Air Interface Synchronization Using Intermediary Base Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio communication systems face high construction and maintenance costs due to the need for expensive GPS synchronization devices to synchronize air interfaces between base stations, which are time-consuming and require human intervention for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A method for air interface synchronization that calculates and adjusts the air interface offset between base stations using existing network resources, such as Mobile Stations and Base Station Controllers, eliminating the need for costly synchronization devices and reducing maintenance costs by utilizing existing hardware and software within the radio network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS synchronization apparatus is installed in every BS, then air interface synchronization is achieved, but construction cost and maintenance cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a synchronization master BS as an intermediary that provides synchronization signals to slave BSs. Instead of each BS independently synchronizing with GPS, the master BS acts as a central coordinator that receives GPS synchronization once and distributes it to all slave BSs through the existing signaling interface, eliminating the need for GPS apparatus in each BS.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing signaling interface between BSC and BS multi-functional by using it for both normal communication control and synchronization signal transmission. The same interface that carries traffic and control messages is also used to carry synchronization signals from master BS to slave BSs, eliminating the need for dedicated synchronization hardware.
2Reliability
If GPS synchronization apparatus is installed in every BS, then air interface synchronization is achieved, but maintenance complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The master BS serves as an intermediary that centralizes the GPS synchronization function. When synchronization issues occur, maintenance personnel only need to check the master BS and the signaling interface, rather than inspecting GPS apparatus in every BS individually, significantly reducing maintenance complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the synchronization function into the existing BS infrastructure. The synchronization apparatus is combined with the master BS's existing hardware and software, rather than being separate components in each BS. This consolidation reduces the total number of components that need maintenance.
3Reliability
If GPS synchronization apparatus is installed in every BS, then synchronization is achieved, but construction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing signaling interface between BSC and BS is used for dual purposes: normal communication control and synchronization signal transmission. This eliminates the need to install separate synchronization hardware in each BS, significantly reducing construction time.
Solution Approach 2:
The master BS acts as a synchronization hub that receives GPS synchronization once and distributes it to all slave BSs. This centralized approach requires only one GPS installation and configuration, rather than coordinating GPS installation across multiple BSs, reducing the overall construction cycle.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a radio communication system, an air interface synchronization method, a Base Station (BS) and a Base Station Controller (BSC). The air interface synchronization method includes: obtaining an air interface offset between a first BS and a second BS; and synchronizing the air interfaces of the first BS and the second BS according to the offset. The present invention utilizes resources in the existing radio network to achieve air interface synchronization in an effective and easy way so that the cost is lower.