5G TSN Time Mapping via Translator for Multi-Clock Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in handling control signaling from multiple Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) networks with different time domains, leading to increased complexity due to the need for multiple time synchronizations with various TSN master clocks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 5G system as a virtual bridge for TSN networks by incorporating a TSN Translator (TT) functionality in the Application Function (AF) and User Plane Function (UPF) to synchronize with both the 5G and TSN master clocks, enabling time mapping and conversion of TSN time information to 5G time information for efficient radio resource control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the 5G system synchronizes with each TSN master clock individually to handle control signaling from multiple TSN networks, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a TSN Translator (TT) functionality as an intermediary component that bridges the TSN network and 5G system. The TT translates TSN time information into 5G time information, allowing the 5G system to interact with TSN networks without directly synchronizing with each TSN master clock. This mediator handles the time domain conversion, reducing the complexity for 5G entities while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the time synchronization function into separate components: the TSN Translator handles TSN-specific time domain operations, while 5G entities focus on 5G time domain operations. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its own time domain, avoiding the need for 5G entities to manage multiple TSN master clocks directly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the 5G system supports multiple TSN networks with different time domains, then network versatility is improved, but the complexity of managing multiple master clocks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The TSN Translator is designed as a universal component that can handle time domain conversions for multiple different TSN networks. Instead of creating separate synchronization mechanisms for each TSN network, the TT provides a unified interface that translates various TSN time domains into 5G time domain, enabling the 5G system to support multiple TSN networks with a single translation mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If all 5G entities synchronize with every TSN master clock to ensure accurate time information for radio resource reservation, then time information accuracy is improved, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The TSN Translator serves as an intermediary that provides accurate time information to 5G entities without requiring them to directly synchronize with TSN master clocks. The TT translates TSN time information into 5G time information format, ensuring accuracy for radio resource reservation while simplifying operations for 5G entities.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, apparatus and systems for time mapping in a wireless communication are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method performed by a first network node of a wireless system is disclosed. The method comprises: receiving, from a controller of a time sensitive network (TSN), a configuration that comprises time information for scheduling; and converting the time information to converted time information of the wireless system.