Methods and apparatus relating to timing synchronization status reporting

Abstract

A method comprising: receiving a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase the reliability of the user equipment reading the timing synchronization status report; and determining, based at least in part on information about the user equipment, an action to increase the reliability of the user equipment reading the timing synchronization status report.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from UK Patent Application No. 2211611.5 filed on August 9, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if reproduced in their entirety.

[0002] Exemplary embodiments relate to apparatus, methods, and computer programs, particularly but not exclusively, to apparatus, methods, and computer programs relating to timing synchronization status reporting. [Background technology]

[0003] When a radio access network node detects that there is a reportable event related to a time source that the radio access network node is using as a time reference, the radio access network node may broadcast a timing synchronization status report. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one aspect, a method is provided that includes receiving a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of the user equipment reading of a timing synchronization status report, and determining, based at least in part on information about the user equipment, an action to increase reliability of the user equipment reading of the timing synchronization status report.

[0005] The message may include an indication of the urgency level to increase the reliability of reading the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment, and the determination of action may be based in part on the indication of the urgency level.

[0006] The timing synchronization status report may be broadcast as part of the system information, and the information about the user equipment may include information about a periodicity at which the user equipment reads the broadcasted system information, and the method may include determining at least one parameter for broadcasting the timing synchronization status report that is part of the system information based on the information about the periodicity at which the user equipment reads the broadcasted system information.

[0007] The at least one parameter may include a period during which timing synchronization status reports are included in the system information.

[0008] The method may include determining whether to page the user equipment to report a timing synchronization status report reading, the determining being based at least in part on one or more of information obtained from the user equipment message or information about when to expect the user equipment message.

[0009] The decision whether to page the user equipment to report a timing synchronization status report read may be based at least in part on one or more of information obtained from one or more messages from the user equipment that include a field indicating a timing synchronization status report read, or information about when the user equipment is next expected to transmit a message that includes a field indicating a timing synchronization status report read.

[0010] The information about the user equipment may include a radio resource control status of the user equipment, and the method may include, in response to determining that the user equipment is in a radio resource control idle mode, paging the user equipment for broadcast of a timing synchronization status report.

[0011] According to another aspect, a method is provided that includes receiving a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading a timing synchronization status report by the user equipment, paging the user equipment for broadcast of the timing synchronization status report, and thereafter broadcasting the timing synchronization report.

[0012] According to yet another aspect, a method is provided that includes transmitting, from a user equipment, information about a periodicity of reading system information blocks at the user equipment.

[0013] According to yet another aspect, a method is provided that includes transmitting an indication from a user equipment that action should be taken to increase reliability of reading a timing synchronization status report by the user equipment.

[0014] According to yet another aspect, a method is provided that includes receiving a paging message indicating broadcast of system information including a timing synchronization status report; and reading the system information indicated by the paging message.

[0015] According to yet another aspect, a method is provided that includes transmitting a request identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading a timing synchronization status report by the user equipment.

[0016] The request may include an indication of the urgency level to increase the reliability of reading the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment.

[0017] According to yet another aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes means for receiving a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of the user equipment reading of a timing synchronization status report; and means for determining, based at least in part on information about the user equipment, an action to increase reliability of the user equipment reading of the timing synchronization status report.

[0018] The message may include an indication of the urgency level to increase the reliability of reading the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment, and the determination of action may be based in part on the indication of the urgency level.

[0019] The timing synchronization status report may be broadcast as part of the system information, and the information about the user equipment may include information about a periodicity at which the user equipment reads the broadcasted system information, and the apparatus may comprise means for determining at least one parameter for broadcasting the timing synchronization status report that is part of the system information based on the information about the periodicity at which the user equipment reads the broadcasted system information.

[0020] The at least one parameter may include a period during which timing synchronization status reports are included in the system information.

[0021] The apparatus may comprise means for determining whether to page the user equipment to report a timing synchronization status report reading based at least in part on one or more of information obtained from the user equipment message or information about when to expect the user equipment message.

[0022] The decision whether to page the user equipment to report a timing synchronization status report read may be based at least in part on one or more of information obtained from one or more messages from the user equipment that include a field indicating a timing synchronization status report read, or information about when the user equipment is next expected to transmit a message that includes a field indicating a timing synchronization status report read.

[0023] The information about the user equipment may include a radio resource control status of the user equipment, and the apparatus may comprise means for, in response to determining that the user equipment is in a radio resource control idle mode, paging the user equipment for broadcast of a timing synchronization status report.

[0024] According to yet another aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes means for receiving a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading a timing synchronization status report by the user equipment, means for paging the user equipment for broadcast of the timing synchronization status report, and means for thereafter broadcasting the timing synchronization report.

[0025] According to yet another aspect, a user equipment is provided, comprising means for transmitting information about a periodicity of reading system information blocks at the user equipment.

[0026] According to yet another aspect, a user equipment is provided that comprises means for transmitting an indication that action should be taken to increase reliability of reading of a timing synchronization status report by the user equipment.

[0027] According to yet another aspect, a user equipment is provided that comprises: means for receiving a paging message indicating broadcast of system information including a timing synchronization status report; and means for reading the system information indicated by the paging message.

[0028] According to yet another aspect, an apparatus is provided that comprises means for transmitting a request identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading of timing synchronization status reports by the user equipment.

