5G Time Synchronization Profile Selection for User Equipment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems lack efficient mechanisms for defining and managing synchronization levels and profiles for user equipment in 5G networks, leading to suboptimal resource allocation and performance in time-sensitive applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining synchronization levels and profiles based on indicators and parameters, which are provided to network functions and user equipment, enabling precise configuration and management of time synchronization services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If synchronization parameters are manually configured for each user equipment, then synchronization accuracy can be optimized, but network complexity and configuration overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms manual parameter configuration into automated parameter determination. The network function automatically determines synchronization parameters based on user equipment capabilities and service requirements, changing the approach from static manual configuration to dynamic automated parameter selection, thereby reducing network complexity while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The user equipment performs self-configuration by providing capability information and triggering synchronization service requests. The system automatically generates appropriate synchronization profiles based on the equipment's own capabilities, eliminating the need for manual network configuration and reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple synchronization profiles are maintained for different user equipment, then service quality for diverse applications improves, but resource allocation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments synchronization services into standardized profiles that can be independently selected and combined. Instead of maintaining completely custom synchronization parameters for each user, the system uses a library of standardized profiles that can be efficiently allocated and combined to meet diverse service requirements, improving resource allocation efficiency while maintaining service quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization framework provides universal profiles that can serve multiple functions and application types. A single synchronization profile can be adapted for different services by adjusting parameters within the profile structure, allowing one profile design to serve multiple purposes rather than requiring separate specialized profiles for each service type.
3Loss of time
If synchronization configuration is provided during initial attachment, then setup time is reduced, but flexibility to adjust synchronization parameters later is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic synchronization configuration where parameters can be updated at any time during the service lifecycle. The system transitions from static initial configuration to dynamic ongoing configuration, allowing synchronization parameters to be adjusted in response to changing network conditions, user requirements, or service needs while maintaining efficient setup time through automated profile selection.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for receiving, at a first network function, a request for a time synchronization service for a user equipment, the request comprising one of an indicator of a synchronization level and at least one synchronization parameter, if the at least one synchronization parameter is comprised in the request, determining, based on the at least one synchronization parameter, the indicator of the synchronization level, determining, based on at least one of the indicator of the synchronization level or the at least one synchronization parameter, at least one of synchronization policy and synchronization profile and providing the determined at least one of the indicator of the synchronization level, the synchronization policy and the synchronization profile to at least one of a further network function and the user equipment.