Base Station Time Synchronization via Handover Acknowledgement Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current time synchronization methods between base stations in wireless communication systems lack flexibility due to simple handover request acknowledgement information, which limits the accuracy of time synchronization during handover processes.

Innovation Solution

The method enhances time synchronization by including specific synchronization information in handover request acknowledgement messages, allowing the source base station to determine if time synchronization is needed and using a unique target preamble from an unused root sequence for precise identification and instruction of the handover command.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If simple handover request acknowledgement information is used, then device complexity is reduced, but time synchronization accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover request acknowledgement information complexityVSAvoidtime synchronization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The handover request acknowledgement information is segmented into multiple independent fields: a first field indicating whether time synchronization is performed, and a second field containing synchronization information (target preamble and/or time difference). This segmentation allows the system to transmit only the necessary synchronization data, improving accuracy without unnecessarily increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter structure of the handover request acknowledgement information by introducing specific synchronization parameters (target preamble index and time difference values). These parameter changes enable precise time synchronization while maintaining efficient information transmission through structured data fields.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If simple handover request acknowledgement information is used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover process simplicityVSAvoidtime synchronization flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The handover request acknowledgement information structure is made dynamic through the use of indication fields. The first field dynamically indicates whether time synchronization is performed, and the second field dynamically provides synchronization information only when needed. This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt to different synchronization requirements while maintaining simple operation when synchronization is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If blind detection of random access preamble is performed without specific synchronization information, then device complexity is reduced, but time synchronization accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection process complexityVSAvoidtime difference measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The target base station performs preliminary actions by determining the target preamble index and time difference before the handover execution. This synchronization information is then included in the handover request acknowledgement and forwarded to the source base station, enabling the source base station to perform accurate time synchronization without complex real-time detection processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3316630B1Time synchronization method, device and system
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3316630B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3316630B1 patent drawingFigure 3-1
  • EP3316630B1 patent drawingFigure 3-2

AI summary

The present invention provides a time synchronization method, device, and system, and relates to the communications field. The method includes: receiving a handover request, sent by a source base station, for requesting to perform time synchronization with a target base station; and sending handover request acknowledgement information to the source base station, where the handover request acknowledgement information includes information used to indicate whether the source base station performs time synchronization with the target base station. The source base station in the present invention may determine, according to the handover request acknowledgement information sent by the target base station, whether the source base station needs to perform time synchronization with the target base station. This enriches content of the handover request acknowledgement information sent by the target base station, and improves flexibility in performing time synchronization between the source base station and the target base station in a handover process.