CN117641312A

CN117641312A - Clock source selection method and device and network equipment

Info

Publication number: CN117641312A
Application number: CN202210950414.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马万明; 黄震宁; 李爱华; 都晨辉; 魏彬
Original assignee: China Mobile Communications Group Co Ltd; China Mobile Communications Ltd Research Institute
Current assignee: China Mobile Communications Group Co Ltd; China Mobile Communications Ltd Research Institute
Priority date: 2022-08-09
Filing date: 2022-08-09
Publication date: 2024-03-01

Abstract

The invention provides a clock source selection method, a clock source selection device and network side equipment. The method comprises the following steps: and acquiring first information reported by first network side equipment through a second network element, wherein the first information is used for determining clock source information of the first network side equipment. By adopting the method, the first network element reports the first information for determining the first network side equipment to the first network element through the second network element, so that the first network element determines the clock source information of the first network side equipment by using the first information, and the problem of clock source reselection caused by the change of the RAN or the UPF is avoided.

Description

Clock source selection method and device and network equipment

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the technical field of core networks, and in particular, to a clock source selection method, a clock source selection device, and a network side device.

Background

For a UE, a time synchronization method of a terminal (UE) is also called, and the prior art specifies a clock source selection method based on UE subscription information, however, in a scenario where the UE moves or switches between base stations, a radio access network (Radio Access Network, RAN) or a User plane function (User Plane Function, UPF) changes, for the UE, the base stations connected after switching may be connected to different clock sources, so that the clock sources connected by the base stations after switching do not necessarily meet the subscription information requirement of the UE; for a base station connected after handover, if a re-accessed UE requires clock source reselection, it may affect a connected UE that is in time synchronization service.

Therefore, how to solve the problem of clock source reselection caused by RAN or UPF change, and meet the requirements of the subscription information of the UE and the time synchronization service of the application layer functions (Application Function, AF) are needed to be solved.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention aims to provide a clock source selection method, a clock source selection device and network side equipment, which are used for solving the problem of clock source reselection caused by RAN or UPF change.

The embodiment of the invention provides a clock source selection method, which is executed by a first network element and comprises the following steps:

and acquiring first information reported by first network side equipment through a second network element, wherein the first information is used for determining clock source information of the first network side equipment.

Optionally, the clock source selection method, wherein the method further includes:

the first network element determines clock source information of the first network side equipment according to second information, wherein the second information comprises one or more of the following information:

the first information;

time synchronization subscription data of the user;

time synchronization service request information of an application layer function AF network element;

local configuration data of the first network element.

Optionally, in the clock source selection method, the time synchronization subscription data of the user includes time synchronization subscription data of a first user and/or time synchronization subscription data of a second user;

The first user is a user currently switched to the first network side device by the second network side device; and when the second user is the user of the first network side equipment, the second user is the user currently connected with the first network side equipment when the second user is switched.

and the first network element sends the clock source information to the first network side equipment through the second network element.

and sending a first request to a second network element, wherein the first request is used for requesting a second user connected with the first network side equipment.

and the first network element acquires the time synchronization subscription data by subscribing or sending a request to a third network element.

Optionally, the clock source selection method, wherein the first information includes one or more of the following information:

a master clock source identification;

a master clock source type;

master clock accuracy;

master clock quality;

candidate clock sources;

whether the user belongs to the region of interest AoI;

whether the user is located within the time synchronization area;

Master clock source status information;

an indication of successful switching of the clock source;

and (5) identifying a clock source after switching.

Optionally, the clock source selection method, wherein the time synchronization subscription data includes one or more of the following information:

whether the user supports time synchronization service;

whether the user supports the elastic time service;

clock source information;

the time synchronization service requirements of the user.

Optionally, the clock source selection method, wherein the time synchronization service requirement includes one or more of the following information:

clock source identification of the supported clock source;

clock source types of supported clock sources;

clock accuracy of the supported clock source;

clock quality of supported clock sources.

Optionally, the clock source selection method, wherein the time synchronization service request information of the AF network element includes one or more of the following information:

time synchronization error budget;

clock accuracy requested by the application layer function AF;

clock identification requested by the application layer function AF;

the clock quality requested by the application layer function AF;

the application layer function AF requests the type of clock.

Optionally, the clock source selection method, wherein the clock source information includes one or more of the following information:

A new clock source identifier;

a new clock source type;

a new clock source list;

uu error budget Uu error budgets;

an indication of clock source switching is allowed.

under the condition that the clock source information of the first network side equipment cannot be determined according to the second information, the first network element sends abnormal information to the AF network element and/or the first user;

the first user is a user currently switched to the first network side device by the second network side device.

Optionally, the clock source selecting method, wherein the first network side device includes one of a next generation radio access network NG-RAN, a radio access network RAN, AN access network AN, a next generation base station gNB, a base station, a user plane function UPF, and a network side time sensitive network translator NW-TT.

Optionally, the clock source selecting method, wherein the first network element includes one of a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function TSCTSF network element and a time sensitive network application function TSN AF network element.

Optionally, the clock source selecting method, wherein the second network element includes one of an AMF network element, an operation and maintenance OAM network element, and a network data analysis function NWDAF network element.

