Clock Synchronization Server for Distributed Base Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communication systems with distributed base station architectures, existing time synchronization methods using satellite positioning systems are complex and costly, especially when baseband and radio frequency parts are separated, as they require multiple satellite installations.
Innovation Solution
A base station system with a clock synchronization server configured close to or integrated with the radio unit, using a transmission medium like optical fiber to transmit synchronization data, allowing the main unit to perform configuration processing for time synchronization, thereby simplifying system architecture and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite positioning systems are installed in both BBU and RRU for time synchronization, then time synchronization is achieved, but system architecture becomes complex and system cost is greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the satellite positioning receiver function from both BBU and RRU and consolidates it into a single clock synchronization server. This extraction eliminates the need for duplicate satellite receivers in distributed units, reducing system complexity while maintaining synchronization reliability through centralized time reference management.
Solution Approach 2:
The clock synchronization server is designed as a universal time synchronization device that can serve multiple BBUs and RRUs simultaneously. This multi-functional server replaces multiple individual satellite positioning systems, achieving the same time synchronization function across the entire base station system with a single centralized unit.
2Reliability
If satellite positioning systems are installed in both BBU and RRU for time synchronization, then time synchronization is achieved, but system cost is greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the time synchronization functions of multiple satellite positioning receivers into a single clock synchronization server. By combining these functions, the system purchases and installs only one satellite receiver instead of multiple ones, directly reducing hardware costs, installation expenses, and maintenance overhead while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of installing physical satellite receivers in each distributed unit, the system uses a centralized clock synchronization server that distributes time synchronization signals to multiple BBUs and RRUs through existing communication infrastructure. This copying approach eliminates redundant hardware installations while achieving the same synchronization effect across all units.
3Adaptability or versatility
If baseband and radio frequency parts are separated in distributed architecture, then flexibility in site selection is improved, but time synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clock synchronization server acts as an intermediary between the centralized BBU and distributed RRUs, managing time synchronization across the separated baseband and radio frequency parts. This mediator coordinates synchronization signals through the existing transmission medium, maintaining simplicity despite the distributed architecture's physical separation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of time synchronization and a base station system are disclosed. The base station system includes a main unit, at least one radio unit, and a transmission medium adapted to transmit information between the main unit and the at least one radio unit. The base station system further includes a clock synchronization server configured close to the side of the at least one radio unit or integrated with the at least one radio unit. The clock synchronization server is adapted to transmit synchronization data to the main unit through the transmission medium, so that the main unit performs configuration processing according to the synchronization data to implement time synchronization with the clock synchronization server.