Timing Advance Control for Low-Power Uplink Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Low-power terminals in a non-connected state experience increased power consumption due to frequent random access processes for uplink synchronization when moving among multiple cells, failing to meet low power requirements.

Innovation Solution

A timing advance determination method and apparatus that allows terminals to determine TA values based on TA obtaining indication information, including keeping the value unchanged, adjusting according to a preset rule, or setting it to 0, reducing the need for frequent connected state transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the terminal uses random access process to achieve uplink synchronization when moving to a new cell, then uplink time synchronization is achieved, but power consumption of the terminal increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink time synchronizationVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network device pre-configures TA obtaining indication information and valid area information for the terminal before the terminal moves to a new cell. This allows the terminal to determine TA values in advance or use previously obtained TA values without performing random access processes when moving within the valid area, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining uplink synchronization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal autonomously determines TA values based on the pre-configured TA obtaining indication information and its current location within the valid area. The terminal can keep the TA value unchanged, adjust it according to preset rules, or set it to 0 based on the indication information, eliminating the need for network-assisted random access processes and reducing power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the terminal performs frequent random access processes to achieve uplink synchronization in different cells, then uplink synchronization is maintained, but the low power requirement is not met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink synchronizationVSAvoidlow power requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The network device provides the terminal with TA obtaining indication information and valid area configuration in advance, enabling the terminal to determine appropriate TA values without frequent random access processes when moving among cells within the valid area. This preliminary configuration allows the terminal to maintain uplink synchronization while operating in low-power modes (RRC inactive or RRC idle states)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal changes its TA value based on the TA obtaining indication information received from the network device. The indication information specifies different TA determination methods (keeping unchanged, adjusting according to preset rule, or setting to 0), allowing the terminal to adaptively select the appropriate TA value without frequent random access, thus meeting low power requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4694406A1Timing advance determination method and apparatus, and processor-readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 DATANG MOBILE COMM EQUIP CO LTD
  • EP4694406A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4694406A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4694406A1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

This disclosure provides a timing advance (TA) determination method and apparatus, and a processor-readable storage medium, and pertains to the field of communications. The TA determination method is performed by a terminal, and includes: receiving TA obtaining indication information from a network device; determining a TA value in at least one of the following manners according to the TA obtaining indication information: keeping the TA value unchanged; determining the TA value according to a preset rule; adjusting, by the terminal, the TA value; or setting the TA value to 0.