[0029] The request may include an indication of the urgency level to increase the reliability of reading the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment.

[0030] According to yet another aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured, in conjunction with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to: receive a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of the user equipment reading of a timing synchronization status report; and determine, based at least in part on information about the user equipment, an action to increase reliability of the user equipment reading of the timing synchronization status report.

[0031] The message may include an indication of the urgency level to increase the reliability of reading the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment, and the determination of action may be based in part on the indication of the urgency level.

[0032] The timing synchronization status report may be broadcast as part of the system information, and the information about the user equipment may include information about a periodicity at which the user equipment reads the broadcasted system information, and the at least one memory and computer program code, together with the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the apparatus to determine at least one parameter for broadcasting the timing synchronization status report that is part of the system information based on the information about the periodicity at which the user equipment reads the broadcasted system information.

[0033] The at least one parameter may include a period during which timing synchronization status reports are included in the system information.

[0034] The at least one memory and computer program code, together with the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the apparatus to determine whether to page the user equipment to report a timing synchronization status report reading based at least in part on one or more of information obtained from the user equipment message or information about when to expect the user equipment message.

[0035] The at least one memory and computer program code, together with the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the apparatus to determine whether to page the user equipment to report a timing synchronization status report read based at least in part on one or more of information obtained from one or more messages from the user equipment that include a field indicating a timing synchronization status report read, or information about when the user equipment is next expected to transmit a message that includes a field indicating a timing synchronization status report read.

[0036] The information about the user equipment may include a radio resource control status of the user equipment, and the at least one memory and computer program code, together with the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the apparatus to page the user equipment for broadcast of a timing synchronization status report in response to determining that the user equipment is in a radio resource control idle mode.

[0037] According to yet another aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured, in conjunction with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to receive a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading a timing synchronization status report by the user equipment, page the user equipment for broadcast of the timing synchronization status report, and thereafter broadcast the timing synchronization report.

[0038] According to yet another aspect, there is provided a user equipment comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the user equipment to transmit information about a periodicity of reading system information blocks at the user equipment.

[0039] According to yet another aspect, there is provided a user equipment comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured, in conjunction with the at least one processor, to cause the user equipment to transmit an indication that action should be taken to increase reliability of reading of a timing synchronization status report by the user equipment.

[0040] According to yet another aspect, there is provided a user equipment comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured, in conjunction with the at least one processor, to cause the user equipment to receive a paging message indicating broadcast of system information including a timing synchronization status report, and to read the system information indicated by the paging message.

[0041] According to yet another aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured, in conjunction with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform transmitting a request identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading of timing synchronization status reports by the user equipment.

[0042] The request may include an indication of the urgency level to increase the reliability of reading the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment.

[0043] According to yet another aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes receiving circuitry that receives a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of the user equipment reading of a timing synchronization status report, and decision circuitry that determines, based at least in part on information about the user equipment, an action to increase reliability of the user equipment reading of the timing synchronization status report.

[0044] According to yet another aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes receiving circuitry for receiving a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment; paging circuitry for paging the user equipment for broadcast of the timing synchronization status report; and broadcast circuitry for thereafter broadcasting the timing synchronization report.

[0045] According to yet another aspect, a user equipment is provided that comprises transmitting circuitry that transmits information about a periodicity of reading system information blocks at the user equipment.

[0046] According to yet another aspect, a user equipment is provided that comprises transmitting circuitry that transmits an indication that action should be taken to increase reliability of reading a timing synchronization status report by the user equipment.

[0047] According to yet another aspect, user equipment is provided that includes receiving circuitry for receiving a paging message indicating a broadcast of system information including a timing synchronization status report, and reading circuitry for reading the system information indicated by the paging message.

[0048] According to yet another aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes transmitting circuitry that transmits a request identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading a timing synchronization status report by the user equipment.

[0049] According to yet another aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided that includes stored program instructions for receiving a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of the user equipment reading of a timing synchronization status report, and determining, based at least in part on information about the user equipment, an action to increase reliability of the user equipment reading of the timing synchronization status report.

[0050] According to yet another aspect, a computer-readable medium including stored program instructions is provided for receiving a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of the user equipment reading a timing synchronization status report, paging the user equipment for broadcast of the timing synchronization status report, and thereafter broadcasting the timing synchronization report.

[0051] According to yet another aspect, a computer-readable medium including stored program instructions for performing transmitting, from a user equipment, information about a periodicity of reading system information blocks at the user equipment, is provided.

[0052] According to yet another aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided that includes stored program instructions for executing transmitting, from user equipment, an indication that action should be taken to increase reliability of reading of a timing synchronization status report by the user equipment.

[0053] According to yet another aspect, a computer-readable medium including stored program instructions for receiving a paging message indicating a broadcast of system information including a timing synchronization status report and reading the system information indicated by the paging message is provided.

[0054] According to yet another aspect, a computer-readable medium including stored program instructions is provided for executing transmitting a request identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading of a timing synchronization status report by the user equipment.

[0055] According to yet another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that includes stored program instructions for receiving a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of the user equipment reading of a timing synchronization status report, and determining, based at least in part on information about the user equipment, measures to increase reliability of the user equipment reading of the timing synchronization status report.

