Method, device and system for transmitting accuracy information

Abstract

[0009] Embodiments of this application provide a method, an apparatus, and a system for transmitting accuracy information. The method includes: a first network element switches from a locked state to a holdover state; and the first network element transmits status information to a second network element, where the status information includes accuracy information of the first network element in the holdover state. According to the above method, the second network element may obtain the status information of the first network element in the holdover state, and perform clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the status information, thereby finally achieving more accurate clock synchronization and further improving the performance of the clock synchronization system.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202111646943.8, entitled "METHOD FOR SENDING ACCURACY INFORMATION, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM," filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on December 30, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] [Technical field] This application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a method, apparatus and system for transmitting accuracy information. [Background technology]

[0003] Clock synchronization is a basic function in a communication system. Generally, a clock synchronization system that relies on network timing includes a time base module, a primary station (grandmaster) and a secondary station (slave). The primary station and the secondary station may each be a logical unit, and the specific form of the logical unit is not fixed. When the error is not considered, the primary station obtains clock information from the time base module and sends information for clock synchronization to the secondary station. When the time base module fails and cannot provide correct clock information to the primary station, the primary station switches from a locked state to a holdover state. The locked state is the state of the primary station when the time base module works normally, and the holdover state is the state of the primary station when the time base module fails. The holdover state may also be understood as a state in which the primary station autonomously generates clock information. The information for clock synchronization obtained by the secondary station from the primary station is no longer accurate. As a result, the service quality of the communication system is affected. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application describes a method, apparatus and system for transmitting accuracy information.

[0005] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for transmitting accuracy information. The method is executed by a first network element. The method includes: the first network element switches from a locked state to a holdover state, and the first network element transmits state information to a second network element, where the state information includes the accuracy information of the first network element in the holdover state. According to the above solution, the first network element informs the second network element of the accuracy information of the first network element in the holdover state, so that the second network element can achieve more accurate clock synchronization based on the accuracy information.

[0006] For example, the first network element may be a primary station in a clock synchronization system, and the second network element may be a secondary station in the clock synchronization system. In a possible implementation, the first network element may be a network element having a clock synchronization function in a core network, and the second network element may be any access network. In a possible implementation, the first network element may be a baseband unit in an access network, and the second network element may be a radio frequency unit in an access network. The description is applicable to the description of other aspects of this application. Details will not be described again.

[0007] In a possible implementation, when the time base module fails, the first network element switches from a locked state to a holdover state.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the accuracy information includes the real-time phase accuracy peak information of the first network element. The real-time phase accuracy peak information of the first network element indicates the maximum real-time phase accuracy of the first network element in holdover state. The real-time phase accuracy peak value of the first network element may also be referred to as the real-time accuracy peak information of the first network element. It should be understood that the real-time accuracy peak information of the first network element may further indicate the maximum real-time accuracy of the first network element in holdover state. This description is applicable to the description of other aspects of this application. Details will not be described again.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the accuracy information comprises frequency accuracy information, which is indicative of a frequency deviation rate of the first network element in a holdover state.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the status information further comprises holdover capability information of the first network element.

[0011] Where available, the holdover capability information includes real-time accuracy or step accuracy values.

[0012] In another possible case, the holdover capability information includes a duration during which the first network element operates within a first error range. The first error may be an agreed error value, a default error value, or an error value set in the first network element. Alternatively, the first error may be a value of an error variation range from an error at which the first network element starts switching to a holdover state to an error at which the first network element can only support the last service, in other words, a maximum error range that the first network element in a holdover state can support. This description is applicable to the description of other aspects of this application. Details will not be described again.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the state information further includes holdover duration information of the first network element. The holdover duration information indicates a duration for which the first network element operates within a second error range, and the second error range is related to a service. In other words, the second error is an error that is allowed for a specific type of service, and the allowed errors for different services may be different. The description is applicable to the description of other aspects of this application. Details will not be described again.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the status information further comprises clock reference source type information, the clock reference source type information comprising parameters of a clock reference source adapted to the first network element, the clock reference source being a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element.

[0015] If possible, the clock reference source type information includes one or more of the following: a mode of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element, or a frequency band of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the state information further comprises local source type information, the local source type information indicating a type of a local oscillator of the first network element.

[0017] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element sending the status information to the second network element includes: the first network element broadcasts the status information to the second network element.

[0018] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the first network element receives a request message from the second network element, and the request message is for requesting to obtain status information from the first network element. In other words, the second network element requests to obtain status information of the first network element in a holdover state. In this case, when the first network element switches from a locked state to a holdover state, the first network element sends the status information to the second network element. This description is applicable to the description of other aspects of this application. Details will not be described again.

[0019] According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for transmitting accuracy information. The method is executed by a second network element. The method includes: the second network element receives state information from a first network element, the state information including accuracy information of the first network element in a holdover state, and the second network element performs clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the accuracy information. According to the method, when the first network element is in a holdover state, the second network element realizes more accurate clock synchronization based on the obtained accuracy information.

[0020] For example, the second network element performs clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element, which should be understood as the second network element may realize clock synchronization through the first network element, or may rely on the second network element to realize clock synchronization. In other words, the second network element may choose to use the first network element to perform clock synchronization, or may choose to use the second network element to perform clock synchronization. For different implementation methods of this aspect, please refer to the description. Details will not be described again.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the accuracy information includes real-time phase accuracy peak information of the first network element. The real-time phase accuracy peak information of the first network element indicates a maximum real-time phase accuracy of the first network element in a holdover state. In a possible implementation of the implementation, the method further includes: the second network element stops using the first information, and the first information is accuracy information of the first network element in a locked state.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the accuracy information includes frequency accuracy information, the frequency accuracy information indicating a frequency deviation rate of the first network element in a holdover state, and the implementation further includes: the second network element adjusts its clock according to the frequency accuracy information.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the state information further comprises holdover capability information of the first network element. Possibly, the holdover capability information comprises a real-time accuracy or a step accuracy of the first network element. In another possible implementation, the holdover capability information comprises a duration during which the first network element operates within a first error range. In a possible implementation of the implementation, the second network element performs clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the holdover capability information and the accuracy information.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the state information further includes holdover duration information of the first network element, the holdover duration information indicating a duration for which the first network element operates within a second error range, the second error range being associated with a service. In a possible implementation of the implementation, the second network element performs clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the holdover duration information and the accuracy information.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the status information further comprises clock reference source type information. The clock reference source type information comprises parameters of a clock reference source adapted to the first network element. The clock reference source type information comprises one or more of the following: a mode of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element or a frequency band of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element. In a possible implementation of the implementation, the second network element performs clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the clock reference source type information and the accuracy information.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the state information further includes local source type information, the local source type information indicating a type of a local oscillator of the first network element, and in a possible implementation of the implementation, the second network element performs clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the local source type information and the precision information.

