization errors, information processing capabilities, intelligence levels, communication service quality, power information, or supported clock synchronization methods.

[0047] The access types supported by the aforementioned communication equipment can be 3GPP access and / or non-3GPP access. The clock capability information of the aforementioned communication equipment may include one or more of the following:

[0048] Clock source information, clock quality class information, clock accuracy, or clock frequency stability.

[0049] The clock synchronization error supported by the aforementioned communication equipment can be either a supported delay compensation capability (PDC) or a supported clock synchronization error value, used to indicate the clock synchronization error between two communication devices when the communication equipment provides clock synchronization reference information to other communication devices.

[0050] The clock synchronization method supported by the aforementioned communication equipment can refer to whether the communication equipment has the capability for delay correction or time offset correction. Specifically, it can be any of the following:

[0051] Does it support PDC-based latency compensation? Does it support latency compensation algorithms? Does it support TA (time-advanced)-based algorithms or RTT (round-trip time)-based algorithms?

[0052] In clock synchronization mode, the communication device that sends time synchronization information (i.e., the timing communication device) needs to determine the propagation delay compensation amount (or time offset compensation amount) of the time synchronization information. After receiving the information sent by the timing communication device, the communication devices in the communication device group need to send response information to the timing communication device so that the timing communication device can determine the propagation delay compensation amount (or time offset compensation amount) based on the response information from the communication device, thereby achieving time synchronization between the timing communication device and the time-synchronized communication device.

[0053] In some implementations of the second aspect, the first communication device acquires at least one time synchronization error budget, including:

[0054] The first communication device receives the at least one time synchronization error budget from the first network element.

[0055] In some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0056] The first communication device receives at least one first piece of information from the at least one communication device;

[0057] And, the first communication device acquires at least one time synchronization error budget, including:

[0058] The first communication device determines the at least one time synchronization error budget based on the at least one first piece of information.

[0059] In some implementations of the second aspect, the first information is further used to indicate information about clock synchronization errors supported by the communication device; and the method further includes:

[0060] The first communication device determines, based on the second information and / or at least one of the first information, that it is a communication device in the communication device group that provides clock synchronization information, wherein the second information is used to indicate the service error budget of the communication device group.

[0061] In some implementations of the second aspect, the first communication device determines, based on the second information and / or at least one piece of first information, that it is the communication device in the group of communication devices that provides clock synchronization information, including:

[0062] The first communication device determines the time synchronization error budget between the communication devices in the communication device group based on the second information and the internal errors of the communication devices in the communication device group;

[0063] The first communication device determines that it is the communication device that provides clock synchronization information in the communication device group based on the clock synchronization error supported by the communication devices in the communication device group and / or the time synchronization error budget between the communication devices in the communication device group.

[0064] In some implementations of the second aspect, the clock synchronization error supported by the first communication device is less than or equal to the time synchronization error budget between the first communication device and any other communication device in the group of communication devices other than the first communication device.

[0065] In some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0066] The first communication device determines the method by which it sends clock synchronization information to each communication device in the communication device group based on the time synchronization error budget between the communication devices in the communication device group, wherein the method of sending clock synchronization information is either multicast or unicast.

[0067] In some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0068] The first communication device receives third information from the first network element, the third information being used to instruct the establishment of the communication device group.

[0069] In some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0070] The first communication device receives second information from the first network element, the second information being used to indicate the service error budget of the communication services of the communication device group.

[0071] In some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0072] The first communication device receives a sixth message from a first network element, the sixth message being used to instruct one or more communication devices in the communication device group to leave the communication device group or join a second communication device group.

[0073] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. In one design, the device may include a module corresponding to performing the method / operation / step / action described in the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect. The module may be hardware circuitry, software, or a combination of hardware circuitry and software implementation. In another design, the device includes: a processing unit for acquiring at least one first piece of information, the at least one first piece of information being used to indicate the internal error of at least one communication device in a group of communication devices;

[0074] The processing unit is further configured to determine at least one time synchronization error budget based on the at least one first information, the at least one time synchronization error budget including the time synchronization error budget between the first communication device and each of the at least one communication device, the first communication device being a communication device in the communication device group used to provide clock synchronization information;

[0075] A transceiver unit is used to send the at least one time synchronization error budget to the first communication device.

[0076] In some implementations of the third aspect, the first information is used to indicate topological information of a set of devices corresponding to the communication device; or, the first information is used to indicate internal errors of the communication device.

[0077] In some implementations of the third aspect, the communication device is a terminal, core network element, or application function network element used to manage the communication device group; or, the communication device is a communication device in the communication device group.

[0078] In some implementations of the third aspect, the first information is also used to indicate one or more of the following information of the communication device:

[0079] Supported access types, clock capabilities, supported clock synchronization errors, information processing capabilities, intelligence levels, communication service quality, power information, or supported clock synchronization methods.

[0080] The above information can be found in the previous text, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0081] In some implementations of the third aspect, the processing unit is further configured to determine the first communication device in the group of communication devices.

[0082] In some implementations of the third aspect, the first information is further used to indicate information on clock synchronization errors supported by the communication device; the processing unit is specifically used to determine the first communication device based on the second information and the at least one first information, wherein the second information is used to indicate the service error budget of the communication device group.

[0083] In some implementations of the third aspect, the processing unit is specifically used to determine the time synchronization error budget between the communication devices in the communication device group based on the second information and / or the internal errors of the communication devices in the communication device group;

[0084] The processing unit is specifically used to determine the first communication device based on the clock synchronization error supported by the communication devices in the communication device group and / or the time synchronization error budget between the communication devices in the communication device group.

[0085] In some implementations of the third aspect, the clock synchronization error supported by the first communication device is less than or equal to the time synchronization error budget between the first communication device and any other communication device in the group of communication devices other than the first communication device.

[0086] In some implementations of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to send a fourth message to the first communication device, the fourth message being used to instruct the transmission of clock synchronization information to the communication devices in the communication device group.

[0087] In some implementations of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to send fifth information to communication devices in the communication device group other than the first communication device, the fifth information being used to indicate the receipt of clock synchronization information from the first communication device.

[0088] In some implementations of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to send third information to multiple communication devices, the third information being used to instruct the establishment of the communication device group, the communication device group including the multiple communication devices.

[0089] In some implementations of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive third information from the second network element, the third information being used to instruct the establishment of the communication device group;

[0090] The transceiver unit is also used to receive the first information from communication devices other than the first network element in the communication device group.

[0091] In some implementations of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive second information from the second network element, the second information being used to indicate the service error budget of the communication services of the communication equipment group.

[0092] In some implementations of the third aspect, the second network element is a terminal, core network element, or application function network element used to manage the group of communication equipment.

[0093] In some implementations of the third aspect, the topology information includes the number of hops for clock synchronization information transmission in the set of devices corresponding to the communication device.

[0094] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. In one design, the device may include a module corresponding to performing the method / operation / step / action described in the second aspect or any embodiment of the second aspect. This module may be hardware circuitry, software, or a combination of hardware circuitry and software implementation. In another design, the device includes: a processing unit configured to acquire at least one time synchronization error budget, the at least one time synchronization error budget including a time synchronization error budget between the first communication device and each of at least one communication device in a communication device group, the at least one time synchronization error budget being determined based on at least one first piece of information, the at least one first piece of information being used to indicate the internal error of at least one communication device in the communication device group, the communication device group including the first communication device;

[0095] The transceiver unit sends clock synchronization information to the communication devices in the communication device group based on the at least one time synchronization error budget.

[0096] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information is used to indicate topological information of a set of devices corresponding to the communication device; or, the first information is used to indicate internal errors of the communication device.

[0097] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information is also used to indicate one or more of the following information of the communication device:

[0098] Supported access types, clock capabilities, supported clock synchronization errors, information processing capabilities, intelligence levels, communication service quality, power information, or supported clock synchronization methods.

[0099] The above information can be found in the previous text, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0100] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is specifically configured to receive the at least one time synchronization error budget from the first network element.

