A communication method and device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a communication method and device, which can improve the efficiency of restoring a link. The method includes: obtaining first information from a baseband unit BBU, the first information is used to indicate N1 antenna devices, and the antenna devices are used to control antennas; wherein N1 is a positive integer; maintaining a connection between a radio frequency device and a first antenna device; wherein the first antenna device is included in the N1 antenna devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device. Background Art

[0002] In a communication network, a baseband unit (BBU) can control antenna equipment through a remote radio unit (RRU) to process the antenna system, such as amplifying radio frequency signals or adjusting the downtilt angle of the antenna system. How to use BBU to achieve efficient control of RRU is a technical issue worth studying. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present disclosure provides a communication method and device to improve the efficiency of link recovery.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication method, which can be applied to a radio frequency device, the method comprising: obtaining first information from a baseband unit BBU, the first information being used to indicate N1 antenna devices, the antenna devices being used to control antennas; wherein N1 is a positive integer; maintaining a connection between the radio frequency device and a first antenna device; wherein the first antenna device is included in the N1 antenna devices.

[0005] Among the antenna devices currently connected to the radio device, the connection with the first antenna device indicated by the BBU is maintained, avoiding the process of re-establishing the link, which can improve the efficiency of link recovery and facilitate the BBU to directly restore the management capability of the first antenna device.

[0006] In one possible design, second information is sent to the BBU, where the second information indicates N2 antenna devices currently connected to the radio device, where N2 is a positive integer. With such a design, the BBU can understand the antenna devices currently connected to the radio device, which is conducive to the BBU quickly restoring its management capabilities for the antenna devices.

[0007] In one possible design, the N1 antenna devices include at least one antenna device among the antenna devices currently connected to the radio frequency device.

[0008] In one possible design, the method further includes: scanning a second antenna device according to the first information; wherein the second antenna device is included in the N1 antenna devices and is not connected to the radio frequency device; and establishing a connection between the radio frequency device and the second antenna device. With such a design, the radio frequency device does not need to scan all the N1 antenna devices indicated by the BBU, which can reduce the number of antenna devices scanned by the radio frequency device and improve the efficiency of link recovery.

[0009] In one possible design, the N1 antenna devices are included in the N2 antenna devices. The method further includes: obtaining third information from the BBU, the third information being used to indicate the second antenna device; wherein the second antenna device is not connected to the radio frequency device; scanning the second antenna device according to the third information; and establishing a connection between the radio frequency device and the second antenna device. With such a design, the radio frequency device only scans the second antenna device indicated by the BBU, without having to scan all the N1 antenna devices indicated by the BBU, which can reduce the number of antenna devices scanned by the radio frequency device and improve the efficiency of link recovery.

[0010] In one possible design, the method further includes: disconnecting the connection between the radio frequency device and a third antenna device, wherein the third antenna device is included in the antenna device currently connected to the radio frequency device, and the third antenna device is not included in the N1 antenna devices. With such a design, the third antenna device is prevented from being unable to respond to scanning of other radio frequency devices that need to be connected to the third antenna device, and the normal establishment of other communication links can be ensured.

[0011] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication method, which can be applied to a BBU, and the method includes: determining N1 antenna devices, wherein the antenna devices are used to control antennas; wherein N1 is a positive integer; sending first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate the N1 antenna devices, and the first information is used to instruct a radio frequency device to maintain a connection with a first antenna device; wherein the first antenna device is included in the N1 antenna devices.

[0012] In a possible design, it also includes: obtaining second information, wherein the second information indicates N2 antenna devices currently connected to the radio frequency device, where N2 is a positive integer.

[0013] In one possible design, the N1 antenna devices include at least one antenna device among the antenna devices currently connected to the radio frequency device.

[0014] In one possible design, the N1 antenna devices include a second antenna device, and the second antenna device is not connected to the radio frequency device; the first information is also used to instruct the radio frequency device to establish a connection with the second antenna device.

[0015] In one possible design, the N1 antenna devices are included in the N2 antenna devices. The method further includes: sending third information, the third information is used to indicate the second antenna device; wherein the second antenna device is not connected to the radio frequency device.

[0016] In a possible design, it also includes: sending fourth information, wherein the fourth information is used to instruct the radio frequency device to disconnect from the third antenna device; wherein the third device is included in the antenna device currently connected to the radio frequency device, and the third device is not included in the N1 antenna devices.

[0017] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication device, which may be a radio frequency device, or a device in a radio frequency device, or a device that can be used in combination with a radio frequency device. In one design, the communication device may include a module corresponding to the method / operation / step / action described in the first aspect, and the module may be a hardware circuit, or software, or a combination of a hardware circuit and software. In one design, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module.

[0018] An example: a communication module, used to obtain first information from a baseband unit BBU, wherein the first information is used to indicate N1 antenna devices, and the antenna devices are used to control the antenna; wherein N1 is a positive integer; a processing module, used to maintain a connection between a radio frequency device and a first antenna device; wherein the first antenna device is included in the N1 antenna devices.

[0019] In one possible design, the communication model is also used to send second information to the BBU, where the second information indicates N2 antenna devices to which the radio frequency device is currently connected, where N2 is a positive integer.

[0020] In one possible design, the N1 antenna devices include at least one antenna device among the antenna devices currently connected to the radio frequency device.

[0021] In one possible design, the processing module is also used to scan a second antenna device based on the first information; wherein the second antenna device is included in the N1 antenna devices, and the second antenna device is not connected to the radio frequency device; and a connection is established between the radio frequency device and the second antenna device through a communication module.

[0022] In one possible design, the N1 antenna devices are included in the N2 antenna devices. The communication module is further used to obtain third information from the BBU, and the third information is used to indicate the second antenna device; wherein the second antenna device is not connected to the radio frequency device; the processing module is further used to scan the second antenna device according to the third information; and establish a connection between the radio frequency device and the second antenna device through the communication module.

[0023] In one possible design, the processing module is also used to disconnect the connection between the radio frequency device and a third antenna device, where the third antenna device is included in the antenna device currently connected to the radio frequency device, and the third antenna device is not included in the N1 antenna devices.

[0024] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication device, which may be a BBU, or a device in a BBU, or a device that can be used in combination with a BBU. In one design, the communication device may include a module that performs the method / operation / step / action described in the second aspect, and the module may be a hardware circuit, or software, or a combination of a hardware circuit and software. In one design, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module.

[0025] An example: a processing module, used to determine N1 antenna devices, wherein the antenna devices are used to control antennas; wherein N1 is a positive integer; a communication module, used to send first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate the N1 antenna devices, and the first information is used to instruct the radio frequency device to maintain a connection with the first antenna device; wherein the first antenna device is included in the N1 antenna devices.

[0026] In one possible design, the communication module is also used to obtain second information, where the second information indicates N2 antenna devices to which the radio frequency device is currently connected, where N2 is a positive integer.

[0027] In one possible design, the N1 antenna devices include at least one antenna device among the antenna devices currently connected to the radio frequency device.

[0028] In one possible design, the N1 antenna devices include a second antenna device, and the second antenna device is not connected to the radio frequency device; the first information is also used to instruct the radio frequency device to establish a connection with the second antenna device.

[0029] In one possible design, the N1 antenna devices are included in the N2 antenna devices. The communication module is further used to send third information, and the third information is used to indicate the second antenna device; wherein the second antenna device is not connected to the radio frequency device.

[0030] In one possible design, the communication module is also used to send fourth information, and the fourth information is used to instruct the radio frequency device to disconnect from a third antenna device; wherein the third device is included in the antenna device currently connected to the radio frequency device, and the third device is not included in the N1 antenna devices.

[0031] In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication device, the communication device includes a processor, and is used to implement the method described in the first aspect. The processor is coupled to a memory, and the memory is used to store instructions and data. When the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the method described in the first aspect can be implemented. Optionally, the communication device may also include a memory; the communication device may also include a communication interface, and the communication interface is used for the device to communicate with other devices. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, pin or other type of communication interface.

[0032] In one possible device, the communication device includes:

[0033] A memory for storing program instructions;

[0034] A processor, configured to obtain first information from a baseband unit BBU using a communication interface, wherein the first information is used to indicate N1 antenna devices, and the antenna devices are used to control antennas; wherein N1 is a positive integer;

[0035] The processor is further used to maintain the connection between the radio frequency device and the first antenna device; wherein the first antenna device is included in the N1 antenna devices.

