Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method and device, relates to the technical field of power line communication, and can distribute different preamble lengths and time slots for ammeters to improve the communication efficiency. The method comprises the following steps that: the concentrator receives channel quality information between nodes in each node group in a plurality of node groups; and the concentrator determines the preamble length according to the channel quality information. And the concentrator sends first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information is used for indicating the preamble length of the frame sent by the node in each node group in the plurality of node groups, and the second indication information is used for indicating the time slot of the frame sent by the node in the node group. And the ammeter receives the first indication information and the second indication information, and sends a frame according to the leading length indicated by the first indication information and the time slot indicated by the second indication information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a communication method and apparatus. Background Art

[0002] A power line communication (PLC) network includes multiple nodes (such as a central coordinator (CCO), a meter, etc.), and communication can be carried out between multiple nodes through a power line. The structure of the PLC network can be a tree structure, the central coordinator can be the root node of the tree structure, and the meter can be the intermediate node and leaf node of the tree structure.

[0003] In a PLC network, carrier sense multiple access / collision avoidance (CSMA / CA) mechanism is adopted for data communication between nodes at all levels, and all nodes share the channel. When a certain node uses the channel to send a data frame, other nodes need to remain silent. If node 1 in the PLC network is sending data while node 2 cannot detect in time that node 1 is sending data, node 2 will also use the channel to send data while node 1 is sending data, resulting in interference between the data of these two nodes, causing the data of both nodes to be sent failed, and thus the communication efficiency of the PLC network is relatively low. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can improve the network communication efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the embodiments of this application provide the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. This method is applied to a central coordinator, a device in the central coordinator, etc. The method includes: receiving channel quality information between nodes in each node group of multiple node groups; determining the preamble length of the frames sent by nodes in each node group of multiple node groups according to the channel quality information; and sending first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate the preamble length.

[0007] With this solution, the concentrator can allocate the preamble lengths of the same or different frames to different node groups, so that when nodes send frames, they no longer use a unified preamble length. Thus, when a node sends a frame with a shorter preamble length, the nodes around this node can more quickly identify the frame sent by this node and report busy in a timely manner, so that the nodes around this node do not send frames when this node sends a frame, reducing frame collisions and increasing the transmission efficiency of the communication system. In addition, a shorter preamble length can save the occupancy of communication resources, thus also increasing the transmission efficiency of the communication system.

[0008] Combined with the first aspect, in a possible design, each node group includes two nodes, the two nodes of the node group are the first node and the second node, the first node is a leaf node, and the second node is the proxy node of the first node.

[0009] With this solution, the concentrator can statistically analyze the channel quality information of the leaf node and the proxy node of the leaf node, and allocate the preamble length for the frames transmitted between the leaf node and the proxy node of the leaf node. There are many links between the leaf nodes and the proxy nodes in the communication system network (such as the power line network, referred to as the communication system). By statistically analyzing this type of link, the allocation of the preamble length for this type of link is realized, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the communication system.

[0010] Combined with the first aspect, in a possible design, the first node is a leaf node or a proxy node. The concentrator can statistically analyze the channel quality information between all nodes in the communication system and indicate the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes according to the statistical results. Since there are few links between proxy nodes in the communication system and the impact on the links between proxy nodes and leaf nodes is small, this statistical result can also be used as the result for determining the preamble length.

[0011] Combined with the first aspect, in a possible design, determining the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group among multiple node groups according to the channel quality information includes: determining the channel quality information between the nodes in the node group according to one or more of the following information: the received power of the signal between two nodes in the node group, the attenuation value of the signal strength between two nodes in the node group, or the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal between two nodes in the node group.

[0012] Combined with the first aspect, in a possible design, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals, and receiving the channel quality information between the nodes in each node group among multiple node groups includes: receiving the number of node groups in which the channel quality information between the nodes in multiple node groups is located in each interval among the multiple intervals.

