Time synchronization switching method, system and device

Abstract

A wireless communication method for use in a first wireless network node is disclosed. The method includes receiving time synchronization state information related to the master clock handover from at least one second wireless network node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This document relates generally to wireless communications, and specifically to 5G communications. Background Art

[0002] Existing 5G systems (5GS) support time synchronization services for user equipment (UE). For example, NG-RAN (next generation radio access network) can provide precise time information to UE via 5G AS (access stratum) signaling, which is called 5G access layer time distribution. 5GS also supports time synchronization services based on (g)PTP ((general) precision time protocol), which relies on the 5G access layer time distribution capability. In order to support (g)PTP time synchronization services, NG-RAN and UPF / NW-TT (user plane function / network side time sensitive network (TSN) translator) should be time synchronized with the 5G internal GM (Grand master) clock (optimal master clock, or simply master clock).

[0003] To support disaster recovery, 5GS needs to support timing resilience. That is, when a time source (i.e., 5G GM clock) fails or degrades, the time source can be switched to another 5G GM clock. Since the switching related to the 5GGM clock in NG-RAN and UPF / NW-TT is independent / asynchronous, the switching may cause the time of NG-RAN and UPF to be asynchronous for a certain period of time. Due to time asynchrony, time synchronization based on (g)PTP may fail. Summary of the invention

[0004] This document relates to methods, systems and devices for time synchronization switching, and specifically to methods, systems and devices for time synchronization switching for 5GS.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication method used in a first wireless network node. The method comprises:

[0006] Time synchronization status information related to GM clock switching is received from at least one second radio network node.

[0007] Various embodiments may preferably implement the following features.

[0008] Preferably, the time synchronization status information includes at least one of the following:

[0009] information about at least one candidate GM clock to which the GM clock switches, or

[0010] Switching time for this GM clock switching.

[0011] Preferably, the wireless communication method further comprises sending a clock switching request related to the GM clock switching to the at least one second wireless network node.

[0012] Preferably, the clock switching request includes at least one of the following:

[0013] Information about the candidate GM clock to which this GM clock switches, or

[0014] The GM clock is switched to the indicated switching time of the candidate GM clock.

[0015] Preferably, the information about the candidate GM clock includes at least one of a GM type, a GM identifier, a GM address or a GM quality.

[0016] Preferably, the wireless communication method further comprises sending a subscription request for the time synchronization status information to the at least one second wireless network node.

[0017] Preferably, the first radio network node comprises at least one of a session management function, a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function or a time sensitive network adaptation function.

[0018] Preferably, the at least one second radio network node comprises at least one of a user plane function, a network time sensitive network converter or a radio access network node.

[0019] Preferably, the first network node comprises a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function and / or a time sensitive network adaptation function.Preferably, the signaling path between the first radio network node and the at least one second radio network node comprises a policy control function and / or an access and mobility management function.

[0020] Preferably, the signaling path further includes a session management function.

[0021] The present disclosure further relates to a wireless communication method used in a second wireless network node. The method comprises:

[0022] Time synchronization status information related to the GM clock switching is sent to the first radio network node.

[0023] Various embodiments may preferably implement the following features.

[0024] Preferably, the time synchronization status information includes at least one of the following:

[0025] information about at least one candidate GM clock to which the GM clock switches, or

[0026] Switching time for this GM clock switching.

[0027] Preferably, the wireless communication method further comprises receiving a clock switching request related to the GM clock switching from the first wireless network node.

[0028] Preferably, the clock switching request includes at least one of the following:

[0029] Information about the candidate GM clocks to which this GM clock switches, or

[0030] The GM clock is switched to the indicated switching time of the selected candidate GM clock.

[0031] Preferably, the information about the candidate GM clock includes at least one of a GM type, a GM identifier, a GM address or a GM quality.

[0032] Preferably, the wireless communication method further comprises receiving a subscription request for the time synchronization status information from the first wireless network node.

[0033] Preferably, the first radio network node comprises at least one of a session management function, a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function or a time sensitive network adaptation function.

[0034] Preferably, the second radio network node comprises at least one of a user plane function, a network time sensitive network converter or a radio access network node.

[0035] Preferably, the first network node comprises a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function and / or a time sensitive network adaptation function.Preferably, the signaling path between the first radio network node and the at least one second radio network node comprises a policy control function and / or an access and mobility management function.

[0036] Preferably, the signaling path further includes a session management function.

[0037] The present disclosure further relates to a wireless communication method used in a second wireless network node. The method comprises:

[0038] A clock switch request related to GM clock switch is received from the first radio network node.

[0039] Various embodiments may preferably implement the following features.

[0040] Preferably, the clock switching request includes at least one of the following:

[0041] Information about the candidate GM clocks to which this GM clock switches, or

[0042] The GM clock is switched to the indicated switching time of the selected candidate GM clock.

[0043] Preferably, the information about the candidate GM clock includes at least one of a GM type, a GM identifier, a GM address or a GM quality.

[0044] Preferably, the wireless communication method further comprises receiving a subscription request for the time synchronization status information from the first wireless network node.

[0045] Preferably, the first radio network node comprises at least one of a session management function, a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function or a time sensitive network adaptation function.

[0046] Preferably, the second radio network node comprises at least one of a user plane function, a network time sensitive network converter or a radio access network node.

[0047] Preferably, the first network node comprises a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function and / or a time sensitive network adaptation function.Preferably, the signaling path between the first radio network node and the at least one second radio network node comprises a policy control function and / or an access and mobility management function.

[0048] Preferably, the signaling path further includes a session management function.

[0049] The present disclosure relates to a first wireless network node. The first wireless network node comprises:

[0050] A communication unit is configured to receive time synchronization status information related to GM clock switching from at least one second radio network node.

[0051] Various embodiments may preferably implement the following features.

[0052] Preferably, the first radio network node further comprises a processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute any one of the above wireless communication methods.

[0053] The present disclosure relates to a second wireless network node. The second wireless network node comprises:

[0054] The communication unit is configured to send time synchronization status information related to the GM clock switching to the first radio network node.

[0055] Various embodiments may preferably implement the following features.

[0056] Preferably, the second radio network node further comprises a processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute any one of the above wireless communication methods.

[0057] The present disclosure relates to a second wireless network node. The second wireless network node comprises:

[0058] The communication unit is configured to receive a clock switching request related to GM clock switching from a first radio network node.

