CN114830564A

CN114830564A - Clock synchronization method, device, equipment and storage medium

Info

Publication number: CN114830564A
Application number: CN202080086430.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 付喆
Original assignee: Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp Ltd
Current assignee: Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp Ltd
Priority date: 2020-03-02
Filing date: 2020-03-02
Publication date: 2022-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-02
Also published as: WO2021174399A1; CN114830564B

Abstract

A clock synchronization method, a clock synchronization device, clock synchronization equipment and a clock synchronization storage medium relate to the technical field of communication. The method comprises the following steps: in case that a terminal in the first terminal group needs to be handed over from the first access network device to the second access network device, first information may be sent to the second access network device during the handover, and the second access network device may determine a target clock reference terminal based on the first information, where the target clock reference terminal serves as a first master TSN clock node (301). In this way, in the handover process, the second access network device may determine a suitable master TSN clock node to perform clock synchronization, so as to implement clock synchronization under the TSN service supported by the target clock reference terminal.

Description

Clock synchronization method, device, equipment and storage medium

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of communications technologies, and in particular, to a clock synchronization method, apparatus, device, and storage medium.

Background

To ensure low latency and high reliability of transmission, IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) introduced TSN (Time Sensitive Network). There may be multiple TSN services included in the TSN, and generally, when the TSN service is transmitted, it is required to ensure that a terminal supporting the TSN service is synchronized with a base station clock corresponding to the terminal.

For this purpose, the network device is supported in R16 as a master TSN clock node (master TSN clock node), i.e., the network device can determine the TSN clock information by itself. As such, when clock synchronization is required, the network device may transmit TSN clock information to the terminal, in which case the terminal may perform clock synchronization with the network device based on the TSN clock information.

Recently, a support terminal is proposed as a main TSN clock node in R17, i.e. the terminal can determine the TSN clock information by itself. However, no method exists for realizing clock synchronization by using a terminal as a main TSN clock node.

Disclosure of Invention

The embodiment of the application provides a clock synchronization method, a clock synchronization device, clock synchronization equipment and a clock synchronization storage medium, which can be used for solving the problem of clock synchronization. The technical scheme is as follows:

in a first aspect, a clock synchronization method is provided, where the method is applied in a first access network device, and the method includes:

under the condition that the terminals in the first terminal group need to be switched, first information is sent to second access network equipment in the switching process;

the types of the time-period sensitive network TSN services supported by the terminals in the first terminal group are the same, the first information is used for the second access network device to determine a target clock reference terminal, the target clock reference terminal is used as a first main TSN clock node, and the first main TSN clock node is a main TSN clock node of a second terminal group under the second access network device, or the first main TSN clock node is a main TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the first terminal group;

the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same, and the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same as the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the first terminal group.

In a second aspect, a clock synchronization method is provided, and is applied to a second access network device, where the method includes:

receiving first information sent by first access network equipment, wherein the first information is sent by the first access network equipment in the switching process under the condition that terminals in a first terminal group need to be switched;

determining a target clock reference terminal according to the first information, wherein the target clock reference terminal is used as a first main time period sensitive network TSN clock node, and the first main TSN clock node is a main TSN clock node under the second access network device, or the first main TSN clock node is a main TSN clock node of TSN services supported by a second terminal group under the second access network device;

the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the first terminal group are the same, the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same, and the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same as the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the first terminal group.

In a third aspect, a clock synchronization method is provided, where the clock synchronization method is applied in a third access network device, and the method includes:

under the condition that the second clock reference terminal is changed, determining a target terminal in a third terminal group;

the second clock reference terminal is used as a third master time period sensitive network TSN clock node, where the third master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the third access network device, or the third master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by the third terminal group, the target terminal is a newly determined terminal used as the third master TSN clock node, the third terminal group is a terminal group where the second clock reference terminal is located, and the TSN services supported by the terminals in the third terminal group are of the same type.

In a fourth aspect, a clock synchronization method is provided, which is applied in a first terminal, and includes:

under the condition that the first terminal is used as a first main time period sensitive network TSN clock node, TSN clock information is sent to the first access network equipment;

receiving the TSN clock information in the event that the first terminal is not acting as the first master TSN clock node;

the first master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the first master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by a first terminal group under the first access network device, and TSN services supported by terminals in the first terminal group have the same type.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided a clock synchronization apparatus configured in a first access network device, the apparatus including:

a sending module, configured to send first information to a second access network device in a handover process when a terminal in a first terminal group needs to be handed over;

In a sixth aspect, there is provided a clock synchronization apparatus configured in a second access network device, the apparatus including:

a receiving module, configured to receive first information sent by a first access network device, where the first information is sent by the first access network device in a handover process when a terminal in a first terminal group needs to be handed over;

a determining module, configured to determine a target clock reference terminal according to the first information, where the target clock reference terminal is used as a first master time period sensitive network TSN clock node, and the first master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the second access network device, or the first master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by a second terminal group under the second access network device;

In a seventh aspect, a clock synchronization apparatus is provided, configured in a third access network device, and the apparatus includes:

the determining module is used for determining a target terminal in the third terminal group under the condition that the second clock reference terminal is changed;

In an eighth aspect, there is provided a clock synchronization apparatus configured in a first terminal, the apparatus comprising:

a sending module, configured to send TSN clock information to the first access network device when the first terminal serves as a TSN clock node of a first master time period sensitive network;

a receiving module, configured to receive the TSN clock information if the first terminal is not serving as the first master TSN clock node;

A ninth aspect provides a communication system, comprising a terminal and an access network device, wherein the terminal comprises the apparatus in any one of the eighth aspects, and the access network device comprises the apparatus in any one of the fifth aspects, or comprises the apparatus in any one of the sixth aspects.

In a tenth aspect, a terminal is provided, which comprises a processor and a memory, the memory storing at least one instruction for execution by the processor to implement the method of any of the above fourth aspects.

In an eleventh aspect, an access network device is provided, which includes a processor and a memory, where the memory stores at least one instruction for execution by the processor to implement the method of any of the first aspects, or to implement the method of any of the second aspects, or to implement the method of any of the third aspects.

In a twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, having instructions stored thereon, which when executed by a processor, implement the method of any of the first aspects above, or implement the method of any of the second aspects above, or implement the method of any of the third aspects above.

In a thirteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, having stored thereon instructions, which when executed by a processor, implement the method of the fourth aspect described above.

In a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any of the first aspects above, or to perform the method of any of the second aspects above, or to perform the method of any of the third aspects above.

In a fifteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program product containing instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of the fourth aspect described above.

The beneficial effects brought by the technical scheme provided by the embodiment of the application at least comprise:

in a case that a terminal in the first terminal group needs to be switched from the first access network device to the second access network device, the first access network device may send first information to the second access network device in a switching process, and thus, the second access network device may determine the target clock reference terminal based on the first information. That is, the second access network device may determine, based on the first information, a first primary TSN clock node, where the first primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of a second terminal group under the second access network device, or the first primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by the first terminal group, so that the second access network device may determine a suitable primary TSN clock node to perform clock synchronization in the handover process.

Drawings

In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed to be used in the description of the embodiments are briefly introduced below, and it is obvious that the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and it is obvious for those skilled in the art to obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative efforts.

FIG. 1 is a TSN schematic provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an implementation environment provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method of clock synchronization provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a clock synchronization method provided by another exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a clock synchronization method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method of clock synchronization provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method of clock synchronization provided by another exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a clock synchronization method provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a method of clock synchronization provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a clock synchronization apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a clock synchronization apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a clock synchronization apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a clock synchronization apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application;

fig. 14 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Detailed Description

To make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present application more clear, embodiments of the present application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Before describing the clock synchronization method provided by the embodiment of the present application in detail, related terms and implementation environments related to the embodiment of the present application are briefly described.

First, related terms related to the embodiments of the present application will be briefly described.

1、TSN

The IIoT supports transmission of services such as FA (Factory Automation), TI (Transport Industry, Transport Automation), EPD (Electrical Power Distribution) in a 5G (5th-Generation, fifth-Generation mobile communication technology) system. To ensure high reliability and low latency transmission, IIoT introduces TSN. As shown in fig. 1, in the TSN network, the 5G network will serve TSN traffic as a TSN bridge (TSN bridge).

In R16, a network device is supported as a master TSN clock node, and a terminal is supported as a slave TSN clock node (slave TSN clock node). That is, the network device may determine the TSN clock information by itself, and when the TSN service is transmitted in the 5G system, that is, the clock synchronization of the TSN service is required, the network device may send the TSN clock information to the terminal, so that the terminal may perform clock synchronization with the network device based on the TSN clock information.

The TSN clock information may be sent to the terminal in a Broadcast (Broadcast), Multicast (Multicast) or Unicast (Unicast) manner.

2. Cell handover

If a terminal using network service moves from one cell to another cell, or due to the adjustment of wireless transmission traffic load, activation of operation maintenance, equipment failure, etc., in order to ensure the continuity of communication and the quality of service, the system needs to switch the communication link between the terminal and the source cell to a new cell, and this process is cell switching.

Illustratively, the whole handover process is divided into the following three phases:

(1) preparing for switching: including measurement control and reporting, handover requests, and handover responses. That is, the source network device sends a handover request message to the target network device, and after receiving the handover request message, the target network device may send a handover response message to the source network device, where the handover response message may include a handover command. In case the source network device receives the handover response message, a handover command may be forwarded to the terminal.

(2) And (3) switching execution: after receiving the switching command, the terminal can immediately execute the switching process, that is, the terminal can disconnect the source network device and establish connection with the target network device.

(3) And (3) completing the switching: when the target network device establishes a connection with the terminal, the target network device may perform path switching with an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and a User Plane Function (UPF), and release a context of the terminal.

Next, a brief description will be given of an implementation environment related to the embodiments of the present application.

The technical scheme of the embodiment of the application can be applied to various communication systems, for example: a GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) System, a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) System, a WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) System, a GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), an LTE (Long Term Evolution ) System, an FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) System, a TDD (Time Division Duplex) System, an LTE-a (Long Term Evolution, advanced) System, an NR (New Radio) System, an NR (non-licensed) System, an LTE-U (unlicensed-to-unlicensed-spectrum, unlicensed-band) System, an NR (Universal Mobile telecommunications) System, an NR-U (non-licensed-telecommunications) System, an NR-U (Universal telecommunications) System, an NR-System, a CDMA (Universal telecommunications) System, a Mobile telecommunications System, a Radio System, a Mobile telecommunications System, a, WiMAX (Worldwide interoperability for Microwave Access) communication system, WLAN (Wireless Local Area network), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), next generation communication system or other communication systems.

Generally, conventional Communication systems support a limited number of connections and are easy to implement, however, with the development of Communication technology, mobile Communication systems will support not only conventional Communication, but also, for example, D2D (Device to Device) Communication, M2M (Machine to Machine) Communication, MTC (Machine Type Communication), V2V (Vehicle to Vehicle) Communication, etc., and the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to these Communication systems.

The system architecture and the service scenario described in the embodiment of the present application are for more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, and do not form a limitation on the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application, and as a person of ordinary skill in the art knows that along with the evolution of the network architecture and the appearance of a new service scenario, the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application is also applicable to similar technical problems.

Illustratively, a communication system 200 applied in the embodiment of the present application is shown in fig. 2. The communication system 200 may include an access network device 210, and the access network device 210 may be a device that communicates with a terminal 220 (or referred to as a communication terminal, a terminal). The access network device 210 may provide communication coverage for a particular geographic area and may communicate with terminals located within the coverage area. Alternatively, the Access Network device 210 may be an eNB (evolved Node B), or a wireless controller in a CRAN (Cloud Radio Access Network), or the Access Network device may be a mobile switching center, a relay station, an Access point, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a hub, a switch, a bridge, a router, a Network side device in a 5G Network, or an Access Network device in a future communication system, and the like.

The communication system 200 also includes at least one terminal 220 located within the coverage area of the access network device 210. As used herein, "terminal" includes, but is not limited to, a connection via a wire Line, such as a connection via PSTN (Public Switched Telephone network), DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), Digital cable, direct cable; and/or another data connection/network; and/or via a wireless interface, e.g., for a cellular network, a WLAN, a digital television network such as a DVB-H network, a satellite network, an AM-FM broadcast transmitter; and/or means of another terminal arranged to receive/transmit communication signals; and/or IoT (Internet of Things) devices. A terminal that is arranged to communicate over a wireless interface may be referred to as a "wireless communication terminal", "wireless terminal", or "mobile terminal". Examples of mobile terminals include, but are not limited to, satellite or cellular telephones; a PCS (Personal Communications System) terminal that can combine a cellular radiotelephone with data processing, facsimile, and data Communications capabilities; PDAs that may include radiotelephones, pagers, internet/intranet access, Web browsers, notepads, calendars, and/or GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers; and conventional laptop and/or palmtop receivers or other electronic devices that include a radiotelephone transceiver. A terminal can refer to an access terminal, UE (User Equipment), subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, remote terminal, mobile device, User terminal, wireless communication device, User agent, or User Equipment. An access terminal may be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) phone, a WLL (Wireless Local Loop) station, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a handheld device with Wireless communication capability, a computing device or other processing device connected to a Wireless modem, a vehicle mounted device, a wearable device, a terminal in a 5G network or a terminal in a PLMN for future evolution, etc.

Optionally, D2D communication may be performed between terminals 220.

Alternatively, the 5G communication system or the 5G network may also be referred to as an NR system or an NR network.

Fig. 2 exemplarily shows one access network device and two terminals, alternatively, the communication system 200 may include a plurality of access network devices and may include other numbers of terminals in the coverage area of each access network device, such as in a handover scenario, generally including a first access network device that is a source access network device and a second access network device that is a target access network device, i.e., a terminal is handed over from the first access network device to the second access network device.

Optionally, the communication system 200 may further include other network entities such as a network controller, a mobility management entity, and the like, which is not limited in this embodiment.

It should be understood that a device having a communication function in a network/system in the embodiments of the present application may be referred to as a communication device. Taking the communication system 200 shown in fig. 2 as an example, the communication device may include an access network device 210 and a terminal 220 having a communication function, and the access network device 210 and the terminal 220 may be the above-described specific devices, which are not described again here; the communication device may also include other devices in the communication system 200, such as other network entities, for example, a network controller, a mobility management entity, and the like, which is not limited in this embodiment.

After describing the related terms and implementation environments related to the embodiments of the present application, the clock synchronization method provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to fig. 3, fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a clock synchronization method according to an exemplary embodiment, which may be applied in the implementation environment illustrated in fig. 2, and the clock synchronization method may include at least some of the following:

step 301: and under the condition that the terminals in the first terminal group need to be switched, sending first information to second access network equipment in the switching process.

The TSN services supported by the terminals in the first terminal group are of the same type, the first information is used for the second access network equipment to determine a target clock reference terminal, the target clock reference terminal is used as a first main TSN clock node, the first main TSN clock node is a main TSN clock node of the second terminal group under the second access network equipment, or the first main TSN clock node is a main TSN clock node of the TSN services supported by the first terminal group. The TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same, and the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same as the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the first terminal group.

The terminal that needs to be switched may be one terminal in the first terminal group, may also be multiple terminals in the first terminal group, and may also be all terminals in the first terminal group, which is not limited in this embodiment.

Generally, there may be multiple terminals within the coverage area of any access network device in the 5G system, and the multiple terminals may support the same type of TSN traffic or different types of TSN traffic. In this case, terminals supporting the same type of TSN traffic among the plurality of terminals may be classified into the same terminal group.