The embodiment of the invention also provides a clock source selection method, which is executed by the first network side device and comprises the following steps:

and reporting first information to a first network element through a second network element, wherein the first information is used for determining clock source information of the first network side equipment.

the first network side equipment receives clock source information of the first network side equipment sent by the first network element through a second network element.

a master clock source identification;

a master clock source type;

master clock accuracy;

candidate clock sources;

whether the user belongs to the region of interest AoI;

whether the user is located within the time synchronization area;

master clock source status information;

an indication of successful switching of the clock source;

and (5) identifying a clock source after switching.

Optionally, the clock source selecting method, wherein the reporting, by the first network side device, the first information to the first network element includes:

reporting first information to the first network element when at least one of the following conditions is met:

A first user accesses to the first network side equipment;

and the master clock source connected with the first network side equipment is abnormal.

Optionally, the clock source selecting method, after reporting the first information to the first network element, further includes:

if the clock source information of the first network side device sent by the first network element is not received within the preset time length of the first network element, network time synchronization state abnormality information is sent to a first user; the network time synchronization status anomaly information comprises user information of the first user and/or the first information.

a new clock source identifier;

a new clock source type;

a new clock source list;

Uu error budget；

an indication of clock source switching is allowed.

Optionally, the clock source selecting method, wherein the first network element includes one of a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function TSCTSF network element and a time sensitive network application function TSN AF network element;

the first network side equipment comprises one of NG-RAN, RAN, AN, RAN, gNB, a base station, UPF and NW-TT.

The embodiment of the invention also provides a network device, wherein the network device is a first network element, and the network device comprises a transceiver, wherein:

the transceiver is configured to obtain, through a second network element, first information reported by a first network side device, where the first information is used to determine clock source information of the first network side device.

The embodiment of the invention also provides a network device, wherein the network device is a first network side device, and the network device comprises a transceiver, wherein:

the transceiver is configured to report first information to a first network element through a second network element, where the first information is used to determine clock source information of the first network side device.

The embodiment of the invention also provides a clock source selecting device, which is applied to the first network element and comprises the following components:

the acquisition module is used for acquiring first information reported by the first network side equipment through the second network element, wherein the first information is used for determining clock source information of the first network side equipment.

The embodiment of the invention also provides a clock source selecting device, which is applied to the first network side equipment and comprises the following components:

and the reporting module is used for reporting first information to the first network element through the second network element, wherein the first information is used for determining clock source information of the first network side equipment.

The embodiment of the invention also provides a network device, which comprises: a transceiver, a processor, a memory, and a program or instructions stored on the memory and executable on the processor; wherein the processor, when executing the program or instructions, implements a clock source selection method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

Embodiments of the present invention also provide a readable storage medium having stored thereon a program or instructions which when executed by a processor performs the steps in the clock source selection method as set forth in any one of the preceding claims.

The technical scheme of the invention has the following beneficial effects:

according to the clock source selection method provided by the embodiment of the invention, the first network element reports the first information for determining the first network side equipment to the first network element through the second network element, so that the first network element determines the clock source information of the first network side equipment by using the first information, and the problem of clock source reselection caused by changing the RAN or UPF is avoided.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a clock source selection method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic flow chart of one embodiment of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic flow chart of another implementation of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a clock source selection method according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a network device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a time source selecting device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a time source selecting device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a network device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a network device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and advantages to be solved more apparent, the following detailed description will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

It should be appreciated that reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

In various embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the sequence numbers of the following processes do not mean the order of execution, and the order of execution of the processes should be determined by the functions and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present invention.

In addition, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably herein.

In order to solve the problem of clock source reselection caused by the change of the RAN or the UPF, an embodiment of the present invention provides a clock source selection method, in which first information for determining a first network side device is reported to a first network element by a second network element, so that the first network element determines clock source information of the first network side device by using the first information, so as to avoid the problem of clock source reselection caused by the change of the RAN or the UPF.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a clock source selecting method, which is executed by a first network element, as shown in fig. 1, and the method includes:

s110, acquiring first information reported by first network side equipment through a second network element, wherein the first information is used for determining clock source information of the first network side equipment.

Optionally, in the time synchronization process, when the first user is switched from the second network side device to the first network side device, the first network side device reports first information to the first network element, where the first information is used to determine clock source information of the first network side device. In this way, the first network element determines the clock source information of the first network side device by using the first information reported by the first network side device, so that the problem that the current clock source cannot meet the requirement of a user or network time due to the fact that the terminal moves the RAN or UPF to generate switching is avoided.

In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the first Network side device and the second Network side device include one of a Next Generation radio access Network (Next Generation-Radio Access Network, NG-RAN), RAN, AN, a Next Generation base station gNB, a base station, a user plane function (User Plane Function, UPF), and a Network side Time sensitive Network (Time-Sensitive Network, TSN) translator (Network-side TSN Translator, NW-TT).

Optionally, the first network element comprises one of a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function (Time Sensitive Communication and Time Synchronization function, TSCTSF) network element and a time sensitive network application function (Time Sensitive Networking Application Function, TSN AF) network element.