[0056] According to yet another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that includes stored program instructions for receiving a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of the user equipment reading a timing synchronization status report, paging the user equipment for broadcast of the timing synchronization status report, and thereafter broadcasting the timing synchronization report.

[0057] According to yet another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that includes stored program instructions for performing transmitting, from a user equipment, information about a periodicity of reading system information blocks at the user equipment.

[0058] According to yet another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that includes stored program instructions for performing transmitting, from user equipment, an indication that action should be taken to increase reliability of reading of a timing synchronization status report by the user equipment.

[0059] According to yet another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that includes stored program instructions for receiving a paging message indicating a broadcast of system information including a timing synchronization status report, and reading the system information indicated by the paging message.

[0060] The non-transitory computer-readable medium includes stored program instructions for executing transmitting a request identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading of the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment.

[0061] According to yet another aspect, a computer program is provided that includes computer-executable code that, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to cause an apparatus to at least receive a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of the user equipment reading of the timing synchronization status report, and to determine, based at least in part on information about the user equipment, an action to increase reliability of the user equipment reading of the timing synchronization status report.

[0062] According to yet another aspect, a computer program is provided that includes computer-executable code that, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to at least cause an apparatus to receive a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment, page the user equipment for broadcast of the timing synchronization status report, and thereafter broadcast the timing synchronization report.

[0063] According to yet another aspect, a computer program is provided that includes computer executable code that, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to cause user equipment to transmit at least information about a periodicity of reading system information blocks at the user equipment.

[0064] According to yet another aspect, a computer program is provided that includes computer-executable code that, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to cause user equipment to transmit at least an indication that action should be taken to increase reliability of reading of the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment.

[0065] According to yet another aspect, a computer program is provided that includes computer-executable code that, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to cause user equipment to at least receive a paging message indicating a broadcast of system information including a timing synchronization status report, and to read the system information indicated by the paging message.

[0066] According to yet another aspect, a computer program is provided that includes computer-executable code that, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to cause an apparatus to transmit a request identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading of timing synchronization status reports by the user equipment.

[0067] A number of different aspects have been described above. It will be appreciated that any two or more of the above-described aspects may be combined to provide further aspects.

[0068] Various other aspects are set forth in the following detailed description and the appended claims.

[0069] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the following examples and accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0070] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram of an exemplary mobile communication system in which some illustrative example embodiments may be applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the operation of some elements of FIG. 1 in accordance with some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the operation of some elements of FIG. 1 in accordance with some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the operation of some elements of FIG. 1 in accordance with some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the operation of some elements of FIG. 1 in accordance with some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the operation of some elements of FIG. 1 in accordance with some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an apparatus for implementing user equipment functionality or access node functionality, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an apparatus for implementing network functionality, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a non-volatile memory medium. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0071] The following description focuses, by way of example, on an example mobile communications system operating in accordance with 3GPP 5G technology, although the underlying techniques may also be applicable to systems operating in accordance with other technologies, such as more advanced 3GPP technologies.

[0072] Figure 1 shows a simple diagram of an example of the architecture of a 3GPP 5G system. All units shown in Figure 1 are logical units. The connections shown in Figure 1 are logical connections and may differ from actual physical connections. The 5G system may have functions and structures other than those shown in Figure 1.

[0073] The core network may provide connectivity between devices implementing user equipment (UE) functionality and one or more data networks (DNs) via a New Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN), which comprises a network of devices implementing instances of gNB (gNodeB) functionality.

[0074] The gNB is (i) connected to a User Plane Function (UPF) of the core network (CN) to route and forward user data packets and provide connectivity of devices to one or more external packet data networks (DNs), and (ii) connected to an Access Mobility Management Function (AMF) of the core network (CN) to control access and serving cell changes of UEs.

[0075] The term "user equipment" (UE) may refer to any device, apparatus, or component that implements at least the functionality of a 3GPP user equipment (UE).

[0076] A UE may be a mobile or stationary device (e.g., a portable or non-portable computing device), including, but not limited to, the following types of devices: mobile phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handsets, devices using wireless modems (such as alarms or measuring devices), laptop and / or touchscreen computers, tablets, game consoles, notebooks, and multimedia devices. It should be understood that a UE device may be almost exclusively an uplink device, an example of which is a camera or video camera that loads images or video clips onto a network. A UE device may also be a device capable of operating in an Internet of Things (IoT) network, a scenario in which objects are provided with the ability to transmit data over a network without the need for human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction, for example, to be used in smart power grids and connected vehicles. Devices may also utilize the cloud. In some applications, a UE device may include a user-portable device with wireless components (such as a watch, earphones, or glasses), with computations performed in the cloud.

[0077] 5G enables the use of multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) antennas and can involve multiple base stations (gNBs), including macro sites operating in conjunction with smaller stations and using various radio technologies, depending on service needs, use cases, and / or available spectrum. 5G mobile communications support a wide range of use cases and related applications, including video streaming, augmented reality, various data sharing techniques, and various forms of machine-based applications (e.g., vehicle safety, various sensors, and real-time control, including (massive) machine-based communications (mMTC)). 5G can use multiple frequency bands, e.g., below 6 GHz or above 24 GHz, cmWave, and mmWave, and may also be integrated with existing conventional radio access technologies such as LTE. Integration with LTE may be realized as a system in which macro coverage is provided by LTE and 5G air interface access is provided from small cells by aggregation to LTE. In other words, 5G can support both inter-RAT operability (such as LTE-5G) and inter-RI operability (inter-air interface operability, such as below 6 GHz - cmWave, above 6 or 24 GHz - cmWave, and mmWave). 5G networks can use network slicing to run services with different requirements in terms of latency, reliability, throughput, and mobility, where multiple independent and dedicated virtual sub-networks (network instances) can be created within the same infrastructure.

