Long Wave Synchronization Repeater for Base Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for synchronizing base stations, such as GPS and IEEE 1588/NTP, fail to provide reliable frequency and time synchronization in unfavorable radio conditions and low-quality IP-network connections, particularly for small indoor base stations like pico and femto cells.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement using a Synchronization Repeater Module (SRM) that obtains high-accuracy time and frequency information from a satellite-based positioning system and broadcasts it via long wave signaling, allowing base stations to derive and synchronize with this information, even in environments with poor radio conditions, without stringent backhaul link requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS receivers are used for synchronization, then time and frequency synchronization can be achieved, but they do not function well in unfavorable radio conditions such as indoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support module as an intermediary that receives GPS synchronization signals in favorable outdoor conditions and re-transmits them via long wave signaling to base stations in unfavorable indoor environments. This mediator bypasses the direct line-of-sight requirement for GPS receivers at the base station, enabling synchronization in previously unserviceable locations.
2Reliability
If protocols like NTP or IEEE 1588 are used for synchronization, then time and frequency synchronization can be obtained, but very strict requirements must be fulfilled by the backhaul link
Solution Approach 1:
The support module acts as a synchronization server that pre-processes and delivers synchronized time and frequency information directly to base stations via long wave signaling. This eliminates the need for strict backhaul link requirements, as the synchronization information is delivered through the radio interface rather than requiring high-quality IP connectivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If long wave signaling is used to provide synchronization, then base stations in unfavorable radio conditions can be synchronized, but the system requires a support module infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The support module is designed to serve multiple base stations simultaneously and can be deployed in various configurations (integrated with macro base stations or as standalone units). The long wave signaling approach provides a universal solution that works across different indoor environments and building types, making the infrastructure adaptable to diverse deployment scenarios.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and arrangements in a support node and in connection with a base station for supporting synchronization of the base station. The methods and arrangements involve conveying high-accuracy time information via long-wave signaling to the base station, which implies e.g. that base stations in unfavorable radio conditions may be synchronized without access to reliable IP connections or similar.