In one embodiment, when the first network side device meets at least one of the following conditions, first information is reported to the first network element:

a first user accesses to the first network side equipment;

Alternatively, the first user accessing the first network side device may also be referred to as the first user moving or switching to the first network side device.

The occurrence of the abnormality of the master clock source connected with the first network side equipment comprises at least one of the following steps:

A master clock source failure;

the master clock source fails;

degradation of the master clock source;

and recovering the master clock source.

In one embodiment, optionally, the first information includes one or more of the following information:

a master clock source identification;

a master clock source type;

master clock accuracy;

master clock quality;

candidate clock sources;

whether the user belongs to the region of interest AoI;

whether the user is located within the time synchronization area;

master clock source status information;

an indication of successful switching of the clock source;

and (5) identifying a clock source after switching.

Optionally, the master clock source status information includes at least one of master clock source anomalies, faults, failures, degradation, or restoration, and the like.

Optionally, the second network element comprises one of an access and mobility management function (Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF) network element, an operation and maintenance (Operations and Maintenance, OAM) network element, and a network data analysis function (Network Data Analytics Function, NWDAF) network element.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the second network element (for example, an AMF network element) has a function of reporting the first information to the first network element (TSCTSF network element or TSN AF network element), that is, supports reporting the first information to the first network element.

In one embodiment, optionally, the method further includes:

the first network element sends a second request to the second network element or the first network side device, wherein the second request is used for requesting to acquire the first information.

And the first network side equipment reports the first information through the second network element according to the second request.

In this embodiment, the first network element (TSCTSF network element or TSN AF network element) has a function of subscribing or requesting the first information to the second network element or the first network side device.

In one embodiment of the present invention, optionally, after the first information reported by the first network side device is obtained through the second network element, the method further includes:

the first information;

time synchronization subscription data of the user;

local configuration data of the first network element.

By adopting the embodiment, after the first information is reported by the first network side equipment, the first network element (TSCTSF network element or TSN AF network element) can determine the clock source information of the first network side equipment according to at least one of the first information, the time synchronization subscription data of the user, the time synchronization service request information of the AF and the local configuration data of the first network element, so that the dynamic selection and maintenance of the clock source are realized, the continuity of time service is ensured, and the problem of clock source reselection caused by the change of RAN or UPF is avoided.

Optionally, the method further comprises:

In one embodiment, optionally, the TSCTSF network element or the TSN AF network element sends clock source information to the first network side device through the AMF network element.

Optionally, the time synchronization subscription data of the user includes time synchronization subscription data of the first user and/or time synchronization subscription data of the second user;

Optionally, the method further comprises:

The second user comprises identifiers or lists of all users currently connected with the first network side device.

With this embodiment, the first network element (TSCTSF network element or TSN AF network element) has the function of subscribing or requesting the second user to the second network element (e.g. to an AMF network element), i.e. supports subscribing or requesting the second user to the AMF network element.

In another embodiment, optionally, the method further comprises:

Optionally, the third network element comprises at least one of a unified data management (Unified Data Management, UDM) network element and a unified data repository (Unified Data Repository, UDR) functional network element.

With this embodiment, the first network element has a function of subscribing or requesting time synchronization subscription data to the third network element.

Optionally, the time synchronization subscription data includes one or more of the following information:

whether the user supports time synchronization service;

whether the user supports the elastic time service;

clock source information;

the time synchronization service requirements of the user.

Wherein the time synchronization service requirement includes one or more of the following information:

clock source identification of the supported clock source;

clock source types of supported clock sources;

clock accuracy of the supported clock source;

clock quality of supported clock sources.

Optionally, the clock source information includes a clock type and/or a clock precision.

In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the time synchronization service request information of the AF network element includes one or more of the following information:

Time synchronization error budget;

clock accuracy requested by the application layer function AF;

clock identification requested by the application layer function AF;

the clock quality requested by the application layer function AF;

the application layer function AF requests the type of clock.

Optionally, the clock source information includes one or more of the following:

a new clock source identifier;

a new clock source type;

a new clock source list;

uu error budget Uu error budgets;

an indication of clock source switching is allowed.

It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present invention, the new clock source is the clock source after the first network element indicates to the first network side device that the first network side device needs to be switched.

In the embodiment of the invention, by adopting the embodiment, when the first user is switched from the second network side device to the first network side device, the first network side device reports the first information to the first network element, so that the first network element can determine the clock source information of the first network side device based on at least one of the first information, the time synchronization subscription data of the user, the time synchronization service request information of the AF network element and the local configuration data of the first network element under the condition that the RAN or the UPF is changed, thereby realizing the dynamic selection and maintenance of the clock source and further guaranteeing the continuity of the elastic time service. In one embodiment, optionally, the method further includes:

In this embodiment, the first network element (TSCTSF network element or TSN AF network element) may support a function of transmitting anomaly information to the AF network element and/or the first user.

Optionally, the anomaly information includes user information of the first user and/or the first information.

Further, the first network side device may obtain clock source information sent by the first network element through the second network element.

