Method and apparatus for synchronizing radio transmitters in a paging

Abstract

Method and apparatus for synchronizing radio transmitters in a paging network. A synchronization order of base stations is determined based in part upon the relative geographic locations of the stations, and is communicated to the base stations via a command signal transmitted by the paging network unit. A predetermined first base station transmits a synchronization signal to base stations to be synchronized. Subsequent sequences of synchronization signals may be transmitted from synchronized base stations until all base stations have been synchronized. The synchronization signals may be transmitted via radio waves, and the synchronization order is determined so as to minimize the number of synchronization sequences and maximize the number of base stations synchronized simultaneously in parallel. Transmitted synchronization signals are corrected to compensate for propagation delays caused by the distance between base stations and for delays which occur within an individual transceiver. Paging message signals are transmitted from a paging network unit to remote base stations for later transmission to paging receivers. Base station transmitters transmit both synchronization signals to other base stations and paging message signals to paging receivers. Synchronization signals and paging message signals may be transmitted to the base stations over different conducting media. Paging message signals are transmitted simultaneously from all base stations and are phase coherent within a common reception area so as to avoid interference. Base station transmitters are capable of transmitting both synchronization signals and paging message signals at the same frequency.