For example, a terminal supporting a specific TSN service among a plurality of terminals within the coverage area of the first access network device may be categorized into the first terminal group. Similarly, a terminal supporting the specified TSN service among a plurality of terminals within the coverage area of the second access network device may be categorized as the second terminal group.

The target clock reference terminal may be included in the terminal that needs to be switched, or may not be included in the terminal that needs to be switched, which is not limited in this embodiment.

The second access network device refers to a target access network device, that is, the terminal needing to be switched is to be switched from the first access network device to the second access network device.

In this embodiment, based on the difference in the setting rules of the master TSN clock node in the 5G system, the first master TSN clock node may be a master TSN clock node of the second terminal group under the second access network device, and the first master TSN clock node may also be a master TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the first terminal group.

As an example, in a case where a plurality of access network devices exist in a 5G system, if there is no clock synchronization among the plurality of access network devices, each access network device may perform clock synchronization based on the respective determined master TSN clock node, in which case each access network device corresponds to its own master TSN clock node.

For the above situation, in the handover process, after the first access network device sends the first information to the second access network device, the second access network device determines, according to the first information, a master TSN clock node used as a second terminal group for clock synchronization.

Illustratively, when the target clock reference terminal serves as a first master TSN clock node, and the first master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of a second terminal group under the second access network device, the second access network device is clock-synchronized with the target clock reference terminal, and the other terminals except the target clock reference terminal in the second terminal group are clock-synchronized with the second access network device, or the other terminals except the target clock reference terminal in the second terminal group are clock-synchronized with the target clock reference terminal directly. In this case, the second group of terminals may be guaranteed to be clock synchronized under the TSN traffic it supports.

As another example, in the case where multiple access network devices exist within a 5G system, if the clocks between the multiple access network devices are synchronized, the multiple access network devices may use the same master TSN clock node for the same type of TSN traffic.

For the above situation, in the handover process, after the first access network device sends the first information to the second access network device, the second access network device determines, according to the first information, a primary TSN clock node used as a TSN service supported by the first terminal group.

For example, when the target clock reference terminal serves as a first master TSN clock node, and the first master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of TSN traffic supported by the first terminal group, since a TSN traffic type supported by a terminal in the second terminal group is the same as a TSN traffic type supported by a terminal in the first terminal group, the second access network device may perform clock synchronization with the target clock reference terminal, and other terminals except the target clock reference terminal in the second terminal group may perform clock synchronization with the second access network device, or other terminals except the target clock reference terminal in the second terminal group may perform clock synchronization directly with the target clock reference terminal. In this case, it can be ensured that the terminals in the second group of terminals are clock synchronized under the TSN traffic they support.

It should be noted that, in the case of clock synchronization between the plurality of access network devices, other access network devices than the first access network device and the second access network device in the plurality of access network devices may perform clock synchronization with the second access network device.

It should be noted that, in the case that a plurality of access network devices exist in the 5G system and clocks of the plurality of access network devices are synchronized, any one of the plurality of access network devices may select one terminal from a terminal group within its coverage area as a primary TSN clock node.

In combination with the above description, it may be determined that, when a terminal in the first terminal group needs to be switched from the first access network device to the second access network device, the first access network device may send first information to the second access network device in a switching process, so as to instruct the second access network device to determine the target clock reference terminal through the first information, that is, instruct the second access network device to determine the first master TSN clock node through the first information, and thus, the second access network device may perform clock synchronization with the first master TSN clock node, so as to implement clock synchronization under the TSN service supported by the target clock reference terminal.

For example, in a case where a terminal in the first terminal group moves from the coverage of the first access network device to the coverage of the second access network device, the first access network device may determine that the terminal in the first terminal group needs to be switched from the first access network device to the second access network device. In this manner, the first access network device may send the first information to the second access network device during the handover procedure.

In this embodiment of the present application, in a case that a terminal in a first terminal group needs to be switched from a first access network device to a second access network device, the first access network device may send first information to the second access network device in a switching process, and thus, the second access network device may determine a target clock reference terminal based on the first information. That is, the second access network device may determine, based on the first information, a first primary TSN clock node, where the first primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of a second terminal group under the second access network device, or the first primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by the first terminal group, so that the second access network device may determine a suitable primary TSN clock node to perform clock synchronization in the handover process.

Referring to fig. 4, fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a clock synchronization method according to an exemplary embodiment, which may be applied in the implementation environment illustrated in fig. 2, and the clock synchronization method may include at least some of the following:

step 401: and under the condition that the terminals in the first terminal group need to be switched, sending first information to second access network equipment in the switching process.

The specific implementation manner of this embodiment may refer to step 301 in fig. 3, and details are not repeated here.

As an example, the first information is carried by a handover request. Or the first information is sent after receiving an information sending instruction sent by the second access network device, where the information sending instruction is used to instruct the first access network device to send the first information.

The handover request may be used to request the second access network device to perform handover with the terminal that needs to be handed over under the first access network device.

For example, as shown in fig. 5, when the first access network device determines that the terminal in the first terminal group needs to be handed over, the first access network device may send a handover request to the second access network device, where the handover request may carry the first information.

Or, when the first access network device receives an information sending instruction sent by the second access network device, it indicates that the second access network device may receive the first information, and in this case, the first access network device may send the first information to the second access network device according to the instruction of the information sending instruction.

For example, the information sending instruction may be carried in a handover response message, so that, when the first access network device receives the handover response message, if it is determined that the handover response message carries the information sending instruction, the first access network device may send the first information to the second access network device according to the instruction of the information sending instruction.

In an optional embodiment based on fig. 4, the terminal that needs to be switched includes a first clock reference terminal, where the first clock reference terminal is used as a second master TSN clock node, and the second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of TSN traffic supported by the first terminal group.

In this case, the first information includes at least one of:

(1) a first clock reference terminal identification;

(2) a QoS flow (Quality of Service flow) identifier is appointed, and the QoS flow indicated by the QoS flow identifier is appointed to be used for transmitting TSN clock information;

(3) a Data Radio Bearer (DRB) identifier is specified, and the Radio Data Bearer indicated by the DRB identifier is specified for transmitting TSN clock information.

The designated QoS flow may include a designated uplink QoS flow, a designated downlink QoS flow, or both a designated uplink QoS flow and a designated downlink QoS flow, which is not limited in this embodiment.

The designated radio bearer may include a designated uplink radio bearer, a designated downlink radio bearer, or both a designated uplink radio bearer and a designated downlink radio bearer, which is not limited in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, based on the difference in the setting rules of the master TSN clock node in the 5G system, the second master TSN clock node may be a master TSN clock node of the first terminal group under the first access network device, and the second master TSN clock node may also be a master TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the first terminal group.

For example, if the first clock reference terminal is used as the second master TSN clock node, the first access network device is clock-synchronized with the first clock reference terminal, and other terminals in the first terminal group except the first clock reference terminal are clock-synchronized with the first access network device, or other terminals in the first terminal group except the first clock reference terminal may be clock-synchronized with the first clock reference terminal directly. In this case, it can be guaranteed that the first group of terminals is clock synchronized under the TSN traffic it supports.

The first clock reference terminal identification can be used for the second access network device to identify the first clock reference terminal in the terminals needing to be switched. Illustratively, the first clock reference terminal ID may be an ID (Identity) of the first clock reference terminal.

Wherein, in case that the first clock reference terminal is used as the second master TSN clock node, the first clock reference terminal may establish a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer to transmit the TSN clock information to the first access network device through the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer.

In this case, the designated QoS flow corresponds to a designated QoS flow identifier, and thus, the second access network device may determine the designated QoS flow by recognizing the designated QoS flow identifier, and thus, may recognize the first clock reference terminal among the terminals requiring handover according to the designated QoS flow.

Similarly, the designated radio data bearer corresponds to the designated DRB identifier, and thus, the second access network device may determine the designated radio data bearer by identifying the designated DRB identifier, and thus, may identify the first clock reference terminal among the terminals needing handover according to the designated DRB identifier.

That is, at least one of the first clock reference terminal identifier, the QoS flow identifier and the DRB identifier may be used by the second access network device to identify the first clock reference terminal among the terminals needing handover.

In this way, when the terminal requiring handover includes the first clock reference terminal, the first access network device may send information indicating the first clock reference terminal to the second access network device, for example, the first access network device may send one or more of the first clock reference terminal identifier, the specified QoS flow identifier, and the specified DRB identifier to the second access network device.

Illustratively, the first information further comprises at least one of: the terminal group identifier of the first terminal group, the terminal identifiers of other terminals except the first clock reference terminal in the first terminal group, the TSN service identifier, the TSN group identifier, the belonged TSN clock domain identifier and the belonged TSN time domain identifier.

The terminal group identifier of the first terminal group may be used by the second access network device to determine a terminal group to which a terminal that needs to be switched belongs. The terminal group identity of the first terminal group may be, for example, an ID of the first terminal group.

The TSN service identifier may be used by the second access network device to determine the TSN service type supported by the terminal to be switched, and thus, the second access network device may classify the terminal to be switched into a corresponding terminal group according to the TSN service type supported by the terminal to be switched.

The TSN clock domain identifier may be used for the second access network device to determine a clock domain corresponding to the TSN service supported by the terminal that needs to be switched during transmission.

The TSN time domain identifier may be used for the second access network device to determine a time domain corresponding to the TSN service supported by the terminal that needs to be switched during transmission.

The TSN group identifier refers to an identifier of a service group to which a TSN service supported by a terminal that needs to be switched belongs, or the TSN group identifier refers to an identifier of a terminal group formed by all terminals that support the TSN service, when a second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the first terminal group. It should be noted that the terminal supporting the TSN service may belong to the same access network device or belong to different access network devices, which is not limited in this embodiment.

That is to say, in an implementation manner, in a case that a terminal that needs to be switched includes a first clock reference terminal, first information sent by a first access network device may include one or more of a terminal group identifier of the first terminal group, a terminal identifier of another terminal in the first terminal group except the first clock reference terminal, a TSN service identifier, a TSN group identifier, a TSN clock domain identifier that belongs to the terminal group, and a TSN time domain identifier that belongs to the terminal group, so that a second access network device may obtain service group attribution information or terminal group attribution information of the terminal that needs to be switched, and attribute the terminal that needs to be switched to a corresponding terminal group or service group.

In another implementation manner, in a case that a terminal that needs to be switched includes a first clock reference terminal, the first information sent by the first access network device may include information for identifying the first clock reference terminal, and may further include one or more of a terminal group identifier of the first terminal group, a terminal identifier of a terminal other than the first clock reference terminal in the first terminal group, a TSN service identifier, a TSN group identifier, a TSN clock domain identifier that belongs to the terminal group, and a TSN time domain identifier that belongs to the terminal group.

As an example, if the terminal needing to be handed over is a part of terminals in the first terminal group, and the terminal needing to be handed over includes the first clock reference terminal, the first access network device may further perform the following operations: and establishing a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with a target terminal in the terminals which do not need to be switched and are included in the first terminal group, wherein the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information. Wherein the target terminal is a newly determined terminal used as a second master TSN clock node.

Under the condition that the terminal needing switching comprises the first clock reference terminal, if the first clock reference terminal is switched to the second access network equipment, the first clock reference terminal is no longer used as the second master TSN clock node, namely, the first access network equipment is no longer in clock synchronization with the first clock reference terminal. In this case, the first access network device may determine the target terminal among the terminals that do not require handover included in the first terminal group, i.e., re-determine the terminal serving as the second master TSN clock node.

Further, the first access network device may establish a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with the target terminal, so that the target terminal may send TSN clock information to the first access network device through the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer, and the first access network device may perform clock synchronization with the target terminal according to the TSN clock information.

Illustratively, the target terminal is determined by a node that is at least one of: the first access network device, the core network node, a CNC (central network controller) node, all terminals that do not need to be switched in the first terminal group, any one of all terminals that do not need to be switched in the first terminal group, a designated terminal among all terminals that do not need to be switched in the first terminal group, and a first clock reference terminal.

The core network node may include an AMF node, an SMF (Session Management Function) node, and the like, which is not limited in this embodiment.

Among them, the AMF node may be used for mobility management, and the AMF node may be connected with a terminal. The SMF node may be used for session management, and the SMF node may be connected with the AMF node.

The CNC node can be used for uniformly managing all TSN services in the TSN.

The designated terminal of all terminals that do not need to be switched in the first terminal group may be designated by the first access network device, or may be designated by the core network node, which is not limited in this embodiment.

That is, when the terminal to be switched includes the first clock reference terminal, the target terminal may be determined by the first access network device, the core network node, the CNC node, all terminals that do not need to be switched in the first terminal group, any one of all terminals that do not need to be switched in the first terminal group, a designated terminal among all terminals that do not need to be switched in the first terminal group, and one or more of the first clock reference terminals.

For example, when the terminal that needs to be switched includes the first clock reference terminal, the target terminal may be determined by the first access network device, or the target terminal may be determined by the first access network device and all terminals that do not need to be switched in the first terminal group together, which is not limited in this embodiment.

In summary, when the terminal that needs to be switched includes the first clock reference terminal, it may be determined that the target terminal is used as the second master TSN clock node in the terminals that do not need to be switched in the first terminal group, and thus, the first access network device may perform clock synchronization with the target terminal, thereby ensuring continuity of clock synchronization under the TSN service supported by the first clock reference terminal under the condition of switching the first clock reference terminal.

Certainly, when the terminal that needs to be switched includes the first clock reference terminal, if the first clock reference terminal is used as a primary TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the first terminal group, that is, if the primary TSN clock node corresponding to the TSN service supported by at least one access network device is the first clock reference terminal, the first access network device may only send the first information to the second access network device.

In an optional embodiment based on fig. 4, the terminal that needs to be switched does not include the first clock reference terminal, the first clock reference terminal is used as a second master TSN clock node, and the second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of TSN traffic supported by the first terminal group.

In this case, the first information includes: and identifying candidate terminals, wherein the candidate terminals are determined by the first access network equipment from the terminals needing to be switched.

As an example, a candidate terminal refers to a candidate terminal with respect to the first clock reference terminal, i.e., the candidate terminal may serve as a second master TSN clock node in case of a change of the first clock reference terminal.

The candidate terminal identifier may be used by the second access network device to determine a candidate terminal among terminals that need to be switched, and further, the candidate terminal may be determined by the second access network device according to a reference policy, which may be set according to actual requirements.

For example, the first access network device may select a terminal with higher clock accuracy as a candidate terminal from terminals that need to be switched, may select a terminal with a smaller local oscillator as a candidate terminal from terminals that need to be switched, and may select a terminal with higher quality of service as a candidate terminal from terminals that need to be switched, which is not limited in this embodiment.

That is, when the first clock reference terminal is not included in the terminal requiring handover, the first access network device may determine a candidate terminal among the terminals requiring handover and transmit information indicating the candidate terminal to the second access network device.

It should be noted that, when the terminal that needs to be handed over does not include the first clock reference terminal, the first access network device may not obtain the candidate terminal from the terminal that needs to be handed over, which is not limited in this embodiment.

That is to say, in an implementation manner, under the condition that the terminal that needs to be switched does not include the first clock reference terminal, the first information sent by the first access network device may include one or more of a terminal group identifier of the first terminal group, a terminal identifier of another terminal in the first terminal group except the first clock reference terminal, a TSN service identifier, a TSN group identifier, a TSN clock domain identifier to which the terminal belongs, and a TSN time domain identifier to which the terminal belongs.