[0059] Various embodiments may preferably implement the following features.

[0060] Preferably, the second radio network node further comprises a processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute any one of the above wireless communication methods.

[0061] The present disclosure relates to a computer program product, which includes a computer-readable program medium code stored thereon, and when the computer-readable program medium code is executed by a processor, the processor implements the wireless communication method described in any of the aforementioned methods.

[0062] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are intended to provide features that will become apparent by reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. According to various embodiments, exemplary systems, methods, devices, and computer program products are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art who read this disclosure that various modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments while remaining within the scope of this disclosure.

[0063] Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. In addition, the specific order and / or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein are merely exemplary. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps of the disclosed methods or processes can be rearranged while still within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or actions in an example order, and unless otherwise expressly stated, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0064] The above and other aspects and implementations thereof are described in more detail in the drawings, the description and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a 5GS network (architecture) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0066] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing time synchronization between a UE and a NG-RAN according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0067] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of (g) PTP time synchronization according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0068] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of 5G GM (clock) switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0069] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of 5G GM (clock) switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0070] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of 5G GM (clock) switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0071] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of 5G GM (clock) switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0072] Figure 8 An example of a schematic diagram of a wireless terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0073] Fig. 9 An example of a schematic diagram of a wireless network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0074] Figures 10 to 12 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network (architecture) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 In , the network includes the following network functions / entities:

[0076] 1) User Terminal (UE):

[0077] The UE accesses the 5GS via NG-RAN and obtains services, and interacts with the access and mobility control function (AMF) of the core network via NAS signaling. The device-side TSN translator (DS-TT) is located inside the UE and provides the (g)PTP port function for time synchronization.

[0078] 2) Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN):

[0079] NG-RAN can also be referred to as 5G-AN (5G access network). NG-RAN is responsible for air interface resource scheduling and air interface connection management for the network accessed by the UE. In the present disclosure, NG-RAN can be equal to NG-RAN node or RAN (node).

[0080] 3) Access and mobility management function (AMF):

[0081] AMF includes the following functions: registration management, connection management, reachability management and mobility management. This network function also performs access authentication and access authorization. AMF is a non-access stratum (NAS) security terminal and relays session management (SM) NAS between UE and session management function (SMF), etc.

[0082] 4) Session Management Function (SMF):

[0083] The SMF includes the following functions: session management (such as session establishment, modification and release), UE IP address allocation and management (including optional authorization), UP function selection and control, downlink data notification, etc.

[0084] 5) User plane function (UPF):

[0085] The UPF includes the following functions: anchor point for intra / inter-RAT mobility, packet routing and forwarding, traffic usage reporting, QoS processing for the user plane, downlink packet buffering and downlink data notification triggering, etc. The network-side TSN translator (DS-TT) is located inside / included in the UPF and provides the (g)PTP port function for time synchronization.

[0086] 6) Policy control function (PCF):

[0087] PCF includes the following functions: supporting a unified policy framework to manage network behavior, providing policy rules to (one or more) control plane functions to implement policy rules, and implementing a front end to access subscription information related to policy decisions in the user data repository (UDR).

[0088] 7) Network exposure function (NEF):

[0089] NEF is optionally deployed to exchange information between 5GC (5G core network) and external application functions (AF). In this disclosure, for the sake of brevity, NEF / AF is used to present NEF and AF.

[0090] 8) Time sensitive communication and time synchronization function (TSCTSF):

[0091] When 5GS is not integrated with the TSN network, TSCTSF controls the time synchronization service by controlling NG-RAN to enable 5G access layer time distribution and configure DS-TT and NW-TT.

[0092] 9) Time sensitive network adaptation function (TSNAF):

[0093] TSN AF provides intercommunication and adaptation with the centralized network configuration (CNC) in the external TSN network.

[0094] To support PTP-based time synchronization services, 5GS emulates / acts as a bridge to an external PTP network (e.g., a TSN network, or a network supporting standard IEEE 1588). This TSN bridge is called a virtual / logical bridge. The "logical" TSN bridge includes a TSN translator (TT) function (i.e., DS-TT in the UE and NW-TT in the UPF) for interoperation between the PTP network and 5GS.

[0095] In the present disclosure, PTP may be equal to gPTP (ie, IEEE 8201.AS) because PTP may be compatible with gPTP.

[0096] In this disclosure, the term GM may be equal to "GM clock".

[0097] exist Figure 1 In the present invention, the network (architecture) includes a 5G internal GM clock, which is used as a time source in the network (e.g., a GPS clock or a GM clock). The NG-RAN and UPF / NW-TT perform time synchronization with the 5G GM, respectively. In other words, it is assumed that the NG-RAN and UPF are synchronized.

[0098] In addition, the UE also needs to be synchronized with the network. There are 2 time distribution methods for synchronizing UEs.

[0099] 1) 5G access layer time distribution

[0100] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of time synchronization between a UE and an NG-RAN according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Figure 2Shows how the UE obtains 5G precise time from the NG-RAN over the air interface.

[0101] In step 201, NG-RAN sends ReferenceTimeInfo to UE in SIB9 (system information block 9) or RRC (radio resource control) message.

[0102] ReferenceTimeInfo (i.e., reference time information) includes at least the following information elements / fields:

[0103] -referenceSFN: This field indicates the reference SFN (System Frame Number) corresponding to the reference time and / or ReferenceTimeInfo.

[0104] - Time (reference time): The Time field indicates the (reference) time at the boundary (eg, start or end) of the reference SFN.

[0105] In step 202, the UE synchronizes with the NG-RAN based on the received ReferenceTimeInfo.

[0106] After steps 201 and 202, it is assumed that UE / DS-TT, NG-RAN and UPF / NW-TT are synchronized in time. That is, it is assumed that UE / DS-TT, NG-RAN and UPF / NW-TT share / have the same 5GS clock time.

[0107] 2) (g)PTP time synchronization on 5GS

[0108] As mentioned above, 5GS supports time synchronization based on (g)PTP. In time synchronization based on (g)PTP, 5GS acts as a bridge node (e.g., TSN bridge). That is, from the outside of 5GS, 5GS is like a bridge between DS-TT and NW-TT, and interoperates with the PTP network outside 5GS. For example, the PTP network can be a TSN network, an IEEE 1588 network, etc.

