Clustering Apparatus for Dynamic Master Selection in Timing Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronizing phase and frequency in small cells using network assisted global navigation satellite systems (AGNSS) and timing packets face challenges such as variable signal intensity, packet delay variation, and limited scalability due to fixed master-slave structures, which affect accuracy and synchronization quality, especially in indoor environments with potential line-of-sight issues and network congestion.
Innovation Solution
A clustering apparatus and method that determines a best master with high quality based on a neighbor list provided by a server, allowing for dynamic master-slave relationships and balanced load distribution by applying weights to master and network quality levels, enabling autonomous cluster organization and reducing server load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed master-slave structure is used for synchronization, then the system is simple to implement, but the number of slaves is limited and packet delay variation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic master selection where slaves can switch between different masters based on real-time quality metrics. Instead of a fixed master-slave assignment, the system continuously evaluates master quality and allows slaves to reassign themselves, transforming the static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to changing network conditions and supports unlimited slave connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the synchronization system into multiple independent master nodes that can each serve different groups of slaves. By dividing the monolithic master role into multiple specialized masters with different quality characteristics, the system can handle more slaves simultaneously and reduce the packet delay variation that occurs when all slaves converge on a single master.
2Ease of operation
If multiple slaves converge on one master, then centralization is achieved, but packet delay variation increases due to network congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different masters to serve different geographic or network regions with locally optimized synchronization quality. Each master maintains independent synchronization state and serves its local slave population, preventing network congestion from affecting all slaves uniformly. This distributes the synchronization load while maintaining centralized control within each local cluster.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces quality metrics and selection algorithms as intermediaries between slaves and masters. Instead of direct arbitrary assignment, slaves use quality measurements (packet delay variation, signal strength, etc.) as intermediaries to select the most appropriate master, thereby distributing load to masters that can handle them optimally and reducing overall network congestion impact on synchronization quality.
3Device complexity
If a single master handles all slaves, then system结构简单ity is maintained, but the distance over network increases making synchronization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the master-slave architecture by distributing multiple masters across different network locations. Instead of all slaves connecting to a single centralized master, slaves can connect to geographically or network-topologically closer masters, reducing the effective network distance and improving synchronization performance while maintaining overall system structural simplicity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If AGNSS signal intensity is low due to environment, then outdoor coverage is achieved, but synchronization accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges AGNSS-based synchronization with timing packet-based synchronization into a hybrid system. When AGNSS signal intensity is low or unavailable (indoor environments), the system automatically falls back to or combines with timing packet synchronization from local masters, thereby maintaining both wide coverage capability and high synchronization accuracy across diverse environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic parameter changes by adjusting the weight or priority of different synchronization sources (AGNSS vs. timing packets) based on signal conditions. When AGNSS signal quality deteriorates due to environmental factors, the system changes parameters to rely more heavily on timing packet synchronization, maintaining accuracy while preserving outdoor coverage capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A clustering apparatus and method that can be used when synchronizing phase and frequency using a hybrid system of network assisted global navigation satellite system (AGNSS) and timing packet. A clustering apparatus for controlling timing is to determine a best master having a higher master-slave quality level among potential masters that can provide a timing packet based on a neighbor list provided by a server. The clustering apparatus organizes a cluster having linkability between the best master and at least one slave. The clustering apparatus performs synchronization between the best master and said at least one slave for each cluster.