In another implementation manner, in a case that a terminal that needs to be switched does not include a first clock reference terminal, the first information sent by the first access network device may include information for identifying a candidate terminal, and may further include one or more of a terminal group identifier of the first terminal group, a terminal identifier of a terminal other than the first clock reference terminal in the first terminal group, a TSN service identifier, a TSN group identifier, a TSN clock domain identifier that belongs to the terminal group, and a TSN time domain identifier that belongs to the terminal group.

As an example, if the terminal needing to be handed over is a part of terminals in the first terminal group and the terminal needing to be handed over does not include the first clock reference terminal, the first access network device may further perform the following operations: clock synchronization is performed with a first clock reference terminal.

That is, when there is a part of terminals in the first terminal group under the first access network device that need to be switched and the terminals that need to be switched do not include the first clock reference terminal, the first clock reference terminal may continue to serve as the second master TSN clock node, and therefore, the first access network device may perform clock synchronization with the first clock reference terminal to ensure clock synchronization under the TSN service supported by the first clock reference terminal.

In an alternative embodiment based on fig. 4, if the second master TSN clock node is changed at the first time point, a change message is sent to the second access network device, where the change message is used to notify the second access network device that the second master TSN clock node is changed. The second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by the first terminal group.

The changing of the second master TSN clock node may include switching a terminal used as the second master TSN clock node, powering off the terminal used as the second master TSN clock node, detecting an abnormal terminal used as the second master TSN clock node, moving the terminal used as the second master TSN clock node out of the coverage of the first access network device, and the like, which is not limited in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, when the first clock reference terminal serving as the second master TSN clock node is changed, the first clock reference terminal is no longer serving as the second master TSN clock node, that is, the first access network device is no longer clock-synchronized with the first clock reference terminal. In this case, the first access network device may send a change message to the second access network device to inform the second access network device that the first clock reference terminal is no longer acting as the second master TSN clock node.

As an example, the change message may include at least one of: the terminal group identification of the first terminal group is the terminal group identification of other terminals except the first clock reference terminal identification in the first terminal group.

Wherein the target terminal refers to a newly determined terminal serving as the second master TSN clock node.

Wherein the change indication may be for the second access network device to determine that the first clock reference terminal is no longer acting as the second master TSN clock node.

The TSN service identifier may be used by the second access network device to determine the TSN service type supported by the first clock reference terminal.

The TSN clock domain identifier may be used for the second access network device to determine a clock domain corresponding to the TSN service supported by the first clock reference terminal during transmission.

The first clock reference terminal identification can be used for the second access network equipment to determine the first clock reference terminal in the terminals needing to be switched.

The TSN group identifier refers to an identifier of a service group to which a TSN service supported by the first clock reference terminal belongs, or the TSN group identifier refers to an identifier of a terminal group formed by all terminals supporting the TSN service when the second master TSN clock node is the master TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the first terminal group. It should be noted that the terminal supporting the TSN service may belong to the same access network device, or may belong to different access network devices, which is not limited in this embodiment.

That is, the change message may include one or more of a change instruction, a TSN service identifier, a first clock reference terminal identifier, a TSN clock domain identifier to which the change instruction belongs, a serving cell identifier to which the target terminal belongs, an access network device identifier to which the target terminal belongs, a TSN group identifier, a terminal group identifier of the first terminal group, and a terminal identifier of another terminal in the first terminal group except the first clock reference terminal identifier, so that the second access network device may determine, according to the change message, a more suitable terminal to be used as the first master TSN clock node.

As an example, the first point in time comprises at least one of: after a change in the first clock reference terminal serving as the second master TSN clock node. After the first access network device sends the handover request. After the first access network device receives the handover response message of the second access network device. After the first access network device sends the switching request, the time period is up to the time period before the first network device sends the switching command to the terminal needing to be switched. After the first access network device sends the switching request, the time period is before the terminal needing to be switched establishes connection with the second access network device. Before the first access network device releases the connection with the terminal.

The handover command refers to a command sent by the second access network device and used for instructing the terminal needing to be handed over to execute handover, and generally, the second access network device sends the handover command to the first access network device, and the first access network device forwards the handover command to the terminal needing to be handed over.

For example, after a change occurs in the first clock reference terminal serving as the second master TSN clock node, the first clock reference terminal no longer serving as the second TSN clock node, and the first access network device may send a change message to the second access network device.

For example, when the first clock reference terminal changes after the first access network device sends the handover request, that is, the first clock reference terminal no longer serves as the second master TSN clock node, the first access network device may send a change message to the second access network device.

For example, when the first clock reference terminal changes after the first access network device receives the handover response message of the second access network device, that is, the first clock reference terminal no longer serves as the second master TSN clock node, the first access network device may send a change message to the second access network device.

For example, after the first access network device sends the handover request, the first clock reference terminal is changed until the first network device sends the handover command to the terminal that needs to be handed over, that is, the first clock reference terminal is no longer used as the second master TSN clock node, and then the first access network device may send a change message to the second access network device.

For example, after the first access network device sends the handover request, the first clock reference terminal is changed until the terminal needing handover establishes a connection with the second access network device, that is, the first clock reference terminal is no longer used as the second master TSN clock node, and then the first access network device may send a change message to the second access network device.

For example, when the first clock reference terminal changes before the first access network device releases the connection with the terminal, that is, the first clock reference terminal no longer serves as the second master TSN clock node, the first access network device may send a change message to the second access network device.

In this way, the second access network device may determine that the second master TSN clock node is changed in time by receiving the change message, and the second access network device may select the terminal serving as the first master TSN clock node on the basis of the change message.

It should be noted that the first access network device may send the change message to one or more of the second access network device, the neighboring access network device of the first access network device, the core network node, the access network device that uses the first clock reference terminal as the primary TSN clock node in the other access network devices that support the TSN service, and the CNC node, which is not limited in this embodiment.

It should be further noted that the first network device may send the change message when the first clock reference terminal is switched, or may send the change message when the first clock reference terminal is not switched, which is not limited in this embodiment.

In an alternative embodiment based on fig. 4, the first access network device may further perform the following operations:

1. and determining a second main TSN clock node based on whether the terminals in the first terminal group correspond to the designated QoS flow or the designated wireless data bearer. Wherein QoS flow is specified or a wireless data bearer is specified for transmitting TSN clock information. The second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the first terminal group.

The QoS flow or the radio bearer may be established by a terminal, a core network node, or the first access network device, which is not limited in this embodiment.

If the designated QoS flow or the designated radio data bearer is determined to be established by the terminal or determined to be established by the core network node, the first access network device cannot determine the terminal serving as the second master TSN clock node in the first terminal group.

That is, when the first access network device determines that a terminal in the first terminal group should have a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer, it may be determined that the terminal may serve as the second master TSN clock node. When the first access network device determines that the terminal in the first terminal group does not correspond to the designated QoS flow or the designated wireless data bearer, it may be determined that the terminal may not be used as the second master TSN clock node.

2. The second master TSN clock node is determined based on whether the terminals in the first terminal group have the ability to establish a specified QoS flow or a specified radio data bearer.

For example, the first access network device may determine, based on the clock precision of the terminal, whether the terminal is capable of establishing the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer, may also determine, based on a local oscillator of the terminal, whether the terminal is capable of establishing the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer, and may also determine, based on the service quality of the terminal, whether the terminal is capable of establishing the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer, and the like, which is not limited in this embodiment.

For example, if the quality of service of the terminal is higher than a specified quality of service threshold, the first access network device may determine that the terminal is capable of establishing a specified QoS flow or a specified radio data bearer, and if the quality of service of the terminal is lower than or equal to the specified quality of service threshold, the first access network device may determine that the terminal is not capable of establishing the specified QoS flow or the specified radio data bearer. Wherein, the specified service instruction threshold value can be set according to actual requirements.

That is, when the first access network device determines that a terminal in the first terminal group has the capability to establish a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer, it may be determined that the terminal may serve as the second master TSN clock node. When the first access network device determines that the terminal in the first terminal group has no capability of establishing the designated QoS flow or the designated radio data bearer, it may be determined that the terminal may not be used as the second master TSN clock node.

3. And determining a second main TSN clock node based on whether the terminals in the first terminal group have the specified identification. Wherein the specified identity is an identity of a terminal serving as a second master TSN clock node.

The identifier may be preconfigured, or may be indicated or configured by the network device to the terminal, for example, the identifier may be configured by the CNC node to the terminal, and the identifier may also be configured by the first access network device to the terminal, which is not limited in this embodiment.

That is, when the first access network device determines that a terminal in the first terminal group should have an identity of the second master TSN clock node, it may be determined that the terminal may serve as the second master TSN clock node. When the first access network device determines that the terminal in the first terminal group does not have the corresponding identifier of the second master TSN clock node, it may be determined that the terminal may not be used as the second master TSN clock node.

In this embodiment of the present application, in a case that a terminal in a first terminal group needs to be switched from a first access network device to a second access network device, the first access network device may send first information to the second access network device in a switching process, and thus, the second access network device may determine a target clock reference terminal based on the first information. That is, the second access network device may determine, based on the first information, a first master TSN clock node, where the first master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of a second terminal group under the second access network device, or the first master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by the first terminal group, so that the second access network device may determine a suitable master TSN clock node to perform clock synchronization in the handover process, so as to implement clock synchronization under the TSN service supported by the target clock reference terminal.

As an example, in a case that a first clock reference terminal is included in a terminal that needs to be switched, the first access network device may send information for identifying the first clock reference terminal to the second access network device, and thus, the second access network device may determine the first master TSN clock node with reference to the first clock reference terminal.

In this case, the first access network device may select a target terminal from terminals that do not need to be switched and serve as the second master TSN clock node in the first terminal group, so that the first access network device may perform clock synchronization with the target node, and continuity of clock synchronization under the TSN service supported by the first clock reference terminal is ensured.

Of course, if the first clock reference terminal is used as a primary TSN clock node of the TSN traffic supported by the first terminal group, the first access network device may only send the first information to the second access network device, without re-determining the target terminal among the terminals that do not need to be switched and included in the first terminal group.

As an example, in a case that the terminal requiring handover does not include the first clock reference terminal, the first access network device may select a candidate terminal among the terminals requiring handover and send information for identifying the candidate terminal to the second access network device, so that the second access network device may determine the first master TSN clock node with reference to the candidate terminal.

Of course, in a case that the terminal that needs to be switched does not include the first clock reference terminal, the first information may also not include information for identifying the candidate terminal, and in this case, the first information may include one or more of a terminal group identifier of the first terminal group, a terminal identifier of a terminal other than the first clock reference terminal in the first terminal group, a TSN service identifier, a TSN group identifier, a TSN clock domain identifier that belongs to the terminal group, and a TSN time domain identifier that belongs to the terminal group, which is not limited in this embodiment.

In this case, the first clock reference terminal may continue to serve as the second master TSN clock node, and thus, the first access network device may perform clock synchronization with the first clock reference terminal to ensure clock synchronization under TSN traffic supported by the first clock reference terminal.

As an example, in a case that a terminal that needs to be switched includes a first clock reference terminal, if the first clock reference terminal changes at a first time point, the first access network device may send a change message to the second access network device, so that the second access network device may determine in time that the first clock reference terminal is no longer used as the second master TSN clock node, and on this basis, the second access network device may select a more suitable terminal to be used as the first master TSN clock node.

Referring to fig. 6, fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a clock synchronization method according to an exemplary embodiment, which may be applied in the implementation environment illustrated in fig. 2 and mainly performed by a second access network device, where the clock synchronization method may include at least some of the following:

step 601: and receiving first information sent by the first access network equipment, wherein the first information is sent by the first access network equipment in the switching process under the condition that the terminals in the first terminal group need to be switched. And the time slot sensitive network TSN service types supported by the terminals in the first terminal group are the same.

That is, when a terminal in the first terminal group needs to be switched from the first access network device to the second access network device, the second access network device may receive the first information sent by the first access network device in the switching process.

As an example, the first information is carried by a handover request. Or the first information is received after the second access network device sends an information sending instruction, where the information sending instruction is used to instruct the first access network device to send the first information.

For example, in a case that the first information is carried by the handover request, when the second access network device receives the handover request sent by the first access network device, the first information may be obtained in the handover request.

When the second access network device can receive the first information, the second access network device can send an information sending instruction to the first access network device to instruct the first access network device to send the first information. In this way, the second access network device may receive the first information after sending the information sending indication.

For example, the information sending indication may be carried in a handover response message, so that the second access network device may send the handover response message to the first access network device, in which case the second access network device may receive the first information after sending the handover response message.

In a possible implementation manner, the second access network device may further perform the following operations: and sending the first information to terminals in a second terminal group under the second access network equipment. The TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same, and the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same as the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the first terminal group.

That is, if the second access network device receives the first information, the second access network device may send the first information to the terminals in the second terminal group that have the same TSN traffic type as that supported by the first terminal group.

For example, the second access network device may send the first information to the terminals in the second terminal group in a broadcast, unicast, or dedicated RRC (Radio Resource Control) message manner.

For example, the second access network device may send the first information to the terminal in the second terminal group after the terminal that needs to be switched is switched, or the second access network device may send the first information to the terminal in the second terminal group in the switching process of the terminal that needs to be switched, which is not limited in this embodiment.

Step 602: and determining a target clock reference terminal according to the first information, wherein the target clock reference terminal is used as a first main TSN clock node, and the first main TSN clock node is a main TSN clock node under the second access network device, or the first main TSN clock node is a main TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by the second terminal group under the second access network device.

In this embodiment, based on the difference in the setting rules of the master TSN clock node in the 5G system, the first master TSN clock node may be a master TSN clock node of the second terminal group under the second access network device, and the first master TSN clock node may also be a master TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the second terminal group.

That is, upon receiving the first information, the second access network device may determine, based on the first information, a target clock reference terminal that serves as a clock node for the first master TSN. In this way, the second access network device may perform clock synchronization with the target clock reference terminal to implement clock synchronization under the TSN service supported by the target clock reference terminal.

In an optional embodiment based on fig. 6, if the terminal that needs to be switched is a part of terminals in the first terminal group, the terminal that needs to be switched does not include the first clock reference terminal, the first clock reference terminal is used as a second master TSN clock node, and the second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of TSN traffic supported by the first terminal group.

That is, in an implementation manner, under the condition that the terminal that needs to be switched does not include the first clock reference terminal, the first information sent by the first access network device may include one or more of a terminal group identifier of the first terminal group, a terminal identifier of another terminal in the first terminal group except the first clock reference terminal, a TSN service identifier, a TSN group identifier, a TSN clock domain identifier that belongs to the terminal group, and a TSN time domain identifier that belongs to the terminal group, so that the second access network device may obtain the service group attribution information or the terminal group attribution information of the terminal that needs to be switched, and attribute the terminal that needs to be switched to the corresponding terminal group or service group.

As an example, the second access network device may further perform at least one of the following: and determining the candidate terminal as the target clock reference terminal. And establishing a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with the target clock reference terminal, wherein the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer is used for transmitting the TSN clock information.

That is, when the terminal requiring handover includes a candidate terminal, the second access network device may directly determine the candidate terminal as the target clock reference terminal. In this case, the handover command sent by the second access network device may include information instructing the candidate terminal to establish the specified QoS flow or the specified radio data bearer establishment.