[0101] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive the at least one first piece of information from the at least one communication device;

[0102] The processing unit is specifically used to determine the at least one time synchronization error budget based on the at least one first piece of information.

[0103] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information is also used to indicate information about clock synchronization errors supported by the communication device;

[0104] The processing unit is further configured to determine, based on the second information and the at least one first information, that the first communication device is a communication device in the communication device group that provides clock synchronization information, wherein the second information is used to indicate the service error budget of the communication device group.

[0105] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the processing unit is further configured to determine the time synchronization error budget between the communication devices in the communication device group based on the second information and the internal errors of the communication devices in the communication device group;

[0106] The processing unit is further specifically used to determine, based on the clock synchronization error supported by the communication devices in the communication device group and the time synchronization error budget between the communication devices in the communication device group, that the first communication device is the communication device in the communication device group that provides clock synchronization information.

[0107] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the clock synchronization error supported by the first communication device is less than or equal to the time synchronization error budget between the first communication device and any other communication device in the group of communication devices other than the first communication device.

[0108] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the processing unit is further configured to determine, based on the time synchronization error budget between the communication devices in the communication device group, the method by which the first communication device sends clock synchronization information to each communication device in the communication device group, wherein the method of sending clock synchronization information is a multicast method or a unicast method.

[0109] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive third information from the first network element, the third information being used to instruct the establishment of the communication device group.

[0110] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive second information from the first network element, the second information being used to indicate the service error budget of the communication services of the communication equipment group.

[0111] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive sixth information from the first network element, the sixth information being used to instruct one or more communication devices in the communication device group to leave the communication device group or join the second communication device group.

[0112] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first network element is a terminal, core network element, or application function network element used to manage the group of communication equipment.

[0113] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory for storing instructions, and the processor is configured to execute the instructions in the memory to cause the communication device to implement the methods of the first or second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0114] Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory that can be used to execute instructions in the memory to implement the methods in the first or second aspect and any possible implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0115] Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, to which the processor is coupled. In this embodiment, the communication interface may be a transceiver, pin, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface, and is not limited thereto.

[0116] In one implementation, the communication device is a communication equipment (such as a terminal or access network equipment). When the communication device is a communication equipment, the communication interface can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0117] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip configured within a communication device. When the communication device is a chip configured within a communication device, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0118] Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0119] A sixth aspect provides a processor, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive signals through the input circuit and transmit signals through the output circuit, causing the processor to execute the methods described in the first or second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0120] In specific implementation, the processor can be one or more chips, the input circuit can be input pins, the output circuit can be output pins, and the processing circuit can be transistors, gate circuits, flip-flops, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, output to and transmitted by a transmitter. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as both the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0121] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run, causes a computer to perform the methods described in the first or second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0122] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods of the first or second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0123] Ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, including at least one communication device provided in the third aspect and at least one communication device provided in the fourth aspect.

[0124] It is understood that the beneficial effects of the features corresponding to the first aspect in aspects two through eight are described in the relevant description in aspect one, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0125] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application;

[0126] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the clock synchronization method between terminals provided in this application;

[0127] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of clock information transmission provided in this application;

[0128] Figures 4 to 7These are schematic flowcharts illustrating different communication methods provided in this application;

[0129] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0130] Figure 9 This is another schematic structural diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0131] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0132] In this application embodiment, " / " can indicate that the related objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" can be used to describe three relationships between related objects. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. A and B can be singular or plural. To facilitate the description of the technical solutions in this application embodiment, the terms "first" and "second" can be used for distinction. These terms do not limit the quantity or execution order, and they are not necessarily different. In this application embodiment, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. The use of "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding. In the embodiments of this application, at least one can also be described as one or more species, and more than one species can be two, three, four or more species, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0133] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th Generation (5G) communication systems, etc. Furthermore, the communication methods provided in this application can also be applied to 6th Generation (6G) communication systems and other communication systems evolving after 5G, future communication systems, or other communication systems. This application does not limit these applications.

[0134] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 100 to which this application can be applied. The communication system 100 may include at least one terminal, such as... Figure 1As shown, the communication system 100 includes terminals 110, 111, 112, and 113. The terminals can communicate wirelessly using wireless resources. For example, the terminals can communicate with each other via a proximity-based service communication (interface) 5 (PC5), which can also be referred to as sidelink (SL) communication.

[0135] The terminal provided in this application embodiment can also be referred to as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. The terminal can be widely used for communication in various scenarios. These scenarios include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, smart transportation, sensing terminals, terminals integrating communication and sensing, or smart cities, etc. The terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, customer-premises equipment (CPE), point-of-sale (POS) machine, wearable device, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, ship, robot, robotic arm, sensor, detector, or smart home device, etc. This application does not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0136] For example, such as Figure 1Terminals 110, 111, 112, and 113 shown can be terminals in industrial scenarios, such as robots, robotic arms, or sensors. Terminals 111, 112, and 113 can communicate wirelessly, exchanging information to achieve collaboration and complete collaborative tasks. In one implementation, the communication system 100 may include terminal 110, which can be used to configure, control, and / or manage communication between terminals 111, 112, and 113. Terminal 110 can be referred to as a control terminal, management terminal, or administrator terminal, etc. Terminal 110 can communicate with... Figure 1 Other terminals shown can communicate directly, such as through a side link between terminals. Alternatively, terminal 110 can communicate with other terminals via signal forwarding from at least one device (such as a relay device, access network device, etc.). Figure 1 The other terminals shown communicate with each other. This application does not limit this. In another implementation, the terminal used to configure, control, and / or manage the communication between terminals 111, 112, and 113 can be any one of terminals 111, 112, and 113, and this application does not limit this. Terminals 111, 112, and 113 can achieve clock synchronization through the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, thereby improving the reliability of cooperation.

[0137] The communication system 100 may also include at least one access network device, such as Figure 1 The access network device 120 is shown. Access network devices can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. Terminals and access network devices can communicate wirelessly using wireless resources; for example, terminals and network devices can communicate via a User Equipment-Universal Mobile Communications System Land Access Network (UE-UTRAN, Uu) interface.

[0138] Access network equipment can be a base station, Node B, evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), transmission reception point (TRP), next-generation Node B (gNB) in 5G mobile communication systems, access network equipment in open radio access networks (O-RAN or open RAN), next-generation base stations in 6th generation (6G) mobile communication systems, base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems. Alternatively, access network equipment can be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of a base station; for example, it can be a central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), central unit control plane (CU-CP) module, or central unit user plane (CU-UP) module. Access network equipment can also be a macro base station (such as...). Figure 1 110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1 In section 110b), it can also refer to relay nodes, donor nodes, devices that perform base station functions in D2D, V2X, and MTC communications, etc. This application does not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the access network equipment. Furthermore, the 5G system can also be referred to as a new radio (NR) system.

[0139] The communication system 100 may also include a core network (CN), such as core network 130. Access network equipment 120 can connect to core network elements in the core network via wireless or wired means. The core network may include, but is not limited to, multiple functional units such as access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, session management function (SMF) network elements, user plane function (UPF) network elements, and unified data management (UDM) network elements. Among them, the AMF network element is mainly responsible for mobility management and access management services, such as user location updates, user registration networks, and user handover. The SMF network element is mainly responsible for session management, terminal device address management and allocation, dynamic host configuration protocol functions, and selection and control of user plane functions. It is primarily responsible for session management in the mobile network, such as session establishment, modification, and release. Specific functions include allocating IP addresses to users and selecting UPFs that provide packet forwarding functions. UPF network elements are primarily responsible for packet routing and forwarding, packet filtering, and Quality of Service (QoS) control functions when connecting to the data network (DN) and user plane. UDM elements are primarily responsible for storing subscription data, credentials, and subscriber permanent identifiers (SUPIs) of subscribed terminal devices in the network. This data can be used for authentication and authorization of terminal devices accessing the operator's network.

[0140] The communication system 100 may also include application function (AF) network elements, which can provide service to terminals through the core network.

