Networking methods and devices

Abstract

This application provides a networking method, which includes: re-networking the PLC network and the Wi-Fi network based on the communication quality parameters of the PLC connection between each node in the PLC network and the communication quality parameters of the Wi-Fi connection between each node in the Wi-Fi network, so as to determine the optimal data transmission path between each node in each network, so that the PLC network and the Wi-Fi network can be integrated according to the actual environment and user needs, thereby simplifying the networking and improving the overall data throughput of the system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a networking method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Existing home networks typically include PLC (Power Line Communication) networks and Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) networks. PLC networks may suffer from significant signal attenuation and interference due to the power line medium. Furthermore, PLC networks are usually mesh networks, resulting in varying link quality between different nodes. Wi-Fi networks, on the other hand, may experience signal attenuation when penetrating walls. Both networks have their problems, and existing home networks are not specifically designed for user experience and actual needs; PLC and Wi-Fi networks are not well integrated. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a networking method and apparatus. In this method, the control device can determine the connection relationships between electronic devices based on the communication quality of the connections between them, thereby achieving the integration of PLC networks and Wi-Fi networks, effectively improving resource utilization and the rationality of the network configuration.

[0004] Firstly, embodiments of this application provide a networking method. The method includes: a control device receiving first power line communication (PLC) connection status information and first Wi-Fi connection status information sent by multiple electronic devices; the first PLC connection status information includes communication quality parameters of the PLC connection between a single electronic device and each of the multiple electronic devices; the first Wi-Fi connection includes communication quality parameters of the Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and at least one of the multiple electronic devices. Based on the first PLC connection status information and the first Wi-Fi connection status information, the control device determines the previous-hop electronic device of the single electronic device and the type of a first data transmission path between the single electronic device and the previous-hop electronic device; the type of the first data transmission path includes at least one of the following: a PLC connection between the single electronic device and the previous-hop electronic device, or a Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the previous-hop electronic device. First indication information is sent to the single electronic device, the first indication information indicating the type of the previous-hop electronic device and the first data transmission path. Thus, this application determines the connection relationship between electronic devices through the communication quality of the connections between them in the network, thereby achieving the integration of PLC networks and Wi-Fi networks, effectively improving resource utilization and the rationality of the network configuration.

[0005] For example, the control device can be any one of a plurality of electronic devices.

[0006] For example, the control device can be a separate device.

[0007] For example, a single electronic device is any one of a plurality of electronic devices.

[0008] For example, communication quality parameters are used to indicate the communication quality of the corresponding connection.

[0009] According to the first aspect, the first data transmission path is used to transmit data between a single electronic device and the first electronic device; the first electronic device belongs to multiple electronic devices, and the first electronic device interacts with access network devices. Thus, embodiments of this application can configure an optimal data transmission path between each electronic device in the network and the first electronic device.

[0010] According to the first aspect, or any implementation thereof, the first instruction information is further used to instruct a single electronic device to stop transmitting data on PLC connections and / or Wi-Fi connections other than the first data transmission path. In this way, the control device can instruct each electronic device in the network to interact with a designated electronic device via a designated connection method. Furthermore, data transmission on non-designated connections is eliminated, saving resources, improving resource utilization, and effectively increasing the overall data throughput of the system.

[0011] For example, the control device may also send another instruction to instruct a single electronic device to stop transmitting data on other channels.

[0012] For example, the first indication information from the control device may only indicate the type of the previous hop electronic device and the first data transmission path. Accordingly, a single electronic device may automatically stop transmitting data on other connection paths in response to the received first indication information.

[0013] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the method further includes: the control device receiving new PLC connection status information and new Wi-Fi connection status information sent by multiple electronic devices according to a set period; determining another upstream electronic device and the type of a second data transmission path between a single electronic device and another upstream electronic device based on the new PLC connection status information and the new Wi-Fi connection status information; the type of the second data transmission path is at least one of the following: a PLC connection between a single electronic device and another upstream electronic device, or a Wi-Fi connection between a single electronic device and another upstream electronic device; sending second indication information to the single electronic device, the second indication information being used to indicate the type of the other upstream electronic device and the second data transmission path. Thus, this application embodiment provides a method for dynamically adjusting the network topology, allowing the control device to dynamically adjust the communication methods between electronic devices based on their connection status, thereby further improving resource utilization.

[0014] For example, the previous hop electronic device can be the same as another previous hop electronic device.

[0015] For example, if the previous hop electronic device is the same as another previous hop electronic device, the type of the second data transmission path can be the same as or different from the type of the first data transmission path.

[0016] According to the first aspect, or any implementation thereof, the second data transmission path is used to transmit data between a single electronic device and the first electronic device. Thus, embodiments of this application can configure an optimal data transmission path between each electronic device in the network and the first electronic device. Furthermore, the optimal data transmission path between each electronic device and the first electronic device can be dynamically adjusted.

[0017] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the type of the first data transmission path is the same as the type of the second data transmission path.

[0018] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the type of the first data transmission path is different from the type of the second data transmission path.

[0019] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the method further includes: the second indication information is further used to instruct a single electronic device to stop transmitting data on a PLC connection and / or Wi-Fi connection other than the second data transmission path. Thus, embodiments of this application provide a method for dynamically adjusting the network, allowing the control device to dynamically adjust the communication methods between electronic devices based on their connection status, thereby further improving resource utilization.

[0020] According to the first aspect, or any implementation thereof, the controller determines the previous-hop electronic device of a single electronic device and the first data transmission path between the single electronic device and the previous-hop electronic device based on the first PLC connection status information and the first Wi-Fi connection status information. This includes: obtaining communication quality parameters of at least one data transmission path between the single electronic device and the first electronic device based on the first PLC connection status information and the first Wi-Fi connection status information; the at least one data transmission path includes at least one PLC connection and at least one Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the first electronic device for data transmission. Based on the communication quality parameters of the at least one data transmission path, a third data transmission path for data interaction between the single electronic device and the first electronic device is determined; the quality parameters of the third data transmission path satisfy a set first condition; and the first data transmission path belongs to the third data transmission path. In this way, the controller can select the optimal data transmission path between each electronic device and the first electronic device to improve resource utilization and increase the system's data throughput.

[0021] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the first condition includes: if there are multiple data transmission paths between a single electronic device and the first electronic device, the third data transmission path is the path with the optimal communication quality parameters. Thus, embodiments of this application provide an arbitration strategy to select the optimal data transmission path for each electronic device and release other connections, thereby improving resource utilization and increasing system data throughput.

[0022] For example, releasing other connections can optionally mean stopping data communication based on that connection, but the connection remains open.

[0023] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the third data transmission path is a direct connection between a single electronic device and the first electronic device, the third data transmission path is a PLC connection between a single electronic device and the first electronic device, or the third data transmission path is a PLC connection and a Wi-Fi connection between a single electronic device and the first electronic device.

[0024] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the third data transmission path includes a single electronic device, a first electronic device, and at least one intermediate electronic device; the previous hop electronic device belongs to at least one intermediate electronic device; and at least one intermediate electronic device belongs to multiple electronic devices.

[0025] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the PLC connections between a single electronic device, a first electronic device, and at least one intermediate electronic device are arranged in a tree structure. This provides a way to optimize the PLC network so that each electronic device transmits data only on designated PLC connections, thereby improving resource utilization and increasing system data throughput.

[0026] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, based on the first PLC connection status information and the first Wi-Fi connection status information, the preceding electronic device of a single electronic device and the type of the first data transmission path between the single electronic device and the preceding electronic device are determined, including: determining a first region and a second region based on the first PLC connection status information; wherein the first electronic device belongs to the first region and is a domain management node of the first region; the first region includes some electronic devices among multiple electronic devices, and the second region includes another part of multiple electronic devices; the communication quality parameter of the PLC connection between any electronic device in the first region and any electronic device in the second region is less than a set first threshold. The controller determines, based on the first Wi-Fi connection status information, that a second electronic device in the second region is a domain management node of the second region; the second electronic device interacts with electronic devices in the first region via a Wi-Fi connection, and the second electronic device belongs to multiple electronic devices. If the single electronic device belongs to the first region, based on the first PLC connection status information and the first Wi-Fi connection status information, the communication quality parameter of at least one data transmission path between the single electronic device and the first electronic device is obtained; the at least one data transmission path includes at least one PLC connection and at least one Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the first electronic device for data transmission. Based on the communication quality parameters of at least one data transmission path between a single electronic device and a first electronic device, a fourth data transmission path is determined for data interaction between the single electronic device and the first electronic device; the quality parameters of the fourth data transmission path satisfy a set second condition; and the first data transmission path belongs to the fourth data transmission path. In this way, the controller can select the optimal data transmission path between each electronic device and the first electronic device to improve resource utilization and increase the system's data throughput.

[0027] For example, the controller divides the system into multiple zones to address the problem of unstable PLC connections between electronic devices in different zones, which leads to poor PLC communication quality and affects the system's data throughput.

[0028] According to the first aspect, or any implementation thereof, if a single electronic device belongs to the second area, communication quality parameters of at least one data transmission path between the single electronic device and the second electronic device are obtained based on the first PLC connection status information and the first Wi-Fi connection status information; the at least one data transmission path includes at least one PLC connection and at least one Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the second electronic device for data transmission. Based on the communication quality parameters of the at least one data transmission path between the single electronic device and the second electronic device, a fifth data transmission path for data interaction between the single electronic device and the second electronic device is determined; the quality parameters of the fifth data transmission path satisfy a set second condition; the first data transmission path belongs to the first data transmission path. Thus, the control device can set up a domain management node for the split areas to enable communication connections between electronic devices in the second area. This allows each electronic device in the second area to transmit data to the first electronic device through the domain management node of the second area.

