Method, system, and apparatus for implementing time synchronization

Abstract

A wireless communication method for use in an access and mobility management function is disclosed, the method including receiving time synchronization subscription information related to a time synchronization service for a wireless terminal from a network function and transmitting a location subscription request for the wireless terminal to a radio network node.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD This document relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to time synchronization for wireless communications. [Background technology]

[0002] Existing 5G systems support time synchronization services to user equipment (UE) via the radio interface (i.e., air interface). For example, a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) can provide precise time information to the UE through 5G Access Stratum (AS) signaling, which is called 5G Access Stratum time distribution. A UE can subscribe to the time synchronization service in a specific area. Note that the UE may be restricted to obtain the time synchronization service only in this specific area. When the UE moves out of the time synchronization service area, the time synchronization service may not be stopped for the UE. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] This document relates to methods, systems, and devices for implementing time synchronization. The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication method for use in access and mobility management functions, the method comprising: receiving time synchronization subscription information associated with a time synchronization service for the wireless terminal from a network function; sending a location subscription request for the wireless terminal to a radio network node.

[0004] Various embodiments preferably implement the following features: Preferably, the time synchronization subscription information comprises: a time synchronization indication associated with a time synchronization subscription of the wireless terminal; or It includes at least one of a time synchronization service area associated with providing time synchronization services to wireless terminals.

[0005] Preferably, the location subscription request is for subscribing to notifications related to a wireless terminal within or outside a time synchronization area, or related to the location of the wireless terminal.

[0006] Preferably, the wireless communication method comprises: receiving a notification from the wireless network node in response to the location subscription request; and transmitting a request to a radio network node related to the provision of time synchronization services to the wireless terminal.

[0007] Preferably, based on the notification, the wireless terminal is within a time synchronization area and the request indicates to begin providing time synchronization services to the wireless terminal.

[0008] Preferably, based on the notification, the wireless terminal is outside a time synchronization area and the request indicates that the provision of time synchronization services to the wireless terminal be discontinued.

[0009] Preferably, the wireless communication method further includes transmitting time synchronization subscription information to the wireless terminal.

[0010] Preferably, the wireless communication method further includes receiving a request relating to time synchronization subscription information from the wireless terminal.

[0011] Preferably, the network functionality comprises at least one of an integrated data management or policy control functionality.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication method for use in network functions, the method including transmitting time synchronization subscription information associated with a time synchronization service for a wireless terminal to a wireless device.

[0013] Various embodiments preferably implement the following features: Preferably, the time synchronization subscription information comprises: a time synchronization indication associated with a time synchronization subscription of the wireless terminal; or It includes at least one of a time synchronization service area associated with providing time synchronization services to wireless terminals.

[0014] Preferably, the network functionality comprises at least one of an integrated data management or policy control functionality.

[0015] Preferably, the wireless device is a wireless terminal or an access and mobility management function.

[0016] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to wireless communications for use in a wireless terminal. The method includes receiving time synchronization subscription information from a wireless device associated with a time synchronization service for the wireless terminal.

[0017] Various embodiments preferably implement the following features: Preferably, the time synchronization subscription information comprises: a time synchronization indication associated with a time synchronization subscription of the wireless terminal; or It includes at least one of a time synchronization service area associated with providing time synchronization services to wireless terminals.

[0018] Preferably, the wireless device is equipped with access and mobility management functionality. Preferably, the wireless communication method further includes transmitting a request related to time synchronization subscription information to the wireless device.

[0019] Preferably, the wireless device includes at least one of integrated data management or policy control functionality.

[0020] Preferably, the wireless terminal receives the time synchronization subscription information from the wireless device via an access and mobility management function.

[0021] The present disclosure provides a communication unit configured to receive time synchronization subscription information related to a time synchronization service for a wireless terminal from a network function and to transmit a location subscription request for the wireless terminal to a radio network node, Regarding the access and mobility management node.

[0022] Various embodiments preferably implement the following features: Preferably, the access and mobility management node further comprises a processor configured to perform any of the aforementioned wireless communication methods.

[0023] The present disclosure relates to a network node, comprising: A communication unit configured to transmit time synchronization subscription information related to a time synchronization service for the wireless terminal to the wireless device.

[0024] Various embodiments preferably implement the following features: Preferably, the network node further comprises a processor configured to perform any of the aforementioned wireless communication methods.

