5G NR User Equipment RRC Reference Time Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of a clear trigger mechanism for radio base stations (gNB) to transmit reference time using RRC signaling to user equipment (UE) at the required timing in 5G NR systems, potentially leading to missed synchronization opportunities.
Innovation Solution
The user equipment (UE) and radio base station (gNB) are equipped with units to request and transmit radio resource control (RRC) messages containing reference system frame numbers and associated reference times, allowing for timely synchronization by configuring and transmitting RRC messages at predetermined timings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gNB transmits reference time using unicast RRC signaling, then the UE can receive reference time for time synchronization, but there is no clear trigger mechanism causing the gNB to transmit at the required timing
Solution Approach 1:
The UE autonomously determines when it needs reference time and initiates the request by transmitting a request signal to the gNB. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex network-side trigger mechanisms while ensuring reference time is delivered at the required timing.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the gNB proactively push reference time to the UE (traditional approach), the invention inverts the flow by having the UE pull reference time by requesting it when needed. This inversion simplifies the trigger mechanism while maintaining synchronization reliability.
2Reliability
If the gNB waits for network instructions to transmit RRC signaling, then signaling transmission is controlled, but the UE may miss synchronization opportunities when requiring reference time
Solution Approach 1:
The UE prepares and transmits the request signal as soon as it determines reference time is needed, without waiting for network instructions. This preliminary action by the UE ensures that the reference time transmission is initiated at the optimal moment, reducing synchronization delay while maintaining controlled signaling through the gNB's response management.
3Productivity
If RRC signaling is transmitted without a trigger mechanism, then reference time can be delivered, but there is no coordination on when the UE requires the reference time
Solution Approach 1:
The UE provides feedback to the gNB by transmitting a request signal that indicates when reference time is needed. This feedback mechanism enables efficient reference time delivery by ensuring the gNB has accurate timing coordination information about when the UE requires synchronization, allowing targeted and efficient RRC signaling transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal is disclosed including a transmitting unit that transmits a request signal for requesting a radio base station to transmit a reference time, to the radio base station; and a receiving unit that receives a radio resource control message from the radio base station according to the transmission of the request signal, the radio resource control message including a reference system frame number and the reference time associated with the reference system frame number. In other aspects, radio base stations, a radio communication method, and a radio communication system are also disclosed.