Network Time Synchronization Using Remote GPS Clock Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network synchronization methods in 5G networks face challenges in achieving robust and accurate time synchronization due to the vulnerability of GPS systems to interference and the limitations of network-based protocols like PTP and NTP, which are insufficient for the speed and latency requirements of 5G.
Innovation Solution
A method where nodes in a network compare their GPS clocks with remote nodes to identify a subgroup of accurate clocks, adjust priorities, and switch to a remote GPS clock as a timing reference if the local clock is inaccurate, leveraging both GPS accuracy and network robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS receivers are installed at transmitter sites for synchronization, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but vulnerability to interference and equipment failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameters of GPS receivers by adjusting their priority levels based on observed signal quality and interference conditions. When interference is detected, the system modifies the priority parameter to switch between local and remote GPS references, thereby maintaining synchronization accuracy while adapting to changing reliability conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network-based time transfer protocols (NTP, PTP) as intermediary mechanisms that mediate between the vulnerable local GPS receivers and the ultimate time reference. These intermediaries allow nodes to compare timestamps and synchronize without directly relying on vulnerable GPS signals alone, providing a buffer layer that improves overall system reliability.
2Reliability
If network-based protocols (NTP, PTP) are used for synchronization, then robustness against GPS interference is improved, but synchronization accuracy is insufficient for 5G requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the advantages of both GPS-based and network-based synchronization approaches. By combining local GPS receivers with network time transfer protocols, the system achieves both the high accuracy of GPS (when available) and the robustness of network-based methods, meeting the stringent requirements of 5G networks for both precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization system uses a composite approach by integrating multiple synchronization mechanisms (local GPS, remote GPS, NTP, PTP) into a unified system. This composite structure allows the system to leverage the strengths of each individual method while compensating for their weaknesses, achieving both high accuracy and robustness simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If local GPS clocks are used by all nodes, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases due to priority management
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic priority management where the priority of local GPS clocks is not fixed but changes based on real-time conditions. Nodes automatically adjust their priority levels according to GPS signal quality, interference detection, and network status, allowing the system to maintain high synchronization accuracy while adapting to changing conditions without requiring complex manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems, methods and nodes for enabling synchronization between a plurality of nodes in a network, by comparing the times of the GPS clocks of the plurality of nodes to determine accurate clocks being within a tolerance of each other, adjusting priority, and, if the priority of a local clock of a node is low, selecting a remote GPS clock to be used as a timing reference of the GPS clock of the node.