[0027] In a possible implementation manner, the second network element receiving status information from the first network element includes: the second network element receiving broadcast status information from the first network element;

[0028] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the second network element sends a request message to the first network element, the request message is for requesting to receive status information from the first network element. For implementation manner, please refer to the description of the first aspect.

[0029] According to a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for transmitting accuracy information. The method is performed by a first network element and a second network element. The method includes: the first network element switches from a locked state to a holdover state, the first network element transmits state information to the second network element, the state information includes the accuracy information of the first network element in the holdover state, the second network element receives the state information from the first network element, and the second network element performs clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the accuracy information. According to the method, when the first network element is in the holdover state, the second network element realizes more accurate clock synchronization based on the obtained accuracy information.

[0030] The second network element performing clock synchronization with the second network element based on the accuracy information should be understood as the second network element no longer using other network elements to perform clock synchronization, but using the clock source of the second network element to perform clock synchronization. In other words, the second network element uses the clock source of the second network element to obtain time information, and uses the time information for the service of the second network element. The above description is also applicable to the description of other aspects.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the accuracy information includes real-time phase accuracy peak information of the first network element. The real-time phase accuracy peak information of the first network element indicates a maximum real-time phase accuracy of the first network element in a holdover state. In a possible implementation of the implementation, the method further includes: the second network element stops using the first information, and the first information is accuracy information of the first network element in a locked state.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the accuracy information includes frequency accuracy information, the frequency accuracy information indicating a frequency deviation rate of the first network element in a holdover state, and the implementation further includes: the second network element adjusts its clock according to the frequency accuracy information.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the state information further comprises holdover capability information of the first network element. Possibly, the holdover capability information comprises a real-time accuracy or a step accuracy of the first network element. In another possible implementation, the holdover capability information comprises a duration during which the first network element operates within a first error range. In a possible implementation of the implementation, the second network element performs clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the holdover capability information and the accuracy information.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the state information further includes holdover duration information of the first network element, the holdover duration information indicating a duration for which the first network element operates within a second error range, the second error range being associated with a service. In a possible implementation of the implementation, the second network element performs clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the holdover duration information and the accuracy information.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the status information further comprises clock reference source type information. The clock reference source type information comprises parameters of a clock reference source adapted to the first network element. The clock reference source type information comprises one or more of the following: a mode of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element or a frequency band of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element. In a possible implementation of the implementation, the second network element performs clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the clock reference source type information and the accuracy information.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the state information further includes local source type information, the local source type information indicating a type of a local oscillator of the first network element, and in a possible implementation of the implementation, the second network element performs clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the local source type information and the precision information.

[0037] In a possible implementation manner, the second network element receiving status information from the first network element includes: the second network element receiving broadcast status information from the first network element;

[0038] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the second network element sends a request message to the first network element, the request message is for requesting to receive status information from the first network element. For implementation manner, please refer to the description of the first aspect.

[0039] According to a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for transmitting accuracy information. The method is executed by a first network element. The method includes: the first network element transmits frequency accuracy information to a second network element, where the frequency accuracy information includes accuracy information of the first network element in a locked state. According to the above solution, the first network element notifies the second network element of the frequency accuracy information of the first network element in a locked state, so that the second network element can achieve more accurate clock synchronization based on the frequency accuracy information.

[0040] For possible implementation of this aspect, please refer to the description of the first aspect, and the details will not be described again.

[0041] According to a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for transmitting accuracy information. The method is executed by a second network element. The method includes: the second network element receives frequency accuracy information from a first network element, where the frequency accuracy information includes accuracy information of the first network element in a locked state, and the second network element performs clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the frequency accuracy information. According to the method, when the first network element is in a holdover state, the second network element realizes more accurate clock synchronization based on the obtained frequency accuracy information.

[0042] For possible implementation of this aspect, please refer to the description of the second aspect, and the details will not be described again.

[0043] According to a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device including a processor, the processor being configured to read a program from a memory and execute the program to implement a method according to the first aspect or any one of the possible implementation manners of the first aspect, a method according to the second aspect or any one of the possible implementation manners of the second aspect, a method according to the fourth aspect or any one of the possible implementation manners of the fourth aspect, or a method according to the fifth aspect or any one of the possible implementation manners of the fifth aspect.

[0044] According to a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system including a first network element and a second network element. The first network element may perform a method according to the first aspect or any one of the possible implementation manners of the first aspect, and the second network element may perform a method according to the second aspect or any one of the possible implementation manners of the second aspect. Alternatively, the first network element may perform a method according to the fourth aspect or any one of the possible implementation manners of the fourth aspect, and the second network element may perform a method according to the fifth aspect or any one of the possible implementation manners of the fifth aspect.

[0045] According to an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform a method according to the first aspect or any one of its possible implementations, a method according to the second aspect or any one of its possible implementations, a method according to the third aspect or any one of its possible implementations, a method according to the fourth aspect or any one of its possible implementations, or a method according to the fifth aspect or any one of its possible implementations.

[0046] According to a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a computer, the processor is enabled to perform a method according to the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect, a method according to the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect, a method according to the third aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the third aspect, a method according to the fourth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the fourth aspect, or a method according to the fifth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the fifth aspect. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture of a communication system to which this application is applicable; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture in which clock synchronization is applied to a communication system to which this application is applicable; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another architecture in which clock synchronization is applied to a communication system to which this application is applicable; [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic diagram of a method for transmitting accuracy information according to an embodiment of the present application; [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of another method for transmitting accuracy information according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of yet another method for transmitting accuracy information according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application are further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application may be applied to various communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, and LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems or new radio (NR) systems, or may be applied to future communication systems or other similar communication systems. The network architectures and service scenarios described in this application are intended to more clearly explain the technical solutions in this application, but do not constitute limitations on the technical solutions provided in this application. Those skilled in the art may recognize that with the evolution of network architectures and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0049] Figure 1 is a diagram of the architecture of a clock synchronization network to which this application is applicable. The network shows a time base module, a primary station, a clock synchronization network and a secondary station.

