Radio Interface Based Synchronization Configuration for LTE Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio interface based synchronization methods in LTE networks face challenges in achieving accurate time synchronization, especially in environments where Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers are not deployable, and require significant network investments for IEEE1588v2 PTP implementation, with unclear configurations for Radio Interface Based Synchronization (RIBS) links that change over time due to new node deployments or environmental changes.
Innovation Solution
A method for configuring radio interface based synchronization that involves obtaining hearability and synchronization ability information from multiple radio base stations, creating a synchronization configuration that defines recommended synchronization links, and dynamically adapting to changes in the network by using a central node to automatically set up RIBS links with optimal time accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS receivers or IEEE1588v2 PTP are used to achieve accurate time synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network node as an intermediary that coordinates synchronization link setup between base stations. Instead of requiring complex GNSS receivers or IEEE1588v2 PTP infrastructure at each base station, the network node facilitates radio interface based synchronization by managing hearability information and synchronisation ability information exchange, thereby achieving accurate time synchronization through a simpler intermediary mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical infrastructure of GNSS receivers and IEEE1588v2 PTP hardware with a software-based radio interface synchronization mechanism. By substituting the physical synchronization infrastructure with radio signal-based synchronization coordinated through network node signaling, the system achieves comparable accuracy without the associated hardware complexity and cost
2Adaptability or versatility
If RIBS configuration is manually set up, then initial synchronization is achieved, but the system cannot adapt to network changes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where base stations continuously report hearability information and synchronisation ability information to the network node. The network node uses this feedback to dynamically adjust and reconfigure synchronization links, ensuring the system adapts to network changes such as new node deployments or environmental variations while maintaining optimal synchronization performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static manual RIBS configuration into a dynamic automated system. The synchronization configuration is no longer fixed but continuously adapts based on real-time hearability and synchronisation ability information exchanged between base stations and the network node, allowing the system to respond automatically to network topology changes and environmental conditions
3Reliability
If multiple synchronisation paths are considered, then synchronization robustness is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of multiple synchronization paths. Instead of requiring individual base stations to manually configure and manage multiple paths, the network node centrally processes hearability and synchronisation ability information to automatically determine optimal synchronization routes, thereby maintaining robustness through multiple paths while reducing configuration complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables base stations to self-configure their synchronization links by automatically exchanging and processing hearability information and synchronisation ability information. Each base station independently determines its optimal synchronization path based on received information from the network node and other base stations, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration while ensuring robust synchronization through multiple available paths
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuration of radio interface based synchronisation comprises obtaining of hearability information and synchronisation ability information concerning a multitude of radio base stations. The hearability information comprises an identity of the radio base station, and experienced signal quality from and identities of other radio base stations. The synchronisation ability information comprises information about a quality of synchronisation obtainable by the radio base station. A radio interface based synchronisation configuration is created in dependence of the obtained information. The radio interface based synchronisation configuration comprises definitions of synchronisation links, which radio base stations are recommended to use for synchronisation purposes. Data defining the radio interface based synchronisation configuration is provided for transmission to the respective radio base stations. Methods for radio interface based synchronisation and for planning radio interface based synchronisation, as well as arrangements and software for performing the methods are also presented.