FlexE Synchronization Link Switching After PHY Link Failure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing FlexE systems lack an effective method to efficiently transmit synchronization information without causing synchronization failures when a PHY link fails, and switching to backup paths disrupts synchronization tracking relationships among network nodes.

Innovation Solution

Switch synchronization information to another PHY link within the FlexE group when a failure is detected, using identifiers to maintain synchronization between the sending and receiving end devices without altering other nodes' tracking relationships.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the terminal determines the synchronization signal based on the synchronization signal block, then the terminal can achieve synchronization with the network, but the terminal cannot determine whether the downlink data channel is available for reception, causing blind decoding of the downlink data channel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoiddownlink data channel availability information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the synchronization signal function and the downlink data channel availability indication function into a single synchronization signal block. The synchronization signal block not only provides timing and frequency synchronization but also carries information about downlink data channel availability through its structure (specifically, different sequences or patterns in the synchronization signal block indicate different availability states), eliminating the need for separate signaling and reducing blind decoding requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If the terminal performs blind decoding of the downlink data channel, then the terminal can attempt to receive data, but the terminal consumes excessive power and time resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reception capabilityVSAvoidterminal power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the synchronization signal block to provide preliminary information about downlink data channel availability before the terminal attempts to decode data. By determining the availability status from the synchronization signal block structure, the terminal can avoid performing blind decoding when the downlink data channel is not available, thereby significantly reducing power consumption and time resources while maintaining data reception capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the network device sends multiple synchronization signal blocks, then the terminal can find synchronization more easily, but the terminal still cannot determine downlink data channel availability without additional signaling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization acquisitionVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the synchronization signal block universal by assigning it multiple functions: timing synchronization, frequency synchronization, cell identification, and downlink data channel availability indication. This multi-functionality is achieved through the structure of the synchronization signal block, where different sequences, patterns, or resource allocations within the block convey different types of information, eliminating the need for separate dedicated signaling channels and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3806391B1Synchronization information transmission method, sending end device, receiving end device and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 CHINA MOBILE COMM GRP CO LTD
  • EP3806391B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3806391B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3806391B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A synchronization information transmission method, a sending end device, a receiving end device and a storage medium are disclosed. The method includes: switching, by the sending end device, the synchronization information to a second PHY link for transmission when it is detected that a first physical layer PHY link used for transmitting synchronization information fails, the second PHY link being a PHY link other than the first PHY link in the FlexE group; wherein the FlexE group exists between the sending end device and the receiving end device, the FlexE group includes at least two PHY links.