Node Synchronization via UE-Assisted Timing Offset Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing node synchronization methods, a to-be-synchronized node is unable to receive synchronization signals from a synchronization source node due to frequency or duplex system constraints, such as in FDD systems where both nodes operate on the same frequency, or in TDD systems with different frequencies, preventing effective time synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A method where user equipment (UE) assists in calculating a timing offset between nodes by receiving and processing timing advances from both nodes, allowing the UE to calculate and transmit the timing offset to enable synchronization, even when the nodes operate on different frequencies or duplex modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a to-be-synchronized node receives synchronization signals directly from a synchronization source node, then time synchronization can be implemented, but the to-be-synchronized node must be capable of receiving signals on the source node's operating frequency, which is not always possible in FDD or TDD systems with different frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third node as an intermediary that can receive signals from both the synchronization source node and the to-be-synchronized node. This intermediary node measures the timing difference between signals from both nodes and provides feedback to the to-be-synchronized node, enabling synchronization without requiring direct signal reception between the source and to-be-synchronized nodes across different frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a direct one-to-one synchronization path to a multi-node indirect path, adding spatial and topological dimensions to the synchronization architecture. This allows synchronization to occur through multiple hops across different frequency interfaces, solving the frequency compatibility problem
2Adaptability or versatility
If user equipment assists in calculating timing offset between nodes, then nodes can synchronize even when operating on different frequencies, but additional processing steps and message exchanges are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the intermediary node measures timing differences and sends correction information back to the to-be-synchronized node. This feedback loop enables automatic timing adjustment without requiring complex manual configuration or additional hardware, balancing adaptability with process simplicity
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a node synchronization method and apparatus, and relate to the field of communications technologies, where the method includes: selecting, by a first node, at least one user equipment UE, where the UE is used to assist a second node to synchronize with the first node; and sending, by the first node, a notification message to the at least one UE, so that the at least one UE assists the second node to implement synchronization with the first node. The present invention is applicable to time synchronization between communications nodes.