Clock synchronization system and method for use in a scalable access node

A clock synchronization method for use in an access network element having a primary bank and a plurality of secondary banks interlinked via an interbank communication link, comprising the steps:

• providing a delay preset by a central master timing and frame alignment control block disposed in said primary bank to a slave timing and frame alignment control block disposed in a first level secondary bank coupled to said primary bank;
• adjusting a local clock generated by a local counter that is coupled to said slave timing and frame alignment control block disposed in said first level secondary bank, wherein said local clock is operable to be adjusted based on said delay preset received from said central master timing and frame alignment control block;
• synchronizing a local master timing and frame alignment control block disposed in said first level secondary bank based on said adjusted local clock;
• and
• providing a delay preset by said local master timing and frame alignment control block operating responsive to said adjusted local clock to a slave timing and frame alignment control block disposed in an adjacent secondary bank immediately below said first level secondary bank, wherein a local counter coupled to said slave timing and frame alignment control block disposed in said adjacent secondary bank is operable to generate an adjusted local clock based on said delay preset received from said first level secondary bank, said adjusted local clock in said adjacent secondary bank operating to synchronize a local master timing and frame alignment control block disposed therein.