In this way, the second access network device may establish a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with the target clock reference terminal, so that the target clock reference terminal may send TSN clock information to the second access network device through the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer, and the second access network device may perform clock synchronization according to the TSN clock information, so as to implement clock synchronization under the TSN service supported by the target clock reference terminal.

For example, the second access network device may not determine the candidate terminal as the target clock reference terminal, that is, the second access network device may determine the terminal currently serving as the first master TSN clock node as the target clock reference terminal, in which case the second access network device may perform clock synchronization with the target clock reference terminal.

Illustratively, the second access network device may also determine the target clock reference terminal according to the capabilities of the terminal. That is, the second access network device may compare the capabilities of the candidate terminal with the capabilities of the terminal currently serving as the first master TSN clock node, and determine the terminal with the stronger capability as the target clock reference terminal.

For example, the second access network device may compare the service quality of the candidate terminal with the service quality of the terminal currently serving as the first master TSN clock node, and determine that the candidate terminal is the target clock reference terminal if the service quality of the candidate terminal is higher. And if the service quality of the terminal currently used as the first main TSN clock node is higher, determining that the terminal currently used as the first main TSN clock node is the target clock reference terminal.

For example, the second access network device may also not determine the candidate terminal as the target clock reference terminal, but may directly determine the terminal currently serving as the second master TSN clock node as the target clock reference terminal, in which case the second access network device may perform clock synchronization with the target clock reference terminal, or the second access network device may perform clock synchronization with the access network device to which the target clock reference terminal belongs.

In an optional embodiment based on fig. 6, the terminals to be switched are part of terminals in the first terminal group, and the terminals to be switched include a first clock reference terminal, where the first clock reference terminal is used as a second master TSN clock node, and the second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of TSN traffic supported by the first terminal group.

In this case, the first information includes at least one of:

(1) a first clock refers to a terminal identifier and designates a QoS flow identifier;

(2) the QoS flow indicated by the QoS flow identification is designated to be used for transmitting TSN clock information;

(3) and designating the DRB identification of the wireless data bearer, wherein the wireless data bearer indicated by the DRB identification is used for transmitting the TSN clock information.

That is, when the first clock reference terminal is included in the terminal requiring handover, the second access network device may receive information indicating the first clock reference terminal, for example, the second access network device may receive one or more of the first clock reference terminal identifier, the specified QoS flow identifier, and the specified DRB identifier.

Illustratively, the first information further includes at least one of: the terminal group identifier of the first terminal group, the terminal identifiers of other terminals except the first clock reference terminal in the first terminal group, the TSN service identifier, the TSN group identifier, the belonged TSN clock domain identifier and the belonged TSN time domain identifier.

For specific content, see step 401 in the embodiment of fig. 4, which is not repeated herein.

That is to say, in an implementation manner, in a case that the terminal that needs to be switched includes the first clock reference terminal, the first information may include one or more of a terminal group identifier of the first terminal group, a terminal identifier of another terminal in the first terminal group except the first clock reference terminal, a TSN service identifier, a TSN group identifier, an affiliated TSN clock domain identifier, and an affiliated TSN time domain identifier.

In another implementation manner, in a case that the terminal that needs to be switched includes the first clock reference terminal, the first information may include information for identifying the first clock reference terminal, and may further include one or more of a terminal group identifier of the first terminal group, a terminal identifier of another terminal in the first terminal group except the first clock reference terminal, a TSN service identifier, a TSN group identifier, a TSN clock domain identifier that belongs to the terminal group, and a TSN time domain identifier that belongs to the terminal group.

As an example, the second access network device may further perform at least one of the following: the first clock reference terminal is determined to be the target clock reference terminal. And establishing a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with the target clock reference terminal, wherein the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer is used for transmitting the TSN clock information.

That is, when the terminal requiring handover includes the first clock reference terminal, the second access network device may directly determine the first clock reference terminal as the target clock reference terminal. In this case, the handover command sent by the second access network device may include information indicating that the first clock refers to the terminal to establish the specified QoS flow or the specified radio data bearer establishment.

For example, the second access network device may not determine the first clock reference terminal as the target clock reference terminal, that is, the second access network device may determine a terminal currently serving as the first master TSN clock node as the target clock reference terminal, in which case the second access network device may perform clock synchronization with the target clock reference terminal, or the second access network device may perform clock synchronization with the access network device to which the target clock reference terminal belongs.

Illustratively, the second access network device may also determine the target clock reference terminal according to the capabilities of the terminal. That is, the second access network device may compare the capabilities of the first clock reference terminal with the capabilities of the terminal currently serving as the first master TSN clock node, and determine the terminal with the stronger capability as the target clock reference terminal.

For example, the second access network device may compare the service quality of the first clock reference terminal with the service quality of the terminal currently serving as the first master TSN clock node, and determine that the first clock reference terminal is the target clock reference terminal if the service quality of the first clock reference terminal is higher. And if the service quality of the terminal currently used as the first main TSN clock node is higher, determining that the terminal currently used as the first main TSN clock node is the target clock reference terminal.

In an optional embodiment based on fig. 6, if the terminal that needs to be switched includes the first clock reference terminal, the first clock reference terminal is used as a second master TSN clock node, and the second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the first terminal group. The second access network device may further: and receiving a change message under the condition that the first clock reference terminal is changed, wherein the change message is used for informing the second access network equipment that the second main TSN clock node is changed.

In this embodiment, when the first clock reference terminal serving as the second master TSN clock node is changed, the first clock reference terminal is no longer serving as the second master TSN clock node, that is, the first access network device is no longer clock-synchronized with the first clock reference terminal. In this way, under the condition that the terminal needing to be switched includes the first clock reference terminal, if the first clock reference terminal is changed, that is, the first clock reference terminal is no longer used as the second master TSN clock node, the second access network device may determine that the first clock reference terminal is no longer used as the first master TSN clock node through a change message sent by the first access network device.

The TSN group identifier refers to an identifier of a service group to which a TSN service supported by the first clock reference terminal belongs, or the TSN group identifier refers to an identifier of a terminal group formed by all terminals supporting the TSN service when the second master TSN clock node is the master TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the first terminal group. It should be noted that the terminal supporting the TSN service may belong to the same access network device or belong to different access network devices, which is not limited in this embodiment.

As an example, the second access network device may further perform the following operations: and sending a change message to the terminals in the second terminal group under the second access network equipment.

That is, in the case where the second access network device receives the change message, the second access network device may transmit the change message to the terminals of the second terminal group. In this manner, the terminals in the second terminal group may also determine that the first clock reference terminal is no longer functioning as the second master TSN clock node.

For example, the second access network device may send the change message to the terminals in the second terminal group by means of broadcast, unicast, dedicated RRC message.

In an optional embodiment based on fig. 6, if the terminal that needs to be switched includes the first clock reference terminal, the first clock reference terminal is used as a second master TSN clock node, and the second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the first terminal group. The second access network device may further:

1. and determining a second main TSN clock node based on whether the terminal needing to be switched corresponds to the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer.

That is, when the second access network device determines that the terminal that needs to be handed over should have a specified QoS flow or a specified radio data bearer, it may be determined that the terminal may serve as the second master TSN clock node. When the second access network device determines that the terminal needing to be switched does not correspond to the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer, it may be determined that the terminal may not be used as the second master TSN clock node.

2. The second master TSN clock node is determined based on whether the terminal requiring handover has the ability to establish a specified QoS flow or a specified radio data bearer. QoS flow is specified or a wireless data bearer is specified for transmitting TSN clock information.

That is, when the second access network device determines that the terminal requiring handover has the capability of establishing a specified QoS flow or a specified radio data bearer, it may be determined that the terminal may serve as the second master TSN clock node. When the second access network device determines that the terminal needing to be switched has no capability of establishing the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer, it may be determined that the terminal may not be used as the second master TSN clock node.

3. And determining a second main TSN clock node based on whether the terminal needing to be switched has a specified identifier. Wherein the specified identity is an identity of a terminal serving as a second master TSN clock node.

The identifier may be preconfigured, or may be indicated or configured by the network device to the terminal, for example, the identifier may be configured by a CNC node to the terminal, and the identifier may also be configured by the first access network device to the terminal, which is not limited in this embodiment.

That is, when the second access network device determines that the terminal that needs to be switched should have the identity of the second master TSN clock node, it may be determined that the terminal may serve as the second master TSN clock node. When the second access network device determines that the terminal needing to be switched does not have the corresponding identifier of the second master TSN clock node, it may determine that the terminal may not be used as the second master TSN clock node.

In this embodiment of the present application, in a case that a terminal in the first terminal group needs to be switched from the first access network device to the second access network device, the second access network device may receive the first information in a switching process, and thus, the second access network device may determine the target clock reference terminal based on the first information. That is, the second access network device may determine, based on the first information, a first primary TSN clock node, where the first primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of a second terminal group under the second access network device, or the first primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by the first terminal group, so that the second access network device may determine a suitable primary TSN clock node to perform clock synchronization in the handover process.

As an example, in the case that the terminal requiring handover includes a first clock reference terminal, the first information may include information related to the first clock reference terminal, and the second access network device may determine the first clock reference terminal among the terminals requiring handover according to the first information.

In this case, the second access network device may directly determine the first clock reference terminal as the target clock reference terminal, that is, may use the first clock reference terminal as the first master TSN clock node, and thus, the second access network device may perform clock synchronization with the target clock reference terminal.

As an example, in a case that the first clock reference terminal is not included in the terminals requiring handover, the first information may include information related to the candidate terminals, and the second access network device may determine the candidate terminals among the terminals requiring handover according to the first information.

In this case, the second access network device may directly determine the candidate terminal as the target clock reference terminal, that is, may use the candidate terminal as the first master TSN clock node, and thus, the second access network device may perform clock synchronization with the target clock reference terminal.

Of course, in this case, the second access network device may also determine the candidate terminal as the target clock reference terminal instead of determining the candidate terminal as the target clock reference terminal, and may directly determine the terminal currently serving as the second master TSN clock node as the target clock reference terminal.

As an example, in a case that a terminal that needs to be switched includes a first clock reference terminal, if the first clock reference terminal changes, the second access network device may receive a change message sent by the first access network device, so that the second access network device may determine in time that the first clock reference terminal is no longer used as the second master TSN clock node, and on this basis, the second access network device may select a more appropriate terminal to be used as the first master TSN clock node.

Referring to fig. 7, fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a clock synchronization method according to an exemplary embodiment, where the clock synchronization method may be applied in the implementation environment illustrated in fig. 2, and is mainly executed by a third access network device, where the third access network device may be the first access network device or the second access network device, that is, the third access network device may be a source access network device or a target access network device. The clock synchronization method may include at least part of the following:

step 701: and under the condition that the second clock reference terminal is changed, determining a target terminal in the third terminal group.

The second clock reference terminal is used as a third primary TSN clock node, and the third primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node under a third access network device, or the third primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by a third terminal group, the target terminal is a newly determined terminal used as the third primary TSN clock node, the third terminal group is a terminal group where the second clock reference terminal is located, and the TSN services supported by the terminals in the third terminal group are of the same type.

In this embodiment, based on the difference in the setting rules of the master TSN clock node in the 5G system, the third master TSN clock node may be a master TSN clock node of a third terminal group under the third access network device, and the third master TSN clock node may also be a master TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by the third terminal group.

In this embodiment, when a terminal serving as the second master TSN clock node is changed, the terminal is no longer used as the second master TSN clock node, i.e. the third access network device is no longer clock-synchronized with the terminal serving as the second master TSN clock node.

In this case, the third access network device may determine the target terminal in the third terminal group, i.e., determine a terminal that may serve as the third master TSN clock node, so that the third access network device may perform clock synchronization with the target terminal.

For example, the third access network device may select a terminal with the highest clock precision in the third terminal group as the target terminal, may select a terminal with the smallest local oscillator in the third terminal group as the target terminal, may select a terminal with the highest service quality in the third terminal group as the target terminal, and the like, which is not limited in this embodiment.

In a possible implementation manner, the third access network device may further perform the following operations: and establishing a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with the target terminal, wherein the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer is used for transmitting the TSN clock information.

That is, in the case of determining the target terminal, the third access network device may establish a specified QoS flow or a specified radio data bearer with the target terminal, so that the target terminal may send TSN clock information to the first access network device through the specified QoS flow or the specified radio data bearer, and the first access network device may perform clock synchronization with the target terminal according to the TSN clock information.

Illustratively, the target terminal is determined by a node that is at least one of: the core network node, the CNC node, the third access network equipment, all terminals in the third terminal group, any terminal in the third terminal group, a designated terminal in the third terminal group and the second clock reference terminal.

The core network node may include an AMF node, an SMF node, and the like, which is not limited in this embodiment.

The designated terminal in the third terminal group may be designated by the third access network device, or may be designated by the core network node, which is not limited in this embodiment.

That is, in the case that the second clock reference terminal is changed, the target terminal may be determined by one or more of the core network node, the CNC node, the third access network device, all terminals in the third terminal group, any terminal in the third terminal group, a designated terminal in the third terminal group, and the second clock reference terminal.

For example, in the case of a change of the second clock reference terminal, the target terminal may be determined in the third terminal group by the third access network device. The target terminal may also be determined in the third terminal group by the third access network device and the second clock reference terminal together, which is not limited in this embodiment.

As an example, the second access network device may further perform the following operations: and under the condition that the target terminal is determined by the third access network equipment, sending a change message to the first node, wherein the change message comprises the terminal identification of the target terminal.

The terminal identifier of the target terminal may be used for the first node to determine the target terminal among a plurality of terminals within the coverage area of the second access network. Illustratively, the terminal identification of the target terminal may be an ID of the target terminal.

As shown in fig. 8, when the target terminal is determined by the third access network device, the third access network device may determine related information of the target terminal, and may generate a change message, and then the third access network device may send the change message to the first node to indicate that the first node changes the second clock reference terminal, and the first node may determine the target terminal among the plurality of terminals within the coverage of the third access network device according to the terminal identifier of the target terminal included in the change message.

Illustratively, the third access network device may send the change message to the first node by means of a broadcast, unicast, dedicated RRC message.

Illustratively, the change message further includes at least one of: the change instruction comprises a TSN service identifier, a TSN clock domain identifier, a second clock reference terminal identifier, a service cell identifier to which the target terminal belongs, an access network device identifier to which the target terminal belongs, a TSN group identifier, a terminal group identifier of a third terminal group, and terminal identifiers of other terminals except the second clock reference terminal in the third terminal group.

Wherein the change indication may be used for the first node to determine that the second clock reference terminal is no longer acting as the second master TSN clock node.

The TSN service identifier may be used for the first node to determine the TSN service type supported by the target terminal, and thus, if the TSN service type supported by the first node is the same as the TSN service type supported by the target terminal, the first node may perform clock synchronization with the target terminal.

The TSN clock domain identifier may be used for the first node to determine a clock domain corresponding to the TSN service supported by the target terminal during transmission.

The terminal group identifier of the third terminal group may be used by the first node to determine the terminal group to which the target terminal belongs. The terminal group identity of the third terminal group may be, for example, the ID of the third terminal group.

The second clock reference terminal identification may be used by the first node to determine the second clock reference terminal among a plurality of terminals within the coverage area of the third access network device.

The serving cell identifier to which the target terminal belongs may be used for the first node to determine the serving cell to which the target terminal belongs.

In the case of clock synchronization between multiple access network devices, the multiple access network devices may use the same master TSN clock node for clock synchronization, in which case the serving cell to which the target terminal belongs may not be the serving cell to which the first node belongs.

