5G-TSN Time Synchronization via Unified SMF Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G R17 standard introduces new time synchronization requirements that existing methods struggle to address efficiently, particularly in integrating 5G systems with Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) systems, leading to increased implementation costs and reduced clock stability and accuracy due to bidirectional signaling interactions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize enhanced Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), Data Network Name (DNN), and type indication information to select a unified Session Management Function (SMF) for time synchronization, enabling efficient time synchronization across multiple time-sensitive network domains by using a Network Repository Function and Unified Data Manager.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods are used to integrate 5G systems with TSN systems, then time synchronization can be implemented, but implementation costs increase and clock stability and accuracy decrease due to bidirectional signaling interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SMF selection process from the bidirectional signaling interaction and implements it unidirectionally through the NRF. The AMF queries the NRF to obtain SMF information, eliminating the need for complex bidirectional negotiations between 5G and TSN systems, thereby reducing implementation complexity while maintaining clock stability and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The Network Repository Function (NRF) serves as an intermediary between the AMF and the SMF selection process. Instead of direct bidirectional signaling between 5G and TSN systems, the AMF queries the NRF which provides the necessary SMF information, simplifying the integration process and reducing implementation complexity.
2Reliability
If bidirectional signaling interactions are used for time synchronization between 5G and TSN systems, then time synchronization can be achieved, but implementation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SMF selection mechanism from complex bidirectional signaling and implements it through a simplified unidirectional query to the NRF. This eliminates the need for costly bidirectional negotiation infrastructure while maintaining time synchronization capability between 5G and TSN systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The AMF autonomously queries the NRF to obtain SMF information without requiring complex bidirectional negotiation with TSN systems. This self-service approach reduces implementation costs by eliminating the need for sophisticated interaction protocols between different network domains.
3Ease of manufacture
If simplified SMF selection is implemented using NRF, then implementation costs are reduced, but time synchronization precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The NRF acts as an information intermediary that provides accurate SMF selection data to the AMF. This simplified unidirectional query mechanism maintains time synchronization precision by ensuring the correct SMF is selected without the complexity and cost of bidirectional signaling, as the NRF stores and provides authoritative network information.
Data Source
AI summary
Time synchronization between communication devices may be necessary for proper communications. The time synchronization may include determining a first target Session Management Function of a first terminal based on first target Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information, a first target Data Network Name, first identity information, and first type indication information of a first time-sensitive network grandmaster clock by using a Network Repository Function. A first target label information may be obtained from a Unified Data Manager based on the first target Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information, the first target Data Network Name, the first identity information, and the first type indication information of the first time-sensitive network grandmaster clock.