GB2551189A - Clock synchronisation in wireless mesh communications networks - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a method of synchronising the local clock signals of network nodes 20 in a wireless mesh communications network 2. A first network node 201 receives a master clock signal, synchronises its local clock signal to this received signal, and then forwards a synchronisation signal to a second network node 202, said signal being dependent on one or both of the local and master clock signals. The second node synchronises its local clock to this signal, thereby forming a first clock region (nodes labelled 24) with the first node. The network may further comprise more than one master signal and hence define additional clock regions (nodes labelled 28) for different purposes. The clock regions may be formed from predetermined selections of network nodes, and the synchronisation signals may be propagated over predetermined fixed routes or, alternatively, dynamic routes. The master clock signals may be provided by sources local or external to the nodes, for example, point of presence (POP) nodes 24, 28.

Description

CLOCK SYNCHRONISATION IN WIRELESS MESH COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS

The present invention relates to clock synchronisation in wireless mesh communications networks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a simplified example wireless mesh communications network which provides a multipath connection between a base network 14 and a cell 16 of a cellular wireless telecommunications network. The wireless mesh network comprises a plurality of network nodes 10 interconnected by bidirectional wireless communications links 12. The network nodes 10 operate to communicate with one another for the transfer of communications data therebetween. This type of network is known as a “mesh” network because of the multiple connections between network nodes that defines a mesh of communications links 12. One particular mesh network makes use of wireless communications links that operate in the millimetre waveband, for example around 60GHz.

Such a mesh network is suitable for providing a cell 16 of a cellular wireless telecommunications network with a connection to a fibre optic network connection 15 for communication with the base network 14. The cell 16 is operable to communicate with a plurality of mobile communications devices in accordance with well-known standards and techniques. For example, the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard defines one suitable cellular communications technique.

In the example of Figure 1, a first network node 10i is connected with a base network 14 using an optical connection 15. The connection between the first network node 10i and the base network 14 may be provided by any suitable connection technology. The mesh network provides a connection between the first network node 10i and a second network node 102. The second network node is connected with a cell station that defines a cell 16 of a cellular communications network. The mesh network provides communication for data from the cell 16 to other devices within or without the mesh network. Such a mesh network is known as a “backhaul” network.

In order for the cellular network to operate correctly, it is important that the cells of the network maintain a synchronous clock signal. Accordingly, it is necessary for the individual cells to maintain a clock signal that is synchronised with a master clock signal for the cellular network concerned. In addition, it is desirable for the individual network nodes to have access to a master reference clock signal in order that mobile phone cell to cell interference and signal management can be completed accurately.

One of the challenges associated with implementing a mesh network, particularly a wireless mesh network over a wide area, is that of maintaining such accurate and synchronised clock signals over the network. However, previously-considered network techniques for adjusting clock signal synchronisation are not ideally suited to wireless mesh networks, since the nature of multi-hop wireless connections mean that the clock signals can quickly become asynchronous.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a new technique that seeks to address the drawbacks of previously-considered clock synchronisation techniques.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of synchronising respective local clock signals of network nodes of a wireless mesh communications network which includes a plurality of such nodes interconnected by another plurality of wireless communications links, the method comprising at a first network node, receiving a master clock signal; synchronising a local clock signal of the first network node with the master clock signal; and forwarding a first synchronisation signal to a second network node, the first synchronisation signal being dependent upon on or both of the local clock signal of the first node and the master clock signal; and, at a second network node receiving the first synchronisation signal from the first network node; and synchronising a local clock signal of the second network node with the first synchronisation signal, the first and second network nodes thereby forming a first clock region of the wireless mesh network.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for synchronising respective local clock signals of network nodes of a wireless mesh communications network which includes a plurality of such nodes interconnected by another plurality of wireless communications links, the system comprising at a first network node, a receiver operable to receive a master clock signal, and a processing unit operable to synchronise a local clock signal of the first network node with a received master clock signal, and to forward a first synchronisation signal to a second network node, the first synchronisation signal being dependent upon on or both of the local clock signal of the first network node and the received master clock signal, and at a second network node a receiver operable to receive such a first synchronisation signal from the first network node, and to synchronise a local clock signal of the second network node with such a received first synchronisation signal, wherein the first and second network nodes form a first clock region of the wireless mesh network.

One example further comprises propagating the first synchronisation signal across a first predetermined selection of network nodes of the wireless mesh network, the first predetermined selection of network nodes forming the first clock region of the wireless mesh network.

