WO2023179238A1

WO2023179238A1 - Timing method, communication apparatus, and communication system

Info

Publication number: WO2023179238A1
Application number: PCT/CN2023/075684
Authority: WO
Inventors: 臧昕; 周润泽; 王远
Original assignee: 华为技术有限公司
Priority date: 2022-03-25
Filing date: 2023-02-13
Publication date: 2023-09-28
Also published as: CN116847449A

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a timing method, a communication apparatus, and a communication system. The method comprises: an access network device receiving clock information from a timing network element; and the access network device providing a time service for a network device according to the clock information and a first duration of stay of the clock information within the access network device. In the solution, an access network device provides a time service for a terminal device not only with reference to clock information from a timing network element, but also in consideration of a duration of stay of the clock information due to the transmission of the clock information in the access network device, such that a timing error caused by the transmission of the clock information in the access network device is reduced, and the timing accuracy of the access network device providing the time service for the terminal device is improved, thereby improving the accuracy of clock synchronization of the terminal device.

Description

Timing method, communication device and communication system

Cross-references to related applications

This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application submitted to the China Patent Office on March 25, 2022, with application number 202210306010.2 and application title "A timing method, communication device and communication system", the entire content of which is incorporated by reference. in this application.

Technical field

The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular, to a timing method, communication device and communication system.

Background technique

The timing capability of the fifth generation (5G) network is a network function that can be opened to the outside world. Take the terminal device requesting 5G network timing as an example. The terminal device sends a timing request to the clock management network element of the core network through the access network device. The clock management network element selects the appropriate timing network element based on the timing request, and then instructs the timing network element. The timing network element provides timing services for terminal equipment, that is, the timing network element provides clock information with appropriate clock accuracy to the terminal equipment.

How to reduce timing errors and improve clock synchronization accuracy remains to be solved.

Contents of the invention

Embodiments of the present application provide a timing method, communication device and communication system to reduce timing errors and improve clock synchronization accuracy.

In the first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a timing method, which can be executed by an access network device or a module (such as a chip) in the access network device. Taking the access network device executing this method as an example, the method includes: the access network device receives the clock information from the timing network element; the access network device performs the processing according to the clock information and the clock information in the access network device. One dwell time to provide timing services for terminal equipment.

In the above scheme, when the access network equipment provides timing services to the terminal equipment, it not only refers to the clock information from the timing network element, but also considers the residence time caused by the clock information being transmitted within the access network equipment, thereby reducing the time required for the clock information to be transmitted within the access network equipment. The timing error caused by the internal transmission of the access network equipment improves the timing accuracy of the access network equipment in providing timing services to the terminal equipment, thus improving the clock synchronization accuracy of the terminal equipment.

In an implementation method, the access network device provides timing services for the terminal device based on the clock information and the first residence time of the clock information in the access network device, including: the access network device based on the first residence time of the clock information in the access network device. A dwell time, a clock frequency ratio and the timing information determine the synchronization time. The clock frequency ratio represents the ratio of clock frequencies between the access network device and the timing network element; the access network device sends timing to the terminal device Information, the timing information includes the synchronization time, and the synchronization time is used for clock synchronization of the terminal device.

In an implementation method, the access network device provides timing services for the terminal device based on the clock information and the first residence time of the clock information in the access network device, including: the access network device based on the first residence time of the clock information in the access network device. A residence time and the clock frequency ratio determine the second residence time of the clock information in the access network device. The clock frequency ratio represents the ratio of clock frequencies between the access network device and the timing network element. The first residence time indicates that the access network equipment The second residence time represents the residence time based on the clock domain of the timing network element; the access network device sends timing information to the terminal device, and the timing information includes the clock information and the During the second residence time, the timing information is used for clock synchronization of the terminal device.

In an implementation method, the access network device provides timing services to the terminal device based on the clock information and the first residence time of the clock information in the access network device, including: the access network device provides the terminal with The device sends timing information. The timing information includes the first residence time, a clock frequency ratio and the clock information. The clock frequency ratio represents the ratio of clock frequencies between the access network equipment and the timing network element. The timing information is expressed in Perform clock synchronization on the terminal device.

In an implementation method, the first residence time includes the time when the access network device receives the clock information and the time when the access network device sends the clock information to the terminal device.

In an implementation method, the access network device receives indication information from a clock management network element, the indication information instructs to measure the clock frequency ratio; the access network device measures the clock frequency ratio according to the indication information.

In the second aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a timing method, which can be executed by an access network device or a module (such as a chip) in the access network device. Taking the access network device executing this method as an example, the method includes: the access network device sends a notification message to the clock management network element. The notification message includes first indication information and identification information of the clock source where clock desynchronization occurs. An indication information indicates that clock desynchronization occurs in the clock source; the access network device receives configuration information from the clock management network element, the configuration information includes second indication information and identification information of the timing network element, and the second indication information indicates Measure the time synchronization information between the clock on the access network device and the clock on the timing network element; the access network device performs clock synchronization on the clock source based on the time synchronization information.

In the above scheme, when a clock source on the access network device experiences clock desynchronization, the access network device actively requests the clock management network element to configure a timing network element for time synchronization for the clock source. The access network device After measuring the time synchronization information between the access network equipment and the timing network element, the clock synchronization (i.e., clock synchronization) with the clock source of the timing network element is completed based on the time synchronization information, so that the subsequent access network equipment The clock source of the network access equipment can provide accurate clock information for the terminal equipment, improving the timing accuracy of the access network equipment providing timing services to the terminal equipment, thus improving the clock synchronization accuracy of the terminal equipment.

In an implementation method, the access network device measures the time synchronization information according to the second indication information.

In one implementation method, the time synchronization information includes a deviation, which represents a deviation between the clock on the access network device and the clock on the timing network element; the access network device performs the time synchronization based on the time synchronization information. The clock source performs clock synchronization, including: the access network device determines the time synchronization time based on the local time of the clock source and the deviation; the access network device performs clock synchronization on the clock source based on the time synchronization time.

In an implementation method, the time synchronization information includes a transmission delay, which represents a transmission delay between a clock on the access network device and a clock on the timing network element; the access network device is based on The time synchronization information performs clock synchronization on the clock source, including: the access network equipment determines the time synchronization time based on the clock information from the timing network element and the transmission delay; the access network equipment determines the time synchronization time based on the time synchronization time , perform clock synchronization on this clock source.

In an implementation method, the access network device receives the clock information from the timing network element.

In the third aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a timing method, which can be executed by a terminal device or a module (such as a chip) in the terminal device. Taking the terminal device executing this method as an example, the method includes: the terminal device receives timing information from the access network device, the timing information includes clock information of the timing network element, and the first stay of the clock information in the access network device. The ratio between time and clock frequency, the first dwell time represents the dwell time based on the clock domain of the access network device, and the clock frequency ratio represents the ratio of clock frequencies between the access network device and the timing network element; It should end The terminal device determines the synchronization time according to the first residence time, the clock frequency ratio and the clock information; the terminal device performs clock synchronization according to the synchronization time.

In an implementation method, the terminal device determines the synchronization time based on the first dwell time, the clock frequency ratio and the clock information, including: the terminal device determines the clock based on the first dwell time and the clock frequency ratio. The second residence time of the information in the access network device, the second residence time represents the residence time based on the clock domain of the timing network element; the terminal device determines the residence time based on the second residence time and the clock information. synchronised time.

In the fourth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication device, which may be an access network device or a module (such as a chip) in the access network device. The device has the function of implementing any implementation method of the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect. This function can be implemented by hardware, or it can be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

In a fifth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication device, which may be a terminal device or a module (such as a chip) in the terminal device. The device has the function of implementing any implementation method of the above third aspect. This function can be implemented by hardware, or it can be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

In a sixth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication device, including units or means for executing each step of any implementation method in the above first to third aspects.