[0013] With this solution, the concentrator can allocate the preamble length and / or the time slot length for the node groups in each of multiple intervals according to the number of node groups in each interval, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the communication system.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, the multiple intervals include a first interval and a second interval. The node groups located in the first interval are the first type of node groups, and the node groups located in the second interval are the second type of node groups. Indicating the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group among the multiple node groups includes: indicating that the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in the first type of node groups is the first length, and indicating that the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in the second type of node groups is the second length.

[0015] According to this solution, the concentrator can allocate different or the same preamble length and / or time slot length for the node groups in each of multiple intervals according to the number of node groups in each interval, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the communication system.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, the first length is different from the second length.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, indicating the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group among the multiple node groups includes: indicating the identifier of each node group and the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group corresponding to each node group.

[0018] With this solution, after the nodes in the node group receive the first indication information, they can determine the preamble length corresponding to this node group according to the identifier of the node group, and thus send frames according to the preamble length.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, before sending the first indication information, it further includes: generating a first list according to the channel quality information among the nodes in each node group among the multiple node groups, the first list including the identifier of each node group and the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group corresponding to each node group; and / or, before sending the first indication information, it further includes: generating a second list according to the channel quality information among the nodes in each node group among the multiple node groups, the second list including the interval of the channel quality information and the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in the node group corresponding to the interval.

[0020] With this solution, the concentrator can store the channel quality information and the preamble length in the form of a list.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, if the signal quality of the first type of node groups is higher than that of the second type of node groups, then the preamble length of the first type of node groups is less than that of the second type of node groups.

[0022] With this solution, for a node group with high channel quality, a shorter preamble length can be adopted, and when sending a frame with a shorter preamble length, the transmission quality of the frame can also be ensured.

[0023] Combined with the first aspect, in a possible design, the preamble includes a first synchronization symbol, and the number of first synchronization symbols in the preamble of the first type of node group is less than the number of first synchronization symbols in the preamble of the second type of node group.

[0024] In this solution, by reducing the number of the first type of synchronization symbols, the length of the preamble is reduced, thereby improving the efficiency of the communication system.

[0025] Combined with the first aspect, in a possible design, it further includes: determining a time slot according to channel quality information; sending second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate the time slot of the frame sent by nodes in each node group among multiple node groups.

[0026] With this solution, the concentrator can allocate time slots for node groups, enabling nodes with different channel quality information to send frames in different time slots, reducing frame collisions, and improving the efficiency of the communication system.

[0027] Combined with the first aspect, in a possible design, indicating the time slot of the frame sent by nodes in each node group among multiple node groups includes: indicating the time slot of the first type of node group as the first time slot and indicating the time slot of the second type of node group as the second time slot.

[0028] With this solution, nodes with channel quality in different intervals can send in different time slots, thereby reducing collisions of frames with different preamble lengths and improving the communication efficiency of the communication system.

[0029] Combined with the first aspect, in a possible design, the length and / or position of the time slot is determined according to the number of node groups corresponding to the time slot and / or the priority of the service sent by the node group corresponding to the time slot.

[0030] Combined with the first aspect, in a possible design, if the number of the first type of node groups is greater than the number of the second type of node groups, then within the first period, the length of the time slot of the first type of node groups is greater than the length of the time slot of the second type of node groups.

[0031] With this solution, allocating a longer time slot for the interval with a larger number of node groups in the interval can reduce collisions of frames sent by nodes in the node groups in this interval and improve the communication efficiency of the communication system.

[0032] Combined with the first aspect, in a possible design, if the priority of the service sent by the first type of node groups is greater than the priority of the service sent by the second type of node groups, then within the first period, the time slot of the first type of node groups is located in front of the time slot of the second type of node groups.

[0033] Through this solution, time slots with higher priorities are allocated to intervals where nodes in the interval send services earlier, enabling the node group in this interval to send frames first and giving priority to completing the transmission of tasks with higher priorities.

[0034] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, if the first indication information indicates that the first node sends a message to the second node in the first time slot and indicates that the second node sends a message to the first node in the second time slot, then the second node sends a response message to the first node in the first time slot.

