WO2020144220A1

WO2020144220A1 - Iterative signaling for synchronization status

Info

Publication number: WO2020144220A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/050291
Authority: WO
Inventors: István Zsolt KOVÁCS; Troels Emil Kolding; Christian Markwart; Devaki Chandramouli; Guillermo POCOVI; Andreas Wich
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2019-01-11
Filing date: 2020-01-08
Publication date: 2020-07-16

Abstract

According to an embodiment, an apparatus can include at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least transmit at least one initial synchronization level information message to the UE. The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to, in response to receiving a message from the UE associated with entering a second level synchronization, transmit at least one second level synchronization message to the UE. The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to synchronize with the UE.

Description

TITLE:

ITERATIVE SIGNALING FOR SYNCHRONIZATION STATUS

BACKGROUND:

Field:

[0001] Various communication systems may benefit from automation of vertical domains, for example, an initial attachment and hot-plugging of new user equipment providing time sensitive network services.

Description of the Related Art:

[0002] 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) technology creates scenarios where devices, such as sensors or actuators, are added/activated or removed/deactivated, while an overall control system continues to operate. In order to support such functionality, hot-plugging support is required without having a significant impact on the rest of the system.

[0003] However, hot-plugging may create problems associated with a time sensitive networks (TSN) bridge and/or time-aware schedule entity. For example, hot-plugging requires that new devices be available in the network during a particular time frame after plugging/activation in order to allow failure detection in a timely manner. Furthermore, any hot-plugging improvement should be scalable, allowing several devices to be hot-plugged at the same time using manual or automatic switch-on activations. At the same time, a TSN bridge or time-aware scheduler should be informed on the state of synchronization of new devices in order to optimally configure the TSN flows. Finally, a 5G wireless TSN bridge may need to be informed of the synchronization state of the new devices in order to optimally configure the resources for the U/C-planes of the new device. SUMMARY:

[0004] According to an embodiment, there is a method that comprises initiating, by a time-sensitive networking (TSN) device, a first level synchronization mode. The method further includes transmitting, by the TSN device, at least one initial synchronization level information message to a user equipment (UE). The method further includes establishing, by the TSN device, a TSN communication connection with a TSN translator.

[0005] According to an embodiment, an apparatus can include at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least initiate a first level synchronization mode. The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to transmit at least one initial synchronization level information message to a user equipment (UE). The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to establish a TSN communication connection with a TSN translator.

[0006] In accordance with an embodiment, an apparatus can include means for initiating a first level synchronization mode. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting at least one initial synchronization level information message to a user equipment (UE). The apparatus may further include means for establishing a time- sensitive networking (TSN) communication connection with a TSN translator.

[0007] According to an embodiment, there is a method that comprises receiving, by a user equipment (UE), at least one initial synchronization broadcast. The method further includes receiving, by the UE, at least one first synchronization level information message from a time-sensitive networking (TSN) device. The method further includes transmitting, by the UE, at least one first level synchronization acknowledgement to a serving network node. [0008] According to an embodiment, an apparatus can include at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive at least one initial synchronization broadcast. The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive at least one first synchronization level information message from a time-sensitive networking (TSN) device. The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to transmit at least one first level synchronization acknowledgement to a serving network node.

[0009] In accordance with an embodiment, an apparatus can include means for receiving at least one initial synchronization broadcast. The apparatus may further include means for receiving at least one first synchronization level information message from a time- sensitive networking (TSN) device. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting at least one first level synchronization acknowledgement to a serving network node.

[0010] According to an embodiment, there is a method that comprises receiving, by the serving network node, at least one first level synchronization acknowledgement from a user equipment (UE). The method further includes transmitting, by the serving network node, at least one first level synchronization acknowledgement to a time-sensitive networking (TSN) translator. The method further includes transmitting, by the serving network node, at least one first level synchronization message to the UE.

