Sidelink Timing Calibration Without GNSS Using Network-Mediated Offsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sidelink communication technologies in cellular networks face challenges in achieving accurate timing calibration, particularly in environments with limited or no Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) coverage, leading to inaccuracies in positioning and communication.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining timing offsets based on calculated and measured two-way delays of wireless links between network nodes and sidelink devices, allowing for the calculation of timing calibration values without relying on GNSS, thereby enhancing timing accuracy and positioning in sidelink communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If timing calibration is performed using GNSS in sidelink communications, then timing accuracy is improved, but the system becomes inoperative in environments with limited or no GNSS coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network node as an intermediary that facilitates timing calibration between sidelink devices. Instead of relying directly on GNSS, the network node receives timing information from sidelink devices, performs calibration calculations, and provides corrected timing values back to the devices. This intermediary approach enables accurate timing calibration in environments where direct GNSS access is limited or unavailable.
2Measurement precision
If sidelink devices use direct GNSS-based timing calibration, then timing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables sidelink devices to perform timing calibration using existing network infrastructure rather than requiring self-contained GNSS hardware. The devices utilize the network node's processing capabilities and existing synchronization mechanisms to achieve timing calibration, thereby avoiding the need for additional specialized hardware while maintaining timing accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If timing calibration is performed without network assistance, then device autonomy is improved, but timing accuracy deteriorates in non-GNSS environments
Solution Approach 1:
The network node serves as a mediator that maintains device autonomy while improving timing accuracy. The sidelink devices independently initiate timing calibration requests and receive corrected values from the network node, preserving their operational autonomy. The network node processes these requests using measured delays and calculated timing offsets, providing accurate timing calibration without requiring continuous GNSS access.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising, determining, by a network node, a timing offset (TOA) of a first wireless link, determining, by the network node, a timing offset (TOB) of a second wireless link, determining, by the network node, a timing offset (TOC) of a third wireless link, calculating, by the network node, a timing calibration value of the first sidelink device using the timing offset (TOA) of the first wireless link, the timing offset (TOB) of the second wireless link and the timing offset (TOC) of the third wireless link and transmitting, by the network node, at least the timing calibration value of the first sidelink device.