[0035] Through this solution, when two nodes are allocated to send frames in different time slots, these two nodes can reply with response messages in the sending time slots of the other node, so that operations based on the response messages can be processed in a timely manner, improving the efficiency of the communication system.

[0036] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, including: receiving first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate the preamble length of frames sent by nodes in each node group among multiple node groups; the preamble length is determined according to channel quality information; and sending frames according to the first indication information.

[0037] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, each node group includes two nodes, the two nodes of the node group are the first node and the second node, the first node is a leaf node, and the second node is the proxy node of the first node.

[0038] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, the first node is a leaf node or a proxy node.

[0039] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, the channel quality information between nodes in the node group is determined according to one or more of the following information: the received power of the signal between the two nodes in the node group, the attenuation value of the signal strength between the two nodes in the node group, or the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal between the two nodes in the node group.

[0040] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, the values of the channel quality information are divided into multiple intervals, the multiple intervals include a first interval and a second interval, the node groups located in the first interval are the first type of node groups, the node groups located in the second interval are the second type of node groups, and indicating the preamble length of frames sent by nodes in each node group among multiple node groups includes: indicating that the preamble length of frames sent by nodes in the first type of node groups is the first length, and indicating that the preamble length of frames sent by nodes in the second type of node groups is the second length.

[0041] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, the first length is different from the second length.

[0042] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, indicating the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group among multiple node groups includes: indicating the identifier of each node group and the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group corresponding to each node group.

[0043] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, if the signal quality of the first type of node group is higher than that of the second type of node group, then the preamble length of the first type of node group is less than that of the second type of node group.

[0044] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, the preamble includes a first synchronization symbol, and the number of first synchronization symbols in the preamble of the first type of node group is less than the number of first synchronization symbols in the preamble of the second type of node group.

[0045] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, it further includes: receiving second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate the time slot of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group among multiple node groups, and the time slot of the frame is determined according to the channel quality information.

[0046] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, indicating the time slot of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group among multiple node groups includes: indicating that the time slot of the first type of node group is the first time slot and indicating that the time slot of the second type of node group is the second time slot.

[0047] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, the length and / or position of the time slot is determined according to the number of node groups corresponding to the time slot and / or the priority of the services sent by the node groups corresponding to the time slot.

[0048] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, if the number of the first type of node groups is greater than the number of the second type of node groups, then the time slot length of the first type of node groups in the first period is greater than that of the second type of node groups; if the priority of the services sent by the first type of node groups is greater than the priority of the services sent by the second type of node groups, then the time slot of the first type of node groups is in front of the time slot of the second type of node groups in the first period.

[0049] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, if the first indication information indicates that the first node sends a message to the second node in the first time slot and indicates that the second node sends a message to the first node in the second time slot, then the second node sends a response message to the first node in the first time slot.

[0050] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, before receiving the first indication information, it further includes: sending the channel quality information among the nodes in the node group.

[0051] With this solution, the leaf nodes can send channel quality information to the upper-level nodes (such as proxy nodes or concentrators), realizing the reporting of channel quality information. Thus, the concentrator can determine the preamble length and time slots according to the channel quality information.

[0052] Combined with the second aspect, in a possible design, it further includes: sending frames according to the first indication information and / or the second indication information.

[0053] With this solution, the leaf nodes can send frames according to the preamble length indicated by the first indication information and / or the time slots indicated by the second indication information, thereby improving the efficiency of the communication system.

[0054] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, including: sending the channel quality information between the nodes in each node group among multiple node groups; receiving the first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group among the multiple node groups; the preamble length is determined according to the channel quality information.

[0055] Combined with the third aspect, in a possible design, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals, and sending the channel quality information between the nodes in each node group among the multiple node groups includes: sending the number of node groups in which the channel quality information between the nodes among the multiple node groups is located in each of the multiple intervals.

