Wireless Station Synchronization Using Propagation Delay Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing synchronization methods in wireless communications, such as those between macro and small cells, face challenges in achieving high accuracy due to propagation delays of network reference signals, leading to significant deviations in synchronization times.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method involves calculating and compensating for signal propagation delays between stations by subtracting the delay from the receiving time of network reference signals to obtain a synchronization reference time, ensuring accurate synchronization. This is achieved through the steps of obtaining signal propagation delays using location information and adjusting local times accordingly to align with the synchronization reference time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network listening synchronization method is used, then synchronization can be implemented between stations, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to propagation delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the signal propagation delay in advance using location information obtained through triangulation or trilateration methods. The to-be-synchronized station determines its distance from the source station before synchronization, computes the propagation delay based on this distance, and pre-adjusts the synchronization reference time by subtracting the calculated delay. This preliminary calculation and compensation approach eliminates the need for iterative adjustments and directly achieves high-precision synchronization.
2Measurement precision
If propagation delay compensation is implemented, then synchronization accuracy improves, but system complexity increases due to additional calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the to-be-synchronized station to autonomously obtain its location information, calculate the signal propagation delay, and adjust its synchronization reference time without requiring external assistance from the source station or network controller. The station independently performs triangulation or trilateration using received signal strength information, computes the delay compensation, and applies the correction locally. This self-service approach minimizes system complexity by distributing the computational burden to individual stations rather than requiring centralized control.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to a synchronization method and apparatus provided in this application, a source station sends location information of the source station; and after obtaining a signal propagation delay that is calculated according to the location information of the source station and location information of a to-be-synchronized station, the to-be-synchronized station performs synchronization with the source station according to a synchronization reference time obtained by subtracting the propagation delay from a receiving time of a first network reference signal received from the source station. It can be learned that, in a process in which the to-be-synchronized station performs synchronization with the source station, the signal propagation delay between the to-be-synchronized station and the source station is used to compensate for the receiving time of the first network reference signal. Therefore, the consumed propagation delay can be subtracted from the synchronization reference time, so that synchronization accuracy is improved.