In one example, the master clock signal is received from a source external to the first network node.

In one example, the master clock signal is received from a reference clock source local to the first network node.

One example further comprises at a third network node, receiving a second master clock signal; synchronising a local clock signal of the third network node with the second master clock signal; and forwarding a second synchronisation signal to a fourth network node, the second synchronisation signal being dependent upon on or both of the local clock signal of the third network node and the second master clock signal; and at a fourth network node, receiving the second synchronisation signal from the third network node; and synchronising a local clock signal of the fourth network node with the second synchronisation signal, the third and fourth network nodes thereby forming a second clock region of the wireless mesh network.

One example further comprises propagating the second synchronisation signal across a second predetermined selection of network nodes of the wireless mesh network, the second predetermined selection of network nodes forming the second clock region of the wireless mesh network.

In one example, the second master clock signal is received from a source external to the third network node.

In one example, the second master clock signal is received from a reference clock source local to the third network node.

The or each predetermined selection may be made by a central controller of the wireless mesh network. The central controller may be a software defined network controller.

Each network node may include at least one transceiver having a beamforming steerable antenna, and the or each synchronising signal may be transmitted over a dedicated synchronisation beam, each network node being operable to select the synchronisation beam for reception of the synchronisation signal. Such selection of the synchronisation beams may be made by a central controller of the wireless mesh network. The central controller may be a software defined network controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a wireless mesh communications network;

Figure 2 illustrates one example of clock synchronisation across a wireless mesh communications network;

Figure 3 illustrates a network node embodying one aspect of the present invention; Figure 4 illustrates a steerable beamforming antenna of the device of Figure 3 Figure 5 shows a simplified PHY packet structure;

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing steps in a method embodying one aspect of the present invention;

Figure 7 illustrates another example of clock synchronisation across a wireless mesh communications network;

Figure 8 illustrates another example of clock synchronisation across a wireless mesh communications network;

Figure 9 illustrates a network node embodying another aspect of the present invention; Figure 10 illustrates part of the network node of Figure 9;

Figure 11 illustrates the part of Figure 10 in combination with parts of the network node of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a flowchart showing steps in a method embodying another aspect of the present invention;

Figure 13 illustrates another example of clock synchronisation across a wireless mesh communications network in accordance with another aspect of the present invention; and

Figure 14 illustrates clock synchronisation according to the example of Figure 12; and

Figure 15 is a flowchart showing steps in a method embodying another aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 2 illustrates clock synchronisation across a wireless communications network in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The example network 2 of Figure 2 has a similar topology to that shown in Figure 1. It is to be understood that the network topologies shown in Figures 1 and 2 are merely exemplary, and do not have an impact on the techniques to be described below; the techniques are applicable to any wireless mesh network topology.

In the example of Figure 2, a first plurality of network nodes 20 are interconnected by a second plurality of wireless communications links 22. The network nodes 20 are shown arranged in a regular grid (rectilinear) pattern with communications links 22 between adjacent network nodes 20. The network nodes 20 may be arranged in any suitable topology, and the communications links 22 may be arranged appropriately.

In a preferred example, the wireless communication links 22 are radio frequency links, using radio frequency signals in the millimetre wave range, that is in the range 20GHz to 315GHZ, preferably in the 60GHZ waveband (as defined by the IEEE 802.11 ad standard and typically in the range approximately 58GHz to 64GHz).

The network 2 also includes a node 24 which connects the mesh network to a base network 25. This node 24 is also known as a “point of presence (POP)” node. Such a POP node 24 is typically connected with a first network node 20i by way of a wired or optical connection 23A. The POP node 24 is connected to the base network 25 by way of a wired or optical connection 23B. The base network may be provided by any suitable communications network, such as a mobile network operator’s packet data network or the Internet.

The POP node 24 provides a clock signal for the mesh and cellular networks, this clock is derived from a master clock signal is also known as a Grand Master (GM) clock signal. The GM clock signal can be generated locally or provided by the mobile network operator’s packet data network. The POP node 24 provides the master clock signal to the first network node 20i. As will be described below, the master clock signal is used to provide a reference clock signal across the mesh network, and to a cell of destination network node 20θ in particular. Figure 2 shows a single example clock sync path 26 over which the master clock signal travels to the destination network node 206.