[0056] With this solution, the proxy node can aggregate the channel quality information between the nodes in multiple node groups and send the number of node groups in each of the multiple intervals to the upper-level node (such as the upper-level proxy node or concentrator). So that the concentrator can allocate the preamble length and / or the length of the time slots according to this number, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the communication system.

[0057] Combined with the third aspect, in a possible design, before sending the channel quality information between the nodes in each node group among the multiple node groups, it further includes: receiving the channel quality information between the nodes in the multiple node groups.

[0058] With this solution, the proxy node can receive the channel quality information sent by the lower-level proxy node or leaf node, and thus forward the channel quality information to the concentrator.

[0059] Combined with the third aspect, in a possible design, after receiving the first indication information, it further includes: sending frames according to the first indication information.

[0060] With this solution, the proxy node can send frames using the preamble length indicated by the concentrator according to the indication of the concentrator, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the communication system.

[0061] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible design, it further includes receiving second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate the time slots of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group among a plurality of node groups, and the time slots of the frames are determined according to the channel quality information.

[0062] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible design, it further includes: sending a frame according to the first indication information and the second indication information.

[0063] Through this solution, the proxy node can send a frame according to the indication of the concentrator, using the preamble length indicated by the concentrator and / or using the time slot indicated by the concentrator, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the communication system.

[0064] Fourth aspect, a communication device is provided. This communication device is used to implement the above various communication methods. The communication device includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the above communication methods, and these modules, units, or means can be implemented by hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0065] Fifth aspect, a communication device is provided. This communication device includes: a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store computer instructions, and when the processor executes these instructions, it enables the communication device to execute the communication method in any one of the above aspects.

[0066] Sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a processor. The processor is coupled to the memory, and the processor is used to read and execute the instructions in the memory, so that the communication device executes the communication method in any one of the above aspects.

[0067] Seventh aspect, a chip system is provided. This chip system includes a processor and input / output ports. The processor is used to implement the processing functions involved in the communication method in any one of the above aspects, and the input / output ports are used to implement the transceiver functions involved in the communication method in any one of the above aspects.

[0068] In a possible design, this chip system further includes a memory, and the memory is used to store program instructions and data for implementing the functions involved in the communication method in any one of the above aspects.

[0069] This chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0070] Eighth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. Instructions are stored in this computer-readable storage medium; when these instructions run on a communication device, it enables the communication device to execute the communication method in any one of the designs in the above aspects.

[0071] In a ninth aspect, a communication system is provided. The system includes a first device and a second device. The first device executes the communication method of the first aspect above, and the second device executes the communication method of the second aspect above.

[0072] In combination with the ninth aspect, in a possible design, it further includes a third device, and the third device executes the communication method of the third aspect above.

[0073] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction runs on a computer, it causes the computer to execute the communication method of any design in any of the above aspects.

[0074] It can be understood that the beneficial effects that can be achieved by the methods, chip systems, communication systems, communication devices, computer-readable storage media, and computer program products provided in the second aspect to the tenth aspect above can refer to the beneficial effects in the first aspect and any possible implementation manner provided above, and will not be elaborated here. Description of the Drawings

[0075] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of time slots in a beacon period;

[0077] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of a data frame;

[0078] Figure 4 It is another schematic structural diagram of the communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] Figure 5 It is a flowchart of the communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of time slots in a beacon period provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] Figure 8 It is another schematic diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed Embodiments