[0141] It should be understood that Figure 1 This is for illustrative purposes only. The communication system may also include other communication devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices.

[0142] To support the convergence of mobile communication networks and TSN, 5G networks have added Time-Sensitive Communication (TSC) functionality. This involves adding a network-side TSN translator (NW-TT) module to the user plane function (UPF) network elements in the core network and a device-side TSN translator (DS-TT) module to the terminal side. These two modules connect the 5G network to the TSN network, enabling protocol conversion between 5G and TSN services, allowing the 5G network to be viewed as a logical bridge for TSN. Additionally, the core network control plane of the 5G network includes a TSN clock synchronization function (TSCTSF) network element to provide clock synchronization services.

[0143] When a terminal needs to obtain clock information, it can send a clock synchronization request to the 5G network using existing technology. The TSCTSF or AMF network element will then activate the timing capability of the corresponding access network equipment based on the clock synchronization request to provide the terminal with 5G system (5GS) reference time information. If multiple terminals simultaneously require clock information and need to synchronize their clocks within a specified error range, the AF network element will first initiate a request to the network. The network will then determine the DS-TT port pair based on the identifiers of the multiple terminals.

[0144] For example Figure 2 As shown, terminal 1 and terminal 2 need to synchronize their clocks within the error requirement range. At this time, the AF network element first sends a request to the network. The network determines the DS-TT1 port number of terminal 1 and the DS-TT2 port number of terminal 2 based on the identifiers of terminal 1 and terminal 2.

[0145] Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 can receive 5G clock information from gNB1 and gNB2 respectively to obtain the 5G clock. The device connected to Terminal 1 sends a (generalized) precision time protocol ((g)PTP) message in its clock domain to Terminal 1. When the DS-TT1 module on Terminal 1 receives the (g)PTP message, it inserts a timestamp t1 into the (g)PTP message using the 5G time on Terminal 1. The (g)PTP message is transmitted to Terminal 2 through the 5G network. When the DS-TT2 module on Terminal 2 receives the (g)PTP message, it adds a timestamp t2 using the 5G time of Terminal 2 at this time. Therefore, the time difference t2-t1 between t2 and t1 is the time elapsed in the 5G clock domain of the (g)PTP message. The DS-TT2 module can use the clock domain ratio (i.e., the ratio of the 5G clock domain to the clock domain of the device connected to Terminal 1 (i.e., the external TSN clock domain) carried in the (g)PTP message to convert the time difference t2-t1 into the transmission time corresponding to the clock domain of the device connected to Terminal 1. The DS-TT2 module can use the transmission time of the message carried in the (g)PTP message and the converted transmission time to obtain the TSN clock domain synchronization time of the DS-TT2 module and transmit it to the connected TSN device.

[0146] exist Figure 2 In the clock synchronization method shown, each terminal needs to obtain 5G clock information through the Uu interface, and then synchronize the clocks between the connected devices by transmitting (g)PTP messages. This method requires the terminal to have Uu interface communication capabilities. Furthermore, after obtaining the clock information, the terminal also needs to transmit the clock information to the connected device. Since the terminal may be connected to multiple devices, the clock information may need to undergo multi-hop transmission to reach the target device. For example… Figure 3 As shown, in an industrial scenario, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are two robotic arms. Device 10 of Terminal 1 and device 20 of Terminal 2 can communicate wirelessly and collaborate on operational tasks through information exchange. However, this collaborative task requires high clock synchronization accuracy. Device 10 of Terminal 1 sends a (g)PTP message to Terminal 2 via a 5G network. After receiving the (g)PTP message and determining the clock information of the device's clock domain through device 20, Terminal 2 transmits this clock information to device 26. This transmission requires multiple hops from device 21 to device 25, resulting in transmission delays. This causes errors in the clock information acquired by device 26, potentially failing to meet the clock synchronization error requirements of the business. In this example, the clock synchronization error does not meet the business requirements, which may cause production safety issues.

[0147] This application proposes a communication device group for multiple communication devices requiring clock synchronization. One communication device in this group provides clock synchronization information to the other devices in the group to achieve clock synchronization. Specifically, a first network element can determine the actual time synchronization error budget between the communication devices in the group and the first communication device (which can be called the clock synchronization communication device) that provides the clock synchronization information, based on the internal errors of the communication devices in the group. This budget is then provided to the first communication device. The actual time synchronization error budget between the communication devices refers to the remaining time synchronization error budget after excluding the internal errors of the communication devices from the service error budget. Figure 3 In the example shown, when terminal 1 provides clock synchronization information to terminal 2, the first network element can determine the actual time synchronization error budget between terminal 1 and terminal 2 after excluding the internal error of terminal 2, based on the internal error of terminal 2. This is the time synchronization error budget when device 10 transmits clock synchronization information to device 20. The time synchronization error when device 10 transmits clock synchronization information to device 20 needs to be less than or equal to this time synchronization error budget to meet the service error budget requirements. This allows the first communication device to obtain an accurate time synchronization error budget, improving clock synchronization accuracy and reducing clock synchronization error. Furthermore, the solution provided in this application enables direct communication between communication devices in a communication device group (e.g., through a side link or other communication links) to achieve clock synchronization, eliminating the need for each communication device in the communication device group to have Uu interface communication capabilities.

[0148] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. The method 400 includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0149] S401, the first network element acquires at least one first piece of information, which is used to indicate the internal error of at least one communication device in the communication device group.

[0150] Each communication device in this communication device group corresponds to a set of devices. After a communication device acquires clock synchronization information, there is a time delay in transmitting this clock synchronization information to the devices in the set of devices. This first information can indicate the internal error in the transmission of clock synchronization information between devices within the communication device.

[0151] In one embodiment, the first information includes internal errors of the communication device. Specifically, the first information includes errors in the transmission of clock synchronization information among the sets of internal devices within the communication device.

[0152] In another embodiment, the first information may include topology information of the set of devices corresponding to the communication device.

[0153] This topology information is used to indicate the number of hops in the clock synchronization information transmission within the corresponding set of devices. By obtaining the number of hops in the clock synchronization information transmission, the first network element can determine the clock transmission error between sets of devices within the communication equipment.

[0154] In one example, the topology information may include the number of hops.

[0155] In another example, the topology information can indicate information used to determine the number of hops. For instance, the topology information can indicate the device type of the corresponding communication device, and the number of devices in the device set corresponding to the communication device can be determined based on the device type, thereby determining the number of hops for clock synchronization information transmission. However, this application is not limited to this.

[0156] In S401, the first network element obtains at least one first piece of information from at least one communication device in the communication device group, so that the first network element can determine the time synchronization error budget between the communication devices in the communication device group and the first communication device that provides clock synchronization information based on the at least one first piece of information in S402.

[0157] By way of example and without limitation, the first network element may be a core network element, an application function network element, a terminal used to manage a group of communication equipment, or the first network element may be a communication device in the group of communication equipment.

[0158] In one implementation, the first network element may be a communication device other than the communication device group.

[0159] For example, the first network element can be a communication device used to configure, control, or manage a group of communication devices. The first network element can be an administrator terminal, as described below. Figure 5 The illustrated embodiment. Alternatively, the first network element can be an AF network element. Or the first network element can be a core network element, such as a TSCTSF network element, or an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element or a unified data management (UDM) function network element. This application does not limit this.

[0160] In another implementation, the first network element can be one of the communication devices in the communication device group. Alternatively, each communication device in the communication device group can have the function of the first network element; that is, the first network element can be any communication device in the communication device group, as can be seen below. Figure 6 The illustrated embodiment.

[0161] The acquisition of at least one piece of first information by the first network element may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following two implementation methods:

[0162] In one implementation, the first network element acquires at least one piece of first information, including: the first network element acquires the at least one piece of first information from a second network element.

[0163] For example, each of the at least one communication device can send first information indicating the internal error of the communication device to the first network element. After obtaining the at least one first information, the second network element sends the at least one first information back to the first network element, so that the first network element obtains the at least one first information from the second network element. Exemplarily, the first network element can be a core network element or an AF network element, and the second network element can be an administrator terminal. Alternatively, the first network element can be an administrator terminal, and the second network element can be a core network element or an AF network element. Or, the first network element and the second network element can be a core network element and an AF network element, respectively. This application does not limit this.