In the example clock sync path 26, the POP node 24 supplies the master clock signal to a first node 20i. The first node 20i synchronises its internal clock with the received master clock signal, as will be described below, and passes the master clock signal to a second node 202. This process is repeated until the master clock signal reaches a predetermined destination node. In the example shown in Figure 2, the reference clock signal passes through first to sixth network nodes 20ι, 2Ο2, 203, 204, 20s, and 20β, with the sixth network node 20β being the destination node 20 for the clock signal being distributed across the network. Each network node may have the opportunity to receive more than one reference clock signal from adjacent network nodes, and in that case a network node selects a reference clock signal with which it synchronises. In this way, a master clock signal can be distributed across selected network nodes 20 of the network 2. It will be appreciated that there may be different clock sync paths across the network 2.

The destination network node 20β provides packet data and synchronisation clock to a cell 29 for a cellular communications network device. The cell is able to communicate in a wireless manner using appropriate cellular technologies and techniques. The cell 29 makes use of the master clock signal delivered by the mesh network in order to maintain synchronicity with the cellular communications network of which it is part.

The clock sync path (or “tree”) 26 can be defined by an appropriate network resource. For example, in a software defined network (SDN), a suitably modified SDN controller may be responsible for the definition of the clock sync path. The definition and choice of the clock sync path 26 may be dynamic and respond to changes in the mesh network 2, and in the requirements for clock distribution. For example, a particular network node on a defined clock sync path may become inactive or faulty in some way. In such a case the controller may define a new clock sync path to bypass the network node concerned. This redefinition of clock sync paths is particularly suitable in a mesh network, since the very nature of the mesh enables multiple routes across the network to be defined.

One example of a modified SDN controller that controls clock synchronisation signal routing is described in a paper entitled “Extending OpenFlow for SDN-enabled Synchronous Ethernet networks” by Radi Suarez, David Rincon, and Sebastia Salient. The paper describes one possible modification of existing SDN controller functionality to enable the propagation of an Ethernet clock synchronisation signal across a software defined network. In an example embodiment of the present invention, this modified SDN controller is further extended in order to select a particular clock synchronisation signal from a plurality of received signals, such as those received from a plurality of antenna beam directions, as described in more detail below.

Synchronisation of an internal clock of a network node 20 with a received master clock signal will now be described with reference to Figures 3, to 6. Figure 3 illustrates parts of a network node 20. The network node 3 includes an internal oscillator unit 30 which supplies a reference oscillator signal 31 to a clock signal generator 34. The clock signal generator 34 produces an internal clock signal 35 for use by the network node 20 and for possible transmission to other network nodes, as will be described on more detail below.

The example of Figure 3 shows a network node 20 having a single processing unit 32 and a single antenna device 36. The antenna device 36, as will be described below, is a beamforming steerable antenna device, which is able to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in distinct signal beams having respective directions. In order to provide the mesh network shown in Figure 2, each network node 20 needs to include a number of devices that provide the required number of communications directions. A single antenna device 36 and processing unit 32 is shown in Figure 3 for the sake of clarity. An example network node having multiple processing units 32 and associated antenna units 36 will be described below.

With reference to Figure 3, the processing unit 32 receives and transmits radio frequency signals from and to the antenna device 36. The antenna device 36 includes a beamforming antenna that is able to communicate in a range of directions centred on a main direction. Each communication direction can provide a respective communication channel, and can be directed to a different network node. Each antenna device 36 receives the radio frequency signal and provides a down-converted baseband signal 37 to a baseband unit 38.

Figure 4 illustrates schematically a beamforming antenna 60 comprising a two-dimensional array of individual antenna elements. Such a beamforming antenna 60 is able to direct its effective transmission and reception beam pattern. One example of such a beamforming antenna is the well-known “phased array antenna”. For example, the antenna may have a central beam 62, and first and second beams 63 and 64 to respective sides of the central beam 62. The antenna 60 may have any number of beams, and hence communications directions, thereby enabling the antenna 60 to direct transmissions to a specific receiving network node, and to receive signals from a selected transmitting network node. A particular beam for transmission or reception is selected by adjusting appropriate parameters of the antenna. For example, for a reception beam, receiver parameters, such as weighting values, may be adjusted so that radio frequency signals are received only from a selected direction, i.e. on a selected signal beam.

When in a receiving mode of operation, the reception characteristics of the antenna elements of the antenna 36,60 are modified according to weighting values determined by the processing unit 32 and supplied to the baseband unit 38, such that the antenna 36,60 receives RF signals from a specific direction (that is, from a specific transmitting network node).