[0109] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of (g) PTP time synchronization according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0110] In step 301, NG-RAN provides 5GS precise time to UE / DS-TT via AS-level signaling. For example, Figure 2After step 301, the UPF, NG-RAN and UE (assumed) have the same precise time. That is, the time in the UPF, NG-RAN and UE is synchronized.

[0111] In step 302, the TSCTSF / TSN AF reads / configures the PTP port in the UE / DS-TT by using the PMIC (port management information container) carried in the signaling for the PDU (protocol data unit) session. The signaling between the TSCTSF / TSN AF and the UE / DS-TT can be sent via the PCF, SMF, AMF and NG-RAN.

[0112] In step 303, TSCTSF / TSN AF reads / configures the PTP port in UPF / NW-TT by using PMIC and UMIC (user-plane node management information container) carried in the signaling for PDU session. The signaling between TSCTSF / TSN AF and UPF / NW-TT is sent via PCF and SMF.

[0113] In step 304, the UPF / NW-TT port receives a (g)PTP time synchronization message from the interface N6 between the UPF / NW-TT and the (g)PTP network.

[0114] In step 305, when a (g)PTP (synchronization) message is received from an upstream PTP instance / node in the (g)PTP network, the NW-TT (i.e., the ingress TT in this embodiment) generates an ingress timestamp TSi for the received (g)PTP message. The ingress timestamp TSi is generated based on the synchronized 5GS time.

[0115] In step 306, the UPF / NW-TT adds an ingress timestamp TSi in the suffix field of the (g)PTP message and sends the (g)PTP message to the UE in the user plane (via the PDU session).

[0116] In step 307, the UE / DS-TT (i.e., the egress TT in this embodiment) creates an egress timestamp TSe upon receiving the (g)PTP message. The difference between TSi and TSe is considered to be the residence time spent on the 5GS bridge of the (g)PTP message. The egress timestamp TSe is also made based on the synchronized 5GS time. That is, the residence time is calculated in the 5GS time domain.

[0117] In step 308, the UE / DS-TT converts the dwell time spent on the 5GS bridge to the (g)PTP time domain, modifies the payload of the (g)PTP message, and sends the (g)PTP message to the downstream (g)PTP node in the PTP network.

[0118] exist Figure 3 After the process shown is completed, the UE / DS-TT and UPF / NW-TT are synchronized with the GM clock time in the PTP network. In other words, the UE / DS-TT simultaneously maintains the 5GS internal time (ie, 5G GM clock) and the external time (PTP network GM clock).

[0119] Figure 3 (g)PTP time synchronization from UPF / NW-TT to UE / DS-TT is shown. (g)PTP time synchronization can be performed in the direction from UE / DS-TT to UPF / NW-TT. In the (g)PTP time synchronization from UE / DS-TT to UPF / NW-TT, UE / DS-TT becomes the ingress TT and UPF / NW-TT becomes the egress TT. Specifically, when UE / DS-TT receives a (g)PTP (synchronization) message from a (g)PTP node, DS-TT (i.e., the ingress TT in this example) creates an ingress timestamp TSi and sends a (g)PTP message including the ingress timestamp TSi to UPF / NW-TT (i.e., the egress TT in this example). NW-TT creates an egress timestamp TSe and calculates the residence time. UPF / NW-TT converts the residence time spent on the 5GS bridge to the (g)PTP time domain and modifies the payload of the (g)PTP message to be sent to the downstream (g)PTP node in the PTP network.

[0120] When the 5G GM that is currently serving as the time source for 5GS is degraded or shut down, another 5G GM will be used as the time source for 5GS. That is, the time source for 5GS may be changed or switched from the initial 5G GM to another 5G GM (hereinafter referred to as the new 5G GM). Because the time resource switching in NG-RAN and UPF is independent / asynchronous, the time in NG-RAN and UPF may become asynchronous within a certain period of time. The time asynchrony between UPF and NG-RAN (and UE / DS-TT) may cause (g)PTP basic time synchronization failure.

[0121] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of 5G GM (clock) switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0122] In step 401, the NG-RAN node provides 5GS precise time to the UE / DS-TT via AS-level signaling. For example, Figure 2After step 401, since the NG-RAN node and UPF are synchronized with the initial 5G GM, the UPF, NG-RAN and UE (assumed) have the same precise time. That is, the time in the UPF, NG-RAN and UE (assumed) is synchronized.

[0123] In step 402, the initial 5G GM is downgraded or shut down.

[0124] In step 403, the NG-RAN switches to the new 5G GM, i.e., synchronizes with the new 5G GM. Note that the NG-RAN can provide the UE with accurate time (e.g., via Figure 2 Therefore, the UE is synchronized with the new 5G GM via the NG-RAN.

[0125] In step 404, the UPF / NW-TT receives a (g)PTP message (e.g., from an upstream PTP instance / node in the PTP network) on interface N6. Note that the UPF / NW-TT has not yet switched to / synchronized with the new 5G GM.

[0126] In step 405, upon receiving the (g)PTP message from the upstream PTP instance, the NW-TT generates an entry timestamp TSi based on the initial 5G GM.

[0127] In step 406, the UPF / NW-TT adds TSi in the suffix field of the (g)PTP message and sends the (g)PTP message to the UE in the user plane (via the PDU session).

[0128] In step 407, upon receiving the (g)PTP message, the UE / DS-TT creates an egress timestamp TSe based on the new 5G GM. The UE / DC-TT calculates the dwell time in the following manner:

[0129] Dwell time = TSe (based on the new 5G GM clock) - TSi (based on the initial 5G GM clock).

[0130] In step 408, the UE / DS-TT converts the calculated dwell time to the (g)PTP time domain, modifies the payload of the (g)PTP message, and sends the (g)PTP message to the PTP network.

[0131] In step 409, the UPF / NW-TT switches its time resources to the new 5G GM. The UPF / NW-TT is synchronized with the new 5G GM.

[0132] exist Figure 4In the example, there is an out-of-sync period from step 403 to step 409. During the out-of-sync period, the time resources of NG-RAN (and UE / DS-TT) are different from those of UPF / NW-TT. The offset between the new 5G GM and the initial 5G GM introduces an offset error in the calculated dwell time, which may cause serious problems in time-sensitive services / applications.