For example, in the case of clock synchronization between the second access network device and the third access network device, if the target terminal is in the coverage of the third access network device, the serving cell to which the target terminal belongs is a cell in the coverage of the third access network device. And if the target terminal is in the coverage range of the second access network equipment, the serving cell to which the target terminal belongs is a cell in the coverage range of the second access network equipment.

The identifier of the access network device to which the target terminal belongs may be used by the first node to determine the access network device to which the target terminal belongs.

In the case of clock synchronization between multiple access network devices, the multiple access network devices may use the same master TSN clock node for clock synchronization, in which case the access network device to which the target terminal belongs may not be the access network device to which the first node belongs.

For example, in the case of clock synchronization between the second access network device and the third access network device, if the target terminal is within the coverage of the third access network device, the access network device to which the target terminal belongs is the third access network device. And if the target terminal is in the coverage range of the second access network, the access network equipment to which the target terminal belongs is the second access network equipment.

The TSN group identifier refers to an identifier of a service group to which a TSN service supported by the second clock reference terminal belongs, or the TSN group identifier refers to an identifier of a terminal group formed by all terminals supporting the TSN service when the third primary TSN clock node is the primary TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the third terminal group. It should be noted that the terminal supporting the TSN service may belong to the same access network device or belong to different access network devices, which is not limited in this embodiment.

That is, the change message sent by the third access network device may include, in addition to the terminal identifier of the target terminal, one or more of a change instruction, a TSN service identifier, a TSN clock domain identifier to which the terminal belongs, a second clock reference terminal identifier, a serving cell identifier to which the target terminal belongs, an access network device identifier to which the target terminal belongs, a TSN group identifier, a terminal group identifier of the third terminal group, and a terminal identifier of another terminal in the third terminal group except for the second clock reference terminal, so that the first node may obtain more information about the target terminal.

Illustratively, the first node comprises at least one of: all terminals supporting the TSN service corresponding to the third terminal group, all terminals under the third access network device, all terminals in the third terminal group, other terminals except the target terminal in the third terminal group, the second clock reference terminal, and the target terminal.

That is, the third access network device may send the change message to one or more of all terminals supporting the TSN service corresponding to the third terminal group, all terminals under the third access network device, all terminals in the third terminal group, other terminals except the target terminal in the third terminal group, the second clock reference terminal, and the target terminal.

For example, the third access network device may send a change message to all terminals under the third access network device, or may send a change message to the second clock reference terminal and the target terminal, which is not limited in this embodiment.

As an example, the second access network device may further perform the following operations: and receiving a change message under the condition that the target terminal is determined by all terminals in the third terminal group, any terminal in the third terminal group, the second clock reference terminal, the first clock reference terminal or a designated terminal in the third terminal group, wherein the change message comprises the terminal identification of the target terminal.

That is, when the target terminal is determined by one or more of all terminals in the third terminal group, any terminal in the third terminal group, the second clock reference terminal, the first clock reference terminal, or the designated terminal in the third terminal group, since the third access network device does not directly determine the target terminal, the third access network device cannot determine the information of the target terminal, and in this case, the third access network device may determine the target terminal in the third terminal group by receiving the change message.

Illustratively, the second access network device may further perform the following operations: a change message is sent to the first node.

That is, where the second access network device receives the change message, the second access network device may send the change message to the first node to indicate to the first node that the second clock reference terminal is no longer acting as the third master TSN clock node.

As an example, the second access network device may further perform the following operations: and receiving a change message under the condition that the target terminal is determined by the core network node or the CNC node, wherein the change message comprises the terminal identification of the target terminal.

That is, in a case where the target terminal is determined by the core network node, since the third access network device does not directly determine the target terminal, the third access network device cannot determine information of the target terminal, and in this case, the third access network device may receive a change message sent by the core network node, so that the target terminal may be determined in the third terminal group according to the change message.

Illustratively, the change message may be sent by the core network node to the third Access network device via a NAS (Non-Access Stratum) message.

In this embodiment, when the second clock reference terminal is changed, the second clock reference terminal is no longer used as the third master TSN clock node, that is, the third access network device can no longer perform clock synchronization with the second clock reference terminal. In this case, the third access network device may determine, in the third terminal group to which the second clock reference terminal belongs, a suitable master TSN clock node for clock synchronization.

In this embodiment, when the second clock reference terminal is changed, the third access network device may further instruct the second clock reference terminal to release or suspend the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer.

Referring to fig. 9, fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a clock synchronization method according to an exemplary embodiment, which may be implemented by the first terminal in the implementation environment shown in fig. 2, and may include at least some of the following:

step 901: in the case where the first terminal is acting as a first master TSN clock node, TSN clock information is transmitted to the first access network device.

The first master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the first master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by the first terminal group under the first access network device, and the TSN services supported by the terminals in the first terminal group have the same type.

In this embodiment, based on the difference in the setting rules of the master TSN clock node in the 5G system, the first master TSN clock node may be a master TSN clock node of the first terminal group under the first access network device, and the first master TSN clock node may also be a master TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the first terminal group.

That is, when the first terminal serves as the first master TSN clock node, the first terminal may transmit TSN clock information to the first access network device, and thus, the first access network device may perform clock synchronization according to the TSN clock information.

Illustratively, the TSN clock information includes at least one of: the method comprises the steps of TSN service arrival time, TSN service departure time, an identifier of a corresponding TSN time domain, an identifier of a corresponding TSN clock domain, time information, a time information type, clock synchronization precision information, SFN (System Frame Number) information and propagation delay compensation indication.

The TSN service arrival time refers to a transmission start time of a TSN service supported by the first terminal, and the TSN service departure time refers to a transmission end time of the TSN service supported by the first terminal.

The TSN clock domain identifier may be used for the first access network device to determine a clock domain corresponding to the TSN service supported by the first terminal during transmission.

The TSN time domain identifier may be used for the first access network device to determine a time domain corresponding to the TSN service supported by the first terminal during transmission.

The clock synchronization accuracy information may be used for the first access network device to determine the clock synchronization accuracy of the first terminal.

The time information may be used to indicate time, and for example, the time information may be second-level time information, nanosecond-level time information, and the like, which is not limited in this embodiment.

The time information type may be used for the first access network device to determine the type of the time information, and for example, the time information type may be a default type, a request type, a response type, and the like, which is not limited in this embodiment.

The SFN information may be used for the first access network device to determine a system frame number when the first terminal transmits the TSN clock information.

The propagation delay compensation indication may be used for the first access network device to determine whether the first terminal performs propagation delay compensation.

That is, the first terminal may send one or more of TSN service arrival time, TSN service departure time, an identifier of an associated TSN time domain, an identifier of an associated TSN clock domain, time information, a time information type, clock synchronization accuracy information, system frame number SFN information, and propagation delay compensation indication to the first access network device, so that the first access network device may perform clock synchronization with the first terminal according to the received information.

Of course, the first terminal may also send the TSN clock information directly to the core network node instead of sending the TSN clock information to the first network device, in which case the TSN clock information may be forwarded by the core network node.

In a possible implementation manner, the first terminal may further perform the following operations: in the event that a reference event is triggered, sending updated TSN clock information to the first access network device. Or sending updated TSN clock information to the first access network equipment at intervals of specified duration.

The reference event and the specified duration may be set according to actual conditions, which is not limited in this embodiment.

For example, when the reference event is triggered, it may be stated that the TSN clock information is updated, and thus, the first terminal may send the updated TSN clock information to the first access network device, in which case, the first access network device may perform clock synchronization with the first terminal according to the updated TSN clock information.

For example, when a specified time has elapsed since the last transmission of the TSN clock information, it may be said that the TSN clock information is updated, and thus the first terminal may transmit the updated TSN clock information to the first access network device, in which case the first access network device may perform clock synchronization with the first terminal according to the updated TSN clock information.

For example, the updated TSN clock information may be carried in a designated DRB, a designated QoS flow, a dedicated RRC message, a MAC CE (Medium Access Control Element), or a physical layer signaling, and the like, which is not limited in this embodiment.

As an example, the reference event is triggered including at least one of: and when the TSN service arrives, the TSN clock information is changed, and the TSN clock information change granularity is larger than or equal to the specified threshold granularity.

The specified threshold granularity may be set according to an actual situation, which is not limited in this embodiment.

For example, when a TSN service arrives, it may be stated that the TSN clock information needs to be updated, in this case, the first terminal may send updated TSN clock information to the first access network device, and thus, the first access network device may synchronize with the first terminal according to the updated TSN clock information, so as to implement clock synchronization under the TSN service supported by the first terminal, and ensure transmission reliability of the TSN service supported by the first terminal.

For example, when the TSN clock information changes, it may be stated that the TSN clock information needs to be updated, in this case, the first terminal may send updated TSN clock information to the first access network device, and thus, the first access network device may synchronize with the first terminal according to the updated TSN clock information, so as to implement clock synchronization under the TSN service supported by the first terminal.

For example, when the TSN clock information change granularity is greater than or equal to the specified threshold granularity, because the change granularity is larger, it may be stated that the TSN clock information needs to be updated, in this case, the first terminal may send updated TSN clock information to the first access network device, and thus, the first access network device may synchronize with the first terminal according to the updated TSN clock information, so as to implement clock synchronization under the TSN service supported by the first terminal.

For example, the designated threshold granularity may be set to be 1ms, and if the TSN clock information change granularity is 2ms, since the TSN clock information change granularity is greater than the designated threshold granularity, it may be stated that the TSN clock information needs to be updated.

Of course, the first terminal may also send the updated TSN clock information directly to the core network node instead of sending the updated TSN clock information to the first network device, in which case the updated TSN clock information may be forwarded by the core network node.

In a possible implementation manner, the first terminal serves as a first master TSN clock node, and before the TSN clock information is sent to the first access network device, the first terminal may further perform the following operations: and establishing a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with the first access network equipment, wherein the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information.

That is, if the first terminal serves as a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, the first terminal may receive the QoS flow establishment signaling or the radio data bearer establishment signaling specified by the first access network device. In this case, the first terminal may establish the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer according to the specified QoS flow establishment signaling or the specified wireless data bearer establishment signaling, and thus, the first terminal may transmit the TSN clock information to the first access network device through the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer.

In one possible implementation, in a case where the first terminal serves as the first master TSN clock node, the first terminal may further perform the following operations: and under the condition that the first main TSN clock node is changed, if the first terminal is not the target terminal, releasing or suspending the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer. Wherein the target terminal is a newly determined terminal used as the first master TSN clock node.

Wherein, the changing of the first master TSN clock node may include: the first terminal is switched, the first terminal is powered off, the first terminal is abnormal, the first terminal moves to a position outside the coverage area of the first access network device, and the like.

Typically, when the first master TSN clock node is changed, the first terminal no longer functions as the first master TSN clock node, i.e. the first access network device no longer performs clock synchronization with the first terminal. In this case, the first terminal may release the specified QoS flow or the specified radio data bearer. For example, the first terminal may delete the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer corresponding to the first terminal before the target terminal establishes the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer. As such, the first terminal may not send TSN clock information to the first access network device or core network node or other terminal.

Alternatively, the first terminal may suspend a specified QoS flow or a specified radio data bearer. That is, the first terminal may suspend using the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer. As such, the first terminal may not send TSN clock information to the first access network device or core network node or other terminal.

Illustratively, the target terminal is determined by a node that is at least one of: the system comprises a core network node, a Centralized Network Controller (CNC) node, a first terminal, first access network equipment, all terminals in a first terminal group, any terminal in the first terminal group, a designated terminal in the first terminal group and the first terminal.

The designated terminal in the first terminal group may be designated by the first access network device, or may be designated by the core network node, which is not limited in this embodiment.

That is, in a case where the first clock reference terminal is changed, the target terminal may be determined by one or more of the core network node, the CNC node, the first terminal, the first access network device, all terminals in the first terminal group, any terminal in the first terminal group, a designated terminal in the first terminal group, and the first terminal.

For example, in the case of a change of the first clock reference terminal, the target terminal may be determined in the first terminal group by the first access network device. The first access network device and the first clock reference terminal may also determine the target terminal in the first terminal group, which is not limited in this embodiment.

As an example, the first terminal may further perform the following operations: determining a change message, wherein the change message comprises a terminal identification of the target terminal.

In the case where the target terminal is determined by the first terminal, the first terminal may determine the related information of the target terminal, that is, may determine the terminal identifier of the target terminal, thereby generating the change message.

When the target terminal is determined by one or more of a core network node, a Centralized Network Controller (CNC) node, a first terminal, first access network equipment, all terminals in a first terminal group, any terminal in the first terminal group and a designated terminal in the first terminal group, the first terminal cannot determine relevant information of the target terminal because the first terminal does not directly determine the target terminal, and in this case, the first terminal can receive the change message.

Illustratively, the change message further includes at least one of: the terminal group comprises a change instruction, a TSN service identifier, a first terminal identifier, a TSN clock domain identifier to which the terminal belongs, a service cell identifier to which the target terminal belongs, an access network device identifier to which the target terminal belongs, a TSN group identifier, a terminal group identifier of a first terminal group, and terminal identifiers of other terminals except the first terminal in the first terminal group.

The TSN service identifier may be used for the first terminal to determine the TSN service type supported by the target terminal.

The TSN clock domain identifier may be used for the first terminal to determine a clock domain corresponding to the TSN service supported by the target terminal during transmission.

The serving cell identifier to which the target terminal belongs may be used for the first terminal to determine the serving cell to which the target terminal belongs.

The access network device identifier to which the target terminal belongs may be used by the first terminal to determine the access network device to which the target terminal belongs.

The TSN group identifier refers to an identifier of a terminal group formed by all terminals supporting the TSN service when the first master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the first terminal group. It should be noted that the terminal supporting the TSN service may belong to the same access network device or belong to different access network devices, which is not limited in this embodiment.

That is, the change message may include, in addition to the terminal identifier of the target terminal, one or more of a change instruction, a TSN service identifier, a first terminal identifier, a TSN clock domain identifier to which the target terminal belongs, a serving cell identifier to which the target terminal belongs, an access network device identifier to which the target terminal belongs, a TSN group identifier, a terminal group identifier of the first terminal group, and a terminal identifier of another terminal in the first terminal group except the first terminal, so that the first terminal may obtain more information about the target terminal.

As an example, the first terminal may further perform the following operations: a change message is sent to the first node.

That is, where the target terminal determines a change message, the first terminal may send the change message to the first node to indicate to the first node that the first terminal is no longer serving as the first master TSN clock node.

Illustratively, the first node comprises at least one of: all terminals supporting the TSN service corresponding to the first terminal group, all terminals under the first access network device, all terminals in the first terminal group, the target terminal, and other terminals except the target terminal in the first terminal group.

That is, the first terminal may send the change message to one or more of all terminals supporting the TSN service corresponding to the first terminal group, all terminals under the first access network device, all terminals in the first terminal group, the target terminal, and other terminals except the target terminal in the first terminal group.

Step 902: TSN clock information is received in the event that the first terminal is not acting as a first master TSN clock node.

That is, if the first terminal is not acting as a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, the first terminal may receive TSN clock information, so that the first terminal may perform clock synchronization with the first access network device based on the TSN clock information.

For example, the TSN clock information may be carried in a designated downlink DRB, a designated downlink QoS flow, a broadcast message, a dedicated RRC message, and the like, which is not limited in this embodiment.