[0078] Bringing content closer to 5G systems will facilitate low-latency applications and services, leading to local breakout and multi-access edge computing (MEC). 5G enables analytics and knowledge generation to occur at the source of data. This approach may involve leveraging resources that may not be continuously connected to the network, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and sensors. MEC provides a distributed computing environment for hosting applications and services. MEC also has the ability to store and process content in proximity to mobile subscribers for faster response times. Edge computing covers a wide range of technologies, including wireless sensor networks, mobile data acquisition, mobile signature analysis, collaborative, distributed peer-to-peer ad hoc networking and processing (also categorized as local cloud / fog computing and grid / mesh computing), dew computing, mobile edge computing, cloudlets, distributed data storage and retrieval, autonomous self-healing networks, remote cloud services, augmented and virtual reality, data caching, the Internet of Things (where large-scale connectivity and / or latency are critical), and critical communications (autonomous vehicles, road safety, real-time analytics, time-sensitive control, and healthcare applications).

[0079] 5G can also use satellite communications to extend or complement the coverage of 5G services, for example by providing backhaul. Possible use cases include providing service continuity for machine-to-machine (M2M) or Internet of Things (IoT) devices or for passengers on board vehicles, Mobile Broadband (MBB), or ensuring service availability for critical communications and future rail, maritime, and aviation communications. Satellite communications can utilize not only geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite systems but also low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems, especially megaconstellations (systems in which hundreds of (nano)satellites are deployed). Each satellite in a megaconstellation can cover multiple satellite-enabled network entities, creating ground cells. Ground cells can be created via terrestrial relay nodes or by gNBs located on the ground or on the satellite.

[0080] 5GC adopts a service-based architecture (SBA), and according to SBA, communication between network functions uses a service-based interface (SBI), which uses an application programming interface (API).

[0081] An exemplary embodiment is described below for the example of a 3GPP Access Stratum Time Information (ASTI) service, where an Application Function (AF) can request time synchronization as a service for a UE or a group of UEs. The Time Sensitive Communication and Time Synchronization Function (TSCTSF) is a network function responsible for receiving AF requests for time synchronization and configuring the service within 5GS.

[0082] Delivery of 5G clock (e.g., UTC) information to the UE may include, for example, the gNB providing 5G timing information to the UE over the Uu interface, for example using system information block SIB9. The 5G timing information may be included in a Reference Time Information (RTI) information element in system information block SIB9.

[0083] FIG. 2 illustrates an example diagram of operations according to some illustrative embodiments.

[0084] An application function (AF) outside the 5G core network (5GC) sends an Nnef_ASTI Subscribe Request message to the network exposure function (NEF) of the 5GC. The message includes one or more target UE identifiers and a Guarantee TSS RX flag set to "ON," indicating that the network should take action to ensure that the target UE receives the TSS report. The message may also indicate an urgency level.

[0085] In response to receiving the Nnef_ASTISubscribeRequest message, the NEF sends an Ntsctsf_ASTISubscribeRequest message to the TSCTSF of the 5GC. The Ntsctsf_ASTISubscribeRequest message also identifies one or more target UEs and includes a Guarantee Timing Synchronization Status (TSS) receive (RX) flag set to "ON", indicating that the network should take action to ensure that the target UEs receive the TSS reports. If the Nnef_ASTI SubscribeRequest message from the AF includes an urgency level indicator, the Ntsctsf_ASTISubscribeRequest to the TSCTSF also includes an urgency level indicator.

[0086] The TSCTSF makes one or more discovery requests to the 5GC network repository function (NRF) to discover the addresses of one or more AMF instances currently associated with the identified target UE in the Ntsctsf_ASTISubscribeRequest message.

[0087] The TSCTSF sends one or more Namf_NonUeN2MsgTransfer messages to one or more AMF instances discovered via the NRF. The Namf_NonUeN2MsgTransfer message to each AMF instance indicates the target UE and includes a Guarantee TSS RX flag set to "ON", indicating that the network should take action to ensure that the target UE receives the TSS report. If the Ntsctsf_ASTISubscribeRequest message includes an urgency level indicator, the Namf_NonUeN2MsgTransfer message also includes an urgency level indicator.

[0088] The AMF sends Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP):TSS Reporting Control messages to one or more NG-RAN gNBs. The NGAP:TSS Reporting Control message to each AMF instance indicates the target UE and includes the Guarantee TSS RX flag set to "ON", indicating that the network should take action to ensure that the target UE receives the TSS report. If the Namf_NonUeN2MsgTransfer message from the TSCTSF includes an urgency level indicator, the NGAP:TSS Reporting Control message to the gNB also includes an urgency level indicator.

[0089] In the example described above, the request for a RAN TSS report by the TSCTSF to the AMF and the forwarding of such a request to the gNB is performed by node-level signaling, but this may also be achieved, for example, by UE-related signaling.