[0083] Nodes in a PLC network (also known as a power line network) can communicate with each other via power lines. For example, the CCO in a PLC network uses power lines to obtain meter reading data from devices such as electricity meters. A PLC network can adopt centralized network management. The CCO manages the media access allocation for devices that need to communicate in the PLC network. When the scale of the PLC network is large, the distance between the CCO and some nodes is far, and there are various interference signals in the channel, resulting in large signal attenuation or interference, making the CCO unable to cover all nodes within the PLC network. That is to say, some nodes cannot directly access the CCO. Therefore, proxy nodes can be deployed in the PLC network to forward the signals of the CCO to such nodes. In other words, the structure of the PLC network can be a tree structure. As Figure 1 shown, the CCO can communicate with all nodes in the PLC network through proxy nodes. Among them, Figure 1 the device 1 corresponding to the square box represents the root node, and the root node can be the CCO. The devices 2 and 3 corresponding to the circles represent proxy nodes (also known as intermediate nodes, intermediate proxy nodes), and the devices 4 to 8 corresponding to the triangles represent leaf nodes. Proxy nodes and leaf nodes can be collectively referred to as child nodes, and child nodes can be devices such as electricity meters. Optionally, when a device such as an electricity meter serves as a proxy node, it can also be called a repeater.

[0084] Referring to Figure 2 , the CCO controls the nodes in the PLC network to send messages on the same channel through a beacon frame-based channel access mechanism. Through this mechanism, the child nodes in the PLC network can communicate with the CCO. The implementation of this channel access mechanism is as follows: The CCO periodically sends beacon frames, and the beacon frames include the planning information of time slots such as beacon time slots, TDMA time slots, CSMA time slots, and bound CSMA time slots within the beacon period allocated by the CCO. The child nodes in the PLC network follow the time slots allocated by the CCO and access the channel within their corresponding time slots. Generally, the beacon time slot and the TDMA time slot are time slots allocated to the CCO or specified nodes for use, and are collectively referred to as non-competitive time slots. Among them, the specified node can be a node designated by the CCO or a pre-set node, etc. For time slots such as CSMA time slots and bound CSMA time slots whose users are not specified, nodes in the PLC network can compete for the use of these time slots when needed, and are collectively referred to as competitive time slots. When planning time slots, the CCO can allocate bound CSMA time slots according to service requirements. For example, allocate a certain service to exclusively occupy the bound CSMA time slot. Any node involved in this service can compete to send messages of this service in this bound CSMA time slot.

[0085] Referring to Figure 3, the structure of data frames sent by nodes at all levels in the PLC network may include a preamble, frame control, and payload data. Among them, the data frame can represent a frame for transmitting control signaling and a frame for transmitting data, such as a beacon frame, etc., simply referred to as a frame. The data frame can also be called a signal. The preamble is a periodic sequence, and the preamble is composed of a first number of synchronization symbols (English: Synchronization symbol, abbreviated as SYNCP) and a second number of synchronization symbols that are the negative of SYNCP (English: Synchronization symbol, abbreviated as SYNCM). For example, in 1901.1 and the State Grid standard, the preamble is composed of 10.5 SYNCPs and 2.5 SYNCMs. Exemplarily, SYNCP can be represented as formula 1.

[0086] Formula 1.

[0087]

[0088] Nodes at all levels in the PLC network can use the CSMA / CA mechanism to transmit data frames. Before sending data, a node first listens to the channel. If it detects that SYNCM is being transmitted on the channel, it considers the channel busy. When a node detects that the channel is busy (that is, when there are data frames of other nodes being sent), it randomly idles for a period of time and then sends a data frame (that is, adopts a random backoff mechanism). When a node detects that the channel is idle, it sends a data frame. Thus, only one node can use the channel to transmit data at the same time, reducing the situation where multiple nodes send data simultaneously at the same time, resulting in the data of multiple nodes colliding with each other, causing the receiving node to be unable to parse the data sent by each node, and making the data of multiple nodes all transmission failures. However, when a node is transmitting SYNCP in the preamble, it cannot be detected by other nodes, resulting in the Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) reporting busy not in time. Other nodes think the channel is in the idle stage and send data, resulting in a relatively high probability of data frame collision in the network, a relatively high probability of data frame transmission failure, and low network communication efficiency.

[0089] Based on this, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, which reduces the preamble length of the data frame and reduces the occupation of channel resources by the preamble. In addition, after a node sends a data frame, CCA can report busy more quickly, reducing the probability that other nodes send data frames at the same moment, reducing the probability of data frame collision, and improving the efficiency of the PLC network.