The clock source selection method according to the embodiment of the invention is described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

Example 1

In this embodiment, taking a method of blank dictation as an example, with reference to fig. 2, the clock source selection method according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps:

s201, the UE (for example, a first user) signs time synchronization signing data of the UE in a UDM network element, wherein the time synchronization signing data comprises time synchronization service and/or elastic time service parameters;

s202, the AF network element executes a time synchronization service process of requesting or updating UE;

The TSCTSF may obtain all clock source information (including clock source identification, clock source type, clock accuracy, clock quality, etc.) from 5GS (e.g., nodes such as RAN, UPF/NW-TT, DS-TT, etc.) or based on some implementation.

Wherein all clock sources should belong to the same time synchronization network or have some time synchronization mechanism with each other.

S203, a TSCTSF network element (a first network element) acquires time synchronization subscription data by a UDM network element (a third network element) and is used for acquiring information of whether the UE signs a time synchronization service or not and subscription information;

s204, if the time synchronization subscription data meets the requirement, the TSCTSF network element selects a proper clock source according to the time synchronization subscription data so as to provide the time synchronization service for the UE;

s205, the TSCTSF network element sends determining information to the base station to which the UE is currently connected so as to perform time synchronization service of the UE; optionally, the TSCTSF network element may provide a time synchronization service to the UE using a space-time dictation scheme;

s206, if the TSCTSF network element issues a candidate clock source (list) to each base station, each base station performs corresponding candidate clock source configuration.

Based on the above steps S201 to S206, the initial selection process of the UE clock source is completed. Further, with the initial selection procedure of the UE clock source described above, in the case of UE movement, the following clock source selection procedure is performed:

S207, UE moves, and inter-base station switching is carried out between a Source base station Source NG-RAN and a Target base station Target NG-RAN;

s208, the (optional) target base station or AMF determines whether the UE is still within the Area Of Interest (AoI). If yes, go to step S209; if the judgment result is negative, the target base station responds to the UE to be moved out AoI to the TSCTSF/TSN AF network element through the AMF network element; optionally, the TSCTSF indicates that the UE is not already within AoI by responding to the AF and/or UE with exception information;

s209, the target base station reports first information to TSCTSF/TSN AF through an AMF network element (second network element);

s210, the TSCTSF/TSN AF subscribes/requests a second user (set) from the AMF, namely all other users currently connected by the target base station;

s211, TSCTSF/TSN AF acquires time synchronization subscription data of a first user and a second user (set) from a UDM network element;

s212, the (optional) TSCTSF/TSN AF selects a clock source of the target base station (first network side device) based on the acquired time synchronization subscription data. In this implementation step, if the TSCTSF/TSN AF cannot select the appropriate clock source, the following steps S213 and S214 are executed; if the TSCTSF/TSN AF is able to select the appropriate clock source, then step S215 is performed;

S213, the (optional) TSCTSF/TSN AF reports the abnormal information of the first user abnormality to the AF;

s214, the (optional) TSCTSF/TSN AF reports the abnormal information of the first user abnormality to the first user;

s215, the (optional) TSCTSF/TSN AF provides time synchronization service for the first user through the target base station based on the air interface time transmission method, wherein the time synchronization service can carry the new clock source selected in the step S212; alternatively, if the appropriate clock source is not selected in step S212, the TSCTSF/TSN AF may instruct the target base station to deactivate the first user.

In another implementation manner of the clock source selection method according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the target base station detects that the clock source is abnormal, the following steps are executed:

s216, the target base station detects that the (main) clock source is abnormal, and switches to a new clock source according to a clock source list or priority of a preset value;

s217, the (optional) target base station reports an indication of successful switching of the clock source to the TSCTSF/TSN AF (via an AMF network element), and optionally, the indication comprises an identification and/or a type of the switched clock source;

s218, the (optional) SCTSF/TSN AF acquires the time synchronization subscription data of the UE from the UDM;

s219, the TSCTSF/TSN AF judges whether to allow the clock source to switch or reselect the clock source based on the time synchronization subscription data of the UE;

S220, TSCTSF/TSN AF issues (via AMF) an indication to the target base station whether or not to allow clock source switching.

S221, the target base station provides time synchronization service to the UE by using a space dictation time method according to the instruction of TSCTSF/TSN AF, or instructs to deactivate the UE.

Example two

In this embodiment, taking a g (PTP) protocol time service method as an example, with reference to fig. 3, the clock source selection method according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps:

s301, the UE (for example, a first user) signs time synchronization signing data of the UE in a UDM network element, wherein the time synchronization signing data comprises time synchronization service and/or elastic time service parameters;

s302, the AF network element executes a time synchronization service process of requesting or updating the UE;

s303, a TSCTSF network element (a first network element) acquires time synchronization subscription data by a UDM network element (a third network element) and is used for acquiring information of whether the UE signs a time synchronization service or not and subscription information;

s304, if the time synchronization subscription data meets the requirement, the TSCTSF network element selects a proper clock source according to the time synchronization subscription data so as to provide the time synchronization service for the UE;

s305, the TSCTSF provides the determination information of the time synchronization service to the UPF (Source UPF of the UE), where the determination information (such as carrying 5GS clock attribute, including clock type, precision, etc.) is used to perform the time synchronization service of the UE, and the UPF initializes the timing method based on (g) PTP.

S306, if the TSCTSF issues a candidate clock source list, the UPF performs corresponding clock source pre-allocation values.

