Patent ID: 6888819
Filing Date: 2005-05-03
Classification: H04J,H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method of distributed decentralized synchronization between a plurality of nodes connected to a media, each node including a clock, said method comprising the steps of: listening to the media for a predetermined length of time while attempting to detect synchronization signals from other nodes; if synchronization signals are detected, deriving a timing signal from said synchronization signals; aligning the clock in a particular node in accordance with said timing signal; randomly transmitting, on a frame by frame basis, synchronization signals onto said media within a synchronization time slot; maintaining synchronization with other nodes by listening to said media for synchronization signals transmitted by other nodes when said synchronization signal is not transmitted during said specific points in time and detecting synchronization signals transmitted by other nodes; if synchronization signals are not detected, randomly transmitting, on a frame by frame basis, synchronization signals onto said media within said synchronization time slot and waiting for other nodes to join said network; and maintaining said media in an occupied state once synchronization is achieved by periodically transmitting a frame occupation signal within a media busy time slot indicating to all other nodes that the next frame is occupied.