Wireless Network Clock Synchronization via Asymmetric Delay Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in 5G wireless communication systems is to achieve clock synchronization across nodes, which is typically supported in wired networks but faces difficulties due to asymmetric propagation delays in uplink and downlink air links, making it hard to implement in wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves determining the residence time of messages in a wireless communication network by calculating the difference between ingress and egress times at various network entities, allowing for accurate clock synchronization by correcting for asymmetrical delays in both uplink and downlink transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If clock synchronization technology from wired networks is introduced to wireless networks, then synchronization accuracy can be improved, but asymmetric propagation delay in air links causes deterioration in synchronization performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry principle by explicitly accounting for the asymmetric nature of wireless propagation delays. Instead of assuming symmetric delays as in wired networks, the system measures and compensates for different uplink and downlink delays separately, transforming the asymmetric challenge into a solvable parameter for achieving synchronization accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where nodes exchange timing information and measured delays through messaging protocols. The system continuously monitors propagation delays and adjusts synchronization based on feedback from timing messages, enabling dynamic compensation for wireless channel variations
2Device complexity
If traditional wired network synchronization protocols are used in wireless networks, then implementation complexity can be reduced, but the asymmetric propagation delay causes loss of synchronization accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the synchronization protocol to accommodate wireless characteristics. It introduces additional timing parameters specific to wireless propagation and modifies the synchronization algorithm to calculate offsets based on measured wireless delays rather than assuming fixed or symmetric delays
3Ease of operation
If uplink and downlink propagation delays are not compensated, then system operation is simpler, but clock synchronization between nodes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of uplink and downlink propagation delays before executing clock synchronization. By pre-characterizing the wireless channel delays and storing them for compensation, the system prepares synchronization data in advance, simplifying the actual synchronization operation while maintaining accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as long term evolution (LTE). According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a method for operating a base station in a wireless communication system includes receiving, from a terminal, information on a residence time of the terminal and a transmission time of an uplink frame, determining a radio access network residence time based on the transmission time of the uplink frame, and transmitting the radio access network residence time and the residence time of the terminal to a user plane function (UPF).