[0029] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the second condition includes: if there are multiple data transmission paths between a single electronic device and the first electronic device, the fourth data transmission path is the path with the optimal communication quality parameters; or, if there are multiple data transmission paths between a single electronic device and the second electronic device, the fifth data transmission path is the path with the optimal communication quality parameters. Thus, embodiments of this application provide an arbitration strategy to select the optimal data transmission path for each electronic device and release other connections, thereby improving resource utilization and increasing system data throughput.

[0030] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the method further includes: the control device sending third indication information to the second electronic device, for indicating that the second electronic device is a domain management node in the second area, and instructing the second electronic device to perform data interaction with electronic devices in the first area via Wi-Fi connection, and stopping data transmission on the PLC connection between the second electronic device and each electronic device in the first area. Thus, embodiments of this application can provide a dynamic split networking method to instruct each electronic device to access the domain management node in its respective area.

[0031] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the control device sends fourth indication information to electronic devices other than the second electronic device in the second area, for indicating that the second electronic device is a domain management node in the second area. Thus, embodiments of this application can provide a dynamic split-networking method to instruct each electronic device to connect to the domain management node in its respective area.

[0032] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the previous hop electronic device is the first electronic device.

[0033] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an apparatus. The apparatus includes: one or more processors; a memory; and one or more computer programs, wherein the one or more computer programs are stored in the memory, and when executed by the one or more processors, the apparatus performs the following steps: receiving first power line communication (PLC) connection status information and first Wi-Fi connection status information sent by a plurality of electronic devices; the first PLC connection status information includes communication quality parameters of the PLC connection between a single electronic device and each of the plurality of electronic devices; the first Wi-Fi connection includes communication quality parameters of the Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and at least one of the plurality of electronic devices; determining, based on the first PLC connection status information and the first Wi-Fi connection status information, the previous-hop electronic device of the single electronic device, and the type of a first data transmission path between the single electronic device and the previous-hop electronic device; the type of the first data transmission path includes at least one of the following: a PLC connection between the single electronic device and the previous-hop electronic device, and a Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the previous-hop electronic device; and sending first indication information to the single electronic device, the first indication information indicating the previous-hop electronic device and the type of the first data transmission path.

[0034] According to the second aspect, the first data transmission path is used to transmit data between a single electronic device and the first electronic device; the first electronic device belongs to multiple electronic devices, and the first electronic device interacts with the access network device.

[0035] According to the second aspect, or any implementation of the second aspect above, the first instruction information is further used to instruct a single electronic device to stop transmitting data on a PLC connection and / or Wi-Fi connection other than the first data transmission path.

[0036] According to the second aspect, or any implementation thereof, when the computer program is executed by one or more processors, the device performs the following steps: receiving new PLC connection status information and new Wi-Fi connection status information sent by multiple electronic devices at a set period; determining, based on the new PLC connection status information and the new Wi-Fi connection status information, another upstream electronic device and the type of a second data transmission path between a single electronic device and another upstream electronic device; the type of the second data transmission path is at least one of the following: a PLC connection between a single electronic device and another upstream electronic device, or a Wi-Fi connection between a single electronic device and another upstream electronic device; sending second indication information to the single electronic device, the second indication information indicating the type of the other upstream electronic device and the second data transmission path.

[0037] According to the second aspect, or any implementation of the second aspect above, the second data transmission path is used to transmit data between a single electronic device and a first electronic device.

[0038] According to the second aspect, or any implementation of the second aspect above, the type of the first data transmission path is the same as the type of the second data transmission path.

[0039] According to the second aspect, or any implementation of the second aspect above, the type of the first data transmission path is different from the type of the second data transmission path.

[0040] According to the second aspect, or any implementation of the second aspect above, the second instruction information is also used to instruct a single electronic device to stop transmitting data on PLC connections and / or Wi-Fi connections other than the second data transmission path.

[0041] According to the second aspect, or any implementation thereof, when the computer program is executed by one or more processors, the device performs the following steps: obtaining communication quality parameters of at least one data transmission path between a single electronic device and the first electronic device based on first PLC connection status information and first Wi-Fi connection status information; the at least one data transmission path includes at least one PLC connection and at least one Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the first electronic device for data transmission; determining a third data transmission path for data interaction between the single electronic device and the first electronic device based on the communication quality parameters of the at least one data transmission path; the quality parameters of the third data transmission path satisfy a set first condition; the first data transmission path belongs to the third data transmission path.

[0042] According to the second aspect, or any implementation of the second aspect above, the first condition includes: if there are multiple data transmission paths between a single electronic device and the first electronic device, the third data transmission path is the path with the optimal communication quality parameters.

[0043] According to the second aspect, or any implementation of the second aspect above, the third data transmission path is a direct connection between a single electronic device and the first electronic device, the third data transmission path is a PLC connection between a single electronic device and the first electronic device, or the third data transmission path is a PLC connection and a Wi-Fi connection between a single electronic device and the first electronic device.

[0044] According to the second aspect, or any implementation of the second aspect above, the third data transmission path includes a single electronic device, a first electronic device, and at least one intermediate electronic device; the previous hop electronic device belongs to at least one intermediate electronic device; and at least one intermediate electronic device belongs to multiple electronic devices.

[0045] According to the second aspect, or any implementation of the second aspect above, the PLC connection between the single electronic device, the first electronic device, and at least one intermediate electronic device is in a tree structure.

[0046] According to the second aspect, or any implementation thereof, when the computer program is executed by one or more processors, the device performs the following steps: determining a first region and a second region based on first PLC connection status information; wherein, a first electronic device belongs to the first region and is a domain management node of the first region; the first region includes some electronic devices among a plurality of electronic devices, and the second region includes another portion of electronic devices among a plurality of electronic devices; the communication quality parameter of the PLC connection between any electronic device in the first region and any electronic device in the second region is less than a set first threshold; determining a second electronic device in the second region as a domain management node of the second region based on first Wi-Fi connection status information; the second electronic device interacts with electronic devices in the first region via a Wi-Fi connection, and the second electronic device belongs to a plurality of electronic devices; if a single electronic device belongs to the first region, obtaining the communication quality parameter of at least one data transmission path between the single electronic device and the first electronic device based on the first PLC connection status information and the first Wi-Fi connection status information; the at least one data transmission path includes at least one PLC connection and at least one Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the first electronic device for data transmission; Based on the communication quality parameters of at least one data transmission path between the single electronic device and the first electronic device, a fourth data transmission path for data interaction between the single electronic device and the first electronic device is determined; the quality parameters of the fourth data transmission path meet the set second condition; the first data transmission path belongs to the fourth data transmission path.

[0047] According to the second aspect, or any implementation thereof, when the computer program is executed by one or more processors, the device performs the following steps: if a single electronic device belongs to a second area, based on first PLC connection status information and first Wi-Fi connection status information, the communication quality parameters of at least one data transmission path between the single electronic device and the second electronic device are obtained; the at least one data transmission path includes at least one PLC connection and at least one Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the second electronic device for data transmission; based on the communication quality parameters of the at least one data transmission path between the single electronic device and the second electronic device, a fifth data transmission path for data interaction between the single electronic device and the second electronic device is determined; the quality parameters of the fifth data transmission path satisfy a set second condition; the first data transmission path belongs to the first data transmission path.

[0048] According to the second aspect, or any implementation of the second aspect above, the second condition includes: if there are multiple data transmission paths between the single electronic device and the first electronic device, the fourth data transmission path is the path with the optimal communication quality parameters; or, if there are multiple data transmission paths between the single electronic device and the second electronic device, the fifth data transmission path is the path with the optimal communication quality parameters.

[0049] According to the second aspect, or any implementation thereof, when the computer program is executed by one or more processors, the device performs the following steps: sending a third instruction message to a second electronic device to indicate that the second electronic device is a domain management node in the second area, and instructing the second electronic device to perform data interaction with electronic devices in the first area via a Wi-Fi connection, and stopping data transmission on the PLC connection between the second electronic device and each electronic device in the first area.

[0050] According to the second aspect, or any implementation thereof, when the computer program is executed by one or more processors, the device performs the following steps: sending a fourth instruction message to an electronic device other than the second electronic device in the second area, for indicating that the second electronic device is a domain management node in the second area.

[0051] According to the second aspect, or any implementation of the second aspect above, the previous hop electronic device is the first electronic device.

[0052] The second aspect and any implementation thereof correspond to the first aspect and any implementation thereof, respectively. The technical effects of the second aspect and any implementation thereof are similar to those of the first aspect and any implementation thereof, and will not be repeated here.

[0053] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable medium for storing a computer program, the computer program including instructions for performing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0054] The fourth aspect and any implementation thereof correspond to the first aspect and any implementation thereof, respectively. The technical effects of the fourth aspect and any implementation thereof are similar to those of the first aspect and any implementation thereof, and will not be repeated here.

[0055] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program including instructions for performing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0056] The fifth aspect and any implementation thereof correspond to the first aspect and any implementation thereof, respectively. The technical effects of the fifth aspect and any implementation thereof are similar to those of the first aspect and any implementation thereof, and will not be repeated here.

[0057] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip including a processing circuit and transceiver pins. The transceiver pins and the processing circuit communicate with each other via an internal connection path. The processing circuit executes the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect to control the receiving pin to receive signals and to control the transmitting pin to transmit signals.

[0058] The sixth aspect and any implementation thereof correspond to the first aspect and any implementation thereof, respectively. The technical effects of the sixth aspect and any implementation thereof are similar to those of the first aspect and any implementation thereof, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0059] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario;

[0060] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a network connection as an example.

[0061] Figure 3 This is an exemplary connection diagram of a PLC network;

[0062] Figure 4 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating the connection of a Wi-Fi network.

[0063] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a networking method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 6 This is one of the exemplary network topology diagrams;

[0065] Figure 7 This is one of the exemplary network topology diagrams;

[0066] Figure 8 This is one of the exemplary network topology diagrams;

[0067] Figure 9 This is one of the exemplary network topology diagrams;

[0068] Figure 10 This is one of the exemplary network topology diagrams;

[0069] Figure 11 This is an example of a device interaction diagram;

[0070] Figure 12 This is one of the exemplary network topology diagrams;

[0071] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0073] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0074] In this article, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0075] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order of objects. For example, "first target object" and "second target object," etc., are used to distinguish different target objects, not to describe a specific order of target objects.

