MBMS Synchronization via Virtual Timestamps and Time Interval Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lower layer network elements belonging to the same upper layer network element cannot perform synchronized processing on the same data burst due to non-consecutive timestamp intervals in MBMS service transmission using TDM mode, where the interval between timestamps is shorter than the available transmitting time interval.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for synchronization processing that involves a designated network element receiving multiple data bursts with timestamp information and starting to transmit data packets from the start of the current available transmitting time interval, ensuring synchronized processing among lower layer network elements by aligning data bursts with the available transmitting time interval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If TDM mode is used for MBMS service transmission with non-consecutive timestamp intervals, then wireless interface resource utilization is improved, but synchronization processing among lower layer network elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtualization processing mechanism that pre-processes timestamp information before transmission. The upper layer network element performs virtual RLC concatenation and marks packets with virtual timestamp information in advance, allowing lower layer elements to synchronize without being constrained by actual transmission timing. This preliminary action decouples the timestamp generation from the actual transmission schedule, enabling both TDM resource utilization and synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual timestamp information as an intermediary between the actual transmission timing and the synchronization requirement. Instead of using real timestamp values that reflect actual transmission times, the system uses virtual timestamps that are calculated and marked in advance, serving as a mediator that allows lower layer network elements to maintain synchronization while the upper layer utilizes TDM mode for efficient resource allocation.
2Ease of manufacture
If timestamp intervals are set based on packet arrival time at upper layer network element, then timestamp marking simplicity is improved, but timestamp interval predictability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter basis for timestamp marking from actual arrival time to a virtualized time reference. Instead of marking timestamps based on when packets actually arrive at the upper layer element (which creates variable intervals), the system calculates virtual timestamps based on a predetermined time reference, making the intervals predictable while maintaining the simplicity of automated marking through virtualization processing.
3Productivity
If lower layer network elements perform RLC concatenation processing on service data packets, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but processing synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the RLC concatenation processing function at the upper layer network element. Instead of requiring lower layer elements to perform complex RLC concatenation and synchronization, the upper layer element performs the virtual concatenation and marks the virtual timestamp information, copying the essential synchronization function to a location where it can be performed more simply and predictably.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for synchronization processing, wherein the method for synchronization processing includes: a designated network element receiving multiple data bursts of a Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service transmitted by its upper layer network element, wherein data packets in the data bursts carry timestamp information; for multiple data bursts whose timestamp locates before a current available transmitting time interval, the designated network element starting to transmit the data packets belonging to the multiple data bursts in turn from the start time of the current available transmitting time interval. By means of the present invention, the synchronization between the lower layer network elements can be kept and the performance of a system can be stabilized.