Synchronizing MBMS Data Packets in Single Frequency Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In single frequency mobile communication networks, ensuring synchronized data transmission across multiple base stations without relying on radio-related parameters is challenging, particularly for MBMS services, as existing solutions often require complex time synchronization and radio network controllers.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adding time stamps and sequence numbers to data packets in the access network node to indicate transmission intervals and order, allowing base stations to synchronize and transmit data packets accurately without radio-related parameters, using a protocol layer to synchronize data between the access network node and base stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If time synchronization is realized using radio-related parameters like Connection Frame Number, then synchronized transmission can be achieved, but the access network node cannot be radio agnostic and the solution is not suitable for LTE architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary synchronization protocol layer between the access network node and base stations. This layer uses abstract synchronization messages (not radio-specific parameters) to convey timing information, allowing the access network node to remain radio agnostic while ensuring synchronized transmission. The intermediary layer translates radio-independent synchronization commands into base station-specific actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization function is segmented into multiple independent layers: a radio-agnostic synchronization protocol layer that handles timing coordination, and lower layers that handle radio-specific implementations. This segmentation allows the access network node to operate without radio knowledge while base stations handle radio-specific synchronization details.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a two node architecture with access network node and enhanced NodeB is used, then LTE architecture requirements are met, but complex time synchronization without radio network controllers becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization protocol enables base stations to autonomously determine their transmission timing based on synchronization messages from the access network node. Each base station independently calculates its timing offset and adjusts its transmission schedule without requiring continuous control from a radio network controller, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The access network node sends synchronization information to base stations in advance, allowing base stations to pre-calculate their transmission timing. This preliminary synchronization action eliminates the need for complex real-time coordination during data transmission, reducing operational complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple base stations transmit the same data simultaneously over the same frequency, then single frequency network operation is achieved, but precise timing synchronization is required to avoid interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical timing adjustment mechanisms with a protocol-based software solution. Base stations use timestamp information and sequence numbers from synchronization messages to calculate their transmission timing, substituting hardware-level precision requirements with software-based timestamp processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization protocol incorporates feedback mechanisms where base stations report their reception status and timing information to the access network node. This feedback allows the system to detect and correct timing deviations, ensuring precise synchronization without requiring overly complex initial timing configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a method for distribution of data packets (MBMS Data) from an access network node (aGW) via at least one base station (eNB) to at least one user terminal (UE) in a single frequency mobile communication network whereby information (T1(tx), T2(tx)) is added in the access network node (aGW) to the data packets (MBMS Data) indicating in which time intervals the data packets (MBMS Data) have to be sent from the at least one base station (eNB) to the at least one user terminal (UE), and information (SN) is added in the access network node (aGW) to the data packets (MBMS Data) indicating the order of the distribution of the data packets (MBMS Data), an access network node (aGW), a base station (eNB) and a single frequency mobile communication network therefor.