[0164] In another implementation, the first network element acquires at least one piece of first information by receiving the at least one piece of first information from at least one communication device in the communication device group. That is, each of the at least one communication device can send first information to the first network element to indicate its internal error, and correspondingly, the first network element receives the first information from each of the at least one communication device to obtain the at least one piece of first information.

[0165] In one embodiment, the communication device includes a set of devices corresponding to the communication device, and a set of devices includes one or more devices.

[0166] For example, one of the communication devices in a group of communication devices is capable of... Figure 3 The robotic arm shown is, for example, terminal 2. The device set corresponding to terminal 2 includes devices 20 to 26. If the clock synchronization information is transmitted with a hop count of 6 in this device set, then the topology information of terminal 2 is used to indicate that the hop count corresponding to this device set is 6. For example... Figure 3 In the example shown, the first network element can obtain the first information of terminal 1 and terminal 2, determine the number of hops for clock synchronization information transmission in the device sets corresponding to terminal 1 and terminal 2 respectively, and thus determine the terminal that provides clock synchronization information in terminal 1 and terminal 2 in S402 based on service requirements and possible transmission delay of clock synchronization information.

[0167] Optionally, the first information may also include information indicating one or more of the following capabilities of the communication device:

[0168] Supported access types, clock capabilities, supported clock synchronization errors, information processing capabilities, intelligence levels, communication service quality, power information, or supported clock synchronization methods.

[0169] In addition to indicating the internal errors of the communication equipment, the first information may also include the capability information of the communication equipment. Based on the capabilities of the communication equipment in the communication equipment group and the corresponding topology information, the first network element can determine the timing communication equipment that meets the service requirements within the communication equipment group, thereby reducing clock synchronization errors and improving clock synchronization accuracy.

[0170] The access types supported by the aforementioned communication equipment can be 3GPP access and / or non-3GPP access. The clock capability information of the aforementioned communication equipment may include one or more of the following:

[0171] Clock source information, clock quality class information, clock accuracy, or clock frequency stability.

[0172] The clock synchronization error supported by the aforementioned communication equipment can be either a supported delay compensation capability (PDC) or a supported clock synchronization error value, used to indicate the clock synchronization error between two communication devices when the communication equipment provides clock synchronization reference information to other communication devices.

[0173] The clock synchronization method supported by the aforementioned communication equipment can refer to whether the communication equipment has the capability for delay correction or time offset correction. Specifically, it can be any of the following:

[0174] Does it support delay compensation using the PDC method? Does it support delay compensation algorithms? Does it support time-advanced-based (TA-based) algorithms or round-trip time-based (RTT-based) algorithms?

[0175] In clock synchronization mode, the communication device that sends time synchronization information (i.e., the timing communication device) needs to determine the propagation delay compensation amount (or time offset compensation amount) of the time synchronization information. After receiving the information sent by the timing communication device, the communication devices in the communication device group need to send response information to the timing communication device so that the timing communication device can determine the propagation delay compensation amount (or time offset compensation amount) based on the response information from the communication device, thereby achieving time synchronization between the timing communication device and the time-synchronized communication device.

[0176] S402, the first network element determines at least one time synchronization error budget between the at least one communication device and the first communication device based on at least one first piece of information, wherein the first communication device is a communication device in the communication device group used to provide clock synchronization information.

[0177] Before the first network element determines at least one time synchronization error budget between the at least one communication device and the first communication device based on at least one first piece of information, the first network element determines the first communication device in the communication device group for providing clock synchronization information based on the at least one first piece of information.

[0178] In one embodiment, the first information further includes information for indicating the clock synchronization error supported by the communication equipment. The first network element determines a first communication device in the communication equipment group based on the first information of the communication devices in the communication equipment group, including: the first network element determining the first communication device based on second information, at least one piece of first information, and the clock synchronization error supported by the communication devices in the communication equipment group. The second information is used to indicate the service error budget of the communication services in the communication equipment group.

[0179] The clock synchronization error supported by a communication device refers to the minimum timing error or clock synchronization error that the communication device can support when providing clock synchronization information to other communication devices in a communication device group. The clock synchronization error supported by the communication device can also be referred to as the timing accuracy supported by the communication device; a smaller clock synchronization error indicates higher timing accuracy. The clock synchronization error supported by a communication device can be used to characterize its timing capability; a smaller clock synchronization error indicates a stronger timing capability. The clock synchronization error supported by a communication device is related to its processing capabilities, such as its software and / or hardware processing capabilities. First information can directly indicate the clock synchronization error supported by the communication device, or the first information can indirectly indicate the clock synchronization error supported by the communication device by indicating its processing capabilities. A first network element can obtain the first information from the communication device to determine the clock synchronization error supported by the communication device.

[0180] The service error budget for a communication service within a communication equipment group refers to the maximum allowable clock error for communication services between the communication equipment group. For example, if the communication service of the communication equipment group is a communication service for information exchange during industrial production collaboration tasks, the service error budget could be the maximum clock synchronization error between the communication equipment to ensure the orderly execution of the production collaboration task (such as ensuring production safety). However, this application is not limited to this.

[0181] The first network element can determine the possible transmission error of clock synchronization information between communication devices in the communication equipment group based on the first information. The first network element then determines the first communication device based on the capabilities of the communication device, such as the clock synchronization error supported by the communication device. The first communication device provides clock synchronization information to the communication devices in the communication equipment group so that the clock synchronization error of the communication equipment group is within the service error budget.

[0182] For example, the first network element can determine the first communication device based on one or more of the second information, the first information, and the clock synchronization errors supported by the communication devices in the communication device group. Specifically, this includes: the first network element determining the time synchronization error budget between the communication devices in the communication device group based on the second information and the first information corresponding to the communication devices in the communication device group; and the first network element determining the first communication device based on the clock synchronization errors supported by the communication devices in the communication device group and the time synchronization error budget between the communication devices. Wherein, the clock synchronization error supported by the first communication device is less than or equal to the time synchronization error budget between the first communication device and any other communication device in the communication device group besides the first communication device.

[0183] The time synchronization error budget between communication device A and communication device B in a communication equipment group refers to the budgeted error between the clock synchronization information provided by communication device A and the clock synchronization information obtained by communication device B when communication device A acts as a timing communication device to provide clock synchronization information to communication device B. Conversely, the time synchronization error budget between communication device B and communication device A refers to the budgeted error between the clock synchronization information provided by communication device B and the clock synchronization information obtained by communication device A when communication device B acts as a timing communication device to provide clock synchronization information to communication device A.

[0184] For example, a communication equipment group includes terminal A, terminal B, and terminal C. The device set corresponding to terminal A includes 10 devices, the device set corresponding to terminal B includes 1 device, and the device set corresponding to terminal C includes 4 devices. If the first information includes topology information of the device sets corresponding to the communication equipment, and the topology information corresponding to terminals A, B, and C indicates that the number of hops for clock synchronization information transmission is 10, 1, and 4 respectively, then the first network element can obtain the first information of terminals A, B, and C to determine the number of hops for clock synchronization information transmission in the device sets corresponding to each terminal. This first information also indicates the terminal's capability information; the first network element can determine the clock synchronization error supported by each terminal. For example, if the first network element determines that terminal A supports a clock synchronization error of 200 nanoseconds (ns), terminal B supports a clock synchronization error of 150 ns, and terminal C does not support time synchronization, then the first network element needs to determine the time synchronization terminal between terminals A and B.

[0185] The transmission error (i.e., the resulting clock synchronization error) between each hop of clock synchronization information between devices in a communication device can be predefined or indicated by the first information. For example, the first network element can determine the clock synchronization error T between each hop of devices in the communication device. hop It is 40ns.

