Timing Offset Acquisition for Dual Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dual connectivity environments, determining the timing offset between non-time-synchronized macro and small cell eNBs is challenging due to non-ideal backhaul communication, which hinders the coordination of discontinuous receive (DRX) parameters across base stations.
Innovation Solution
A reference source, such as a global timing reference, is used to correlate the timing between eNBs, with a UE connected to both eNBs transmitting timing offset data to determine and coordinate DRX parameters, allowing eNBs to synchronize their frame timings and adjust DRX parameters accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If eNBs run independent schedulers to accommodate non-ideal backhaul, then system adaptability to non-ideal backhaul conditions is improved, but timing offset determination between eNBs becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a user equipment (UE) as an intermediary to measure and report timing offset information between macro eNB and small cell eNB. The UE receives signals from both eNBs, measures the timing offset, and reports this information to the eNBs, enabling them to coordinate DRX parameters despite running independent schedulers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE measures timing offset information and reports it back to the eNBs. This feedback loop enables the eNBs to adjust their scheduling and DRX parameters based on actual measured timing offsets, resolving the contradiction between independent operation and timing coordination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If eNBs are not time-synchronized due to non-ideal backhaul, then independence and adaptability to varying conditions is improved, but coordination of DRX parameters between base stations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The UE acts as a mediator that bridges the timing information gap between independent eNBs. By measuring timing offsets from both eNBs and reporting this information, the UE enables reliable DRX parameter coordination while allowing eNBs to maintain their independent operation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical time-synchronization approach (where eNBs would be tightly synchronized via ideal backhaul) with an information-based substitution. Instead of forcing time synchronization, the system uses measured timing offset information to coordinate DRX parameters, preserving eNB independence while achieving coordination reliability.
3Device complexity
If timing offset information is not accurately determined, then system complexity is reduced, but power consumption efficiency and throughput for UEs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs self-service by autonomously measuring timing offset information from signals received from both eNBs and reporting this information back to the network. This self-measurement approach avoids complex network-side synchronization mechanisms while enabling efficient DRX parameter coordination that improves throughput and power consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices and methods for determining timing offsets between wireless devices are provided. One method includes transmitting, from a first device, a request for timing data to first user equipment and receiving a response. The timing data is indicative of a frame timing associated with a reference time for both the first device and a second device. The method further includes determining a timing offset between the frame timing for the first device and a frame timing for the second device based on the timing data. Another method includes receiving a reference time from a timing reference device, applying a timestamp to frame timing data for the first device, receiving frame timing data from the second device time-stamped based on the reference time, and comparing the timing data to determine a time offset between the devices.