Small cell network self-synchronization
US8934891B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jan 13, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04J3/0641
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system, method, and apparatus to facilitate the synchronization of oscillators between members of a Heterogeneous Network (HetNet) to form a self-synchronizing network (SSN). The network members are configured to broadcast information indicative of the reliability of their oscillator. Network members attempt to look for reliable sources such as those originating from a macrocell base station or GPS. If such a source is found, the member cell updates it clock accuracy confidence level number (CACL) to indicate this. Network members also share information regarding the frequency offsets between one another. Every cell member then applies a weighted average function to determine how to update its own oscillator and CACL value accordingly. Cell members can also update their functionality, such as RF power level, in response to varying degrees of CACL values. This operation results in a convergence of all cell members to the most accurate oscillator offset value.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.