[0090] The embodiments of the present application can be applied in Figure 4 the communication system shown, Figure 4The node a corresponding to the square box in it may represent the root node, and in the PLC network, the node a may be a concentrator. The nodes b to e corresponding to the circles may represent intermediate nodes, where the nodes b and c are first-level proxy nodes, and the nodes d and e are second-level proxy nodes. The nodes f to p corresponding to the triangles may represent leaf nodes, and the nodes f to p may be the first nodes. The intermediate nodes and the leaf nodes may be electric meters. Figure 4 The nodes at both ends of the straight line in it may represent a node group, and the serial numbers beside the straight line are used to distinguish the node groups. The proxy node may forward the signals of other nodes to the CCO, and the nodes whose signals are forwarded by the proxy node may be called the subordinate nodes of the proxy node. For example, the nodes e and l to p are the subordinate nodes of the node c. The node groups 1 to 5 may be called the node groups subordinate to the node c. In some embodiments, the node groups subordinate to the node c further include the node group 12.

[0091] Next, taking Figure 4 the communication system shown as an example of the PLC network, the embodiments of the present application will be introduced. Referring to Figure 5 , the embodiments of the present application include the following steps.

[0092] S501. The proxy node sends the channel quality information between the nodes in each of the multiple node groups.

[0093] Correspondingly, the concentrator receives the channel quality information between the nodes in each of the multiple node groups.

[0094] In some embodiments, each node group includes two nodes. The two nodes of the node group are the first node and the second node. The first node is a leaf node, and the second node is the proxy node of the first node. The proxy node of the first node refers to the node connected to the first node through which the first node accesses the PLC network. That is to say, the first node is the child node of the second node. For example, the node c (an example of the second node) and the node p (an example of the first node) form the node group 1, the nodes l and e form the node group 2, and so on, which will not be elaborated here.

[0095] The first node may be all or part of the leaf nodes in the PLC network. The second node may be all or part of the proxy nodes in the PLC network. For example, the second node is the proxy node connected to the leaf node other than the concentrator.

[0096] In some embodiments, the node group is determined by the first node and the second node. That is to say, both the first node and the second node in the node group may be used as signal sending nodes (abbreviated as sending nodes). For example, when the first node is the sending node and the second node is the signal receiving node (abbreviated as receiving node), or when the first node is the receiving node and the second node is the sending node, both the first node and the second node form the node group 1.

[0097] The channel quality information between nodes in a node group can be simply referred to as the channel quality information of the node group. In some embodiments, the channel quality information between nodes in a node group is the channel quality information of a signal sent from a first node to a second node.

[0098] In some embodiments, the channel quality information between nodes in a node group is the channel quality information of a signal sent from a second node to a first node.

[0099] In some embodiments, the channel quality information between nodes in a node group is the average value, weighted average value, etc. of the channel quality information of a signal sent from a first node to a second node and the channel quality information of a signal sent from the second node to the first node.

[0100] In some embodiments, the channel quality information between nodes in a node group is the larger value or the smaller value of the channel quality information of a signal sent from a first node to a second node and the channel quality information of a signal sent from the second node to the first node.

[0101] Taking the example that the node group includes node m and node e, when node e sends signal 1 to node m, that is, node e is the sending node and node m is the receiving node, node m can obtain the channel quality information of the signal sent from node e to node m according to the received signal 1. Or, when node m sends signal 2 to node e, that is, node m is the sending node and node e is the receiving node, node e can obtain the channel quality information of the signal sent from node m to node e according to the received signal 2. Or, after node m obtains the channel quality information of the signal sent from node e to node m, it sends this channel quality information to node e (for example, by sending a discovery list message). Node e can obtain the channel quality information between node m and node e in the node group by taking the average value, weighted average value, etc. of the above-mentioned channel quality information of the signal sent from node e to node m received and the channel quality information of the signal sent from node m to node e. Or, taking the channel quality information as the attenuation value as an example, if the attenuation value of the signal sent from node e to node m is 20 dB and the attenuation value of the signal sent from node m to node e is 18 dB, the larger attenuation value of 20 dB is used as the channel quality information between node e and node m, or the smaller attenuation value of 18 dB is used as the channel quality information between node e and node m.