[0036] In a sixth aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication device, the communication device comprising a processor, for implementing the method described in the second aspect above. The processor is coupled to a memory, the memory is used to store instructions and data, and when the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the method described in the second aspect above can be implemented. Optionally, the communication device may also include a memory; the communication device may also include a communication interface, the communication interface is used for the device to communicate with other devices, and exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, pin or other type of communication interface.

[0037] In one possible device, the communication device includes:

[0038] A memory for storing program instructions;

[0039] A processor, configured to determine N1 antenna devices, wherein the antenna devices are used to control the antenna; wherein N1 is a positive integer;

[0040] The processor is also used to use the communication interface to send the first information, where the first information is used to indicate N1 antenna devices, and the first information is used to instruct the radio frequency device to maintain the connection with the first antenna device; wherein the first antenna device is included in the N1 antenna devices.

[0041] In a seventh aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication system, comprising a communication device as described in the third aspect or the fifth aspect; and a communication device as described in the fourth aspect or the sixth aspect.

[0042] In an eighth aspect, the present disclosure further provides a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method provided in the first or second aspect above.

[0043] In a ninth aspect, the present disclosure further provides a computer program product, comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to execute the method provided in the first or second aspect above.

[0044] In the tenth aspect, the present disclosure further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or instruction is executed on a computer, the computer executes the method provided in the first or second aspect above.

[0045] In an eleventh aspect, the present disclosure further provides a chip, wherein the chip is used to read a computer program stored in a memory and execute the method provided in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0046] In a twelfth aspect, the present disclosure further provides a chip system, which includes a processor for supporting a computer device to implement the method provided in the first aspect or the second aspect. In a possible design, the chip system also includes a memory, which is used to store the necessary programs and data of the computer device. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system;

[0048] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication system;

[0049] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of an electrically adjustable antenna;

[0050] Figure 4 A process for restoring a communication link;

[0051] Figures 5 to 8 Schematic diagram of several communication methods provided by the present disclosure;

[0052] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure more clear, the present disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] The present disclosure relates to at least one as follows, indicating one or more. Multiple refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. In addition, it should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe each object in the present disclosure, these objects should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish objects from each other.

[0055] The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof mentioned in the following description of the present disclosure are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally includes other steps or units that are not listed, or optionally includes other steps or units that are inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices. It should be noted that in the present disclosure, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or explanations. Any method or design described in the present disclosure as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other methods or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete way.

[0056] The technology provided by the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems, for example, the communication system can be a third generation (3G) communication system (such as a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS)), a fourth generation (4G) communication system (such as a long term evolution (LTE) system), a fifth generation (5G) communication system, a world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) or a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, or a fusion system of multiple systems, or a future communication system, such as a sixth generation (6G) communication system, etc. Among them, the 5G communication system can also be called a new radio (NR) system.

[0057] A network element in a communication system can send a signal to another network element or receive a signal from another network element. The signal may include information or data, etc. The network element may also be referred to as an entity, a network entity, a device, a communication device, a communication module, a node, a communication node, etc. The network element is used as an example for description in this disclosure. For example, a communication system may include at least one terminal device and at least one access network device. The signal-sending network element may be an access network device, and the signal-receiving network element may be a terminal device; or, the signal-sending network element may be a terminal device, and the signal-receiving network element may be an access network device. In addition, it can be understood that if a plurality of terminal devices are included in the communication system, the plurality of terminal devices may also send signals to each other, that is, the signal-sending network element and the signal-receiving network element may both be terminal devices.

[0058] See also Figure 1 A communication system 100 is illustrated. As an example, the communication system 100 includes an access network device 110 and two terminal devices, namely, a terminal device 120 and a terminal device 130. At least one of the terminal devices 120 and 130 can send uplink data to the access network device 110, and the access network device 110 can receive the uplink data. The access network device can send downlink data to at least one of the terminal devices 120 and 130.

[0059] Below Figure 1 The terminal equipment and access network equipment involved are described in detail.

[0060] (1) Terminal equipment

[0061] Terminal equipment, also known as terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc., is a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to users. Terminal equipment can communicate with one or more core network devices through access network equipment. Terminal equipment includes handheld devices with wireless connection functions, other processing devices connected to wireless modems, or vehicle-mounted devices. Terminal equipment can be portable, pocket-sized, handheld, built-in computer, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices. Some examples of terminal devices are: personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless network cameras, mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices such as smart watches, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, terminals in Internet of Vehicles systems, wireless terminals in self driving, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities such as smart refueling dispensers, terminal devices on high-speed railways, and wireless terminals in smart homes such as smart speakers, smart coffee machines, smart printers, etc.

[0062] In the present disclosure, the communication device for realizing the function of the terminal device may be a terminal device, or a terminal device with some terminal functions, or a device capable of supporting the terminal device to realize the function, such as a chip system, which may be installed in the terminal device. In the present disclosure, the chip system may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices. In the technical solution provided in the present disclosure, the communication device for realizing the function of the terminal device is described as a terminal device or UE.

[0063] (2) Access network equipment

[0064] The access network equipment may be a base station (BS), which may also be called a network device, an access node (AN), or a radio access node (RAN). The access network equipment may be connected to a core network (such as an LTE core network or a 5G core network), and may provide wireless access services for terminal devices. Examples of some access network devices include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: next generation node B (gNB) in 5G, access network equipment in open radio access network (O-RAN), evolved node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved node B, or homenode B, HNB), transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), and / or mobile switching center, etc.; or, the access network device may be a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, or access network equipment in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc.

[0065] The access network equipment may include a baseband unit (BBU) and a radio frequency device (or radio frequency unit). When the access network device sends information to the terminal device, the BBU generates a baseband signal representing the information and sends the baseband signal to the radio frequency device. The radio frequency device obtains a radio frequency signal after performing radio frequency processing on the baseband signal, and sends the radio frequency signal to the antenna system, and then sends it to the terminal device via the antenna system. Among them, the baseband signal refers to the original electrical signal that has not been modulated (such as spectrum migration and conversion) and is emitted by the transmitter such as the aforementioned access network device; according to the characteristics of the original electrical signal, the baseband signal can be divided into a digital baseband signal and an analog baseband signal. The radio frequency device may be a radio frequency remote processing unit (RRU), an active antenna processing unit (AAU), or other units, modules or devices with radio frequency processing functions. The antenna system may include a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna.

[0066] Taking the access network device as an example, the access network device may include a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU) and a radio unit (RU). Among them, the DU is deployed on the BBU of the access network device and has the function of processing baseband signals; the RU is deployed on the radio frequency device of the access network device and has radio frequency functions. Multiple DUs can be centrally controlled by one CU. Optionally, the CU can be deployed on the BBU together with the DU, or the CU can be designed to be separated from the DU, such as the CU is deployed somewhere else outside the BBU. Optionally, the CU may include a centralized unit control plane (CU control plane, CU-CP) or a centralized unit user plane (CU user plane, CU-UP). Optionally, any one of the above-mentioned DU, CU, CU-CP, CU-UP and RU may be a software module, a hardware structure, or a software module + hardware structure, without limitation. Among them, the existence forms of different entities may be different, without limitation. For example, DU, CU, CU-CP, CU-UP are software modules, and RU is a hardware structure. These modules and their execution methods are also within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0067] Optionally, the functions of the BBU in this application can be implemented by a general-purpose device, such as a general-purpose computer or server, etc. In other words, the BBU described in this application can be replaced by other possible devices that can implement the functions of the BBU in this application.

