Wireless Time Stamp Replication for Network Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Wi-Fi networks face challenges in maintaining synchronized time stamps across multiple groups or domains, leading to independent time stamp errors and inefficiencies in data distribution, especially in large or obstructed areas where direct transmission is not possible, resulting in wasted processing power and bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a wireless station with two communication interfaces receives an input time stamp, generates an output time stamp to compensate for delays, and broadcasts it to other stations within the network, effectively synchronizing time stamps across different domains using time stamp replication, even if they operate on different protocols or frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If time stamps are transmitted independently to each wireless station, then each station can maintain its local clock, but time stamp errors and jitter accumulate across multiple disparate systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements time stamp replication where a master wireless station receives an input time stamp and generates an output time stamp by copying and adjusting it for transmission to slave stations in other groups. This ensures all stations receive a unified time reference rather than independent time stamps, preventing error accumulation across disparate systems.
2Area of stationary object
If wireless networks are divided into multiple groups for large or obstructed areas, then coverage is improved, but time stamp synchronization is lost between groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master wireless station as an intermediary that receives time stamps from one group and replicates them for transmission to slave stations in other groups. This intermediary enables time stamp synchronization across multiple groups without requiring direct transmission between all stations, thus maintaining synchronization while expanding coverage area.
3Measurement precision
If time stamp replication with delay compensation is implemented, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and compensating for transmission delays when generating the output time stamp. The master station determines the time taken to process and transmit the time stamp and adjusts the output time stamp accordingly, ensuring accuracy without requiring complex real-time synchronization mechanisms.
4Device complexity
If independent time stamp transmission is used, then network simplicity is maintained, but bandwidth is wasted due to redundant time stamp distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the time stamp distribution function by having the master station generate a single output time stamp that serves multiple slave stations across different groups. Instead of each station receiving independent time stamps, the replicated time stamp is distributed to multiple stations, reducing redundant transmissions and optimizing bandwidth utilization while maintaining network simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Time stamp replication within wireless networks is described. In an embodiment, a wireless station receives an input time stamp and uses this input time stamp to generate an output time stamp. The wireless station transmits the output time stamp to wireless stations in one of a number of groups which make up the wireless network. The output time stamp is generated to compensate for delays between receiving the input time stamp and transmitting the output time stamp such that output time stamp which is transmitted at a time T corresponds to the value that the input time stamp would have had if it had been received at time T (and not at a time earlier than T). This may, therefore, reduce or eliminate independent time stamp errors and jitter caused by multiple disparate systems and processes.