TSN Time Synchronization Triggers for Multi-UE 5G Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G systems face challenges in efficiently synchronizing user equipment (UE) to a specific time domain, particularly in scenarios requiring immediate or simultaneous synchronization across multiple UEs, leading to increased implementation costs and reduced stability and precision of time synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an Application Function Entity (AF) transmitting a TSN configuration creation request to a Network Exposure Function (NEF), which then communicates with a Unified Data Management Entity (UDM) and Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) to control signaling for UE time synchronization, utilizing identifiers and trigger conditions to manage synchronization operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional time synchronization methods are used in 5G systems, then time synchronization can be achieved, but implementation costs increase and stability and precision of time synchronization decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Time Synchronization Function (TSF) entity as an intermediary between the AF and the UEs. The TSF receives TSN configuration creation requests from the AF, processes authorization requests with the UDM, and manages the distribution of synchronization triggers to multiple UEs. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing time synchronization management, thereby reducing implementation complexity and costs while improving reliability through dedicated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the time synchronization system into distinct functional entities: AF (Application Function), TSF (Time Synchronization Function), UDM (Unified Data Management), and AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function). Each entity has specific responsibilities, allowing the system to manage time synchronization for multiple UEs independently and efficiently. This segmentation enables scalable deployment and reduces the complexity burden on any single component.
2Measurement precision
If immediate or simultaneous synchronization is implemented across multiple UEs, then time synchronization precision improves, but implementation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the AF send a TSN configuration creation request in advance, which includes first information indicating TSN time synchronization trigger conditions. The TSF processes authorization requests with the UDM beforehand, and prepares synchronization configurations before actual synchronization events occur. This advance preparation enables precise simultaneous synchronization across multiple UEs without incurring high implementation costs during the actual synchronization event.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through the use of TSN time synchronization trigger conditions that can be configured to occur at specific intervals or events. The TSF manages the distribution of these periodic synchronization triggers to multiple UEs, ensuring that time synchronization precision is maintained through regular, predictable synchronization events rather than requiring continuous complex control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If centralized control of time synchronization is implemented, then synchronization stability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the TSF entity to perform multiple functions: receiving TSN configuration requests from AF, processing authorization with UDM, managing AMF communications, and distributing synchronization triggers to multiple UEs. The UDM also serves multiple purposes by handling both authorization and subscription data management. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby maintaining synchronization stability through centralized control while actually reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present application provide a time synchronization method and apparatus, a computer-readable medium, and an electronic device. The time synchronization method comprises: receiving a TSN configuration creation request sent by an AF, wherein the TSN configuration creation request includes an identifier of target user equipment and first information used to indicate a condition for triggering TSN time synchronization; and sending a TSN license request to a UDM, wherein the TSN license request is used to request the UDM to send, upon license confirmation, a TSN activation request including the first information to an AMF registered for the target user equipment, so as to send to the target user equipment, via the AMF, a control signaling message used to perform a TSN time synchronization operation.