In a possible implementation manner, in a case that the first terminal is not used as the first master TSN clock node, the first terminal may further perform the following operations: and under the condition that the first main TSN clock node is changed, if the first terminal is a target terminal, establishing a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with the first access network equipment. Wherein the target terminal is a newly determined terminal used as the first master TSN clock node.

When the first master TSN clock node changes, the first terminal is no longer functioning as the first master TSN clock node. In this case, if the first terminal is a target terminal, that is, if the first terminal is a newly determined terminal serving as the first master TSN clock node, the first terminal may establish a specified QoS flow or a specified radio data bearer with the first access network device, so that the first terminal may transmit TSN clock information to the first access network device through the specified QoS flow or the specified radio data bearer.

Illustratively, the target terminal is determined by a node that is at least one of: the system comprises a core network node, a CNC node, a first access network device, all terminals in a first terminal group, any terminal in the first terminal group, a designated terminal in the first terminal group and a first terminal.

Specific contents of this step can be referred to as step 901 in fig. 9, and are not repeated here.

For specific contents, see step 901 in the embodiment of fig. 9, which is not repeated herein.

In a possible implementation manner, the first terminal may further perform the following operations:

1. if the first terminal should have the designated QoS flow or the designated wireless data bearer, or the first terminal has the capability of establishing the designated QoS flow or the designated wireless data bearer, determining that the first terminal is used as a first master TSN clock node, and the designated QoS flow or the designated wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information.

Illustratively, a first terminal may be used as a first master TSN clock node when the first terminal should have a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer. When the first terminal does not correspond to the designated QoS flow or the designated wireless data bearer, the first terminal is not allowed to be used as a first main TSN clock node.

Illustratively, a first terminal may be used as a first master TSN clock node when the first terminal has the ability to establish a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer. When the first terminal is not capable of establishing the designated QoS flow or the designated wireless data bearer, it may be determined that the first terminal may not act as the first master TSN clock node.

2. And if the first terminal receives the specified QoS flow establishment signaling or the specified wireless data bearer establishment signaling, determining that the first terminal is used as a first main TSN clock node. The designated QoS flow establishment signaling is used for indicating the first terminal to establish the designated QoS flow, the designated wireless data bearer establishment signaling is used for indicating the first terminal to establish the designated wireless data bearer, and the designated QoS flow or the designated wireless data bearer is used for transmitting the TSN clock information.

That is, the first terminal may determine whether the first terminal may act as a first master TSN clock node by determining whether to receive designated QoS flow setup signaling or designated wireless data bearer setup signaling.

Illustratively, when the first terminal receives the designated QoS flow setup signaling or the designated wireless data bearer setup signaling, it is stated that the first terminal may act as a first master TSN clock node. In this way, the first terminal may establish the specified QoS flow or the specified radio data bearer based on the specified QoS flow establishment signaling or the specified radio data bearer establishment signaling. In this case, the first terminal may send TSN clock information to the first access network device, which may be used for clock synchronization of the first access network device with the first terminal.

Illustratively, when the first terminal does not receive the designated QoS flow setup signaling or the designated radio data bearer setup signaling, it indicates that the first terminal may not be used as the first master TSN clock node. In this case, the first terminal may receive TSN clock information transmitted by the first access network device, in which case the first terminal may perform clock synchronization with the first access network device based on the TSN clock information.

3. And if the first terminal has the specified identification, determining that the first terminal is used as a first main TSN clock node. Wherein the specified identity is an identity of a terminal that serves as a first master TSN clock node.

That is, the first terminal may determine whether the first terminal may serve as the first master TSN clock node by determining whether there is a corresponding identification of the third master TSN clock node.

For example, when a first terminal has an identity of a first master TSN clock node, it may be determined that the terminal may be used as the first master TSN clock node. In this case, the first terminal may send TSN clock information to the first access network device, which may be used for clock synchronization of the first access network device with the first terminal.

For example, when the first access network device determines that the terminal requiring handover does not have an identifier corresponding to the first master TSN clock node, it may determine that the terminal may not be used as the first master TSN clock node. In this case, the first terminal may receive TSN clock information transmitted by the first access network device, in which case the first terminal may perform clock synchronization with the first access network device based on the TSN clock information.

In this embodiment, in a case where the first terminal serves as the first master TSN clock node, the first terminal may send TSN clock information to the first access network device, and thus, the first access network device may perform clock synchronization with the first terminal according to the TSN clock information. In the event that the first terminal is not acting as a first master TSN clock node, the first terminal may receive TSN clock information, and as such, the first terminal may clock synchronize with the first access network device based on the TSN clock information.

Referring to fig. 10, fig. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a clock synchronization apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may be configured in a terminal, and the apparatus may include:

a sending module 1010, configured to send, when a terminal in the first terminal group needs to be switched, first information to the second access network device in a switching process; the time-period sensitive network TSN services supported by the terminals in the first terminal group are of the same type, the first information is used for the second access network equipment to determine a target clock reference terminal, the target clock reference terminal is used as a first main TSN clock node, and the first main TSN clock node is a main TSN clock node of a second terminal group under the second access network equipment, or the first main TSN clock node is a main TSN clock node of the TSN services supported by the first terminal group; the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same, and the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same as the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the first terminal group.

In a possible implementation manner of the present application, the terminal to be switched includes a first clock reference terminal, where the first clock reference terminal is used as a second primary TSN clock node, and the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by the first terminal group; the first information includes at least one of: a first clock reference terminal identification; a QoS flow mark is appointed, and the QoS flow indicated by the QoS flow mark is used for transmitting TSN clock information; and designating the DRB identifier, wherein the radio data bearer indicated by the designated DRB identifier is used for transmitting the TSN clock information.

In a possible implementation manner of the present application, the terminal that needs to be switched does not include a first clock reference terminal, where the first clock reference terminal is used as a second primary TSN clock node, and the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by the first terminal group; the first information includes: and identifying a candidate terminal, wherein the candidate terminal is determined by the first access network equipment from the terminal needing to be switched.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the first information further includes at least one of: a terminal group identifier of the first terminal group; the terminal identifications of other terminals in the first terminal group except the first clock reference terminal; a TSN service identifier; TSN group identification; the TSN clock domain identification to which the clock belongs; the associated TSN time domain identity.

In a possible implementation manner of the present application, the terminal to be switched is a part of terminals in the first terminal group, and the terminal to be switched includes the first clock reference terminal; the device also includes: a establishing module 1020, configured to establish a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with a target terminal in terminals that do not need to be handed over and are included in the first terminal group, where the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information; wherein the target terminal is a newly determined terminal serving as the second master TSN clock node.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the target terminal is determined by a node of at least one of the following: the first access network device; a core network node; a Centralized Network Controller (CNC) node; all terminals which do not need to be switched in the first terminal group; any terminal in all terminals which do not need to be switched in the first terminal group; appointed terminals in all terminals which do not need to be switched in the first terminal group; the first clock is referenced to a terminal.

In a possible implementation manner of the present application, the terminal to be switched is a part of terminals in the first terminal group, and the terminal to be switched does not include the first clock reference terminal; the device also includes: a clock synchronization module 1030 configured to perform clock synchronization with the first clock reference terminal.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the first information is carried by a handover request; or, the first information is sent after receiving an information sending instruction sent by the second access network device, where the information sending instruction is used to instruct the first access network device to send the first information.

In a possible implementation manner of the present application, the sending module 1010 is further configured to: if the second main TSN clock node is changed at the first time point, sending a change message to the second access network equipment, wherein the change message is used for informing the second access network equipment that the second main TSN clock node is changed; the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by the first terminal group.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the first time point includes at least one of the following cases: after a change in the first clock reference terminal serving as the second master TSN clock node; after the first access network device sends a handover request; after the first access network device receives the handover response message of the second access network device; after the first access network device sends the switching request, the time period is before the first network device sends a switching command to the terminal needing to be switched; after the first access network device sends the switching request, the time period is before the terminal needing to be switched establishes connection with the second access network device; before the first access network device releases the connection with the terminal.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the apparatus further includes: a determining module 1040, configured to determine a second master TSN clock node based on whether a terminal in the first terminal group corresponds to an assigned QoS flow or an assigned radio data bearer; alternatively, the determining module 1040 is configured to determine the second master TSN clock node based on whether the terminals in the first terminal group have the capability of establishing the specified QoS flow or the specified radio data bearer; wherein, the designated QoS flow or designated wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information; the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the first terminal group.

Referring to fig. 11, fig. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a clock synchronization apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, which may be configured in a terminal, and the apparatus may include:

a receiving module 1110, configured to receive first information sent by a first access network device, where the first information is sent by the first access network device in a handover process when a terminal in a first terminal group needs to be handed over;

a determining module 1120, configured to determine, according to the first information, a target clock reference terminal, where the target clock reference terminal is used as a TSN clock node of a first master time period sensitive network, and the first master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the second access network device, or the first master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by a second terminal group under the second access network device; the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the first terminal group are the same, the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same, and the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same as the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the first terminal group.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the apparatus further includes: a sending module 1130, configured to send the first information to the terminals in the second terminal group.

In a possible implementation manner of the present application, the terminal to be switched includes a first clock reference terminal, where the first clock reference terminal is used as a second primary TSN clock node, and the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by the first terminal group; the receiving module 1110 is further configured to: and receiving a change message when the first clock reference terminal is changed, wherein the change message is used for informing the second access network equipment that the second master TSN clock node is changed.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the apparatus further includes: a sending module 1130, configured to send the change message to the terminals in the second terminal group.

In a possible implementation manner of the present application, the terminal to be switched is a part of terminals in the first terminal group, where the terminal to be switched includes a first clock reference terminal, the first clock reference terminal is used as a second primary TSN clock node, and the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by the first terminal group; the first information includes at least one of: a first clock reference terminal identification; a QoS flow mark is appointed, and the QoS flow indicated by the QoS flow mark is used for transmitting TSN clock information; and designating the DRB identifier, wherein the radio data bearer indicated by the designated DRB identifier is used for transmitting the TSN clock information.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the apparatus further includes at least one of: the determining module 1120, configured to determine the first clock reference terminal as the target clock reference terminal; a establishing module 1140, configured to establish a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with the target clock reference terminal, where the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information.

In a possible implementation manner of the present application, the terminal to be switched is a part of terminals in the first terminal group, the terminal to be switched does not include the first clock reference terminal, the first clock reference terminal is used as a second master TSN clock node, and the second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by the first terminal group; the first information includes: and identifying candidate terminals, wherein the candidate terminals are determined by the first access network equipment from the terminals needing to be switched.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the apparatus further includes at least one of: the determining module 1120 is configured to determine the candidate terminal as the target clock reference terminal; a establishing module 1140, configured to establish a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with the target clock reference terminal, where the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the first information further includes at least one of: a terminal group identifier of the first terminal group; the terminal identifications of other terminals in the first terminal group except the first clock reference terminal; TSN business identification; a TSN group identification; the TSN clock domain identification to which the clock belongs; the belonging TSN time domain identity.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the first information is carried by a handover request; or, the first information is received after the second access network device sends an information sending instruction, where the information sending instruction is used to instruct the first access network device to send the first information.

In a possible implementation manner of the present application, the terminal to be switched includes a first clock reference terminal, where the first clock reference terminal is used as a second primary TSN clock node, and the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by the first terminal group; the determining module 1120 is further configured to: determining the second main TSN clock node based on whether the terminal needing to be switched corresponds to the appointed QoS flow or the appointed wireless data bearer; or, determining the second master TSN clock node based on whether the terminal needing handover has the capability of establishing the specified QoS flow or the specified radio data bearer; the designated QoS flow or designated wireless data bearer is used to transmit TSN clock information.

Referring to fig. 12, fig. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a clock synchronization apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, which may be configured in a terminal, and which may include:

a determining module 1210, configured to determine a target terminal in the third terminal group when the second clock reference terminal is changed; the second clock reference terminal is used as a third master time period sensitive network TSN clock node, where the third master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the third access network device, or the third master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by the third terminal group, the target terminal is a newly determined terminal used as the third master TSN clock node, the third terminal group is a terminal group where the second clock reference terminal is located, and the TSN services supported by the terminals in the third terminal group are of the same type.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the apparatus further includes: a establishing module 1220, configured to establish a QoS flow or a radio bearer with the target terminal, where the QoS flow or the radio bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the target terminal is determined by a node of at least one of the following: a core network node; a Centralized Network Controller (CNC) node; the third access network device; all terminals in the third terminal group; any terminal in the third terminal group; a designated terminal in the third terminal group; the second clock is referenced to the terminal.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the apparatus further includes: a sending module 1230, configured to send a change message to the first node, where the target terminal is determined by the third access network device, where the change message includes the terminal identifier of the target terminal.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the apparatus further includes: a receiving module 1240, configured to receive a change message when the target terminal is determined by all terminals in the third terminal group, any terminal in the third terminal group, the second clock reference terminal, or a designated terminal in the third terminal group, where the change message includes a terminal identifier of the target terminal.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the apparatus further includes: a sending module 1230, configured to send the change message to the first node.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the apparatus further includes: a receiving module 1240, configured to receive a change message in a case that the target terminal is determined by the core network node or the CNC node, where the change message includes a terminal identifier of the target terminal.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the change message further includes at least one of the following: an indication of a change; TSN business identification; the TSN clock domain identification to which the clock belongs; the second clock reference terminal identification; the service cell identification of the target terminal; the access network equipment identification of the target terminal; TSN group identification; a terminal group identification of the third terminal group; and the terminal identifications of the other terminals except the second clock reference terminal in the third terminal group.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the first node includes at least one of: all terminals supporting the TSN service corresponding to the third terminal group; all terminals under the third access network device; all terminals in the third terminal group; the other terminals except the target terminal in the third terminal group; the second clock reference terminal; the target terminal.

In this embodiment, when the second clock reference terminal is changed, the second clock reference terminal is no longer used as the third master TSN clock node, that is, the third access network device can no longer perform clock synchronization with the second clock reference terminal. In this case, the third access network device may determine a suitable master TSN clock node for clock synchronization in the third terminal group to which the second clock reference terminal belongs.