[0068] The BBU and radio frequency equipment of an access network device can be integrated in one machine room, and the radio frequency equipment is connected to the antenna system through a feeder; or, the BBU and the radio frequency equipment can be separated, such as the BBU is installed in the machine room, and the radio frequency equipment and the antenna system are arranged on the base station tower, and the BBU and the radio frequency equipment are connected through an optical cable. The radio frequency equipment and the antenna system are connected through a jumper, and the access network device with the BBU and the radio frequency equipment separated can also be described as a distributed access network device or a distributed base station. A BBU can support the connection of multiple radio frequency devices, and an access network device may include a BBU and one or more radio frequency devices. The radio frequency devices connected to different BBUs may be the same. In addition, the BBU and / or radio frequency equipment included in different access network devices may be the same, that is, it can be understood that multiple access network devices can share one BBU, and multiple access network devices can share one or more radio frequency devices. Specifically, the BBU and the radio frequency equipment can communicate according to the common public radio interface (CPRI) protocol or the enhanced CPRI (eCPRI) protocol. The communication link established between the BBU1 and the RRU1 may be described as a CPRI link or an eCPRI link.

[0069] In the present disclosure, the communication device for implementing the BBU function may be a BBU, or a device having some functions of a BBU, or a device capable of supporting the BBU to implement the function, such as a chip system, a hardware circuit, a software module, or a hardware circuit plus a software module, and the device may be installed in the BBU. In the method of the present disclosure, the communication device for implementing the BBU function is described as a BBU as an example.

[0070] In the present disclosure, the communication device for realizing the function of the radio frequency device may be a radio frequency device, or a device having some functions of the radio frequency device, or a device capable of supporting the radio frequency device to realize the function, such as a chip system, a hardware circuit, a software module, or a hardware circuit plus a software module, and the device may be installed in the radio frequency device. In the method of the present disclosure, the communication device for realizing the function of the radio frequency device is described as an example of a radio frequency device.

[0071] It should be understood that Figure 1The number and type of each device in the communication system shown are for illustration only, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In actual applications, the communication system may also include more terminal devices, more access network devices, and other network elements, such as network management and / or core network equipment. Among them, the network management can divide the management work of the network into three categories according to the actual needs of the operator's network operation: operation, administration, and maintenance. The network management can also be called the operation administration and maintenance (OAM) network element, referred to as OAM. Operation mainly completes the analysis, prediction, planning and configuration of daily networks and services; maintenance is mainly daily operational activities such as testing and fault management of the network and its services. The network management can detect the network operation status, optimize network connection and performance, improve network operation stability, and reduce network maintenance costs.

[0072] The method provided by the present invention can be used for communication between access network equipment and terminal equipment, and can also be used for communication between other communication equipment, such as communication between macro base stations and micro base stations in a wireless backhaul link, and communication between two terminal devices in a side link (SL), without limitation.

[0073] The present disclosure relates to electrically adjustable antenna technology, in which an antenna line device (ALD) is introduced between a radio frequency device and an antenna system. The BBU can send control instructions to the antenna device through the radio frequency device, and the antenna device can control the antenna system according to the aforementioned control instructions. For example, the antenna device can perform at least one of the following operations on the antenna system: amplifying the radio frequency signal, or adjusting the downtilt angle of the antenna system, etc. Adjusting the downtilt angle of the antenna system can change the coverage of the antenna. The coverage of the antenna is achieved through the main beam in the vertical plane, and the adjustment of the downtilt angle can change the coverage of the main beam. The antenna device may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: a remote electrical tilting (RET) unit, a tower mounted amplifier (TMA), or an antenna sensor, etc. In the electrically adjustable antenna technology, the antenna device can adjust the downtilt angle of the antenna system by electronic downtilt. Electronic downtilt refers to changing the main beam coverage by changing the tilt angle of the antenna element under a given antenna physical position.

[0074] The radio frequency device and the antenna device can communicate according to the antenna interface standards group (AISG) protocol. Figure 2The following illustrates a communication system architecture. Taking the radio frequency device as RRU as an example, the communication system includes BBU1, BBU2, RRU1, RRU2 and ALD. Both BBU1 and BBU2 support connection with RRU1, and BBU2 also supports connection with RRU2. Both RRU1 and RRU2 support communication with ALD through the AISG protocol. Among them, taking BBU1 supporting connection with RRU1 as an example, it can also be described as BBU1 having the ability to communicate with RRU1, or a communication link can be established between BBU1 and RRU1. Among them, the communication link can also be referred to as a link. Taking RRU1 supporting communication with ALD through the AISG protocol as an example, it can also be described as an AISG link can be established between RRU1 and ALD. Specifically, the AISG protocol stack may include a physical layer, a data link layer and an application layer. The RS485 serial port protocol is used in the physical layer, and the high-level data link control (HDLC) protocol is used in the data link layer. The radio frequency device and the antenna device can be connected on a serial port bus to achieve communication. The AISG link established between the radio frequency device and the antenna device can also be described as an HDLC link.

[0075] Taking the antenna device including a RET unit as an example, the RET unit may include an active part. The active part refers to the part that can perform software communication. The active part may be called a remote control unit (RCU). The RCU is connected to the antenna system, and the RCU and the antenna system form an electrically adjustable antenna. Optionally, the electrically adjustable antenna may also include other units or modules, without limitation. Optionally, the RCU includes an external RCU and / or a built-in RCU, the built-in RCU is integrated on the antenna system, and shares an outer cover with the antenna system; the external RCU is outside the mask of the antenna system and is connected to the corresponding electrically adjustable interface on the antenna system.

[0076] For electrically adjustable antennas, mechanically adjustable phase shifters can be used inside the antenna system. The BBU can send control instructions to the RF device, and the RF device controls the RCU through the RET interface to change the phase of the phase shifter inside the antenna system, thereby changing the phase of the power signal obtained by some or all of the oscillators (or radiating units) in the antenna array, and realizing the downtilt of the main beam in the vertical plane. Specifically, the RCU may include a drive motor, a control circuit, and a mechanical transmission mechanism. Among them, the control circuit can communicate with the RET unit, input a signal corresponding to the control instruction of the RF device, and output a signal for controlling the drive motor. When the drive motor rotates based on the signal output by the control circuit, the mechanical transmission mechanism can be controlled to change the phase of the phase shifter in the antenna system.

[0077] Specifically, the RET unit can be deployed on the radio equipment as the RET interface of the radio equipment. The RCU can be connected to the RET interface of the radio equipment through the AISG control line. Take the radio equipment as RRU as an example. Figure 3 The following is a schematic diagram of an electrically-adjustable antenna structure. The BBU and RRU are connected via optical fiber, the RRU and the antenna system are deployed on the base station tower, and the RRU and the antenna system are connected via a jumper. Specifically, an antenna hardware interface (ANT) for connecting the antenna system is deployed on the RRU, and the antenna hardware interface is connected to the antenna system via a jumper. As an example, Figure 3 The diagram shows that the ANT on the RRU includes a transmit (transport, TX) / receive (receive, RX) port A and an RX port B. The RRU is provided with a RET interface (or RET unit), the antenna system is connected to an external RCU, and the RET interface and the RCU are connected via an AISG control line.

[0078] Optionally, the communication link between the BBU and the RRU is unstable. When the connection between the BBU and the RRU is interrupted and restored, the BBU notifies the RRU to disconnect from all antenna devices (or the BBU notifies the RRU to clear all antenna devices currently connected to it), rescans the antenna devices, and establishes a communication link between the RRU and the antenna devices scanned by the RRU. Figure 4 A process of restoring a communication link is illustrated, and the process includes the following steps.

[0079] S401: A communication link is established between the BBU and the RRU.

[0080] Specifically, in this step, the communication link between the BBU and the RRU is restored and established after being interrupted.

[0081] S402: The BBU instructs the RRU to disconnect the communication links between the RUU and all currently connected ALDs.

[0082] For example, Figure 4 In S402, the BBU notifies the RRU to delete the addresses of all ALDs currently connected to the RRU, and the RRU deletes the addresses of all ALDs mentioned above. The address of ALD can also be described as the communication address of ALD, which can be allocated by the RRU.

[0083] S403: The BBU instructs the RRU to broadcast relevant information for resetting the ALD, and the RRU broadcasts relevant information for resetting the ALD.

[0084] The broadcasting of the information related to resetting the ALD can enable the ALD device to know that the communication address allocated in the past has been cleared, so that the ALD can respond to the relevant scanning device such as the RRU in S404 when the communication address is not allocated to the ALD.

[0085] S404, the BBU sends a scan request message to the RRU, where the scan request message is used to instruct the RRU to scan the ALD; the RRU scans the ALD according to the scan request message.

[0086] S405, the RRU sends the device information of the ALD obtained by scanning to the BBU.

