Split time division multiple access network detector

Abstract

A node of a first TDMA network, such as a linknetwork, uses a first receiver to participate in the first network, while using a second receiver to detect and report a second TDMA network, which is not synchronized with the first network, by listening for a characteristic message from the second TDMA network. The timing error between the networks can be estimated from the received message timing. Upon detection, the node can join the second network and/or request updated timing information from the second network. In embodiments where timeslot-specific TRANSEC filters are required, the node selects a TRANSEC filter for a timeslot that is further in the future than an estimated timing error bound. The first and second networks can implement the same network protocol and architecture, differing only due to the timing offset between their network timing references, as would be the case for a split network.