In a seventh aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication device, including a processor coupled to a memory. The processor is configured to call a program stored in the memory to execute any implementation method in the above first to third aspects. . The memory may be located within the device or external to the device. And the processor can be one or more.

In an eighth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication device, including a processor and an interface circuit. The processor is configured to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute any implementation method in the above first to third aspects. The processor includes one or more.

In a ninth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication device, including a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store computer instructions, and when the device is running, the processor executes the computer instructions stored in the memory to cause the device to execute Any implementation method in the above first to third aspects.

In a tenth aspect, embodiments of the present application further provide a computer-readable storage medium, in which instructions are stored, and when run on a communication device, the instructions in the above-mentioned first to third aspects are achieved. Any implementation method is executed.

In an eleventh aspect, embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product. The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are run by a communication device, any one of the above-mentioned first to third aspects is enabled. The implementation method is executed.

In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of the present application further provide a chip system, including: a processor, configured to execute any implementation method in the above first to third aspects.

In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of the present application further provide a communication system, including a timing network element and an access network device for performing any method of the first aspect. The timing network element is used to send clock information to the access network device.

In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of the present application further provide a communication system, including a clock management network element, and a system for executing the first Any method of access network equipment in two aspects. The clock management network element is configured to receive a notification message from the access network device. The notification message includes first indication information and identification information of a clock source in which clock desynchronization occurs. The first indication information indicates that the clock source has clock desynchronization. Out of sync; and, sending configuration information to the access network device, the configuration information including second indication information and identification information of the timing network element, the second indication information indicating measuring the clock on the access network device and the timing network element Time synchronization information between clocks on the unit.

Description of the drawings

Figure 1(a) is a schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture based on service-based architecture;

Figure 1(b) is a schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture based on point-to-point interface;

Figure 2(a) is a flow chart of a timing method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 2(b) is a schematic diagram of a method for determining a clock frequency ratio provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 3(a) is a flow chart of a timing method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 3(b) is a schematic diagram of a method for determining deviation and transmission delay provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 4 is a flow chart of a timing method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 5 is a flow chart of a timing method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 6 is a flow chart of a timing method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed ways

Figure 1(a) is a schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture based on service-based architecture. The 5G network architecture shown in Figure 1(a) includes a data network (DN) and an operator network. The following is a brief introduction to the functions of some of the network elements.

The operator's network includes one or more of the following network elements: Authentication Server Function (AUSF) network element (not shown in the figure), unified data management (UDM) network element, unified database (Unified Data Repository, UDR) network element, Network Repository Function (NRF) network element (not shown in the figure), Network Exposure Function (NEF) network element (not shown in the figure), Application function (AF) network element, policy control function (PCF) network element, access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, session management function , SMF) network elements, UPF network elements, wireless access network (radio access network, RAN) equipment, clock network function (timing network function, TNF) network elements, etc. In the above operator network, network elements or equipment other than wireless access network equipment may be called core network elements or core network equipment.

Access network equipment includes wired access network equipment and wireless access network equipment. The wireless access network equipment may be a base station (base station), an evolved base station (evolved NodeB, eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), or a next generation base station (next generation NodeB, in the 5G mobile communication system). gNB), the next generation base station in the 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system, the base station in the future mobile communication system or the access node in the wireless fidelity (wireless fidelity, WiFi) system, etc.; it can also be completed Modules or units with partial functions of the base station, for example, can be centralized units (CU) or distributed units (CU). DU). The wireless access network equipment can be a macro base station, a micro base station or an indoor station, or a relay node or a donor node, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology and specific equipment form used by the access network equipment.

Terminal equipment that communicates with RAN includes terminals, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminals, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle to everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), and the Internet of Things (Internet of things, IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wear, smart transportation, smart city, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver functions, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology and specific equipment form used by the terminal equipment.

Access network equipment and terminal equipment can be fixed-position or removable. Access network equipment and terminal equipment can be deployed on land, indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; they can also be deployed on aircraft, balloons and satellites in the sky. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of access network equipment and terminal equipment.

The mobility management network element is a control plane network element provided by the operator's network. It is responsible for access control and mobility management of terminal devices accessing the operator's network. For example, it includes mobility status management, assigning user temporary identities, authenticating and authorizing users. and other functions. In 5G, the mobility management network element can be an AMF network element. In future communications such as the 6th generation (6G), the mobility management network element can still be an AMF network element, or have other names. There are no restrictions on application.

The session management network element is a control plane network element provided by the operator network and is responsible for managing the protocol data unit (PDU) session of the terminal device. A PDU session is a channel used to transmit PDUs. Terminal devices need to transmit PDUs to each other through the PDU session and the DN. The SMF network element is responsible for establishing, maintaining and deleting PDU sessions. Session management network elements include session management (such as session establishment, modification and release, including tunnel maintenance between user plane network elements and access network equipment), selection and control of user plane network elements, service and session continuity (Service and Session Continuity (SSC) mode selection, roaming and other session-related functions. In 5G, the session management network element can be an SMF network element. In future communications such as 6G, the session management network element can still be an SMF network element, or have other names. This application does not limit it.

The user plane network element is a gateway provided by the operator, and is the gateway for communication between the operator's network and the DN. UPF network elements include user plane related functions such as data packet routing and transmission, packet detection, business usage reporting, Quality of Service (QoS) processing, legal interception, uplink packet detection, downlink data packet storage, etc. In 5G, the user plane network element can be a UPF network element. In future communications such as 6G, the user plane network element can still be a UPF network element, or have other names. This application does not limit it.

The data management network element is a control plane network element provided by the operator. It is responsible for storing the subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI), credential, security context, and subscription of subscribed users in the operator's network. Data and other information. This information stored in the data management network element can be used for authentication and authorization of terminal devices accessing the operator's network. Among them, the contract users of the above-mentioned operator network can specifically be users who use services provided by the operator network, such as users who use China Telecom's mobile phone chip cards, or users who use China Mobile's mobile phone chip cards, etc. The permanent subscription identifier (Subscription Permanent Identifier, SUPI) of the above-mentioned subscriber can be the number of the mobile phone chip card, etc. The trust certificate and security context of the above-mentioned contract user can be a small file stored in the encryption key of the mobile phone chip card or information related to the encryption of the mobile phone chip card, for authentication and/or authorization. The above security context may be data (cookie) or token stored on the user's local terminal (such as a mobile phone). Contract signing by the above-mentioned contract users The data can be supporting services of the mobile phone chip card, such as the traffic package or network usage of the mobile phone chip card. It should be noted that permanent identifiers, credentials, security contexts, authentication data (cookies), and information related to token equivalent authentication and authorization are not distinguished or restricted in this application document for the convenience of description. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of this application will be described using security context as an example, but the embodiments of this application are also applicable to authentication and/or authorization information expressed in other ways. In 5G, the data management network element can be a UDM network element. In future communications such as 6G, the data management network element can still be a UDM network element, or have other names. This application does not limit it.

The unified database network element is a control plane network element provided by the operator, and includes access functions for executing contract data, policy data, application data and other types of data. In 5G, the unified database network element can be a UDR network element. In future communications such as 6G, the unified database network element can still be a UDR network element, or have other names. This application does not limit it.

Network open network elements are control plane network elements provided by operators. The network opening network element opens the external interface of the operator's network to third parties in a secure manner. When the session management network element needs to communicate with a third-party network element, the network open network element can serve as a relay for the communication between the session management network element and the third-party network element. When the network open network element serves as a relay, it can be used to translate the identification information of the subscriber and the identification information of the third-party network element. For example, when the network opening network element sends the subscriber's SUPI from the operator network to a third party, it can translate the SUPI into its corresponding external identity (ID). On the contrary, when the network opening network element sends the external ID (the third-party network element ID) to the operator network, it can be translated into SUPI. In 5G, network open network elements can be NEF network elements. In future communications such as 6G, network open network elements can still be NEF network elements, or have other names. This application does not limit it.