In a transmitting mode of operation, respective drive signals are generated for the antenna elements of the antenna 36,60. The drive signals are respective modified versions of the RF modulated output signal specific to each antenna element. The output signal may be modified in phase and/or amplitude in order to produce the desired beam pattern, and hence beam direction.

The example network topologies of Figures 1 and 2 are simplified inasmuch as the network is arranged on a regular grid pattern, such that network node includes at least one antenna device 36 able to communicate with another antenna device 36 along the centre direction. In a real-world network, the network nodes may be arranged in a more irregular pattern, with the result that an individual antenna device 36 may be able to communicate with a number of different nodes using different respective beam directions.

The processing unit 32 will now be described. The processing unit 32 is provided with a clock generator 34. The processing unit 32 includes the baseband unit 38 which receives the baseband signal 37. The baseband unit 38 operates to synchronise to the start of a packet in the baseband signal and digitises the baseband signal into an encoded data stream 39 for further processing. This processing of the baseband signal 37 requires a clock signal 35.

The data stream 39 represents a series of data packets, a very simplified structure of which is illustrated in Figure 5. A data packet 70 has a preamble portion 71, and a payload portion 72 which includes a PHY header portion 73, and a packet portion 74. The packet portion includes synchronisation indicators 75 which are spaced at regular times through the packet portion 74. As is well known and understood, and defined in the relevant IEEE specifications, the preamble of the data packet is used to enable a first estimate of frequency and phase of the data packet to be identified. The preamble includes short training field (STF) portion and a channel estimate field (CEF) portion, the structures of which are well known and understood, particularly with reference to the appropriate standard(s).

The PHY header portion 73 includes information about the modulation and coding scheme used for the packet portion 74. The packet portion 74 also includes a media access control (MAC) header portion and a user data portion. The MAC header portion contains data identifying the source and destination for the user data portion. The user data portion contains at least one user data packet, and possibly associated additional control or header data, for delivery to the ultimate destination.

In one example of an aspect of the present invention, the payload portion 72 is a dedicated synchronisation payload, and so contains only the synchronisation indicators 75, and does not contain data items for transfer through the node.

In such an example, the network node may be configured to switch to the synchronisation signal at regular intervals, for example every 1 millisecond, or according to an appropriate predetermined timing schedule, in order that the local clock can remain synchronised with the master clock. Where the reception direction for the beam carrying the synchronisation signal is different to that of the current data transfer beam, the network node switches between data transfer and synchronisation beams appropriately.

In a preferred example, the network node that is responsible for transmitting the clock synchronisation signal will adhere to the predetermined timing schedule, and will adjust the transmission parameters of its beamforming steerable antenna so that the synchronisation transmission beam is transmitted in the correct direction and at the appropriate time. The adherence to the predetermined timing schedule both the transmitting network node and the receiving network node allows for the regular synchronisation of the clock signals.

For the case where the synchronising signal is a dedicated signal, the low amount of data (only the synchronisation indicators) being transferred allows for the use of a modulation and coding scheme that maximises the range of the synchronisation signal. The positions of the synchronisation indicators do not depend upon the modulation and coding scheme used.

In another example of an aspect of the present invention, the payload portion 72 includes data items to be transferred by the node, and includes the synchronisation indicators 75.

In another example, timing information may be derived from detected changes in the data modulation constellation, or by any other suitable technique.

Returning to Figure 3, a preamble processing unit 40 receives the data stream 39 and identifies and processes the preamble portion (71, Figure 5) of each data packet in the data stream 39. The preamble processing unit 40 produces an initial estimate of the relative phase difference between the internal reference clock signal and the incoming data stream 39 using the short training field and channel estimate fields in accordance with the appropriate techniques specified in the standard. The preamble processing unit 40 outputs a first phase signal 41a, and passes the remainder of the data packet 41 (that is, the payload portion 72, Figure 5) to a payload processing unit 42.

