GPS-Based Time Synchronization for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile ad hoc networks face challenges in maintaining synchronized system time due to the random joining and leaving of nodes, leading to communication delays and increased communication burden, as traditional master clock sync signals are not effective in dynamic network configurations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a GPS receiver in each mobile ad hoc network node to independently determine the system time based on GPS signals, allowing nodes to synchronize before joining the network and maintain time consistency without relying on periodic master clock sync signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a master clock sync signal is broadcast periodically to all network nodes, then time synchronization is maintained for fixed networks, but new nodes must wait for the next broadcast cycle before communicating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having nodes perform time synchronization before joining the network. Each node independently synchronizes its local clock with the system time using a time synchronization protocol prior to network entry, so that when the node joins, it can immediately communicate without waiting for the next periodic broadcast cycle. This eliminates the communication delay problem for new nodes while maintaining reliable time synchronization throughout the network.
2Reliability
If a master clock sync signal is used for time synchronization, then existing nodes can maintain synchronized time, but the periodic broadcast creates communication overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the time synchronization function from the periodic master clock broadcast mechanism. Instead of relying on continuous periodic signals, the system uses a one-time synchronization event where nodes independently synchronize their clocks before joining the network. This extraction eliminates the need for ongoing periodic broadcasts, significantly reducing communication overhead and energy consumption while maintaining reliable time synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling each node to independently perform time synchronization using its own resources. Each node autonomously executes the time synchronization protocol to align its local clock with the system time before joining the network, without requiring continuous external synchronization signals. This self-service approach eliminates the communication overhead associated with periodic master clock broadcasts while ensuring all nodes remain time-synchronized.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network nodes join and leave randomly in mobile ad hoc networks, then network flexibility is achieved, but maintaining consistent system time becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring nodes to synchronize their local clocks with the system time before joining the mobile ad hoc network. This preliminary synchronization ensures that when nodes dynamically join or leave the network, they bring their clocks already aligned with the system time, maintaining consistency despite the random joining and leaving behavior. This approach preserves network flexibility while ensuring system time reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of time synchronization from a continuous periodic process to a discrete event-based process. Instead of maintaining synchronization through ongoing periodic broadcasts, the system establishes synchronization as a one-time parameter change before node joining. This parameter change approach allows nodes to independently manage their timing parameters, accommodating the dynamic nature of mobile ad hoc networks while maintaining system time consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile ad hoc network, a mobile ad hoc network node and a method for establishing a system time within a mobile ad hoc network are provided. The network nodes may include a global positioning system (GPS) receiver for receiving GPS signals and for providing a GPS time derived from the GPS signals. The GPS time may be employed by the network node as the system time. Even though the network nodes of a mobile ad hoc network independently determine the GPS time and, in turn, the system time, the system time will be common for each of the network nodes. Mobile ad hoc network nodes may therefore join and leave the mobile ad hoc network with each network node being able to determine the system time prior to its joinder based upon the GPS time provided by the respective GPS receiver.