[0087] S406, the BBU matches the device information of the ALD scanned by the RRU with the device information of the ALD managed by the BBU, and determines the target ALD that the RRU needs to connect to; wherein the target ALD is included in the ALD managed by the BBU, and the target ALD is included in the ALD scanned by the RRU.

[0088] S407, the BBU instructs the RRU to establish a communication link with the target ALD, and the RRU allocates a corresponding address to the target ALD.

[0089] As an example, Figure 4 The ALD in corresponds to the target ALD in this step.

[0090] S408, BBU sends a management message to RRU, where the management message is used to instruct ALD to perform operation and maintenance on the antenna system. For example, the operation and maintenance operation may include business operations such as amplifying RF signals or adjusting the downtilt angle of the antenna system, or may include operations such as software upgrades and alarm reporting for maintaining equipment; RRU forwards the management message to the address of the target ALD.

[0091] S409, the RRU obtains the operation result information corresponding to the operation and maintenance operation from the address of the target ALD, and sends the operation result information to the BBU.

[0092] When a large number of antenna devices are connected to the RRU, the method of disconnecting the link, rescanning, and then reestablishing the link is inefficient and easily interferes with the operation of communication services.

[0093] Based on this, the present disclosure provides a communication method that can improve the efficiency of restoring a link. In the present disclosure, when the link between the BBU and the radio frequency device is restored after being interrupted, the radio frequency device can be instructed to maintain the connection between the radio frequency device and the antenna device that the BBU wants to connect to in the currently connected antenna device.

[0094] The communication method provided by the present disclosure is described in detail below in conjunction with Schemes 1 to 4. In these methods, the steps or operations included are only examples, and the present disclosure may also perform other operations or variations of various operations. In addition, the various steps may be performed in different orders presented in the present disclosure, and it is possible that not all operations need to be performed.

[0095] Solution 1

[0096] See also Figure 5 A communication method is shown, which mainly includes the following steps:

[0097] S501: The BBU sends first information to a radio frequency device.

[0098] The first information is used to indicate N1 antenna devices, and the antenna devices are used to control antennas; wherein N1 is a positive integer. The N1 antenna devices may refer to antenna devices that the BBU wants the RRU to connect to. For example, the N1 antenna devices are antenna devices managed (or maintained) by the BBU, and the total number of antenna devices managed by the BBU may be N1. The antenna devices managed by the BBU may be pre-configured, for example, the BBU operator configures the antenna devices managed by the BBU for the BBU.

[0099] Optionally, the BBU may also be configured with the identity information of the antenna device managed by the BBU. The identity information of an antenna device is used to identify the antenna device, and may include, for example, the manufacturer code of the antenna device and the device serial number of the antenna device. Optionally, the first information may include the identity information of N1 antenna devices.

[0100] Optionally, the BBU may send the first information to the radio frequency device after the communication link between the BBU and the radio frequency device is interrupted and restored. The radio frequency device may be an RRU or an AAU, and the antenna device may be an ALD.

[0101] Specifically, the BBU sending the first information to the radio frequency device may be implemented by referring to any one of the following two methods.

[0102] In one method: the BBU sends a first message to the radio device, the first message includes the identity information of each antenna device in the N1 antenna devices, for example, the first message may include an array, the array includes N1 elements, each element is used to represent the identity information of one antenna device in the N1 antenna devices, and the length of the array corresponds to the value of N1. The first message can be implemented using an interface message of the network configuration protocol (NETCONF).

[0103] In another way: the BBU sends N1 second messages to the radio device, each second message includes the identity information of one of the N1 antenna devices, and the N1 second messages correspond to the N1 antenna devices one by one. The second message can be implemented using a NETCONF interface message.

[0104] S502: The radio frequency device maintains the connection between the radio frequency device and the first antenna device.

[0105] The first antenna device is included in the N1 antenna devices, and the first antenna device is included in the antenna device currently connected to the radio frequency device. Optionally, the number of the first antenna device is one or more.

[0106] Optionally, the first information may also be used to instruct the radio frequency device to maintain connection with the first antenna device.

[0107] Specifically, the radio frequency device may determine, based on the N1 antenna devices indicated by the first information, a first antenna device included in the N1 antenna devices among the antenna devices currently connected to the radio frequency device; and the radio frequency device maintains the connection with the first antenna device. The radio frequency device maintaining the connection with the first antenna device may also be described as: the radio frequency device retains the communication link between the radio frequency device and the first antenna device.

[0108] Optionally, the radio frequency device may store the identity information of the currently connected antenna device. When the first information corresponding to S501 includes the identity information of N1 antenna devices, the radio frequency device may determine the aforementioned first antenna device by matching the identity information of the currently connected antenna device with the identity information of the N1 antenna devices.

[0109] Optionally, the radio frequency device may also save link information corresponding to the currently connected antenna device, and the link information corresponding to the antenna device is used to indicate the communication link between the antenna device and the radio frequency device. For example, the radio frequency device may assign a communication address to the antenna device that has established a communication link with the radio frequency device, and the aforementioned link information may include the communication address of the antenna device. The radio frequency device maintains the connection between the radio frequency device and the first antenna device, which may specifically include: the radio frequency device retains the communication address of the first antenna device.

[0110] Optionally, if the antenna device managed by the BBU also includes a second antenna device that is not connected to the radio device, the radio device may also scan the second antenna device. The number of the second antenna device may be one or more, and the present disclosure does not limit this. Exemplarily, after executing S501 and S502, S503 to S504 may also be executed:

[0111] S503: The radio frequency device scans the second antenna device according to the first information.

[0112] The second antenna device is included in the N1 antenna devices, and the second antenna device is not connected to the radio frequency device.

[0113] When the first information corresponding to S501 includes the identity information of N1 antenna devices, the radio frequency device can scan and identify the antenna device corresponding to the identity information as the second antenna device according to the identity information of the second antenna device. Figure 3 The illustrated electrically adjustable antenna takes the radio frequency device as an example of an RRU. The RRU can scan and identify the ALD corresponding to the identity information on the serial port bus (such as an RS485 serial port bus) according to the identity information of the second antenna device, that is, determine the second antenna device.

[0114] It can also be understood that when the N1 antenna devices indicated by the first information include a second antenna device that is not connected to the radio frequency device, the BBU can implicitly instruct the radio frequency device to scan the second antenna device through the first information.

[0115] S504: The radio frequency device establishes a connection between the radio frequency device and the second antenna device.

[0116] Specifically, the radio frequency device may establish a communication link with the second antenna device. The radio frequency device may send a communication address assigned to the second antenna device to the second antenna device. It should be noted that when there are multiple second antenna devices, the radio frequency device may send a unique communication address to each of the multiple second antenna devices, that is, different second antenna devices in the multiple second antenna devices have different communication addresses.

[0117] Optionally, the radio frequency device may exchange information with the first antenna device and / or the second antenna device through a serial port bus. For example, the radio frequency device may forward a management message from the BBU to the first antenna device and / or the second antenna device through the bus, and the management message is used to instruct the corresponding antenna device to perform an operation and maintenance operation on the antenna system, and the operation and maintenance operation may include at least one of the following: amplifying the radio frequency signal, adjusting the downtilt angle of the antenna system, or other operations.

[0118] Optionally, if there is a third antenna device that is not included in the N1 antenna devices among the antenna devices currently connected to the radio frequency device, the radio frequency device may disconnect from the third antenna device. The number of the third antenna devices may be one or more. Exemplarily, after executing S501 and S502, S505 may also be executed.

[0119] S505: The radio frequency device disconnects the radio frequency device from the third antenna device.

[0120] The third antenna device is included in the antenna device currently connected to the radio frequency device, and the third antenna device is not included in the N1 antenna devices.

[0121] Specifically, the radio frequency device can delete the communication address of the third antenna device and broadcast information for instructing to reset the third antenna device. Through this method, it can be avoided that the third antenna device cannot respond to the scanning of other radio frequency devices that need to connect to the third antenna device, and the normal establishment of other communication links can be ensured.

[0122] It is also understandable that when the N1 antenna devices indicated by the first information do not include the third antenna device connected to the radio frequency device, the BBU can implicitly instruct the radio frequency device to disconnect from the third antenna device through the first information. The radio frequency device can determine the third antenna device according to the first information.