Based on the above steps S301 to S306, the initial selection process of the UE clock source is completed. Further, with the initial selection procedure of the UE clock source described above, in the case of UE movement, the following clock source selection procedure is performed:

s307, UE (first user) moves, and the base stations switch to each other, so that UPF is changed;

s308, the (optional) target UPF/NW-TT determines whether the UE is still within AoI. If yes, go to step S309; if the judgment result is negative, the target UPF responds to abnormal information to TSCTSF/TSN AF through AMF, and indicates that the UE moves out of AoI, and the TSCTSF responds to AF and/or UE to be abnormal;

s309, the target UPF/NW-TT reports first information to TSCTSF/TSN AF;

s310, the TSCTSF/TSN AF subscribes/requests/acquires a second user (set) from the AMF, namely all other users of the target UPF/NW-TT currently sending (g) PTP time service information;

s311, TSCTSF/TSN AF obtains time synchronization subscription data of a first user and a second user (set) from the UDM;

s312, the (optional) TSCTSF/TSN AF selects a clock source of the target base station based on the obtained time synchronization subscription data of the UE; if the appropriate clock source cannot be selected, steps S313 to S314 are performed; if a suitable clock source can be selected, step S315 is performed;

S313, the (optional) TSCTSF/TSN AF reports the abnormal information of the first user abnormality to the AF.

S314, the (optional) TSCTSF/TSN AF reports the abnormal information of the first user abnormality to the first user.

S315, TSCTSF/TSN AF provides time synchronization service to the first user through a target UPF/NW-TT based on (g) PTP protocol time service method, and the message of the time synchronization service can carry the new clock source selected in the S312 and update/configure PTP examples, such as adding PTP ports and the like; alternatively, if the appropriate clock source is not selected in step S312, the TSCTSF/TSN AF may instruct the new UPF/NW-TT to deactivate the first user, such as removing the PTP port, etc.

s316, the UPF/NW-TT detects that the (main) clock source is abnormal, and switches to a new clock source according to a clock source list or priority of the pre-configured value;

s317, reporting an indication of successful switching of the clock source to the TSCTSF/TSN AF by the (optional) UPF/NW-TT, wherein the indication comprises an identification and/or type of a new clock source switched to;

s318, (optional) SCTSF/TSN AF obtains time synchronization subscription data of UE from UDM;

S319, TSCTSF/TSN AF judges whether to allow the switching of the clock source or reselect the clock source based on the UE subscription data;

s320, TSCTSF/TSN AF issues an indication whether to allow clock source switching to UPF/NW-TT;

s321, UPF/NW-TT (according to TSCTSF/TSN AF indication) provides time synchronization service for UE by using (g) PTP time service method, and updates/configures PTP instance.

The clock source selection method provided by the embodiment of the invention can realize dynamic selection and maintenance of the clock source based on the time synchronization service request and the time synchronization state of the AF of the UE subscription information, thereby guaranteeing the continuity of the elastic time service. The method provided by the embodiment of the invention can be used in vertical industries such as 5G+ industrial Internet, and can solve the problem that the current clock source cannot meet the time synchronization requirement (such as precision and the like) of a user/network due to RAN/UPF switching caused by UE movement in an elastic time service scene, thereby providing reference for actual industrial production operation.

The embodiment of the invention also provides a clock source selection method, which is executed by the first network side device, as shown in fig. 4, and comprises the following steps:

s410, reporting first information to a first network element through a second network element, wherein the first information is used for determining clock source information of the first network side equipment.

According to the clock source selection method provided by the embodiment of the invention, the first network side equipment reports the first information for determining the first network side equipment to the first network element through the second network element, so that the first network element determines the clock source information of the first network side equipment by using the first information, and the problem of clock source reselection caused by changing the RAN or UPF is avoided.

a master clock source identification;

a master clock source type;

master clock accuracy;

candidate clock sources;

whether the user belongs to the region of interest AoI;

whether the user is located within the time synchronization area;

master clock source status information;

an indication of successful switching of the clock source;

and (5) identifying a clock source after switching.

A first user accesses to the first network side equipment;

a new clock source identifier;

a new clock source type;

a new clock source list;

Uu error budget；

an indication of clock source switching is allowed.

The specific implementation process of the clock source selection method in the embodiment of the present invention applied to the first network side device may be combined with fig. 1 to 3, and refer to the specific implementation process applied to the first network element, which is not described in detail herein.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a network device, where the network device is a first network element, as shown in fig. 5, and the network device 500 includes a transceiver 510 and a processor 520, where:

the transceiver 510 is configured to obtain, through a second network element, first information reported by a first network side device, where the first information is used to determine clock source information of the first network side device.

Optionally, the network device, wherein the processor 520 is configured to:

determining clock source information of the first network side equipment according to second information, wherein the second information comprises one or more of the following information:

the first information;

time synchronization subscription data of the user;

local configuration data of the first network element.

