Group Clock Synchronization for Multi-Terminal Time Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock synchronization methods in device-to-device scenarios are inflexible and inefficient, particularly when multiple terminal devices require time services, leading to increased signaling overheads and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for flexible clock synchronization among terminal devices, involving request messages for clock synchronization services, consideration of time service statuses, and use of network elements to optimize synchronization, reducing signaling overheads and ensuring accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each terminal device sends a time service request to the base station individually, then each device can obtain clock synchronization service, but the signaling overhead increases and the system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual time service requests into a single group request. The base station receives one request message that contains identifiers of multiple terminal devices (first terminal device and at least one second terminal device), processes them together, and provides clock synchronization service to the entire group simultaneously, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining synchronization accuracy for each device.
2Ease of operation
If the clock synchronization function network element processes time service requests one by one, then each request can be handled individually, but the processing time and system latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the processing of multiple time service requests into a single batch operation. The base station receives a group request containing multiple terminal device identifiers and processes all requests simultaneously in one operation, eliminating the sequential processing delay while still maintaining individual service delivery to each terminal device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible clock synchronization method is implemented for multiple terminal devices, then the adaptability to different scenarios is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal clock synchronization mechanism where the base station can handle both individual and group time service requests through a unified request message format. The system uses a standardized group request structure that can accommodate any number of terminal devices, providing flexible adaptability to different scenarios without requiring separate processing logic for each case.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a clock synchronization method and a communication apparatus. The method includes: sending a first request message to a first network element, where the first request message is used to request to provide a clock synchronization service for a first terminal device and at least one second terminal device, and includes identifiers of the first terminal device and the second terminal device; and receiving a time service response message from an access network device. A request message used to request to provide the clock synchronization service for the first terminal device and the at least one second terminal device is sent to the first network element, so that the access network device can provide a time service for the first terminal device and the at least one second terminal device, thereby clock synchronized between the first terminal device and the at least one second terminal device.