Patents by Inventor Stefano Ruffini

Stefano Ruffini has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Industrial automation with 5G and beyond
    Patent number: 12464041
    Abstract: Techniques for enhancing performance in Industrial Internet-of-Things (IIoT) scenarios, including techniques for time-sensitive networking (TSN) and 5G wireless network integration. An example method, performed by a wireless device, comprises receiving system information (SI) from a radio base station (RBS) of a radio access network (RAN), the SI being indicative of support for TSN through the RBS, and establishing at least one TSN stream with an external data network, through the RBS. The example method further includes receiving a first timing signal from the wireless communications network, via the RBS, receiving a second timing signal from the external TSN data network to which the wireless device is connected, comparing the first timing signal to the second timing signal to determine an offset, and transmitting the offset to the wireless communications network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2025
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Joachim Sachs, Abdulrahman Alabbasi, Mattias Andersson, Niklas Andgart, Ola Angelsmark, José Araújo, Muhammad Ikram Ashraf, Kumar Balachandran, Robert Baldemair, Rodrigo Berg, Yufei Blankenship, Fedor Chernogorov, John Walter Diachina, Torsten Dudda, Henrik Enbuske, Sorour Falahati, János Farkas, Jonas Fröberg Olsson, Majid Gerami, Harald Gustafsson, Kimmo Hiltunen, Andreas Höglund, Torgny Holmberg, Zsolt Kenesi, András Kern, Kittipong Kittichokechai, Anna Larmo, Johan Lundsjö, György Miklós, Hubertus Munz, Gabor Nemeth, Johannes Nygren, Johan Olsson, Alexandros Palaios, Dhruvin Patel, Joakim Persson, Per Persson, Jose Luis Pradas, Sándor Rácz, Pradeepa Ramachandra, Norbert Reider, Dinand Roeland, Stefano Ruffini, Patrik Salmela, Sara Sandberg, Magnus Sandgren, Paul Schliwa-Bertling, Alexey Shapin, Nianshan Shi, Bikramjit Singh, Per Skarin, Bernard Smeets, Ying Sun, Dennis Sundman, Fredrik Svensson, Malgorzata Svensson, Geza Szabo, Wolfgang Tonutti, Balázs Varga, Mårten Wahlström, Kun Wang, Yi-Pin Eric Wang, Osman Nuri Can Yilmaz, Zhenhua Zou, Miguel Lopez
  • Relative time error information distribution in precision time protocol network
    Patent number: 12457052
    Abstract: There is provided mechanisms for relative time error (TE) information distribution in a telecommunication network using a precision time protocol (PTP). A method is performed in a gateway device in a telecommunication network having hierarchical segments. The method comprises receiving TE information from a telecom grandmaster (T-GM) of the hierarchical segments. The method comprises preserving a total TE information of the received TE information. The method comprises resetting an accumulated path TE of the received TE information. The method comprises outputting an indication of the reset accumulated path TE and the preserved total TE information to a sub-segment of the hierarchical segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2025
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Gábor Kovács, Stefano Ruffini, Riccardo Rimarchi, Mikael Johansson
  • Devices and methods for handling precise timing protocol frames
    Patent number: 12439349
    Abstract: A method performed by a transmitting device, in a 3GPP wireless communication 5 system (100), for handling generalized Precise Timing Protocol (gPTP) signaling, from a Time Sensitive Network (TSN) is provided. The transmitting device receives (1301) a gPTP frame from the TSN network. The gPTP frame comprises time information, an indication of a time domain related to the time information and/or a Medium Access Control (MAC) address of a second end station connected to a receiving device. Based 10 on the indication of the time domain and/or the MAC address, the transmitting device determines (1302) the receiving device which the gPTP frame relates to. The transmitting device transmits (1304), to the determined receiving device, the gPTP frame in a PDU session related to the determined receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2025
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Hubertus Munz, Kun Wang, Stefano Ruffini, Zhenhua Zou, John Walter Diachina, Torsten Dudda, Paul Schliwa-Bertling
  • CALIBRATION OVER ASYMMETRIC LINKS
    Publication number: 20250260486
    Abstract: A first transceiver communicatively coupled to a second transceiver by a first cable and a second cable can transmit a first message to the second transceiver at a first time, T1, via the first cable. The first transceiver can further receive a second message from the second transceiver via the second cable. The second message includes an indication of a second time, T2, and an indication of a third time, T3, associated with when a pulse that is associated with the second message was transmitted by the second transceiver. The first transceiver can further receive the pulse associated with the second message from the second transceiver at a fourth time, T4, via the first cable. The first transceiver can further determine a first delay associated with the first cable based on the T1, the T2, the T3, and the T4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Publication date: August 14, 2025
    Inventors: Stefano RUFFINI, Paolo DEBENEDETTI, Fabio CAVALIERE