[0025] The present disclosure relates to a wireless terminal, comprising: A communication unit configured to receive time synchronization subscription information related to a time synchronization service for the wireless terminal from a wireless device is provided.

[0026] Various embodiments preferably implement the following features: Preferably, the wireless terminal further comprises a processor configured to perform any of the aforementioned wireless communication methods.

[0027] The present disclosure relates to a computer program product having stored thereon a computer readable program medium code which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform a wireless communication method as set forth in any one of the preceding methods.

[0028] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are directed to providing features that will become readily apparent from reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. According to various embodiments, exemplary systems, methods, devices, and computer program products are disclosed herein. It will be understood, however, that these embodiments are presented by way of example and not limitation, and that various modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

[0029] Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the example embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. Additionally, the specific order and / or hierarchy of steps of the methods disclosed herein is merely example approaches. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps of a disclosed method or process can be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, those skilled in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present the various steps or operations in a sample order, and that, unless otherwise stated, the disclosure is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0030] These and other aspects and their implementations are described in more detail in the drawings, description, and claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic diagram of time synchronization according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 3]1 shows a schematic diagram of time synchronization according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates an example of a schematic diagram of a wireless terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates an example of a schematic diagram of a radio network node according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a network (architecture) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, the network includes the following network functions / entities:

[0033] 1) User Equipment (UE): The UE accesses 5GS and obtains services via NG-RAN and communicates with the Access and Mobility Control Function (AMF) of the core network via NAS signaling. The Device Side TSN Translator (DS-TT) resides in the UE and provides the (g)PTP port function for time synchronization.

[0034] 2) Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) The NG-RAN may also be referred to as a 5G access network (5G-AN: 5G Access Network, i.e., 5G radio access network). The NG-RAN is responsible for air interface resource scheduling and air interface connection management of the network through which the UE is accessed. In this disclosure, the NG-RAN may be equivalent to an NG-RAN node or a RAN (node).

[0035] 3) Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) The AMF includes the following functions: registration management, connection management, reachability management, and mobility management. This network function also performs access authentication and authorization. The AMF is a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) security termination and relays the Session Management (SM) NAS between the UE and the Session Management Function (SMF), etc.

[0036] 4) Session Management Function (SMF): The SMF includes the following functions: session management (e.g., session establishment, modification, and release), UE IP address allocation and management (including optional authorization), UP function selection and control, downlink data notification, etc.

[0037] 5) User Plane Function (UPF): The UPF includes the following functions: anchor point for intra-RAT / inter-RAT mobility, packet routing and forwarding, traffic usage reporting, QoS handling for the user plane, downlink packet buffering, and downlink data notification triggering. The network-side TSN translator (DS-TT) resides in / at the UPF and provides the (g)PTP port functionality for time synchronization.

[0038] 6) Policy Control Function (PCF): The PCF includes the following functions: supporting a unified policy framework for coordinating network behavior, providing policy rules to the control plane functions for enforcement, and implementing a front end to access subscription information relevant to policy decisions in the User Data Repository (UDR).

[0039] 7) Network Exposure Function (NEF): The NEF is optionally deployed to exchange information between the 5G Core Network (5GC) and external Application Functions (AFs). In this disclosure, for simplicity, NEF / AF is used to refer to the NEF and AF.

[0040] 8) Time Sensitive Communication and Time Synchronization Function (TSCTSF): The TSCTSF controls the NG-RAN to enable 5G access layer time distribution and controls time synchronization services by configuring DS-TT and NW-TT when 5GS is not integrated with the TSN network.

[0041] 9) Time Sensitive Network Adaptation Function (TSN AF) The TSN AF provides interworking and adaptation with the Centralized Network Configuration (CNC) within external TSN networks.

[0042] To support PTP-based time synchronization services, 5GS simulates / acts as a bridge to an external PTP network (e.g., a TSN network or a network supporting the IEEE 1588 standard). This TSN bridge is called a virtual / logical bridge. The "logical" TSN bridge includes a TSN translator (TT) function (i.e., DS-TT in the UE and NW-TT in the UPF) for interoperation between the PTP network and 5GS.

[0043] Since PTP may be compatible with gPTP, in this disclosure, PTP may be equivalent to gPTP (i.e., IEEE8201.AS).

[0044] In this disclosure, the term GM may be equivalent to "GM clock." In Figure 1, the network (architecture) includes a 5G internal GM clock that is used as a time source (e.g., a GPS clock or a GM clock) in the network. The NG-RAN and the UPF / NW-TT perform time synchronization with the 5G GM separately. In other words, the NG-RAN and the UPF are assumed to be synchronized.