[0186] Terminal A transmits clock synchronization information to the clock synchronization error T of the end devices in the set of devices of Terminal A. A It is T A =10 * 40ns = 400ns, the clock synchronization error T of the terminal B transmitting clock synchronization information to the end devices in the device set of terminal B. B It is T B =1*40ns=40ns, the clock synchronization error T of the terminal C transmitting clock synchronization information to the end devices in the set of devices of terminal C. C It is T C =4 * 40ns = 160ns.

[0187] For example, the communication service error budget T of this communication equipment group service Given a time synchronization error of 500ns, if terminal A is a time synchronization terminal, the estimated time synchronization error T between the devices transmitting clock synchronization information between terminal A and terminal B is 100ns. AB For T service -T B =460ns, the time synchronization error budget T between the devices transmitting clock synchronization information between terminal A and terminal C. AC For T service -T C = 340ns. Terminal A can support timing with a synchronization error budget of over 200ns, T AB TAC All of these are greater than the clock synchronization error supported by terminal A, meaning that the clock synchronization error supported by terminal A is less than the time synchronization error budget between terminal A and any other terminal in the communication equipment group besides terminal A. Therefore, terminal A can serve as the timing terminal (i.e., the first communication device) in the communication equipment group. If terminal B is the timing terminal, the time synchronization error budget T between terminal B and the device transmitting clock synchronization information between terminal A and terminal B is... BA For T service -T A =100ns, the time synchronization error budget T between the devices transmitting clock synchronization information between terminal B and terminal C is 100ns. BC For T service -T C = 340ns. Terminal B can support timing with a synchronization error budget of over 150ns, where T BA =100ns. Terminal B, as a timing terminal, cannot meet the time synchronization error budget requirement between Terminal A and Terminal B. Therefore, Terminal B cannot be used as a timing terminal in this communication equipment group.

[0188] Therefore, even though the synchronization error budget supported by terminal B is smaller than that supported by terminal A, the transmission error of clock synchronization information caused by the larger set of devices corresponding to terminal A means that terminal B, as a timing terminal, cannot meet the time synchronization error budget requirements of the service. Terminal A, as the timing terminal, can meet the time synchronization error budget requirements of the service. The solution of this application can reduce clock synchronization errors between devices and improve clock synchronization accuracy.

[0189] In one implementation, when determining the first communication device in the communication device group, the first network element may also refer to the access types supported by the communication devices in the communication device group.

[0190] For example, the first information includes information indicating the access type of the communication device. Based on the acquired first information, the first network element can determine that at least one communication device in the communication device group does not have Uu interface communication capability. Therefore, this communication device cannot obtain clock information from the mobile communication network via the Uu interface. Thus, the first network element can determine the first communication device among the communication devices in the communication device group that support Uu interface communication capability, based on the first information of the communication device. This allows the first communication device to obtain clock information via the Uu interface and then provide clock synchronization information to the communication devices in the communication device group through communication links (such as sidelinks or other communication links), thereby achieving clock synchronization among the communication devices in the communication device group. In this embodiment, even communication devices in the communication device group that do not support Uu interface communication can obtain clock information from the mobile communication network, achieving clock synchronization with other communication devices in the communication device group.

[0191] The first information may also include other capability information of the communication equipment, such as clock capability, information processing capability, intelligence level, communication service quality, or power information, one or more of these. When the first network element determines the first communication equipment in the communication equipment group, it may also refer to one or more of the aforementioned capability information. This application does not limit this.

[0192] After the first network element determines the first communication device, it notifies the communication devices in the communication device group. The communication devices in the communication device group can determine that the first communication device will provide clock synchronization information to the communication device group.

[0193] S403, the first network element sends at least one time synchronization error budget between the first communication device and the aforementioned at least one communication device to the first communication device.

[0194] The first communication device receives the at least one time synchronization error budget from the first network element, enabling the first communication device to determine the clock synchronization information to be sent to the communication devices in the communication device group based on the at least one time synchronization error budget, so that the clock synchronization information can meet the time synchronization budget requirements of the service.

[0195] The first communication device can send the clock synchronization information to other communication devices in the communication device group. Other communication devices receive the clock synchronization information from the communication device group and transmit it to the corresponding device set, thus achieving clock synchronization of the communication device group. According to the above scheme of this application, considering the internal errors of the communication devices when determining the time synchronization error budget between the timing communication device and the timing-receiving communication device can reduce the clock synchronization error of the communication device group and improve the accuracy of clock synchronization.

[0196] Figure 5This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. In this communication method 500, the first network element is the administrator terminal (i.e., Figure 5 The solution provided in this application is illustrated using terminal M as an example. It should be understood that this application is not limited to this; the first network element can also be an AF network element or a core network element. For details, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 5 The illustrated embodiment is implemented as described herein, and will not be repeated here. This method 500 includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0197] S501, Terminal M sends terminal group establishment information to Terminal A, Terminal B and Terminal C.

[0198] Accordingly, terminals A, B, and C respectively receive terminal group establishment information from terminal M (terminal group establishment information is an example of third information).

[0199] Terminal M, acting as the administrator terminal, can determine the creation of a terminal group (an example of a communication device group) based on business needs. This terminal group includes terminal A, terminal B, and terminal C. Terminal M executes S501, sending terminal group establishment information to terminals A, B, and C. This terminal group establishment information may include the identifier of the terminal group.

[0200] S502, Terminal A, Terminal B and Terminal C respectively send response information for the establishment of the terminal group to Terminal M.

[0201] For example, terminal A sends response information A to terminal M to confirm that terminal A has received the terminal group establishment information from terminal M. Terminals B and C send response information B and response information C to terminal M respectively to confirm that terminal B and terminal C have received the terminal group establishment information from terminal M. If terminal M receives response information from each terminal in the terminal group, then terminal M can determine that the terminal group has been established successfully.

[0202] In one implementation, the response information sent by a terminal in the terminal group to terminal M includes the first information mentioned above. The response information from the terminal in the terminal group is also used by terminal M to identify the terminal in the terminal group that provides clock synchronization information. This terminal can be called a timing terminal, which is an example of a second communication device.

[0203] In another implementation, terminal M can obtain first information from terminals in the terminal group after receiving the response information.

[0204] S503, Terminal M determines Terminal A as the timing terminal based on the first information of the terminals in the terminal group.

[0205] The first piece of information is used to indicate internal errors within the terminal. Alternatively, the first piece of information is used to indicate errors in the transmission of clock synchronization information within the terminal.

[0206] The first information may include the terminal's internal error, or it may include the topology information of the device set corresponding to the terminal. Optionally, the first information may also include information indicating the terminal's capabilities, such as one or more of the terminal's supported access types, clock capabilities, supported clock synchronization errors, information processing capabilities, intelligence level, communication service quality, power information, or supported clock synchronization methods. Terminal M can determine terminal A as the timing terminal in the terminal group based on the first information and the service error budget of the communication services of the terminal group. For specific determination methods, please refer to the previous section. Figure 4 The description of the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0207] Optionally, the terminal M determines terminal A as the timing terminal based on the first information of the terminals in the terminal group, including: the terminal M determines terminal A as the leader terminal in the terminal group based on the first information of the terminals in the terminal group. The leader terminal is used to provide clock synchronization information to the terminals in the terminal group, and the leader terminal is also used to organize and / or coordinate the communication of the terminal group. For example, the leader terminal can be responsible for the communication resource scheduling of the terminals in the terminal group.

[0208] Specifically, the first information is used to indicate the internal error of the terminal and the terminal's capabilities. Terminal M can determine the time synchronization error budget between terminals in the terminal group based on the service error budget and the first information of the terminals in the terminal group. Based on the clock synchronization error supported by the terminals in the terminal group and the time synchronization error budget between the terminals, terminal A is determined to be the leader terminal of the terminal group. Terminal A provides clock synchronization information to the terminals in the terminal group and organizes and / or coordinates the communication of the terminal group.

[0209] S504, Terminal M notifies the terminal group that Terminal A is the time synchronization terminal of the terminal group.

