| 摘要 |
A system, method, and apparatus to facilitate the synchronization of oscillators between members of a Heterogeneous Network (HetNet) to form a self-synchronizing network (SSN). The network members are configured to broadcast information indicative of the reliability of their oscillator according to a predetermined numerically coded range of values. Network members attempt to look for reliable sources such as those originating from a macrocell base station or GPS. If such a source is found, the member cell updates its clock accuracy confidence level number (CACL) to indicate this. Network members also share information regarding the frequency offsets between one another. Every cell member then applies a weighted average function using the reliability of its own oscillator, neighboring member oscillators, its own frequency offset value, and neighboring member offset values to determine how to update its own oscillator and CACL value accordingly. Cell members can also update their functionality, such as RF power level, in response to varying degrees of CACL values. This operation can be a continuous and dynamic process, or set to run for a predetermined time, which results in a convergence of all cell members to the most accurate oscillator offset value. |
