Wireless Network Time Counter Synchronization via Timing Advance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing timing synchronization mechanisms in 5G wireless networks, such as the Timing Advance Mechanism, are limited by propagation delays, leading to desynchronization issues due to changes in network conditions and user equipment position, which are not accurately reflected by timing parameters updated infrequently.
Innovation Solution
A method where user equipment updates its time counter immediately upon receiving a timing advance command from the base station, allowing for accurate propagation delay calculation and adjustment, and the base station provides a compensated reference time incorporating the propagation delay for direct time counter updating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the user equipment waits for the next reference system frame to update the time counter based on the TA command, then the synchronization mechanism maintains simplicity and follows the conventional reference system frame structure, but the synchronization accuracy deteriorates because the TA command parameters no longer reflect the true propagation delay when network conditions or UE position have changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the user equipment update its time counter immediately upon receiving the TA command, rather than waiting for the next reference system frame. This preliminary update ensures that the time counter reflects the current propagation delay before any further time passes, thereby improving synchronization accuracy without requiring changes to the reference system frame structure.
2Measurement precision
If the base station sends TA commands frequently to maintain accurate propagation delay parameters, then the synchronization accuracy improves, but the network signaling overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the base station continuously monitor the propagation delay of uplink frames and compare the expected time of arrival with the effective time of arrival. This feedback mechanism allows the base station to detect significant increases in propagation delay and send TA commands only when necessary, maintaining synchronization accuracy while minimizing unnecessary signaling overhead and network complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the user equipment updates the time counter immediately upon receiving the TA command, then the synchronization accuracy improves by reflecting current propagation delay, but the risk of applying outdated parameters increases if the TA command was received before recent changes in network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The base station continuously monitors propagation delay and sends feedback through TA commands only when significant changes are detected. The UE updates its time counter based on these feedback-driven commands, ensuring that only current and reliable propagation delay parameters are applied, thus maintaining both accuracy and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station performs preliminary monitoring and detection of propagation delay changes before sending TA commands. This ensures that the UE receives updates with current and reliable parameters, preventing the application of outdated information while maintaining the benefit of immediate time counter updates.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a method of updating a time counter of one user equipment in a wireless network comprising at least one base station and a plurality of user equipment, the method comprising at the user equipment:receiving a timing advance command from the base station;wherein in response to receiving the timing advance command,updating the time counter using the timing advance command.