[0011] According to an embodiment, an apparatus can include at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive at least one first level synchronization acknowledgement from a user equipment (UE). The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to transmit at least one first level synchronization acknowledgement to a time-sensitive networking (TSN) translator. The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to transmit at least one first level synchronization message to a user equipment (UE).

[0012] In accordance with an embodiment, an apparatus can include means for receiving at least one first level synchronization acknowledgement from a user equipment (UE). The apparatus may further include means for transmitting at least one first level synchronization acknowledgement to a time-sensitive networking (TSN) translator. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting at least one first level synchronization message to the UE.

[0013] A non-transitory computer readable medium can, in certain embodiments, be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a process. The process can include a method according to any of the steps performed by any of the above discussed apparatuses.

[0014] A computer program product can, according to certain embodiments, encode instructions for performing a process. The process can include a method according to any of the steps performed by any of the above discussed apparatuses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0015] For proper understanding of this disclosure, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a signal flow diagram according to certain embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a method performed by a time sensitive networks device according to certain embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates another example of a method performed by a user equipment according to certain embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates another example of a method performed by a serving network node according to certain embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates another example of a method performed by a time sensitive networks translator according to certain embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates another example of a system according to certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0022] An iterative signaling mechanism may be used to indicate a synchronization status at a time-sensitive network (TSN) level, based on successive levels of UE synchronization. Although TSN is a specific implementation of an IEEE-based deterministic networking standard, any deterministic network which relies on time synchronization may be used. TSN is used throughout this specification only as one example for implementation. For example, a newly hot-plugged UE may periodically signal its synchronization level to a 5G wireless TSN bridge, and may be used in a TSN time aware scheduler. The final state of full synchronization may be achieved in a pre-defined time period depending on the UE capability and requirements, and the value of this time period may be signaled to the 5G wireless TSN bridge and used in the TSN time aware scheduler.

[0023] For example, this may be performed when the hot-plugged UE achieves the first synchronization level. However, the synchronization level may be periodically included in a synchronization status message, until the full synchronization state is achieved.

[0024] Additional PHY synchronization signals, either broadcast or dedicated, may be transmitted, for example, by the 5G wireless TSN bridge, to at least one TSN-capable UE. In another example, a user equipment may use a wired or wireless connection to receive at least one synchronization reference, where the synchronization performance may be improved. Additionally or alternatively, a third wireless connection may be used for synchronization. When a central unit (CU)- distributed unit (DU) and FI interface 5G NR architecture is deployed, further improvements are made to the system.

[0025] Certain embodiments may have various benefits and/or advantages. For example, certain embodiments provide the ability to determine the time required to achieve full synchronization, as well as the time to reach TSN functionality. Furthermore, at least one NG-RAN and TSN bridge may optimally use network resources depending on the particular synchronization process, including before the devices reach full TSN synchronization level, which may improve device configuration. Thus, certain embodiments are directed to improvements in computer-related technology, specifically, improving the use of resources when communicating with the devices during the hot-plug initialization phase. Certain embodiments apply to scenarios where several hot-plug TSN devices may be connected to one TSN-capable UE, as well as where each hot-plug TSN device is connected to a separate TSN-capable UE.

[0026] Furthermore, certain embodiments may enable reuse of legacy LTE or 5G NR signaling messages, and may provide reliable and robust communication paths for TSN-related synchronization signals/indications. In addition, some embodiments may ensure synchronization over different planes as signaling and user planes/f rst signaling domain to a second signaling domain. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments may reduce TSN protocol complexity by aligning separate messages for legacy LTE or 5G NR signaling and TSN-related signals/indications among involved devices (for example, TSN device, UE, network node, TSN translator). Some embodiments may also avoid correction handling in failure situations where legacy signaling messages/TSN-related signals have been lost, are faulty, and/or have arrived in the wrong order. Finally, the concatenation of legacy IE and TSN-related signals in one message may reduce processing time and time to transmit two separate messages, thus improving robustness.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system according to certain embodiments. A system may include at least one or more of at least one time- sensitive networking (TSN) device 150, at least one user equipment (UE) 160, at least one serving network node 170, and at least one TSN translator 180.

