Process for initializing a network with several master-capable, i.e. clock-capable network participants

摘要

The master function as source of the network clock is assigned to the first of the subscribers (2-5) to be switched in. After any collision this function is assigned substantially simultaneously to a number of the subscribers. A random value distinguishable by its magnitude is generated by the microprocessor (8) of each of the colliding subscribers simultaneously. The subscriber nearer to the start of the ring (6) transmits this value to the contender, who compares it with the locally generated counterpart. The smaller value identified by the comparison is propagated around the ring until it returns to its source, which takes over the master function.