5G Timestamping for Precise Delay and Jitter Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G wireless communication systems fail to meet the stringent time control requirements for industrial and vertical industry applications, as the current Quality of Service (QoS) framework lacks accuracy in delay and jitter management, leading to uncertainties in resource allocation and feedback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of timestamping methods for downlink and uplink data transmissions within the 5G network, where network nodes and user equipment generate and transmit timestamps to ensure accurate time control, allowing for precise delay and jitter management, and the transmission of time control information during QoS flow establishment, modification, and handover processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the existing QoS framework is used in 5G systems, then the system can provide basic quality of service parameters, but it cannot meet the strict time control requirements for industrial applications with delay less than 5ms and jitter less than 0.2ms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time control function by introducing separate timestamp parameters (PDCP layer timestamp, RLC layer timestamp, MAC layer timestamp) at different protocol layers. Each layer independently tracks and reports timing information, enabling precise measurement and control of delay and jitter throughout the transmission path without requiring changes to the overall QoS framework.
2Measurement precision
If timestamping is implemented at each protocol layer, then accurate delay and jitter control is achieved, but the device complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring timestamp parameters and time control information during PDU session establishment and QoS flow setup. The network nodes pre-allocate resources and establish timing requirements before actual data transmission, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and reducing runtime complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports uplink timing information (PDCP timestamp, RLC timestamp, MAC timestamp) back to the network, and the network reports downlink timing information to the UE. This bidirectional feedback enables continuous optimization of time control without requiring complex centralized control, distributing the complexity across multiple nodes.
3Loss of information
If the current QoS framework is used, then the system can operate with existing protocols, but the network nodes cannot accurately know the delay experienced by messages and the time left for local processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested doll by embedding timestamp parameters within protocol data units at multiple nested protocol layers. The PDCP timestamp is nested within the PDCP layer, the RLC timestamp is nested within the RLC layer, and the MAC timestamp is nested within the MAC layer. Each layer's timestamp provides timing information specific to that layer while being accessible to upper layers, enabling comprehensive delay tracking without duplicating information.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus and systems for satisfying a time control requirement in a wireless communication are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method performed by a first network node is disclosed. The method comprises: generating a timestamp associated with downlink data to be transmitted; and transmitting the downlink data with the timestamp.