[0028] As illustrated in step 101, TSN device 150 may be hot-plugged, and/or may be synchronized with UE 160. For example, TSN device 150 may synchronize with UE 160 by using a radio synchronization signal.

[0029] In step 103, serving network node 170 may transmit at least one initial synchronization broadcast to UE 160. The at least one initial synchronization broadcast may comprise a SYNC SIGl message transmitted as a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and/or secondary synchronization signal (SSS). In some embodiments, the at least one initial synchronization broadcast may be a system information block (SIB), for example, SIB 16, which may provide a radio timing resolution of 0.25ms.

[0030] Then in step 105, UE 160 may transmit at least one requirement to TSN device 150, and/or TSN device 150 may transmit at least one capability to UE 160.

[0031] In step 107, TSN device 150 may initiate a synchronization level 1 mode. Based on entry into this level 1 mode, in step 109, TSN device may transmit at least one initial synchronization level information message to UE 160. Then in step 111, UE 160 may transmit a first synchronization acknowledgment to serving network node 170, for example, as a radio resource control (RRC) message. In some embodiments, the first synchronization acknowledgment may indicate the TSN synchronization state. Additionally or alternatively, the first synchronization acknowledgment may comprise one or more of a synchronization status indicating true or false, and/or may be an implicit or explicit indication; at least one expected time for a final synchronization level (T sync full); and at least one final target synchronization level (Sync final).

[0032] In some embodiments, the at least one initial synchronization broadcast comprising a SYNC SIGl message may be transmitted as a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and/or secondary synchronization signal (SSS) by all DU-gNBs. Furthermore, subsequent synchronization signals may be broadcast via dedicated signaling by only those DU-gNB which have detected the at least one hot-plugged UE having the closest radio range. Additionally or alternatively, the additional synchronization signals may be beamformed from one or more DU-gNB towards the hot-plugged UE. By transmitting these synchronization signals, one or more SYNC SIGx, SYNC ACKx, and S YNC MSGx messages may benefit from improved redundancy and reliability performance.

[0033] In some embodiments, at least one TSN device may perform synchronization according to different levels, and/or send SYNC ACKx according to a pre-defined maximum time period. For example, when this pre determined maximum time period is exceeded, such as due to communication errors and/or hardware/software malfunction, the device may attempt to transmit a SYNC NACKx, including an indication of cause. When at least one SIG NACKx cannot be transmitted, the network shall fully reset and default back to broadcasting SYNC SIGl (or PSS/SSS), and/or terminate all SYNC SIG2.

[0034] In certain embodiments, one or more hot-plugged TSN devices and/or UE may perform activation simultaneously. The transmission of the S YNC ACK from different devices should be on orthogonal resources, such as according to a local CU DU area. The transmission of the S YNC SIG2 ... n for one or more devices may be grouped when the identification of the devices is available from information included in the SYNC ACKl.

[0035] In some embodiments, at least one TSN device may be connected to the same UE. For example, TSN device capabilities may be signaled or otherwise indicated to the UE to be connected to the 3GPP network. Thus, each TSN device may be uniquely identified as a different UE from the serving network node perspective. This allows contention resolution, as well as for the serving network node to be able to differentiate between various UE using different identifiers, such as C-RNTI. This may also allow mapping the different device/UE to its individual synchronization procedure and SYNC status. Furthermore, signaling the SYNC ACKx may include a status for individual TSN devices.

[0036] In step 113, serving network node 170 may forward the first synchronization acknowledgment to TSN translator 180.

[0037] In step 115, serving network node 170 may transmit at least one SYNC MSG1 to UE 160, such as a RRC message. The at least one S YNC MSG1 may include one or more of at least one second synchronization level (SYNC 2), which configures UE 160 to signal a second synchronization level and/or serving network node 170 to indicate at least one criteria for initiating a second synchronization level; and one or more of at least one resource and at least one configuration associated with a second level physical synchronization signal when this is configured/available via a signal by serving network node 170 (SYNC SIG2), as shown in step 117. In some embodiments, more than one SYNC SIG2 message may be a broadcast and/or dedicated signal.