[0050] The time reference module may be a module that provides a standard time and may have multiple product forms. For example, the time reference module may be a satellite receiver or other device configured to convert time information received from a satellite receiver into a standard time. The standard time may be Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) or other standard time similar to UTC. For example, if the time reference module is a satellite receiver, the satellite receiver may support at least one of the following systems, including but not limited to BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), Global Positioning System (GPS) of the United States, Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) of Russia, Galileo Navigation Satellite System (GALILEO) of the European Union, and Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). Different receivers may support different frequencies. For example, GPS and QZSS can support frequency bands L1CA (1575.42MHz), L1C (1575.42MHz), L2 (1227.6MHz), L5 (1176.45MHz), etc. BDS can support frequency bands B1I (1501.698MHz), B1C (1575.42MHz), B2a (1176.45MHz), B3I (1268.52MHz), etc. GALILEO can support frequency bands E1 (1575.42MHz), E5a (1176.45MHz), E5b (1207.14MHz), and E6 (1278.75MHz). GLONASS may support frequency band G1 (1602.00 MHz), frequency band G2 (1246.00 MHz), etc. The time base module may be located in the access network device.Specifically, the time base module may be disposed on the radio frequency control unit module side of the access network device, or may be disposed on the radio frequency module side of the access network device. Alternatively, the time base module may be disposed on the core network, which is not limited in this application.

[0051] A primary station (Grand Master, GM), also called a global primary clock device, is a device that obtains a reference time from a time reference module. The reference time may be a standard time. The primary station may be a reference primary clock device, or an extended reference primary clock device. The primary station has a local clock source, which may be a crystal clock or an atomic clock. For example, the crystal clock may be a crystal source whose model is OCXO 2 / 3E, or an atomic clock, such as a rubidium clock, a cesium clock, etc. The primary station may support at least one mode of the time reference module, for example, different modes of a satellite receiver, or may operate in at least one frequency band type mentioned above. It can be understood that the primary station may further support more modes of the time reference module, or even multiple frequency band types, and the performance of the primary station is better. The primary station may be a module or network element device for clock service in the core network, or a module or device for clock service on the access network device side. Specifically, the radio frequency control unit module of the access network device may be considered as the primary station, or the radio frequency module of the access network device may be considered as the primary station, which is not limited in this application.

[0052] The secondary station (slave) may also be called a secondary clock device, and the function of the secondary station is to obtain time information from the primary station. For example, the time information is standard time. For example, the secondary station may be located on the access network side. Specifically, any access network device in the access network may be considered as a secondary station, any radio frequency control unit module in the access network device may be considered as a secondary station, any radio frequency module in the access network device may be considered as a secondary station, or any other device or apparatus that needs to use the time information may be considered as a secondary station.

[0053] It should be understood that the primary station and the secondary station should be different network elements or devices. For example, when the primary station is a radio frequency control unit module of an access network device, the secondary station is a radio frequency module of the access network device. When the primary station is a radio frequency module of an access network device, the secondary station is a radio frequency control unit module.

[0054] The clock synchronization network is for transmitting clock synchronization information. For example, the clock synchronization network may be a backhaul network, a fronthaul network, or other networks. The ultimate purpose of the clock synchronization network is to perform clock synchronization between the primary station and the secondary station.

[0055] For example, for the arrangement of the primary station and the secondary station, please refer to the description in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication system in which a clock synchronization network is arranged. The communication system includes a data network, a core network, an access network and a terminal device. For the specific functions and definitions of each component in the communication system, please refer to the description in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project. Details will not be described in this application. As shown in FIG. 2, the primary station is arranged in the core network. Specifically, a module or network element used for clock service may be considered as a primary station, and a device or module on the access network side may be considered as a secondary station. In this case, the clock synchronization network is a backhaul network between the core network and the access network.

[0056] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another communication system in which a clock synchronization network is arranged. Since the access network includes a radio frequency control unit and a radio frequency unit, when the primary station and the secondary station are arranged at the radio frequency control unit module side and the radio frequency unit module side of the access network device respectively, as shown in Figure 3, the radio frequency control unit is considered as the primary station, and the radio frequency unit is considered as the secondary station. In this case, the clock synchronization network is a fronthaul network between the radio frequency control unit and the radio frequency unit.

[0057] It should be understood that the positions of the primary station and the secondary station may be exchanged. In addition to the above manner of arranging the secondary station and the primary station, there may even be other similar arrangement manners, which is not limited in this application.

[0058] In an actual deployment, the primary station and the time base module may be deployed together or separately. The deployment form of the primary station and the time base module is not limited in this application. Furthermore, it should be understood that the radio frequency control unit may be understood as having the function of the primary station. In other words, the radio frequency control unit may be considered as the primary station. Similarly, the radio frequency unit has the function of the secondary station. In other words, the radio frequency unit may be considered as the secondary station. The primary station and the secondary station in the above clock synchronization system are logical functional units. Specifically, the primary station and the secondary station may be realized by a specified hardware, may be realized by a software instance on the specified hardware, or may be realized by a virtual function instantiated on a suitable platform. Each device or module may be combined or deployed separately. This is not limited in this application.

[0059] It should be further understood that the radio frequency control unit may also be referred to as a wireless control unit, a wireless device control unit, etc. The radio frequency unit may also be referred to as a wireless unit, a wireless device, etc. This is not a limitation in this application.

[0060] There are several protocols that can be selected to use for synchronization in an existing network. For example, in a communication network, the precision clock synchronization protocol standard for network measurement and control systems, i.e., the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1588 protocol, may be used to realize clock synchronization in the communication network.

[0061] The primary station may be in different states during operation, such as locked, holdover and free-running. When the primary station is in locked state, this means that the primary station can obtain time information from the time-base module. In other words, when the time-base module is in normal operation state, the primary station is in locked state. This means that the secondary station can obtain accurate time information from the primary station and complete clock synchronization normally. However, when the primary station is in holdover state, if possible, the time-base module is broken or cannot communicate with the primary station. In this case, the primary station cannot obtain accurate time information from the time-base module and can only rely on the clock module of the primary station to perform timing. In this case, the performance of the primary station will continuously degrade over time, and the time information provided by the primary station to the secondary station will also continuously deviate. When the primary station enters free-running state, the time-base module has been broken for a long time. In this case, the primary station relies on the free-running state of the local clock source to perform clock synchronization. Currently, when the primary station is in a holdover state, the secondary station cannot detect that the primary station is in a holdover state. Moreover, the time information obtained by the secondary station from the primary station is the time information of the primary station in a locked state. As a result, the secondary station uses inaccurate time information to perform clock synchronization. Moreover, when the period during which the time reference module is out of order exceeds a certain threshold, the clock synchronization of the primary station is switched from synchronization in the time dimension to synchronization in the frequency dimension. The access network device where the secondary station is located may stop clock synchronization because the access network device does not support synchronization in the frequency dimension. In this case, if the access network device still has a service that uses clock synchronization in the time dimension, the method reduces the service quality and reduces the service duration of the access network device.

