5G Timing-Aware PDU Anchoring for Accurate Device Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G-based mobile communication networks face limitations in flexible and efficient deployment of timing and synchronization services, requiring specialized equipment and connectivity, and are prone to issues like jamming and indoor inefficiencies, especially in delivering synchronization information to diverse devices with varying capabilities and locations.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a 5G network to deliver timing and synchronization information through a synchronization packet data unit session, terminated by a timing-aware packet data unit session anchor entity at the base station, allowing for flexible and efficient synchronization of clock entities across heterogeneous devices, including those with varying capabilities and locations, without requiring changes to existing timing and synchronization networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized network equipment and physical connectivity (e.g., fiber optics, PTP switches) are used to deliver timing and synchronization information, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the 5G network to perform multiple functions: it provides both standard communication services and timing synchronization services through the same infrastructure. The user equipment receives synchronization information via existing 5G signaling mechanisms (RRC messages, system information blocks) without requiring dedicated synchronization hardware or protocols, thus reducing deployment complexity while maintaining synchronization accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by transmitting timing and synchronization information as data packets within the existing 5G network framework. Instead of requiring separate physical synchronization channels, the synchronization data is copied and transmitted through standard 5G user plane or control plane channels, allowing the network to leverage existing infrastructure for both communication and synchronization purposes
2Measurement precision
If satellite-based solutions (e.g., GPS) are used for synchronization, then timing information can be delivered, but reliability deteriorates due to jamming and poor indoor performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the 5G network as an intermediary between the timing source and the user equipment. Instead of direct satellite-to-device communication that is vulnerable to jamming, the 5G network receives and processes synchronization information from trusted sources and redistributes it through controlled channels. This intermediary layer filters out jamming signals and ensures reliable delivery even in indoor environments where satellite signals are weak or blocked
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical dependency on direct line-of-sight satellite signals with an electronic communication system. By using 5G radio access network signaling (RRC messages, system information blocks) to deliver timing information, the system substitutes the vulnerable satellite signal path with a controlled network-based transmission path that can adapt to various propagation conditions and provide more reliable service
3Ease of manufacture
If 5G network is used to deliver timing and synchronization information through existing infrastructure, then ease of deployment is improved, but synchronization accuracy may deteriorate compared to specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the 5G network pre-process and prepare synchronization information before transmitting it to user equipment. The network nodes (gNBs, core network functions) perform timing adjustments, compensation calculations, and formatting of synchronization data in advance, ensuring that the information delivered to devices is already optimized for accuracy. This preliminary processing allows the system to achieve high synchronization accuracy using standard 5G infrastructure without requiring specialized equipment at the device level
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for operating a user equipment connected to a mobile communication network and/or for operating a mobile communication network, wherein the mobile communication network comprises, besides a core network, an access network comprising a plurality of base station entities, wherein the user equipment is served by at least one base station entity, wherein the mobile communication network comprises, or is associated or assigned to, a synchronization entity or functionality, wherein the synchronization entity or functionality transmits and/or receives synchronization messages in order to provide the possibility to comparatively accurately synchronize clock entities or functionalities in order to operate the user equipment with the mobile communication network, wherein, in order to transmit, or to transport, such synchronization messages, at least one synchronization packet data unit session is used, wherein, in order to provide the user equipment, by using the synchronization entity or functionality, with clock synchronization functionality, the method comprises the step of at least one synchronization packet data unit session being terminated by a timing-aware packet data unit session anchor entity or functionality at or as part of or co-deployed with the base station entity serving the user equipment.