Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing time synchronization is provided. The method/apparatus includes, at a radio subsystem: receiving, from a digital subsystem, a first signal via the link, where the link not dedicated to timing synchronization; determining a time difference between the first signal and a second signal; converting the time difference to a time error, sending, via the link, the time error or time difference to the digital subsystem. The method further includes, at the digital subsystem, inputting the time error, received from the radio subsystem, to a phased locked loop (PLL) in order to adjust an oscillator frequency so as to reduce the amount of the time error and thus synchronizing the radio access network with the second signal received at the radio subsystem, without the need for an additional connection between the digital and radio subsystems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing time synchronization is provided. The method/apparatus includes, at a radio subsystem: receiving, from a digital subsystem, a first signal via the link, where the link not dedicated to timing synchronization; determining a time difference between the first signal and a second signal; converting the time difference to a time error, sending, via the link, the time error or time difference to the digital subsystem. The method further includes, at the digital subsystem, inputting the time error, received from the radio subsystem, to a phased locked loop (PLL) in order to adjust an oscillator frequency so as to reduce the amount of the time error and thus synchronizing the radio access network with the second signal received at the radio subsystem, without the need for an additional connection between the digital and radio subsystems.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing oscillator frequency stability is disclosed. The apparatus includes an internally ovenized oscillator module having an oscillator and an inner heater to maintain the oscillator at a first temperature during operation. The apparatus also includes a thermally conductive cover for forming a first compartment to contain the internally ovenized oscillator module along with multiple heaters. The heaters are in thermal communication with the thermally conductive cover and the substrate to form an oven to keep the internally ovenized oscillator module at a stable second temperature during operation. In addition, the apparatus includes a thermally insulative cover for forming a second compartment to contain the first compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing oscillator frequency stability is disclosed. The apparatus includes an internally ovenized oscillator module having an oscillator and an inner heater to maintain the oscillator at a first temperature during operation. The apparatus also includes a thermally conductive cover for forming a first compartment to contain the internally ovenized oscillator module along with multiple heaters. The heaters are in thermal communication with the thermally conductive cover and the substrate to form an oven to keep the internally ovenized oscillator module at a stable second temperature during operation. In addition, the apparatus includes a thermally insulative cover for forming a second compartment to contain the first compartment.

Abstract: A method for managing data congestion and/or contention occurring at a point-of-traffic concentration. The method includes reading a time value associated with a data packet, the time value being representative of when the data packet entered the network. The time value is within the header of the data packet. The age of the data packet is determined from the time value. The data packet is discarded if the age of the data packet is above a threshold value. Alternatively, a first time value determined from a time reference is associated with a data packet at a first node. The data packet is transmitted to a second node and the first time value is compared to a second time value to provide a result. The second time value is also determined from the time reference. The data packet is discarded if the result exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: Equipment and methods which may be used in conjunction with an underbalanced well completion. In a described embodiment, a valve for use in a subterranean well in conjunction with a tool conveyed through the valve in a container is provided. The valve includes a passage formed longitudinally through the valve, a closure assembly which selectively permits and prevents flow through the passage, and an engagement device which engages the container as the tool is conveyed through the passage. The closure assembly permits flow through the passage when the container is conveyed into the passage, and the closure assembly prevents flow through the passage when the container is removed from the passage. Engagement between the container and the engagement device separates the tool from the container.

Abstract: A method for managing data congestion and/or contention occurring at a point-of-traffic concentration. The method includes reading a time value associated with a data packet, the time value being representative of when the data packet entered the network. The time value is within the header of the data packet. The age of the data packet is determined from the time value. The data packet is discarded if the age of the data packet is above a threshold value. Alternatively, a first time value determined from a time reference is associated with, a data packet at a first node. The data packet is transmitted to a second node and the first time value is compared to a second time value to provide a result. The second time value is also determined from the time reference. The data packet is discarded if the result exceeds a threshold value.