Optionally, the network device, wherein the time synchronization subscription data of the user includes time synchronization subscription data of a first user and/or time synchronization subscription data of a second user;

Optionally, the network device, wherein the transceiver 510 is further configured to:

and sending the clock source information to the first network side equipment through the second network element.

the first network element acquires the time synchronization subscription data by subscribing or sending a request to a third network element;

optionally, the network device, wherein the first information includes one or more of the following information:

a master clock source identification;

a master clock source type;

master clock accuracy;

master clock quality;

candidate clock sources;

whether the user belongs to the region of interest AoI;

whether the user is located within the time synchronization area;

master clock source status information;

An indication of successful switching of the clock source;

and (5) identifying a clock source after switching.

Optionally, the network device, wherein the time synchronization subscription data includes one or more of the following information:

whether the user supports time synchronization service;

whether the user supports the elastic time service;

clock source information;

the time synchronization service requirements of the user.

Optionally, the network device, wherein the time synchronization service requirement includes one or more of the following information:

clock source identification of the supported clock source;

clock source types of supported clock sources;

clock accuracy of the supported clock source;

clock quality of supported clock sources.

Optionally, the network device, wherein the time synchronization service request information of the AF network element includes one or more of the following information:

time synchronization error budget;

clock accuracy requested by the application layer function AF;

clock identification requested by the application layer function AF;

the clock quality requested by the application layer function AF;

the application layer function AF requests the type of clock.

Optionally, the network device, wherein the clock source information includes one or more of the following information:

A new clock source identifier;

a new clock source type;

a new clock source list;

uu error budget Uu error budgets;

an indication of clock source switching is allowed.

Optionally, the network device, wherein the first network side device includes one of a next generation radio access network NG-RAN, a radio access network RAN, AN access network AN, a next generation base station gNB, a base station, a user plane function UPF, and a network side time sensitive network translator NW-TT.

Optionally, the network device, wherein the first network element includes one of a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function TSCTSF network element and a time sensitive network application function TSN AF network element.

Optionally, the network device, wherein the second network element includes one of an AMF network element, an operation and maintenance OAM network element, and a network data analysis function NWDAF network element.

The embodiment of the present invention further provides a network device, where the network device is a first network side device, as shown in fig. 6, and the network device 600 includes a transceiver 610, where:

the transceiver 610 is configured to report, by the second network element, first information to the first network element, where the first information is used to determine clock source information of the first network side device.

Optionally, the network device, wherein the transceiver 610 is further configured to:

and receiving clock source information of the first network side equipment sent by the first network element through a second network element.

a master clock source identification;

a master clock source type;

master clock accuracy;

candidate clock sources;

whether the user belongs to the region of interest AoI;

whether the user is located within the time synchronization area;

master clock source status information;

an indication of successful switching of the clock source;

and (5) identifying a clock source after switching.

Optionally, the network device, wherein the transceiver 610 reports the first information to the first network element, including:

A first user accesses to the first network side equipment;

Optionally, the network device, wherein after reporting the first information to the first network element, the transceiver 610 is further configured to:

a new clock source identifier;

a new clock source type;

a new clock source list;

Uu error budget；

an indication of clock source switching is allowed.

Optionally, the network device, wherein the first network element includes one of a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function TSCTSF network element and a time sensitive network application function TSN AF network element;

Another embodiment of the present invention further provides a clock source selecting apparatus, where the clock source selecting apparatus is applied to a first network element, as shown in fig. 7, and the apparatus includes:

the obtaining module 710 is configured to obtain, by using a second network element, first information reported by a first network side device, where the first information is used to determine clock source information of the first network side device.

Optionally, the clock source selecting device, wherein the device further includes:

a determining module 720, configured to determine clock source information of the first network side device according to second information, where the second information includes one or more of the following information:

the first information;

time synchronization subscription data of the user;

local configuration data of the first network element.

Optionally, the clock source selecting device, wherein the time synchronization subscription data of the user includes time synchronization subscription data of a first user and/or time synchronization subscription data of a second user;

and a first sending module 730, configured to send, through the second network element, the clock source information to the first network side device.

and a second sending module 740, configured to send a first request to a second network element, where the first request is used to request a second user connected to the first network side device.

Optionally, the clock source selecting device, the acquiring module 710 is further configured to:

and acquiring the time synchronization subscription data by subscribing or sending a request to a third network element.

Optionally, the clock source selecting device, wherein the first information includes one or more of the following information:

a master clock source identification;

a master clock source type;

master clock accuracy;

master clock quality;

candidate clock sources;

whether the user belongs to the region of interest AoI;

whether the user is located within the time synchronization area;

master clock source status information;

an indication of successful switching of the clock source;

and (5) identifying a clock source after switching.

Optionally, the clock source selecting device, wherein the time synchronization subscription data includes one or more of the following information:

Whether the user supports time synchronization service;

whether the user supports the elastic time service;

clock source information;

the time synchronization service requirements of the user.

Optionally, the clock source selecting device, wherein the time synchronization service requirement includes one or more of the following information:

clock source identification of the supported clock source;

clock source types of supported clock sources;

clock accuracy of the supported clock source;

clock quality of supported clock sources.

Optionally, the clock source selecting device, wherein the time synchronization service request information of the AF network element includes one or more of the following information:

time synchronization error budget;

clock accuracy requested by the application layer function AF;

clock identification requested by the application layer function AF;

the clock quality requested by the application layer function AF;

the application layer function AF requests the type of clock.