[0133] In some embodiments, when the current 5G GM clock (e.g., GM1) is detected to be degraded or failed, the NG-RAN and / or UPF / NW-TT may need to switch time resources from the current / initial 5G GM clock GM1 to another / new 5G GM clock GM2. In this case, the NG-RAN and / or UPF / NW-TT reports its time synchronization status to the control point. The time synchronization status may include at least one of the following:

[0134] - Information about GM1 (e.g. quality / status / type of GM1);

[0135] - Associated capabilities (hold over time);

[0136] - Information about the list of 5G GM candidates for GM2 to which the time resources are switched (e.g., GM type and / or GM identifier / address and / or quality of each 5G GM candidate); or

[0137] - Switching time for switching from GM1 to GM2.

[0138] In some embodiments, the NG-RAN and / or UPF / NW-TT may be predefined to report the time synchronization status to the control point.

[0139] In some embodiments, the control point may subscribe to the time synchronization status to the NG-RAN and / or UPF / NW-TT. For example, the control point may send a subscription request to the NG-RAN and / or UPF / NW-TT to request the NG-RAN and / or UPF / NW-TT to report the time synchronization status when the current 5G GM clock is detected to be degraded or failed.

[0140] In some embodiments, the control point includes at least one of an SMF, a TSCTSF, or a TSN AF. In the present disclosure, a device / node includes a network function, indicating that the device / node performs at least part of the functions of the network function.

[0141] In some embodiments, after receiving the time synchronization status, the control point sends a clock switching request to the NG-RAN and / or UPF / NW-TT. The clock switching request includes at least one of the following:

[0142] - Information about the GM2 to which the time resource is switched (e.g., GM type and / or GM identifier / address and / or quality of the 5G GM candidate); or

[0143] - Indicated switching time from GM1 to GM2.

[0144] In some embodiments, the control point may receive a time synchronization status from one of the NG-RAN and the UPF / NW-TT and send a clock switching request to at least one of the NG-RAN or the UPF / NW-TT (e.g., the other of the NG-RAN and the UPF / NW-TT).

[0145] In some embodiments, the control point may receive time synchronization status from both the NG-RAN and the UPF / NW-TT and send a clock switching request to at least one of the NG-RAN or the UPF / NW-TT.

[0146] In some embodiments, the control point receives time synchronization status from both the NG-RAN and the UPF / NW-TT, and determines whether to send a clock switching request to at least one of the NG-RAN or the UPF / NW-TT based on the received time synchronization status.

[0147] In one embodiment, based on the time synchronization status from both the NG-RAN and the UPF / NW-TT, the control point can determine that the 5G GM switching performed by the NG-RAN and the UPF / NW-TT will not introduce offset errors and / or will not have an impact on time-sensitive applications / services. For example, based on the time synchronization status from both the NG-RAN and the UPF / NW-TT, the control point can determine that the 5G GM clock GM2 to which the NG-RAN will switch is the same as that to which the UPF / NW-TT will switch, and the switching time of the NG-RAN is approximately the same as that of the UPF / NW-TT. In this case, the control point determines not to send a clock switching request. In one embodiment, if the difference between the two switching times is less than a threshold, such as 1ms (milliseconds), 5ms, etc., the two switching times are approximately the same.

[0148] Figure 5 FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of 5G GM (clock) switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 In 5G GM switching, the 5G GM switching is controlled by SMF. Specifically, Figure 5 The 5G GM (clock) switching shown includes the following steps:

[0149] Step 501: UPF / NW-TT and NG-RAN are synchronized with the initial / current 5G GM clock time. NG-RAN provides accurate time to UE (i.e., via Figure 2 process shown).

[0150] Step 502: SMF subscribes to the time synchronization status (information) from UPF / NW-TT. That is, when the degradation or failure of the initial / current 5G GM is detected, UPF / NW-TT can be requested to report the new 5G GM information and possible switching time.

[0151] Step 503: SMF subscribes to the time synchronization status (information) from NG-RAN via AMF. In other words, when degradation or failure of the initial / current 5G GM is detected, UPF / NW-TT can be requested to report new 5G GM information and possible switching time.

[0152] Step 504: When UPF / NW-TT detects 5G GM degradation or failure, it reports the time synchronization status to SMF. The time synchronization status may include:

[0153] - Old / initial / current 5G GM information;

[0154] -UPF / NW-TT capabilities (e.g., retention time of UPF / NW-TT);

[0155] - Information about the new 5G GM list (e.g., new GM type, new GM ID / address, quality of each 5G GM candidate of the new 5G GM);

[0156] -Switch time from old 5G GM to new 5G GM.

[0157] Step 505: When the NG-RAN node detects that the old / initial / current 5G GM is degraded or fails, the NG-RAN node reports the time synchronization status to the SMF via the AMF. In one embodiment, the NG-RAN sends the time synchronization status to the AMF in the N2 request, and the AMF sends the time synchronization status to the SMF in the SMF service operation (e.g., Nsfm_PDUSess ion_Update). The time synchronization status is similar to that in step 504.

[0158] Based on the time synchronization status received from NG-RAN and / or UPF, SMF determines the switching time for NG-RAN and UPF to switch to the new 5G GM. The determined switching time can be expressed in the old 5G GM time or in the new 5G GM time.

[0159] In one embodiment, the SMF may also determine / select a 5G GM candidate as the new 5G GM based on the reported time synchronization status. For example, if the new GM type(s) and / or GM ID(s) of the 5G GM candidate(s) reported by the NG-RAN are different from the new GM type(s) and / or GM ID(s) of the 5G GM candidate(s) reported by the UPF, the SMF may need to determine / select one of the reported 5G GM candidates as the new 5G GM to which both the UPF and the NG-RAN switch. Alternatively or in addition, if the UPF / NG-RAN reports multiple 5G GM candidates (e.g., a 5G GM candidate list), the SMF may also need to determine / select one of the reported 5G GM candidates as the new 5G GM to which both the UPF and the NG-RAN switch.

[0160] Note that steps 504 and 505 can be parallel steps. Alternatively, one of steps 504 and 505 can occur before the other of steps 504 and 505.

[0161] Step 506: The SMF sends the time synchronization switching information to the UPF / NW-TT, for example in the N4 request. The time synchronization switching information may indicate at least one of the switching time or the (selected / determined) new 5G GM (e.g., GM type and / or GM ID). In one embodiment, the switching time may be expressed in terms of the old 5G GM time or the new 5G GM time.