[0210] For example, terminal M sends a fourth message to terminal A, which instructs terminal A to send clock synchronization information to terminals in the terminal group. Terminal M then sends a fifth message to terminals in the terminal group other than terminal A, which instructs the terminals to receive the clock synchronization information from terminal A.

[0211] The fourth and fifth pieces of information can be different. For example, the fifth piece of information could be timing terminal indication information sent to different terminals. For instance, the fifth piece of information could include the identifier of terminal A. This timing terminal indication information is used by terminals in the terminal group other than terminal A to determine that terminal A is the timing terminal of the terminal group. Alternatively, the fourth piece of information could be timing indication information, including the identifiers of terminals in the terminal group other than terminal A, used to instruct terminal A to send clock synchronization information to other terminals in the terminal group. Terminals in the terminal group other than terminal A can receive clock synchronization information from terminal A. Or, the fourth and fifth pieces of information can be the same information, such as information used by the terminal group to indicate the timing terminal. For example, this information could include the identifier of the terminal group and the identifier of terminal A. After receiving this multicast information, terminals in the terminal group can determine that terminal A is the timing terminal of the terminal group.

[0212] S505, Terminal A sends clock synchronization information to Terminal B and Terminal C.

[0213] In one implementation, terminal A can obtain indication information from terminal M, which indicates the time synchronization error budget between terminal A and terminals B and C, respectively. Terminal A can send clock synchronization information to terminals B and C based on the time synchronization error budget. Optionally, terminal A can select a propagation delay compensation (PDC) algorithm for terminals B and / or C based on the time synchronization error budget of terminals B and / or C, thereby satisfying the time synchronization error budget requirements.

[0214] For example, the instruction information may be included in the fourth information sent by terminal M to terminal A.

[0215] In another implementation, terminal M can send second information indicating the service error budget and topology information of terminals B and C to terminal A. Terminal A can then determine the time synchronization error budget between terminal A and terminal C, and between terminal A and terminal C, based on the service error budget and topology information. The specific determination method can be found in the section on determining T in the first communication device described above. AB and T AC The specific method will not be elaborated here. Terminal A can send clock synchronization information to terminals B and C based on the time synchronization error budget between terminal A and terminals B and C. Optionally, terminal A can select to apply the PDC algorithm to terminals B and / or C based on the time synchronization error budget of terminals B and / or C to meet the time synchronization error budget requirements.

[0216] The clock synchronization information sent by terminal A to terminals B and C can be multicast information. This clock synchronization information includes the identifier of the terminal group and reference time information for clock synchronization between terminals B and C. For example, terminal A can determine the reference time information based on the time synchronization error budget with terminal B and the time synchronization error budget with terminal C, and then send the clock synchronization information containing the reference time information and the terminal group identifier to synchronize the time of terminals B and C. However, this application is not limited to this. The clock synchronization information sent by terminal A to terminals B and C can also be unicast information. For example, terminal A can determine the reference time information B for clock synchronization with terminal B based on the time synchronization error budget with terminal B, and send the clock synchronization information containing the reference time information B to terminal B. Furthermore, when terminal A sends clock synchronization information to terminal C, this clock synchronization information may include reference time information C determined based on the time synchronization error budget with terminal C.

[0217] In one implementation, terminal A determines the method by which it sends clock synchronization information to each terminal in the terminal group based on the time synchronization error estimate between terminal A and each terminal in the terminal group. This method can be either multicast or unicast.

[0218] For example, the terminal group also includes other terminals besides terminal B and terminal C. Based on the time synchronization error budget between terminal A and the terminals in the terminal group, terminal A determines that the method of sending clock synchronization information to terminal B is unicast, and sends clock synchronization information to the terminals in the terminal group other than terminal B in multicast.

[0219] Specifically, terminal A sends multicast clock synchronization information, which includes reference time information 1. Terminals in the terminal group other than terminal B receive this multicast clock synchronization information and synchronize their clocks according to reference time information 1. Terminal A then sends unicast clock synchronization information to terminal B, which includes reference time information 2. Correspondingly, terminal B receives this unicast clock synchronization information from terminal A and sends a response message to terminal A, which carries the time information T of when terminal B received the unicast clock synchronization information. r And the time information T for sending the response information. t After receiving the response information, terminal A can determine the transmission path of the unicast clock synchronization information and send clock synchronization compensation information to terminal B. This compensation information is used to compensate for the path transmission delay of the clock synchronization information, thereby reducing the clock synchronization error between terminal B and terminal A and improving the accuracy of clock synchronization.

[0220] For example, the terminal group may include other terminals besides terminals B and C. Terminal A can determine, based on the time synchronization error estimate between itself and the terminals in the terminal group, to send clock synchronization information for the terminal group via multicast and clock synchronization compensation information to some terminals in the terminal group via unicast. The terminals in the terminal group perform clock synchronization based on the received multicast clock synchronization information. Terminal A then sends clock synchronization compensation information via unicast to terminals with larger path transmission delays, such as sending clock synchronization compensation information to terminal B. This clock synchronization compensation information can be determined based on terminal B's response to the multicast clock synchronization information, or terminal A can determine the path transmission delay with terminal B through other methods (such as through reference signal measurement, sensing measurement, etc.) and thus determine the clock synchronization compensation information based on the path transmission delay. After receiving the clock synchronization compensation information, terminal B performs clock synchronization compensation, thereby reducing clock synchronization errors and improving clock synchronization accuracy.

[0221] according to Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, terminal M, acting as the administrator terminal, can obtain first information from the terminals in the terminal group to indicate internal errors. When determining the timing terminal in the terminal group, terminal M considers the internal errors of the terminals to determine the timing terminal. Terminal M also provides the timing terminal with a time synchronization error budget between the timing terminal and the time-synchronized terminal, enabling the timing terminal to provide more accurate clock synchronization information and reduce clock synchronization errors. This achieves clock synchronization for the terminal group, improves clock synchronization accuracy, and since the terminal group communicates through communication links between terminals, clock synchronization for the terminal group can be achieved without each terminal having a communication interface with the access network device, reducing the complexity and cost of implementing clock synchronization at the terminal level.

[0222] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of this application. In this communication method 600, the solution provided in this application is illustrated using an example of a first network element representing any terminal in a terminal group. The method 600 includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0223] S601, Terminal M, Terminal A, Terminal B and Terminal C execute the terminal group establishment process.

[0224] For example, after terminal M determines to establish a terminal group based on business needs, it sends terminal group establishment information to terminals A, B, and C. Terminals A, B, and C then send response information to terminal M to complete the terminal group establishment process. For details, please refer to the descriptions of S501 and S502 above; they will not be repeated here.

[0225] It should be understood that Figure 6The example shown illustrates the establishment of a terminal group by terminal M, which acts as the administrator terminal. However, this application is not limited to this example. In specific implementations, the terminal group can also be established by communication equipment or core network equipment with application function AF.

[0226] S602, terminal M sends a second message to the terminal group, the second message being used to indicate the service error budget.

[0227] The second information may be multicast information of the terminal group, such as including the identifier of the terminal group. Terminal M can use the second information to notify the terminals in the terminal group of the service error budget of the communication service of the terminal group, so that the terminals in the terminal group can subsequently determine the terminal in the terminal group that provides clock synchronization information, i.e., the time synchronization terminal, based on the service error budget.

[0228] S603, a terminal in a terminal group obtains the first information of other terminals.

[0229] The terminals in this terminal group can exchange their respective first information. For example, terminal A sends its first information, and terminals B and C receive the first information from terminal A. Terminal B sends its first information, and terminals A and C receive the first information from terminal B. Terminal C sends its first information, and terminals A and B receive the first information from terminal C.

[0230] The first information includes the topology information of the set of devices corresponding to the terminal. Optionally, the first information may also include information indicating the capabilities of the terminal, such as one or more of the following: supported access type, clock capability, supported clock synchronization error, information processing capability, intelligence level, communication service quality, power information, or supported clock synchronization method.

[0231] S604, the terminals in the terminal group determine that terminal A is the timing terminal based on the first information and the second information of the terminals in the terminal group.