The payload processing unit 42 demodulates and decodes the payload portion, thereby producing a series of data packets 43 which is supplied to a media access controller (MAC) 46. The payload processing unit 42 generates a second phase signal 43a relating to the relative phase of the reference clock 35 to the encoded reference signal of the payload. The second phase signal 43a is more precise than the first phase signal 41a. The second phase signal 43a also provides a running estimate of phase changes with respect to the reference clock 35 during the payload portion of the incoming data stream. The payload processing unit 42 identifies the synchronisation indicators (75, Figure 5) in the payload, and compares the timing of these indicators with the local clock signal to produce the second phase signal 43a. A detection unit 44 receives the first phase signal 41a from the preamble processor 40, and the second phase signal 43a from the payload processing unit 42. The detection unit 44 combines the first and second phase signals 41a and 43a and generates a signal 45 which relates the phase changes between the data stream and the internal reference clock. In summary, the detection unit 44 determines the difference between the reference clock and the carrier frequency (the “carrier frequency offset (CFO)”), and determines the difference between the reference clock and the sampling frequency (the “sampling frequency offset (SFO)”).

The detection unit 44 outputs the indicator signal 45 to a computational unit 48 which in turn is able to process the indicator signal 45, in order to create a long term adjustment signal 49 for phase offset adjustment of the reference clock that doesn’t interfere with the baseband unit 38, the preamble processor 40, and the payload processing unit 42 data processing chain.

The MAC 46 determines routing decisions for the data packet from the header portion of the packet, and outputs each data packet appropriately, as an output data stream 47. In addition, the MAC 46 produces a signal 47a used by the computational unit 48 to indicate valid inclusion of that signal from data derived from the packet header. In such a manner, the computational unit 48 is able to use a synchronisation signal from the correct source, as determined by the MAC 46.

The long term adjustment signal 49 is output to a phase processing unit 50. The phase processing unit 50 determines how the clock generator unit 34 must be adjusted in order to reduce the phase difference between the internal clock signal 35 and the data stream 37. The phase processing unit 50 outputs a control signal 51 to the clock generator 34. The clock generator 34 adjusts the local clock signal 35 for the processing unit 32 so that the phase difference values originating from the CFO and SFO and computed by the detection unit 44, the computational unit 48 and the phase processing unit 50 tend to zero.

The local clock signal 35 is adjusted at a slower rate of change than the incoming data stream required offset adjustments, and the adjustment is controlled such that the local clock signal is in a holdover and remains within appropriate tolerance even if a synchronisation signal is not available.

Figure 6 illustrates steps of synchronising the local clock with the selected received synchronisation signal. Such a method comprises the steps of: 101 receiving a plurality of radio frequency signals at a beamforming steerable antenna having reception parameters that define a reception direction for the antenna, each received radio frequency signal having a direction; 102 selecting one of the received radio frequency signals as a synchronisation signal by adjusting the reception parameters of the steerable antenna; 103 producing a digital data stream from the synchronisation signal using a local clock signal; 104 extracting a reference clock signal from the digital data stream; 105 producing a reference comparison value by comparing the reference clock signal with the local clock signal; and 106 adjusting the local clock signal in dependence upon the reference comparison value.

Figure 7 illustrates the network 2 in which the master clock signal is transmitted from the second network node 202 directly to the fourth network node 204, and then from the fourth network node 204 to the destination sixth network node 20β. In example of Figure 7, the third and fifth network nodes 2Ο3 and 20s are removed from the clock sync path 28. The second and fourth network nodes 2Ο2 and 204 make use of a beamforming steerable antenna in one of the radio frequency channels in order to direct the master clock signal appropriately using dedicated synchronisation signal beams. In one example, this direct communication is possible because the beam used to transmit the master clock signal can have a lower data rate, and hence longer range, than the more usual communication links 22 between adjacent network nodes 20. This extended range allows the master clock signal to be transferred out of the usual network communications directions.

The provision of a clock sync path across a mesh network as described above enables the dynamic adaptation of the path. In addition, multiple clock sync paths may be defined when appropriate. For example, Figure 8 illustrates the network 2 from Figure 2 in which the clock sync path 26 is defined from a first network node 20i to a sixth (destination) network node 206. A second clock sync path 27 may be defined from the POP node 24 to the sixth network node 20θ. This second clock sync path 27 is routed through the first network node 20i via seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth network nodes 207, 20e, 209, 20io to the destination sixth node 20θ. The routing of the clock signal is enabled by the use of the steerable beamforming antenna unit 36 of each network node 20. As will be described below, it is preferable for at least some of the network node to include multiple processing units 32 and antenna devices 36 to provide the required number of communication directions.

