Patent ID: 8149733

Claim:
A method for synchronizing nodes by managing time slots in a slotted communication network, comprising: providing a slotted communication network, including a first node configured to operate at least during a first time slot, and a second node having a schedule of time slots configured to operate at least during a second time slot, wherein the second time slot corresponds to the first time slot; transmitting, from the first node, a message during the first time slot; receiving, at the second node, the message, at a first receipt time during the second time slot; and adjusting the timeslot schedule of the second node by aligning a boundary portion of the second time slot with the first receipt time to synchronize the second time slot with the first time slot, thereby providing sufficient time for the second node to receive the message during the second time slot, wherein aligning the boundary portion includes shifting at least one of a start time of the second time slot, an end time of the second time slot, and an edge of a guard time period of the second time slot based on the first receipt time.