Uplink Timing Synchronization via Data-Triggered Reference Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining uplink synchronization in wireless communication systems is challenging, leading to wastage of network resources and battery drain in user equipment (UE) due to unnecessary transmission of uplink timing reference signals.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for uplink timing alignment in Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, where network access equipment instructs UE to send uplink timing reference signals only when data is available, avoiding interference and conserving resources by determining the necessity of sending these signals based on data transmission intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uplink timing reference signals are transmitted continuously to maintain timing synchronization, then timing synchronization is improved, but network resource waste and battery drain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of uplink timing reference signals based on data transmission intervals. Instead of continuous transmission, the UE sends timing reference signals only at specific intervals when data is available for transmission, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate timing synchronization for actual data communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts the timing reference signal transmission schedule based on the UE's own data transmission patterns. The UE monitors its own data availability and autonomously determines when to transmit timing reference signals, eliminating the need for continuous network-controlled transmissions and reducing overall energy consumption.
2Reliability
If uplink timing reference signals are transmitted continuously to maintain timing synchronization, then timing synchronization is improved, but network resource waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of uplink timing reference signals based on data transmission intervals. Instead of continuous transmission, the UE sends timing reference signals only at specific intervals when data is available for transmission, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate timing synchronization for actual data communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the timing reference signal transmission from continuous operation and conditions it on data availability. By separating the timing synchronization function from continuous transmission and linking it only to actual data transmission events, the system eliminates unnecessary resource consumption while preserving essential synchronization functionality.
3Measurement precision
If uplink timing reference signals are transmitted frequently to maintain timing synchronization, then timing synchronization accuracy is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of uplink timing reference signals based on data transmission intervals. Instead of continuous transmission, the UE sends timing reference signals only at specific intervals when data is available for transmission, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate timing synchronization for actual data communications.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for providing uplink timing synchronization in a wireless communication system. The uplink timing synchronization may be provided via a specific message sent from the user equipment to a network access device, or may be calculated based upon data received at the network access device from the user equipment.