The second clock sync path 27 provides an alternative route for the synchronisation of the destination network node 20β. However, the destination network node 20β, needs only a single master clock reference, and so the destination network device 20β determines which of the received master clock signals, received via the first and second clock signal paths 26 and 27, is to be used. This decision may be made by a suitable adapted SDN controller, or locally in the network node. A switching unit in each node 20 is used to direct the reference clock signals appropriately.

The network node 3 of Figure 3 was illustrated with a single processing unit 32 and associated antenna device 36, and represents a simplified node. For use in a mesh network, at least some of the network nodes need to have a plurality of interconnected processing units 32, which are connected with respective antenna devices 36.

Figure 9 illustrates a network node device 20 having four processing units 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D with respective associated antenna devices 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D. Such a network node device provides a desired number of communications directions. The network node 20 of Figure 9 includes, in this example, four processing units 32 for the processing of received radio frequency signals. A network node 20 may include any appropriate number of processing units 32.

The processing units 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D are interconnected by a switch unit 5 which operates to transfer data packets between the processing units 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D. In such a manner data packets can be routed through the network node 20. In addition, the switch unit 5 is connected with a local connection 6, for example a cell of a cellular communications network, or other local device.

Although the switch unit 5 is used for switching data packets through the network node for routing across the network, in the context of the present invention, it is the routing of clock synchronisation signals that is of interest. In this regard, the switching unit 5 is operable to switch such synchronisation signals between the processing units 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D.

Figure 10 illustrates a part of the switching unit 5 responsible for the routing of synchronisation signals between the processing units 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D. The switching unit 5 includes a non-blocking multiplexer 52 that is able to connect any of its inputs to any of its outputs, and to make multiple connections at any given time. In the present example, the multiplexer 52 is connected to receive respective outputs 35A,35B,35C,35D of the clock generators of the processing units 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D. In addition, the multiplexer is connected to receive an external clock synchronisation signal 35E from the local connection 6. This external signal 35E may be a SyncE (Ethernet sync) signal. The multiplexer 52 provides a series of outputs 35A’,35B’,35C’,35D’, which provide the clock signals for use by the respective baseband units of the processing units 32. In addition, an external synchronisation signal output 35E’ is provided for supply to the locally connected external device. The multiplexer 52 has a control signal input 53 which is used to determine to which of the outputs the inputs are connected. The control of the multiplexer may be performed locally by the node itself or by a central control unit, such as a software defined network (SDN) controller.

Figure 11 illustrates the multiplexer 52 connected with parts of one processing unit 32A, and shows how the clock generator signal of that processing unit is routed through the multiplexer. The baseband unit 38A makes use of the clock signal 35A’ supplied from the multiplexer 52, and this clock signal 35A’ is used in the adjustment of the local clock signal 35A. Accordingly, the local clock signal 35A is able to be synchronised with any of the synchronisation signals received by any of the processing units of the network node.

In addition, any of the multiplexer outputs 35A’,35B’,35C’,35D’ can be transmitted as a clock synchronisation signal from any of the antenna units, on any appropriate beams. The clock synchronisation signal may be part of a data transfer signal, or may be dedicated clock synchronisation signals.

The reference clock signals are communicated over dedicated clock transmission steerable directional radio frequency beams from the antenna units of the network node 20. In the exemplary case of the sync path 26 of Figure 2, the first to sixth network nodes are instructed to transmit a reference clock beam, and to receive a reference clock signal on a particular beam so as to construct the clock sync path 26. In an alternative example, the clock synchronisation may be derived from a data transfer signal beam. The routing of the clock signal from the POP node 24 to the destination node is achieved by the control of the multiplexer 52 in each network node.

Figure 12 illustrates steps in a method according to another aspect of the present invention, in which a network node: 110 receiving a plurality of clock synchronising signals 111 selecting one of the received clock synchronising signals as a reference clock signal, 112 producing a reference comparison value by comparing the reference clock signal with a local clock signal, and 113 adjusting the local clock signal in dependence upon the reference comparison value.

The network may have more than one POP node. Figure 13 illustrates the network 2 of Figure 2 having the first POP node 24 which transmits the first master clock signal over the clock sync route 26, as described with reference to Figure 2. The network of Figure 13 also includes a second POP node 28 which transmits a second master clock signal to a second destination network node, in this example a fourteenth node 20m. The second POP node 28 defines a second clock signal route 29, which it passes through eleventh, ninth, eighth, second, twelfth, thirteenth and fourteenth network nodes 20n, 20g, 20s, 202, 2Ο12, 2Ο13, and 20η. The second network node 2Ο2, in this example, receives two clock reference signals from the first and second POP nodes 24 and 28, respectively. As such, the second network node 2Ο2 may use either master clock signal, and can be controlled locally or from a central SDN controller to determine which of the clock signals to use.

