Ad Hoc Peer-to-Peer Network Timing Synchronization via Periodic Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ad hoc peer-to-peer wireless communication networks, timing discrepancies between nodes can cause synchronization issues, affecting communication functions such as peer discovery and data transfer, as existing synchronization methods may not effectively handle timing offsets and propagation delays.
Innovation Solution
Each node in the network receives a timing reference from a nearby source and adjusts its timing by transmitting a wideband signal during a dedicated interval and listening during the remaining interval, allowing for synchronization with other nodes based on received timing signals, using methods like averaging or dead zone considerations to mitigate timing offsets and propagation delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nodes transmit synchronization signals continuously, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but network traffic and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic synchronization signal transmission where each node transmits a synchronization signal only during a designated time slot within a synchronization cycle. This periodic approach maintains synchronization accuracy by receiving timing information from multiple nodes while reducing overall network traffic and processing load compared to continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization process is segmented into distinct time slots assigned to different nodes. Each node is allocated a specific time slot to transmit its synchronization signal, and nodes listen during other slots. This segmentation allows multiple nodes to participate in synchronization without simultaneous transmissions, reducing interference and network traffic.
2Reliability
If nodes adjust timing frequently to compensate for offsets, then synchronization reliability is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where each node receives synchronization signals from multiple other nodes, calculates timing offsets based on the received signals, and adjusts its own timing accordingly. The feedback loop continues with nodes transmitting updated synchronization signals, allowing iterative refinement of timing synchronization while using straightforward offset calculation algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If nodes listen for synchronization signals from all nearby nodes, then synchronization precision is improved, but time interval requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the synchronization process into periodic cycles where each node transmits its synchronization signal during its allocated time slot and listens during other slots. This periodic structure allows nodes to collect timing information from multiple nearby nodes systematically, achieving precise timing measurements while managing the time interval requirements through organized sequential operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an ad hoc peer-to-peer communications network, timing synchronization can be facilitated between two or more nodes based on respective timing adjustments. A sequence of timing synchronization time intervals can be determined based on a first timing reference received from a source. A symbol timing can be determined and included in a first signal transmitted during a dedicated time interval, which can be a chosen fraction of one of the timing synchronization time intervals. In the remaining portion of the time interval, such as a non-chosen fraction, a second signal that includes a second timing reference can be received. Based on the symbol timing and the second timing reference, a timing adjustment can be determined and timing of each node adjusted accordingly.