[0102] The above nodes can record the channel quality information of signals sent from surrounding nodes to the local node according to the received discovery beacons, and form a discovery list. Each node broadcasts and publishes its own discovery list, so that the surrounding nodes can receive the channel quality information recorded by this node.

[0103] In some embodiments, a node group is determined by a sending node and a receiving node. That is, when the first node sends a signal to the second node, the first node and the second node form node group 1. When the first node is a receiving node and the second node is a sending node, the first node and the second node form node group 2.

[0104] In some embodiments, the channel quality information between nodes in a node group is the channel quality information of the signal sent from the sending node to the receiving node.

[0105] S502. The concentrator determines the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group according to the above channel quality information.

[0106] In some embodiments, the channel quality information between nodes in a node group is determined according to one or more of the following information: the received power of the signal between two nodes in the node group, the attenuation value of the signal between two nodes in the node group, or the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal between two nodes in the node group.

[0107] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 4 , taking the transmission power of a sub-node in a PLC network as 20 dBm as an example, Figure 4 when node c sends a 20 dBm signal to node p, node p receives a -10 dBm signal. Node p can subtract the known signal transmission power of 20 dBm from the received signal power of -10 dBm to obtain an attenuation value of 30 dB from node c to node p. When node p reports the channel quality information between nodes in the node group composed of node c and node p to the upper-level node, it can report the received signal power of -10 dBm, or report the attenuation value of 30 dB, or report the received power and signal-to-noise ratio of the signal received by node p, or report the attenuation value and signal-to-noise ratio of the signal received by node p, etc.

[0108] Exemplarily again, node c can also obtain the channel quality information of node group 1 through the power and / or attenuation value and / or signal-to-noise ratio of the signal sent by node p received.

[0109] Exemplarily, the preamble length is determined according to the received power of the signal between two nodes in the node group. Or, the preamble length is determined according to the attenuation value of the signal between two nodes in the node group. Or, the preamble length is determined according to the received power of the signal between two nodes in the node group and the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal between two nodes in the node group. Or, the preamble length is determined according to the attenuation value of the signal between two nodes in the node group and the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal between two nodes in the node group.

[0110] The preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in the node group includes the preamble length of the frames sent from the sending node to the receiving node in the node group.

[0111] In some embodiments, if both the first node and the second node in a node group can act as sending nodes, the preamble length of the frame sent by the first node to the second node is the same as the preamble length of the frame sent by the second node to the first node. For example, Figure 4 as shown, the preamble length of the frame sent by node p to node c is the same as the preamble length of the frame sent by node c to node p.

[0112] In some embodiments, when the first node sends a signal to the second node, the first node and the second node form node group 1, and when the second node sends a signal to the first node, the first node and the second node form node group 2. Node group 1 and node group 2 are two node groups, and the preamble length of the frame sent by the first node and the preamble length of the frame sent by the second node can be the same or different.

[0113] S503. The concentrator sends the first indication information. Correspondingly, the proxy node receives the first indication information. The first node receives the first indication information.

[0114] The first indication information is used to indicate the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group among multiple node groups.

[0115] The concentrator can send the first indication information by broadcasting, for example, carrying the first indication information in a beacon frame.

[0116] S504. The first node sends a frame according to the first indication information.

[0117] S505. The proxy node sends a frame according to the first indication information.

[0118] After receiving the first indication information, the first node or the proxy node can obtain the preamble length of the frame to be sent. When the first node sends a frame subsequently, it can use the received preamble length to send the frame. Thus, nodes in different node groups may have different preamble lengths when sending frames. For example, when the channel quality information of the nodes in a node group is good, the nodes in the node group can be made to send frames with a shorter preamble length. By reducing the preamble length of the frame, after a node sends a data frame, other nodes' CCA can detect busy more quickly, reducing the probability of other nodes sending data frames at the same time and reducing the probability of data frame collisions, thereby improving the efficiency of the PLC network.