Optionally, the clock source selecting device, wherein the clock source information includes one or more of the following information:

a new clock source identifier;

a new clock source type;

a new clock source list;

uu error budget Uu error budgets;

an indication of clock source switching is allowed.

a third sending module 750, configured to send, by the first network element, abnormal information to the AF network element and/or the first user, if the clock source information of the first network side device cannot be determined according to the second information;

Optionally, the clock source selecting device, wherein the first network side device includes one of a next generation radio access network NG-RAN, a radio access network RAN, AN access network AN, a next generation base station gNB, a base station, a user plane function UPF, and a network side time sensitive network translator NW-TT.

Optionally, the clock source selecting device, wherein the first network element includes one of a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function TSCTSF network element and a time sensitive network application function TSN AF network element.

Optionally, the clock source selecting device, wherein the second network element includes one of an AMF network element, an operation and maintenance OAM network element, and a network data analysis function NWDAF network element.

Another embodiment of the present invention further provides a clock source selecting apparatus, which is applied to a first network side device, as shown in fig. 8, and the apparatus includes:

the reporting module 810 is configured to report, by using a second network element, first information to a first network element, where the first information is used to determine clock source information of the first network side device.

and the receiving module 820 is configured to receive, by using a second network element, clock source information of the first network side device sent by the first network element.

a master clock source identification;

a master clock source type;

master clock accuracy;

candidate clock sources;

whether the user belongs to the region of interest AoI;

whether the user is located within the time synchronization area;

master clock source status information;

an indication of successful switching of the clock source;

and (5) identifying a clock source after switching.

Optionally, the clock source selecting device, wherein the reporting module 810 reports the first information to the first network element, includes:

A first user accesses to the first network side equipment;

Optionally, the clock source selecting device, after reporting the first information to the first network element, the reporting module 810 is further configured to:

a new clock source identifier;

a new clock source type;

a new clock source list;

Uu error budget；

an indication of clock source switching is allowed.

Optionally, the clock source selecting device, wherein the first network element includes one of a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function TSCTSF network element and a time sensitive network application function TSN AF network element;

A network device according to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in fig. 9, includes a transceiver 910, a processor 900, a memory 920, and a program or instructions stored on the memory 920 and executable on the processor 900; the processor 900 implements the clock selection method described above as being applied to the first network element when executing the program or instructions.

The transceiver 910 is configured to receive and transmit data under the control of the processor 900.

Wherein the processor 900 executes the program or instructions for:

Optionally, the network device, wherein the processor 900 is further configured to:

the first information;

time synchronization subscription data of the user;

local configuration data of the first network element.

Optionally, the network device, wherein the method further includes:

a master clock source identification;

a master clock source type;

master clock accuracy;

master clock quality;

candidate clock sources;

whether the user belongs to the region of interest AoI;

whether the user is located within the time synchronization area;

master clock source status information;

An indication of successful switching of the clock source;

and (5) identifying a clock source after switching.

whether the user supports time synchronization service;

whether the user supports the elastic time service;

clock source information;

the time synchronization service requirements of the user.

clock source identification of the supported clock source;

clock source types of supported clock sources;

clock accuracy of the supported clock source;

clock quality of supported clock sources.

time synchronization error budget;

clock accuracy requested by the application layer function AF;

clock identification requested by the application layer function AF;

the clock quality requested by the application layer function AF;

the application layer function AF requests the type of clock.

A new clock source identifier;

a new clock source type;

a new clock source list;

uu error budget Uu error budgets;

an indication of clock source switching is allowed.

Wherein in fig. 9, a bus architecture may comprise any number of interconnected buses and bridges, and in particular one or more processors represented by processor 900 and various circuits of memory represented by memory 920, linked together. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, power management circuits, etc., which are well known in the art and, therefore, will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 910 may be a number of elements, i.e., include a transmitter and a receiver, providing a means for communicating with various other apparatus over a transmission medium. The processor 900 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 920 may store data used by the processor 900 in performing operations.

A network device according to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in fig. 10, includes a transceiver 1010, a processor 1000, a memory 1020, and a program or instructions stored on the memory 1020 and executable on the processor 1000; the processor 1000, when executing the program or instructions, implements the clock selection method described above as being applied to the first network side device.

The transceiver 1010 is configured to receive and transmit data under the control of the processor 1000.

Wherein the processor 1000 executes the program or instructions for:

Optionally, the network device, wherein the processor 1000 is further configured to:

a master clock source identification;

a master clock source type;

master clock accuracy;

candidate clock sources;

whether the user belongs to the region of interest AoI;

whether the user is located within the time synchronization area;

master clock source status information;

an indication of successful switching of the clock source;

and (5) identifying a clock source after switching.

Optionally, the network device, where the reporting, by the first network side device, the first information to the first network element includes:

A first user accesses to the first network side equipment;

Optionally, the network device, after reporting the first information to the first network element, the processor 1000 is further configured to:

a new clock source identifier;

a new clock source type;

a new clock source list;

Uu error budget；

an indication of clock source switching is allowed.

The readable storage medium of the embodiment of the present invention stores a program or an instruction, which when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the clock source selection method described above, and can achieve the same technical effects, and is not described herein again for avoiding repetition.

