SYNCHRONIZATION MULTIPLEXING USING SUB FRAME

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide collaboration among two or more nodes that reduces multiple re-synchronization preambles, minimizes energy consumption at each node, and utilizes the residual clock synchronization period remaining after data communication is completed in the current communications frame. SOLUTION: A communication method 130 includes a step 132 for transmitting a communication signal having a synchronization preamble from a first node; a step 132 for setting a local clock of at least one second node pursuant to the synchronization preamble to synchronize communications between the first node and the at least one second node; a step 134 for subsequently exchanging data communications between the first and at least one second node without additional preambles until a special switch point occurs (136); and a step 138 for exchanging information utilizing a period of reduced time-synchronization accuracy following data communication after the special switch point occurs. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT