Wireless Timing Adjustment for Periodical Traffic
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G wireless network faces a timing mismatch issue due to unsynchronized Grand Master clocks across different clock domains, leading to delays and buffer overflows in data traffic.
Innovation Solution
A communication terminal and network nodes are configured to adjust transmission and reception timing based on clock mismatch information and holding time, allowing synchronization between different clock domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Semi-Persistent Scheduling (SPS) or Configured Grant (CG) is used for periodical traffic, then control channel overhead is reduced and reliability is improved, but timing mismatch between different clock domains causes delay jitter and buffer overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the SPS/CG period configurable and adjustable based on the external traffic pattern. The gNB can dynamically modify the SPS/CG period to match the periodical traffic interval from external clock domains, transforming a static scheduling mechanism into a dynamic one that adapts to timing requirements. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain high reliability through SPS/CG while avoiding delay jitter through dynamic period adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameters of SPS/CG configurations to align with external traffic patterns. By adjusting the period parameter of SPS/CG to match the external clock domain's traffic interval, the system maintains reliable periodical scheduling while eliminating timing mismatch-induced delay jitter. This parameter adjustment allows the 5G RAN to adapt to different external clock domains without sacrificing the reliability benefits of SPS/CG.
2Loss of time
If SPS/CG period is increased to match larger traffic transmission interval, then timing alignment with external traffic is improved, but delay increases constantly and buffer overflow occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics by enabling the gNB to adaptively adjust the SPS/CG period based on the actual traffic pattern from external clock domains. Rather than using a fixed large period that causes buffer overflow, the system dynamically optimizes the period to match the traffic interval, achieving timing alignment without excessive delay accumulation that leads to buffer overflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the gNB monitors the timing relationship between 5G RAN and external clock domains, and adjusts SPS/CG configurations accordingly. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain proper timing alignment while preventing buffer overflow by adjusting the period based on actual traffic conditions rather than using a statically increased period.
3Reliability
If SPS/CG period is decreased to match smaller traffic transmission interval, then buffer overflow is prevented, but delay jitter increases and transmission limit is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the SPS/CG period adjustable based on the external traffic pattern. Instead of using a fixed small period that prevents buffer overflow but causes delay jitter, the system dynamically sets the period to match the external traffic interval, achieving both buffer overflow prevention and minimal delay jitter through adaptive timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the SPS/CG period parameter to optimally balance buffer overflow prevention and delay jitter reduction. By adjusting this parameter to match the external clock domain's traffic interval, the system prevents buffer overflow while maintaining acceptable delay characteristics, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If independent Grand Master clocks are used in different clock domains, then adaptability to different external clock domains is improved, but timing synchronization between domains deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the gNB as an intermediary that mediates between multiple independent clock domains. The gNB receives periodical traffic from external clock domains with different Grand Master clocks and schedules 5G RAN transmissions accordingly. This intermediary function allows each clock domain to maintain its independence and adaptability while the gNB handles the timing coordination, preventing direct timing synchronization requirements between external domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the gNB to handle multiple different external clock domains simultaneously. The gNB can adapt to different Grand Master clocks from various external domains while maintaining a unified 5G Time Domain for internal operations. This multi-functional capability allows the system to support diverse external clock domains without requiring them to be synchronized to each other.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication terminal is provided for supporting a periodical data flow by forwarding messages received from a communication network to an external node not synchronised with the communication network. The communication terminal is configured to obtain one or more timing adjustment indications from an access node of the communication network and adjust the transmission and/or reception timing of the periodical data flow in dependence on the timing adjustment indication(s). The one or more timing adjustment indications are based on clock mismatch information between the communication terminal and the external node and a holding time.