Network Timing Reference Synchronization Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing the transition between unicast and broadcast network timing references for clock synchronization in 5G networks, leading to suboptimal accuracy and resource utilization, particularly for UEs at cell edges or with varying load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for user equipment (UE) to selectively switch between unicast and broadcast network timing references based on detected events such as load conditions, location changes, or unicast reference timing signal availability, allowing for dynamic adaptation of clock synchronization methods to optimize accuracy and resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If unicast reference timing signals are transmitted to individual UEs, then clock synchronization accuracy is improved, but network overhead and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between unicast and broadcast reference timing signal transmission modes based on real-time network conditions and UE requirements. The network can adaptively select the appropriate transmission mode (unicast for high accuracy needs, broadcast for resource efficiency) thereby resolving the contradiction between synchronization accuracy and network overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different reference timing signal transmission qualities to different UEs based on their specific needs. UEs requiring high synchronization accuracy (e.g., at cell edges) receive unicast signals with dedicated resources, while other UEs use broadcast signals, thereby optimizing the balance between accuracy and overhead locally for each UE.
2Quantity of substance
If broadcast reference timing signals are transmitted to multiple UEs, then network overhead is reduced, but clock synchronization accuracy deteriorates for UEs at cell edges
Solution Approach 1:
The network dynamically adjusts the reference timing signal transmission mode based on UE location and network conditions. UEs at cell edges experiencing accuracy degradation from broadcast signals can be switched to unicast mode, while UEs in optimal positions continue using broadcast mode, thereby maintaining resource efficiency while addressing accuracy issues locally.
Solution Approach 2:
Different transmission modes are applied to different UEs based on their specific synchronization requirements and locations. Cell edge UEs receive enhanced unicast signals for improved accuracy, while other UEs continue using efficient broadcast signals, thereby resolving the accuracy-overhead tradeoff locally for each UE.
3Measurement precision
If unicast reference timing signals are used for all UEs, then clock synchronization accuracy is maintained, but resource utilization efficiency decreases under high network load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode selection that adapts to network load conditions. Under high load, the network can switch more UEs to broadcast mode to improve resource utilization, while under light load or when high accuracy is required, unicast mode is used. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining accuracy and improving resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The network changes the transmission mode parameter (unicast/broadcast) based on load conditions and UE requirements. This parameter switching allows the system to optimize resource utilization under different operating conditions while maintaining acceptable synchronization accuracy, thereby resolving the productivity-accuracy tradeoff.
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, a UE may perform clock synchronization in accordance with a first network timing reference, such as a unicast network timing reference (UNTR) or a broadcast networking timing reference (BNTR). The UE may detect event(s) associated with a connection to a BS, which may trigger a switch between the UNTR and the BNTR for clock synchronization. In a further aspect, a communications device (e.g., UE or BS) may determine to transition a UE between the BNTR and UNTR for clock synchronization, and may perform one or more actions to facilitate the network timing reference transition.