[0123] In addition, regarding the execution of S503 to S505, it can be understood that: S503 to S504 or S505 may be executed after S501 and S502 are executed; or S503 to S505 may be executed after S501 and S502 are executed. The following introduces several possible implementations of solution 1.

[0124] Case 1: If N1 antenna devices partially overlap with the antenna device currently connected to the RF device, and N1 refers to the aforementioned partially overlapping antenna device, then S501 to S505 are executed. For example, N1 is 6, and the RF device is currently connected to 7 antenna devices. Based on the first information, the RF device determines that among the 7 antenna devices currently connected to the RF device, there are 4 first antenna devices included in the N1 antenna devices that remain connected; there are 3 third antenna devices that the RF device can disconnect; and there are 2 second antenna devices that the RF device needs to scan.

[0125] The present disclosure does not limit the order of executing S503 to S505, for example, executing S503 to S504 first and then executing S505; or executing S505 first and then executing S503 to S504; or executing S503 and S505 at the same time, and then executing S504. Case 2: If N1 antenna devices correspond to some of the antenna devices currently connected to the RF device, execute S501, S502 and S505 without executing S503 and S504. For example, N1 is 4, and the RF device is currently connected to 6 antenna devices. The RF device determines, based on the first information, that among the 6 antenna devices currently connected to the RF device, there are 4 first antenna devices that are included in the N1 antenna devices and remain connected; there are 2 third antenna devices that the RF device can disconnect; and the RF device does not need to scan the second antenna device.

[0126] Case 3: If the antenna device currently connected to the RF device corresponds to some of the N1 antenna devices, S501 to S504 are executed without executing S505. For example, N1 is 6, and the RF device is currently connected to 4 antenna devices. The RF device determines, based on the first information, that among the 4 antenna devices currently connected to the RF device, there are 4 first antenna devices that are included in the N1 antenna devices and remain connected; there are 2 second antenna devices that the RF device needs to scan; and the RF device does not need to disconnect from the antenna device.

[0127] Case 4: If N1 antenna devices correspond to all antenna devices currently connected to the RF device, S501 and S502 are executed, and S503 to S505 do not need to be executed. For example, the value of N1 is 3, and the RF device is currently connected to 3 antenna devices. The RF device determines that there are 3 first antenna devices that are included in the N1 antenna devices and remain connected among the 3 antenna devices currently connected to the RF device based on the first information; the RF device does not need to scan the second antenna device; the RF device does not need to disconnect from the antenna device.

[0128] The above-mentioned communication method provided by this solution can improve the link recovery efficiency when the communication link between the BBU and the radio frequency device is unstable by saving the relevant information of the antenna device currently connected to the radio frequency device. That is, the communication link between the radio frequency device and the antenna device that the BBU hopes to connect to can be quickly established or restored, thereby quickly restoring the BBU's management ability for the antenna device and ensuring the operation of the communication service.

[0129] Solution 2

[0130] See also Figure 6 A communication method is shown, which mainly includes the following steps:

[0131] S601: The radio frequency device sends second information to the BBU.

[0132] The second information indicates N2 antenna devices to which the radio frequency device is currently connected, where N2 is a positive integer.

[0133] Specifically, the radio frequency device may store the identity information of the currently connected antenna device. The second information may include the identity information of N2 antenna devices. The identity information of an antenna device is used to identify the antenna device, for example, it may include the manufacturer code of the antenna device and the device serial number of the antenna device.

[0134] The definitions of the radio frequency device and the antenna device can be understood by referring to the description in S501, and will not be elaborated in this disclosure.

[0135] Specifically, the radio frequency device may send the second information to the BBU by referring to any one of the following two methods.

[0136] In one method: the radio frequency device sends a third message to the BBU, and the third message includes the identity information of each antenna device in the N2 antenna devices. For example, the third message may include an array, the array includes N2 elements, each element is used to represent the identity information of one antenna device in the N2 antenna devices, and the length of the array corresponds to the value of N2. The third message can be implemented using a NETCONF interface message.

[0137] In another way: the radio device sends N2 fourth messages to the BBU, each second message includes the identity information of one of the N2 antenna devices, and the N2 fourth messages correspond to the N2 antenna devices one by one. The fourth message can be implemented using a NETCONF interface message.

[0138] S602: The BBU sends first information to the radio frequency device.

[0139] The first information is used to indicate N1 antenna devices, and the N1 antenna devices are included in the N2 antenna devices. The antenna devices are used to control antennas, and N1 is a positive integer.

[0140] Specifically, the N1 antenna devices may refer to the antenna devices among the N2 antenna devices that the BBU hopes the RRU to maintain connection with. For example, the N1 antenna devices may be included in the antenna devices managed (or maintained) by the BBU, and the number of antenna devices managed by the BBU may be greater than or equal to N1. Specifically, if the N2 antenna devices include all antenna devices managed by the BBU, the N1 antenna devices refer to all antenna devices managed by the BBU; or, if the N2 antenna devices include some antenna devices managed by the BBU, the N1 antenna devices refer to some antenna devices managed by the BBU.

[0141] The antenna device managed by the BBU may be understood by referring to the description in S501, and will not be described in detail in the present disclosure.

[0142] Optionally, the BBU may also be configured with the identity information of all antenna devices managed by the BBU. When the second information corresponding to S601 includes the identity information of N2 antenna devices, the BBU may determine the aforementioned N1 antenna devices by matching the identity information of the N2 antenna devices with the identity information of all antenna devices managed by the BBU.

[0143] In addition, optionally, the first information is also used to instruct the radio frequency device to maintain the connection with the N1 antenna devices. For example, when the N1 antenna devices are part of the N2 antenna devices, the first information may include the identity information of the N1 antenna devices. Alternatively, when the N1 antenna devices are all of the N2 antenna devices, the first information may include indication information for instructing the radio frequency device to maintain all connections with the antenna devices, for example, represented by a set value (1 or 0). In this way, signaling overhead can be saved. The implementation of the first information can be implemented with reference to the description in S501, and the present disclosure will not elaborate on this.

[0144] S603: The radio frequency device maintains the connection between the radio frequency device and the first antenna device.

[0145] The first antenna device is included in the N1 antenna devices, and the number of the first antenna devices is N1.

[0146] Specifically, the RF device stores the link information corresponding to the currently connected N2 antenna devices. The link information corresponding to the antenna devices can be understood by referring to the definition in S502, and this disclosure will not elaborate on this. The RF device maintains the connection between the RF device and the first antenna device, which may specifically include: the RF device retains the communication address of the first antenna device.

[0147] Optionally, if the antenna device managed by the BBU also includes a second antenna device that is not connected to the radio device, the radio device may also scan the second antenna device, and the number of the second antenna device may be one or more, which is not limited in the present disclosure. Exemplarily, after executing S601 to S603, S604 to S606 may also be executed:

[0148] S604: The BBU sends third information to the radio frequency device.

[0149] The third information is used to indicate the second antenna device; wherein the second antenna device is not connected to the radio frequency device. Optionally, the third information can also be used to instruct the radio frequency device to scan the second antenna device.

[0150] Specifically, the BBU may send the third information to the radio frequency device in accordance with any one of the following two ways.

[0151] In one embodiment: the BBU sends a fifth message to the radio frequency device, and the fifth message includes the identity information of the second antenna device. For example, when the number of the second antenna device is one, the fifth message may include a field for indicating the identity information of the second antenna device. For example, when the number of the second antenna device is multiple, the fifth message may include an array, the length of the array corresponds to the number of the second antenna devices, and each element in the array is used to represent the identity information of a second antenna device, and different elements represent different identity information. The fifth message can be implemented using an interface message of the network configuration protocol NETCONF.

[0152] In another way: when there are multiple second antenna devices, the BBU sends multiple sixth messages to the radio device, each sixth message includes the identity information of one of the multiple second antenna devices, and the multiple sixth messages correspond to the multiple second antenna devices one by one. The sixth message can be implemented using a NETCONF interface message.

[0153] S605: Scan the second antenna device according to the third information.

[0154] This step can be implemented with reference to the solution in S503, and will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0155] S606: The radio frequency device establishes a connection between the radio frequency device and the second antenna device.