[0090] An alternative to the AF requesting guaranteed reception of the RAN TSS (via the exposure framework) for one or more UEs is for one or more UEs to make a direct request to the gNB. The gNB then forwards an indication of this request to the TSCTSF (via the AMF) to make the TSCTSF aware of the request. Such a direct request by the UE can be made directly by RRC signaling. For example, in addition to the UEAssistanceInformation IE, which is an information element that allows the UE to indicate a preference for RTI provisioning, a new information element (IE) can be included as part of the RRC signaling.

[0091] FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of further operations in accordance with some example embodiments at a gNB that receives an NGAP:TSS Reporting Control message that identifies one or more UEs with an RRC INACTIVE status.

[0092] A primary source event (e.g., detection of degradation / failure / improvement / recovery of network timing synchronization at the gNB) triggers the gNB to generate a TSS report, include the TSS report in the system information (e.g., System Information Block (SIB9)) broadcast by the gNB, and send the TSS report to the AMF instance associated with the gNB. SIB9 broadcast by the gNB includes a field containing Reference Time Information (RTI) and a field containing the TSS report.

[0093] For each identified RRC INACTIVE UE in the NGAP:TSS Reporting Control message received from the AMF instance, the gNB has information about the periodicity at which the UE reads the SIB. The gNB may have received this information directly from the UE, for example, when the UE had an RRC CONNECTED status (as shown in FIG. 3), or may have received this information from the AF via the TCSTSF and the AMF. The gNB continues to include the TSS report in the broadcast of SIB9 for a certain period based on the information about the periodicity at which the UE reads SIB9, to increase the certainty that the UE will read the TSS report. Including the TSS report in more than the broadcast of SIB9 helps to ensure that the UE reads the TSS report. The gNB continues to include the RAN TSS report in the broadcast of SIB9 for a period longer than the UE's SIB9 reading period, for example.

[0094] FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of operations at a gNB according to some other example embodiments.

[0095] A primary source event (e.g., detection of degradation / failure / improvement / recovery of network timing synchronization at the gNB) triggers the gNB to generate a TSS report, include the TSS report in the system information (e.g., System Information Block (SIB9)) broadcast by the gNB, and send the TSS report to the AMF instance associated with the gNB. SIB9 broadcast by the gNB includes a field containing Reference Time Information (RTI) and a field containing the TSS report.

[0096] A UE with RRC INACTIVE status may have one or more internal triggers that cause it to re-establish a connection to the gNB (and switch to RRC_CONNECTED status) for a primary reason other than reporting the reading of the TSS report. The RRC signaling message that the UE subsequently transmits may be adapted to have an additional (secondary purpose) field to indicate that the UE has read the TSS report. The information that the gNB has about the UE may include information obtained from such RRC signaling messages from the UE and / or information about when the UE is expected to next transmit such RRC signaling (if the RRC signaling has a time-based trigger). If the information provided by these RRC signaling messages meets the urgency level specified in the NGAP:TSS Reporting Control message from the AMF or a default urgency level stored at the gNB (if no urgency level is specified in the NGAP:TSS Reporting Control message from the AMF), the gNB refrains from paging the UE and switching to RRC CONNECTED status, with the primary purpose of reporting the reading of the TSS report. On the other hand, if the information provided by these RRC signaling messages does not or cannot meet the urgency level specified in the NGAP:TSS Reporting Control message from the AMF, or does not or cannot meet the default urgency level stored at the gNB (if no urgency level is specified in the NGAP:TSS Reporting Control message from the AMF), the gNB proceeds to page the UE and trigger the UE to switch to RRC CONNECTED status, with the main purpose of notifying the UE that the TSS report has been read. In either case, the gNB receives an explicit acknowledgment that the UE has read the TSS report, which provides the gNB with increased certainty that the UE has read the TSS report.

[0097] The gNB may start the timer, for example, upon broadcasting the TSS report (which is part of SIB9). The timer may have a value determined by the urgency level indicated in the NGAP:TSS Reporting Control message from the AMF, or a default value if no urgency level is indicated in the NGAP:TSS Reporting Control message from the AMF. If the timer expires and the gNB has not received RRC signaling from the UE indicating reading the TSS report, the gNB may, for example, decide to page the UE itself (under its control) to check whether the UE has read the TSS report through SIB9. If there are multiple such UEs, the gNB may control the paging of multiple UEs to ensure random access by multiple UEs is randomized. An example of an alternative action upon timer expiration is for the gNB to inform the TSCTSF of one or more UEs for which the gNB has not received RRC signaling indicating reading the TSS report. The TSCTSF then controls the paging of such UEs to the TSCTSF, thereby centralizing the management of UEs at the TSCTSF.

[0098] Periodic control procedures that can be adapted for the additional secondary purpose of providing the gNB with information about the reading of the TSS report can include, for example, time-triggered, mobility-triggered, or event-triggered RRC signaling. For example, a Mobility Registration Update message (RRC signaling with a mobility-based trigger) can include an additional (e.g., 1-bit) field for the UE to indicate the reading of the TSS report, and the TSCTSF can affect the AMF to set the UE's registration area smaller, with the intention of increasing the probability that the gNB will receive the indication of the TSS report reading through the Mobility Registration Update message in time, and avoid paging the UE to switch to an RRC connected status with the primary purpose of reporting the reading of the TSS report. As another example, a periodic Registration Update message (controlled by the periodic registration update timer 3512) or an RNA Update message (controlled by timer T380) can include an additional (e.g., 1-bit) field for the UE to indicate the reading of the TSS report. The gNB may have information about when the UE is next expected to send these time-triggered RRC signaling messages, and the gNB may determine if such a message from the UE is expected in time and avoid paging the UE to switch to RRC CONNECTED status with the primary purpose of reporting the reading of the TSS report.

