Communication timing control apparatus, communication timing control method, node, and communication system

Abstract

Each node in a communication system receives state variable signals from other nodes indicating the internal operating states or internal timing of the other nodes, and transmits a state variable signal indicating its own internal operating state or timing. Each node also determines whether each received state variable signal is valid. Transitions in the internal operating state or timing of a node take place at a basic transition rate but at times adjusted according to the valid state variable signals received from other nodes. A group of neighboring nodes transmitting data signals can thereby autonomously reach a steady state in which their data signals do not collide, without having their timing control disrupted by reflected state variable signals or other invalid state variable signals.