[0076] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0077] In the description of the embodiments in this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. For example, multiple processing units means two or more processing units; multiple systems means two or more systems.

[0078] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary application scenario. For example... Figure 1As shown, this application scenario is a home scenario, which includes multiple rooms and network devices. The network devices include: node 1 in the study, node 2 in bedroom 1, node 3 in the living room, node 4 in the dining room, node 5 in bedroom 2, and node 6 in bedroom 3. For example, in this embodiment, nodes 1 through 6 are all routers. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The scenarios shown, along with the number, type, and distribution of electronic devices within them, are merely illustrative examples. Other embodiments may include more or fewer electronic devices, and this application is not limiting. Furthermore, each room may optionally include terminal devices (not shown in the figures). For example, bedroom 1 may include terminal devices with Wi-Fi capabilities, such as mobile phones, wearable devices, and laptops. Optionally, the terminal devices in bedroom 1 can connect to node 2 to interact with the network side via a Wi-Fi connection with node 2. Of course, the terminal devices in bedroom 1 may also connect to node 1, and this application is not limiting.

[0079] Still refer to Figure 1 For example, Node 1 in this embodiment can be referred to as the main router or main node. Optionally, Node 1 connects to an access network device (not shown in the figure) and performs data interaction. For example, the access network device can be used to send data sent by Node 1 (which can also be understood as user-side) to the network side, or it can transmit data sent by the network side to Node 1. Optionally, the access network device can be an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) or a Digital Subscriber Line Modem, etc., and this application is not limited thereto. For example, Node 1 itself can also be a device that integrates the functions of an access network device, that is, Node 1 can act as a node for data interaction between the home network side and the network side.

[0080] It should be noted that, Figure 1 Any electronic device in the scenario can act as the main router, i.e., connected to the access network device. This application embodiment only uses node 1 as an example for illustration. This application is not limiting.

[0081] Figure 2 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating a network connection. Figure 2 As shown, the home network includes a PLC network and a Wi-Fi network. The PLC network consists of multiple PLC connections within the network, and the Wi-Fi network consists of multiple Wi-Fi connections within the network. For example, Figure 2 Solid lines in the diagram represent PLC connections, and dashed lines represent Wi-Fi connections. Optionally, Figure 2The network connection method shown in this embodiment can be referred to as the initial network connection state, the initial networking state, or the initial home networking state. For example, any two nodes from node 1 to node 6 interact via a PLC connection. For example, node 1 interacts with node 2, node 1 interacts with node 3, node 3 interacts with node 4, node 4 interacts with node 5, and node 4 interacts with node 6 via Wi-Fi connections.

[0082] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection of a PLC network as an example. Figure 3 As shown, nodes 1 and 2 exchange data via PLC connection 301. Nodes 1 and 3 exchange data via PLC connection 302. Nodes 1 and 4 exchange data via PLC connection 303. Nodes 1 and 5 exchange data via PLC connection 304. Nodes 1 and 6 exchange data via PLC connection 305. Nodes 2 and 3 exchange data via PLC connection 306. Nodes 2 and 4 exchange data via PLC connection 307. Nodes 2 and 5 exchange data via PLC connection 308. Nodes 2 and 6 exchange data via PLC connection 309. Nodes 3 and 4 exchange data via PLC connection 310. Nodes 3 and 5 exchange data via PLC connection 311. Nodes 3 and 6 exchange data via PLC connection 312. Nodes 4 and 5 exchange data via PLC connection 313. Node 4 and Node 6 exchange data via PLC connection 314. Node 5 and Node 6 exchange data via PLC connection 315.

[0083] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 4 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating the connection of a Wi-Fi network. Figure 4 As shown, Node 1 and Node 2 exchange data via Wi-Fi connection 401. Node 1 and Node 3 exchange data via Wi-Fi connection 402. Node 3 and Node 4 exchange data via Wi-Fi connection 403. Node 4 and Node 5 exchange data via Wi-Fi connection 404. Node 4 and Node 6 exchange data via Wi-Fi connection 405.

[0084] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the relevant technologies of PLC network and Wi-Fi network are briefly described below.

[0085] PLC networks, also known as power line networks, refer to the transmission of data or information using digital signal processing methods over existing power lines. PLC technology uses existing low-frequency (50 / 60 Hz) power lines to transmit broadband data. Compared to Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology, which uses telephone lines, and Cable Modem (CM) technology, which uses coaxial cable lines from cable television, power line communication technology essentially eliminates the need for laying new network cabling. Furthermore, the geographical coverage of power lines is far greater than that of other types of communication networks.

[0086] Broadband technologies for power line communication currently mainly include Homeplug AV and ITU-T G.hn. Both technologies employ Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) modulation. OFDM modulation offers advantages in ensuring stable and complete data transmission even in communication environments with severe electromagnetic interference.

[0087] The advantage of power line communication lies in the wide coverage of power lines, which naturally extend to residential homes and stairwells. However, the challenge lies in the fact that power lines are not specifically designed for communication. The load impedance and noise interference on these lines change in real time, significantly limiting transmission speeds and placing higher demands on transceiver design. The most significant impact on power line channels comes from various electrical loads added by users along the power lines, primarily due to the introduction of time-varying load impedance and noise variations described above.

[0088] In power line networks, attenuation occurs not only in the lines themselves but also in facilities such as circuit breakers and meters. For example, circuit breakers introduce attenuation, and if different nodes are located on different circuits of the circuit breaker, the attenuation will be further amplified by the existing power line attenuation. For instance, in some scenarios, a user's home may have two meters, and in such cases, different nodes may be connected across meters, which could further increase attenuation.

[0089] Meanwhile, power line deployment also presents different scenarios: single-phase and three-phase power, referring to the cases of single and three-phase wires entering the house, respectively. Large houses and villas often use three-phase power to ensure power supply. In three-phase scenarios, different nodes may cross different phase wires, affecting power line communication. For example, multiple nodes located on different circuits of an air switch, or on opposite sides of a dual meter, or crossing different phase wires, will all result in better performance between nodes within the same circuit of the air switch, on the same meter side, or on the same phase wire. However, performance will deteriorate between nodes crossing circuits, meters, or phase wires, and may even prevent the establishment of a PLC connection. Therefore, PLC connection quality is unstable, and the achieved speed varies depending on the scenario and time.

[0090] WLAN currently uses any of the IEEE 802.11 series of protocols, such as IEEE 802.11be (also known as Wi-Fi 7). A WLAN can include one or more basic service sets (BSS), and the network nodes in a BSS include access points (APs) and stations (STAs).

[0091] An AP, also known as a wireless access point or hotspot, is an access point for mobile users to access a wired network. It is primarily deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, but can also be deployed outdoors. The main function of an AP is to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to an Ethernet network. Specifically, an AP can be a terminal device or network device with a wireless Wi-Fi chip. Optionally, an AP can be a device that supports multiple WLAN standards such as 802.11.

[0092] A Standalone (STA) is a terminal device (electronic device) with Wi-Fi communication capabilities that connects to a wireless network. STAs can support various wireless local area network (WLAN) standards of the 802.11 family, such as 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0093] For example, the Wi-Fi networking in the embodiments of this application can be understood as the Wi-Fi network in the initial networking adopting Wi-Fi mesh technology. The specific networking process of Wi-Fi mesh technology can refer to existing technologies, and this application does not limit it. It should be noted that the Wi-Fi network using Wi-Fi mesh technology components can be star-shaped, tree-shaped, etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0094] Figure 4 As shown Figure 2 A diagram illustrating the Wi-Fi network. Please refer to [the diagram / reference]. Figure 4 In this embodiment of the application, a tree structure is used as an example of the Wi-Fi network in the initial network. For example, for node 1 and node 2, node 1 is equivalent to an access point (AP), and node 2 is connected to node 1. Accordingly, node 2 is equivalent to a standby device (STA). For node 2, the terminal devices connected to node 2, such as mobile phones, laptops, wearable devices, and televisions, are STAs, and node 2 is equivalent to an AP.

[0095] Please continue to refer to Figure 4 For example, for nodes 1 and 3, node 1 is equivalent to AP, and node 3 is equivalent to STA. For nodes 3 and 4, node 3 is equivalent to AP, and node 4 is equivalent to STA. For nodes 4, 5, and 6, node 4 is equivalent to AP, and nodes 5 and 6 are equivalent to STA.

[0096] To significantly improve the service transmission rate of WLAN systems, the IEEE 802.11ax standard further adopts orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) technology on the basis of existing OFDM technology. OFDMA technology supports multiple nodes to send and receive data simultaneously, thereby achieving multi-site diversity gain.

[0097] In the evolution from 802.11a through 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac to 802.11ax, the available frequency bands included 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. As more frequency bands were opened, the maximum channel bandwidth supported by 802.11 expanded from 20 MHz to 40 MHz and then to 160 MHz. In 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opened a new free frequency band, 6 GHz (5925-7125 MHz). In their project authorization requests (PARs), 802.11ax standard workers extended the operating range of 802.11ax devices from 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. The Wi-Fi connection between nodes in this application embodiment can be a 2.4 GHz connection, a 5 GHz connection, or other frequency bands; this application does not limit this. For example, each Wi-Fi connection can be on the same frequency band or on different frequency bands. For example, this application embodiment only illustrates a single Wi-Fi connection between each Wi-Fi network. In other embodiments, if the node's hardware capabilities support it, the Wi-Fi connection between nodes can also be a dual Wi-Fi connection, and this application does not limit this.

[0098] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a networking method provided in an embodiment of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 5 Specifically, it includes:

[0099] S101, Nodes 2 to 6 send the communication quality parameters of each connection to Node 1.