The application function network element is used to transmit the requirements of the application side to the network side, such as QoS requirements or user status event subscriptions. The application function network element can be a third-party functional entity or an application server deployed by the operator. In 5G, the application function network element can be an AF network element. In future communications such as 6G, the application function network element can still be an AF network element, or have other names. This application does not limit it.

The policy control network element is a control plane function provided by the operator and is used to provide PDU session policies to the session management network element. Policies may include accounting-related policies, QoS-related policies, authorization-related policies, etc. In 5G, the policy control network element can be a PCF network element. In future communications such as 6G, the policy control network element can still be a PCF network element, or have other names. This application does not limit it.

Network storage function network elements can be used to provide network element discovery functions and provide network element information corresponding to network element types based on requests from other network elements. The network storage function network element also provides network element management services, such as network element registration, update, de-registration, network element status subscription and push, etc. In 5G, the network storage function network element can be an NRF network element. In future communications such as 6G, the network storage function network element can still be an NRF network element, or have other names. This application does not limit it.

The clock management network element can be used to manage the clock information of one or more clock sources in the 5G network. It can provide the clock information of the clock source externally through its own port, such as directly or indirectly to terminal equipment, access network equipment, core network equipment or Third-party application function network elements provide clock information. Among them, the clock information represents the time, moment or time point of the clock, and the clock information can also be called time information; the clock management network element can also select the corresponding timing network element according to the timing request of the timing requester. The timing network element can, for example, It is a UPF network element, a base station, etc., or it can be the clock management network element itself, and then the clock management network element instructs the timing network element to provide timing services to the timing requester. In 5G, the clock management network element can be a TNF network element. In future communications such as 6G, the clock management network element can still be a TNF network element, or have other names. This application does not limit it. In one implementation method, the time sensitive communication and time synchronization function (TSCTSF) network element defined by 3GPP, such as the TSCTSF network element defined by the 3GPP R17 standard, can be used to support the implementation of the embodiments of the present application. Some or all functions of the TNF network element.

DN is a network located outside the operator's network. The operator's network can access multiple DNs. A variety of services can be deployed on the DN, which can provide data and/or voice services to terminal devices. For example, DN is a private network of a smart factory. The sensors installed in the workshop of the smart factory can be terminal devices. The control server of the sensor is deployed in the DN, and the control server can provide services for the sensor. The sensor can communicate with the control server, obtain instructions from the control server, and transmit the collected sensor data to the control server according to the instructions. For another example, DN is the internal office network of a company. The mobile phones or computers of employees of the company can be used as terminal devices. The employees' mobile phones or computers can access information and data resources on the company's internal office network.

In Figure 1(a), Npcf, Nufr, Nudm, Naf, Namf, and Nsmf are the service interfaces provided by the above-mentioned PCF network element, UDR network element, UDM network element, AF network element, AMF network element, and SMF network element respectively. Use To call the corresponding service-based operations. N1, N2, N3, N4 and N6 are interface serial numbers. The meanings of these interface serial numbers are as follows:

1), N1: The interface between the AMF network element and the UE, which can be used to transmit non-access stratum (NAS) signaling (such as QoS rules from the AMF network element) to the UE.

2), N2: The interface between the AMF network element and the wireless access network equipment, which can be used to transmit wireless bearer control information from the core network side to the wireless access network equipment, etc.

3), N3: The interface between the wireless access network equipment and the UPF network element, mainly used to transmit uplink user plane data and/or downlink user plane data between the wireless access network equipment and the UPF network element.

4), N4: The interface between the SMF network element and the UPF network element can be used to transfer information between the control plane and the user plane, including controlling the delivery of user-oriented forwarding rules, QoS rules, traffic statistics rules, etc. Report information on the user interface.

5), N6: The interface between the UPF network element and the DN, used to transmit the uplink user data flow and/or the downlink user data flow between the UPF network element and the DN.

Figure 1(b) is a schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture based on point-to-point interfaces. For the introduction of the functions of the network elements, please refer to the introduction of the functions of the corresponding network elements in Figure 1(a) and will not be described again. The main difference between Figure 1(b) and Figure 1(a) is that the interfaces between the control plane network elements in Figure 1(a) are service-oriented interfaces. The interface between them is a point-to-point interface.

In the architecture shown in Figure 1(b), the interface names and functions between each network element are as follows:

1), the meaning of N1, N2, N3, N4 and N6 interfaces can refer to the previous description.

2), N5: The interface between the AF network element and the PCF network element, which can be used to deliver application service requests and report network events.

3), N7: The interface between PCF network element and SMF network element can be used to deliver protocol data unit (PDU) session granularity and service data flow granularity control policy.

4), N8: The interface between AMF network elements and UDM network elements, which can be used by AMF network elements to obtain access and mobility management-related subscription data and authentication data from UDM network elements, and for AMF network elements to register with UDM network elements. Information related to terminal device mobility management, etc.

5), N9: User plane interface between UPF network elements and UPF network elements, used to transmit uplink user data flow and/or downlink user data flow between UPF network elements.

6), N10: The interface between the SMF network element and the UDM network element, which can be used for the SMF network element to obtain session management-related contract data from the UDM network element, and for the SMF network element to register terminal device session-related information with the UDM network element.

7), N11: The interface between SMF network element and AMF network element can be used to transmit PDU session tunnel information between wireless access network equipment and UPF network element, control messages sent to terminal equipment, and control messages sent to wireless access Wireless resource control information of network equipment, etc.

8), N15: The interface between the PCF network element and the AMF network element, which can be used to deliver terminal device policies and access control-related policies.

9), N35: The interface between UDM network element and UDR network element, which can be used by UDM network element to obtain user subscription data information from UDR network element.

10), N36: The interface between PCF network element and UDR network element, which can be used by PCF network element to obtain policy-related contract data and application data-related information from UDR network element.

It can be understood that the above network elements or functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform). Optionally, the above network element or function can be implemented by one device, or can be implemented by multiple devices together, or can be a functional module in one device, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of this application.

In the embodiment of this application, the TNF network element, base station, and UE are used as specific examples of the clock management network element, access network equipment, and terminal equipment respectively, and the TNF network element is referred to as TNF for short.

Figure 2(a) is a flow chart of a timing method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method includes the following steps:

Step 201: The timing network element sends clock information to the base station.

The timing network element here may be TNF, UPF, SMF, etc., and the timing network element is not limited in the embodiment of this application.

The clock information represents the time, moment or time point of the clock, and the clock information may also be called time information.

The clock information is the clock information provided by the clock source in the timing network element, and the clock information is clock information based on the clock domain of the timing network element.

Step 202: The base station provides timing services to the UE based on the clock information and the first residence time of the clock information in the base station.

The first dwell time represents the dwell time based on the clock domain of the base station. The first residence time may include the time when the base station receives the clock information and the time when the base station sends the clock information to the UE. For example, when the base station receives the clock information at time T1 and sends the clock information to the UE at time T2, the first residence time is T2. -T1.

In the above scheme, when the base station provides timing services to the UE, it not only refers to the clock information from the timing network element, but also considers the dwell time caused by the internal transmission of the clock information in the base station, thereby reducing the time caused by the internal transmission of the clock information in the base station. The timing error improves the timing accuracy of the base station in providing timing services to the UE, thus improving the clock synchronization accuracy of the UE.

The following describes three different implementation methods for the base station to provide timing services for the UE in the above step 202.

Method 1: The base station determines the synchronization time based on the first dwell time, clock frequency ratio and timing information, and then the base station sends the timing information to the UE. The timing information includes the synchronization time, and the UE performs clock synchronization based on the synchronization time. Among them, the clock frequency ratio represents the ratio of clock frequencies between the base station and the timing network element.

In one implementation method, before step 202, the base station also receives indication information from the TNF. The indication information instructs the base station to measure the clock frequency ratio between the base station and the timing network element, and then the base station measures the clock frequency ratio according to the indication information.

