Contention resolution scheme for communications systems

摘要

Timing control resolution between two communications devices is provided by assigning each device to one of a plurality of priorities and by transmitting an identification of this priority to the other communications device. The determination of which device is the master and which device is the slave is then resolved by comparing the received and transmitted identifications from the contending devices to a predetermined ranking of identification signals. When such identifications signals are the same, each device randomly selects an identification signal from a group of such signals. Preferably this group includes all of the identification signals except that transmitted in the immediately prior contention round. The received and transmitted identifications signals from the contending devices are then compared to the predetermined ranking of identification signals. This random selection of identification signals, transmission and comparison are repeated until the transmitted and received identifications signals are different and contention is resolved or a predetermined number of contention rounds is reached.