Method for nodes in a multi-hop wireless network to acquire and maintain synchronization with a master node

摘要

The present invention is directed to a method of selecting nodes in a multi-hop network having a combined coverage that reaches all the nodes in the network. These nodes called parent nodes, together with the root broadcast synchronization information regularly to the rest of the network. As part of the selection process, the parent nodes that would not interfere with each other are identified and then scheduled to broadcast synchronization information at the same time. Further, a time division structure can be used to control the access of these parent nodes to a common communication channel, resulting in the efficient use of the bandwidth available. The time division structure also ensures that each node receives regular synchronization information so that it can acquire and maintain synchronization with the root. However, other structures are also contemplated such as frequency division, code division and hybrids. Further, minimal coordination between the nodes is required to implement this method and timing structure.