NETWORK SYNCHRONIZATION FOR SHARED SPECTRUM SYSTEMS

An electronic device, a method, and a BS for managing a BSs in a shared spectrum. The electronic device receives synchronization measurement reports (SMRs) from the BSs and identifies, based on the SMRs, at least one synchronization source BS and at least one slave BS from the BSs. Transmission timing of the at least one slave BS is based on transmission timing of the at least one synchronization source BS. The electronic device assigns the at least one synchronization source BS to a stratum in a synchronization hierarchy. A synchronization source BS assigned to an n=0 stratum provides a reference frame timing for the plurality of BSs and a synchronization source BS assigned to an n>0 stratum derives frame timing from another synchronization source BS assigned to an n−1 stratum. The electronic device configures synchronization signals and transmits synchronization management indications (SMIs) to the plurality of BSs.