TDMA Wireless Network Time Synchronization via Dynamic Relay Election
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Solution Overview
Problem
Frequency hopping networks face challenges in supporting time division multiple access (TDMA) due to difficulties in controlling which communications device is allocated time, leading to potential network failures if the static time server fails, and complex coordination among additional static time servers.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communications system where multiple devices communicate via TDMA, with a time master device transmitting synchronization and maintenance messages, and relay devices updating time values and hop counts, allowing for decentralized time synchronization without a centralized static time server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static time server is used for time synchronization in a frequency hopping TDMA network, then time synchronization can be achieved, but the network becomes vulnerable to single-point failures and requires complex coordination among multiple static time servers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static time server role into a dynamic one where any communications device can become a timing head relay through election based on hopping sequence knowledge. This dynamic role assignment eliminates single-point failures while avoiding complex coordination, as devices naturally assume timing roles based on their ability to predict hopping frequencies rather than pre-designated positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through autonomous timing head relay election where devices independently determine their roles based on local hopping sequence information. Each device monitors whether it can predict the master device's hopping frequencies and automatically becomes a timing head relay when capable, eliminating the need for complex external coordination or centralized assignment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If frequency hopping is used to resist interference and improve security, then narrowband interference resistance and signal security are improved, but time division multiple access control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces timing head relays as intermediary devices that bridge the master device and slave devices. These relays receive timing information from the master and retransmit it to slaves, enabling TDMA control in frequency hopping networks without requiring direct master-slave communication on predictable frequencies, thus maintaining both interference resistance and TDMA controllability.
3Reliability
If additional static time servers are designated to prevent single-point failures, then network reliability is improved, but coordination complexity and conflict management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static multiple time servers with dynamic timing head relays that are elected based on real-time hopping sequence knowledge. This dynamic approach provides failure tolerance without coordination complexity because devices automatically assume timing roles when capable, rather than requiring pre-coordinated multiple servers that may conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service through autonomous role assumption where devices independently become timing head relays when they possess the necessary hopping sequence information. This eliminates coordination conflicts by allowing devices to naturally assume timing roles based on their local knowledge rather than requiring complex coordination protocols.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless communications system may include wireless communications devices communicating with one another via time division multiple access (TDMA). The wireless communications devices may include a time master device that may transmit a first synchronization message, a first maintenance message, and a timing head relay designation message. The wireless communications devices also include a timing head relay device corresponding to the timing head relay designation and may receive the first synchronization message, first maintenance message and timing head relay designation message. The timing head relay device may also transmit a second synchronization message and a second maintenance message. The wireless communications devices may also include a time forwarding device that may receive the second synchronization message and the second maintenance message, transmit a third synchronization message when a downstream wireless communications device is outside a range of the timing head relay device, and transmit a third maintenance message.