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING TRANSMISSION OF AN UPSTREAM PACKET TRAFFIC IN A TDM PON-BASED FRONTHAUL
    Publication number: 20250247637
    Abstract: A method of controlling transmission of an upstream packet traffic from a plurality of Optical Network Units to an Optical Line Terminal in a Passive Optical Network based fronthaul network. The Optical Network Units transmit packets in a time division multiplexed access scheme to the Optical Line Terminal and the method comprises obtaining mobile upstream scheduling information, scheduling the packet traffic from the plurality of Optical Network Units based on delay constraints of the PON-based fronthaul network and the obtained mobile upstream scheduling information. The method also comprises transmitting the scheduling of the packet traffic to the plurality of ONUs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2024
    Publication date: July 31, 2025
    Inventors: Fabio CAVALIERE, Stefano RUFFINI, Peter OLANDERS
  • TIMING SERVICES OVER 4G OR 5G
    Publication number: 20250203541
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media are disclosed for configuring a Time Management Function (TMF) to select a Time Distribution Alternative (TDA). The method includes configuring a set of TDAs. The method further includes transmitting a set of report requests with respect to the set of TDAs to an end station or a Timing Device (TD), and receiving a set of measurement reports with respect to the set of TDAs, from the end station or from the TD. Each of the set of measurement reports being specific TDA with input conditions. The method further includes evaluating the set of TDAs based on one or more requirements and the set of measurement reports, and selecting a currently most appropriate TDA among the set of TDAs based on results of the evaluating step and one or more conditions that may relate to the input conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2023
    Publication date: June 19, 2025
    Inventors: Stefano Ruffini, Mårten Wahlström, Marilet De Andrade Jardim, Magnus Sandgren
  • METHOD FOR DETECTING ASYMMETRIC PATH DELAY CHANGES IN A SYNCHRONISATION NETWORK
    Publication number: 20250071033
    Abstract: A method for detecting asymmetric path delay changes in a synchronisation network comprises: monitoring a first path delay and a second path delay over a first sample period and a second sample period, wherein the first path delay is a reported time taken for a first packet transmitted by a first node of the network to be received by a second node of the network, and the second path delay is a time taken for a second packet transmitted by the second node of the network to be received by the first node of the network; determining that a change in one or both of the first and second path delays between the first sample period and the second sample period exceeds a first threshold; and determining whether the change in one or both of the first and second path delays is an asymmetric path delay change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2024
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Inventors: Stefano RUFFINI, Alan POTTER, Stephen MOSSOM
  • Method and apparatus for controlling transmission of an upstream packet traffic in a TDM PON-based fronthaul
    Patent number: 12185036
    Abstract: A method of controlling transmission of an upstream packet traffic from a plurality of Optical Network Units to an Optical Line Terminal in a Passive Optical Network based fronthaul network. The Optical Network Units transmit packets in a time division multiplexed access scheme to the Optical Line Terminal and the method comprises obtaining mobile upstream scheduling information, scheduling the packet traffic from the plurality of Optical Network Units based on delay constraints of the PON-based front haul network and the obtained mobile upstream scheduling information. The method also comprises transmitting the scheduling of the packet traffic to the plurality of ONUs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventors: Fabio Cavaliere, Stefano Ruffini, Peter Olanders
  • 5G system signaling methods to convey TSN synchronization information
    Patent number: 12149341
    Abstract: Systems and methods related to conveying Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) synchronization information within a cellular communication system (e.g., a Fifth Generation System (5GS)) are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method performed by a User Equipment (UE) in a cellular communications system or a TSN Translator (TT) associated with the UE comprises receiving, from a TSN end station, a Precision Time Protocol (PTP) or generalized PTP (gPTP) announce message comprising information that identifies one or more clock domains for which the TSN end station desires to receive PTP or gPTP messages. The method further comprises sending, to a core network node in the cellular communications system, either: (a) the information that identifies the one or more clock domains extracted from the PTP or gPTP announce message or (b) the PTP or gPTP announce message. Using this information, UE specific PTP or gPTP message filtering may be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Kun Wang, John Walter Diachina, Paul Schliwa-Bertling, Magnus Sandgren, Stefano Ruffini, Joachim Sachs
