Communication Device Time Sync via Base Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for time synchronization in networks, such as using GPS or 5G base stations, face challenges indoors and lack precision, especially when the base station does not support Precision Time Protocol (PTP), leading to unstable time synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A communication device that determines whether a base station supports time synchronization with predetermined precision, synchronizes time with the base station if it does, and operates as a time synchronization source for other devices in the network, using IEEE 1588 and RFC 1305 standards for precise time synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS is used for time synchronization, then time information can be obtained from outside the network, but time synchronization cannot be performed indoors because positioning cannot be performed indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a base station as an intermediary for time synchronization when GPS is unavailable. The communication device determines whether the base station supports time synchronization with predetermined precision, and if so, uses the base station as an alternative time source, enabling indoor time synchronization without direct GPS access
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a local time synchronization source by designating one communication device in the network as a time synchronization source. This device copies or replicates the time synchronization function, allowing other devices in the network to synchronize with it, thereby providing time synchronization capability independent of external GPS signals
2Measurement precision
If a base station is accessed expecting high-precision time synchronization, then high-precision time synchronization can be realized, but if the base station does not support PTP, high-precision time synchronization cannot be realized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification by determining whether the base station supports time synchronization with predetermined precision before attempting time synchronization. This preliminary check prevents wasted attempts at synchronization with incompatible base stations and ensures that only capable base stations are used, guaranteeing precision when synchronization is performed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the communication device receives information relating to time synchronization from the base station, determines whether the base station supports predetermined precision, and adjusts its synchronization strategy accordingly. This feedback loop ensures reliable high-precision synchronization by adapting to the base station's actual capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device that forms a network with another communication device, the communication device comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether or not a base station outside the network supports time synchronization with predetermined precision, based on information relating to time synchronization received from the base station; a time synchronization processing unit configured to synchronize time in the communication device with time in the base station, in a case where the base station supports time synchronization with the predetermined precision; and a control unit configured to control the communication device, wherein, in a case where the time in the communication device is synchronized with the time in the base station, the control unit causes the communication device to operate as a time synchronization source for the other communication device included in the network.