Timing Source Indication for Wireless Network Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks face challenges in accurately transmitting timing information, especially as they need to support a diverse range of devices with varying data traffic profiles and requirements for latency, reliability, and high-accuracy timing, which existing protocols outside of 3GPP/5G may not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting a time source indication to infrastructure equipment within the network to identify communications devices as sources of timing information, allowing for optimized resource allocation and handover procedures to ensure accurate and efficient transmission of timing information across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing timing information protocols are used in wireless communication networks, then device compatibility is maintained, but timing accuracy and transmission efficiency are insufficient for advanced services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a timing information protocol adapter as an intermediary component that sits between existing timing information sources and the wireless communication network. This adapter translates and adapts timing information from various protocols (GPS,北斗, IEEE 1588, etc.) into a standardized format suitable for 5G/NR networks, thereby maintaining protocol compatibility while achieving high timing accuracy required for advanced services like URLLC and IIoT
2Loss of time
If timing information is transmitted through standard wireless procedures, then network resource usage is balanced, but transmission delays increase and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-configuring timing information transmission parameters and establishing dedicated transmission channels before actual timing information needs to be sent. The network pre-allocates resources for timing-critical traffic, pre-synchronizes base stations, and prepares fast transmission paths, thereby minimizing transmission delays when timing information actually needs to be transmitted without causing resource waste during normal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different transmission quality levels to different types of traffic within the network. Timing-critical information receives prioritized handling with dedicated resources, higher transmission power, and guaranteed quality of service parameters, while non-critical traffic uses standard procedures. This local quality differentiation ensures low delay for timing information while maintaining overall network resource efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If the network supports diverse device types with different requirements, then service versatility is improved, but timing synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple timing domains, each optimized for specific device types and service requirements. Different timing synchronization mechanisms are deployed in different network segments - for example, GPS-based synchronization for macro cells, IEEE 1588 for small cells, and simplified protocols for IoT devices. This segmentation allows each segment to use the most appropriate synchronization method, reducing overall system complexity while supporting diverse devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal timing information interface and standardized protocol adapter that can handle multiple timing protocols and device types through a common architecture. This multi-functional design allows the same infrastructure to support various device categories (UE, MTC, IIoT, VR headsets) with different timing requirements without requiring separate synchronization systems for each device type, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a communications device in a wireless communications network is provided, the method comprising transmitting to an infrastructure equipment of the wireless communications network a time source indication, the time source indication indicating to the infrastructure equipment that the communications device is a source of timing information. The timing information may be in accordance with a non-3GPP protocol, may be generated outside of the wireless communications network, and/or may be used by entities (including logical protocol entities, applications and the like) which are outside of the scope of 3GPP specifications. An example of such timing information is time information which is compliant with the IEEE 802.1AS specification. According to the present methods, a wireless communications network can support time sensitive networking based on timing information which may have its origin and/or destination(s) outside the scope of the wireless communications network.