Referring to fig. 13, fig. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a clock synchronization apparatus, which may be configured in a terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment, and the apparatus may include:

a sending module 1310, configured to send TSN clock information to the first access network device when the first terminal serves as a TSN clock node of a first master time period sensitive network;

a receiving module 1320, configured to receive the TSN clock information if the first terminal is not used as the first master TSN clock node;

the first primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the first primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by a first terminal group under the first access network device, and TSN services supported by terminals in the first terminal group are of the same type.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the first terminal serves as the first master TSN clock node, and the apparatus further includes: an establishing module 1330 configured to establish a specified QoS flow QoS or a specified radio data bearer with the first access network device, where the specified QoS flow or the specified radio data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the first terminal serves as the first master TSN clock node, and the apparatus further includes: a releasing module 1340, configured to release or suspend a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer if the first terminal is not a target terminal under the condition that the first master TSN clock node is changed; wherein the target terminal is a newly determined terminal serving as the first master TSN clock node.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the first terminal is not used as the first master TSN clock node, and the apparatus further includes: a module 1330 configured to, in a case that the first master TSN clock node is changed, if the first terminal is a target terminal, establish a specified QoS flow or a specified radio data bearer with the first access network device; wherein the target terminal is a newly determined terminal serving as the first master TSN clock node.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the target terminal is determined by a node of at least one of the following: a core network node; a Centralized Network Controller (CNC) node; the first terminal; the first access network device; all terminals in the first terminal group; any terminal in the first terminal group; a designated terminal in the first terminal group; the first terminal.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the apparatus further includes: a determining module 1350, configured to determine a change message, where the change message includes the terminal identifier of the target terminal.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the sending module 1310 is further configured to: the change message is sent to the first node.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the first node includes at least one of: all terminals supporting the TSN service corresponding to the first terminal group; all terminals under the first access network device; all terminals in the first terminal group; the target terminal; and other terminals except the target terminal in the first terminal group.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the change message further includes at least one of the following: an indication of a change; TSN business identification; a first terminal identification; the TSN clock domain identification to which the clock belongs; the service cell identification of the target terminal; the access network equipment identification of the target terminal; TSN group identification; a terminal group identifier of the first terminal group; and the terminal identifications of the other terminals except the first terminal in the first terminal group.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the apparatus further includes: a determining module 1350, configured to determine that the first terminal is to serve as the first master TSN clock node if the first terminal should have a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer, or the first terminal has the capability of establishing the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer, and the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the apparatus further includes: a determining module 1350, configured to determine that the first terminal is used as the first master TSN clock node if the first terminal receives a specified QoS flow establishment signaling or a specified wireless data bearer establishment signaling; the designated QoS flow establishment signaling is used to instruct the first terminal to establish the designated QoS flow, the designated wireless data bearer establishment signaling is used to instruct the first terminal to establish the designated wireless data bearer, and the designated QoS flow or the designated wireless data bearer is used to transmit TSN clock information.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the sending module 1310 is further configured to: transmitting updated TSN clock information to the first access network device in case a reference event is triggered; or sending updated TSN clock information to the first access network equipment at intervals of specified duration.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the reference event is triggered by at least one of the following: TSN traffic arrives; TSN clock information change; the TSN clock information change granularity is greater than or equal to a specified threshold granularity.

In one possible implementation manner of the present application, the TSN clock information includes at least one of: TSN traffic arrival time; TSN traffic departure time; the identification of the corresponding TSN time domain; the TSN clock domain identification to which the clock belongs; time information; a time information type; clock synchronization accuracy information; system frame number SFN information; a propagation delay compensation indication.

Referring to fig. 14, a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown, where the communication device may be any one of a first network device, a second network device, a third network device, or a terminal, and the communication device includes: a processor 1401, a receiver 1402, a transmitter 1403, a memory 1404, and a bus 1405.

The processor 1401 includes one or more processing cores, and the processor 1401 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules.

Receiver 1402 and transmitter 1403 may be implemented as one communication component, which may be a piece of communication chip.

The memory 1404 is coupled to the processor 1401 by a bus 1405.

The memory 1404 may be used to store at least one instruction, which the processor 1401 is used to execute, to implement the various steps performed by the first IAB base station in the various method embodiments described above.

Further, memory 1404 may be implemented by any type or combination of volatile or non-volatile storage devices, including, but not limited to: magnetic or optical disk, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), magnetic Memory, flash Memory, PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory).

The present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which at least one instruction is stored, and the at least one instruction is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the clock synchronization method provided by the above-mentioned method embodiments.

The present application also provides a computer program product, which when running on a computer, causes the computer to execute the clock synchronization method provided by the above method embodiments.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in one or more of the examples described above, the functions described in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

The above description is only exemplary of the present application and should not be taken as limiting, as any modification, equivalent replacement, or improvement made within the spirit and principle of the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

A clock synchronization method applied to a first access network device, the method comprising:

under the condition that the terminals in the first terminal group need to be switched, first information is sent to second access network equipment in the switching process;

the types of the time-period sensitive network TSN services supported by the terminals in the first terminal group are the same, the first information is used for the second access network device to determine a target clock reference terminal, the target clock reference terminal is used as a first main TSN clock node, and the first main TSN clock node is a main TSN clock node of a second terminal group under the second access network device, or the first main TSN clock node is a main TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the first terminal group;

the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same, and the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same as the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the first terminal group.
The method of claim 1, wherein the terminal requiring handover comprises a first clock reference terminal serving as a second master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or a master TSN clock node of TSN traffic supported by the first terminal group;

the first information includes at least one of:

a first clock reference terminal identification;

a QoS flow mark of the service quality flow is appointed, and the QoS flow indicated by the QoS flow mark is used for transmitting TSN clock information;

and designating a DRB identifier, wherein the radio data bearer indicated by the designated DRB identifier is used for transmitting the TSN clock information.
The method of claim 1, wherein the terminal requiring handover does not include a first clock reference terminal that serves as a second master TSN clock node, the second master TSN clock node being a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second master TSN clock node being a master TSN clock node for TSN traffic supported by the first terminal group;

the first information includes: candidate terminal identification, wherein the candidate terminal is determined by the first access network device from the terminal needing to be switched.
The method of any of claims 1-3, wherein the first information further comprises at least one of:

a terminal group identifier of the first terminal group;

the terminal identifications of other terminals in the first terminal group except the first clock reference terminal;

TSN business identification;

TSN group identification;

the TSN clock domain identification to which the clock belongs;

the associated TSN time domain identity.
The method of any of claims 2-4, wherein the terminals requiring handover are a portion of the terminals in the first group of terminals, and the terminals requiring handover comprise the first clock reference terminal;

the method further comprises the following steps:

establishing a designated QoS flow or a designated wireless data bearer with a target terminal in the terminals which do not need to be switched and are included in the first terminal group, wherein the designated QoS flow or the designated wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information;

wherein the target terminal is a re-determined terminal serving as the second master TSN clock node.
The method of claim 5, wherein the target terminal is determined by a node of at least one of:

the first access network device;

a core network node;

a Centralized Network Controller (CNC) node;

all terminals which do not need to be switched in the first terminal group;

any terminal in all terminals which do not need to be switched in the first terminal group;

appointed terminals in all terminals which do not need to be switched in the first terminal group;

the first clock reference terminal.
The method of any of claims 2-4, wherein the terminals requiring handover are a portion of the terminals in the first group of terminals, and the terminals requiring handover do not include the first clock reference terminal;

the method further comprises the following steps:

clock synchronization with the first clock reference terminal.
The method of any one of claims 1-7,

the first information is carried by a handover request; or,

the first information is sent after receiving an information sending instruction sent by the second access network device, where the information sending instruction is used to instruct the first access network device to send the first information.
The method of claim 1,

if the second master TSN clock node is changed at a first time point, sending a change message to the second access network device, wherein the change message is used for informing the second access network device that the second master TSN clock node is changed;

the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the first terminal group.
The method of claim 9, wherein the first point in time comprises at least one of:

after a change in the first clock reference terminal serving as the second master TSN clock node;

after the first access network device sends a handover request;

after the first access network device receives the handover response message of the second access network device;

after the first access network device sends the switching request, the time period is within the time period before the first network device sends a switching command to a terminal needing to be switched;

after the first access network device sends a switching request, the time period is before a terminal needing to be switched establishes connection with the second access network device;

before the first access network device releases the connection with the terminal.
The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:

determining a second main TSN clock node based on whether the terminals in the first terminal group correspond to the designated QoS flow or the designated wireless data bearer; or,

determining the second master TSN clock node based on whether the terminals in the first terminal group have the capability of establishing the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer;

wherein the designated QoS flow or designated wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information;

the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the first terminal group.
A clock synchronization method applied to a second access network device, the method comprising:

receiving first information sent by first access network equipment, wherein the first information is sent by the first access network equipment in the switching process under the condition that terminals in a first terminal group need to be switched;

determining a target clock reference terminal according to the first information, wherein the target clock reference terminal is used as a first main time period sensitive network TSN clock node, and the first main TSN clock node is a main TSN clock node under the second access network device, or the first main TSN clock node is a main TSN clock node of TSN services supported by a second terminal group under the second access network device;

the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the first terminal group are the same, the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same, and the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same as the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the first terminal group.
The method of claim 12, wherein the method further comprises:

and sending the first information to the terminals in the second terminal group.
The method of claim 12, wherein the terminal requiring handover comprises a first clock reference terminal serving as a second master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or a master TSN clock node of TSN traffic supported by the first terminal group;

the method further comprises the following steps:

and receiving a change message under the condition that the first clock reference terminal is changed, wherein the change message is used for informing the second access network equipment that the second master TSN clock node is changed.
The method of claim 14, wherein the method further comprises:

and sending the change message to the terminals in the second terminal group.
The method of claim 12, wherein the terminals requiring handover are a portion of the terminals in the first terminal group, and the terminals requiring handover include a first clock reference terminal that serves as a second master TSN clock node, the second master TSN clock node being a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second master TSN clock node being a master TSN clock node for TSN traffic supported by the first terminal group;

the first information includes at least one of:

a first clock reference terminal identification;

the method comprises the steps of specifying a QoS flow identifier of service quality flow, wherein the QoS flow indicated by the specified QoS flow identifier is used for transmitting TSN clock information;

and designating a DRB identifier, wherein the radio data bearer indicated by the designated DRB identifier is used for transmitting the TSN clock information.
The method of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises at least one of:

determining the first clock reference terminal as the target clock reference terminal;

and establishing a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with the target clock reference terminal, wherein the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information.
The method of claim 12, wherein the terminals requiring handover are a portion of the terminals in the first terminal group, the terminals requiring handover do not include a first clock reference terminal, the first clock reference terminal serves as a second master TSN clock node, the second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node for TSN traffic supported by the first terminal group;

the first information includes: and identifying candidate terminals, wherein the candidate terminals are determined by the first access network equipment from the terminals needing to be switched.
The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises at least one of:

determining the candidate terminal as the target clock reference terminal;

and establishing a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with the target clock reference terminal, wherein the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information.
The method of any of claims 12-19, wherein the first information further comprises at least one of:

a terminal group identifier of the first terminal group;

the terminal identifications of other terminals in the first terminal group except the first clock reference terminal;

TSN business identification;

TSN group identification;

the TSN clock domain identification to which the clock belongs;

the associated TSN time domain identity.
The method of any one of claims 12-20,

the first information is carried by a handover request; or,

the first information is received after the second access network device sends an information sending instruction, where the information sending instruction is used to instruct the first access network device to send the first information.
The method of claim 12, wherein the terminal requiring handover comprises a first clock reference terminal serving as a second master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or a master TSN clock node of TSN traffic supported by the first terminal group;

the method further comprises the following steps:

determining the second main TSN clock node based on whether the terminal needing to be switched corresponds to the appointed QoS flow or the appointed wireless data bearer; or,

determining the second master TSN clock node based on whether the terminal needing switching has the capability of establishing the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer;

the specified QoS flow or specified wireless data bearer is used to transmit TSN clock information.
A clock synchronization method applied to a third access network device, the method comprising:

under the condition that the second clock reference terminal is changed, determining a target terminal in a third terminal group;

the second clock reference terminal is used as a third master time period sensitive network TSN clock node, where the third master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the third access network device, or the third master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by the third terminal group, the target terminal is a newly determined terminal used as the third master TSN clock node, the third terminal group is a terminal group where the second clock reference terminal is located, and the TSN services supported by the terminals in the third terminal group are of the same type.
The method of claim 23, wherein the method further comprises:

and establishing a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with the target terminal, wherein the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information.
The method of claim 23, wherein the target terminal is determined by a node of at least one of:

a core network node;

a Centralized Network Controller (CNC) node;

the third access network device;

all terminals in the third terminal group;

any terminal in the third terminal group;

a designated terminal in the third terminal group;

the second clock reference terminal.
The method of claim 25, wherein the method further comprises:

and sending a change message to the first node under the condition that the target terminal is determined by the third access network equipment, wherein the change message comprises the terminal identification of the target terminal.
The method of claim 25, wherein the method further comprises:

and receiving a change message under the condition that the target terminal is determined by all terminals in the third terminal group, any terminal in the third terminal group, the second clock reference terminal or a designated terminal in the third terminal group, wherein the change message comprises a terminal identifier of the target terminal.
The method of claim 27, wherein the method further comprises:

sending the change message to the first node.
The method of claim 25, wherein the method further comprises:

receiving a change message including a terminal identity of the target terminal in case the target terminal is determined by the core network node or the CNC node.
The method of any of claims 26-29, wherein the change message further comprises at least one of:

an indication of a change;

TSN business identification;

the TSN clock domain identification to which the clock belongs;

the second clock reference terminal identification;

the service cell identification of the target terminal;

the access network equipment identification of the target terminal;

TSN group identification;

a terminal group identification of the third terminal group;

and the terminal identifications of other terminals except the second clock reference terminal in the third terminal group.
The method of claim 26 or 28, wherein the first node comprises at least one of:

all terminals supporting the TSN service corresponding to the third terminal group;

all terminals under the third access network device;

all terminals in the third terminal group;

the other terminals except the target terminal in the third terminal group;

the second clock reference terminal;

and the target terminal.
A clock synchronization method applied to a first terminal, the method comprising:

under the condition that the first terminal is used as a first main time period sensitive network TSN clock node, TSN clock information is sent to the first access network equipment;

receiving the TSN clock information in the event that the first terminal is not acting as the first master TSN clock node;

the first master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the first master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by a first terminal group under the first access network device, and TSN services supported by terminals in the first terminal group have the same type.
The method of claim 32, wherein the first terminal serves as the first master TSN clock node, the method further comprising:

and establishing a designated QoS flow or a designated wireless data bearer with the first access network equipment, wherein the designated QoS flow or the designated wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information.
The method of claim 33, wherein the first terminal serves as the first master TSN clock node, the method further comprising:

under the condition that the first main TSN clock node is changed, if the first terminal is not a target terminal, releasing or suspending the designated QoS flow or the designated wireless data bearer;

wherein the target terminal is a re-determined terminal used as the first master TSN clock node.
The method of claim 33, wherein the first terminal is not acting as the first master TSN clock node, the method further comprising:

under the condition that the first main TSN clock node is changed, if the first terminal is a target terminal, establishing a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with the first access network equipment;

wherein the target terminal is a re-determined terminal serving as the first master TSN clock node.
The method of claim 34 or 35, wherein the target terminal is determined by a node of at least one of:

a core network node;

a Centralized Network Controller (CNC) node;

the first terminal;

the first access network device;

all terminals in the first terminal group;

any terminal in the first terminal group;

a designated terminal in the first terminal group;

the first terminal.
The method of claim 36, wherein the method further comprises:

determining a change message, wherein the change message comprises the terminal identification of the target terminal.
The method of claim 37, wherein the method further comprises:

sending the change message to the first node.
The method of claim 38, wherein the first node comprises at least one of:

all terminals supporting the TSN service corresponding to the first terminal group;

all terminals under the first access network device;

all terminals in the first terminal group;

the target terminal;

and other terminals except the target terminal in the first terminal group.
The method of any of claims 37-39, wherein the change message further comprises at least one of:

an indication of a change;

TSN business identification;

the first terminal identification;

the TSN clock domain identification to which the clock belongs;

the service cell identification of the target terminal;

the access network equipment identification of the target terminal;

