Terminal Clock Synchronization via Specific Cell Reference Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G IIoT networks, the challenge of achieving accurate clock synchronization is hindered by inconsistent frame boundaries between master and secondary nodes in Dual Connectivity scenarios, leading to inaccuracies in clock synchronization between terminals and base stations.
Innovation Solution
A method for clock synchronization that involves a terminal receiving clock information from a network device, determining a specific cell as a reference point, and using it for synchronization, ensuring consistency by defining the cell as the clock reference point based on the node that generates or sends the clock information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Dual Connectivity is implemented to enhance network coverage and reliability, then network robustness is improved, but clock synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to inconsistent frame boundaries between master and secondary nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specific cell as an intermediary reference point between the master and secondary nodes. This specific cell acts as a common reference that both nodes can use to align their frame boundaries, thereby resolving the synchronization inconsistency problem while maintaining Dual Connectivity benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reference parameter for clock synchronization from generic frame boundaries to a specific cell-based reference point. By defining a particular cell as the reference, the system establishes a consistent timing baseline that works across both master and secondary nodes, improving synchronization accuracy without compromising network reliability
2Reliability
If multiple cells are used for clock information transmission in Dual Connectivity, then communication reliability is improved, but determining a unified clock reference point becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clock reference determination function from the multiple cells and concentrates it in a single specific cell. By designating one particular cell as the reference point, the system simplifies the complexity of having multiple potential reference sources while maintaining the reliability benefits of multi-cell communication
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having each cell independently provide its own reference, the patent inverts the approach by having all cells reference a specific designated cell. This reversal of the reference relationship simplifies the determination process while maintaining communication reliability across the Dual Connectivity architecture
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a clock synchronization method and a related apparatus. The method comprises: a terminal receiving first clock information; determining a specific cell according to the first clock information; and taking the specific cell as a clock reference point, and performing clock synchronization according to the first clock information.