Relay Node Network Synchronization via Timing Advance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless relay systems, especially in 5G networks, maintaining precise subframe synchronization between relay nodes and donor base stations is challenging due to the half-duplex constraint of in-band relay, which affects system performance and requires accurate frame timing synchronization to avoid mutual interference.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for implementing network synchronization by adjusting the timing reference signal and network timing advance, allowing the relay node to determine its frame timing based on transmission timing information from the upper-level node, and adjusting the frame timing when deviations occur, ensuring alignment with the upper-level node's timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If in-band relay is used to reduce deployment costs and improve spectral efficiency, then deployment cost and spectral efficiency are improved, but half-duplex constraint causes timing synchronization difficulty between relay nodes and donor base station
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple timing reference signals (first timing reference signal from donor base station, second timing reference signal from upper relay node, third timing reference signal from GPS) and pre-establishing timing advance values for each. When a timing reference signal becomes unavailable or deviates, the relay node can immediately switch to another pre-configured reference signal without delay, maintaining continuous synchronization. This preliminary preparation of multiple reference sources resolves the contradiction by enabling cost-effective in-band relay while preventing timing synchronization loss despite half-duplex constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If timing reference signal is changed or network timing advance deviates, then adaptability to different scenarios is improved, but frame timing synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the timing relationship between the current timing reference signal and the nominal frame timing. When a deviation exceeds a threshold, the system detects this error and triggers a correction mechanism by switching to an alternative timing reference signal or adjusting the timing advance value. This closed-loop feedback ensures that while the system remains adaptable to different scenarios (GPS available, GPS unavailable, different relay levels), it maintains precise frame timing synchronization through continuous error detection and correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically switching between different timing reference signals (changing the reference source parameter) and adjusting timing advance values (changing the timing parameter) based on network conditions. When GPS is available, it uses GPS as the primary reference; when GPS is unavailable, it switches to donor base station or upper relay node references. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains synchronization accuracy across diverse scenarios, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precision.
3Area of stationary object
If multi-level relay is implemented to extend network coverage, then network coverage is extended, but timing synchronization complexity and interference risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the timing synchronization function into separate, independent timing reference signal sources for different relay levels. Each relay node (whether first relay or second relay) has its own configured timing reference signals specific to its level - first relay nodes use donor base station references, while second relay nodes use upper relay node references. This segmentation of timing reference sources by relay level simplifies the overall synchronization complexity despite multi-level coverage extension, as each level operates with its own dedicated reference signals rather than a single complex centralized system.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application relates to the field of communications technologies and provides a method and an apparatus for implementing network synchronization in a relay system, to implement network synchronization between a relay node and an upper-level node of the relay node, to avoid mutual interference between nodes in the relay system because no precise network synchronization is implemented in a frame structure, and to reduce a system throughput. The method includes: receiving, by a first node, transmission timing information sent by a second node, where the transmission timing information includes a first network timing advance; and determining, by the first node, frame timing of the first node based on the transmission timing information, where the frame timing includes a downlink frame sending time and/or an uplink frame receiving time of the first node; and the second node is an upper-level node of the first node.