Among them, the synchronization time determined by the base station = T3 + (T2 - T1) * ratio, where T3 is the time corresponding to the clock information provided by the timing network element, ratio represents the clock frequency ratio, T2 - T1 is the first residence time, which represents the base station The internal delay (or dwell time) of the base station is based on the clock domain. T2 represents the time when the base station sends clock information to the UE. T1 represents the time when the base station receives the clock information. (T2-T1)*ratio represents the timing network element. The clock domain of the base station is referenced within the The internal delay is to convert the internal delay of the base station based on the clock domain of the base station into the internal delay of the base station based on the clock domain of the timing network element. This (T2-T1)*ratio is also called the second The second residence time still represents the residence time of the clock information inside the base station, but the second residence time is expressed based on the clock domain of the timing network element.

Method 2: The base station determines the second residence time of the clock information in the base station based on the ratio of the first residence time and the clock frequency, and then the base station sends the timing information to the UE. The timing information includes the clock information of the timing network element and the second residence time. The UE performs clock synchronization based on the clock information of the timing network element and the second residence time. That is, the UE performs clock synchronization based on the clock information of the timing network element and the second residence time to determine the synchronization time, and performs clock synchronization based on the synchronization time. Among them, the clock frequency ratio represents the ratio of clock frequencies between the base station and the timing network element.

The second residence time represents the residence time (or internal delay) based on the clock domain of the timing network element. The second residence time still represents the residence time of the clock information inside the base station, but the second residence time It is expressed based on the clock domain of the timing network element.

Specifically, the UE calculates synchronization time = T3 + second residence time. Among them, T3 is the time corresponding to the clock information provided by the timing network element.

The second residence time is calculated by the base station, and the second residence time = (T2-T1)*ratio, where ratio represents the clock frequency ratio, and T2-T1 is the first residence time, which is based on the clock domain of the base station. The internal delay (or dwell time) of the base station, T2 represents the time when the base station sends clock information to the UE, and T1 represents the time when the base station receives the clock information.

Method 3: The base station sends timing information to the UE. The timing information includes the first dwell time, the clock frequency ratio and the clock information. The UE determines the synchronization time based on the first dwell time, the clock frequency ratio and the clock information, and performs clock synchronization based on the synchronization time. Wherein, the clock frequency ratio represents the ratio of clock frequencies between the base station and the timing network element.

Specifically, the UE calculates the synchronization time=T3+(T2-T1)*ratio. Among them, the meaning of T3 and (T2-T1)*ratio can refer to the description in method one.

The method for determining the clock frequency ratio (ratio) in the above-mentioned method 1 to method 3 will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 2(b) is a schematic diagram of a method for determining a clock frequency ratio provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method is as follows:

Time t1: The timing network element (such as SMF, UPF, TNF, etc.) sends message 1 to the base station. The header of the message 1 carries the sending time t1 of message 1. This t1 is based on the clock domain of the timing network element. The time recorded for the benchmark;

Time t2: The base station receives message 1 at time t2. This t2 is the time recorded based on the clock domain of the base station. The base station records t2 and t1;

Time t3: The timing network element sends message 2 to the base station at time t3. The header of message 2 carries the sending time t3 of message 2. This t3 is the time recorded based on the clock domain of the timing network element;

Time t4: The base station receives message 2 at time t4. This t4 is the time recorded based on the clock domain of the base station. The base station records t4 and t3.

The base station calculates ratio=(t4-t2)/(t3-t1), where ratio represents the clock frequency ratio between the base station and the timing network element. value.

Figure 3(a) is a flow chart of a timing method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method includes the following steps:

Step 301: The base station sends a notification message to the TNF. The notification message includes first indication information and identification information of the clock source where clock desynchronization occurs. The first indication information indicates that clock desynchronization occurs on the clock source.

That is, when a clock source on the base station is out of sync due to some reason (such as failure, building obstruction, etc.), the base station sends a notification message to the TNF to inform the TNF: This clock source has clock desynchronization.

Step 302: The base station receives configuration information from the TNF. The configuration information includes second indication information and identification information of the timing network element. The second indication information indicates the measurement of time synchronization information between the clock on the base station and the clock on the timing network element.

After receiving the notification message, the TNF selects a timing network element (such as UPF, SMF or the TNF, etc.) for the base station, and then sends configuration information to the base station. The configuration information contains the identification information of the timing network element. and also includes second instruction information used to instruct the base station to measure the time synchronization information between the clock on the base station and the clock on the timing network element.

Step 303: The base station synchronizes the clock source according to the time synchronization information.

After receiving the configuration information, the base station measures the time synchronization information between the clock on the base station and the clock on the timing network element according to the second instruction information, and based on the time synchronization information, performs a check on the clock source on the base station where clock desynchronization occurs. Clock synchronization enables the normal operation of the clock source.

In the above scheme, when a clock source on the base station experiences clock desynchronization, the base station actively requests the TNF to configure a timing network element for the clock source for time synchronization. The base station measures the distance between the base station and the timing network element. After the time synchronization information is completed, the clock synchronization (i.e., clock synchronization) with the clock source of the timing network element is completed based on the time synchronization information, so that the clock source of the base station can subsequently provide accurate clock information for the UE, improving the The base station provides the UE with the timing accuracy of the timing service, thereby improving the UE's clock synchronization accuracy.

Alternatively, in another implementation method, the base station may also locally store the time synchronization information between the clock on the base station and the clock on the timing network element, and then the configuration information in the above step 302 may not carry the above second step. indication information, so after the base station receives the configuration information, the base station does not need to temporarily measure the time synchronization information between the clock on the base station and the clock on the timing network element, but obtains the clock on the base station and the clock on the timing network element locally. The base station then performs clock synchronization on the clock source based on the time synchronization information. The time synchronization information between the clock on the base station and the clock on the timing network element that is pre-stored by the base station may be sent by the timing network element to the base station, or may be measured by the base station in step 301. This application is not limited to this. .

In one implementation method, the base station locally stores the time synchronization information between the clock on the base station and the clock on the timing network element in advance, and the configuration information in the above step 302 carries the above second indication information, then the base station will The indication information measures the time synchronization information between the clock on the base station and the clock on the timing network element. If the difference between the value of the time synchronization information measured by the base station and the value of the time synchronization information stored locally by the base station is greater than the preset threshold, the base station determines that the clock on the timing network element may have failed, so the base station can notify the TNF Re-select a timing network element to provide time synchronization services, or the base station sends a notification message to the TNF to notify that the clock on the timing network element is faulty or abnormal.

The following describes two different implementation methods for the base station to synchronize the clock source on the base station that is out of synchronization based on the time synchronization information.

Method 1: The time synchronization information measured by the base station between the clock on the base station and the clock on the timing network element includes a deviation, which represents the deviation between the clock on the base station and the clock on the timing network element. The base station determines the time synchronization time based on the local time of the clock source on the base station where the clock is out of synchronization and the deviation, and then the base station synchronizes the clock source based on the time synchronization time.

For example, synchronization time = T1 + offset, where T1 represents the local time of the clock source where clock desynchronization occurs, and offset represents the deviation.

Method 2: The time synchronization information measured by the base station between the clock on the base station and the clock on the timing network element includes the transmission delay. The transmission delay represents the transmission delay between the clock on the base station and the clock on the timing network element. . The base station determines the time synchronization time based on the clock information from the timing network element and the transmission delay, and then the base station synchronizes the clock source based on the time synchronization time.

For example, time synchronization time = T2 + delay, where T2 is the time corresponding to the clock information of the timing network element, and delay represents the transmission delay.