Figure 14 illustrates the resulting clock distribution. The first second third, fourth, fifth and sixth network nodes 20ι, 2Ο2, 203, 204, 20s and 20e make use of the first master clock signal from the first POP node 24, and are therefore in a first clock region 24. The eighth, ninth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth network nodes 20β, 20θ, 2Ο11, 2Ο12, 2Ο13 and 20i4 make use of the second master clock signal from the second POP node 28, and are therefore in a second clock region 28. As such, using first and second clock sources and respective routes across the network, it is possible to define different clock regions for different purposes. The master clock signal is preferably a signal received from a source external to the first network node (i.e. from a POP node). However, the master clock signal may be provided by a source local to the first network node.

Steps in a method embodying this aspect of the present invention are illustrated in Figure 15, and comprise: 121. at a first network node: a. receiving a master clock signal; b. synchronising a local clock signal of the first network node with the master clock signal; and c. forwarding a first synchronisation signal to a second network node, the first synchronisation signal being dependent upon on or both of the local clock signal of the first node and the master clock signal; 122. at a second network node: a. receiving the first synchronisation signal from the first network node; and b. synchronising a local clock signal of the second network node with the first synchronisation signal, the first and second network nodes thereby forming a first clock region of the wireless mesh network.

The method may be extended to define a second clock region using a second master clock signal.

In one example of such a method, the route by which the clock signal for a particular clock region is propagated is fixed, so that the clock region or regions are fixed. This route may be defined by a central controller of the network, such as an SDN controller.

In an alternative example, a network node may be instructed to propagate its local clock reference to another network node or nodes outside of the regional clock synchronisation described.

In an alternative example, a clock region is defined by routing of the appropriate clock signal using the switched path technique as described above, using a non-blocking multiplexer, or similar functional unit, to allow the routing of a clock signal to another node or any number of nodes. As such, the route for the clock signal used to define a clock region can be dynamically assigned, and the region itself can be dynamically updated. Each clock region, in the case when there are multiple clock regions, can be defined using such a dynamic clock synchronisation route.

Accordingly, embodiments of the various aspects of the present invention are able to provide improved techniques for the synchronisation of local clock signals of network nodes across a wireless mesh network having a plurality of such nodes.

Claims (38)

CLAIMS:

1. A method of synchronising respective local clock signals of network nodes of a wireless mesh communications network which includes a plurality of such nodes interconnected by another plurality of wireless communications links, the method comprising: a. at a first network node: i. receiving a master clock signal; ii. synchronising a local clock signal of the first network node with the master clock signal; and iii. forwarding a first synchronisation signal to a second network node, the first synchronisation signal being dependent upon on or both of the local clock signal of the first node and the master clock signal; b. at a second network node: i. receiving the first synchronisation signal from the first network node; and ii. synchronising a local clock signal of the second network node with the first synchronisation signal, the first and second network nodes thereby forming a first clock region of the wireless mesh network.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising propagating the first synchronisation signal across a first predetermined selection of network nodes of the wireless mesh network, the first predetermined selection of network nodes forming the first clock region of the wireless mesh network.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first synchronisation signal is propagated across the first predetermined selection of network nodes over a first predetermined fixed route for the first clock region.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first predetermined fixed route is defined by a central controller of the network.

5. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first synchronisation signal is propagated across the first predetermined selection of network nodes over a first dynamic route.

6. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the master clock signal is received from a source external to the first network node.

7. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the master clock signal is received from a reference clock source local to the first network node.

8. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a. at a third network node: i. receiving a second master clock signal; ii. synchronising a local clock signal of the third network node with the second master clock signal; and iii. forwarding a second synchronisation signal to a fourth network node, the second synchronisation signal being dependent upon on or both of the local clock signal of the third network node and the second master clock signal; b. at a fourth network node: i. receiving the second synchronisation signal from the third network node; and ii. synchronising a local clock signal of the fourth network node with the second synchronisation signal, the third and fourth network nodes thereby forming a second clock region of the wireless mesh network.

9. A method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising propagating the second synchronisation signal across a second predetermined selection of network nodes of the wireless mesh network, the second predetermined selection of network nodes forming the second clock region of the wireless mesh network.