[0162] Step 507: SMF sends time synchronization switching information to NG-RAN via AMF. The time synchronization switching information may indicate at least one of the switching time or the (selected / determined) new 5G GM (e.g., GM type and / or GM ID). In one embodiment, the switching time may be expressed in terms of the old 5G GM time or the new 5G GM time.

[0163] Step 508: NG-RAN and UPF / NW-TT switch to the new 5G GM at the indicated switching time.

[0164] Step 509: After step 508, UPF / NW-TT and NG-RAN are synchronized with the new 5G GM clock time. NG-RAN provides accurate time to UE (e.g., via Figure 2 process shown).

[0165] Figure 6 FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of 5G GM (clock) switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 In , 5G GM switching is controlled by TSCTSF / TSN AF. Specifically, Figure 6The 5G GM (clock) switching shown includes the following steps:

[0166] Step 601: UPF / NW-TT and NG-RAN are synchronized with the initial / current 5G GM clock time. NG-RAN provides accurate time to UE (e.g., via Figure 2 process shown).

[0167] Step 602: TSCTSF / TSN AF subscribes to time synchronization status (information) from UPF / NW-TT and NG-RAN. In one embodiment, TSCTSF / TSN AF may request UPF / NW-TT and NG-RAN to report new 5G GM information and possible switching time. Messages between TSCTSF / TSN AF and UPF / NW-TT may be carried in PMIC or UMIC. TSCTSF / TSN AF may call Npcf_PolicyAuthorization service to send a request to PCF, and PCF may call Npcf_SMPolicyControl service to send a subscription request to SMF.

[0168] Step 603: SMF subscribes to the time synchronization status from UPF / NW-TT.

[0169] Step 604: SMF subscribes to the time synchronization status from NG-RAN via AMF.

[0170] Step 605: When the UPF / NW-TT detects that the initial / old 5G GM is degraded or fails, the UPF / NW-TT reports the time synchronization status to the SMF. The time synchronization status may include at least one of the following:

[0171] - Old / initial / current 5G GM information;

[0172] -UPF / NW-TT capabilities (e.g., retention time of UPF / NW-TT);

[0173] - Information about the new 5G GM list (e.g., new GM type, new GM ID / address, quality of each 5G GM candidate of the new 5G GM); or

[0174] -Switch time from old 5G GM to new 5G GM.

[0175] Step 606: When NG-RAN detects initial / old 5G GM degradation or failure, NG-RAN reports the time synchronization status to SMF via AMF. In one embodiment, NG-RAN sends the time synchronization status to AMF in N2 request, and AMF sends the time synchronization status to SMF in SMF service operation (e.g., Nsfm_PDUSession_Update). The time synchronization status is similar to that in step 605.

[0176] Note that steps 605 and 606 can be parallel steps. Alternatively, one of steps 605 and 606 can occur before the other of steps 605 and 606.

[0177] Step 607: SMF notifies the TSCTSF / TSN AF of the received time synchronization status via PCF. For example, SMF sends the time synchronization status by calling Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update service operation toward PCF, and PCF sends the time synchronization status by calling Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify service operation toward TSCTSF / TSN AF.

[0178] In one embodiment, step 607 may be triggered by step 605 or step 606. Alternatively, the SMF may initiate step 607 after receiving the time synchronization status from both the UPF and the NG-RAN.

[0179] Step 608: TSC TSF / TSN AF determines the switching time required for NG-RAN and UPF to switch to the new 5G GM. The switching time can be expressed in old 5G GM time or new 5G GM time.

[0180] In one embodiment, the TSCTSF / TSN AF may also determine / select a 5G GM candidate as the new 5G GM based on the reported time synchronization status. For example, if the new GM type(s) and / or GM ID(s) of the 5G GM candidate(s) reported by the NG-RAN are different from the new GM type(s) and / or GM ID(s) of the 5G GM candidate(s) reported by the UPF, the TSCTSF / TSN AF may need to determine / select one of the reported 5G GM candidates as the new 5G GM to which both the UPF and the NG-RAN switch. Alternatively or in addition, if the UPF / NG-RAN reports multiple 5G GM candidates (e.g., a 5G GM candidate list), the TSCTSF / TSN AF may also need to determine / select one of the reported 5G GM candidates as the new 5G GM to which both the UPF and the NG-RAN switch.

[0181] TSCTSF / TSN AF sends time synchronization switching information to SMF via PCF. The time synchronization switching information may include / indicate the determined switching time and / or the new 5G GM (for example, the GM type and / or GM ID of the new 5G GM). The switching time can be expressed in terms of the old 5G GM time or the new 5G GM time. TSCTSF / TSN AF can send time synchronization switching information to PCF by calling Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Update. PCF can send time synchronization switching information to SMF by calling Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update.

[0182] In one embodiment, the time synchronization switching information sent to the PCF may be carried in the PMIC or the UMIC.

[0183] Step 609: SMF sends time synchronization switching information to UPF / NW-TT in N4 request. The time synchronization switching information may include / indicate the determined switching time and / or the new 5G GM (e.g., the GM type and / or GM ID of the new 5G GM). The switching time may be expressed in terms of the old 5G GM time or the new 5G GM time.

[0184] Step 610: SMF sends time synchronization switching information to NG-RAN via AMF. The time synchronization switching information may include / indicate the determined switching time and / or the new 5G GM (e.g., the GM type and / or GM ID of the new 5G GM). The switching time may be expressed in terms of the old 5G GM time or the new 5G GM time.

[0185] Step 611: NG-RAN and UPF / NW-TT switch to the new 5G GM at the switching time indicated / included in the time synchronization switching information.

[0186] Step 612: UPF / NW-TT and NG-RAN are synchronized with the new 5G GM clock time, and NG-RAN provides accurate time to the UE (e.g., via Figure 2 process shown).

[0187] Figure 7 FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of 5G GM (clock) switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 In the signaling path from TSC TSF and NG-RAN, the SMF is not included. Figure 7 The 5G GM (clock) switching shown includes the following steps:

[0188] Step 701: TSCTSF / TSN AF subscribes to the time synchronization status from NG-RAN. TSCTSF / TSN AF may request NG-RAN to report new 5G GM information and possible switching time. TSCTSF / TSN AF sends a subscription request to AMF.

