Node synchronization in a frequency hopping wireless network

摘要

Method for synchronizing a node in a frequency hopping network includes monitoring a hop frequency channel to detect a hop announcement transmitted on a group of control channels in use by a network coordinator node. The hop announcement specifies a second hop frequency channel which will be utilized subsequent to a first hop frequency in a hopping sequence. Responsive to receiving the hop announcement a node monitors the second hop frequency to receive a dwell start message. The dwell start message is transmitted from the coordinator node to signal the beginning of a dwell period during which the second hop frequency will be used by the network for communicating data.