Transfer of synchronization in a hybrid global navigation satellite packet network system

摘要

Networks, network devices and methods of synchronization using transfer of synchronization packets are provided. Some network devices are configured to use either a timing reference extracted based on GPS signals or an imported timing reference, as an operative time reference. A network device from which to import the time reference is selected and may be updated to meet a selection rule related to the quality of receiving the transfer of synchronization packets.

主权项

1. A network device comprising:
a global position signal (GPS) receiver configured to receive GPS signals and to determine a time reference based on the received GPS signals; a switching part configured to communicate transfer of synchronization packets; an operative part configured to manage radio communication using an operative time reference; and a controller configured to switch the operative part between at least (i) a first mode, in which the operative part uses, as the operative time reference, the time reference determined by the GPS receiver and (ii) a second mode, in which the operative part uses the operative time reference determined using one or more imported time references, each of the imported time references being extracted from the transfer of synchronization packets communicated with a network device, the controller switching the operative part between the first mode and the second mode depending on a quality of the received GPS signals and a quality of communicating the transfer of synchronization packets by the switching part from each of at least one other network device, respectively.