[0189] exist Figure 7 In the process, TSC TSF / TSN AF checks UDM to find the AMF serving the UE and sends a subscription request to the AMF.

[0190] In one embodiment, the TSC TSF / TSN AF may check the BSF (binding support function) to find the PCF (eg, access and mobility management PCF (AM-PCF)), and send a subscription request to the PCF. The PCF sends a subscription request to the AMF.

[0191] Step 702: AMF subscribes to the time synchronization status from NG-RAN.

[0192] Step 703: When NG-RAN detects (initial / current) 5G GM degradation or failure, NG-RAN reports the time synchronization status to AMF in N2 request. The time synchronization status may include:

[0193] The time synchronization status may include at least one of the following:

[0194] - Old / initial / current 5G GM information;

[0195] -UPF / NW-TT capabilities (e.g., retention time of UPF / NW-TT);

[0196] - Information about the new 5G GM list (e.g., new GM type, new GM ID / address, quality of each 5G GM candidate of the new 5G GM); or

[0197] -Switch time from old 5G GM to new 5G GM.

[0198] Step 704: AMF sends the time synchronization status to TSCTSF / TSN AF. In this embodiment, the time synchronization status may be sent to TSCTSF / TSN AF via PCF.

[0199] Step 705: TSCTSF / TSN AF determines the switching time required for NG-RAN to switch to the new 5G GM. The determined switching time can be expressed in the old 5G GM time or in the new 5G GM time. TSCTSF / TSN AF can also determine the new 5G GM to which NG-RAN switches.

[0200] exist Figure 7 In the process, TSCTSF / TSN AF sends time synchronization switching information to AMF.

[0201] Step 706: AMF sends time synchronization switching information to NG-RAN.

[0202] Step 707: NG-RAN switches to the new 5G GM at the switching time indicated / included in the time synchronization switching information.

[0203] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a wireless terminal 80 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The wireless terminal 80 may be a user terminal (UE), a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, an e-book, or a portable computer system, and is not limited thereto. The wireless terminal 80 may include a processor 800 (such as a microprocessor or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), a storage unit 810, and a communication unit 820. The storage unit 810 may be any data storage device that stores program code 812 accessed and executed by the processor 800. Embodiments of the storage unit 810 include, but are not limited to, a subscriber identity module (SIM), a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a random-access memory (RAM), a hard disk, and an optical data storage device. The communication unit 820 may be a transceiver and is used to send and receive signals (e.g., messages or data packets) according to the processing results of the processor 800. In one embodiment, the communication unit 820 communicates with the communication unit 820 via Figure 8 At least one antenna 822 is shown for transmitting and receiving signals.

[0204] In one embodiment, the storage unit 810 and the program code 812 may be omitted, and the processor 800 may include a storage unit with stored program code.

[0205] The processor 800 may implement any of the steps in the exemplary embodiments on the wireless terminal 80 , for example, by executing the program code 812 .

[0206] The communication unit 820 may be a transceiver. Alternatively or additionally, the communication unit 820 may combine a transmitting unit and a receiving unit configured to transmit and receive signals to and from a wireless network node (eg, a base station), respectively.

[0207] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a radio network node 90 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The radio network node 90 may be a satellite, a base station (BS), a network entity, a mobility management entity (MME), a service gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), a radio access network (RAN) node, a next generation RAN (NG-RAN) node, a gNB, an eNB, a gNB central unit (gNB-CU), a gNB distributed unit (gNB-DU), a data network, a core network or a radio network controller (RNC), without limitation. In addition, the radio network node 90 may further include / execute at least one network function, such as an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), a user plane function (UPF), a policy control function (PCF), an application function (AF), a time-sensitive communication and time synchronization function (TSCTSF) or a time-sensitive network adaptation function (TSN AF), etc. The radio network node 90 may include a processor 900, such as a microprocessor or an ASIC, a storage unit 910 and a communication unit 920. The storage unit 910 may be any data storage device that stores program code 912 accessed and executed by the processor 900. Examples of the storage unit 910 include, but are not limited to, a SIM, a ROM, a flash memory, a RAM, a hard disk, and an optical data storage device. The communication unit 920 may be a transceiver and is used to send and receive signals (e.g., messages or data packets) according to the processing results of the processor 900. In an example, the communication unit 920 communicates via Fig. 9 At least one antenna 922 is shown for transmitting and receiving signals.

[0208] In one embodiment, storage unit 910 and program code 912 may be omitted. Processor 900 may include a storage unit with stored program code.

[0209] The processor 900 may implement any of the steps described in the exemplary embodiments on the radio network node 90 , for example, by executing the program code 912 .

[0210] The communication unit 920 may be a transceiver. Alternatively or additionally, the communication unit 920 may combine a transmitting unit and a receiving unit configured to transmit and receive signals to and from a wireless terminal (eg, a user terminal or another wireless network node), respectively.

[0211] Fig.10 A flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Fig.10 The method shown may be used in a first radio network node (e.g., SMF, TSCTSF, TSN AF, a radio network node including at least one of SMF, TSCTSF or TSN AF, or a radio network node performing at least part of the functions of at least one of SMF, TSCTSF and TSN AF), and comprises the following steps:

[0212] Step 1001: Receive time synchronization status information related to a grandmaster (GM) clock switch from at least one second wireless network node.

[0213] exist Fig.10 In the illustrated embodiment, the first radio network node receives time synchronization status information from at least one second radio network node. The time synchronization status information is associated with a switching of a (5G) GM clock (e.g., switching from a first GM clock to a second GM clock). For example, the time synchronization status information includes at least one of the following:

[0214] - information about the initial GM clock (i.e., the first GM clock) from which the GM clock is switched,

[0215] - Radio network node capabilities (e.g., holding time of the first radio network node)

[0216] - information about at least one candidate GM clock to which the GM clock switches (e.g., a list of candidate GM clocks for a second GM clock), or

[0217] - A switching time for GM clock switching (eg, a time at which the first radio network node plans to switch the GM clock from the first GM clock to the second GM clock).

[0218] In one embodiment, the first wireless network node may send a clock switching request / information associated with the switching of the GM clock to (one or more) second wireless network nodes. Note that the first wireless network node may be predefined to send the clock switching request / information in response to the received time synchronization status information. Alternatively or additionally, based on the received time synchronization status information, the first wireless network node may determine whether to send the clock switching request / information and / or the second wireless network node to which the clock switching request / information is sent.