[0062] This application provides a clock synchronization method for solving the above problems. As shown in Figure 4, the method may be performed by a first network element and a second network element. The first network element in the figure may be the primary station in Figure 1, Figure 2 or Figure 3, and the second network element in the figure may be the secondary station in Figure 1, Figure 2 or Figure 3. The method may include the following steps:

[0063] Step 401: A first network element switches from a locked state to a holdover state.

[0064] In a possible implementation, the first network element receives satellite time information and / or a pulse signal of the time base module from the time base module, and the first network element determines that the current time base module is faulty based on the satellite time information and / or the pulse signal of the time base module. Thus, the first network element switches from a locked state to a holdover state. It should be understood that the first network element may detect that the time base module is faulty by using other methods, which are not limited in this application.

[0065] Step 402: The first network element sends status information to the second network element.

[0066] Correspondingly, the second network element receives the status information from the first network element.

[0067] For example, a first network element generates status information and transmits the status information to a second network element.

[0068] The state information includes accuracy information of the first network element in a holdover state.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the first network element broadcasts the status information to the second network element. In another possible implementation, the first network element receives a request message from the second network element. The request message is for requesting the first network element to send the status information. Thus, the first network element sends the status information to the second network element.

[0070] Step 403: The second network element performs clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the accuracy information.

[0071] Further, the second network element may stop using the first information, the first information being the accuracy information of the first network element in a locked state.

[0072] For example, the accuracy information may include real-time phase accuracy peak information of the first network element. The real-time phase accuracy peak information of the first network element indicates the state of the maximum real-time phase accuracy of the first network element in the holdover state. The real-time phase accuracy peak value of the first network element may also be referred to as the real-time accuracy peak information of the first network element. It should be understood that the real-time accuracy peak information of the first network element may further indicate the maximum real-time accuracy of the first network element in the holdover state. The real-time phase accuracy peak information of the first network element is for time-domain clock synchronization. In this case, the second network element determines that the first network element is currently in the holdover state, and the secondary station may stop using the information of the primary station in the lock state and perform time-domain clock synchronization by using the real-time phase accuracy peak information of the first network element, or may perform time-domain clock synchronization with the second network element.

[0073] Alternatively, the accuracy information may include frequency accuracy information, which indicates a frequency deviation rate of the first network element, specifically, a deviation rate between a time-frequency value generated by the first network element by using the time reference module and a standard frequency value of the satellite time. The second network element performs frequency domain clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the accuracy information.

[0074] The status information may further include holdover capability information, the holdover capability information indicating a holdover capability of the first network element, and the capability information may be understood as a holdover capability of the first network element at a certain accuracy value.

[0075] For example, the holdover capability information may be the real-time accuracy or step accuracy of the first network element's clock, the duration that the first network element operates within a particular error range (e.g., a phase error range of 1 μs), or a combination of the above two cases.

[0076] In a possible implementation, the holdover capability information includes a real-time accuracy or a step accuracy. In another possible implementation, the holdover capability information may include a duration during which the first network element operates within a first error range. The first error may be an agreed error value, a default error value or an error value set in the first network element. The first error may alternatively be a value of an error variation range from an error at which the first network element starts switching to a holdover state to an error at which the first network element can only support the last service, in other words a maximum error range that the first network element in the holdover state can support.

[0077] The second network element performs clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the holdover capability information and the accuracy information. The holdover capability information is the real-time accuracy or step accuracy of the clock of the first network element. Specifically, the second network element selects a network element having a better holdover capability between the first network element or the second network element based on the real-time accuracy or step accuracy, and performs clock synchronization with the network element. This helps to improve the clock synchronization effect.

[0078] Furthermore, if possible, the second network element may further determine the holdover capability of the first network element based on the holdover capability information, so that the second network element may adjust the service placement based on the holdover capability information. Specifically, if the holdover capability information is the real-time accuracy or step accuracy of the clock of the first network element, the second network element determines the accuracy state of the second network element at the current time based on the real-time accuracy or step accuracy, and adjusts the service type based on the accuracy state of the second network element at the current time. For example, if the current accuracy is a first value, and the first value meets the high bandwidth service in the existing service of the second network element, the second network element continues to use the clock of the first network element as the clock of the high bandwidth service. In other words, the second network element realizes clock synchronization via the current first network element. The high bandwidth service is a service whose occupied bandwidth exceeds a bandwidth threshold. The bandwidth threshold may be adjusted based on a specific implementation manner, which is not limited in this application. If the current accuracy is a second value, the second value can only satisfy the voice service, and the second network element has a high-bandwidth service, the second network element may choose to migrate the high-bandwidth service to another second network element. Alternatively, the second network element may choose to stop using the first network element to perform clock synchronization. Specifically, the second network element may choose to perform clock synchronization with the second network element. In this case, according to the method, the service quality may not be degraded with the degraded clock synchronization accuracy. Thus, the service quality of the communication system is improved.

[0079] The state information may further include holdover duration information. The holdover duration information indicates a duration for which the first network element operates within a second error range, and the second error range is related to a service. In other words, the second error is an error allowed for a certain type of service, and the allowed error for different services may be different. It can be understood that the value of the second error is smaller than the value of the first error. In other words, the holdover duration allowed for different services is within the maximum error range that the first network element in the holdover state can support. For example, the holdover time information is 24 hours. In this case, when the time exceeds 24 hours, the primary station switches from the holdover state to a free-running state or to another state. The second network element performs clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the holdover duration information and the accuracy information. If possible, the second network element may determine the duration that can be maintained by the first network element in the holdover state, and the second network element may transition between the first network elements within the holdover duration, so that the second network element adjusts other communication resources for the service supported by the current second network element during the holdover duration, for example, transitions the service or transitions to a new first network element during the holdover duration to ensure the accuracy of the clock used by the service. Furthermore, the second network element selects a network element that can accommodate more modes or frequency bands of the satellite receiver. Thus, a network element with better quality is provided for clock synchronization, and the clock synchronization effect is finally improved. The second network element may select a network element with a longer holdover duration to perform clock synchronization based on different service requirements and holdover duration information. This helps to improve the clock synchronization effect.

[0080] The state information may further include clock reference source type information, the clock reference source type information including parameters of a clock reference source adapted to the first network element.

[0081] In a possible implementation, the clock reference source type information includes one or more of the following: a mode of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element, or a frequency band of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element. For example, the clock reference source type information may include a mode of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element. The mode of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element is one or more of GPS, BDS, GALILEO, GLONASS and QZSS. In another example, the clock reference source type information may include a frequency band of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element. The frequency band of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element is one or more of L1CA, B1I, B1C, G2 and L5. The clock reference source type information may alternatively be other performance parameters of the first network element, which are not enumerated one by one in this application. It should be understood that the clock reference source type information may be one or more of the above descriptions. For example, the clock reference source type information may be a mode of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element, may be a frequency band of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element, or may include a mode of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element and a frequency band of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element.