Wherein the processor is a processor in the network device described in the foregoing embodiment. The readable storage medium includes a computer readable storage medium such as a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a random access Memory (Random Access Memory RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

In embodiments of the invention, the modules may be implemented in software for execution by various types of analyzers. An identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different bits which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.

Indeed, a module of executable code may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Likewise, operational data may be identified within modules and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices.

Where a module may be implemented in software, taking into account the level of existing hardware technology, a module may be implemented in software, and one skilled in the art may, without regard to cost, build corresponding hardware circuitry, including conventional Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays, and existing semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components, to achieve the corresponding functions. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like.

The exemplary embodiments described above are described with reference to the drawings, many different forms and embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit and teachings of the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the size of the elements and relative sizes may be exaggerated for clarity. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Unless otherwise indicated, a range of values includes the upper and lower limits of the range and any subranges therebetween.

While the foregoing is directed to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and adaptations can be made without departing from the principles of the present invention, and such modifications and adaptations are intended to be comprehended within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of clock source selection performed by a first network element, the method comprising:

2. The clock source selection method of claim 1, further comprising:

the first information;

time synchronization subscription data of the user;

local configuration data of the first network element.

3. The clock source selection method according to claim 2, wherein the time-synchronized subscription data of the user includes time-synchronized subscription data of a first user and/or time-synchronized subscription data of a second user;

4. The clock source selection method according to claim 2, characterized in that the method further comprises:

5. A clock source selection method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the method further comprises:

6. The clock source selection method according to claim 2, characterized in that the method further comprises:

7. The clock source selection method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first information comprises one or more of the following information:

a master clock source identification;

a master clock source type;

master clock accuracy;

master clock quality;

Candidate clock sources;

whether the user belongs to the region of interest AoI;

whether the user is located within the time synchronization area;

master clock source status information;

an indication of successful switching of the clock source;

and (5) identifying a clock source after switching.

8. The clock source selection method of claim 2, wherein the time-synchronized subscription data includes one or more of the following information:

whether the user supports time synchronization service;

whether the user supports the elastic time service;

clock source information;

the time synchronization service requirements of the user.

9. The clock source selection method of claim 8, wherein the time synchronization service requirement includes one or more of the following information:

clock source identification of the supported clock source;

clock source types of supported clock sources;

clock accuracy of the supported clock source;

clock quality of supported clock sources.

10. The clock source selection method according to claim 2, wherein the time synchronization service request information of the AF network element includes one or more of the following information:

time synchronization error budget;

clock accuracy requested by the application layer function AF;

clock identification requested by the application layer function AF;

The clock quality requested by the application layer function AF;

the application layer function AF requests the type of clock.

11. The clock source selection method of claim 2, wherein the clock source information includes one or more of the following:

a new clock source identifier;

a new clock source type;

a new clock source list;

uu error budget Uu error budgets;

an indication of clock source switching is allowed.

12. The clock source selection method according to claim 2, characterized in that the method further comprises:

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first network side device comprises one of a next generation radio access network NG-RAN, a radio access network RAN, AN access network AN, a next generation base station gNB, a base station, a user plane function UPF, and a network side time sensitive network translator NW-TT.

14. The clock source selection method according to claim 1, wherein the first network element comprises one of a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function TSCTSF network element and a time sensitive network application function TSN AF network element.

15. The clock source selection method according to claim 1, wherein the second network element comprises one of an AMF network element, an operation and maintenance OAM network element, and a network data analysis function NWDAF network element.

16. A method of clock source selection performed by a first network side device, the method comprising:

17. The clock source selection method of claim 16, further comprising:

18. The clock source selection method of claim 16, wherein the first information comprises one or more of the following:

a master clock source identification;

a master clock source type;

master clock accuracy;

candidate clock sources;

whether the user belongs to the region of interest AoI;

whether the user is located within the time synchronization area;

master clock source status information;

an indication of successful switching of the clock source;

and (5) identifying a clock source after switching.

19. The clock source selection method according to claim 16, wherein the first network side device reports first information to a first network element, including:

a first user accesses to the first network side equipment;

20. The clock source selection method of claim 16, wherein after reporting the first information to the first network element, the method further comprises:

21. The clock source selection method of claim 17, wherein the clock source information includes one or more of the following:

a new clock source identifier;

a new clock source type;

a new clock source list;

Uu error budget；

an indication of clock source switching is allowed.

22. The clock source selection method according to claim 16, wherein the first network element comprises one of a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function, TSCTSF, network element and a time sensitive network application function, TSN AF, network element;

23. A network device, wherein the network device is a first network element, comprising a transceiver, wherein:

24. A network device, wherein the network device is a first network side device, comprising a transceiver, wherein:

25. A clock source selection apparatus for use with a first network element, the apparatus comprising:

26. A clock source selection apparatus, for use with a first network side device, the apparatus comprising:

27. A network device, comprising: a transceiver, a processor, a memory, and a program or instructions stored on the memory and executable on the processor; the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or the method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, when the program or instructions are executed by the processor.

28. A readable storage medium having stored thereon a program or instructions, which when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the clock source selection method of any of claims 1-15 or the steps of the clock source selection method of any of claims 16-22.