Boundary Clock Time Sync for 5G TSN Hybrid Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current time synchronization technologies, such as IEEE 802.1AS, are not directly extendable to integrated scenarios involving both wired Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) and wireless 5G systems, posing challenges for accurate inter-system synchronization in industrial control applications.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid network approach is proposed, where a grandmaster clock is synchronized across both wired and wireless systems using timestamping information and correction factors, enabling bi-directional over-the-air time synchronization and PTP-like functionality, supporting multiple clock models and correcting air-interface timing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IEEE 802.1AS time synchronization technology is used in wired TSN systems, then time synchronization accuracy is maintained within the wired network, but the technology cannot be directly extended to integrated wireless 5G systems, causing inter-system synchronization failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a boundary clock device as an intermediary between the wired TSN network and wireless 5G system. This boundary clock translates and adapts the IEEE 802.1AS synchronization messages to work across both wired and wireless domains, enabling interoperability without modifying the core synchronization protocols of either system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies synchronization message parameters when transitioning between wired and wireless domains. Specifically, it adjusts timing parameters, message formats, and transmission intervals to account for the different characteristics of wireless 5G networks compared to wired TSN networks, thereby maintaining synchronization accuracy across heterogeneous media.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless 5G systems are integrated with wired TSN networks, then network flexibility and coverage are improved, but accurate inter-system time synchronization becomes challenging due to air-interface timing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the boundary clock continuously monitors timing errors introduced by the wireless air interface and dynamically adjusts synchronization parameters. This closed-loop approach compensates for variable wireless conditions and maintains precision despite the inherently less stable wireless medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary timing adjustments and error compensation before critical synchronization events occur. By pre-calculating and applying correction factors for expected air-interface delays, the system proactively maintains synchronization precision rather than reacting to errors after they occur.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clock models are supported in the hybrid network, then system adaptability to different operational scenarios is improved, but device complexity and synchronization management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The boundary clock device is designed with multi-functional capability to handle multiple clock models (e.g., grandmaster clock, boundary clock, transparent clock) within a single unified architecture. This universal design allows the system to adapt to different operational scenarios without requiring separate specialized devices for each clock model, thereby managing complexity centrally rather than distributing it across multiple specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
In a hybrid network comprising both guided and wireless communications technologies, a grandmaster clock is designated in one portion of the network and can be propagated across to the other portion by means of a timing synchronization message. This message may include timestamping information and other information to enable recipient devices to correctly synchronize to the grandmaster clock.