PTP Daemon Deployment for Wireless Pod Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cloud platforms lack an efficient method for time synchronization between different pods in wireless telecommunication systems, leading to potential interference and poor performance in wireless communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with enhanced User Datagram Protocol (UDP) support for Precision Time Protocol (PTP) is implemented, utilizing a Network Service Orchestrator (NSO) to automatically deploy a PTP daemon and provide timing configuration information to Distributed Unit (DU) pods, enabling synchronization across pods through Unix domain sockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PTP synchronization is implemented over UDP/IP in cloud platforms, then time synchronization between pods is enabled, but synchronization reliability and precision deteriorate due to network variability and lack of timing support in standard IP networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a PTP-aware Ethernet switch as an intermediary device in the fronthaul network that provides timing support for PTP packets. This switch acts as a mediator between the UDP/IP network layer and the PTP synchronization requirement, adding timing capabilities to the standard IP network infrastructure and improving synchronization reliability without changing the overall UDP transport mechanism.
2Reliability
If standard Ethernet connections are used for PTP synchronization between DUs and RUs, then timing support is provided, but device complexity increases due to requirements for PTP-aware switches and full timing support configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the PTP timing support function from the end devices (DUs and RUs) and places it in the network infrastructure (PTP-aware Ethernet switches). This allows DUs and RUs to use standard UDP/IP implementations without requiring complex PTP configuration, while the switches provide the necessary timing support transparently in the network path.
3Device complexity
If PTP synchronization is not implemented in cloud platforms, then device complexity is reduced, but interference occurs between DUs and RUs leading to poor throughput and handover success rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the PTP synchronization system universal by implementing it through standard UDP/IP protocols that can operate over existing Ethernet infrastructure. The PTP-aware switches provide multi-functionality by simultaneously handling data traffic and PTP timing packets, enabling synchronization without requiring dedicated timing networks or complex proprietary protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system with enhanced user datagram protocol support for precision time protocol (PTP) is provided. The system includes a base station that is configured to provide communication services for user equipment (UE) located within a cell. The base station includes a network service orchestrator (NSO) that is configured to automatically deploy a PTP daemon that includes PTP service instructions. A PTP pod is in communication with the NSO to receive the PTP service instructions. At least one distributed unit (DU) pod is in communication with the PTP pod. The PTP pod is configured to provide timing configuration information to the at least one DU pod.