[0038] In some embodiments, the second level physical synchronization signal may be broadcast and/or dedicated messaging. Additionally or alternatively, the second level physical synchronization signal may be transmitted only by network nodes which have detected the first synchronization acknowledgment transmitted in step 111 with a power level above a predetermined threshold, or a highest power level when DU-CU architecture is used. In step 119, UE 160 may transmit a message associated with assistance for a second level synchronization. [0039] In step 121, TSN 150 may enter a second level synchronization associated with the SYNC MSGl of step 115. The at least one SYNC MSGl may include one or more of at least one first synchronization level (SYNC l), which configures UE 160 to signal a first synchronization level and/or serving network node 170 to indicate at least one criteria for initiating a subsequent synchronization level; and one or more of at least one resource and at least one configuration associated with a subsequent level physical synchronization signal when this is configured/available via a signal by serving network node 170 (SYNC SIGl). In some embodiments, TSN 150 may run at least one implementation-specific algorithm to achieve at least one target TSN synchronization accuracy and/or consider criteria received from the network in step 119. In certain embodiments, when a SYNC SIG2 is configured as broadcast or dedicated message, UE 160 may apply the S YNC SIG2 to perform synchronization faster.

[0040] In step 123, TSN 150 may transmit at least one second level synchronization message to UE 160, which indicates at least one second level synchronization state. In step 125, UE 160 may transmit at least one second synchronization acknowledgement to serving network node 170, which may be a RRC message. In some embodiments, the at least one second synchronization acknowledgement may comprise one or more of a synchronization status indicating true or false, and/or may be an implicit or explicit indication; at least one expected time for a final synchronization level (T sync full); and at least one final target synchronization level (Sync final).

[0041] In step 127, serving network node 170 may transmit the second synchronization acknowledgement to TSN translator 180. In step 129, serving network node 170 may transmit a second synchronization message to UE 160. In step 129, serving network node 170 may transmit at least one SYNC MSG2 to UE 160, such as a RRC message. The at least one SYNC MSG2 may include one or more of at least one second synchronization level (SYNC 2), which configures UE 160 to signal a second synchronization level and/or serving network node 170 to indicate at least one criteria for initiating a subsequent synchronization level; and one or more of at least one resource and at least one configuration associated with a subsequent level physical synchronization signal when this is configured/available via a signal by serving network node 170 (SYNC SIG2).

[0042] It is noted that steps 107 through 129 may be iteratively performed, where SYNC ACKw and downlink signaling of S YNC MSGw, where « = 3, 4, 5, ....

[0043] In step 131, TSN device 150 may enter an n^th synchronization level (SYNC final), and in step 133, an n^th synchronization level message is transmitted to UE 160. In step 135, UE 160 may transmit at least one SYNC ACKw to serving network node 170, and in step 137, serving network node 170 may transmit the at least one S YNC ACKw message to TSN translator 180.

[0044] In step 139, a TSN communication connection may be established between TSN device 150 and TSN translator 180. In some embodiments, TSN device 150 and/or TSN translator 180 may be reachable before a TSN communication connection is established, for example, for device configuration. In some embodiments, a TSN communication connection may be established before the n^th synchronization level message is transmitted, which may be transmitted in areas associated with non-critical traffic.

[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a method performed by a TSN device, such as TSN 610 in FIG. 6. In step 201, the TSN device may be hot-plugged, and/or may be synchronized with a UE, such as UE 620 in FIG. 6. For example, the TSN device may synchronize with the UE by using a radio synchronization signal. Then in step 203, the TSN device may receive at least one requirement from the UE, and/or the TSN device may transmit at least one capability to the UE. [0046] In step 205, the TSN device may initiate a synchronization level 1 mode. Based on entry into this level 1 mode, in step 207, TSN device may transmit at least one initial synchronization level information message to the UE. In step 209, the TSN may receive a message associated with assistance for a second level synchronization from the UE. In step 211, the TSN device may enter a second level synchronization associated with the SYNC MSGl. In some embodiments, the TSN may run at least one implementation-specific algorithm to achieve at least one target TSN synchronization accuracy and/or consider criteria received from the network.