The method for determining the deviation and transmission delay in the above method will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 3(b) is a schematic diagram of a method for determining deviation and transmission delay provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method is as follows:

Time t1: The base station sends message 1 to the timing network element (such as SMF, UPF, TNF, etc.) at time t1. The header of the message 1 carries the sending time t1 of message 1. The t1 is based on the clock of the base station. The domain is the time recorded as the base;

Time t2: The timing network element receives message 1 at time t2. This t2 is the time recorded based on the clock domain of the timing network element;

Time t3: The timing network element sends message 2 to the base station at time t3. The header of this message 2 carries the reception time t2 of message 1 and the sending time t3 of message 2. The t3 is based on the time of the timing network element. The clock domain is the time recorded as a reference;

Time t4: The base station receives message 2 at time t4. This t4 is the time recorded based on the clock domain of the base station. The base station records t1, t2, t3, and t4.

The base station calculates offset=((ratio*t2-t1)-(t4-ratio*t3))/2, delay=((ratio*t2-t1)+(t4-ratio*t3))/2, where, offset Indicates the deviation between the clock of the base station and the clock of the timing network element, and delay represents the transmission delay between the clock of the base station and the clock of the timing network element.

Among them, when ratio=1, it means that the clock frequency between the base station and the timing network element is the same, then offset=((t2-t1)-(t4-t3))/2, delay=((t2-t1)+(t4 -t3))/2. For example, when the timing accuracy of the clock source of the base station and the clock source of the timing network element are the same, ratio=1.

The above-mentioned embodiments of FIG. 2(a) and FIG. 3(a) will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. The following embodiments in Figures 4 and 5 are specific implementations of the above-mentioned embodiment in Figure 2(a), and the following embodiment in Figure 6 is a specific implementation of the above-mentioned embodiment in Figure 3(a).

Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of a timing method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method includes the following steps:

Step 401a: The base station sends a request message to the NRF. The request message includes the identification information of the base station and the timing accuracy of one or more clock sources on the base station.

If there is only one clock source on the base station, the request message includes the timing accuracy of the one clock source. If there are multiple clock sources on the base station, the request message may include the timing accuracy of one or more clock sources.

Step 401b: The UPF sends a request message to the NRF. The request message includes the identification information of the UPF and the timing accuracy of one or more clock sources on the UPF.

If there is only one clock source on the UPF, the request message includes the timing accuracy of that clock source. If there are multiple clock sources on the UPF, the request message may include the timing accuracy of one or more clock sources.

Optionally, if there are clock sources deployed on other network elements, the other network elements can also send the identification information of the other network elements and one or more clocks on the other network elements to the NRF in the above manner. source timing accuracy. The other network elements may be, for example, SMF, PCF and other network elements.

The timing accuracy in the above steps 401a and 401b refers to the unit to which the timing information can be accurate. For example, nanoseconds (ns), microseconds (us), etc.

In one implementation method, the request messages in the above steps 401a and 401b may be NG Setup Request messages.

The execution order between the above steps 401a and 401b is not limited.

Step 402a: TNF sends a subscription request message to NRF. The subscription request message is used to subscribe to the timing accuracy of the clock network element.

Among them, the timing accuracy of the clock network element refers to the timing accuracy of the clock source in the clock network element.

Step 402b: The NRF sends a notification message to the TNF. The notification message includes the identification information of the clock network element and the timing accuracy of the clock network element.

The clock network elements here include but are not limited to base stations and UPF. The timing precision of each clock network element can be one or more.

The above steps 402a to 402b describe that the TNF obtains the timing accuracy of each clock network element through subscription. As an alternative implementation method, the NRF can also actively send the timing accuracy of each clock network element to the TNF.

Step 403: The UE sends a timing request message to the TNF. The timing request message includes the identification information of the UE, the identification information of the base station, and the timing accuracy required by the UE.

The identification information of the base station is the identification information of the serving base station of the UE.

In one implementation method, the timing request message may be a NAS message or a PDU Session Establishment Request message.

Step 404a: The TNF sends a query request message to the UDM. The query request message includes the identification information of the UE. The query request message is used to request to query the timing accuracy of the UE contract.

Step 404b: UDM sends a query response message to the TNF, where the query response message includes the timing accuracy contracted by the UE.

The above steps 404a and 404b are optional steps.

Step 405: The TNF determines the clock network element that meets the timing accuracy required by the UE.

If the above-mentioned steps 404a and 404b are executed, step 405 is specifically: if the timing accuracy contracted by the UE is higher than or equal to the timing accuracy required by the UE, the TNF determines the clock network element that meets the timing accuracy required by the UE. If the timing accuracy contracted by the UE is lower than the timing accuracy required by the UE, the TNF does not determine the clock network element for the UE.

The clock network element here can be a base station, UPF, TNF or other network element. Among them, the TNF determines that the clock network element that meets the timing accuracy required by the UE is the TNF, indicating that when the timing accuracy of the TNF's clock source meets the timing accuracy required by the UE, the TNF can also determine that it will provide timing services to the UE.

If in step 405 the TNF determines that the clock network element that meets the timing accuracy required by the UE is the TNF, the following steps 406 to 407 are performed after step 405, that is, the TNF provides timing services for the UE.

Step 406: The TNF sends timing configuration information to the base station. The timing configuration information includes the identification information of the UE, the clock information of the TNF, and the indication information. The indication information indicates measuring the clock frequency ratio between the base station and the TNF.

The timing accuracy corresponding to the clock information of the TNF is the same as the timing accuracy required by the UE.

After receiving the timing configuration information, the base station records the time T1 when the timing configuration information is received. And the base station measures the clock frequency ratio between the base station and the TNF according to the instruction information, and the ratio is represented by ratio.

Step 407: The base station sends timing information to the UE.

In one implementation method, after calculating the ratio, the base station sends timing information to the UE. The timing information includes TNF clock information, T1, T2 and ratio. T2 is the sending time of the base station sending timing information to the UE. After the UE receives the timing information, it calculates the synchronization time = T3 + (T2-T1)*ratio, where T3 is the time corresponding to the clock information of the TNF, and T2-T1 represents the internal delay of the base station based on the clock domain of the base station. (T2-T1)*ratio represents the internal delay of the base station based on the clock domain of TNF, that is, converting the internal delay of the base station based on the clock domain of the base station into the internal delay of the base station based on the clock domain of TNF time delay. Subsequently, the UE implements clock synchronization based on the synchronization time.

In another implementation method, after the base station calculates the ratio, it further determines the sending time (represented by T2) of the timing information sent by the base station to the UE, and calculates the base station based on the TNF clock domain based on T1, T2 and ratio. Internal delay, and then the timing information sent to the UE includes the clock information of the TNF and the internal delay of the base station based on the clock domain of the TNF, where the internal delay of the base station based on the clock domain of the TNF = (T2 -T1)*ratio. After the UE receives the timing information, the UE calculates the synchronization time = T3 + the internal delay of the base station based on the clock domain of the TNF, where T3 is the time corresponding to the clock information of the TNF. Subsequently, the UE implements clock synchronization based on the synchronization time.

In another implementation method, after the base station calculates the ratio, it further determines the sending time (represented by T2) of the timing information sent by the base station to the UE, and calculates the base station based on the TNF clock domain based on T1, T2 and ratio. Internal delay, and the calculated synchronization time = T3 + the internal delay of the base station based on the clock domain of TNF, where T3 is the time corresponding to the clock information of TNF, and the internal delay of the base station based on the clock domain of TNF = (T2-T1)*ratio. Then the timing information sent by the base station to the UE includes the synchronization time. Subsequently, the UE implements clock synchronization based on the synchronization time.

In the above solution, the TNF selects a clock network element that provides timing services for the UE. The clock network element provides the UE with clock information that meets the timing accuracy required by the UE, which can provide the UE with clock information with appropriate timing accuracy. Moreover, when calculating the synchronization time for UE clock synchronization, this solution not only refers to the clock information provided by the clock network element, but also refers to the transmission delay of the clock information provided by the clock network element within the base station, so it can reduce the clock network The error caused by the clock information provided by the UE during the transmission process is eliminated, thereby improving the clock synchronization accuracy of the UE.

