Wireless Network Time Synchronization via Intermediary Offset Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, especially in applications like Industrial Internet of Things and V2X, accurate position estimation of network nodes and devices is hindered by unsynchronized local time frames, leading to errors in determining reference signal propagation times.
Innovation Solution
A method for reference signal synchronization in wireless networks involves sending configuration information and measurement requests to transmission-reception points, receiving timing measurement reports, and generating time offset information to synchronize these points, using equations that account for transmission and reception times of reference signals to correct for time frame desynchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If timing measurements are performed using local time frames without synchronization, then measurement process is simple, but position estimation accuracy deteriorates due to unknown time offsets
Solution Approach 1:
A network node acts as an intermediary to collect timing measurements from multiple TRPs and calculate time offsets. The network node receives timing information from TRPs, determines the time offsets between their local time frames, and provides correction information back to the TRPs, enabling accurate position estimation without requiring direct synchronization between TRPs
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the network node calculate time offsets based on timing measurements and communicate correction information back to the TRPs. This feedback loop allows TRPs to adjust their timing based on the calculated offsets, improving measurement accuracy while maintaining operational independence
2Reliability
If time offset correction is implemented, then position estimation accuracy improves, but system complexity increases due to additional synchronization procedures
Solution Approach 1:
Each TRP independently performs timing measurements of reference signals using its own local time frame and reports the measurements to the network node. The TRPs do not require active synchronization with each other, as the network node handles the time offset calculation and correction independently for each measurement
3Measurement precision
If reference signals are transmitted between multiple TRPs for timing measurements, then time offset determination accuracy improves, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reference signals transmitted between TRPs serve multiple purposes: they enable time offset determination, support position estimation, and can be used for other network functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated signals, optimizing network resource and energy usage while maintaining measurement accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes methods and systems for configuring, requesting, performing, and reporting timing measurements of reference signals in a wireless network for purposes of time synchronization between various reference signal transmission-reception points of the wireless network. The reference signal timing measurements may be used to derive time offsets for performing time synchronization and calibration of the transmission-reception points that help improve geographical positioning of wireless devices in the wireless network.