[0100] For example, in this embodiment, the controller or control program is located at node 1. That is, in this embodiment, node 1 is a control device, or an execution entity. In other embodiments, the controller or control program may be located on any node, or it may be located in a separate device. This application does not impose any limitations.

[0101] It should be noted that if the controller or control program is set in a separate device, that is, there is a separate control device in the scene, the control device can interact with each node in the scene through PLC connection, Wi-Fi connection and / or Ethernet connection, etc.

[0102] For example, each node (e.g., node 2 to node 6) sends communication quality parameters of the connection to node 1. For example, the "connection" may optionally be a direct connection between nodes, wherein a direct connection includes a PLC connection and / or a Wi-Fi connection.

[0103] For example, combined with Figures 2-4 Taking node 6 as an example, the communication quality parameters sent by node 6 to node 1 include: the communication quality parameters of PLC connection 305 between node 6 and node 1, the communication quality parameters of PLC connection 309 between node 6 and node 2, the communication quality parameters of PLC connection 312 between node 6 and node 3, the communication quality parameters of PLC connection 314 between node 6 and node 4, the communication quality parameters of PLC connection 315 between node 6 and node 5, and the communication quality parameters of Wi-Fi connection 405 between node 6 and node 4. Other nodes are similar to node 6, and will not be listed individually here.

[0104] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the connections reported by each node include uplink connections and downlink connections. Uplink connections are used to transmit data sent from node 1 to node 1. Downlink connections are used to transmit data sent from node 1 to node 1. In other words, the communication quality parameters of the connections reported by each node include the communication quality parameters of the uplink connection and / or the communication quality parameters of the downlink connection. For example, the communication quality parameters of the PLC connection 305 between node 6 and node 1 reported by node 6 include the communication transmission quality when PLC connection 305 is used as an uplink connection to transmit data sent from node 6 to node 1, and also the communication transmission quality when PLC connection 305 is used as a downlink connection to transmit data sent from node 1 to node 6. That is to say, the PLC connections and Wi-Fi connections, as well as the communication quality of the PLC connections and Wi-Fi connections described in this embodiment, all include both uplink and downlink connections, which will not be repeated below.

[0105] For example, communication quality parameters are used to indicate the communication quality of the connection, or the connection status. For example, communication quality parameters include at least one of the following: SNR (Signal Noise Ratio), RSRP (Reference Signal Receiving Power), RSRQ (Reference Signal Receiving Quality), RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication), transmission rate, etc. The method by which each node obtains communication quality parameters can refer to the methods in existing technical embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0106] For example, this embodiment uses transmission rate as a communication quality parameter for illustration. For example, each node sends the connection identification information, connection type, and corresponding transmission rate to node 1.

[0107] Optionally, the connection identification information can be an endpoint and an endpoint name. For example, the identification information of PLC connection 315 can be (Node 6 - Node 5), the connection type is PLC connection, and the corresponding transmission rate is 20Mbps. Accordingly, the relevant information of PLC connection 315 sent by Node 6 to Node 1 includes, but is not limited to: the identification information of PLC connection 315 (including the identification information of Node 6 and Node 5, or the connection ID), the connection type (PLC connection), and the transmission rate (20Mbps). It should be noted that the connection identification information, type, and transmission rate in the embodiments of this application are all illustrative examples and are not limited thereto.

[0108] S102, Node 1 determines the communication method between nodes based on the communication quality parameters of each connection.

[0109] For example, Node 1 can receive information related to all connections (hereinafter referred to as direct connections) sent by each node, including but not limited to: connection identification information, connection type information, and connection communication quality parameters. For example, in this embodiment, Node 1 acts as a control device and pre-stores an arbitration strategy. Node 1 can determine the communication method between nodes based on the received information related to direct connections sent by each node, according to the set arbitration strategy.

[0110] Optionally, the arbitration strategy is used to indicate the optimal communication quality parameters of the data transmission path between the node and the master node. This can also be understood as Node 1 selecting the communication method for each node, with the aim of ensuring optimal communication quality of the data transmission path between the node and the master node (i.e., Node 1).

[0111] It should be noted that the concepts of data transmission path and transmission path in the embodiments of this application are different. The data transmission path is the path (or channel) selected by the control device (e.g., node 1) for each node to transmit data. The transmission path may optionally be a direct connection between nodes (including PLC connection and / or Wi-Fi connection). The transmission path may optionally be a path from each node to node 1 that can be used to transmit data. This path may optionally include a direct connection between a node and node 1 (including PLC connection and / or Wi-Fi connection), or it may include a path from a node to node 1 through other nodes, or it can be understood as a path to node 1 via one or more hops. Optionally, there may be multiple transmission paths between a node and node 1, meaning there are multiple paths available for data transmission between a node and node 1. The data transmission path between a node and node 1 is at least one of these multiple transmission paths. The arbitration strategy in the embodiments of this application is used to select one or more transmission paths with the best communication quality from among the multiple transmission paths as the data transmission path between the node and the master node.

[0112] The concepts of data transmission path and transmission path are explained in detail below with specific examples:

[0113] For example, taking node 6 as an example, combined with... Figures 2-4 The transmission paths between node 6 and the master node (i.e., node 1) include: node 1-node 6, node 1-node 2-node 6, node 1-node 2-node 3-node 6, node 1-node 2-node 3-node 4-node 6, node 1-node 2-node 3-node 4-node 5-node 6, node 1-node 3-node 6, node 1-node 3-node 4-node 6, node 1-node 3-node 4-node 5-node 6, etc., which will not be listed in detail in this application.

[0114] It should be noted that, as mentioned above, connections are divided into uplink connections and downlink connections, and correspondingly, transmission paths are also divided into uplink transmission paths and downlink transmission paths. Taking nodes 1 and 6 as an example, the transmission path (node ​​6-node 1) represents the uplink connection, i.e., the uplink transmission path, while the transmission path (node ​​1-node 6) represents the downlink connection, i.e., the downlink transmission path. This will not be repeated below.

[0115] It should be further noted that the above transmission path includes PLC connections and / or Wi-Fi connections between two nodes. For example, a transmission path of node 1-node 6 indicates that this transmission path includes PLC connection 305 between node 1 and node 6. A transmission path of node 1-node 3-node 4-node 6 indicates that the transmission path includes PLC connection 302 and Wi-Fi connection 402 between node 1 and node 3, PLC connection 310 and Wi-Fi connection 403 between node 3 and node 4, and PLC connection 314 and Wi-Fi connection 405 between node 4 and node 6. Other transmission paths are similar and will not be illustrated individually here.

[0116] It should be further noted that the embodiments in this application are illustrated using the example of PLC connections between all nodes. In other embodiments, there may be cases where two nodes only have a Wi-Fi connection and no PLC connection. For example, if the direct path between node 1 and node 6 only includes a Wi-Fi connection and does not include a PLC connection, then node 1-node 6 represents the Wi-Fi connection between node 1 and node 6.

[0117] For example, the communication quality parameters of the transmission path in this application embodiment may optionally be the communication quality parameters corresponding to the connection with the worst communication quality parameters on the transmission path.

[0118] For example, such as Figure 6As shown, taking the transmission path as Node 1-Node 3-Node 4-Node 6 as an example, it can also be understood as one of the downlink transmission paths from Node 1 to Node 6. For example, the transmission path Node 1-Node 3-Node 4-Node 6 can be considered as consisting of the transmission path between Node 1 and Node 3 (also called a direct connection or direct path), the transmission path between Node 3 and Node 4, and the transmission path between Node 4 and Node 6. For example, the transmission path between Node 1 and Node 3 includes PLC connection 302 and Wi-Fi connection 402. The transmission rate of PLC connection 302 is 100Mbps, and the transmission rate of Wi-Fi connection 402 is 400Mbps. Correspondingly, the transmission rate of the transmission path between Node 1 and Node 3 is the sum of the transmission rates of PLC connection 302 and Wi-Fi connection 402, which is 500Mbps. For example, the transmission path between Node 3 and Node 4 includes PLC connection 310 and Wi-Fi connection 403. The transmission rate of PLC connection 410 is 200Mbps, and the transmission rate of Wi-Fi connection 403 is 50Mbps. Accordingly, the transmission rate of the path between node 3 and node 4 is the sum of the transmission rates of PLC connection 310 and Wi-Fi connection 403, which is 250Mbps. For example, the transmission path between node 4 and node 6 includes PLC connection 314 and Wi-Fi connection 405. The transmission rate of PLC connection 314 is 30Mbps, and the transmission rate of Wi-Fi connection 405 is 20Mbps. Accordingly, the transmission rate of the path between node 4 and node 6 is the sum of the transmission rates of PLC connection 314 and Wi-Fi connection 405, which is 50Mbps. For example, the transmission rate of the path Node 1-Node 3-Node 4-Node 6 is the lowest among the multiple transmission paths included in that path, which is the transmission rate (50Mbps) of the path between node 4 and node 6.

[0119] It should be noted that the embodiments in this application are only illustrated using transmission rate as an example. In other embodiments, the communication quality parameter may be the worst or the maximum communication quality parameter among multiple transmission paths, and this application does not limit it.

[0120] For example, Node 1 can obtain the communication quality parameters corresponding to each of the multiple transmission paths (including each uplink transmission path and each downlink transmission path) between Node 6 and Node 1 in the manner described above. For example, Node 1 can select the data transmission channel with the best quality for each node according to the arbitration strategy, based on the communication quality parameters of each transmission path, the communication quality parameters of each PLC connection, and the communication quality parameters of each Wi-Fi connection.

[0121] For example, still taking node 4 as an example, in one example, the data transmission path between node 4 and node 1 may optionally include: a PLC connection 310 and a Wi-Fi connection 403 between node 4 and node 3, and a PLC connection 302 and a Wi-Fi connection 402 between node 3 and node 1. Therefore, it can be determined that the communication method of each node on this path is as follows: the upstream device of node 4 is node 3, and node 4 interacts with node 3 through PLC connection 310 and Wi-Fi connection 403. The upstream device of node 3 is node 1, and node 3 interacts with node 1 through PLC connection 302 and Wi-Fi connection 402.