[0082] The second network element may perform clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the clock reference source type information and the accuracy information. The second network element may determine the performance of the time reference module used by the current first network element based on the clock reference source type information to determine whether to transition between the first network elements. It can be understood that when the clock reference source type information includes both the mode of the satellite receiver adapted to the first network element and the frequency band of the satellite receiver adapted to the first network element, the second network element may consider whether to transition between the first network elements by referring to the mode of the satellite receiver adapted to the first network element and the frequency band of the satellite receiver adapted to the first network element.

[0083] The status information may further include local source type information. The local source type information indicates a type of a local oscillator of the first network element, for example, an atomic clock or a quartz crystal source. For example, the local source type is an OCXO 2 / 3E quartz crystal oscillator, a rubidium clock type atomic clock, or a cesium clock type atomic clock. It can be understood that different types of local sources have different stability and different accuracy.

[0084] The second network element performs clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the local source type information and the accuracy information. The second network element may determine the performance of the local source of the current first network element based on the local source type, and determine whether to migrate to a network element having a local source with better performance based on the requirements of the current access network device, for example, whether to use the local source of the second network element to perform clock synchronization. For example, if the current local source type of the first network element is a quartz source and the local source used by the second network element is an atomic clock, the second network element determines to use the local source of the second network element to realize clock synchronization. The atomic clock is superior to the quartz source in terms of stability and accuracy. Therefore, when the second network element uses a network element whose local source type is an atomic clock, the performance of the resulting clock synchronization can be ensured, and the duration and accuracy of the clock synchronization are further ensured. Finally, the clock synchronization effect is ensured.

[0085] The method shown in Figure 4 is also applicable to a scenario in which a plurality of network elements transmit state information of each of the plurality of network elements to a second network element. The second network element selects a first network element and performs clock synchronization with the first network element, or selects a second network element and performs clock synchronization with the second network element based on the state information of the plurality of network elements. The first network element is one of the plurality of network elements, and the plurality of network elements are network elements whose functions are consistent with those of the first network element. It should be understood that when the second network element selects the first network element and performs clock synchronization with the first network element, the second network element selects the first network element from the plurality of network elements based on the state information.

[0086] The state information including the clock reference source type information is used as an example of a scenario in which a plurality of network elements all transmit their respective state information to a second network element, and the second network element compares the plurality of network elements based on the clock reference source type information, selects a first network element adapted to the most modes of satellite receivers and / or a first network element adapted to the most types of frequency bands of satellite receivers, and performs clock synchronization with the first network element. For example, if the mode of the satellite receiver of the other network elements other than the first network element among the plurality of network elements is only adapted to GPS, the second network element may select and use a first network element supporting GPS, BDS, GALILEO, GLONASS and QZSS. In another example, if the frequency band of the satellite receiver of the other network elements other than the first network element among the plurality of network elements is only adapted to L5, the second network element may select a first network element supporting L1CA, B1I, B1C, G2 and L5, and performs clock synchronization with the first network element. Finally, the second network element may achieve clock synchronization via the first network element that has the best performance among the multiple network elements, to improve the performance of the clock synchronization.

[0087] Similarly, if the state information includes local source type information, the second network element may select a network element whose local source type is atomic clock from the plurality of network elements and the second network element. In other words, if the local source type of the first network element in the plurality of network elements is atomic clock, the second network element selects the first network element to perform clock synchronization. If the local source type of only the second network element in the plurality of network elements is atomic clock, the second network element no longer depends on other network elements to perform clock synchronization. In other words, the second network element performs clock synchronization with the second network element.

[0088] It should be understood that in addition to the accuracy information, the status information may include one or more types of information. Thus, after receiving the status information, the second network element may refer to the accuracy information and one or more of the above information to determine whether to switch the first network element or use the local source of the second network element, and whether to adjust the service currently provided by the second network element, etc., based on the characteristics of the network element selected by the second network element for clock synchronization. For example, the second network element may determine, based on the received status information of one or more different network elements, whether there exists a first network element in one or more different network elements that has better quality, i.e., stronger holdover capability, longer holdover duration, a local source type that is an atomic clock, and supports more clock reference source types, and the first network element is selected to perform clock synchronization. Alternatively, if the second network element finds that the local source of the second network element is better than the local source of one or more different first network elements, the second network element may select the second network element to perform clock synchronization.

[0089] Further, when the state information includes at least two of capability information, holdover duration information, clock reference source type information and local source type information, the second network element may further perform clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element according to a first rule. The first rule is the priority of different types of information in the state information. In other words, the second network element selects the information with the highest priority in the state information according to the first rule, selects the first network element or the second network element based on the information with the highest priority, and performs clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element. For example, when the state information received by the second network element includes capability information, holdover duration information, clock reference source type information and local source type information, and in the state information, according to the first rule, the local source type, capability information, holdover duration information and clock reference source type information are in descending order of priority, the second network element selects the network element with the best local source based on the local source type, and then performs clock synchronization with the selected network element with the best local source. In other words, if the local source type of the first network element is an optimal network element, the second network element performs clock synchronization with the first network element, and if the local source type of the second network element is an optimal network element, the second network element performs clock synchronization with the second network element.

[0090] In short, the second network element performing clock synchronization with the first network element should be understood as the second network element may realize clock synchronization via the first network element. In other words, the second network element may select to use the first network element to perform clock synchronization. For example, the second network element selects a network element having stronger capability and better performance from the second network element and the first network element based on the state information from one or more of the above multiple aspects, such as capability information, holdover duration, local source type, and clock reference source type, to perform clock synchronization. The second network element performing clock synchronization with the second network element should be understood as the second network element realizing clock synchronization by relying on the local source of the second network element. The second network element performing clock synchronization with the second network element should be understood as the second network element being in a holdover state. Alternatively, the second network element obtaining clock information via a local source of the second network element may be understood as the second network element not using the first network element to perform clock synchronization.

[0091] When the second network element cannot detect that the first network element has entered a holdover state, resulting in a clock synchronization error, compared with the case where the second network element still performs clock synchronization according to the policy in the locked state, according to this embodiment shown in this application, the first network element may notify the second network element of status information to enable the second network element to adjust clock synchronization based on the status information of the holdover state, and this application helps to improve the performance of clock synchronization.

[0092] Referring to the method shown in Figure 4, Figure 5 is another method for a time domain clock synchronization scenario to which this application is applicable. As shown in Figure 5, for the primary station in Figure 5, refer to the description of the first network element in Figure 4. For the secondary station, refer to the description of the second network element in Figure 4. The method may include the following steps:

[0093] Step 501: The primary station receives satellite time information from the time base module and / or a pulse signal of the time base module.