[0045] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of time synchronization between a UE and an NG-RAN according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 2 shows how a UE obtains 5G precise time from an NG-RAN over the air interface.

[0046] In step 201, the NG-RAN sends ReferenceTimeInfo to the UE in a System Information Block 9 (SIB9) or Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

[0047] ReferenceTimeInfo (i.e., reference time information) contains at least the following information elements / fields: - referenceSFN: This field indicates the reference System Frame number (SFN) corresponding to the reference time and / or ReferenceTimeInfo.

[0048] - Time (ReferenceTime): The time field indicates the (reference) time at the boundary (eg, start or end) of the reference SFN.

[0049] In step 202, the UE synchronizes with (time in) the NG-RAN based on the received ReferenceTimeInfo.

[0050] 3 shows a schematic diagram of a time synchronization procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the UE synchronizes time information with 5G access stratum time distribution in an on-demand manner. Specifically, the procedure includes the following steps:

[0051] Step 301: An AM policy association for the UE is established. Step 302: The NEF / AF invokes the Ntsctsf_ASTICreate / Update / Delete / Get service operation with the TSCTSF.

[0052] Step 303: The TSCTSF searches the PCF for the UE using Nbsf_Management_Subscribe with the UE ID (i.e., Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI)) as an input parameter to indicate that it is searching for the PCF that handles the AM policy association of the UE.

[0053] Step 304: The BSF provides the TSCTSF with the identity of the PCF of the UE for the requested SUPI via the Nbsf_Management_Notify operation. If a matching entry already exists in the BSF when step 303 is performed, this shall be reported to the TSCTSF immediately.

[0054] Step 305. The TSCTSF sends a request for the AM policy for the UE (identified by the SUPI) to the PCF of the UE using an Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization request including a 5G access stratum time delivery indication.

[0055] Step 306: The PCF may initiate an AM policy association change procedure for the UE to provide 5G access stratum time distribution parameters to the AMF.

[0056] Step 307: The AMF sends a 5G access stratum time distribution instruction to the NG-RAN node using an N2 request.

[0057] Step 308: The NG-RAN node provides the UE with 5GS precise time through the AS (e.g., step 201).

[0058] In one embodiment, a UE may subscribe to a 5G access stratum time distribution service in a specific time synchronization service area. The UE may be restricted to obtaining the time synchronization service only in this time synchronization service area. That is, when the UE moves outside the time synchronization service area, the time synchronization service should be stopped for the UE. Therefore, in one embodiment, the UE and / or a related network function may obtain information related to the UE's time synchronization subscription to determine whether the time synchronization service for the UE should be stopped / started and perform corresponding operations.

[0059] In one embodiment, the UDM can store UE time synchronization subscription information, which may include a 5G access stratum time synchronization indication and / or an associated time synchronization area of the UE. Thus, the AMF can obtain the UE time synchronization subscription information, including the 5G access stratum time synchronization indication and the associated time synchronization service area, via:

[0060] -Time synchronization subscription from UDM, or -Time Sync Policy Date from PCF In addition, the AMF can subscribe to the UE's area of interest from the NG-RAN.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, the AMF may subscribe to UE location reports from the NG-RAN when the UE location changes.

[0062] When the NG-RAN reports an area of interest (e.g., a UE in or out of the area) and / or notification of the UE location, the AMF may send an N2 request to start or stop the time synchronization service for this UE.

[0063] In one embodiment, the UE may be provided with time synchronization subscription information including a 5G access stratum time synchronization indication and / or an associated time synchronization area. Under such circumstances, when the UE moves outside the time synchronization area authorized for the UE, the UE understands that it cannot obtain reference time information over the air (air interface) since it moves outside the authorized area, and the UE may notify applications running on the UE accordingly.

[0064] Providing time synchronization subscription information to the UE may be performed as follows: -AMF provides time synchronization subscription information in NAS reception (message), or -PCF / UDM provides time synchronization subscription information in a transparent container.

[0065] 4 shows a schematic diagram of a procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 4, the UDM provides time synchronization subscription information to the AMF. The AMF controls time synchronization services to UEs within a specific service area based on the time synchronization subscription information. In one embodiment, the time synchronization service area may include a Tracking Area Identity (TAI) list and / or a cell list.