[0156] This step can be implemented with reference to the solution in S504, and will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0157] Optionally, if the N2 antenna devices currently connected to the radio frequency device include a third antenna device in addition to the N1 antenna devices, the number of the third antenna devices may be one or more, and the present disclosure does not limit this. The radio frequency device may disconnect the connection between the radio frequency device and the third antenna device. Exemplarily, after executing S601 to S603, S607 may also be executed.

[0158] S607: The radio frequency device disconnects the radio frequency device from the third antenna device.

[0159] The third antenna device is included in the N2 antenna devices currently connected to the radio frequency device, and the third antenna device is not included in the N1 antenna devices.

[0160] This step can be implemented with reference to the solution in S505, and will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0161] In addition, regarding the execution of S604 to S607, it can be understood that: S604 to S606 or S607 may be executed after S601 to S603 are executed; or S604 to S607 may be executed after S601 to S603 are executed. Several possible implementations of the second solution are described below.

[0162] Case 1: If N2 antenna devices partially overlap with all antenna devices managed by the BBU, and N1 refers to the aforementioned partially overlapping antenna devices, then execute S601 to S607. For example, N1 is 4 and N2 is 6. The RF device determines that there are 4 (N1) first antenna devices that remain connected among the 6 (N2) antenna devices currently connected based on the first information; then the RF device can disconnect 2 third antenna devices; if the total number of antenna devices managed by the BBU is 5, then the third information indicates 1 second antenna device, and the RF device needs to scan 1 second antenna device based on the third information. In this case, all antenna devices managed by the BBU consist of N1 antenna devices and second antenna devices, and N2 antenna devices consist of first antenna devices and third antenna devices.

[0163] The present disclosure does not limit the order of executing S604 to S607 , for example, first execute S604 to S606 and then execute S607 ; or first execute S607 and then execute S604 to S606 ; or execute S604 and S607 simultaneously and then execute S605 to S606 .

[0164] Case 2: If the N2 antenna devices correspond to some antenna devices managed by the BBU, and the N1 antenna devices are the same as the N2 antenna devices, then S601 to S606 are executed without executing S607. For example, N1 is 4 and N2 is 4. The RF device determines that there are 4 (N1) first antenna devices that remain connected among the 4 (N2) antenna devices currently connected based on the first information; the RF device does not need to disconnect from the antenna device; if the total number of antenna devices managed by the BBU is 5, then the third information indicates 1 second antenna device, and the RF device needs to scan 1 second antenna device based on the third information. In this case, all antenna devices managed by the BBU consist of N1 antenna devices and second antenna devices, and the first antenna devices are all antenna devices among the N2 antenna devices.

[0165] Case 3: If N2 antenna devices correspond to all antenna devices managed by the BBU, N1 antenna devices refer to all antenna devices managed by the BBU, and N1 antenna devices correspond to some of the N2 antenna devices, then S601 to S603, and S607 are executed, and S604 to S606 do not need to be executed. For example, N1 is 4, and N2 is 6. Based on the first information, the RF device determines that there are 4 (N1) first antenna devices that remain connected among the 6 (N2) antenna devices currently connected; there are 2 third antenna devices that the RF device can disconnect; and the BBU does not need to instruct the RF device to scan the second antenna device through the third information. In this case, the N2 antenna devices consist of the first antenna device and the third antenna device.

[0166] Case 4: If N2 antenna devices are all antenna devices managed by the BBU, and N1 antenna devices refer to all antenna devices managed by the BBU, then S601 to S603 are executed, and S604 to S607 do not need to be executed. For example, N1 is 3, and N2 is 3. The RF device determines that there are 3 (N1) first antenna devices that remain connected among the 3 (N2) antenna devices currently connected based on the first information; the BBU does not need to instruct the RF device to scan the second antenna device through the third information, and the RF device does not need to disconnect from the antenna device. In this case, the N2 antenna devices, the N1 antenna device, and the first antenna device are all the same.

[0167] In the above communication method provided by this solution, the radio frequency device notifies the BBU of the currently connected antenna device, so that the BBU implements corresponding link recovery measures according to the connection status between the radio frequency device and the antenna device, such as maintaining the connection, disconnecting the connection, or establishing a connection. In the case of an unstable communication link between the BBU and the radio frequency device, the link recovery efficiency can be improved, thereby quickly restoring the BBU's management ability for the antenna device and ensuring the operation of the communication service.

[0168] Option 3

[0169] See also Figure 7 A communication method is illustrated, which mainly includes the following steps.

[0170] S701: The radio frequency device sends second information to the BBU.

[0171] The second information indicates N2 antenna devices to which the radio frequency device is currently connected, where N2 is a positive integer.

[0172] This step can be implemented by referring to S601, and will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0173] S702: The BBU sends first information to the radio frequency device.

[0174] The first information is used to indicate N1 antenna devices, where the N1 antenna devices refer to part or all of all antenna devices managed by the BBU.

[0175] Specifically, this step can be implemented with reference to S501, and the present disclosure will not elaborate on it any more.

[0176] S703: The radio frequency device maintains the connection between the radio frequency device and the first antenna device.

[0177] Specifically, this step can be implemented with reference to S502, and the present disclosure will not elaborate on it any more.

[0178] Optionally, if the antenna devices managed by the BBU also include a second antenna device that is not connected to the radio device, the radio device may also scan the second antenna device. Exemplarily, after executing S701 to S703, S704 to S705 may also be executed:

[0179] S704: The radio frequency device scans the second antenna device according to the first information.

[0180] This step can be implemented with reference to S503, and will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0181] S705: The radio frequency device establishes a connection between the radio frequency device and the second antenna device.

[0182] This step can be implemented with reference to S504, and will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0183] Optionally, if there is a third antenna device that is not included in the N1 antenna devices among the antenna devices currently connected to the radio frequency device, the radio frequency device may disconnect from the third antenna device. Exemplarily, after executing S701 to S703, S706 may also be executed.

[0184] S706: The radio frequency device disconnects the radio frequency device from the third antenna device.

[0185] This step can be implemented with reference to S505, and will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0186] In addition, regarding the execution of S704 to S706, it can be understood that: S704 to S705 or S706 may be executed after S701 to S703 is executed. Or S704 to S706 may be executed after S701 to S703 is executed. The possible implementation of Scheme Three can be understood with reference to the possible implementation of Scheme One, and the present disclosure will not elaborate on this. When executing S704 to S706, the present disclosure does not limit the order of executing S704 to S706, for example, first execute S704 to S705 and then execute S706; or execute S706 first and then execute S704 to S705; or execute S704 and S706 at the same time, and then execute S705.

[0187] In this solution, the BBU and the radio equipment interact with each other to find out the antenna equipment managed by the BBU and the antenna equipment currently connected to the radio equipment. Both the BBU and the radio equipment can determine the antenna equipment with normal current communication links, and can quickly restore the BBU's management capabilities for the antenna equipment to ensure the operation of communication services.

[0188] Option 4

[0189] See also Figure 8 A communication method is illustrated, which mainly includes the following steps.

[0190] S801: The radio frequency device sends second information to the BBU.

[0191] The second information indicates N2 antenna devices to which the radio frequency device is currently connected, where N2 is a positive integer.

[0192] This step can be implemented with reference to S601, and will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0193] S802: The BBU sends fourth information to the radio frequency device.

[0194] The fourth information is used to indicate disconnection between the radio frequency device and the third antenna device. The third antenna device is included in the N2 antenna devices currently connected to the radio frequency device, and the third antenna device is not an antenna device managed by the BBU, or is described as: the third antenna device is not an antenna device that the BBU wants the radio frequency device to connect to. The number of the third antenna devices may be one or more.

[0195] Specifically, the fourth information may include identity information of the third antenna device. The definition of the identity information may be understood with reference to the description in S501, and will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0196] Specifically, the BBU may send the fourth information to the radio frequency device by referring to any one of the following two methods.

[0197] In one method: the BBU sends a seventh message to the radio frequency device, and the seventh message includes the identity information of the third antenna device. For example, when the number of the third antenna device is one, the seventh message may include a field for indicating the identity information of the third antenna device. For example, when the number of the third antenna device is multiple, the seventh message may include an array, the length of the array corresponds to the number of the third antenna devices, and each element in the array is used to represent the identity information of a third antenna device, and different elements represent different identity information. The seventh message can be implemented using the interface message of the network configuration protocol NETCONF.

