TSCTSF Time Synchronization Error Budget Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G mobile communication systems face challenges in maintaining accurate time synchronization between User Equipments (UEs) when Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals are unavailable, leading to potential disruptions in services that require precise timing, such as smart grids.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to provide time synchronization between wireless terminals using a 3GPP 5GS system, where a Time Sensitive Communication and Time Synchronization Function (TSCTSF) manages time synchronization by receiving requests from application functions, transmitting subscription data, and determining error budgets to ensure reliable synchronization, even in the absence of GNSS signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS signals are used for time synchronization, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates when GNSS signals are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the time synchronization method by switching between GNSS-based synchronization and 5G network-based synchronization depending on signal availability. When GNSS signals are unavailable, the system transitions to using 5G network timing references, thereby maintaining service reliability without permanently sacrificing synchronization accuracy when GNSS is available
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a time synchronization management function that acts as an intermediary between GNSS signals and the 5G network. This function monitors GNSS signal availability and automatically switches to 5G network-based time synchronization when GNSS signals are unavailable, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple time synchronization methods are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service time synchronization management function that automatically monitors signal availability, selects appropriate synchronization methods, and switches between GNSS-based and 5G network-based synchronization without requiring manual intervention or complex configuration, thereby managing adaptability while controlling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic time synchronization system that can adaptively switch between different synchronization methods based on real-time signal conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the synchronization source between GNSS and 5G network references, providing versatility without permanent complexity increase since only one method is active at a time
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to 5G or 6G communication systems to support higher data rates. Disclosed is a method performed by a TS CTSF in a wireless communication system, including receiving, from an AF, a first request message for time synchronization including a first time synchronization error budget for a UE, in response to receiving the first request message from the AF, transmitting to a UDM, a second request message for time synchronization subscription data of the UE, receiving, from the UDM, the time synchronization subscription data of the UE including a second time synchronization error budget for the UE, determining a third time synchronization error budget based on the first time synchronization error budget and the second time synchronization error budget, and transmitting, to a PCF, a third request message for time synchronization including the third time synchronization error budget.