[0219] In one embodiment, the clock switching request / information includes at least one of the following:

[0220] - information about the candidate GM clock (i.e., the second GM clock) to which the GM clock switches, or

[0221] - An indicated switching time for switching the GM clock to the candidate GM clock.

[0222] In one embodiment, the first radio network node may determine / select a candidate GM clock (ie, the second GM clock) to which the GM clock switches and / or indicate a switching time to switch the GM clock to the determined / selected candidate GM clock.

[0223] In one embodiment, the information about the GM clock or the candidate GM clock includes at least one of the following: GM type, GMID, GM address, or GM (clock) quality.

[0224] In one embodiment, the first radio network node sends a subscription request for the time synchronization state information to the second radio network node(s) to subscribe to the time synchronization state information.

[0225] In one embodiment, the second radio network node includes at least one of a UPF, a NW-TT, or a RAN node (eg, NG-RAN).

[0226] In an embodiment of the first radio network node comprising / being a TSC TSF / TSN AF, the signalling path between the first radio network node and the second radio network node(s) comprises a PCF and / or an AMF.

[0227] In one embodiment, the signaling path between the first radio network node and the second radio network node(s) may further include a SMF.

[0228] Fig.11 A flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Fig.11 The method shown may be used for a second radio network node (e.g., a UPF, a NW-TT, a RAN node, a radio network node including at least one of a UPF, a NW-TT, and a RAN node, or a radio network node performing at least part of the functionality of at least one of a UPF, a NW-TT, or a RAN node), and includes the following steps:

[0229] Step 1101: Send time synchronization status information related to GM clock switching to a first wireless network node.

[0230] In this embodiment, the second radio network node sends the time synchronization status information associated with the switching of the GM clock (e.g., from the first GM clock to the second GM clock). Figure 3 Or when the initial 5G GM shown in 4 is degraded or fails or shuts down and / or when it is determined to switch the GM clock from the first GM clock to the second GM clock, the second wireless network node can send the time synchronization status information.

[0231] In one embodiment, the time synchronization status information includes at least one of the following:

[0232] - information about the initial GM clock (i.e., the first GM clock) from which the GM clock is switched,

[0233] - Radio network node capabilities (e.g., holding time of the first radio network node)

[0234] - information about at least one candidate GM clock to which the GM clock switches (e.g., a list of candidate GM clocks for a second GM clock), or

[0235] - A switching time for GM clock switching (eg, a time at which the first radio network node plans to switch the GM clock from the first GM clock to the second GM clock).

[0236] In one embodiment, the second radio network node may receive a clock switching request / information from the first radio network node. The clock switching request / information is associated with switching of the GM clock.

[0237] In one embodiment, the clock switching request / information includes at least one of the following:

[0238] - information about the candidate GM clock (i.e., the second GM clock) to which the GM clock switches, or

[0239] - An indicated switching time for switching the GM clock to the candidate GM clock.

[0240] In one embodiment, the information about the GM clock or the candidate GM clock includes at least one of the following: GM type, GMID, GM address, or GM (clock) quality.

[0241] In one embodiment, the second radio network node may be predefined to send the time synchronization status information to the first radio network node.

[0242] In one embodiment, the second radio network node receives a subscription request for (subscribing to) the time synchronization state information from the first radio network node.

[0243] In one embodiment, the first radio network node may include / be a SMF and / or a TSC TSF and / or a TSN AF.

[0244] In an embodiment of the first radio network node comprising / being a TSC TSF and / or a TSN AF, the signalling path between the first radio network node and the second radio network node comprises a PCF and / or an AMF.

[0245] In one embodiment, the signaling path between the first radio network node and the second radio network node may further include a SMF.

[0246] Fig.12 A flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Fig.12 The method shown may be used for a second radio network node (e.g., a UPF, a NW-TT, a RAN node, a radio network node including at least one of a UPF, a NW-TT, and a RAN node, or a radio network node performing at least part of the functionality of at least one of a UPF, a NW-TT, or a RAN node), and includes the following steps:

[0247] Step 1201: Receive a clock switching request related to GM clock switching from a first wireless network node.

[0248] exist Fig.12 In the embodiment, the second radio network node receives a clock switching request / information associated with (e.g., indicating) a switching of the GM clock. For example, the clock switching request may indicate a switching from a first GM clock to a second GM clock. Note that in this embodiment, before receiving the clock switching request / information, the second radio network node may not send time synchronization status information related to the GM clock switching.

[0249] In one embodiment, the clock switching request / information includes at least one of the following:

[0250] - information about the candidate GM clock (i.e., the second GM clock) to which the GM clock switches, or

[0251] - An indicated switching time for switching the GM clock to the candidate GM clock.

[0252] In one embodiment, the information about the GM clock or the candidate GM clock includes at least one of the following: GM type, GMID, GM address, or GM (clock) quality.

[0253] In one embodiment, the first radio network node may include / be a SMF and / or a TSC TSF and / or a TSN AF.

[0254] In an embodiment of the first radio network node comprising / being a TSC TSF and / or a TSN AF, the signalling path between the first radio network node and the second radio network node comprises a PCF and / or an AMF.

[0255] In one embodiment, the signaling path between the first radio network node and the second radio network node may further include a SMF.

[0256] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented only as examples and not as limitations. Similarly, various figures may depict exemplary architectures or configurations, which are provided to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the exemplary features and functions of the present disclosure. However, these technicians will understand that the present disclosure is not limited to the example architectures or configurations shown, but can be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. In addition, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, one or more features of an embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0257] It should also be understood that any reference to an element using designations such as "first", "second", etc. herein does not generally limit the number or order of these elements. Rather, these designations may be used herein as a convenient means of distinguishing between two or more elements or multiple instances of an element. Therefore, reference to a first and a second element does not mean that only two elements may be used or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner.

[0258] In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of a variety of different technical means may be used to represent information and signals. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols that may be referenced in the above description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0259] Those skilled in the art will further understand that any of the various illustrative logical blocks, units, processors, devices, circuits, methods, and functions described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementations, analog implementations, or a combination of both), firmware, various forms of programs or design codes incorporating instructions (for convenience, referred to herein as "software" or "software units"), or any combination of these techniques.