[0122] In another example, the data transmission path between node 4 and node 1 may optionally include: a Wi-Fi connection 403 between node 4 and node 3, a PLC connection 302 between node 3 and node 1, and a Wi-Fi connection 402. Therefore, the communication method of each node on this path is as follows: node 4's upstream device is node 3, and node 4 interacts with node 3 via Wi-Fi connection 403. Node 3's upstream device is node 1, and node 3 interacts with node 1 via PLC connection 302 and Wi-Fi connection 402.

[0123] It should be noted that the upstream device (also called the upstream node) can optionally be the device that sends data to the master node when a node sends data to the master node. The upstream device then forwards the data to the master node. Alternatively, the upstream device may forward the data through multiple hops (i.e., through multiple nodes) to the master node. The next-hop device can optionally be the device that sends data to the master node when the master node sends data to a node. The next-hop device then forwards the data at least once before transmitting it to the corresponding node. For example, when node 4 sends data to node 1, node 4 sends the data to node 3. Node 3 is node 4's upstream device. Node 3 forwards the data to node 1, making node 1 node 3's upstream device. When node 1 sends data to node 4, node 1 sends the data to node 3, making node 3 node 1's next-hop device. Node 3 forwards the data to node 4, making node 4 node 3's next-hop device.

[0124] S103, Node 1 instructs Nodes 2 to 6 on the communication method between each node.

[0125] For example, after determining the data transmission path between nodes, node 1 can determine the communication method between nodes on the data transmission path. Each node can, based on the communication method indicated by node 1, interact with a specified upstream device through a specified connection method to send data to node 1, or interact with a specified next-hop device through a specified connection method to receive data sent by node 1.

[0126] For example, taking node 6 as an example, node 1 determines the optimal data transmission path between node 6 and node 1 as the PLC connection 305 between node 6 and node 1 based on the communication quality parameters of each connection uploaded by each node. For instance, node 1 can indicate to node 6 that the data transmission path between them is the PLC connection 305. Accordingly, node 6 can interact with node 1 based on the PLC connection 305.

[0127] It should be noted that for other connections of node 6 (referring to non-data transmission paths), such as the PLC connections between node 6 and nodes 2, 3, 4, and 5, and the Wi-Fi connection between node 6 and node 4, in one example, these non-data transmission paths can maintain their connection. Optionally, each node can periodically or triggerically report the communication quality parameters of each connection to node 1. Accordingly, node 1 can dynamically adjust the communication mode for each node based on the above method. The term "triggerically" can optionally mean that node 1 detects that the communication quality parameter with a certain node is lower than a set threshold, or it can be based on other set triggering conditions; this application does not limit this.

[0128] In another example, this type of non-data transmission path can also be released (or disconnected) to save air interface resources.

[0129] The execution method of other nodes is similar to that of node 6, and will not be illustrated with examples for each node in this application.

[0130] In one possible implementation, if the control device is another node or a separate device, the steps it performs are the same as those performed by node 1. Optionally, node 1 may not need to report the communication quality parameters of the connection.

[0131] For example, in the embodiments of this application only... Figure 1 The following explanation uses each node as an example. It should be noted that other scenarios can be implemented according to the networking method in the embodiments of this application, and this application will not provide further examples.

[0132] It should be noted that many factors affect the communication quality parameters of the connection between two nodes, such as... Figure 1As shown, a load-bearing wall may separate node 5 and node 4. The load-bearing wall significantly affects the Wi-Fi signal, causing substantial signal attenuation and resulting in poor communication quality for the Wi-Fi connection between node 5 and node 4. For example, due to the load-bearing wall, the transmission rate of the Wi-Fi connection between node 5 and node 4 may only be 20Mbps. In this embodiment, node 1 selects a PLC connection between node 5 and node 1 as the data transmission path, for example, the transmission rate of this connection can reach 300Mbps. Node 5 can then interact with node 1 via PLC connection 304 instead of transmitting data over Wi-Fi connection 404, thereby reducing the impact of the large transmission delay of Wi-Fi connection 404 on the data transmission efficiency between node 5 and node 1.

[0133] It should be further noted that if a node has multiple transmission paths, the node may send data on each path. As mentioned above, the PLC network uses OFDM for data transmission. Furthermore, similar to Wi-Fi, some PLC connections may have poor communication quality parameters. However, because nodes share resources, sending the same amount of data at a lower rate via a poorer connection consumes more resources, thus lowering the overall performance of the PLC system. Accordingly, Figure 1 The networking method will affect the overall throughput of the system.

[0134] Furthermore, in this embodiment, other PLC connections besides the data transmission path are released, or only the connection is maintained without transmitting data, to simplify the network topology, with the aim of improving the overall data throughput of the system.

[0135] The arbitration strategies in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with several specific examples.

[0136] Scene 1

[0137] Combination Figures 2-4 For example, as described above, Node 1 can receive communication quality parameters for all PLC connections (including uplink and downlink connections) and all Wi-Fi connections (including uplink and downlink connections) sent by Nodes 2 to 6. Node 1 can also receive connection identification information and other information corresponding to each connection.

[0138] For example, Node 1 can determine multiple transmission paths between each node and Node 1, as well as the corresponding communication quality parameters for each transmission path, based on the communication quality parameters received from each connection.

[0139] Figure 7 This is an exemplary network topology diagram. Figure 7As shown, for example, based on the communication quality parameters corresponding to multiple transmission paths between node 6 and node 1, node 1 determines that the PLC connection 305 between node 6 and node 1 is the transmission path with the optimal communication quality parameters. Accordingly, node 1 determines the data transmission path between node 6 and node 1 as the PLC connection 305 between node 6 and node 1. Based on the communication quality parameters corresponding to multiple transmission paths between node 5 and node 1, node 1 determines that the PLC connection 304 between node 5 and node 1 is the transmission path with the optimal communication quality. Accordingly, node 1 determines the data transmission path between node 5 and node 1 as the PLC connection 304 between node 5 and node 1. Similarly, based on the communication quality parameters corresponding to multiple transmission paths between node 4 and node 1, node 1 determines that the data transmission path between node 4 and node 1 includes the PLC connection 310 and Wi-Fi connection 403 between node 4 and node 3, and the PLC connection 302 and Wi-Fi connection 402 between node 3 and node 1. Based on the communication quality parameters of the multiple transmission paths between Node 3 and Node 1, Node 1 determines the data transmission path between Node 3 and Node 1 to be the PLC connection 302 and Wi-Fi connection 402. Based on the communication quality parameters of the multiple transmission paths between Node 2 and Node 1, Node 1 determines the data transmission path between Node 2 and Node 1 to be the PLC connection 301 and Wi-Fi connection 401. In other words, the data transmission path between each node is the transmission path with the optimal communication quality parameters among the multiple transmission paths between Node 3 and Node 1.

[0140] It should be noted that, as mentioned above, the transmission path includes uplink and downlink transmission paths. When selecting a data transmission path, for the same transmission path, such as the transmission path between node 6 and node 1 (i.e., PLC connection 305), the communication quality parameter of this transmission path can be the sum of the transmission rate of the uplink transmission path and the transmission rate of the downlink transmission path. Of course, to avoid a situation where the communication quality parameter of a certain path is good in one direction (e.g., the uplink transmission path) while the communication quality parameter of the other direction (e.g., the downlink transmission path) is poor, for example, the transmission rate is less than 20Mbps (the specific value can be set based on actual needs; this application does not predetermine this). In one example, this transmission path may not be selected as the data transmission path; that is, the data transmission path is determined from other transmission paths where both the uplink and downlink transmission paths have good communication quality (e.g., both exceed their respective threshold requirements). In another example, when calculating the communication quality parameter of this transmission path, only the communication quality parameter of the transmission path with good communication quality, i.e., the transmission path exceeding the threshold (e.g., the uplink transmission path), can be taken as the communication quality parameter of this transmission path.

[0141] It should be further noted that, unless otherwise specified, the connection, transmission path or data transmission path described in the embodiments of this application include uplink and downlink, which will not be repeated below.

[0142] For example, Node 1 can determine the communication method between nodes based on each transmission path. For example, the communication methods between nodes include: Node 1 is the upstream device of Node 6, and Node 6 and Node 1 can interact with each other via PLC connection 305. Node 1 is the upstream device of Node 5, and Node 5 and Node 1 can interact with each other via PLC connection 304. Node 3 is the upstream device of Node 4, and Node 4 and Node 3 can interact with each other via PLC connection 310 and Wi-Fi connection 402. Node 1 is the upstream device of Node 3, and Node 3 and Node 1 can interact with each other via PLC connection 302 and Wi-Fi connection 402. Node 1 is the upstream device of Node 2, and Node 2 and Node 1 can interact with each other via PLC connection 301 and Wi-Fi connection 401. Of course, this embodiment only illustrates the example of Node 1 determining the upstream device of each node. In other embodiments, Node 1 can also determine the next-hop device of each node, which is not limited in this application.

[0143] For example, Node 1 indicates to Node 6 that its upstream device is Node 1, and the connection method is PLC connection 305. For example, Node 1 can send its identification information and connection identification information to Node 6. Optionally, the identification information of Node 1 can be the device name, routing address, and MAC address of Node 1, etc., which is not limited in this application. The connection identification information can be referred to above, and will not be repeated here. Similar to Node 6, Node 1 indicates to each node the upstream device and connection method of each node.