[0094] Step 502: The primary station switches from a locked state to a holdover state based on satellite time information and / or a pulse signal.

[0095] For example, the primary station may determine, based on the satellite time information and / or the pulse signal, that the time base module has failed, in which case the primary station may switch from a locked state to a holdover state.

[0096] For example, the pulse signal of the time base module may be a 1 pulse per second (pps) signal of the time base module, and the 1 pps signal of the time base module may indicate 1 second of phase information of the time base module. Specifically, the pulse signal may be generated by a satellite card in the time base module.

[0097] For example, the satellite time information indicates the time information of the satellite. Specifically, the satellite time information may be converted to UTC time.

[0098] Specifically, the local clock module of the primary station generates a local pulse signal of the primary station. The local pulse signal may be a 1 pulse per second (pps) signal, and the local 1 pps signal of the primary station includes phase information of the local clock module of the primary station. Furthermore, the local clock module may generate local time information. The local time information may indicate a local time of the primary station. The comparison module of the primary station may compare the local pulse signal of the primary station with a pulse signal of the time reference module. If a phase difference value between the two pulse signals exceeds a first threshold, the comparison module of the primary station determines that the time reference module is faulty. Alternatively, the comparison module of the primary station may compare the local time information of the primary station with a satellite time information of the satellite. If a difference value between the two time information exceeds a second threshold, the comparison module determines that the time reference module is faulty. Alternatively, the comparison module of the primary station may compare the local pulse signal of the primary station with a pulse signal of the time reference module and compare the local time information of the primary station with the satellite time information of the satellite. When the phase difference value between the two pulse signals exceeds a first threshold and the difference value between the two time information exceeds a second threshold, the comparison module of the primary station determines that the time base module is faulty. The first threshold and the second threshold may be determined based on the actual application requirements, which are not limited in this application. In other words, the primary station may determine that the time base module is faulty based on the time information and / or the pulse signal, so that the primary station switches from a locked state to a holdover state.

[0099] Step 503: The primary station sends status information to the secondary station.

[0100] In response, the secondary station receives status information from the primary station.

[0101] For this step, see the description of step 402 in FIG.

[0102] The status information includes accuracy information. For the accuracy information, refer to the description of the accuracy information in FIG. 4. The accuracy information may be ENHANCED_ACCURACY_METRICS information, ENHANCED_ACCURACY_ClockQuality information, or other name information. Regardless of how the name is changed, the status information may be for reflecting the state of the clock synchronization service that the primary station can currently provide. The accuracy information includes real-time phase accuracy peak information of the primary station. For the real-time phase accuracy peak information of the primary station, refer to the description of the real-time phase accuracy peak information of the first network element in FIG. 4. The value of the real-time phase accuracy peak of the primary station may also be called the real-time accuracy peak information (maxGmInAccuracy) or time interval (Time Interval) of the primary station.

[0103] The status information further includes at least one of the following: holdover capability information, holdover duration information, clock reference source type information, and local source type status information. For details about the status information, please refer to the description in Figure 4. The details will not be described again here.

[0104] For example, before this step, the secondary station sends a request message to the primary station. The request message carries a management value field, which may be a management TLV. The request message is to request the primary station to inform the secondary station of management information. The management information may be information about the primary station, such as status information and accuracy information. Thus, the primary station can inform the secondary station of status information.

[0105] It should be understood that the messages for transmitting status information are not limited in this application, and the names of the messages may be adaptively modified based on different usage scenarios.

[0106] It should be understood that the status information may be transmitted using multiple messages or may be transmitted using one message, which is not a limitation of this application.

[0107] Step 504: The secondary station performs clock synchronization with the primary station or the secondary station based on the accuracy information.

[0108] For this step, see the description of step 403 in FIG.

[0109] For example, a secondary station may adjust its clock synchronization behavior based on state information about the service.

[0110] For the beneficial effects of the method shown in Fig. 5, please refer to the description in Fig. 4. The details will not be described again here.

[0111] With reference to the method shown in Figure 4, Figure 6 is yet another method for a time domain clock synchronization scenario to which this application is applicable. As shown in Figure 6, for the primary station in Figure 6, refer to the description of the first network element in Figure 4. For the secondary station, refer to the description of the second network element in Figure 4. The method in this embodiment shown in this drawing is applicable to a frequency domain clock synchronization scenario. The method may include the following steps:

[0112] Step 601: The primary station receives satellite time information and / or a pulse signal of the time base module from the time base module.

[0113] Step 602: The primary station switches from a locked state to a holdover state.

[0114] For step 601 and step 602, refer to the description of step 501 and step 502 in the above embodiment.

[0115] Step 603: The primary station sends status information to the secondary station.

[0116] In response, the secondary station receives status information from the primary station.

[0117] For this step, see the description of step 402 in FIG.

[0118] The state information includes accuracy information, and the accuracy information includes frequency accuracy information. The frequency accuracy information indicates a frequency deviation rate of the primary station in the holdover state. In other words, the frequency accuracy information may indicate a deviation rate between a time-frequency value generated by the primary station by using a time base module and a standard frequency value of the satellite time. Specifically, the frequency accuracy information may be in parts per million (PPM). The deviation rate may be for expressing the accuracy of the clock information provided by the primary station to the secondary station. For the frequency accuracy information, please refer to the description of the frequency accuracy information in FIG. 4.

[0119] In a possible implementation, the state information may include one or more of holdover capability information, holdover duration information, clock reference source type information, and local source type. For the holdover capability information, holdover duration information, clock reference source type information, and local source type information, please refer to the description in Figure 4. Details will not be described again here.

[0120] Step 604: The secondary station performs clock synchronization with the primary station or the secondary station based on the accuracy information.

[0121] For example, if the status information includes frequency accuracy information, the secondary station may choose whether to continue using the primary station to perform clock synchronization. If the secondary station determines based on the frequency accuracy information that the accuracy of the clock synchronization of the current primary station cannot meet the service requirements of the secondary station, the secondary station may stop using the primary station to perform clock synchronization, and the secondary station may choose to use the local source of the secondary station to perform clock synchronization. It should be understood that in the scenario of frequency synchronization, when the secondary station is an access network device that supports frequency synchronization, such as an access network of the Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) standard or an access network of the Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) standard, the frequency accuracy information can provide a better clock synchronization service, or when the secondary station provides an extended bandwidth carrier aggregation service or even some other services that have special requirements for the synchronization accuracy of the primary station. Compared with the case where the secondary station stops tracking the primary station, in other words, stops clock synchronization, when it acquires based on the status information that the primary station is currently in a holdover state, resulting in the service not being able to be provided to the user, if the secondary station may dynamically adjust the service based on the frequency accuracy information after acquiring the status information and adjust the service time of the secondary station instead of stopping to provide the service to the user., this method can further improve the user experience.