[0232] Each terminal in this terminal group determines that Terminal A is the timing terminal in that group based on first information including topology information and second information including service error budget. For details on how a terminal determines the timing terminal in a terminal group, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the first communication device determines the timing communication device, i.e., the second communication device, which is implemented in a manner that will not be described in detail here.

[0233] S605, Terminal A sends clock synchronization information to Terminal B and Terminal C.

[0234] After terminal A determines itself as the time synchronization terminal in S604, it can decide to send clock synchronization information to terminals B and C. After terminals B and C determine themselves as the time synchronization terminal in S604, they can decide to receive the clock synchronization information from terminal A. Terminal A can determine the clock synchronization information based on the time synchronization error estimate between itself and terminals B and C, and then send it to terminals B and C. For details on how terminal A sends clock synchronization information, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 5 The description of S505 in the illustrated embodiment will be implemented and will not be repeated here.

[0235] according to Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the terminals in the terminal group determine the timing terminal in the terminal group according to the same rules based on the first and second information of the terminals in the terminal group. The timing terminal provides clock synchronization information to the terminals in the terminal group, thereby realizing clock synchronization of the terminal group. This can reduce the error of clock synchronization of the terminal group and improve the accuracy of clock synchronization. Furthermore, the terminal group communicates through the communication link between the terminals, so it is not necessary for each terminal to have a communication interface with the access network device to realize clock synchronization of the terminal group, which reduces the implementation complexity and cost of implementing clock synchronization of the terminals.

[0236] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of the communication method 700 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0237] S701, Terminal A, Terminal B and Terminal C perform the terminal group establishment process, complete clock synchronization and execute communication services with the AF network element.

[0238] If a terminal group is established, terminal A acts as the time synchronization terminal in the terminal group to synchronize the time of the terminals in the terminal group. After the terminal group completes clock synchronization, it will execute communication services.

[0239] Here, the AF network element can be a module with application AF function configured in the communication equipment, or the AF network element can be a communication device with AF function. It should be understood that... Figure 7 The example shown illustrates the establishment of a terminal group as an AF network element organization, which may include an administrator terminal or core network equipment. This application does not limit this to specific examples.

[0240] S702, the AF network element sends indication information 1 to terminal A. This indication information 1 is used to indicate changes in service requirements.

[0241] The AF network element can determine to send instruction information 1 to the terminal based on changes in service requirements. Instruction information 1 can indicate the changed service requirements. Alternatively, instruction information 1 can notify terminal A of the change in service requirements by instructing terminal A to leave the terminal group.

[0242] S703, Terminal A determines to leave the terminal group based on instruction information 1.

[0243] Terminal A determines that its business requirements have changed based on instruction information 1, and thus leaves the terminal group.

[0244] S704, the AF network element sends instruction information 2 to terminal D, which is used to instruct terminal D to access the terminal group.

[0245] Accordingly, terminal D receives the indication information 2 from the AF network element and determines to join the terminal group. The indication information 2 may include the identifier of the terminal group.

[0246] S705, Terminal D sends the response information of Instruction 2 to the AF network element.

[0247] Accordingly, the AF network element receives the response information from terminal D.

[0248] S706, the terminal group and / or AF network element determine the timing terminal, the terminal group completes clock synchronization, and executes communication services.

[0249] In one implementation, the AF network element determines the timing terminal and notifies the terminals in the terminal group; for details, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 5 The method for determining the timing terminal in the illustrated embodiment is implemented.

[0250] In another implementation, the terminals in the terminal group determine the timing terminals in the terminal group based on the same rules, as detailed in [reference needed]. Figure 6 The method for determining the timing terminal in the illustrated embodiment is implemented.

[0251] The timing terminal in the terminal group sends clock synchronization information. The terminals in the terminal group complete the clock synchronization of the terminal group based on the clock synchronization information, thereby executing the communication services of the terminal group. This enables flexible adjustment of the terminal group based on changes in service requirements.

[0252] In one implementation, if terminal A leaves the terminal group and no other terminals need to join, then steps S702 to S706 do not need to be executed. The updated terminal group includes terminal B and terminal C. The AF network element or terminals in the terminal group can determine the timing terminal in the updated terminal group, and the terminal group completes clock synchronization and executes communication services.

[0253] The method provided in this application has been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following drawings illustrate the communication apparatus and communication equipment provided in this application. To implement the functions of the methods provided in this application, each network element may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0254] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of the communication device provided in this application. Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 800 may include a transceiver unit 820. The communication device 800 may correspond to the first network element, communication equipment, or terminal in the method described above.

[0255] When the communication device 800 corresponds to a terminal, the communication device 800 can be the entire terminal, or the communication device 800 configured in (or used in) the terminal as a chip, or other device, module, circuit or unit that can implement the terminal method.

[0256] It should be understood that the communication device 800 may include units for executing the method performed by the first network element or terminal in the above method embodiments. Furthermore, each unit in the communication device 800 and the other operations and / or functions described above are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes of the above method embodiments.

[0257] Optionally, the communication device 800 may further include a processing unit 810, which can be used to process instructions or data to implement corresponding operations.

[0258] It should also be understood that when the communication device 800 is a chip configured in (or used in) a terminal, the transceiver unit 820 in the communication device 800 can be the input / output interface or circuit of the chip, and the processing unit 810 in the communication device 800 can be the processor in the chip.

[0259] Optionally, the communication device 800 may further include a storage unit 830, which can be used to store instructions or data, and the processing unit 810 can execute the instructions or data stored in the storage unit to enable the communication device to perform corresponding operations.

[0260] It should also be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned steps has been explained in detail in the above method, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0261] In another possible design, the communication device 800 may correspond to a network device, such as a network device with application function AF, or a core network device, such as a core network device (i.e., a TSCTSF network element) with time-sensitive communication and time synchronization functions TSCTSF.

[0262] When the communication device 800 corresponds to a network device, the communication device 800 can be the entire network device, or the communication device 800 can be a chip configured in (or used for) the network device, or other devices, modules, circuits or units that can implement the methods of the network device.

[0263] It should be understood that the communication device 800 may include units for performing the methods executed by the network device in the above method embodiments. Furthermore, each unit in the communication device 800 and the other operations and / or functions described above are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments.

[0264] Optionally, the communication device 800 may further include a processing unit 810, which can be used to process instructions or data to implement corresponding operations.

[0265] It should also be understood that when the communication device 800 is a chip configured in (or used in) a network device, the transceiver unit 820 in the communication device 800 can be the input / output interface or circuit of the chip, and the processing unit 810 in the communication device 800 can be the processor in the chip.

[0266] Optionally, the communication device 800 may further include a storage unit 830, which can be used to store instructions or data, and the processing unit 810 can execute the instructions or data stored in the storage unit to enable the communication device to perform corresponding operations.

[0267] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 820 in the communication device 800 can be implemented through a communication interface (such as a transceiver, transceiver circuit, input / output interface, or pins, etc.), for example, it can correspond to... Figure 9 The transceiver 920 is shown in the communication device 900. The processing unit 810 in this communication device 800 can be implemented by at least one processor, for example, a processor corresponding to... Figure 9 The processor 910 in the communication device 900 shown in the figure. The processing unit 810 in the communication device 800 can also be implemented by at least one logic circuit. The storage unit 830 in the communication device 800 can correspond to Figure 9 The memory 930 in the communication device 900 shown in the figure.

[0268] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 900 includes one or more processors 910. The processors 910 can be used for internal processing within the device to implement certain control processing functions. Optionally, the processor 910 includes instructions 911. Optionally, the processor 910 can store data.

[0269] Optionally, the communication device 900 includes one or more memories 930 for storing instructions 931. Optionally, the memories 930 may also store data. The processor and the memories may be separate or integrated together.

[0270] Optionally, the communication device 900 may further include a transceiver 920 and / or an antenna 940. The transceiver 920 can be used to send information to or receive information from other devices. The transceiver 920 may be referred to as a transceiver, transceiver circuit, input / output interface, etc., and is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device 900 through the antenna 940. Optionally, the transceiver 920 includes a transmitter and a receiver.