[0144] For example, each node receives the communication method indicated by Node 1. Optionally, each node can save the specified upstream device and the specified connection method to its memory. Optionally, each node can write the specified upstream device and the specified connection method into its routing table. For example, Node 4 writes the identification information of Node 3, the identification information of PLC connection 310, and the identification information of Wi-Fi connection 403 into its routing table. For example, if a mobile phone connects to Node 4, the mobile phone can send data to Node 4. Node 4 can send the data to Node 3 via PLC connection 310 and / or Wi-Fi connection 403. Node 3 can send the data to Node 1 via PLC connection 302 and / or Wi-Fi connection 402. Node 1 can send the data to the access network device, and the access network device will then send the data to the network side. It should be noted that during data transmission, if the connection between a node and its upstream device includes both a PLC connection and a Wi-Fi connection, the node can choose one of the connections, such as the PLC connection, for data transmission. The selection method can be the connection with the optimal communication quality parameters between the PLC connection and the Wi-Fi connection. This application does not impose any limitations. Optionally, nodes can also transmit data via PLC connection and Wi-Fi connection through load sharing. The specific data transmission method can be set based on actual needs, and this application does not impose any limitations.

[0145] Scene 2

[0146] Combination Figures 1-4 , Figure 8 This is an exemplary network topology diagram. Figure 8 As shown, the user's home network uses three-phase power, with nodes 1, 2, and 3 connected to one phase line. Nodes 4, 5, and 6 are connected to the other phase line. As mentioned above, while using three-phase power ensures a stable power supply, the different nodes may cross different phase lines, potentially affecting power line communication. Figure 8 In the scenario shown, the communication quality parameter of the PLC connection between nodes of different phases is 0 (or it can be any other value less than a set communication threshold, which can be set according to actual conditions and is not limited in this application). For example, the transmission rate of the PLC connection 305 between node 6 and node 1 is 0. Optionally, there may not be a PLC connection between node 6 and node 1. That is, nodes 4, 5, and 6 cannot interact with nodes 1, 2, and 3 via PLC connection. It should be noted that this application embodiment only uses the example of poor communication quality of PLC connections between different regions caused by cross-regional phase lines for illustration. In other embodiments, the reason for poor communication quality of PLC connections between different regions may also be due to different meters corresponding to different regions, etc., and this application is not limited in this regard.

[0147] For example, Node 1 can determine whether the network needs to be divided into two or more independent PLC domains based on the communication quality parameters of all received PLC connections. Here, PLC domains correspond to the same phase power; that is, the communication quality parameters of PLC connections between nodes within the same PLC domain are greater than or equal to a set threshold, while the communication quality parameters of PLC connections between nodes in different PLC domains are less than the set threshold. Taking transmission rate as an example, the transmission rate of PLC connections between nodes within the same PLC domain is greater than or equal to 20 Mbps (this can be set according to actual needs, and this application does not limit it). However, the transmission rate of PLC connections between any two nodes in different PLC domains is less than 20 Mbps.

[0148] like Figure 8 As shown, for example, Node 1 can detect, based on the communication quality parameters of all received PLC connections, that the communication quality parameters of any PLC connection between Node 1, Node 2, and Node 3 and Nodes 4, Node 5, and Node 6 are all less than a set threshold. Node 1 can determine that multiple PLC domains need to be divided. For example, Node 1 can further determine that the communication quality parameters of the PLC connections between Node 1, Node 2, and Node 3 are greater than a set threshold, for example, a transmission rate greater than 20 Mbps. And, the communication quality parameters of the PLC connections between Node 4, Node 5, and Node 6 are greater than a set threshold, for example, a transmission rate greater than 20 Mbps. Accordingly, Node 1 can determine that Node 1, Node 2, and Node 3 belong to the same PLC domain (e.g., PLC domain 1), and Node 4, Node 5, and Node 6 belong to the same PLC domain (e.g., PLC domain 2).

[0149] Furthermore, node 1 detects whether a reliable transmission channel exists between the different areas. This embodiment uses the existence of a Wi-Fi connection between different areas as an example. In other embodiments, the same applies if a reliable transmission path such as Ethernet exists between different areas. Figure 9 As shown, exemplarily, node 1 can further determine, based on the communication quality parameters of all received Wi-Fi connections, that there exists a Wi-Fi connection 403 between PLC domain 1 and PLC domain 2, i.e., a Wi-Fi connection between node 4 and node 3. Exemplarily, node 1 detects whether the communication quality parameters of Wi-Fi connection 403 are greater than or equal to a set threshold. It should be noted that this threshold can be the same as or different from the threshold used to determine the PLC domain, and this application does not limit it. In this embodiment, the two thresholds are the same as an example. Exemplarily, node 1 detects whether the communication quality parameters of Wi-Fi connection 403 are greater than or equal to a set threshold, for example, whether the transmission rate is greater than or equal to 20 Mbps.

[0150] In one example, if the Wi-Fi connection between two PLC domains is less than a set threshold, Node 1 can determine and instruct the other two nodes in the two domains to attempt to establish a Wi-Fi connection and report communication quality parameters. Optionally, if the reported communication quality parameters are greater than or equal to the set threshold, each node re-establishes the Wi-Fi network. That is, after re-establishing the Wi-Fi network, a reliable Wi-Fi connection can exist between the two domains, i.e., a Wi-Fi connection with communication quality parameters greater than the set threshold. It should be noted that if the communication quality parameters of the Wi-Fi connection between any two nodes in the two domains are all less than the set threshold, no domain splitting is performed. Here, "domain splitting" can optionally mean dividing the network into multiple PLC domains. It should be further noted that, even without domain splitting, the process of selecting a data transmission path from multiple transmission paths described above can still be executed.

[0151] In another example, if the Wi-Fi connection between two PLC domains exceeds a set threshold, Node 1 can determine that one end of the Wi-Fi connection is a domain management device within the PLC domain to which that device belongs. Here, "one end" refers to the other end within a PLC domain other than that to which Node 1 belongs. For example, as... Figure 9 As shown, Node 1 is a domain management device (also called a domain management node) within the PLC domain. When Node 1 divides the network into two or more PLC domains, new domain management devices need to be set up for other domains outside the PLC domain where Node 1 resides. For example, if Node 1 determines that it belongs to PLC domain 1, then a new domain management device needs to be set up for PLC domain 2. Node 1 connects the Wi-Fi connection 403 between the two PLC domains to the end that does not belong to PLC domain 1, i.e., Node 4, as the domain management node of PLC domain 2. It should be noted that in this embodiment, only one end of the Wi-Fi connection between different domains is used as an example for illustration. In other embodiments, the domain management device in PLC domain 2 or other new PLC domains can be any node in the PLC domain. This application does not limit this. Of course, the domain management device in PLC domain 1 can also be any node other than Node 1. This application does not limit this.

[0152] It should be further noted that the domain management device is used to manage node registration, deregistration, and resource allocation within the domain. This device corresponds to the Domain Master defined in the G.hn protocol or the Center Coordinator defined in the Homeplug protocol.

[0153] For example, Node 1 can further determine the data transmission path from each node to the domain management device of its domain based on the communication quality parameters of all received PLC connections and Wi-Fi connections. Its specific implementation is similar to Scenario 1, as illustrated by an example... Figure 10 As shown, taking node 6 as an example, node 1 determines multiple transmission paths between node 6 and the domain management device (node ​​4) within its PLC domain (i.e., PLC domain 2), and the corresponding communication quality parameters for each transmission path, based on the communication quality parameters of all PLC connections and the Wi-Fi connection. For example, node 1 can determine that the data transmission path between node 6 and node 4 includes Wi-Fi connection 405 and PLC connection 314, based on the communication quality parameters corresponding to each transmission path. The steps for other nodes are similar. For example, node 1 determines that the data transmission path between node 5 and node 4 includes PLC connection 313 and Wi-Fi connection 404. Node 1 determines that the data transmission path between node 1 and node 2 includes PLC connection 301 and Wi-Fi connection 401. And, node 1 determines that the data transmission path between node 1 and node 3 includes PLC connection 302 and Wi-Fi connection 402. It should be noted that, as mentioned above, the domain management device can be any device within the PLC domain.

[0154] Optionally, if the domain management device is not node 4, i.e., one end of the Wi-Fi connection between two PLC domains, then when determining the data transmission path, node 1 determines the data transmission path for the node based on multiple transmission paths between the node and node 4, i.e., between the PLC domain to which the node belongs and one end of the Wi-Fi connection between other PLC domains.

[0155] For example, in this embodiment, node 1 identifies node 4 as the domain management device. Accordingly, node 1 needs to indicate to node 4 that it will act as the domain management device for the PLC domain. Furthermore, node 1 also needs to indicate the domain management device to other nodes within the PLC domain, so that each node in the PLC domain registers with the new domain management device. The specific interaction method is as follows: Figure 11 As shown. (Refer to...) Figure 11 Specifically, it includes:

[0156] S201, Node 1 sends a request message to Node 4.

[0157] For example, node 1 sends a request message to node 4, instructing node 4 to act as a new domain management device. Optionally, the request message may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: identification information of the PLC domain (e.g., domain ID), or domain management instruction information. The domain management instruction information is used to indicate to the device receiving the instruction, i.e., node 4, that it will act as a domain management device.

[0158] S202, Node 1 sends domain management device update instruction information to Node 5 and Node 6.

[0159] For example, Node 1 sends a domain management device update instruction to Nodes 5 and 6, instructing Nodes 5 and 6 to leave their previous PLC domain and join a new PLC domain. Optionally, this instruction may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: identification information of the new domain management device, domain member identification information, or domain identification information. The identification information of the new domain management device is the identification information of Node 4, such as its device name and MAC address. The domain member identification information indicates that the devices receiving this information, i.e., Nodes 5 and 6, are members of the domain. In other words, as domain members, they need to register with the new domain management device.

[0160] S203, Node 4 sends a node exit request message to Node 1.

[0161] For example, the node exit request message includes, but is not limited to, the identification information of node 4, the identification information of the domain (i.e., the domain to which node 1 belongs, such as PLC domain 1), and the exit domain indication information. Among them, the exit domain indication information is used to instruct the node (i.e., node 4) to exit the specified domain (i.e., PLC domain 1).