[0099] FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of example operations at a gNB and a TSCTSF in accordance with some example embodiments.

[0100] A primary source event (e.g., detection of degradation / failure / improvement / recovery of network timing synchronization at the gNB) triggers the gNB to generate a TSS report, include the TSS report in the system information (e.g., System Information Block (SIB9)) broadcast by the gNB, and send the TSS report to the AMF instance associated with the gNB. SIB9 broadcast by the gNB includes a field containing Reference Time Information (RTI) and a field containing the TSS report.

[0101] For each target UE (among those identified in the NGAP:TSS Reporting Control message received from the AMF instance) for which information at the gNB indicates that the UE does not have an RRC INACTIVE status (or an RRC CONNECTED status), the gNB does not take any action to increase the certainty that the UE has read the TSS report. In response to receiving a TSS report from the gNB via the AMF, the TSCTSF determines which target UEs (among those identified in the Ntsctsf_SubscribeRequest message from the AF via the NEF) have an RRC IDLE status and have recently associated with the gNB from which the TSS report is received. The TSCTSF initiates paging messages to this subset of target UEs indicating the broadcast of the TSS report by the gNB. This action increases the certainty that UEs in RRC IDLE status camped on cells served by the gNB will read the TSS report broadcast by the gNB.

[0102] FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of an example of operations at a gNB in ​​accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

[0103] A primary source event (e.g., detection of degradation / failure / improvement / recovery of network timing synchronization at the gNB) triggers the gNB to generate a TSS report, include the TSS report in the system information (e.g., System Information Block (SIB9)) broadcast by the gNB, and send the TSS report to the AMF instance associated with the gNB. SIB9 broadcast by the gNB includes a field indicating the Reference Time Information (RTI) and a field containing the TSS report.

[0104] For each target UE (among those UEs identified in the NGAP:TSS Reporting Control message received from the AMF instance) for which the gNB has information indicating that the UE has an RRC INACTIVE status and is camped on a cell operated by the gNB, the gNB pages the UE to inform it of the upcoming broadcast of SIB9 containing the TSS report. The UE now knows that the next broadcast of SIB9 contains a TSS report and reads the next broadcast of SIB9. This action by the gNB increases the certainty that the target UE will read the TSS.

[0105] The examples described above, including the gNB using information about the UE's SIB9 reading period and the gNB sending a paging message indicating that an upcoming SIB9 broadcast will include a RAN TSS report, are examples of implicit confirmation techniques, which may better avoid RAN congestion that may result from multiple UEs reconnecting in response to the same event.

[0106] Some features of some exemplary embodiments are as follows:

[0107] The AF can request guaranteed / confirmed reception of 5G network timing synchronization status reports for a UE or group of UEs. For example, an additional flag is added to the exposure API between the AF and the TSCTSF. The AF can indicate how urgently the acknowledgment needs to be to influence how the UE should react if it has not received a 5G RAN timing synchronization status report from the RAN.

[0108] The 5GS (either gNB or TSCTSF) ensures that the UE reads the 5G RAN timing synchronization status report. Multiple options include: (a) The RAN timing synchronization status report in the SIB is reported over a long period of time (or always) in the cell. It is up to the gNB to decide how often (or always) the RAN timing synchronization status report should be provided. To assist in this decision, the UE can indicate to the gNB the periodicity with which the UE reads SIB9 before the UE releases or interrupts the RRC connection. This indication from the UE can have two uses at the gNB: i) it allows the gNB to determine the shortest periodicity with which the RAN timing synchronization status report should be repeated to ensure that the UE reads the timing synchronization status report, and ii) it informs the gNB that the UE requires this guaranteed reception of the report (i.e., as an alternative to the AF requesting guaranteed reception of the 5G network timing synchronization status report). (b) The gNB or TSCTSF may rely on the UE performing periodic control procedures with the network based on an event trigger (e.g., time-based, mobility-based, or other event-based) to predict confirmation of receipt of the RAN timing synchronization status report from the UE. The UE may add a bit for this confirmation in the signaling message it sends to the network. (c) The gNB may page the UE to indicate that the upcoming SIB9 contains a RAN timing synchronization status report. If the UE is in RRC_IDLE / INACTIVE state, it does not need to reconnect to the network; the UE reads the subsequent SIB9 after the page. (d) The gNB or TSCTSF can rely on paging of the UE. The paging message can again include the RAN timing synchronization status report broadcast in the cell, and the UE can add a bit to acknowledge receipt of the report when reconnecting to the network due to paging. This can avoid multiple UEs attempting to reconnect within a short period of time (i.e., allowing the gNB or TSCTSF to control access to the network and make reconnections uncorrelated with new reporting events).

[0109] The AF may include a flag indicating the need for guaranteed / confirmed reception of the UE's 5G RAN timing synchronization status report if such is required, and may also include a value indicating how urgently the acknowledgment is required.