  • PRECISION TIME PROTOCOL LINK TIME ERROR CALIBRATION USING OVER-THE-AIR SYNCHRONIZATION
    Publication number: 20240298281
    Abstract: According to certain embodiments, a method (700) by a network node (660) includes determining (705) a timing error associated with a closed loop comprising at least one radio link between two radio points. The timing error is determined based on at least one timing measurement associated with the at least one radio link. The method further includes adjusting (710) timing information carried over the a timing protocol link based on the timing error associated with the closed loop comprising the at least one radio link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: Gábor Kovács, Andreas Olsson, Mikael Johansson, Stefano Ruffini
  • Transmitting device, receiving device and methods performed therein for handling communication
    Patent number: 11864139
    Abstract: A method performed by a transmitting device, for handling communication in a wireless communications network. The transmitting device transmits a Precision Time Protocol, PTP, message carrying synchronization information to a receiving device over a radio interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventors: Stefano Ruffini, Magnus Sandgren, Robert Baldemair, Anders Höglund, Mårten Wahlström
  • FRONTHAUL NETWORK UNITS AND METHODS THEREIN FOR SYNCHRONIZATION OVER A SINGLE OPTICAL FIBER IN A FRONTAHUL NETWORK
    Publication number: 20230379075
    Abstract: A method performed by second fronthaul network unit for enabling synchronization with a first fronthaul network unit over a first single optical fiber in a fronthaul network is provided. The method includes receiving a first optical signal on the single optical fiber; and separating the received first optical signal into a second optical signal carrying downlink, DL, radio data traffic having a first optical wavelength and a third optical signal carrying packet-based synchronization messages having a second optical wavelength. The method further includes outputting the separated second optical signal towards a first optical port in the second fronthaul network unit; and splitting the separated third optical signal towards a second optical port in the second fronthaul network unit. A second fronthaul network unit and a first fronthaul network unit and method therein are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Tomas THYNI, Mats FORSMAN, Stefano RUFFINI, Mara COSENTINO, Riccardo CECCATELLI
  • Method and apparatus for synchronizing radio network nodes
    Patent number: 11812398
    Abstract: A group of radio network nodes (14) performs automatic synchronization source selection using Radio-interface Based Synchronization, based on the exchange of clock-attribute information between respective nodes (14) via inter-node connections. Access to the clock-attribute information for other nodes (14) in the same domain or subdomain allows a given node (14) to select the best or most preferred synchronization source for use in synchronizing its own clock (44), based on a combined or joint evaluation of parameters or metrics that include the reception quality of OTA signals from respective ones of the candidate nodes (14) and the corresponding clock-attribute information. Further parameters or metrics may be evaluated in the selection, such as neighbor-relation considerations. The combined use of OTA synchronization signaling and clock-attribute information exchanges, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventors: Stefano Ruffini, Garry Irvine, Ohan Khodaverdian, Magnus Sandgren, Mårten Wahlström
  • Method and apparatus for latency monitoring
    Patent number: 11811634
    Abstract: A method of supporting latency monitoring in a network transporting traffic to and from a wireless base station. The method comprises, at a first node of the transport network determining a first timestamp representing a time at which a data element is received at the first node and adding information representative of the first timestamp to a communication signal which carries data for the wireless base station, the data including the data element. The method also comprises sending an indication of an association between the information representative of the first timestamp and the data element that the information representative of the first timestamp relates to. A method performed at a second node as well as apparatus for use at the first node and apparatus for use at the second node are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Stefano Ruffini, Stefano Stracca
  • 5G SYSTEM SUPPORT FOR CONVEYING TSN TIME SYNCHRONIZATION
    Publication number: 20230299865
    Abstract: Systems and methods to enable 5G system support for conveying time synchronization are provided. In some embodiments, a method performed by a wireless device for conveying external time domain information is provided. The method includes receiving a message in a first time domain used by the wireless device, the message comprising external time domain information; determining information about a second time domain based on the external time domain information; and conveying information about the second time domain to another node. In some embodiments, timing information is included into a GPRS Tunneling Protocol (GTP) payload, and the wireless device can get timing information directly from the data payload. This minimizes the RAN and/or gNB impact and adds the potential for multiple time domain support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Kun Wang, John Walter Diachina, Anders Höglund, Dinand Roeland, Stefano Ruffini, Magnus Sandgren, Mårten Wahlström