[0066] Step 401: Time synchronization subscription information is provided to the AMF by the UDM. The time synchronization subscription information includes a 5G access stratum time synchronization indication and / or an associated time synchronization area. This step may be part of a UE registration procedure or a user profile management procedure. The UDM can provide the time synchronization subscription information to the AMF using the Nudm_SDM_Get or Nudm_SDM_Notification service operation.

[0067] Step 402: The AMF sends a location reporting control (including, for example, a reporting type, an area of interest, and a location change) to the NG-RAN.

[0068] Step 403: The NG-RAN sends a location report message to notify the AMF of the UE's location, for example, the UE's presence (i.e., IN, OUT, or UNKNOWN) and / or UE location in the area of interest.

[0069] Step 404: According to whether the UE is within a time synchronization service area, the AMF sends a 5G access layer time distribution indication to the NG-RAN to stop or start the time synchronization service / operation.

[0070] Step 405: According to the message from the AMF, the NG-RAN starts or stops providing precise time to the UE.

[0071] 5 shows a schematic diagram of a procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 5, the AMF uses UE policy data from the PCF to control time synchronization services for UEs within a specific service area. The PCF creates policy data according to UE subscription data (i.e., time synchronization subscription information).

[0072] Step 501: The UDM stores the UE subscription data in the UDR. Step 502: The AMF requests the PCF to provide policy rules for the UE. This step may be part of the UE registration procedure and / or the service request procedure. For example, the AMF may request the policy rules from the PCF using the Npcf_AMPolicyControl_Create / Update or Npcf_UEPolicyControl Create / Update service operation.

[0073] Step 503: The PCF obtains the UE subscription data from the UDR. Step 504: The PCF generates UE policy data according to the subscription data, including the 5G access stratum time synchronization instruction and / or the associated time synchronization area. The PCF sends the UE policy data to the AMF.

[0074] Step 505: The AMF sends a location reporting control (including, for example, a reporting type, an area of interest, and a location change) to the NG-RAN.

[0075] Step 506: The NG-RAN sends a location report message to notify the AMF of the UE's location, for example, the UE's presence in the area of interest (i.e., IN, OUT, or UNKNOWN), or the UE's location.

[0076] Step 507: According to whether the UE is within a time synchronization service area, the AMF sends a 5G access stratum time distribution indication to the NG-RAN to stop or start the time synchronization service / operation.

[0077] Step 508: According to the message from the AMF, the NG-RAN starts or stops providing precise time to the UE.

[0078] 6 shows a schematic diagram of a procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 6, the AMF provides time synchronization subscription information to the UE. Therefore, when the UE moves out of the time synchronization service area allowed for the UE, the UE can know that it cannot obtain reference time information over the air (air interface), and the UE can notify applications running on the UE accordingly.

[0079] Step 601: The UE sends a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message (e.g., service request, registration) to the AMF via the NG-RAN.

[0080] Step 602: The AMF obtains UE time synchronization subscription information from the UDM or PCF (for example, see FIG. 4 or FIG. 5). The UE time synchronization subscription information may include a 5G access stratum time synchronization indication and / or a related time synchronization service area.

[0081] Step 603: The AMF sends a NAS acceptance message (e.g., service request acceptance, registration acceptance) including UE time synchronization subscription information to the UE via the NG-RAN.

[0082] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of a procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which time synchronization information is provided to the UE by the PCF / UDM.

[0083] Step 701: The UDM or PCF determines to update UE data related to time synchronization subscription information. The PCF obtains the UE time synchronization subscription information from the UDR (e.g., see step 503 in FIG. 5). The UE time synchronization subscription information may include a 5G access stratum time synchronization indication and / or a related time synchronization service area.

[0084] Step 702: The PCF / UDM sends the updated data container. If the PCF decides to update, the PCF invokes the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer service operation to the AMF with the UE policy container. If the UDM decides to update, the UDM invokes the Nudm_SDM_Notification service operation to the AMF with the UE parameter update transparent container. Each of these containers contains UE time synchronization subscription information.

[0085] Step 703: The AMF transparently forwards the transparent container received from the PCF or UDM to the UE. The UE time synchronization subscription information is included in the transparent container.

