5G Network Time Synchronization via NEF and PTP Traffic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G communication systems face challenges in providing precise time synchronization to external networks, particularly in environments requiring high precision time synchronization, such as factory automation and video/audio professional applications, leading to unnecessary traffic and increased load on user equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to transfer precision time protocol (PTP) messages from a 5G network to external networks through network-side and device-side translators, utilizing network exposure functions and user plane functions to generate and transmit synchronization activation requests, reducing unnecessary traffic and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PTP messages are continuously transmitted to external networks through 5G systems, then time synchronization precision is improved, but network traffic load and user equipment burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Network Exposure Function performs preliminary actions by pre-generating synchronization activation request messages and storing them in a buffer before they are needed. This allows the messages to be ready for immediate transmission when synchronization events occur, reducing the need for continuous message generation and transmission, thereby decreasing overall traffic volume while maintaining synchronization precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The Network Exposure Function acts as an intermediary between the 5G core network and external networks requiring time synchronization. It receives synchronization requirements, generates appropriate PTP messages, and manages their transmission. This intermediary role allows for intelligent message filtering and scheduling, ensuring that only necessary synchronization messages are transmitted, thus reducing unnecessary traffic while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If synchronization activation requests are generated and transmitted frequently, then synchronization precision is improved, but power consumption of user equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous or frequent synchronization message transmission, the system implements periodic action by using pre-generated request messages that are transmitted only when needed. The Network Exposure Function buffers these messages and transmits them at appropriate intervals or triggers, reducing the frequency of transmission events and thereby lowering power consumption while maintaining necessary synchronization precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The Network Exposure Function provides self-service by autonomously generating, buffering, and managing synchronization activation request messages without requiring continuous external triggering. This self-managed approach allows the system to optimize message transmission timing and frequency, reducing unnecessary transmissions that would consume user equipment power while ensuring synchronization precision is maintained when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of a network exposure function (NEF) in a communication system is provided. The method comprising: receiving, from an application function (AF), a synchronization information including a valid time and a time domain for a time synchronization service; generating a synchronization activation request message based on the synchronization information; receiving, from a policy control function (PCF), a notification message indicating a PDU session; and transmitting, to at least one of a user equipment (UE) and a user plane function (UPF), the synchronization activation request message.