[0047] In step 213, the TSN may transmit at least one second level synchronization message to the UE, which may indicate at least one second level synchronization state. In step 215, the TSN device may enter an n^th synchronization level (SYNC final), and in step 217, an n^th synchronization level message may be transmitted to the UE. Finally, in step 219, a TSN communication connection may be established between the TSN device and a TSN translator, such as TSN translator 640.

[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a method performed by a UE, such as UE 620 in FIG. 6. In step 301, the UE may synchronize with a TSN device, such as TSN 610 in FIG. 6. In step 303, the UE may transmit at least one requirement to the TSN device, and/or the UE may receive at least one capability from the TSN device. In step 305, the UE may receive at least one initial synchronization broadcast. In step 307, the UE may receive at least one first synchronization level information message from the TSN device.

[0049] In step 309, the UE may transmit at least one first level synchronization acknowledgement to a serving network node, such as serving network node 630 in FIG. 6. In step 311, the UE may receive at least one first level synchronization message from the serving network node. In step 313, the UE may receive at least one S YNC SIG2 broadcast or dedicated message.

[0050] In step 315, the UE may transmit a message associated with assistance for a second level synchronization to the TSN device. In step 317, the UE may receive a second level synchronization message. In step 319, the UE may transmit at least one second level synchronization acknowledgement to the serving network node.

[0051] In step 321, the UE may receive at least one second level synchronization message from the serving network node. In step 323, the UE may receive at least one n^th level synchronization message. In step 325, the UE may transmit at least one n^th level synchronization acknowledgement to the serving network node.

[0052] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a method performed by a serving network node, such as serving network node 630 in FIG. 6. In step 401, the serving network node may transmit at least one initial synchronization broadcast to a UE, such as UE 620 in FIG. 6. In step 403, the serving network node may receive at least one first level synchronization acknowledgement from the UE. In step 405, the serving network node may transmit at least one first level synchronization acknowledgement to a TSN translator, such as TSN translator 640 in FIG. 6. In step 407, the serving network node may transmit at least one first level synchronization message to the UE. In step 409, the serving network node may transmit at least one S YNC SIG2 broadcast or dedicated message to the UE. In step 411, the serving network node may receive at least one second level synchronization acknowledgement from the UE. In step 413, the serving network node may transmit at least one second level synchronization acknowledgement to a TSN translator. In step 415, the serving network node may transmit at least one second level synchronization message to the UE. In step 417, the serving network node may receive at least one n^th level synchronization acknowledgment message. In step 419, the serving network node may transmit at least one n^th level synchronization acknowledgement to the TSN translator.

[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a method performed by a TSN translator, such as TSN translator 640 in FIG. 6. In step 501, the TSN translator may receive at least one first level synchronization acknowledgement information from a serving network node. In step 503, the TSN translator may receive at least one second level synchronization acknowledgement information from a serving network node. In step 505, the TSN translator may receive at least one n^th level synchronization acknowledgement information from a serving network node. In step 507, the TSN translator may establish a TSN communication connection with a TSN device.

[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates a system according to certain embodiments. In one embodiment, a system may include multiple devices, such as, for example, at least one TSN 610, at least one UE 620, at least one serving network node 630 or other base station or access point, and at least one TSN translator 640. In certain systems, TSN device 610, UE 620, serving network node 630, and TSN translator 640, and a plurality of other TSN devices, UE, serving network nodes, and TSN translators may be present. In addition, a serving network node may include a mobility management entity (MME), a base station, such as an evolved Node B (eNB) or next generation node (gNB), a server, and/or other access node.

