Methods and Arrangements in a Telecommunications Network

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods and arrangements in a base station and a user equipment for determining an uplink transmission timing correction for communication in a telecommunication system which aggregation of component carriers is applied. The base station receives a signal from the user equipment on an uplink (UL) component carrier and measures the arrival time of the signal. A timing correction of the UL transmission timing based on the arrival time of the signal is determined. Thereupon the base station determines for which of the uplink component carriers used by the user equipment the timing correction is valid. The timing correction and the validity information is sent to the user equipment. The user equipment adjusts the UL transmission timing for each UL component carrier the timing correction is valid for.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method in a base station for determining an uplink transmission timing correction for communication in a telecommunication system in which aggregation of component carriers is applied, the method comprising:
 receiving a signal on a selected uplink component carrier from a user equipment;   measuring an arrival time of the received signal;   determining a timing correction of the uplink transmission timing based on the measured arrival time;   determining for whether the timing correction is valid for a single UL component carrier or multiple UL component carriers; and   sending the timing correction and information indicating whether the timing correction is valid for a single UL component carrier or multiple UL component carriers.   
     
     
         2 . A method in a user equipment for determining an uplink transmission timing correction for communication in a telecommunication system in which aggregation of component carriers is applied, the method comprising:
 sending a signal on an uplink component carrier to a base station;   receiving, from the base station, a timing correction of the uplink transmission timing and information indicating whether the timing correction is valid for a single UL component carrier or multiple UL component carriers; and   adjusting the uplink transmission timing of either the single UL component carrier or the multiple UL component carriers, based on the timing correction.   
     
     
         3 . A base station for determining an uplink transmission timing correction for communication in a telecommunication system in which aggregation of component carriers is applied, the base station comprising:
 a receiver for receiving a signal on a selected uplink component carrier from a user equipment;   a unit for measuring an arrival time of the received signal;   a unit for determining a timing correction of the uplink transmission timing based on the measured arrival time, and for determining whether the timing correction is valid for a single UL component carrier or multiple UL component carriers; and   a transmitter for sending the timing correction and information whether the timing correction is valid for a single UL component carrier or multiple UL component carriers.   
     
     
         4 . A user equipment for determining an uplink transmission timing correction for communication in a telecommunication system in which aggregation of component carriers is applied, the user equipment comprising:
 a transmitter for sending a signal on an uplink component carrier to a base station;   a receiver for receiving, from the base station, a timing correction of the uplink transmission timing and information whether the timing correction is valid for a single UL component carrier or multiple UL component carriers; and   a unit for adjusting the uplink transmission timing of either the single UL component carrier or the multiple UL component carriers based on the timing correction.