TSN Reference Time Delivery During 5G Mobility Handover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networks, particularly in 5G systems, handover procedures can cause temporary loss of connection to the network source of reference time information, leading to delays in delivering accurate timing information to user equipment (UE), which is problematic for time-sensitive applications requiring tight synchronization with the 5G system clock.
Innovation Solution
Implement methods for nodes in the wireless network to manage and transmit reference time information messages, including determining the capability of a target node to support synchronization, adjusting transmission frequency based on UE preferences, and providing accurate timing information to ensure seamless handovers, thereby reducing synchronization errors and overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If handover procedures are performed in wireless networks, then mobility and connectivity are improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to temporary loss of connection to reference time information source
Solution Approach 1:
The target node receives and processes reference time information messages from the source node before the handover is completed. The target node determines its capability to support synchronization and prepares reference time information in advance, so that when the UE completes handover, the synchronization information is already available, preventing any loss of synchronization accuracy during the mobility transition.
2Measurement precision
If reference time information messages are transmitted frequently to maintain synchronization accuracy, then synchronization precision is improved, but network overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission frequency and timing of reference time information messages are dynamically adjusted based on UE preferences, network conditions, and handover status. The source node sends messages at optimized intervals rather than continuously, and the target node selectively processes messages based on its capability to support synchronization, reducing unnecessary transmissions while maintaining required synchronization accuracy.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the target node processes reference time information in advance during handover preparation, then synchronization continuity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The source node acts as an intermediary by forwarding reference time information messages to the target node during handover preparation. This allows the target node to receive and process synchronization information without requiring complex autonomous processing, as the source node has already prepared and formatted the appropriate messages for forwarding.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include methods for a second node configured to serve a second cell in a wireless network. Such methods include receiving, from a first node, a mobility-related message including information associated with a plurality of first reference time information messages transmitted by the first node to a user equipment (UE). Such methods include, based on the received information, determining whether the second node can support reference time information delivery to the UE in the second cell. Such methods include, based on determining that the second node can support reference time information delivery to the UE, transmitting one or more second reference time information messages to the UE, each second reference time information message including an absolute reference time and a corresponding reference event within downlink transmissions by the second node. Other embodiments include complementary methods for the first node and network nodes configured to perform such methods.