[0198] In another way: when there are multiple third antenna devices, the BBU sends multiple eighth messages to the radio frequency device, each of which includes the identity information of one of the multiple third antenna devices, and the multiple eighth messages correspond one to one with the multiple third antenna devices. The eighth message can be implemented using a NETCONF interface message.

[0199] S803: The radio frequency device disconnects the radio frequency device from the third antenna device according to the fourth information.

[0200] Specifically, referring to the description in S502, the radio frequency device may save the identity information and link information of the currently connected antenna device. The radio frequency device may determine the third antenna device in the antenna devices currently connected to the radio frequency device according to the identity information of the third antenna device included in the fourth information. Then, the radio frequency device may disconnect the connection between the radio frequency device and the third antenna device with reference to the description in S505.

[0201] Optionally, if the N2 antenna devices currently connected to the radio frequency device include other antenna devices in addition to the third antenna device, such as the first antenna device. The possible number of the first antenna devices is one or more. Then the radio frequency device can determine that the first antenna device is the antenna device that the BBU wants to connect to or the first antenna device is included in the antenna devices managed by the BBU. Based on this, it can be understood that the fourth information is also used to implicitly indicate to maintain the previous connection between the radio frequency device and the first antenna device. Figure 8 Illustrated S803: the radio frequency device maintains the connection with the first antenna device while disconnecting the connection with the third antenna device according to the fourth information.

[0202] Specifically, the solution for the radio frequency device to disconnect from the third antenna device can be implemented with reference to the description in S505, and the solution for the radio frequency device to maintain the connection with the first antenna device can be implemented with reference to the description in S502. This disclosure will not elaborate on this.

[0203] Optionally, if the antenna devices managed by the BBU also include a second antenna device that is not connected to the radio device, the BBU may also instruct the radio device to scan the second antenna device, and the number of the second antenna devices may be one or more. Exemplarily, after executing S801 to S803, S804 to S806 may also be executed:

[0204] S804: The BBU sends third information to the radio frequency device.

[0205] The third information is used to indicate a second antenna device, and the second antenna device is not connected to the radio frequency device. Optionally, the number of the second antenna device may be one or more.

[0206] Specifically, this step can be implemented with reference to the description in S603, and the present disclosure will not elaborate on it any more.

[0207] S805: Scan the second antenna device according to the third information.

[0208] This step can be implemented with reference to the solution in S503, and will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0209] S806: The radio frequency device establishes a connection between the radio frequency device and the second antenna device.

[0210] This step can be implemented with reference to the solution in S504, and will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0211] The following are several possible implementation scenarios for Option 4.

[0212] Case 1: If N2 antenna devices include all antenna devices managed by the BBU, and the number of third antenna devices in N2 antenna devices is less than all antenna devices managed by the BBU, then S801 to S803 are executed, and S804 to S806 are not executed. For example, N2 is 6, and all antenna devices managed by the BBU are 4 antenna devices in N2 antenna devices. The BBU can indicate to the RF device through the fourth information that there are 2 third antenna devices disconnected; the BBU does not send the third information, and the RF device does not need to scan the second antenna device.

[0213] Case 2: If the N2 antenna devices include some antenna devices managed by the BBU, and the number of third antenna devices in the N2 antenna devices is less than the number of antenna devices managed by the aforementioned BBU, then S801 to S806 are executed. For example, N2 is 6, the total number of antenna devices managed by the BBU is 6, and the N2 antenna devices include 4 antenna devices managed by the BBU; the BBU indicates through the fourth information that there are 2 third antenna devices disconnected by the radio frequency device; the BBU instructs the radio frequency device to scan 2 second antenna devices through the third information.

[0214] In the above communication method provided by this solution, the BBU instructs to disconnect some antenna devices connected to the radio frequency device, while maintaining the connection between other antenna devices managed by the BBU. In the case of an unstable communication link between the BBU and the radio frequency device, the link recovery efficiency can be improved, thereby quickly restoring the BBU's management capabilities for the antenna devices and ensuring the operation of communication services. This solution can be applied to the following scenarios to reduce signaling overhead: Among the antenna devices currently connected to the radio frequency device, the number of antenna devices managed by the BBU exceeds the number of antenna devices not managed by the BBU.

[0215] Based on any one of the above schemes 1 to 4, the more antenna devices the RF device is currently connected to, and the more antenna devices the BBU wants to connect to among the antenna devices currently connected to the RF device, the more communication links that can be directly maintained, and the link recovery speed will not be affected by the increase in the number of antenna devices. However, using related technologies, regardless of whether there is overlap between the antenna devices currently connected to the RF device and the antenna devices the BBU wants to connect to, the more antenna devices the RF device is currently connected to, and / or the more antenna devices the BBU wants to connect to, the slower the speed of disconnecting the link and rescanning to establish a communication link. For example, see Table 1 below, which takes the antenna device currently connected to the RF device as an example of the antenna device the BBU wants to connect to, and illustrates the comparison of link recovery speeds of schemes 1 to 4 and related technologies.

[0216] Table 1

[0217]

[0218] It can be seen that, compared with the related art, the schemes 1 to 4 provided by the present disclosure can improve the efficiency of link recovery.

[0219] The above describes the method provided by the present disclosure from the perspective of the interaction between the BBU and the RF device. In order to implement the functions in the above method, the BBU and the RF device may include a hardware structure and / or a software module, and implement the above functions in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a hardware structure plus a software module. Whether one of the above functions is executed in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a hardware structure plus a software module depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0220] Based on the same idea, see Fig. 9The present disclosure provides a communication device 900, which includes a processing module 901 and a communication module 902. The communication device 900 may be a radio frequency device, or a communication device applied to a radio frequency device or used in combination with a radio frequency device, and capable of implementing a communication method executed on the radio frequency device side; or, the communication device 900 may be a BBU, or a communication device applied to a BBU or used in combination with a BBU, and capable of implementing a communication method executed on the BBU side; or, the communication device 900 may be an antenna device (such as a first antenna device, a second antenna device, or a third antenna device), or a communication device applied to an antenna device or used in combination with an antenna device, and capable of implementing a communication method executed on the antenna device side.

[0221] Among them, the communication module can also be called a transceiver module, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a transceiver device, etc. The processing module can also be called a processor, a processing board, a processing unit, or a processing device, etc. Optionally, the communication module is used to perform the sending operation and the receiving operation on the RF device side, the BBU side, or the antenna device side in the above method. The device used to implement the receiving function in the communication module can be regarded as a receiving unit, and the device used to implement the sending function in the communication module can be regarded as a sending unit, that is, the communication module includes a receiving unit and a sending unit.

[0222] When the communication device 900 is applied to a radio frequency device, the processing module 901 can be used to implement Figures 5 to 8 The processing function of the radio frequency device in the embodiment shown, the communication module 902 can be used to implement Figures 5 to 8 The transceiver function of the radio frequency device in the embodiment. Alternatively, the communication device can also be understood by referring to the third aspect in the content of the invention and the possible designs in the third aspect.

[0223] When the communication device 900 is applied to a BBU, the processing module 901 can be used to implement Figures 5 to 8 In the embodiment shown, the communication module 902 can be used to implement the processing function of the BBU. Figures 5 to 8 The transceiver function of the BBU in the embodiment. Alternatively, the communication device can also be understood by referring to the fourth aspect of the invention and the possible designs in the fourth aspect.

[0224] When the communication device 900 is applied to an antenna device, the processing module 901 can be used to implement Figures 5 to 8 In the embodiment shown, the communication module 902 can be used to implement the processing function of the relevant antenna device. Figures 5 to 8 The transmitting and receiving functions of the relevant antenna equipment in the embodiment.

[0225] In addition, it should be noted that the aforementioned communication module and / or processing module can be implemented through a virtual module, for example, the processing module can be implemented through a software function unit or a virtual device, and the communication module can be implemented through a software function or a virtual device. Alternatively, the processing module or the communication module can also be implemented through a physical device, for example, if the device is implemented using a chip / chip circuit, the communication module can be an input-output circuit and / or a communication interface, performing input operations (corresponding to the aforementioned receiving operations) and output operations (corresponding to the aforementioned sending operations); the processing module is an integrated processor or microprocessor or integrated circuit.

