NEF Time Synchronization Parameter Extension for 5G Non-TSN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G systems face challenges in providing a comprehensive time synchronization service for external application services, especially when interworking with Non-Time Sensitive Networking (Non-TSN) environments, as they lack the necessary extended time synchronization parameters.
Innovation Solution
The method involves extending time synchronization parameters transmitted between the Network Exposure Function (NEF) and the Application Function (AF) within the 5G system, as well as between the NEF and the Time Sensitive Communication Time Synchronization Function (TSCTSF), to include parameters such as Temporal validity condition, Spatial validity condition, Time synchronization accuracy, and PTP Profile, enabling the provision of a 5G time synchronization service to external application services in Non-TSN networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the 5G system uses standard time synchronization parameters defined in 3GPP TS 23.501 (Rel-16) for interworking with TSN, then the system maintains compatibility with IEEE TSN standards, but it cannot provide comprehensive time synchronization services to external application services in Non-TSN environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time synchronization service into two distinct parameter sets: one for internal 5G system operations (following 3GPP TS 23.501 standards) and another for external Non-TSN application services (with extended parameters). The NEF acts as an interface that separates and translates between these two parameter structures, allowing each to operate independently with its own requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the time synchronization parameter structure by adding new dimensions or fields to accommodate Non-TSN requirements. Instead of replacing the existing parameter structure, it adds supplementary parameters (such as application-specific timing requirements, external clock references, and service-level timing constraints) to create a multi-dimensional parameter space that serves both TSN and Non-TSN environments.
2Reliability
If the 5G system transmits only standard time synchronization parameters between NEF and AF, then the system maintains simplicity in parameter transmission, but it cannot provide detailed time synchronization services to external application services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by having the NEF pre-process and extend the time synchronization parameters before transmitting them to the AF. The NEF enriches the parameter set with additional information required by Non-TSN application services, such as application-specific timing constraints, external clock synchronization requirements, and service-level agreements, ensuring that all necessary information is available before the service execution phase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the 5G system creates separate parameter structures for TSN and Non-TSN interworking, then it can provide specialized time synchronization services for each environment, but it increases the complexity of parameter management and transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The NEF serves as an intermediary between the 5G core network and external application services. It maintains separate parameter structures for TSN and Non-TSN environments but manages the complexity by acting as a translation layer that converts between these structures and the internal 5G parameter format. This mediator role allows the system to support multiple parameter structures without requiring each component to understand all formats.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for providing a time synchronization service for an external application service of a 5G system (5GS). A method may include: receiving, by a Network Exposure Function (NEF) from an Application Function (AF), a request for a capability for a 5GS time synchronization service; and in response to the request for the capability, transmitting, by the NEF to the AF, a time synchronization parameter including the capability.