[0110] If guaranteed / confirmed reception of the UE's 5G RAN Timing Synchronization Status Report is required, the UE is in RRC_INACTIVE / IDLE state, and the gNB decides to use SIB9 to broadcast the report in the cell, the gNB may repeat the report in SIB9 for an extended period of time in the cell to ensure that the UE reads the report. The gNB may use additional information provided by the AF and forwarded via TSCTSF / AMF (i.e., target UEs that require this guaranteed mode) or additional information forwarded by the UE (e.g., indicating how often the UE reads SIB9 before changing to RRC_INACTIVE / IDLE) to determine how long the gNB should repeat the report. It is up to the gNB or TSCTSF to decide how guaranteed / confirmed reception of the UE's RAN Timing Synchronization Status Report is achieved (e.g., relying on upcoming control procedures that the UE can perform with the gNB via time / mobility / event-based triggers, or using a paging message to indicate to the UE that an upcoming SIB9 contains a RAN Timing Synchronization Status Report that the UE should read, or paging initiated by the RAN / CN, etc.).

[0111] If guaranteed / confirmed reception of the UE's 5G RAN timing synchronization status report is required and the gNB decides to send the report to the UE via SIB9, the gNB can use various methods to enable the UE to read the RAN timing synchronization status report.

[0112] The UE may indicate to the gNB how often the UE reads SIB9 if guaranteed / confirmed reception of the UE's 5GRAN timing synchronization status report is supported.

[0113] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an apparatus for implementing the functionality of a UE or RAN access node in the architecture of FIG. 1 . The apparatus may include at least one processor 802 coupled to one or more interfaces 808. In the case of a UE, the one or more interfaces 808 may include, for example, one or more interfaces to other devices / components that enable the UE functionality to communicate wirelessly. In the case of a RAN access node, the one or more interfaces 808 may include, for example, one or more interfaces to core network nodes that implement core network functions such as AMF, UPF, etc. The at least one processor 802 is also coupled to a radio unit 804, which may include, for example, one or more antennas for performing and receiving wireless transmissions. The at least one processor 802 may also be coupled to at least one memory 806. The at least one processor 802 may be configured to execute appropriate software code to perform the operations described above. The software code may be stored in the memory 806.

[0114] Figure 8 shows an example of an apparatus for implementing any of the core network functions of Figure 1. The apparatus may include at least one processor 902 coupled to one or more interfaces 908 that communicate with other core network functions or New Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) nodes. The at least one processor 902 may also be coupled to at least one memory 906. The at least one processor 902 may be configured to execute appropriate software code to perform the operations described above. The software code may be stored in the memory 906.

[0115] FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of non-volatile memory media 1100a (e.g., a computer disk (CD) or a digital versatile disk (DVD)) and 1100b (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) memory stick) that store instructions and / or parameters 1102 that, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to perform one or more of the steps of the previously described methods.

[0116] It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments may be implemented as circuitry, in software, hardware, application logic, or a combination of software, hardware, and application logic. In the exemplary embodiments, the application logic, software, or instruction set is carried on any computer-readable medium. A "computer-readable medium," in the context of this document, may be any medium or means that can store, preserve, communicate, propagate, or transport instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a base station or user equipment of the exemplary embodiments described above.

[0117] The term "circuitry" as used in this application refers to all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations with only analog and / or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of circuitry and software (and / or firmware), as applicable, such as: (i) a combination of a processor, or (ii) a processor / software (including a digital signal processor), software, and portions of memory that, in combination, cause a device, such as the user equipment or base station of the embodiments described above, to perform various functions; and (c) circuitry, such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor, that requires software or firmware to operate, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of circuitry also applies to all uses of the term "means" in this application, including all claims. As a further example, the term circuitry as used in this application also covers implementations of just a processor(s) alone, or portions of a processor and associated software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example, baseband or application processor integrated circuits for mobile phones, or similar integrated circuits in servers, mobile communication network devices, or other network devices, where applicable to certain claimed elements.

[0118] The features, advantages, and characteristics described herein may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such exemplary embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in a particular embodiment that may not be present in all exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be practiced with steps in a different order and / or with hardware elements in a different configuration than that disclosed. Thus, while several embodiments have been described based on such exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions will be apparent while remaining within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. receiving a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment; determining, based at least in part on the information about the user equipment, actions to increase reliability of reading the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment; A method comprising:

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the message includes an indication of an urgency level to increase reliability of reading the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment, and determining an action is based in part on the indication of the urgency level.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the timing synchronization status report is broadcast as part of system information, and the information about the user equipment includes information about a periodicity at which the user equipment reads the broadcasted system information, and the method includes determining at least one parameter for broadcasting the timing synchronization status report that is part of the system information based on the information about the periodicity at which the user equipment reads the broadcasted system information.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the at least one parameter includes a period during which timing synchronization status reports are included in the system information.

5. 3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, comprising determining whether to page a user equipment to report a timing synchronization status report reading, the determining being based at least in part on one or more of information obtained from a user equipment message or information about when to expect a user equipment message.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein determining whether to page the user equipment to report a timing synchronization status report read is based at least in part on one or more of information obtained from one or more messages from the user equipment that include a field indicating a timing synchronization status report read, or information about when the user equipment is next expected to transmit a message that includes a field indicating a timing synchronization status report read.

7. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the information about the user equipment includes a radio resource control status of the user equipment, and the method includes, in response to determining that the user equipment is in a radio resource control idle mode, paging the user equipment for broadcast of a timing synchronization status report.

8. receiving a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment; paging the user equipment for broadcast of a timing synchronization status report; It then broadcasts a timing synchronization report. A method comprising:

9. A method comprising transmitting, from a user equipment, information about a periodicity of reading system information blocks at the user equipment.

10. 1. A method comprising: transmitting, from a user equipment, an indication that action should be taken to increase reliability of reading a timing synchronization status report by the user equipment.

11. receiving a paging message indicating a broadcast of system information including a timing synchronization status report; Reading system information indicated by the paging message; A method comprising:

12. A method comprising: transmitting a request identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading a timing synchronization status report by the user equipment.

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the request includes an indication of an urgency level to increase reliability of reading the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment.

14. means for receiving a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment; means for determining, based at least in part on information about the user equipment, actions to increase reliability of reading the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment; An apparatus comprising:

15. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the message includes an indication of an urgency level to increase reliability of reading the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment, and determining an action is based in part on the indication of the urgency level.

16. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the timing synchronization status report is broadcast as part of system information, and the information about the user equipment includes information about a periodicity at which the user equipment reads the broadcasted system information, and the apparatus comprises means for determining at least one parameter for broadcasting the timing synchronization status report that is part of the system information based on the information about the periodicity at which the user equipment reads the broadcasted system information.

17. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one parameter includes a period during which timing synchronization status reports are included in the system information.

18. 16. The apparatus of claim 14 or claim 15, comprising means for determining whether to page a user equipment to report a timing synchronization status report reading, the determining being based at least in part on one or more of information obtained from a user equipment message or information about when to expect a user equipment message.

19. 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein determining whether to page the user equipment to report a timing synchronization status report read is based at least in part on one or more of information obtained from one or more messages from the user equipment that include a field indicating a timing synchronization status report read, or information about when the user equipment is next expected to transmit a message that includes a field indicating a timing synchronization status report read.

20. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the information about the user equipment includes a radio resource control status of the user equipment, and wherein the apparatus comprises means for, in response to determining that the user equipment is in a radio resource control idle mode, paging the user equipment for broadcast of a timing synchronization status report.

21. means for receiving a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment; means for paging user equipment for broadcast of timing synchronization status reports; Then, a means to broadcast timing synchronization reports An apparatus comprising:

22. Means for transmitting information about the periodicity of reading the system information block at the user equipment A user equipment comprising:

23. A user equipment comprising: means for transmitting an indication that action should be taken to increase reliability of reading of a timing synchronization status report by the user equipment.

24. means for receiving a paging message indicating a broadcast of system information including a timing synchronization status report; means for reading system information indicated by a paging message; A user equipment comprising:

25. means for transmitting a request identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase the reliability of reading the timing synchronization status report by the user equipment; An apparatus comprising:

26. A computer-readable medium including stored program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of the device, cause the device to receive a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase the reliability of the user equipment reading the timing synchronization status report, and determine, based at least in part on information about the user equipment, an action to increase the reliability of the user equipment reading the timing synchronization status report.

27. 1. A computer-readable medium including stored program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a device, cause the device to receive a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of the user equipment reading a timing synchronization status report, page the user equipment for broadcast of the timing synchronization status report, and thereafter broadcast the timing synchronization report.

28. A computer-readable medium including stored program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a user equipment, cause the user equipment to transmit information about a periodicity of reading system information blocks at the user equipment.

29. A computer-readable medium including stored program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a user equipment, cause the user equipment to transmit an indication that action should be taken to increase reliability of reading of a timing synchronization status report by the user equipment.

30. A computer-readable medium including stored program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a user equipment, cause the user equipment to receive a paging message indicating a broadcast of system information including a timing synchronization status report, and read the system information indicated by the paging message.

31. 1. A computer-readable medium including stored program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a device, cause the device to transmit a request identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading of timing synchronization status reports by the user equipment.

32. 1. A computer program comprising computer-executable code that, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to cause an apparatus to at least receive a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of the user equipment reading of a timing synchronization status report, and to determine, based at least in part on information about the user equipment, an action to increase reliability of the user equipment reading of the timing synchronization status report.

33. 1. A computer program comprising computer-executable code that, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to: cause an apparatus to at least receive a message identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading of a timing synchronization status report by the user equipment; page the user equipment for broadcast of the timing synchronization status report; and subsequently broadcast the timing synchronization report.

34. 1. A computer program comprising computer-executable code, the computer program being configured, when executed on at least one processor, to cause a user equipment to transmit at least information about a periodicity of reading system information blocks at the user equipment.

35. 1. A computer program comprising computer-executable code, the computer program being configured, when executed on at least one processor, to cause user equipment to transmit at least an indication that action should be taken to increase reliability of reading of timing synchronization status reports by the user equipment.

36. 1. A computer program comprising computer-executable code, the computer program being configured, when executed on at least one processor, to cause user equipment to at least receive a paging message indicating a broadcast of system information including a timing synchronization status report, and to read the system information indicated by the paging message.

37. 1. A computer program comprising computer-executable code, the computer-executable code, when executed on at least one processor, configured to cause an apparatus to transmit a request identifying at least one user equipment for which action should be taken to increase reliability of reading of timing synchronization status reports by the user equipment.

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