Base Station Network Synchronization via Anchor Carrier Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks face interference issues between base stations and user equipment, degrading performance on both downlink and uplink due to unsynchronized operations, which existing synchronization techniques like GPS and IEEE 1588 v2 may not effectively address, especially in scenarios where these methods are not viable.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of network listening techniques, where base stations transmit synchronization signals with varying duty cycles and stratum-based single frequency network transmissions, allowing for anchor carrier-based synchronization and low-duty-cycle signaling to support carrier aggregation and time division duplexing, enabling synchronization even in scenarios where GPS and IEEE 1588 v2 are not applicable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If base stations use traditional synchronization methods like GPS or IEEE 1588 v2, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary synchronization signal transmission mechanism where base stations exchange timing information through standardized wireless signals rather than requiring direct GPS receivers or complex IEEE 1588 hardware at each node. This mediator approach simplifies individual base station complexity while maintaining network-wide synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization mechanism leverages existing wireless communication infrastructure and protocols to perform multiple functions including timing synchronization, frequency alignment, and network coordination simultaneously, eliminating the need for dedicated synchronization hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If base stations transmit continuously to maintain synchronization, then synchronization reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic synchronization signal transmission at optimized intervals rather than continuous transmission. Base stations transmit synchronization signals at specific periods determined by network conditions and requirements, maintaining synchronization reliability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization transmission scheme is made dynamic, allowing base stations to adjust transmission frequency and timing based on real-time network conditions, load, and synchronization requirements. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliability is maintained only when necessary, optimizing energy consumption across the network.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (900) for wireless communications by a base station, comprising: acquiring (902) synchronization with a network in which carrier aggregation, CA, is supported, based on a synchronization signal transmitted from a primary base station or a secondary base station; selecting (904) an anchor carrier for transmitting a second synchronization signal; and transmitting (906) the second synchronization signal on the anchor carrier.