TSN group identification;

a terminal group identifier of the first terminal group;

and the terminal identifications of other terminals except the first terminal in the first terminal group.
The method of claim 32, wherein the method further comprises:

and if the first terminal should have a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer, or the first terminal has the capability of establishing the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer, determining that the first terminal is used as the first master TSN clock node, wherein the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information.
The method of claim 32, wherein the method further comprises:

if the first terminal receives a specified QoS flow establishment signaling or a specified wireless data bearer establishment signaling, determining that the first terminal is used as the first main TSN clock node;

the designated QoS flow establishment signaling is used for indicating the first terminal to establish the designated QoS flow, the designated wireless data bearer establishment signaling is used for indicating the first terminal to establish the designated wireless data bearer, and the designated QoS flow or the designated wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information.
The method of claim 33, wherein the method further comprises:

transmitting updated TSN clock information to the first access network device in the event that a reference event is triggered; or,

and sending updated TSN clock information to the first access network equipment at intervals of specified duration.
The method of claim 43, wherein the reference event being triggered comprises at least one of:

TSN traffic arrives;

TSN clock information change;

the TSN clock information change granularity is greater than or equal to a specified threshold granularity.
The method of any one of claims 32-44, wherein the TSN clock information comprises at least one of:

TSN traffic arrival time;

TSN traffic departure time;

the identification of the corresponding TSN time domain;

the TSN clock domain identification to which the clock belongs;

time information;

a time information type;

clock synchronization accuracy information;

system frame number SFN information;

a propagation delay compensation indication.
An apparatus for clock synchronization, configured in a first access network device, the apparatus comprising:

a sending module, configured to send first information to a second access network device in a handover process when a terminal in a first terminal group needs to be handed over;

the types of the time-period sensitive network TSN services supported by the terminals in the first terminal group are the same, the first information is used for the second access network device to determine a target clock reference terminal, the target clock reference terminal is used as a first main TSN clock node, and the first main TSN clock node is a main TSN clock node of a second terminal group under the second access network device, or the first main TSN clock node is a main TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the first terminal group;

the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same, and the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same as the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the first terminal group.
The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the terminal requiring handover comprises a first clock reference terminal that functions as a second master TSN clock node, the second master TSN clock node being a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second master TSN clock node being a master TSN clock node for TSN traffic supported by the first terminal group;

the first information includes at least one of:

a first clock reference terminal identification;

the method comprises the steps of specifying a QoS flow identifier of service quality flow, wherein the QoS flow indicated by the specified QoS flow identifier is used for transmitting TSN clock information;

and designating a DRB identifier, wherein the radio data bearer indicated by the designated DRB identifier is used for transmitting the TSN clock information.
The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the terminal requiring handover does not include a first clock reference terminal that serves as a second primary TSN clock node, the second primary TSN clock node being a primary TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second primary TSN clock node being a primary TSN clock node of TSN traffic supported by the first terminal group;

the first information includes: candidate terminal identification, wherein the candidate terminal is determined by the first access network device from the terminal needing to be switched.
The apparatus of any one of claims 46-48, wherein the first information further comprises at least one of:

a terminal group identifier of the first terminal group;

the terminal identifications of other terminals in the first terminal group except the first clock reference terminal;

TSN business identification;

TSN group identification;

the TSN clock domain identification to which the clock belongs;

the associated TSN time domain identity.
The apparatus of any of claims 47-49, wherein the terminals requiring handover are a portion of the terminals in the first group of terminals, and the terminals requiring handover comprise the first clock reference terminal;

the device further comprises:

the establishing module is used for establishing a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with a target terminal in the terminals which do not need to be switched and are included in the first terminal group, wherein the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information;

wherein the target terminal is a re-determined terminal serving as the second master TSN clock node.
The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the target terminal is determined by a node of at least one of:

the first access network device;

a core network node;

a Centralized Network Controller (CNC) node;

all terminals which do not need to be switched in the first terminal group;

any terminal in all terminals which do not need to be switched in the first terminal group;

appointed terminals in all terminals which do not need to be switched in the first terminal group;

the first clock reference terminal.
The apparatus of any of claims 47-49, wherein the terminals requiring handover are a portion of the terminals in the first group of terminals and the terminals requiring handover do not include the first clock reference terminal;

the device further comprises:

and the clock synchronization module is used for carrying out clock synchronization with the first clock reference terminal.
The apparatus of any one of claims 46-52,

the first information is carried by a handover request; or,

the first information is sent after receiving an information sending instruction sent by the second access network device, where the information sending instruction is used to instruct the first access network device to send the first information.
The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the sending module is further configured to:

if the second master TSN clock node is changed at a first time point, sending a change message to the second access network device, wherein the change message is used for informing the second access network device that the second master TSN clock node is changed;

the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the first terminal group.
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the first point in time comprises at least one of:

after a change in the first clock reference terminal serving as the second master TSN clock node;

after the first access network device sends a handover request;

after the first access network device receives the handover response message of the second access network device;

after the first access network device sends the switching request, the time period is within the time period before the first network device sends a switching command to a terminal needing to be switched;

after the first access network device sends a switching request, the time period is before a terminal needing to be switched establishes connection with the second access network device;

before the first access network device releases the connection with the terminal.
The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the apparatus further comprises:

a determining module, configured to determine a second master TSN clock node based on whether a terminal in the first terminal group corresponds to a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer; or,

the determining module is configured to determine the second primary TSN clock node based on whether the terminals in the first terminal group have the capability of establishing the specified QoS flow or the specified radio data bearer;

wherein the designated QoS flow or designated wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information;

the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second primary TSN clock node is a primary TSN clock node of the TSN service supported by the first terminal group.
A clock synchronization apparatus configured in a second access network device, the apparatus comprising:

a receiving module, configured to receive first information sent by a first access network device, where the first information is sent by the first access network device in a handover process when a terminal in a first terminal group needs to be handed over;

a determining module, configured to determine a target clock reference terminal according to the first information, where the target clock reference terminal is used as a first master time period sensitive network TSN clock node, and the first master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the second access network device, or the first master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by a second terminal group under the second access network device;

the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the first terminal group are the same, the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same, and the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the second terminal group are the same as the TSN service types supported by the terminals in the first terminal group.
The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the apparatus further comprises:

and the sending module is used for sending the first information to the terminals in the second terminal group.
The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the terminal requiring handover comprises a first clock reference terminal that functions as a second master TSN clock node, the second master TSN clock node being a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second master TSN clock node being a master TSN clock node for TSN traffic supported by the first terminal group;

the receiving module is further configured to:

and receiving a change message under the condition that the first clock reference terminal is changed, wherein the change message is used for informing the second access network equipment that the second master TSN clock node is changed.
The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the apparatus further comprises:

a sending module, configured to send the change message to the terminals in the second terminal group.
The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the terminals requiring handover are a portion of the terminals in the first terminal group, the terminals requiring handover include a first clock reference terminal that serves as a second master TSN clock node, the second master TSN clock node being a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second master TSN clock node being a master TSN clock node for TSN traffic supported by the first terminal group;

the first information includes at least one of:

a first clock reference terminal identification;

the method comprises the steps of specifying a QoS flow identifier of service quality flow, wherein the QoS flow indicated by the specified QoS flow identifier is used for transmitting TSN clock information;

and designating a DRB identifier, wherein the radio data bearer indicated by the designated DRB identifier is used for transmitting the TSN clock information.
The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one of:

the determining module is configured to determine the first clock reference terminal as the target clock reference terminal;

and the establishing module is used for establishing a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with the target clock reference terminal, and the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information.
The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the terminals requiring handover are a portion of the terminals in the first terminal group, the terminals requiring handover do not include a first clock reference terminal that serves as a second master TSN clock node, the second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node for TSN traffic supported by the first terminal group;

the first information includes: and identifying candidate terminals, wherein the candidate terminals are determined by the first access network equipment from the terminals needing to be switched.
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one of:

the determining module is configured to determine the candidate terminal as the target clock reference terminal;

and the establishing module is used for establishing a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with the target clock reference terminal, and the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information.
The apparatus of any one of claims 57-61, wherein the first information further comprises at least one of:

a terminal group identifier of the first terminal group;

the terminal identifications of other terminals in the first terminal group except the first clock reference terminal;

TSN business identification;

TSN group identification;

the TSN clock domain identification to which the clock belongs;

the associated TSN time domain identity.
The apparatus of any one of claims 57-65,

the first information is carried by a handover request; or,

the first information is received after the second access network device sends an information sending instruction, where the information sending instruction is used to instruct the first access network device to send the first information.
The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the terminal requiring handover comprises a first clock reference terminal that functions as a second master TSN clock node, the second master TSN clock node being a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the second master TSN clock node being a master TSN clock node for TSN traffic supported by the first terminal group;

the determination module is further to:

determining the second main TSN clock node based on whether the terminal needing to be switched corresponds to the appointed QoS flow or the appointed wireless data bearer; or,

determining the second master TSN clock node based on whether the terminal needing switching has the capability of establishing the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer;

the specified QoS flow or specified wireless data bearer is used to transmit TSN clock information.
A clock synchronization apparatus configured in a third access network device, the apparatus comprising:

the determining module is used for determining a target terminal in the third terminal group under the condition that the second clock reference terminal is changed;

the second clock reference terminal is used as a third master time period sensitive network TSN clock node, where the third master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the third access network device, or the third master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by the third terminal group, the target terminal is a newly determined terminal used as the third master TSN clock node, the third terminal group is a terminal group where the second clock reference terminal is located, and the TSN services supported by the terminals in the third terminal group are of the same type.
The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the apparatus further comprises:

and the establishing module is used for establishing the appointed QoS flow or the appointed wireless data bearer with the target terminal, and the appointed QoS flow or the appointed wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information.
The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the target terminal is determined by a node of at least one of:

a core network node;

a Centralized Network Controller (CNC) node;

the third access network device;

all terminals in the third terminal group;

any terminal in the third terminal group;

a designated terminal in the third terminal group;

the second clock reference terminal.
The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the apparatus further comprises:

a sending module, configured to send a change message to the first node when the target terminal is determined by the third access network device, where the change message includes a terminal identifier of the target terminal.
The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the apparatus further comprises:

a receiving module, configured to receive a change message when the target terminal is determined by all terminals in the third terminal group, any terminal in the third terminal group, the second clock reference terminal, or a designated terminal in the third terminal group, where the change message includes a terminal identifier of the target terminal.
The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the apparatus further comprises:

a sending module, configured to send the change message to the first node.
The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the apparatus further comprises:

a receiving module, configured to receive a change message when the target terminal is determined by the core network node or the CNC node, where the change message includes a terminal identifier of the target terminal.
The apparatus of any one of claims 71-74, wherein the change message further comprises at least one of:

an indication of a change;

TSN business identification;

the TSN clock domain identification to which the clock belongs;

the second clock reference terminal identification;

the service cell identification of the target terminal;

the access network equipment identification of the target terminal;

TSN group identification;

a terminal group identification of the third terminal group;

and the terminal identifications of other terminals except the second clock reference terminal in the third terminal group.
The apparatus of claim 71 or 73, wherein the first node comprises at least one of:

all terminals supporting the TSN service corresponding to the third terminal group;

all terminals under the third access network device;

all terminals in the third terminal group;

the other terminals except the target terminal in the third terminal group;

the second clock reference terminal;

and the target terminal.
A clock synchronization apparatus, configured in a first terminal, the apparatus comprising:

a sending module, configured to send TSN clock information to the first access network device when the first terminal serves as a TSN clock node of a first master time period sensitive network;

a receiving module, configured to receive the TSN clock information if the first terminal is not serving as the first master TSN clock node;

the first master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node under the first access network device, or the first master TSN clock node is a master TSN clock node of a TSN service supported by a first terminal group under the first access network device, and TSN services supported by terminals in the first terminal group have the same type.
The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the first terminal serves as the first master TSN clock node, the apparatus further comprising:

and the establishing module is used for establishing a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with the first access network equipment, wherein the specified QoS flow or the specified wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information.
The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the first terminal serves as the first master TSN clock node, the apparatus further comprising:

a releasing module, configured to release or suspend a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer if the first terminal is not a target terminal under the condition that the first master TSN clock node is changed;

wherein the target terminal is a re-determined terminal serving as the first master TSN clock node.
The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the first terminal is not to serve as the first master TSN clock node, the apparatus further comprising:

a establishing module, configured to establish a specified QoS flow or a specified wireless data bearer with the first access network device if the first terminal is a target terminal under the condition that the first master TSN clock node is changed;

wherein the target terminal is a re-determined terminal serving as the first master TSN clock node.
The apparatus of claim 79 or 80, wherein the target terminal is determined by a node of at least one of:

a core network node;

a Centralized Network Controller (CNC) node;

the first terminal;

the first access network device;

all terminals in the first terminal group;

any terminal in the first terminal group;

a designated terminal in the first terminal group;

the first terminal.
The apparatus of claim 81, wherein the apparatus further comprises:

a determining module, configured to determine a change message, where the change message includes a terminal identifier of the target terminal.
The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the sending module is further for:

sending the change message to the first node.
The apparatus of claim 83, wherein the first node comprises at least one of:

all terminals supporting the TSN service corresponding to the first terminal group;

all terminals under the first access network device;

all terminals in the first terminal group;

the target terminal;

and other terminals except the target terminal in the first terminal group.
The apparatus of any one of claims 82-84, wherein the change message further comprises at least one of:

an indication of a change;

TSN business identification;

the first terminal identification;

the TSN clock domain identifier to which the clock belongs;

the service cell identification of the target terminal;

the access network equipment identification of the target terminal;

TSN group identification;

a terminal group identifier of the first terminal group;

and the terminal identifications of other terminals except the first terminal in the first terminal group.
The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the apparatus further comprises:

a determining module, configured to determine that the first terminal serves as the first master TSN clock node if the first terminal should have an assigned QoS flow or an assigned wireless data bearer, or the first terminal has a capability of establishing the assigned QoS flow or the assigned wireless data bearer, where the assigned QoS flow or the assigned wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information.
The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the apparatus further comprises:

a determining module, configured to determine that the first terminal serves as the first master TSN clock node if the first terminal receives a specified QoS flow establishment signaling or a specified radio data bearer establishment signaling;

the designated QoS flow establishment signaling is used for indicating the first terminal to establish the designated QoS flow, the designated wireless data bearer establishment signaling is used for indicating the first terminal to establish the designated wireless data bearer, and the designated QoS flow or the designated wireless data bearer is used for transmitting TSN clock information.
The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the sending module is further for:

transmitting updated TSN clock information to the first access network device in the event that a reference event is triggered; or,

and sending updated TSN clock information to the first access network equipment at intervals of specified duration.
The apparatus of claim 88, wherein the reference event being triggered comprises at least one of:

TSN traffic arrives;

TSN clock information change;

the TSN clock information change granularity is greater than or equal to a specified threshold granularity.
The apparatus of any one of claims 77-89, wherein the TSN clock information comprises at least one of:

TSN traffic arrival time;

TSN traffic departure time;

the identification of the corresponding TSN time domain;

the TSN clock domain identification to which the clock belongs;

time information;

a time information type;

clock synchronization accuracy information;

system frame number SFN information;

a propagation delay compensation indication.
A communication device comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing at least one instruction for execution by the processor to perform the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 11, or to perform the steps of the method of any one of claims 12 to 22, or to perform the steps of the method of any one of claims 23 to 31, or to perform the steps of the method of any one of claims 32 to 45.
A communication system comprising a terminal and an access network device, the access network device comprising the apparatus of any of claims 46-56 or the access network device comprising the apparatus of any of claims 57-67, the terminal comprising the apparatus of any of claims 77-90.
A computer readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed by a processor, perform the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 11, or are for performing the steps of the method of any one of claims 12 to 22, or are for performing the steps of the method of any one of claims 23 to 31, or are for performing the steps of the method of any one of claims 32 to 45.