Figure 5 is a flow chart of a timing method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method includes the following steps:

Step 501a is the same as step 401a above.

Step 501b is the same as step 401b above.

The execution order between the above steps 501a and 501b is not limited.

Step 502a is the same as step 402a above.

Step 502b is the same as step 402b above.

Step 503 is the same as step 403 above.

Step 504a is the same as step 404a above.

Step 504b is the same as step 404b above.

Step 505 is the same as step 405 above.

If in step 505 the TNF determines that the clock network element that meets the timing accuracy required by the UE is UPF, the following steps 506 to 509 are performed after step 505, that is, the UPF provides timing services for the UE.

Step 506: The TNF sends timing configuration information to the UPF. The timing configuration information includes the identification information of the UE, the identification information of the base station, the timing accuracy required by the UE, and indication information. The indication information is used to instruct the UPF to provide timing services for the UE.

Step 507: The TNF sends timing configuration information to the base station. The timing configuration information includes the identification information of the UE, the identification information of the UPF, and indication information. The indication information indicates measuring the clock frequency ratio between the base station and the UPF.

The base station measures the clock frequency ratio between the base station and the TNF based on the instruction information. The ratio is expressed as ratio.

The execution order of the above steps 506 and 507 is not limited.

Step 508: The UPF sends timing information 1 to the base station. The timing information 1 includes the identification information of the UE and the clock information of the UPF.

The timing accuracy corresponding to the clock information of the UPF is the same as the timing accuracy required by the UE.

After receiving the timing information 1, the base station records the time T1 when the timing information 1 is received.

Step 509: The base station sends timing information 2 to the UE.

In one implementation method, after receiving the timing information 1 from the UPF, the base station sends the timing information 2 to the UE. The timing information 2 includes the clock information of the UPF, T1, T2 and ratio. The T2 is the timing information sent by the base station to the UE. 2 hours. After the UE receives the timing information 2, it calculates the synchronization time = T3 + (T2 - T1) * ratio, where T3 is the time corresponding to the clock information of the UPF, and T2 - T1 represents the internal delay of the base station based on the clock domain of the base station. , (T2-T1)*ratio represents the internal delay of the base station based on the UPF clock domain, that is, converting the internal delay of the base station based on the clock domain of the base station into the base station based on the UPF clock domain Internal delay. Subsequently, the UE implements clock synchronization based on the synchronization time.

In another implementation method, after receiving the timing information 1 from the UPF, the base station further determines the sending time (represented by T2) of the timing information 2 sent by the base station to the UE, and calculates the UPF clock based on T1, T2 and ratio. The internal delay of the base station based on the UPF domain, and then the timing information 2 sent to the UE includes the clock information of the UPF and the internal delay of the base station based on the UPF clock domain, where the base station based on the UPF clock domain The internal delay = (T2-T1)*ratio. After receiving the timing information 2, the UE calculates the synchronization time = T3 + the internal delay of the base station based on the UPF clock domain, where T3 is the time corresponding to the UPF clock information. Subsequently, the UE implements clock synchronization based on the synchronization time.

In another implementation method, after receiving the timing information 1 from the UPF, the base station further determines the time (represented by T2) when the base station sends the timing information 2 to the UE, and calculates the UPF clock domain based on T1, T2 and ratio. The internal delay of the base station as the reference, and the synchronization time calculated by the base station = T3 + the internal delay of the base station with the UPF clock domain as the reference, where T3 is the time corresponding to the UPF clock information, and the UPF clock domain as the reference The internal delay of the base station = (T2-T1)*ratio. Then the timing information 2 sent by the base station to the UE includes the synchronization time. Subsequently, the UE implements clock synchronization based on the synchronization time.

Figure 6 is a flow chart of a timing method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Among them, clock desynchronization occurs in a certain clock source on the base station. For example, the clock source cannot receive clock information used for time adjustment, resulting in clock desynchronization, which in turn causes the clock source of the base station to be unable to continue to provide timing services for the UE.

The method includes the following steps:

Step 601a is the same as step 401a above.

Step 601b is the same as step 401b above.

The execution order between the above steps 601a and 601b is not limited.

Step 602a is the same as step 402a above.

Step 602b is the same as step 402b above.

Step 603a: The base station provides timing services for the UE.

The specific process of this step is: the UE sends a timing request message to the base station. The timing request message includes the identification information of the UE and the timing accuracy required by the UE. The base station sends the timing request message to the AMF, and the AMF sends the timing request message to the TNF. The TNF determines that the base station meets the timing accuracy required by the UE, and then notifies the base station to provide timing services for the UE, so that the base station sends the clock information of the base station to the UE, and then the UE implements clock synchronization based on the clock information.

Step 603b: The clock source on the base station is out of sync and cannot continue to provide timing services to the UE. The base station sends a clock out of sync notification message to the TNF. The clock out of sync notification message includes indication information and the clock source where the clock is out of sync. The identification information and the identification information of the base station.

This indication information is used to indicate that the clock source of the base station is out of synchronization. Among them, the reason for clock desynchronization may be that the clock signal received by the base station for time synchronization is blocked, causing the base station to be unable to perform clock synchronization on the clock source based on the clock information in the clock signal. For example, the clock source of the base station is synchronized by receiving the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signal. If the base station cannot receive the GNSS signal, it cannot synchronize the clock source of the base station based on the clock information in the GNSS signal. to synchronize.

The identification information of the clock source where clock desynchronization occurs may be the clock domain number of the clock source.

It should be noted that if there is only one clock source on the base station, that is, the clock source where clock desynchronization occurs, the clock desynchronization notification message does not need to carry the identification information of the clock source where clock desynchronization occurs. TNF can learn the clock source where clock desynchronization occurs based on the identification information of the base station.

Step 604: The TNF determines the clock network element that provides time synchronization services for the base station based on the identification information of the clock source where clock desynchronization occurs.

Among them, the clock network element that provides time synchronization services for the base station is configured with a target clock source. The target clock source can provide a target timing accuracy that is the same as the timing accuracy corresponding to the clock source where clock desynchronization occurs.

Taking the TNF as an example that the clock network element that provides the time synchronization service for the base station is the UPF, the following steps 605 to 608 are performed after step 604, that is, the UPF provides the time synchronization service for the base station.

Step 605: The TNF sends time synchronization configuration information to the UPF. The time synchronization configuration information includes the base station's identification information, timing accuracy, and indication information. The indication information is used to instruct the UPF to provide time synchronization services for the base station.

The timing accuracy is the timing accuracy corresponding to the clock source on the base station where clock desynchronization occurs.

Step 606: The TNF sends time synchronization configuration information to the base station. The time synchronization configuration information includes UPF identification information, timing accuracy, and indication information. The indication information indicates measuring the time synchronization information between the clock on the base station and the clock on the UPF. .

The base station measures the time synchronization information between the clock on the base station and the clock on the UPF according to the instruction information. In one implementation method, the timing information includes an offset. In another implementation method, the time synchronization information includes transmission delay.

The execution order of the above steps 605 and 606 is not limited.

Step 607: The UPF sends timing information to the base station. The timing information includes the clock information of the UPF.

This step 608 is an optional step.

The timing accuracy corresponding to the clock information of the UPF is the same as the timing accuracy of the clock source on the base station where clock desynchronization occurs.

Step 608: The base station completes clock synchronization with the UPF based on the time synchronization information.

In one implementation method, when the above step 607 is not performed and the time synchronization information determined by the base station includes a deviation, step 608 is specifically: the base station determines the time synchronization time based on the local time of the clock source where the clock desynchronization occurs and the deviation, And complete the clock synchronization with UPF according to the time synchronization time. Among them, the time adjustment time = T1 + offset, where T1 represents the local time of the clock source where clock desynchronization occurs, and offset represents the deviation.