  • RELATIVE TIME ERROR INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION IN PRECISON TIME PROTOCOL NETWORK
    Publication number: 20230283392
    Abstract: There is provided mechanisms for relative time error (TE) information distribution in a telecommunication network using a precision time protocol (PTP). A method is performed in a gateway device in a telecommunication network having hierarchical segments. The method comprises receiving TE information from a telecom grandmaster (T-GM) of the hierarchical segments. The method comprises preserving a total TE information of the received TE information. The method comprises resetting an accumulated path TE of the received TE information. The method comprises outputting an indication of the reset accumulated path TE and the preserved total TE information to a sub-segment of the hierarchical segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Gábor KOVÁCS, Stefano RUFFINI, Riccardo RIMARCHI, Mikael JOHANSSON
  • 5G system support for conveying TSN time synchronization
    Patent number: 11695491
    Abstract: Systems and methods to enable 5G system support for conveying time synchronization are provided. In some embodiments, a method performed by a wireless device for conveying external time domain information is provided. The method includes receiving a message in a first time domain used by the wireless device, the message comprising external time domain information; determining information about a second time domain based on the external time domain information; and conveying information about the second time domain to another node. In some embodiments, timing information is included into a GPRS Tunneling Protocol (GTP) payload, and the wireless device can get timing information directly from the data payload. This minimizes the RAN and/or gNB impact and adds the potential for multiple time domain support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Kun Wang, John Walter Diachina, Anders Höglund, Dinand Roeland, Stefano Ruffini, Magnus Sandgren, Mårten Wahlström
  • Methods, apparatus and computer-readable media for synchronization over an optical network
    Patent number: 11683150
    Abstract: The disclosure provides methods, apparatus and computer-readable media for synchronization over an optical network. A method comprises: receiving, from a client, a request to initiate a synchronization service for a client node coupled to the optical communication network; and, in response to the request, establishing a synchronization service to the client node via a virtual synchronization network utilizing the optical communication network. The synchronization service utilizes a bidirectional optical channel established via the optical communication network for the transmission of synchronization data for the client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventors: Stefano Ruffini, Mats Forsman, Paola Iovanna, Stefano Stracca, Tomas Thyni
  • Methods and systems for providing time-sensitive services related to wireless devices
    Patent number: 11627538
    Abstract: A method performed by a system of a wireless communication network is disclosed. The method relates to provisioning of a time-sensitive service related to a wireless device. The wireless communication network comprises a plurality of antenna reference points, ARPs, of one or more radio access network nodes of the wireless communication network. The method comprises obtaining information that a first ARP and a second ARP of the plurality of ARPs are to provide the time-sensitive service to the wireless device, determining, by inter-ARP radio signalling between ARPs of one or more pairs of the plurality of ARPs, one of the one or more pairs including the first ARP and one of the one or more pairs including the second ARP, a relative timing error between the first ARP and the second ARP, and taking the determined relative timing error into consideration when providing the service to the wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Garry Irvine, Alexandra Mikaelsson, Magnus Sandgren, Mårten Wahlström, Mikael Johansson, Ohan Khodaverdian, Stefano Ruffini
  • User Equipment and Method Performed Therein for Communication in a Wireless Communication Network
    Publication number: 20230063300
    Abstract: A method performed by a UE (10) for evaluating validity of a radio link, wherein the UE (10) is operating in a wireless communication network, and wherein the UE (10) receives a signal on the radio link. The UE (10) determines (401) that the received signal comprises a time synchronization message and a security extension associated with the time synchronization message. The UE (10) further determines (402) that the radio link is valid if a security mechanism related to the security extension indicates that the time synchronization message is valid. The UE (10) further determines (403) that the radio link is non-valid if the security mechanism related to the security extension indicates that the time synchronization message is non-valid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Stefano Ruffini, Giulio Bottari