[0086] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a wireless terminal 80 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless terminal 80 may be, but is not limited to, a user equipment (UE), a mobile phone, a laptop, a tablet computer, an e-book reader, or a portable computer system. The wireless terminal 80 may include a processor 800, such as a microprocessor or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a storage unit 810, and a communication unit 820. The storage unit 810 may be any data storage device that stores program code 812 that is accessed and executed by the processor 800. Examples of the storage unit 810 include, but are not limited to, a subscriber identity module (SIM), a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a random-access memory (RAM), a hard disk, and an optical data storage device. The communication unit 820 is used for transmitting and receiving signals (e.g., messages or packets) according to the processing results of the transceiver, processor 800. In one embodiment, the communication unit 820 transmits and receives signals via at least one antenna 822 shown in FIG.

[0087] In one embodiment, the storage unit 810 and the program code 812 may be omitted, and the processor 800 may include a storage unit having the program code stored therein.

[0088] Processor 800 may perform any one of the steps of the illustrated embodiments on wireless terminal 80, for example by executing program code 812.

[0089] The communication unit 820 may be a transceiver. Alternatively or additionally, the communication unit 820 may be a combination of a transmitting unit and a receiving unit configured to transmit and receive signals, respectively, to and from a wireless network node (e.g., a base station).

[0090] 9 relates to a schematic diagram of a radio network node 90 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The radio network node 90 may be, but is not limited to, a satellite, a base station (BS), a network entity, a mobility management entity (MME), a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), a radio access network (RAN) node, a next generation RAN (NG-RAN) node, a gNB, an eNB, a gNB-Central Unit (gNB-CU), a gNB-Distributed Unit (gNB-DU), a data network, a core network, or a radio network controller (RNC). Additionally, the radio network node 90 may comprise (perform) at least one network function, such as an Access and Mobility management Function (AMF), a Session Management Function (SMF), a User Place Function (UPF), a Policy Control Function (PCF), or an Application Function (AF). The radio network node 90 may include a processor 900, such as a microprocessor or an ASIC, a storage unit 910, and a communication unit 920. The storage unit 910 may be any data storage device that stores program code 912 that is accessed and executed by the processor 900. Examples of the storage unit 910 include, but are not limited to, a SIM, a ROM, a flash memory, a RAM, a hard disk, and an optical data storage device.The communication unit 920 may be a transceiver and is used to transmit and receive signals (e.g., messages or packets) according to the processing results of the processor 900. In one example, the communication unit 920 transmits and receives signals via at least one antenna 922 shown in FIG.

[0091] In one embodiment, the memory unit 910 and the program code 912 may be omitted. The processor 900 may include a memory unit having the program code stored therein.

[0092] The processor 900 may perform any of the steps described in the illustrated embodiment on the radio network node 90, for example by executing the program code 912.

[0093] The communication unit 920 may be a transceiver. Alternatively, or additionally, the communication unit 920 may be a combined transmitting unit and receiving unit configured to transmit and receive signals, respectively, to a wireless terminal (e.g., user equipment or another wireless network node).

[0094] 10 shows a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method shown in FIG. 10 may be used in an AMF (e.g., an access and mobility management node, a wireless device equipped with an AMF, or a wireless device performing at least part of the functions of an AMF), and includes the following steps:

[0095] Step 1001: Receive time synchronization subscription information related to a time synchronization service for a wireless terminal from a network function.

[0096] Step 1002: Send a location subscription request for the wireless terminal to a wireless network node.

[0097] In Figure 10, the AMF receives time synchronization subscription information related to a time synchronization service for a wireless terminal (e.g., a UE) from a network function (e.g., a PCF or a UDM). The AMF further sends a location subscription request for the wireless terminal to a radio network node (e.g., a BS, a gNB, or a RAN node). Under such circumstances, the AMF can provide time synchronization services to UEs within a specific area.

[0098] In one embodiment, the time synchronization subscription information includes a time synchronization indication associated with the wireless terminal's time synchronization subscription (for / toward / related to time synchronization services) and / or a time synchronization service area associated with providing time synchronization services to the wireless terminal.

[0099] In one embodiment, the location subscription request is to subscribe to notifications related to a wireless terminal that is within or outside a time synchronization area, or related to the location of the wireless terminal.

[0100] In one embodiment, the AMF receives a notification in response to the location subscription request. For example, the notification may indicate the location of the wireless terminal or that the wireless terminal is within or outside a time synchronization area. The AMF transmits a request related to providing time synchronization services to the wireless terminal based on the received notification. For example, the AMF may determine, based on the notification, that the wireless terminal is within the time synchronization area. In this example, the request transmitted from the AMF to the radio network node is to initiate / start providing time synchronization services to the wireless terminal. In another example, the AMF may determine, based on the notification, that the wireless terminal is outside the time synchronization area. Under such circumstances, the AMF transmits a request to the radio network node to stop providing time synchronization services to the wireless terminal.

