the invention relates to a method for synchronizing a communications cycle and a communications node in a network . the node is formed with devices for receiving a desired value for a time base of a communications cycle of the communications node in a communications link to an additional communications node of the network . the node also includes devices for determining a system deviation between the desired value and an actual value of the time base , and a device for generating a manipulated variable for correcting the time base in accordance with the system deviation .