[0122] For this step, please refer to the description of step 403 in Fig. 4. The details will not be described again here.

[0123] The method shown in this embodiment can improve the performance of clock synchronization in frequency domain clock synchronization scenario, further improve the service performance of secondary station, and further extend the service duration of secondary station. The beneficial effect of the method shown in this embodiment can be referred to the description in Fig. 5. Details are not described again here.

[0124] Correspondingly, the embodiments of this application further provide a communication device. The communication device may be a device including the functions of the first network element or primary station, or the second network element or secondary station in the above method embodiments, or may be a component having similar functions to the functions of the first network element or primary station, or the second network element or secondary station. To realize the above functions, it can be understood that the communication device includes a hardware structure and / or a software module for performing the corresponding functions. Those skilled in the art should easily recognize that this application can be realized by hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software in combination with the example units and algorithm steps described in the embodiments disclosed in this specification. Whether the functions are performed by hardware or by hardware driven by computer software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to realize the described functions of each specific application, but the realization manner should not be considered to go beyond the scope of this application.

[0125] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0126] The communication device includes a processing module 701, a receiving module 702 and a transmitting module 703. The processing module 701 is used for processing data by the communication device. The receiving module 702 is configured to receive content between the communication device and other units or network elements. The transmitting module 703 is configured to transmit content between the communication device and other units or network elements. It should be understood that the processing module 701 in this embodiment of the application may be realized by a processor or a processor-related circuit component (alternatively called a processing circuit). The receiving module 702 may be realized by a receiver or a receiver-related circuit component. The transmitting module 703 may be realized by a transmitter or a transmitter-related circuit component.

[0127] For example, a communications apparatus may be a communications apparatus device, a chip used in a communications apparatus device, or any other combined device or component having the functionality of a communications apparatus device.

[0128] For example, the communication device may be a first network element or a primary station in any one of FIGS. 4 to 6, or may be a second network element or a secondary station in any one of FIGS.

[0129] When the communication device is a first network element or a primary station, the processing module 701 is configured to switch from a locked state to a holdover state (e.g., step 401 in FIG. 4, step 502 in FIG. 5, and step 602 in FIG. 6). The sending module 703 is configured to send status information to the second network element. The status information includes accuracy information of the first network element in the holdover state (e.g., step 402 in FIG. 4, step 503 in FIG. 5, and step 603 in FIG. 6).

[0130] In addition, each module may be further configured to support other processes of the technical solutions related to the first network element or the primary station in Figures 4 to 6 of this specification. For beneficial effects, please refer to the above description. Details will not be described again here.

[0131] When the communication device is a second network element or a secondary station, the receiving module 702 is configured to receive state information from the first network element. The state information includes accuracy information of the first network element in a holdover state (e.g., step 402 in FIG. 4, step 503 in FIG. 5, and step 603 in FIG. 6). The processing module 701 is configured to perform clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the accuracy information (e.g., step 403 in FIG. 4, step 504 in FIG. 5, and step 604 in FIG. 6).

[0132] In addition, each module may be further configured to support other processes of the technical solutions related to the second network element or secondary station in Figures 4 to 6 of this specification. For beneficial effects, please refer to the above description. Details will not be described again here.

[0133] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes a processor 801, a communication interface 802, and a memory 803. The processor 801, the communication interface 802, and the memory 803 may be connected to each other via a bus 804. The bus 804 may be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus, an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus 804 may be classified into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, the bus is represented in FIG. 8 by using only one line, but this does not indicate that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The processor 801 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), or a combination of a CPU and a NP. The processor may further include a hardware chip. The hardware chip may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The PLD may be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof. The memory 803 may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory.Non-volatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or flash memory. Volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM), used as an external cache.

[0134] For example, the communication device may be a first network element or a primary station in any one of FIGS. 4 to 6, or may be a second network element or a secondary station in any one of FIGS.

[0135] The processor 801 is configured to implement data processing operations of the communication device. The communication interface 802 is configured to implement receiving and transmitting operations of the communication device.

[0136] When the communication device is a first network element or a primary station, the communication interface 802 is configured to send status information to a second network element. The status information includes accuracy information of the first network element in a holdover state (e.g., step 402 in FIG. 4, step 503 in FIG. 5, and step 603 in FIG. 6). The processor 801 is configured to switch from a locked state to a holdover state (e.g., step 401 in FIG. 4, step 502 in FIG. 5, and step 602 in FIG. 6). In addition, each module may be further configured to support other processes of the technical solutions related to the first network element or the primary station in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 of this specification. For beneficial effects, please refer to the above description. Details will not be described again here.

[0137] When the communication device is a second network element or a secondary station, the communication interface 802 is configured to receive state information from the first network element. The state information includes accuracy information of the first network element in a holdover state (e.g., step 402 in FIG. 4, step 503 in FIG. 5, and step 603 in FIG. 6). The processor 801 is configured to perform clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the accuracy information (e.g., step 403 in FIG. 4, step 504 in FIG. 5, and step 604 in FIG. 6). In addition, each module may be further configured to support other processes of the technical solutions related to the second network element or the secondary station in FIG. 4-FIG. 6 of this specification. For beneficial effects, please refer to the above description. Details will not be described again here.

[0138] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication system. The communication system includes the above-mentioned first network element and second network element, or includes the above-mentioned primary station and secondary station. The first network element or the primary station executes the method performed by the first network element or the primary station in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6. The second network element or the secondary station executes the method performed by the second network element or the secondary station in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6.

[0139] An embodiment of this application further provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer may realize a technical solution related to the first network element or the primary station, or the second network element or the secondary station in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6 in the above method embodiments, or the computer may realize a technical solution related to the first network element or the primary station, or the second network element or the secondary station in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6 in the above method embodiments.

[0140] An embodiment of this application further provides a computer program product. The computer program product is configured to store a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer may realize a procedure related to the first network element or the primary station, or the second network element or the secondary station in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6 in the above method embodiments, or the computer may realize a technical solution related to the first network element or the primary station, or the second network element or the secondary station in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6 in the above method embodiments.