[0260] In order to clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, units, circuits and steps have been described above roughly with respect to their functions. Whether such functions are implemented as hardware, firmware or software, or as a combination of these technologies, depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the entire system. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functions in various ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions will not lead to deviations from the scope of the present disclosure. According to various embodiments, processors, devices, components, circuits, structures, machines, units, etc. may be configured to perform one or more functions described herein. The terms "configured to" or "configured for" used herein with respect to a specified operation or function refer to a processor, device, component, circuit, structure, machine, unit, etc. that is physically constructed, programmed and / or arranged to perform a specified operation or function.

[0261] In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the various illustrative logic blocks, units, devices, components and circuits described herein may be implemented or performed in an integrated circuit (IC), which may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof. The logic blocks, units and circuits may also include antennas and / or transceivers to communicate with various components within a network or within a device. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors and a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration to perform the functions described herein. If implemented in software, these functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Therefore, the steps of the method or algorithm disclosed herein may be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0262] Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, which include any media that can transfer computer programs or codes from one place to another. Storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. As an example and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other media that can be used to store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer.

[0263] In this document, the term "unit" as used herein refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of these elements for performing the associated functions described herein. In addition, for the purpose of discussion, various units are described as discrete units; however, as is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, two or more units may be combined to form a single unit that performs the associated functions.

[0264] In addition, memory or other storage devices and communication components can be used in embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that, for the sake of clarity, the above description describes embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it is apparent that any appropriate functional distribution can be applied between different functional units, processing logic elements or domains without departing from the present disclosure. For example, a function shown as being performed by a separate processing logic element or controller can be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Therefore, reference to a specific functional unit is merely a reference to an appropriate means for providing the function, rather than representing a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0265] Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the scope of the claims. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the implementations shown herein, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein as described in the claims below.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method used in a first wireless network node, the method comprising: Time synchronization status information related to a grandmaster (GM) clock switch is received from at least one second radio network node.

2. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein: The time synchronization status information includes at least one of the following: information about at least one candidate GM clock to which the GM clock switches, or The switching time for the GM clock switching.

3. The wireless communication method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A clock switching request related to the GM clock switching is sent to the at least one second radio network node.

4. The wireless communication method according to claim 3, wherein: The clock switching request includes at least one of the following: Information about a candidate GM clock to which the GM clock is switched, or The GM clock is switched to the indicated switching time of the candidate GM clock.

5. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The information about the candidate GM clock includes at least one of a GM type, a GM identifier, a GM address, or a GM quality.

6. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: Sending a subscription request for the time synchronization state information to the at least one second radio network node.

7. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The first radio network node comprises at least one of a session management function, a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function or a time sensitive network adaptation function.

8. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The at least one second radio network node comprises at least one of a user plane function, a network time sensitive network converter or a radio access network node.

9. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The first network node comprises a time-sensitive communication and time synchronization function and / or a time-sensitive network adaptation function, The signaling path between the first radio network node and the at least one second radio network node includes a policy control function and / or an access and mobility management function.

10. The wireless communication method according to claim 9, wherein: The signaling path further includes session management functionality.

11. A wireless communication method for use in a second wireless network node, the method comprising: Time synchronization status information related to the GM clock switching is sent to the first radio network node.

12. The wireless communication method according to claim 11, wherein: The time synchronization status information includes at least one of the following: information about at least one candidate GM clock to which the GM clock switches, or The switching time for the GM clock switching.

13. The wireless communication method according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising: A clock switch request associated with the GM clock switch is received from the first radio network node.

14. The wireless communication method according to claim 13, wherein: The clock switching request includes at least one of the following: Information about a candidate GM clock to which the GM clock is switched, or The GM clock is switched to the indicated switching time of the selected candidate GM clock.

15. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: The information about the candidate GM clock includes at least one of a GM type, a GM identifier, a GM address, or a GM quality.

16. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising: A subscription request for the time synchronization status information is received from the first radio network node.

17. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein: The first radio network node comprises at least one of a session management function, a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function or a time sensitive network adaptation function.

18. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein: The second radio network node comprises at least one of a user plane function, a network time sensitive network converter or a radio access network node.

19. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein: The first network node comprises a time-sensitive communication and time synchronization function and / or a time-sensitive network adaptation function, The signaling path between the first radio network node and the at least one second radio network node includes a policy control function and / or an access and mobility management function.

20. The wireless communication method according to claim 19, wherein: The signaling path also includes session management functionality.

21. A wireless communication method for use in a second wireless network node, the method comprising: A clock switch request related to GM clock switch is received from the first radio network node.

22. The wireless communication method according to claim 21, wherein: The clock switching request includes at least one of the following: Information about a candidate GM clock to which the GM clock is switched, or The GM clock is switched to the indicated switching time of the selected candidate GM clock.

23. The wireless communication method according to claim 22, wherein: The information about the candidate GM clock includes at least one of a GM type, a GM identifier, a GM address, or a GM quality.

24. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein: The first radio network node comprises at least one of a session management function, a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function or a time sensitive network adaptation function.

25. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein: The second radio network node comprises at least one of a user plane function, a network time sensitive network converter or a radio access network node.

26. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein: The first network node comprises a time-sensitive communication and time synchronization function and / or a time-sensitive network adaptation function, The signaling path between the first radio network node and the at least one second radio network node includes a policy control function and / or an access and mobility management function.

27. The wireless communication method according to claim 26, wherein: The signaling path also includes session management functionality.

28. A first wireless network node, the node comprising: A communication unit is configured to receive time synchronization status information related to GM clock switching from at least one second radio network node.

29. The first radio network node according to claim 28, further comprising a processor configured to perform the wireless communication method according to any one of claims 2 to 10.

30. A second wireless network node, the node comprising: A communication unit is configured to send time synchronization status information related to GM clock switching to the first wireless network node.

31. The first radio network node according to claim 30, further comprising a processor, the processor being configured to perform the wireless communication method according to any one of claims 12 to 20.

32. A second wireless network node, the node comprising: A communication unit is configured to receive a clock switching request related to GM clock switching from a first wireless network node.

33. The first radio network node according to claim 32, the node further comprising a processor, the processor being configured to perform the wireless communication method according to any one of claims 22 to 27.

34. A computer program product, the product comprising a computer readable program medium code stored thereon, the code, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to implement the wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

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