[0162] S204, Node 1 sends a node exit response message to Node 4.

[0163] S205, Node 1 sends a node exit request message to Node 5 and Node 6.

[0164] For a detailed description, please refer to S203, which will not be repeated here.

[0165] S206, Nodes 5 and 6 send node exit response messages to Node 1.

[0166] S207, Node 4 sends an acknowledgment message to Node 1.

[0167] For example, based on the instruction from node 1, node 4 exits the original PLC domain and becomes the domain management device of the new PLC domain (i.e., PLC domain 2). Node 4 completes the domain creation operation to become a domain management device node and broadcasts a MAP frame (G.hn protocol, referred to as a Beacon frame in the Homeplug protocol). The MAP frame carries the domain identifier and resource allocation information, etc. After receiving the MAP frame, other nodes can initiate a registration request to it and complete the registration process.

[0168] S208, Nodes 5 and 6 send node registration request messages to Node 4.

[0169] For example, after receiving the MAP frame broadcast by node 4, nodes 5 and 6 can send a node registration request message to node 4 to register with node 4. For example, this message may include node identification information, domain identification information, and registration request identification information, etc.

[0170] S209, Node 4 sends node registration response messages to Node 5 and Node 6.

[0171] It should be noted that the process of establishing the domain management device and registering the node with the domain management device in S203~S209 is only an illustrative example. In other embodiments, any protocol can be used to implement the above process, and this application does not limit it.

[0172] For example, node 1 indicates the communication method of each node to the other nodes. The specific indication method can be referred to in scenario one, and will not be repeated here.

[0173] like Figure 10 As shown, for example, each node interacts with the specified upstream device via a specified communication method based on the instructions of node 1. For instance, node 4 acts as the domain management device of PLC domain 2, and nodes 5 and 6 communicate via... Figure 11 The process shown is registered to node 4. Furthermore, node 6 can determine its upstream device as node 4 based on the instruction from node 1, and the data transmission path between node 6 and node 4 includes PLC connection 313 and Wi-Fi connection 405. Accordingly, node 6 only interacts with node 4 through this data path, without transmitting data on other connections, such as PLC connection 315, PLC connection 312, PLC connection 305, and PLC connection 309. For example, node 4 can... Figure 11 The process shown identifies it as a domain management device, and the devices registered to it include nodes 5 and 6. Node 4 identifies its upstream device as node 3, and the data transmission path between node 4 and node 3 is a Wi-Fi connection 403. The processing of other nodes can be referred to the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0174] In one possible implementation, the networking method in this application embodiment can also be applied to networking scenarios that include other reliable connections. For example, Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary network scenario. Figure 12 As shown, node 6 and node 3 exchange data via Ethernet connection 1201. Optionally, the communication quality parameters of Ethernet connection 1201, such as a transmission rate greater than 1Gbps, are specified. It should be noted that in this scenario, the connection reported by node 6 and node 3 also includes the communication quality parameters of Ethernet connection 1201.

[0175] For example, Node 1 can determine that the data transmission path between Node 6 and Node 3 is Ethernet connection 1201 based on the communication quality parameters of all connections reported by each node. Furthermore, Node 1 can determine that the data transmission path between Node 5 and Node 1 is Node 5-Node 6-Node 3-Node 1. That is, this data transmission path is the one with the best communication quality among the multiple transmission paths between Node 5 and Node 1, for example, the path with the highest transmission rate. The specific details are similar to the embodiments described above; Node 1 can plan the optimal data transmission path to Node 1 for each node based on the communication quality parameters of all connections. Content not described herein can be referred to the relevant content in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0176] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the steps of obtaining communication quality parameters and arbitration are all performed by a control device. Optionally, multiple control devices may exist in the embodiments of this application, each of which can perform different functions. For example, a Wi-Fi control device can be used to collect Wi-Fi communication quality parameters reported by each node, and a PLC control device can be used to collect PLC communication quality parameters reported by each node. A central control device (also called a network control device) can be used to obtain the communication quality parameters of each connection reported by the Wi-Fi control device and the PLC control device. Furthermore, based on the communication quality parameters of each connection, the central control device can determine the networking mode of the Wi-Fi network and the PLC network according to the arbitration strategy, that is, the Wi-Fi communication mode and the PLC communication mode between each node. The central control device can send the Wi-Fi networking mode to the Wi-Fi control device, and also send the PLC networking mode to the PLC control device. The Wi-Fi control device can control each node to perform data interaction according to the specified Wi-Fi communication mode based on the obtained Wi-Fi networking mode. The PLC control device can control each node to interact with data according to the specified PLC communication method based on the obtained PLC networking method. Optionally, the Wi-Fi control device, PLC control device and main control device can be integrated into the same device or chip, or they can be on different devices or chips. This application does not limit this.

[0177] The following describes an apparatus provided by an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 13 As shown:

[0178] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 13 As shown, the communication device 1300 may include: a processor 1301, a transceiver 1305, and optionally a memory 1302.

[0179] The transceiver 1305 can be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transceiver function. The transceiver 1305 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver can be referred to as a receiver or receiving circuit, etc., and is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter can be referred to as a transmitter or transmitting circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0180] The memory 1302 may store computer programs, software code, or instructions 1304, which may also be referred to as firmware. The processor 1301 can control the MAC layer and PHY layer by running the computer programs, software code, or instructions 1303 therein, or by calling the computer programs, software code, or instructions 1304 stored in the memory 1302, to implement the OM negotiation method provided in the following embodiments of this application. The processor 1301 may be a central processing unit (CPU), and the memory 1302 may be, for example, read-only memory (ROM) or random access memory (RAM).

[0181] The processor 1301 and transceiver 1305 described in this application can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc.

[0182] The communication device 1300 may also include an antenna 1306. The modules included in the communication device 1300 are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the application.

[0183] As mentioned above, the communication device described in the embodiments above can be an access point or a station, but the scope of the communication device described in this application is not limited to this, and the structure of the communication device can be unrestricted. Figure 13 The communication device can be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be implemented as follows:

[0184] (1) A standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) A collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data or instructions; (3) A module that can be embedded in other devices; (4) Others, etc.

[0185] For communication devices implemented as chips or chip systems, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 14 The diagram shows the structure of the chip. Figure 14 The chip shown includes a processor 1401 and an interface 1402. The number of processors 1401 can be one or more, and the number of interfaces 1402 can be multiple. Optionally, the chip or chip system may include a memory 1403.

[0186] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0187] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program containing at least one piece of code that can be executed by an electronic device to control the electronic device to implement the above-described method embodiments.

[0188] Based on the same technical concept, this application also provides a computer program, which, when executed by an electronic device, is used to implement the above-described method embodiments.

[0189] The program may be stored, in whole or in part, on a storage medium packaged with the processor, or in part or in whole on a memory not packaged with the processor.

[0190] Based on the same technical concept, this application also provides a processor for implementing the above-described method embodiments. The processor can be a chip.

[0191] Based on the same technical concept, this application also provides a communication system, which includes the nodes and control devices described in the above method embodiments.

[0192] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC can reside in a network device. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can exist as discrete components in the network device.

[0193] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the functions described in the embodiments of this application in one or more of the above examples can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0194] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A networking method, characterized in that, include: Receives first power line communication PLC connection status information and first Wi-Fi connection status information sent by multiple electronic devices; The first PLC connection status information includes communication quality parameters of the PLC connection between the single electronic device and each of the plurality of electronic devices; the first Wi-Fi connection includes communication quality parameters of the Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and at least one of the plurality of electronic devices. Based on the first PLC connection status information and the first Wi-Fi connection status information, determine the previous hop electronic device of the single electronic device, and the type of the first data transmission path between the single electronic device and the previous hop electronic device; The first data transmission path is of at least one of the following types: a PLC connection between the single electronic device and the previous electronic device, or a Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the previous electronic device; Send a first indication message to the single electronic device, the first indication message being used to indicate the type of the previous hop electronic device and the first data transmission path.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first data transmission path is used to transmit data between the single electronic device and the first electronic device; the first electronic device belongs to the plurality of electronic devices, and the first electronic device interacts with the access network device.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first indication information is also used to instruct the single electronic device to stop transmitting data on PLC connections and / or Wi-Fi connections other than the first data transmission path.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: According to the set cycle, receive new PLC connection status information and new Wi-Fi connection status information sent by the multiple electronic devices; Based on the new PLC connection status information and the new Wi-Fi connection status information, determine another upstream electronic device and the type of the second data transmission path between the single electronic device and the other upstream electronic device; the type of the second data transmission path is at least one of the following: PLC connection between the single electronic device and the other upstream electronic device, Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the other upstream electronic device; Send a second indication message to the single electronic device, the second indication message being used to indicate the type of the other upstream electronic device and the second data transmission path.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second data transmission path is used to transmit data between the single electronic device and the first electronic device.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The type of the first data transmission path is the same as the type of the second data transmission path.

7. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The type of the first data transmission path is different from the type of the second data transmission path.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second instruction information is also used to instruct the single electronic device to stop transmitting data on PLC connections and / or Wi-Fi connections other than the second data transmission path.

9. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of determining the previous-hop electronic device of the single electronic device and the type of the first data transmission path between the single electronic device and the previous-hop electronic device based on the first PLC connection status information and the first Wi-Fi connection status information includes: Based on the first PLC connection status information and the first Wi-Fi connection status information, the communication quality parameters of at least one data transmission path between the single electronic device and the first electronic device are obtained; the at least one data transmission path includes at least one PLC connection and at least one Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the first electronic device for data transmission; Based on the communication quality parameters of the at least one data transmission path, a third data transmission path is determined for data interaction between the single electronic device and the first electronic device; the quality parameters of the third data transmission path satisfy a set first condition; and the first data transmission path belongs to the third data transmission path.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first condition includes: If there are multiple data transmission paths between the single electronic device and the first electronic device, the third data transmission path is the path with the optimal communication quality parameters.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The third data transmission path is a direct connection between the single electronic device and the first electronic device. The third data transmission path is either a PLC connection between the single electronic device and the first electronic device, or a PLC connection and a Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the first electronic device.