[0226] The division of modules in the present disclosure is schematic and is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. In addition, each functional module in each embodiment of the present disclosure may be integrated into one processor, or may exist physically separately, or two or more modules may be integrated into one module. The above-mentioned integrated modules may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules.

[0227] Based on the same technical concept, the present disclosure also provides a communication device 1000. For example, the communication device 1000 may be a chip or a chip system. Optionally, in the present disclosure, the chip system may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0228] The communication device 1000 can be used to implement Figure 1 or Figure 2 The communication device 1000 may include at least one processor 1010, which is coupled to a memory. Optionally, the memory may be located within the device, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be located outside the device. For example, the communication device 1000 may also include at least one memory 1020. The memory 1020 stores the necessary computer programs, computer programs or instructions and / or data for implementing any of the above embodiments; the processor 1010 may execute the computer program stored in the memory 1020 to complete the method in any of the above embodiments.

[0229] The communication device 1000 may also include a communication interface 1030, and the communication device 1000 may exchange information with other devices through the communication interface 1030. Exemplarily, the communication interface 1030 may be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module, a pin, or other types of communication interfaces. When the communication device 1000 is a chip-type device or circuit, the communication interface 1030 in the communication device 1000 may also be an input-output circuit, which may input information (or receive information) and output information (or send information), and the processor may be an integrated processor or a microprocessor or an integrated circuit or a logic circuit, and the processor may determine the output information based on the input information.

[0230] The coupling in the present disclosure is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms, and is used for information exchange between devices, units or modules. The processor 1010 may cooperate with the memory 1020 and the communication interface 1030. The present disclosure does not limit the specific connection medium between the above-mentioned processor 1010, memory 1020 and communication interface 1030.

[0231] Optional, see Fig.10 , the processor 1010, the memory 1020 and the communication interface 1030 are connected to each other via a bus 1040. The bus 1040 may be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus. The bus may be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Fig.10 Only one thick line is used in the diagram, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0232] In the present disclosure, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, and may implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the present disclosure. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in the present disclosure may be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or may be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0233] In the present disclosure, the memory may be a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), etc., or a volatile memory (volatile memory), such as a random-access memory (RAM). The memory is any other medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the present disclosure may also be a circuit or any other device that can implement a storage function, for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0234] In a possible implementation, the communication device 1000 can be applied to a BBU. Specifically, the communication device 1000 can be a BBU, or a device that can support a BBU and implement the functions of the BBU in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. The memory 1020 stores a computer program (or instruction) and / or data that implements the functions of the BBU in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. The processor 1010 can execute the computer program stored in the memory 1020 to complete the method executed by the BBU in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. Applied to a BBU, the communication interface in the communication device 1000 can be used to interact with a radio frequency device, send information to a radio frequency device, or receive information from a radio frequency device.

[0235] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1000 can be applied to a radio frequency device. Specifically, the communication device 1000 can be a radio frequency device, or a device that can support a radio frequency device and implement the functions of the radio frequency device in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. The memory 1020 stores a computer program (or instruction) and / or data that implements the functions of the radio frequency device in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. The processor 1010 can execute the computer program stored in the memory 1020 to complete the method performed by the radio frequency device in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. Applied to a radio frequency device, the communication interface in the communication device 1000 can be used to interact with a BBU, send information to the BBU, or receive information from the BBU.

[0236] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1000 can be applied to an antenna device. Specifically, the communication device 1000 can be an antenna device, or a device that can support the antenna device and implement the functions of the antenna device in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. The memory 1020 stores a computer program (or instruction) and / or data that implements the functions of the antenna device in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. The processor 1010 can execute the computer program stored in the memory 1020 to complete the method performed by the antenna device in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. Applied to the antenna device, the communication interface in the communication device 1000 can be used to interact with the radio frequency device, send information to the radio frequency device, or receive information from the radio frequency device.

[0237] Since the communication device 1000 provided in this embodiment can be applied to a BBU to perform the method performed by the BBU, or applied to a radio frequency device to perform the method performed by the radio frequency device, or applied to an antenna device to perform the method performed by the antenna device, the technical effects that can be obtained can refer to the above method examples and will not be described in detail here.

[0238] Based on the above embodiments, the present disclosure provides a communication system, including a BBU and a radio frequency device, wherein the BBU and the radio frequency device can implement Figures 5 to 8 The communication method provided in the illustrated embodiment. Optionally, the communication system may further include an antenna device.

[0239] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the present disclosure is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a radio frequency device, a BBU, an antenna device or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from a website site, a computer, a server or a data center by wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (digital subscriber line, DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) mode to another website site, computer, server or data center. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or a data center that includes one or more available media integrated. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium, etc.

[0240] In the present disclosure, under the premise of no logical contradiction, the various embodiments may reference each other, for example, the methods and / or terms between method embodiments may reference each other, for example, the functions and / or terms between device embodiments may reference each other, for example, the functions and / or terms between device embodiments and method embodiments may reference each other.

[0241] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present disclosure fall within the scope of the claims of the present disclosure and their equivalents, the present disclosure is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to RF equipment, including: When the link between the radio frequency device and the baseband unit BBU is restored after being interrupted, first information is obtained from the BBU, where the first information is used to indicate N1 antenna devices, where the antenna devices are used to control antennas, and the first information is also used to instruct the radio frequency device to maintain connection with the first antenna device; wherein the first antenna device is included in the N1 antenna devices, the first antenna device is included in the antenna device currently connected to the radio frequency device, and N1 is a positive integer; Maintain the connection between the radio frequency device and the first antenna device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: Send second information to the BBU, where the second information indicates N2 antenna devices to which the radio frequency device is currently connected, where N2 is a positive integer.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The N1 antenna devices include at least one antenna device among the antenna devices to which the radio frequency device is currently connected.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Also includes: Scanning a second antenna device according to the first information; wherein the second antenna device is included in the N1 antenna devices, and the second antenna device is not connected to the radio frequency device; A connection is established between the radio frequency device and the second antenna device.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The N1 antenna devices are included in the N2 antenna devices.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that Also includes: Acquire third information from the BBU, where the third information is used to indicate a second antenna device; wherein the second antenna device is not connected to the radio frequency device; Scanning the second antenna device according to the third information; A connection is established between the radio frequency device and the second antenna device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Also includes: The connection between the radio frequency device and a third antenna device is disconnected, where the third antenna device is included in the antenna device currently connected to the radio frequency device and is not included in the N1 antenna devices.

8. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to the baseband unit (BBU) side, including: When the link between the radio frequency device and the BBU is restored after being interrupted, determining N1 antenna devices, where the antenna devices are used to control the antenna; wherein N1 is a positive integer; Sending first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate N1 antenna devices, and the first information is also used to indicate that the radio frequency device maintains connection with the first antenna device; wherein the first antenna device is included in the N1 antenna devices, and the first antenna device is included in the antenna device currently connected to the radio frequency device.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Also includes: Second information is obtained, where the second information indicates N2 antenna devices to which the radio frequency device is currently connected, where N2 is a positive integer.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The N1 antenna devices include at least one antenna device among the antenna devices to which the radio frequency device is currently connected.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that: The N1 antenna devices include a second antenna device, and the second antenna device is not connected to the radio frequency device; the first information is also used to instruct the radio frequency device to establish a connection with the second antenna device.

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The N1 antenna devices are included in the N2 antenna devices.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that Also includes: Sending third information, where the third information is used to indicate a second antenna device; wherein the second antenna device is not connected to the radio frequency device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that: Also includes: Sending fourth information, wherein the fourth information is used to instruct the radio frequency device to disconnect from a third antenna device; wherein the third device is included in the antenna device currently connected to the radio frequency device, and the third device is not included in the N1 antenna devices.

15. A communication device, characterized in that: Used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

16. A communication device, characterized in that: Used to implement the method described in any one of claims 8 to 14.

17. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processor, wherein the processor is coupled to a memory, and the processor is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

18. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processor, wherein the processor is coupled to a memory, and the processor is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

19. A communication system, characterized in that: Includes the communication device described in claim 15 or 17, and the communication device described in claim 16 or 18.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that The method comprises instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

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