Patent ID: 7039142
Filing Date: 2006-05-02
Classification: H03L,H04J

Abstract:
1. A method for synchronizing operation at a node of a communication network, said method comprising: receiving two or more input frame synchronization signals and transmitting an output frame synchronization signal; defining a node common frame synchronization signal based upon one or more of said input frame synchronization signals; generating the output frame synchronization signal using the node common frame synchronization signal as reference for synchronization; determining a phase relationship between the output frame synchronization signal and at least one of the input frame synchronization signals; and, adjusting said phase relationship by adjusting a phase relationship between the output frame synchronization signal and the node common synchronization signal when generating the output frame synchronization signal, wherein said output frame synchronization signal is synchronized in relation to said at least one of the input frame synchronization signal in such a way that: a) said output frame synchronization signal is permitted to show an arbitrary phase difference in relation to said at least one of said input frame synchronization signal; b) said output frame synchronization signal is permitted to show an acceptable phase jitter in relation to said at least one of said input frame synchronization signals; and c) said output frame synchronization signal is not permitted to show any persistent phase drift in relation to said at least one of said input frame synchronization signal.