In another implementation method, when the above step 607 is executed and the time synchronization information determined by the base station includes the transmission delay, then step 608 is specifically: the base station determines the time synchronization time based on the time corresponding to the UPF clock information and the transmission delay. , and complete clock synchronization with UPF according to the time synchronization time. Among them, the clock synchronization time = T2 + delay, where T2 is the time corresponding to the UPF clock information, and delay represents the transmission delay.

In the above scheme, when the clock source in the base station is out of synchronization, the base station notifies the TNF to select a clock network element that provides time synchronization services for the base station, and then the clock network element provides time synchronization services for the base station to maintain the clock of the base station. accuracy.

It can be understood that, in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the access network device or the terminal device includes corresponding hardware structures and/or software modules that perform each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that the units and method steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is executed by hardware or computer software driving the hardware depends on the specific application scenarios and design constraints of the technical solution.

Figures 7 and 8 are schematic structural diagrams of possible communication devices provided by embodiments of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the access network equipment or terminal equipment in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiment of the present application, the communication device may be an access network device or a terminal device, or may be a module (such as a chip) in the access network device or a module (such as a chip) in the terminal device.

The communication device 700 shown in FIG. 7 includes a processing unit 710 and a transceiver unit 720. The communication device 700 is used to implement the functions of the access network equipment or terminal equipment in the above method embodiment. The transceiver unit 720 may be used to implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 720 may also be called a communication interface or communication unit. The processing unit 710 may be used to implement corresponding processing functions. Optionally, the communication device 700 further includes a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and/or data, and the processing unit 710 can read the instructions and/or data in the storage unit, so that the communication device 700 implements each of the foregoing. Actions of terminal equipment (such as UE) or access network equipment (such as base station) in method embodiments.

When the communication device 700 is used to implement the functions of the access network equipment in the above method embodiment, the transceiver unit 720 is used to receive clock information from the timing network element; the processing unit 710 is used to calculate the clock information according to the clock information and the clock information. During the first residence time in the access network equipment, timing services are provided for the terminal equipment.

In an implementation method, the processing unit 710 is specifically configured to determine the synchronization time based on the first residence time, a clock frequency ratio and the timing information. The clock frequency ratio represents the relationship between the access network device and the timing network element. and sending timing information to the terminal device through the transceiver unit 720. The timing information includes the synchronization time, and the synchronization time is used for clock synchronization of the terminal device.

In an implementation method, the processing unit 710 is specifically configured to determine the second residence time of the clock information in the access network device based on the first residence time and the clock frequency ratio, the clock frequency ratio indicating the The ratio of the clock frequency between the access network device and the timing network element. The first dwell time represents the dwell time based on the clock domain of the access network device. The second dwell time represents the dwell time based on the clock domain of the timing network element. The residence time based on the clock domain; and sending timing information to the terminal device through the transceiver unit 720, where the timing information includes the clock information and the second residence time, and the timing information is used for clock synchronization of the terminal device.

In an implementation method, the processing unit 710 is specifically configured to send timing information to the terminal device through the transceiver unit 720. The timing information includes the first residence time, a clock frequency ratio and the clock information. The clock frequency ratio Indicates the ratio of clock frequencies between the access network equipment and the timing network element. The timing information is used for clock synchronization of the terminal equipment.

In an implementation method, the transceiver unit 720 is also configured to receive indication information from the clock management network element, the indication information instructing to measure the clock frequency ratio; the processing unit 710 is also configured to measure the clock frequency ratio according to the indication information. Clock frequency ratio.

When the communication device 700 is used to implement the functions of the access network equipment in the above method embodiment, the transceiver unit 720 is used to send a notification message to the clock management network element. The notification message includes the first indication information and the occurrence of clock desynchronization. Identification information of the clock source, the first indication information indicates that clock desynchronization occurs in the clock source; receiving configuration information from the clock management network element, the configuration information includes second indication information and identification information of the timing network element, the second The instruction information indicates measuring the time synchronization information between the clock on the access network device and the clock on the timing network element; the processing unit 710 is configured to perform clock synchronization on the clock source based on the time synchronization information.

In an implementation method, the processing unit 710 is also configured to measure the time synchronization information according to the second indication information.

In one implementation method, the time synchronization information includes a deviation, which represents a deviation between the clock on the access network device and the clock on the timing network element; the processing unit 710 is specifically configured to calculate the clock source according to the clock source. The local time and the deviation are used to determine the time synchronization time; based on the time synchronization time, clock synchronization is performed on the clock source.

In one implementation method, the time synchronization information includes a transmission delay, which represents a transmission delay between the clock on the access network device and the clock on the timing network element; the processing unit 710, specifically It is used to determine the time synchronization time based on the clock information from the timing network element and the transmission delay; and perform clock synchronization on the clock source based on the time synchronization time.

In an implementation method, the transceiver unit 720 is also used to receive the clock information from the timing network element.

When the communication device 700 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiment, the transceiver unit 720 is used to receive timing information from the access network device. The timing information includes the clock information of the timing network element, the clock information in The ratio between the first dwell time and the clock frequency in the access network device. The first dwell time represents the dwell time based on the clock domain of the access network device. The clock frequency ratio represents the ratio between the access network device and the timing service. The ratio of clock frequencies between network elements; the processing unit 710 is configured to determine the synchronization time according to the first residence time, the clock frequency ratio and the clock information; and perform clock synchronization according to the synchronization time.

In an implementation method, the processing unit 710 is specifically configured to determine the second residence time of the clock information in the access network device according to the first residence time and the clock frequency ratio, and the second residence time represents The dwell time is based on the clock domain of the timing network element; the synchronization time is determined based on the second dwell time and the clock information.

More detailed descriptions about the above processing unit 710 and the transceiver unit 720 can be obtained directly by referring to the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments, and will not be described again here.

The communication device 800 shown in FIG. 8 includes a processor 810 and an interface circuit 820. The processor 810 and the interface circuit 820 are coupled to each other. It can be understood that the interface circuit 820 may be a transceiver or an input-output interface. Optionally, the communication device 800 may also include a memory 830 for storing instructions executed by the processor 810 or input data required for the processor 810 to run the instructions or data generated after the processor 810 executes the instructions.

When the communication device 800 is used to implement the above method embodiment, the processor 810 is used to realize the function of the above processing unit 710, and the interface circuit 820 is used to realize the function of the above transceiver unit 720.

It can be understood that the processor in the embodiment of the present application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), or application-specific integrated circuit (application specific integrated circuit, ASIC), field programmable gate array (field programmable gate array, FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. Software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory In memory, register, hard disk, mobile hard disk, CD-ROM or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and storage media may be located in an ASIC. Of course, the processor and the storage medium may also exist as discrete components in the base station or terminal.

In the above embodiments, it may be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it may be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on the computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are executed in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a base station, a UE, or other programmable devices. The computer program or instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions may be transmitted from a website, computer, A server or data center transmits via wired or wireless means to another website site, computer, server, or data center. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media, such as floppy disks, hard disks, and tapes; optical media, such as digital video optical disks; or semiconductor media, such as solid-state hard drives. The computer-readable storage medium may be volatile or nonvolatile storage media, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile types of storage media.

In the various embodiments of this application, if there is no special explanation or logical conflict, the terms and/or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments are based on their inherent Logical relationships can be combined to form new embodiments.

In this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "plurality" refers to two or more. "And/or" describes the association of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships, for example, A and/or B, which can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone, where A, B can be singular or plural. In the text description of this application, the character "/" generally indicates that the related objects before and after are an "or" relationship; in the formula of this application, the character "/" indicates that the related objects before and after are a kind of "division" Relationship.

