Mobile User Equipment Working Clock Mapping via UPF Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G networks face inefficiencies in managing multiple working clock domains, leading to unnecessary consumption of network and spectral resources due to the wasteful transmission of synchronization messages, particularly in scenarios involving mobile TSN devices that require varying clock domains based on location and traffic patterns.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves dynamic management of time domain forwarding at the UPF by integrating session management functions with TSN application functions to optimize synchronization message delivery based on mobility events, location, and traffic inspection, ensuring that only necessary clock domains are communicated to user equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synchronization messages are transmitted to all user equipment regardless of need, then all devices receive time synchronization information, but network and spectral resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines which clock domains need to be synchronized by monitoring mobility events and location information. The UPF adapts the synchronization message forwarding behavior in real-time based on current network conditions and UE requirements, transitioning from static all-to-all messaging to dynamic selective messaging.
Solution Approach 2:
Different user equipment receive different clock domain synchronization information based on their specific needs. The system identifies which UEs require which clock domains and delivers only those specific synchronizations, making the synchronization quality local to each device rather than uniform across all devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clock domains are transmitted to mobile TSN devices, then devices can maintain synchronization across different locations, but spectral resources are consumed unnecessarily when only one clock domain is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by transmitting only the necessary subset of clock domain synchronization messages to each UE rather than all available clock domains. The UPF determines the minimal required set of clock domains for each device based on current location and service requirements, avoiding excessive transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from mobility events, location information, and traffic patterns to continuously adjust which clock domains are transmitted to each UE. This feedback mechanism allows the network to adapt to changing conditions and optimize spectral resource usage while maintaining necessary synchronization.
3Loss of energy
If synchronization messages are filtered based on location and traffic patterns, then resource consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UPF acts as an intermediary between the core network and user equipment, centralizing the complex logic for determining which clock domains to forward. This intermediary approach consolidates the complexity in the network infrastructure rather than distributing it to UEs or base stations, making the system manageable despite increased sophistication.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for working clock determination for a mobile user equipment. A method may include receiving time domain information at a session management function during a protocol data unit (PDU) session procedure. The method may also include forwarding the time domain information to a user plane function for the PDU session procedure. The method may further include configuring the user plane function according to the time domain information to enable determination of a correct mapping between the time domain information and a user equipment or a PDU session.