[0101] In one embodiment, the AMF can provide time synchronization subscription information to the wireless terminal. For example, the AMF can receive a request related to the time synchronization subscription information from the wireless terminal and transmit the time synchronization subscription information in response. In one embodiment, the request related to the time synchronization subscription information can be a service request or a service registration (request).

[0102] 11 shows a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method shown in FIG. 11 may be used in a network function (e.g., a network node, a network node comprising a PCF and / or a UDM, or a network node performing at least part of the functions of a PCF and / or a UDM), and includes the following steps:

[0103] Step 1101: Send time synchronization subscription information related to a time synchronization service for the wireless terminal to the wireless device.

[0104] In this embodiment, the network function transmits time synchronization subscription information related to a time synchronization service for a wireless terminal (e.g., a UE) to the wireless device, which may be a wireless terminal and / or a radio network node (e.g., a BS, a gNB, a RAN node).

[0105] In one embodiment, the time synchronization subscription information includes a time synchronization indication associated with the wireless terminal's time synchronization subscription (for / toward / related to time synchronization services) and / or a time synchronization service area associated with providing time synchronization services to the wireless terminal.

[0106] It should be noted that the messages / operations used to transmit the time synchronization subscription information can refer to the above embodiments.

[0107] 12 shows a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method shown in FIG. 12 may be used in a wireless terminal (e.g., a UE) and includes the following steps:

[0108] Step 1201: Receive time synchronization subscription information related to a time synchronization service for a wireless terminal from a wireless device.

[0109] 12, the wireless terminal receives time synchronization subscription information related to a time synchronization service for the wireless terminal. Therefore, the UE can determine whether the time synchronization service is provided based on the received time synchronization subscription information.

[0110] In one embodiment, the time synchronization subscription information includes a time synchronization indication associated with the wireless terminal's time synchronization subscription (for / toward / related to the time synchronization service) and / or a time synchronization service area associated with providing the time synchronization service to the wireless terminal.

[0111] In one embodiment, the wireless device comprises / is an AMF. In this embodiment, the wireless terminal can further send a request, such as a service request or a service registration, related to time synchronization subscription information to the wireless device.

[0112] In one embodiment, the wireless device comprises / is a UDM and / or PCF. In this embodiment, the wireless terminal receives time synchronization subscription information from the wireless device via an AMF (see, for example, FIG. 7).

[0113] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. Similarly, various diagrams may depict example architectures or configurations, which are provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand example features and functionality of the present disclosure. However, such persons will understand that the present disclosure is not limited to the example architectures or configurations shown, but can be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. In addition, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, one or more features of one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described example embodiments.

[0114] It will also be understood that any reference herein to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc., does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these designations may be used herein as a convenient means of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be used or that the first element must in some way precede the second element.

[0115] Additionally, those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals may be represented using any one of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols that may be referred to in the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0116] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that any one of the various illustrative logical blocks, units, processors, means, circuits, methods, and functions described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., a digital implementation, an analog implementation, or a combination of the two), firmware, various forms of program or design code incorporating instructions (which may be referred to herein for convenience as "software" or "software units"), or any combination of these approaches.

[0117] To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, units, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software, or a combination of these approaches, depends on the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, and such implementation decisions do not cause a departure from the scope of the present disclosure. According to various embodiments, a processor, device, component, circuit, structure, machine, unit, etc. may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein. The terms “configured to” or “configured for,” as used herein with respect to a specified operation or function, refer to a processor, device, component, circuit, structure, machine, unit, etc. that is physically constructed, programmed, and / or arranged to perform the specified operation or function.

[0118] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative logical blocks, units, devices, components, and circuits described herein may be implemented in or performed by integrated circuits (ICs), which may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof. The logical blocks, units, and circuits may further include an antenna and / or transceiver for communicating with various components within a network or device. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, although in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration for performing the functions described herein. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Thus, the steps of a method or algorithm disclosed herein may be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0119] Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that can transfer a computer program or code from one place to another. Storage media may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0120] As used herein, the term "unit" refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of these elements for performing the associated functions described herein. Additionally, while for purposes of explanation, various units are described as separate units, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that two or more units may be combined to form a single unit that performs the associated functions in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0121] Additionally, memory or other storage, as well as communication components, may be used in embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that, for clarity, the above description describes embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to various functional units or processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality across various functional units, processing logic elements, or regions may be used without detracting from the disclosure. For example, functions shown to be performed by separate processing logic elements or controllers may be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Thus, references to specific functional units are not intended to indicate a strict logical or physical structure or organization, but merely to suitable means for providing the described functionality.

