UE Time Synchronization Update Signaling in 5G NR
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing synchronization mechanism between a radio base station (gNB) and a user equipment (UE) in the NR (5G) system fails to efficiently notify the UE about updates to time information, making it difficult for the UE to determine whether the time information is transmitted via SIB 9 or DLInformationTransfer.
Innovation Solution
A terminal (UE) equipped with a control unit that acquires time information from the network and a reception unit to receive a message indicating updates, along with a transmission unit to request time information, ensuring efficient acquisition through monitoring downlink channels and system information blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gNB transmits updated time information to the UE without notification, then the time information can be updated, but the UE cannot recognize that the time information has been updated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the gNB sends a notification message to the UE when time information is updated. This notification triggers the UE to re-acquire time information, ensuring the UE is always aware of and can obtain the latest time updates without missing any changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UE monitors both SIB9 and DLInformationTransfer channels, then the UE can acquire time information through either channel, but the UE cannot determine which channel will transmit the time information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a notification message as an intermediary that indicates when time information will be transmitted. This mediator allows the UE to efficiently monitor for updates without needing to continuously process both SIB9 and DLInformationTransfer channels simultaneously, reducing complexity while maintaining the ability to receive time information from either source.
3Reliability
If the gNB uses broadcast (SIB9) or unicast (DLInformationTransfer) to transmit time information, then time information can be delivered to the UE, but the UE cannot determine the transmission method used
Solution Approach 1:
The notification message serves as feedback from the gNB to the UE, informing the UE that time information has been or will be updated. This feedback mechanism ensures the UE knows to acquire time information regardless of whether it was transmitted via broadcast or unicast, eliminating the need for the UE to know the specific transmission method used.
Data Source
AI summary
A UE 200 acquires time information used in a system from a network. The UE 200 receives a message indicating that the time information is updated from the network, and acquires the time information according to the reception of the message.