[0055] One or more of these devices may include at least one processor, respectively indicated as 611, 621, 631, and 641, respectively. At least one memory may be provided in one or more of devices indicated at 612, 622, 632, and 642, respectively. The memory may be fixed or removable. The memory may include computer program instructions or computer code contained therein. The processors 611, 621, 631, and 641 and memories 612, 622, 632, and 642, or a subset thereof, may be configured to provide means corresponding to the various blocks of Figures 1 through 5. Although not shown, the devices may also include positioning hardware, such as global positioning system (GPS) or micro electrical mechanical system (MEMS) hardware, which may be used to determine a location of the device. Other sensors are also permitted and may be included to determine location, elevation, orientation, and so forth, such as barometers, compasses, and the like.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6, transceivers 613, 623, 633, and 643 may be provided, and one or more devices may also include at least one antenna, respectively illustrated as 614, 624, 634, and 644. The device may have many antennas, such as an array of antennas configured for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communications, or multiple antennas for multiple radio access technologies. Other configurations of these devices, for example, may be provided. For example, TSN device 610, UE 620, serving network node 630, and TSN translator 640 may additionally or solely be configured for wired communication, and in such a case antennas 614, 624, 634, and 644 would also illustrate any form of communication hardware, without requiring a conventional antenna.

[0057] One or more transceivers 613, 623, 633, and 643 may be a transmitter, a receiver, or both a transmitter and a receiver, or a unit or device that is configured both for transmission and reception.

[0058] Processors 611, 621, 631, and 641 may be embodied by any computational or data processing device, such as a central processing unit (CPU), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or comparable device. The processors may be implemented as a single controller, or a plurality of controllers or processors.

[0059] Memories 612, 622, 632, and 642 may independently be any suitable storage device, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. A hard disk drive (HDD), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, or other suitable memory may be used. The memories may be combined on a single integrated circuit as the processor, or may be separate from the one or more processors. Furthermore, the computer program instructions stored in the memory and which may be processed by the processors may be any suitable form of computer program code, for example, a compiled or interpreted computer program written in any suitable programming language. [0060] The memory and the computer program instructions may be configured, with the processor for the particular device, to cause a hardware apparatus such as TSN device 610, UE 620, serving network node 630, and TSN translator 640, to perform any of the processes described above (see, for example, Figures 1-5). Therefore, in certain embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with computer instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a process such as one of the processes described herein. Alternatively, certain embodiments may be performed entirely in hardware.

[0061] Furthermore, although Figures 1-5 illustrate a system including a UE, TP, GMC, and TSN translator, certain embodiments may be applicable to other configurations, and configurations involving additional elements.

[0062] In certain embodiments, an apparatus may include circuitry configured to perform any of the processes or functions illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. For example, circuitry may be hardware-only circuit implementations, such as analog and/or digital circuitry. In another example, circuitry may be a combination of hardware circuits and software, such as a combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit(s) with software or firmware, and/or any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and at least one memory that work together to cause an apparatus to perform various processes or functions. In yet another example, circuitry may be hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that include software, such as firmware for operation. Software in circuitry may not be present when it is not needed for the operation of the hardware.

[0063] The features, structures, or characteristics of certain embodiments described throughout this specification maybe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases“certain embodiments,”“some embodiments,”“other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearance of the phrases“in certain embodiments,”“in some embodiments,”“in other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0064] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that certain embodiments discussed above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims.

[0065] Partial Glossary

[0066] 3 GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

[0067] CU Centralized Unit

[0068] DU Distributed Unit

[0069] eNB Evolved Node B

[0070] EPC Evolved Packet Core

[0071] gNB Next Generation eNB

[0072] GNSS Global Navigation Satellite Systems

[0073] GPS Global Positioning System

[0074] GSMA Global System for Mobile Communications Association [0075] LTE Long-Term Evolution

[0076] MME Mobility Management Entity

[0077] MTC Machine-Type Communications [0078] PIN Private Industrial Networks

[0079] RAN Radio Access Network

[0080] TSN Time Sensitive Networks/Networking [0081] UE User Equipment

[0082] WLAN Wireless Local Area Network

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A method, comprising:

transmitting, by a time-sensitive network device, at least one initial synchronization level information message to a user equipment (UE);

in response to receiving a message from the UE associated with entering a second level synchronization, transmitting, by the time- sensitive network device, at least one second level synchronization message to the UE; and

establishing, by the time-sensitive network device, at least one connection based upon at least one target synchronization accuracy level.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

transmitting, by the time- sensitive network device, at least one capability to the UE.

