Method and apparatus for utilizing a second receiver to establish time and frequency
US8867513B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 27, 2012 |
| Grant date | Oct 21, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04J3/0641
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for synchronizing a network element (e.g. access points, femtocells, etc.) to a master network (such as a cellular network) to provide accurate frequency and/or time references for their internal systems. In one embodiment, the network element utilizes a dedicated receiver (or transceiver) to receive timing information from the master network. The implementation of the dedicated receiver is advantageous for cost and simplicity reasons. Furthermore, the timing or frequency information, as received from the master network, is used to correct the network element's internal timing. In addition, the network element's internal timing can operate in open-loop mode, if no master network can be found, thereby allowing for the device to continue providing service to network users. Additionally, a dedicated receiver can also receive information (e.g. location, SID, NID, SSID, etc.) local to the network element, such information may be useful or required for seamless operation within the master network.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.