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The third data transmission path includes the single electronic device, the first electronic device, and at least one intermediate electronic device; the previous hop electronic device belongs to the at least one intermediate electronic device; the at least one intermediate electronic device belongs to the plurality of electronic devices.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The PLC connections between the single electronic device, the first electronic device, and the at least one intermediate electronic device are arranged in a tree structure.

14. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of determining the previous-hop electronic device of the single electronic device and the type of the first data transmission path between the single electronic device and the previous-hop electronic device based on the first PLC connection status information and the first Wi-Fi connection status information includes: Based on the first PLC connection status information, a first region and a second region are determined; wherein, the first electronic device belongs to the first region and is the domain management node of the first region; the first region includes some of the multiple electronic devices, and the second region includes another part of the multiple electronic devices; the communication quality parameter of the PLC connection between any electronic device in the first region and any electronic device in the second region is less than a set first threshold. Based on the first Wi-Fi connection status information, a second electronic device within the second area is determined to be a domain management node of the second area; the second electronic device interacts with the electronic devices within the first area via Wi-Fi connection, and the second electronic device belongs to the plurality of electronic devices; If the single electronic device belongs to the first area, the communication quality parameters of at least one data transmission path between the single electronic device and the first electronic device are obtained based on the first PLC connection status information and the first Wi-Fi connection status information; the at least one data transmission path includes at least one PLC connection and at least one Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the first electronic device for data transmission. Based on the communication quality parameters of at least one data transmission path between the single electronic device and the first electronic device, a fourth data transmission path for data interaction between the single electronic device and the first electronic device is determined; the quality parameters of the fourth data transmission path satisfy a set second condition; and the first data transmission path belongs to the fourth data transmission path.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, If the single electronic device belongs to the second area, the communication quality parameters of at least one data transmission path between the single electronic device and the second electronic device are obtained based on the first PLC connection status information and the first Wi-Fi connection status information; the at least one data transmission path includes at least one PLC connection and at least one Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the second electronic device for data transmission. Based on the communication quality parameters of at least one data transmission path between the single electronic device and the second electronic device, a fifth data transmission path for data interaction between the single electronic device and the second electronic device is determined; the quality parameters of the fifth data transmission path satisfy a set second condition; and the first data transmission path belongs to the fifth data transmission path.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second condition includes: If there are multiple data transmission paths between the single electronic device and the first electronic device, the fourth data transmission path is the path with the optimal communication quality parameters; or, If there are multiple data transmission paths between the single electronic device and the second electronic device, the fifth data transmission path is the path with the optimal communication quality parameters.

17. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third instruction to the second electronic device to indicate that the second electronic device is a domain management node in the second area, and to instruct the second electronic device to interact with the electronic devices in the first area via Wi-Fi connection, and to stop data transmission on the PLC connection between the second electronic device and each electronic device in the first area.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fourth indication message to electronic devices other than the second electronic device in the second area, indicating that the second electronic device is a domain management node in the second area.

19. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The previous hop electronic device is the first electronic device.

20. An apparatus, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; Memory; and one or more computer programs, wherein the one or more computer programs are stored on the memory, and when the computer programs are executed by the one or more processors, cause the device to perform the following steps: The system receives first power line communication PLC connection status information and first Wi-Fi connection status information from multiple electronic devices. The first PLC connection status information includes communication quality parameters of the PLC connection between a single electronic device and each of the multiple electronic devices. The first Wi-Fi connection information includes communication quality parameters of the Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and at least one of the multiple electronic devices. Based on the first PLC connection status information and the first Wi-Fi connection status information, determine the previous hop electronic device of the single electronic device, and the type of the first data transmission path between the single electronic device and the previous hop electronic device; The first data transmission path includes at least one of the following: a PLC connection between the single electronic device and the previous electronic device, or a Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the previous electronic device; Send a first indication message to the single electronic device, the first indication message being used to indicate the type of the previous hop electronic device and the first data transmission path.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that, The first data transmission path is used to transmit data between the single electronic device and the first electronic device; the first electronic device belongs to the plurality of electronic devices, and the first electronic device interacts with the access network device.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first indication information is also used to instruct the single electronic device to stop transmitting data on PLC connections and / or Wi-Fi connections other than the first data transmission path.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the one or more processors, the device performs the following steps: According to the set cycle, receive new PLC connection status information and new Wi-Fi connection status information sent by the multiple electronic devices; Based on the new PLC connection status information and the new Wi-Fi connection status information, determine another upstream electronic device, and the type of the second data transmission path between the single electronic device and the other upstream electronic device; The second data transmission path is of at least one of the following types: a PLC connection between the single electronic device and the other upstream electronic device, or a Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the other upstream electronic device; Send a second indication message to the single electronic device, the second indication message being used to indicate the type of the other upstream electronic device and the second data transmission path.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that, The second data transmission path is used to transmit data between the single electronic device and the first electronic device.

25. The apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that, The type of the first data transmission path is the same as the type of the second data transmission path.

26. The apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that, The type of the first data transmission path is different from the type of the second data transmission path.

27. The apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that, The second instruction information is also used to instruct the single electronic device to stop transmitting data on PLC connections and / or Wi-Fi connections other than the second data transmission path.

28. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the one or more processors, the device performs the following steps: Based on the first PLC connection status information and the first Wi-Fi connection status information, the communication quality parameters of at least one data transmission path between the single electronic device and the first electronic device are obtained; the at least one data transmission path includes at least one PLC connection and at least one Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the first electronic device for data transmission; Based on the communication quality parameters of the at least one data transmission path, a third data transmission path is determined for data interaction between the single electronic device and the first electronic device; the quality parameters of the third data transmission path satisfy a set first condition; and the first data transmission path belongs to the third data transmission path.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that, The first condition includes: If there are multiple data transmission paths between the single electronic device and the first electronic device, the third data transmission path is the path with the optimal communication quality parameters.

30. The apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that, The third data transmission path is a direct connection between the single electronic device and the first electronic device. The third data transmission path is either a PLC connection between the single electronic device and the first electronic device, or a PLC connection and a Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the first electronic device.

31. The apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that, The third data transmission path includes the single electronic device, the first electronic device, and at least one intermediate electronic device; the previous hop electronic device belongs to the at least one intermediate electronic device; the at least one intermediate electronic device belongs to the plurality of electronic devices.

32. The apparatus according to claim 31, characterized in that, The PLC connections between the single electronic device, the first electronic device, and the at least one intermediate electronic device are arranged in a tree structure.

33. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the one or more processors, the device performs the following steps: Based on the first PLC connection status information, a first region and a second region are determined; wherein, the first electronic device belongs to the first region and is the domain management node of the first region; the first region includes some of the multiple electronic devices, and the second region includes another part of the multiple electronic devices; the communication quality parameter of the PLC connection between any electronic device in the first region and any electronic device in the second region is less than a set first threshold. Based on the first Wi-Fi connection status information, a second electronic device within the second area is determined to be a domain management node of the second area; the second electronic device interacts with the electronic devices within the first area via Wi-Fi connection, and the second electronic device belongs to the plurality of electronic devices; If the single electronic device belongs to the first area, the communication quality parameters of at least one data transmission path between the single electronic device and the first electronic device are obtained based on the first PLC connection status information and the first Wi-Fi connection status information; the at least one data transmission path includes at least one PLC connection and at least one Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the first electronic device for data transmission. Based on the communication quality parameters of at least one data transmission path between the single electronic device and the first electronic device, a fourth data transmission path for data interaction between the single electronic device and the first electronic device is determined; the quality parameters of the fourth data transmission path satisfy a set second condition; and the first data transmission path belongs to the fourth data transmission path.

34. The apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the one or more processors, the device performs the following steps: If the single electronic device belongs to the second area, the communication quality parameters of at least one data transmission path between the single electronic device and the second electronic device are obtained based on the first PLC connection status information and the first Wi-Fi connection status information; the at least one data transmission path includes at least one PLC connection and at least one Wi-Fi connection between the single electronic device and the second electronic device for data transmission. Based on the communication quality parameters of at least one data transmission path between the single electronic device and the second electronic device, a fifth data transmission path for data interaction between the single electronic device and the second electronic device is determined; the quality parameters of the fifth data transmission path satisfy a set second condition; and the first data transmission path belongs to the fifth data transmission path.

35. The apparatus according to claim 34, characterized in that, The second condition includes: If there are multiple data transmission paths between the single electronic device and the first electronic device, the fourth data transmission path is the path with the optimal communication quality parameters; or, If there are multiple data transmission paths between the single electronic device and the second electronic device, the fifth data transmission path is the path with the optimal communication quality parameters.

36. The apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the one or more processors, the device performs the following steps: Send a third instruction to the second electronic device to indicate that the second electronic device is a domain management node in the second area, and to instruct the second electronic device to interact with the electronic devices in the first area via Wi-Fi connection, and to stop data transmission on the PLC connection between the second electronic device and each electronic device in the first area.

37. The apparatus according to claim 36, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the one or more processors, the device performs the following steps: Send a fourth indication message to electronic devices other than the second electronic device in the second area, indicating that the second electronic device is a domain management node in the second area.

38. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that, The previous hop electronic device is the first electronic device.

39. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The device includes a computer program, characterized in that, when the computer program is run on an electronic device, it causes the electronic device to perform the networking method as described in any one of claims 1-19.

40. A chip, characterized in that, It includes one or more interface circuits and one or more processors; the interface circuits are used to receive signals from the memory of the electronic device and send the signals to the processors, the signals including computer instructions stored in the memory; when the processor executes the computer instructions, it causes the electronic device to perform the networking method according to any one of claims 1-19.

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