3. The method according to any of claims 1 and 2, further comprising: entering, by the time-sensitive network device, an n^th synchronization level.

4. The method according to any of claims 1-3, further comprising: transmitting, by the time-sensitive network device, a n^th synchronization level message to the UE.

5. A method, comprising:

receiving, by a user equipment (UE), at least one initial synchronization broadcast from a serving node;

receiving, by the UE, at least one first synchronization level information message from a time- sensitive networking (TSN) device; and

transmitting, by the UE, at least one first level synchronization acknowledgement to the serving network node.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising:

synchronizing, by the UE, with the TSN device.

7. The method according to any of claims 5 and 6, further comprising: receiving, by the UE, at least one capability from the TSN device in response to a request for at least one requirement.

8. The method according to any of claims 5-7, further comprising: receiving, by the UE, at least one first level synchronization message from the serving network node associated with at least one target TSN synchronization accuracy level configured for establishing at least one connection.

9. The method according to any of claims 5-8, further comprising: receiving, by the UE, at least one additional synchronization signal broadcast or dedicated message from the serving network node.

10. The method according to any of claims 5-9, further comprising: transmitting, by the UE, a message associated with assistance for a second level synchronization to the TSN device.

11. The method according to any of claims 5-10, further comprising: receiving, by the UE, a second level synchronization message from the

TSN device.

12. The method according to any of claims 5-11, further comprising: transmitting, by the UE, at least one second level synchronization acknowledgement to the serving network node.

13. The method according to any of claims 5-12, further comprising: receiving, by the UE, at least one second level synchronization message from the serving network node.

14. The method according to any of claims 5-13, further comprising: receiving, by the UE, at least one n^th level synchronization message.

15. The method according to any of claims 5-14, further comprising: transmitting, by the UE, at least one n^th level synchronization acknowledgement to the serving network node.

16. A method, comprising:

receiving, by a serving network node, at least one first level synchronization acknowledgement from a user equipment (UE);

transmitting, by the serving network node, at least one first level synchronization acknowledgement to a time-sensitive networking (TSN) translator; and

transmitting, by the serving network node, at least one level synchronization message to the UE.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising:

transmitting, by a serving network node, at least one initial synchronization broadcast to a UE.

18. The method according to any of claims 16 and 17, further comprising:

transmitting, by the serving network node, at least one additional synchronization signal broadcast or dedicated message to the UE.

19. The method according to any of claims 16-18, further comprising: receiving, by the serving network node, at least one second level synchronization acknowledgement from the UE.

20. The method according to any of claims 16-19, further comprising: transmitting, by the serving network node, at least one second level synchronization acknowledgement to the TSN translator.

21. The method according to any of claims 16-20, further comprising: transmitting, by the serving network node, at least one second level synchronization message to the UE.

22. The method according to any of claims 16-21, further comprising: receiving, by the serving network node, at least one n^th level synchronization acknowledgment message.

23. The method according to any of claims 16-22, further comprising: transmitting, by the serving network node, at least one n^th level synchronization acknowledgement to the TSN translator.

24. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code,

wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform a process, the process comprising the method any of claims 1-23.

25. A non-transitory computer-readable medium encoding instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a process according to any of claims 1-23.

26. An apparatus comprising means for performing a process according to any of claims 1-23.

27. A computer program product encoding instructions for performing a process according to any of claims 1-23.

28. A computer program product embodied in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and encoding instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a process, the process according to claim 1-23.

29. An apparatus comprising circuitry configured to perform any of the processes or functions according to any of claims 1-23.