It can be understood that the various numerical numbers involved in the embodiments of the present application are only for convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The size of the serial numbers of the above processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

A timing method, characterized by including:

The access network equipment receives clock information from the timing network element;

The access network device provides timing services to the terminal device based on the clock information and the first residence time of the clock information in the access network device.
The method of claim 1, wherein the access network device provides timing services for terminal devices based on the clock information and the first residence time of the clock information in the access network device, include:

The access network device determines the synchronization time based on the first residence time, a clock frequency ratio and the timing information, where the clock frequency ratio represents the clock frequency between the access network device and the timing network element. Ratio;

The access network device sends timing information to the terminal device, where the timing information includes the synchronization time, and the synchronization time is used for clock synchronization of the terminal device.
The method of claim 1, wherein the access network device provides timing services for terminal devices based on the clock information and the first residence time of the clock information in the access network device, include:

The access network device determines a second residence time of the clock information in the access network device based on the first residence time and the clock frequency ratio, the clock frequency ratio indicating that the access network The ratio of clock frequencies between the device and the timing network element;

The access network device sends timing information to the terminal device, where the timing information includes the clock information and the second residence time, and the timing information is used for clock synchronization of the terminal device.
The method of claim 1, wherein the access network device provides timing services for terminal devices based on the clock information and the first residence time of the clock information in the access network device, include:

The access network device sends timing information to the terminal device. The timing information includes the first residence time, a clock frequency ratio and the clock information. The clock frequency ratio represents the difference between the access network device and the terminal device. The ratio of clock frequencies between the timing network elements, the timing information is used for clock synchronization of the terminal equipment.
The method of claim 4, wherein the first residence time includes the time when the access network device receives the clock information and the time when the access network device sends the clock to the terminal device. Information time.
The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising:

The access network device receives instruction information from a clock management network element, and the instruction information instructs to measure the clock frequency ratio;

The access network device measures the clock frequency ratio according to the indication information.
A timing method, characterized by including:

The access network device sends a notification message to the clock management network element, where the notification message includes first indication information and identification information of the clock source in which clock desynchronization occurs, and the first indication information indicates that clock desynchronization occurs in the clock source;

The access network device receives configuration information from the clock management network element. The configuration information includes second indication information and identification information of the timing network element. The second indication information instructs measurement of the time on the access network device. Time synchronization information between the clock and the clock on the timing network element;

The access network device performs clock synchronization on the clock source according to the time synchronization information.
The method of claim 7, further comprising:

The access network device measures the time synchronization information according to the second indication information.
The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the time adjustment information includes a deviation, and the deviation table Indicates the deviation between the clock on the access network device and the clock on the timing network element;

The access network device performs clock synchronization on the clock source based on the time synchronization information, including:

The access network device determines the time synchronization time based on the local time of the clock source and the deviation;

The access network device performs clock synchronization on the clock source according to the time synchronization time.
The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the time synchronization information includes a transmission delay, and the transmission delay represents the difference between the clock on the access network device and the clock on the timing network element. transmission delay;

The access network device performs clock synchronization on the clock source based on the time synchronization information, including:

The access network device determines the time synchronization time based on the clock information from the timing network element and the transmission delay;

The access network device performs clock synchronization on the clock source according to the time synchronization time.
The method of claim 10, further comprising:

The access network device receives the clock information from the timing network element.
A timing method, characterized by including:

The terminal device receives timing information from the access network device. The timing information includes clock information of the timing network element, a first residence time of the clock information in the access network device, and a clock frequency ratio. The clock frequency The ratio represents the ratio of clock frequencies between the access network device and the timing network element;

The terminal device determines the synchronization time based on the first residence time, the clock frequency ratio and the clock information;

The terminal device performs clock synchronization according to the synchronization time.
The method of claim 12, wherein the terminal device determines the synchronization time based on the first residence time, the clock frequency ratio and the clock information, including:

The terminal device determines a second residence time of the clock information in the access network device based on the first residence time and the clock frequency ratio;

The terminal device determines the synchronization time based on the second residence time and the clock information.
A communication device, characterized by including:

Transceiver unit, used to receive clock information from timing network elements;

A processing unit configured to provide timing services for the terminal device according to the clock information and the first residence time of the clock information in the access network device.
The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the processing unit is specifically configured to determine the synchronization time according to the first dwell time, a clock frequency ratio and the timing information, and the clock frequency ratio represents the The ratio of clock frequencies between access network equipment and the timing network element; and sending timing information to the terminal equipment through the transceiver unit, where the timing information includes the synchronization time, and the synchronization time is used for all The terminal equipment described above performs clock synchronization.
The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the processing unit is specifically configured to determine the third location of the clock information in the access network device based on the first residence time and the clock frequency ratio. 2. Residence time, the clock frequency ratio represents the ratio of clock frequencies between the access network device and the timing network element; and sending timing information to the terminal device through the transceiver unit, where the timing information includes The clock information and the second residence time, the timing information are used for clock synchronization of the terminal device.
The device of claim 14, wherein the processing unit is specifically configured to send timing information to the terminal device through the transceiver unit, where the timing information includes the first residence time, clock frequency ratio and the clock information. The clock frequency ratio represents the clock frequency between the access network device and the timing network element. The timing information is used for clock synchronization of the terminal device.
The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the first residence time includes the time when the access network device receives the clock information and the time when the access network device sends the clock to the terminal device. Information time.
The device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to receive indication information from a clock management network element, the indication information instructing to measure the clock frequency ratio;

The processing unit is also configured to measure the clock frequency ratio according to the indication information.
A communication device, characterized by including:

A transceiver unit configured to send a notification message to the clock management network element. The notification message includes first indication information and identification information of a clock source where clock out-of-synchronization occurs. The first indication information indicates that clock out-of-synchronization occurs on the clock source. ; Receive configuration information from the clock management network element, the configuration information includes second indication information and identification information of the timing network element, the second indication information indicates measuring the clock on the access network device and the Time synchronization information between clocks on timing network elements;

A processing unit configured to perform clock synchronization on the clock source according to the time synchronization information.
The device according to claim 20, wherein the processing unit is further configured to measure the time synchronization information according to the second indication information.
The device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the time synchronization information includes a deviation, and the deviation represents a deviation between the clock on the access network device and the clock on the timing network element;

The processing unit is specifically configured to determine a time synchronization time based on the local time of the clock source and the deviation; and perform clock synchronization on the clock source based on the time synchronization time.
The device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the time synchronization information includes a transmission delay, and the transmission delay represents the difference between the clock on the access network device and the clock on the timing network element. transmission delay;

The processing unit is specifically configured to determine the time synchronization time based on the clock information from the timing network element and the transmission delay; and perform clock synchronization on the clock source based on the time synchronization time.
The device according to claim 23, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to receive the clock information from the timing network element.
A communication device, characterized by including:

A transceiver unit configured to receive timing information from the access network device, where the timing information includes clock information of the timing network element, the first residence time of the clock information in the access network device, and the clock frequency ratio, so The clock frequency ratio represents the ratio of clock frequencies between the access network device and the timing network element;

A processing unit configured to determine a synchronization time based on the first residence time, the clock frequency ratio and the clock information; and perform clock synchronization based on the synchronization time.
The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the processing unit is specifically configured to determine a third location of the clock information in the access network device based on the first residence time and the clock frequency ratio. Second residence time; determine the synchronization time according to the second residence time and the clock information.
A computer program product, characterized in that it includes a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a communication device, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is implemented.
A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that a computer program or instructions are stored in the storage medium. When the computer program or instructions are executed by a communication device, the implementation as described in any one of claims 1 to 13 is achieved. Methods.
A communication system, characterized in that it includes a timing network element and is used to perform any one of claims 1 to 6 Access network equipment for the method described in the item;

The timing network element is used to send clock information to the access network device.
A communication system, characterized in that it includes a clock management network element and an access network device used to perform the method according to any one of claims 7 to 11;

The clock management network element is configured to receive a notification message from the access network device, where the notification message includes first indication information and identification information of a clock source where clock desynchronization occurs, and the first indication information indicates that the A clock desynchronization occurs in the clock source; and, sending configuration information to the access network device, where the configuration information includes second indication information and identification information of the timing network element, and the second indication information indicates measuring the access Time synchronization information between the clock on the network device and the clock on the timing network element.