[0271] The communication device 900 can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 The communication device 900 in the system shown can correspond to a terminal or network device, and can be the communication device itself. Alternatively, the communication device 900 can be configured within the communication device, such as a chip or module configured within the communication device. The communication device 900 can perform the operations of the terminal or network device described in the above method embodiments.

[0272] In this application, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods in this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0273] In this application, the memory can be non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer, but is not limited to this. The memory in this application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing a storage function for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0274] This application also provides a processing apparatus, including a processor and a (communication) interface; the processor is used to execute the method provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0275] It should be understood that the aforementioned processing device can be one or more chips. For example, the processing device can 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.

[0276] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the methods performed by a terminal or network device in the aforementioned method embodiments. Thus, the functions described in the above embodiments can be implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to it, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0277] According to the method provided in this application, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes: computer program code, which, when executed by one or more processors, causes a device including the processor to perform the method provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0278] The technical solutions provided in this application can be implemented in whole or in part through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, they can be implemented in whole or in part as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in this application are generated. The aforementioned computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. This computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer, or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium, etc.

[0279] According to the method provided in this application, this application also provides a system that includes the aforementioned first network element. The system may further include the aforementioned group of communication devices.

[0280] In the various embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatuses described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the couplings or direct couplings or communication connections shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; indirect couplings or communication connections between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0281] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: A first network element acquires at least one first information, the at least one first information being used to indicate an internal error of at least one communication device in a group of communication devices; The first network element determines at least one time synchronization error budget according to the at least one first information, the at least one time synchronization error budget comprising a time synchronization error budget between a first communication device and each of the at least one communication device, the first communication device being a communication device in the group of communication devices for providing clock synchronization information, a clock synchronization error supported by the first communication device being less than or equal to a time synchronization error budget between the first communication device and any one of the communication devices in the group of communication devices other than the first communication device, the clock synchronization error supported by the communication device being used to represent a time service capability of the communication device; The first network element sends the at least one time synchronization error budget to the first communication device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first information is used to indicate topology information of a set of devices corresponding to the communication device; or the first information is used to indicate an internal error of the communication device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first network element is a terminal, a core network element or an application function network element for managing the group of communication devices; or the first network element is one of the communication devices in the group of communication devices.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information is further used to indicate one or more of the following information of the communication device: Supported access type, clock capability, supported clock synchronization error, information processing capability, intelligent level, communication service quality, power supply information or supported clock synchronization mode.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The first network element determines the first communication device in the group of communication devices.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The first information is further used to indicate information of a clock synchronization error supported by the communication device; The first network element determines the first communication device in the group of communication devices, comprising: The first network element determines the first communication device according to second information and the at least one first information, wherein the second information is used to indicate a service error budget of the group of communication devices.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The first network element determines the first communication device according to second information and the at least one first information, comprising: The first network element determines a time synchronization error budget between communication devices in the group of communication devices according to the second information and internal errors of the communication devices in the group of communication devices; The first network element determines the first communication device according to a clock synchronization error supported by the communication devices in the group of communication devices and the time synchronization error budget between the communication devices in the group of communication devices.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 2, 6-7, wherein, The method further comprises: The first network element sends fourth information to the first communication device, the fourth information being used to indicate sending clock synchronization information to the communication devices in the group of communication devices.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 2, 6-7, wherein, The method further comprises: The first network element sends fifth information to the communication devices in the group of communication devices other than the first communication device, the fifth information being used to indicate receiving clock synchronization information from the first communication device.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 2, 6-7, wherein, The method further comprises: The first network element sends third information to a plurality of communication devices, the third information being used to indicate establishment of the communication device group, the communication device group including the plurality of communication devices.

11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 2, 6-7, wherein, The first network element is one of the communication devices in the communication device group, and the first network element acquires at least one first information, including: The first network element receives third information from a second network element, the third information being used to indicate establishment of the communication device group; The first network element receives the first information from a communication device in the communication device group other than the first network element.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The method further includes: The first network element receives second information from the second network element, the second information being used to indicate a service error budget of a communication service of the communication device group.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The second network element is a terminal, a core network element, or an application function network element used to manage the communication device group.

14. The method of claim 2, wherein, The topology information includes a hop number of clock synchronization information transmission in a device set corresponding to the communication device.

15. A method of communication, comprising: Including: A first communication device acquires at least one time synchronization error budget, the at least one time synchronization error budget including a time synchronization error budget between the first communication device and each of at least one communication device in a communication device group, the at least one time synchronization error budget being determined based on at least one first information, the at least one first information being used to indicate an internal error of the at least one communication device in the communication device group, the communication device group including the first communication device, a clock synchronization error supported by the first communication device being less than or equal to a time synchronization error budget between the first communication device and any one of the communication device group other than the first communication device, the clock synchronization error supported by the communication device being used to represent a time service capability of the communication device; The first communication device sends clock synchronization information to a communication device in the communication device group according to the at least one time synchronization error budget.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The first information is used to indicate topology information of a device set corresponding to the communication device; or, the first information is used to indicate an internal error of the communication device.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The first information is further used to indicate one or more of the following information of the communication device: Supported access type, clock capability, supported clock synchronization error, information processing capability, intelligent level, communication service quality, power supply information, or supported clock synchronization mode.

18. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein, The first communication device acquires at least one time synchronization error budget, including: The first communication device receives the at least one time synchronization error budget from a first network element.

19. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein, The method further includes: The first communication device receives the at least one first information from the at least one communication device; And, the first communication device acquires at least one time synchronization error budget, including: The first communication device determines the at least one time synchronization error budget according to the at least one first information.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The first information is further used to indicate information of a clock synchronization error supported by the communication device; The first communication device determines, according to the second information and the at least one first information, that the first communication device is a communication device in the group of communication devices that provides clock synchronization information, wherein the second information is used to indicate a service error budget of the group of communication devices.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The first communication device determines, according to the second information and the at least one first information, that the first communication device is a communication device in the group of communication devices that provides clock synchronization information, wherein the second information is used to indicate a service error budget of the group of communication devices. The first communication device determines, according to the second information and an internal error of a communication device in the group of communication devices, a time synchronization error budget between communication devices in the group of communication devices. The first communication device determines, according to a clock synchronization error supported by a communication device in the group of communication devices and the time synchronization error budget between communication devices in the group of communication devices, that the first communication device is a communication device in the group of communication devices that provides clock synchronization information.

22. The method of any one of claims 15-16, 20-21, wherein, The method further comprises: The first communication device determines, according to the time synchronization error budget between communication devices in the group of communication devices, a manner in which the first communication device sends clock synchronization information to each communication device in the group of communication devices, wherein the manner in which the clock synchronization information is sent is a groupcast manner or a unicast manner.

23. The method of any one of claims 15-16, 20-21, wherein, The method further comprises: The first communication device receives third information from a first network element, wherein the third information is used to indicate establishment of the group of communication devices.

24. The method of any one of claims 15-16, 20-21, wherein, The method further comprises: The first communication device receives second information from a first network element, wherein the second information is used to indicate a service error budget of a communication service of the group of communication devices.

25. The method of any one of claims 15-16, 20-21, wherein, The method further comprises: The first communication device receives sixth information from a first network element, wherein the sixth information is used to indicate that one or more communication devices in the group of communication devices leave the group of communication devices or join a second group of communication devices.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The first network element is a terminal, a core network element, or an application function network element that is used to manage the group of communication devices.

27. A communications device, characterized by The apparatus comprises a processor coupled with a memory, the memory being configured to store instructions, and the processor being configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 14, or to perform the method of any one of claims 15 to 26.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 14 to be implemented, or the method of any one of claims 15 to 26 to be implemented.

29. A computer program product, characterised in that, The program product stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 14 to be implemented, or the method of any one of claims 15 to 26 to be implemented.

30. A communication system, characterized by The system comprises a communication apparatus that performs the method of any one of claims 1 to 14, and a communication apparatus that performs the method of any one of claims 15 to 26.

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