[0141] The application further provides a chip including a processor. The processor is configured to read a computer program stored in the memory and execute the computer program to perform corresponding operations and / or procedures of the first network element or primary station, or the second network element or secondary station in the method provided in the application. Optionally, the chip further includes a memory. The memory and the processor are connected to the memory via circuits or wiring, and the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and execute the computer program. Optionally, the memory may alternatively be a storage device independent of the chip. Optionally, the chip further includes a communication interface, and the processor is connected to the communication interface. The communication interface is configured to receive the processed data and / or information. The processor obtains the data and / or information from the communication interface and processes the data and / or information. The communication interface may be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin, an associated circuit, etc. on the chip. The processor may alternatively be embodied as a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0142] The chip may alternatively be replaced by a chip system, the details of which will not be described again here.

[0143] In this application, the terms "comprising", "having", and any other variations are meant to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a list of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units, and may include other steps or units that are not expressly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, system, product, or device.

[0144] Those skilled in the art may recognize that, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the units and algorithm steps may be realized by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether a function is performed by hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to realize the described functions of each specific application, but the implementation manner should not be considered to go beyond the scope of this application.

[0145] Those skilled in the art may clearly understand that for the sake of convenient and concise description, the detailed operation processes of the above systems, devices and units may refer to the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments, and the details will not be described again here.

[0146] In some embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device, and method may be realized in other ways. For example, the described device embodiment is merely an example. For example, the division into units is merely a logical division of functions, and other divisions may occur in the actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into other systems, or some features may be ignored or not implemented. Furthermore, the shown or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be realized by using some interfaces. Indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be realized in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0147] The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and the parts shown as units may or may not be physical units, and may be located in one place or distributed among multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual conditions to achieve the objectives of the solution in this embodiment.

[0148] Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of this application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each of the units may exist physically alone, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0149] When the functions are realized in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, the functions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such understanding, the technical solutions of this application may be essentially realized in the form of a software product, or the part of the technical solutions or the part of the contribution to the prior art may be realized in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes some instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server or a network device) to execute all or part of the steps of the method according to the embodiments of this application. The above storage medium includes any medium capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc.

[0150] Furthermore, terms such as "first", "second", etc. in this specification, claims and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to distinguish between different objects, but are not intended to describe a particular order. Furthermore, terms such as "comprise" and "have", as well as any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the recited steps or units, but optionally further includes other unrecited steps or units, or optionally further includes other inherent steps or units of the process, method, product or device.

[0151] Although this application has been described with reference to its specific features and embodiments, it is clear that various modifications and combinations may be made to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Correspondingly, the specification and the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary descriptions of this application as defined in the appended claims, and any or all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents covering the scope of this application are considered. Obviously, a person skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, this application is intended to cover these modifications and variations of this application, provided that they fall within the scope of protection defined in the following claims and their equivalent technologies.

[0152] The above description is merely a specific implementation of this application, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any variations or replacements that are easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application shall fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method for transmitting accuracy information, comprising: switching, by the first network element, from a locked state to a holdover state; transmitting, by the first network element, state information to a second network element, the state information including accuracy information of the first network element in the holdover state; The method includes:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the accuracy information includes real-time phase accuracy peak information of the first network element, the real-time phase accuracy peak information of the first network element indicating a maximum real-time phase accuracy of the first network element in the holdover state.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the accuracy information comprises frequency accuracy information, the frequency accuracy information indicative of a frequency deviation rate of the first network element in the holdover state.

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the state information further comprises holdover capability information of the first network element.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the holdover capability information includes real-time accuracy or step accuracy.

6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the holdover capability information comprises a duration for which the first network element operates within a first error band.

7. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the state information further comprises holdover duration information of the first network element, the holdover duration information indicating a duration for which the first network element operates within a second error range, the second error range being associated with a service.

8. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the state information further comprises clock reference source type information, the clock reference source type information comprising parameters of a clock reference source adapted to the first network element.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the clock reference source type information includes one or more of the following: a mode of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element, or a frequency band of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the state information further comprises local source type information, the local source type information indicating a type of a local oscillator of the first network element.

11. 1. A method for transmitting accuracy information, comprising: receiving, by a second network element, state information from a first network element, the state information including accuracy information of the first network element in a holdover state; performing, by the second network element, clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the accuracy information; The method includes:

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the accuracy information includes real-time phase accuracy peak information of the first network element, the real-time phase accuracy peak information of the first network element indicating a maximum real-time phase accuracy of the first network element in the holdover state.

13. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: stopping, by the second network element, using first information, the first information being accuracy information of the first network element in a locked state.

14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the accuracy information comprises frequency accuracy information, the frequency accuracy information indicative of a frequency deviation rate of the first network element in the holdover state.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising adjusting, by the second network element, a clock based on the frequency accuracy information.

16. The state information further includes holdover capability information of the first network element; The step of performing clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the accuracy information by the second network element includes:

16. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: performing, by the second network element, clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the holdover capability information and the accuracy information.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the holdover capability information comprises a real-time phase accuracy value or a step accuracy value of the first network element.

18. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the holdover capability information comprises a duration for which the first network element operates within a first error band.

19. The state information further includes holdover duration information of the first network element, the holdover duration information indicating a duration for which the first network element operates within a second error range, the second error range being associated with a service; The step of performing clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the accuracy information by the second network element includes:

19. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: performing, by the second network element, clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the holdover duration information and the accuracy information.

20. The state information further comprises clock reference source type information, the clock reference source type information comprising parameters of a clock reference source adapted to the first network element; The step of performing clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the accuracy information by the second network element includes:

20. The method of claim 11, further comprising: performing, by the second network element, clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the clock reference source type information and the accuracy information.

21. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the clock reference source type information includes one or more of the following: a mode of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element, or a frequency band of a satellite receiver adapted to the first network element.

22. The state information further comprises local source type information, the local source type information indicating a type of a local oscillator of the first network element; The step of performing clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the accuracy information by the second network element includes:

22. The method of claim 11, further comprising: performing, by the second network element, clock synchronization with the first network element or the second network element based on the local source type information and the accuracy information.

23. A communication device including a processor, A communications device, wherein the processor is configured to read a program from a memory and to execute the program to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or any one of claims 11 to 22.

24. A communication system including a first network element and a second network element, A communication system, wherein the first network element performs a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and the second network element performs a method according to any one of claims 11 to 22.

25. 1. A computer-readable storage medium, comprising: A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed on a computer, enable a processor to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or any one of claims 11 to 22.

26. 1. A computer program product comprising instructions, A computer program product, the instructions being executed on a computer, enabling the computer to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or any one of claims 11 to 22.

27. A communication device arranged to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or the method according to any one of claims 11 to 22.

28. A chip including a processor and an interface circuit, A chip, wherein the interface circuit is coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to execute computer programs or instructions to enable the method of any one of claims 1 to 10 or the method of any one of claims 11 to 22 to be performed.

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