[0122] Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the scope of the claims. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A wireless communication method for use in an access and mobility management function, comprising: receiving time synchronization subscription information associated with a time synchronization service for the wireless terminal from a network function; sending a location subscription request for said wireless terminal to a radio network node; A wireless communication method comprising:

2. The time synchronization subscription information comprises: a time synchronization indication associated with a time synchronization subscription of said wireless terminal; or A time synchronization service area associated with providing the time synchronization service to the wireless terminal. The wireless communication method of claim 1 , comprising at least one of:

3. 3. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the location subscription request is for subscribing to notifications related to the wireless terminal being within or outside a time synchronization area, or notifications related to the location of the wireless terminal.

4. receiving a notification from the radio network node in response to the location subscription request; sending a request to the radio network node relating to the provision of the time synchronization service to the radio terminal; The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

5. based on the notification, the wireless terminal is within a time synchronization area; The wireless communication method according to claim 4 , wherein the request instructs the wireless terminal to start providing the time synchronization service.

6. based on the notification, the wireless terminal is outside a time synchronization area; The wireless communication method according to claim 4 , wherein the request instructs the wireless terminal to stop providing the time synchronization service.

7. transmitting the time synchronization subscription information to the wireless terminal; The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:

8. receiving a request from the wireless terminal relating to the time synchronization subscription information; The wireless communication method of claim 7, further comprising:

9. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the network function comprises at least one of an integrated data management or policy control function.

10. Wireless communication used in a network function, A wireless communication comprising transmitting, to a wireless device, time synchronization subscription information associated with a time synchronization service for the wireless terminal.

11. The time synchronization subscription information comprises: a time synchronization indication associated with a time synchronization subscription of said wireless terminal; or a time synchronization service area associated with providing time synchronization services to said wireless terminal The wireless communication method of claim 10, comprising at least one of:

12. The wireless communication method of claim 10 or 11, wherein the network function comprises at least one of an integrated data management or policy control function.

13. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the wireless device is the wireless terminal or an access and mobility management function.

14. A wireless communication system for use in a wireless terminal, A wireless communication system comprising: receiving, from a wireless device, time synchronization subscription information relating to a time synchronization service for the wireless terminal.

15. The time synchronization subscription information comprises: a time synchronization indication associated with a time synchronization subscription of said wireless terminal; or a time synchronization service area associated with providing time synchronization services to said wireless terminal 15. The wireless communication method of claim 14, comprising at least one of:

16. 16. The wireless communication method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the wireless device comprises an access and mobility management function.

17. transmitting a request to the wireless device relating to the time synchronization subscription information.

17. The wireless communication method of claim 16.

18. 16. The wireless communication method of claim 14 or 15, wherein the wireless device comprises at least one of integrated data management or policy control functionality.

19. 20. The wireless communication method of claim 18, wherein the wireless terminal receives the time synchronization subscription information from the wireless device via an access and mobility management function.

20. receiving time synchronization subscription information related to a time synchronization service for the wireless terminal from a network function; and sending a location subscription request for the wireless terminal to a wireless network node; a communication unit configured to Access and Mobility Management Node.

21. An access and mobility management node according to claim 20, further comprising a processor configured to perform the wireless communication method according to any one of claims 2 to 9.

22. a communication unit configured to transmit time synchronization subscription information related to a time synchronization service for the wireless terminal to the wireless device; Network node.

23. A network node according to claim 22, further comprising a processor configured to perform the wireless communication method according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

24. A wireless terminal, A wireless terminal comprising: a communication unit configured to receive, from a wireless device, time synchronization subscription information relating to a time synchronization service for the wireless terminal.

25. A wireless terminal according to claim 24, further comprising a processor configured to perform the wireless communication method according to any one of claims 15 to 19.

26. A computer program product having stored thereon a computer-readable program medium code, the code causing the processor to implement the wireless communication method of any one of claims 1 to 19 when executed by the processor.

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