10. A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second synchronisation signal is propagated across the second predetermined selection of network nodes over a second predetermined fixed route for the second clock region.

11 .A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second predetermined fixed route is defined by a central controller of the network.

12. A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second synchronisation signal is propagated across the second predetermined selection of network nodes over a second dynamic route.

13. A method as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the second master clock signal is received from a source external to the third network node.

14. A method as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the second master clock signal is received from a reference clock source local to the third network node.

15. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each predetermined selection is made by a central controller of the wireless mesh network.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the central controller is a software defined network controller.

17. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each node includes at least one transceiver having a beamforming steerable antenna, and wherein the or each synchronising signal is transmitted over a dedicated synchronisation beam, each network node being operable to select the synchronisation beam for reception of the synchronisation signal.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein selection of the synchronisation beams is made by a central controller of the wireless mesh network.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the central controller is a software defined network controller.

20. A system for synchronising respective local clock signals of network nodes of a wireless mesh communications network which includes a plurality of such nodes interconnected by another plurality of wireless communications links, the system comprising: at a first network node, a receiver operable to receive a master clock signal, and a processing unit operable to synchronise a local clock signal of the first network node with a received master clock signal, and to forward a first synchronisation signal to a second network node, the first synchronisation signal being dependent upon on or both of the local clock signal of the first network node and the received master clock signal; and at a second network node a receiver operable to receive such a first synchronisation signal from the first network node, and to synchronise a local clock signal of the second network node with such a received first synchronisation signal, wherein the first and second network nodes form a first clock region of the wireless mesh network.

21 .A system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the processing unit of the first network node is operable to propagate the first synchronisation signal across a first predetermined selection of network nodes of the wireless mesh network, the first predetermined selection of network nodes forming the first clock region of the wireless mesh network.

22. A system as claimed in claim 21, wherein processing unit of the first network node is operable to propagate the first synchronisation signal across the first predetermined selection of network nodes over a first predetermined fixed route for the first clock region.

23. A system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the first predetermined fixed route is defined by a central controller of the network.

24. A system as claimed in claim 21, wherein processing unit of the first network node is operable to propagate the first synchronisation signal across the first predetermined selection of network nodes over a first dynamic route.

25. A system as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the master clock signal is received from a source external to the first network node.

26. A system as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the master clock signal is received from a reference clock source local to the first network node.

27. A system as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 26, further comprising: at a third network node, a receiver operable to receive a second master clock signal, and a processing unit operable to synchronise a local clock signal of the third network node with the second master clock signal, and to forward a second synchronisation signal to a fourth network node, the second synchronisation signal being dependent upon on or both of the local clock signal of the third network node and such a second master clock signal; and at a fourth network node, a receiver operable to receive the second synchronisation signal from the third network node, and a processing unit operable to synchronise a local clock signal of the fourth network node with the second synchronisation signal, wherein the third and fourth network nodes form a second clock region of the wireless mesh network.

28. A system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the processing unit of the third network node is operable to propagate the second synchronisation signal across a second predetermined selection of network nodes of the wireless mesh network, the second predetermined selection of network nodes forming the second clock region of the wireless mesh network.

29. A system as claimed in claim 28, wherein processing unit of the first network node is operable to propagate the first synchronisation signal across the first predetermined selection of network nodes over a first predetermined fixed route for the first clock region.

30. A system as claimed in claim 29, wherein the first predetermined fixed route is defined by a central controller of the network.

31 .A system as claimed in claim 28, wherein processing unit of the first network node is operable to propagate the first synchronisation signal across the first predetermined selection of network nodes over a first dynamic route.

32. A system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein the second master clock signal is received from a source external to the third network node.

33. A system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein the second master clock signal is received from a reference clock source local to the third network node.

34. A system as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 33, further comprising a central controller of the wireless mesh network operable to make the or each predetermined selection.

35. A system as claimed in claim 34, wherein the central controller is a software defined network controller.

36. A system as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 35, wherein each network node further comprises at least one transceiver having a beamforming steerable antenna, the or each synchronising signal being transmitted over a dedicated synchronisation beam, and each network node being operable to select the synchronisation beam for reception of the synchronisation signal.

37. A system as claimed in claim 36, further comprising a central controller of the wireless mesh network operable to select the synchronisation beams.

38. A system as claimed in claim 37, wherein the central controller is a software defined network controller.