[0119] In some embodiments, S601 is included before S501.

[0120] S601. The subordinate nodes of the proxy node send the channel quality information between the nodes in the node group to the proxy node. Correspondingly, the proxy node receives the channel quality information between the nodes in the node group.

[0121] The subordinate nodes of the proxy node can be the first node or a proxy node. The number of subordinate nodes of the proxy node can be multiple, and the proxy node can receive the channel quality information between the nodes in the node groups sent by multiple subordinate nodes.

[0122] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 4 , node p can send the channel quality information of node group 1 to node c. Node e can send the channel quality information of node groups 2 to 5 to node c.

[0123] In some embodiments, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals, and S501 can be implemented as S602.

[0124] S602 is the number of node groups in which the channel quality information between the nodes in multiple node groups is located in each interval. Correspondingly, the concentrator receives the number of node groups in which the channel quality information between the nodes in multiple node groups is located in each interval.

[0125] Exemplarily, the multiple intervals include a first interval (interval 1 shown in Table 2) and a second interval (interval 2 shown in Table 2). The node groups located in the first interval are the first type of node groups, and the node groups located in the second interval are the second type of node groups.

[0126] Taking the channel quality information as the attenuation value of the signal between two nodes in the node group as an example, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals according to the value range of the attenuation value.

[0127] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 4 , the value range of the attenuation values of node groups 1 to 11 can be divided into 4 intervals shown in Table 1. Node e can send to node c that the number of node groups to which node e belongs and the attenuation values are located in interval 1 [0 to 40 dB) is 1, and the number in interval 2 [40 dB to 50 dB) is 3, and so on. Both node c and node d send the number of node groups to which they belong and the attenuation values are located in each interval. Node e can report to node c the number of node groups to which node e belongs and the attenuation values are distributed in intervals 1 to 4. Node c reports to node a the number of node groups under its jurisdiction, that is, the number of node groups 1 to 5 and the attenuation values are distributed in intervals 1 to 4. Through the sequential reporting by the proxy node, node a can obtain the number of node groups and the attenuation values are located in each interval.

[0128] Table 1

[0129]

[0130] Taking the received power of the signal between two nodes in a node group as the channel quality information as an example, the value of the channel quality information can be divided into multiple intervals according to the value of the received power. Similar to Table 1, the division of the value of the received power into multiple intervals can be as shown in Table 2.

[0131] Table 2

[0132]

[0133]

[0134] In the examples of Table 1 and Table 2 above, the channel quality information of the node group in interval 4 of Table 1 and the node group in interval 4 of Table 2 is poor, and the first node in this node group can be called an edge node.

[0135] In some embodiments, the division of the intervals shown in Table 1 and Table 2 above can be determined according to the historical received power or historical attenuation value of the frames sent by the nodes in the node group in the communication system. The division method of the intervals in Table 1 or Table 2 above is only an example. For example, the ranges of intervals 1 to 4 in Table 2 can also be -40dBm to 20dBm, -50dBm to -40dBm, -60dBm to -50dBm, or -80dBm to -60dBm respectively.

[0136] In some embodiments, the above first indication information indicates the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group among multiple nodes, including: the first indication information indicates that the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in the first type of node group is the first length, and indicates that the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in the second type of node group is the second length.

[0137] In some embodiments, if the signal quality of the first type of node group is higher than that of the second type of node group, then the preamble length of the first type of node group is less than that of the second type of node group. In this solution, by reducing the preamble length of the data sent by the nodes in the node group with high channel quality, the nodes around the node sending the frame can recognize that there is a node occupying the channel faster, so that they no longer send frames, reducing frame collisions. In addition, reducing the preamble length of the first type of node group can save the occupation of communication resources by the preamble.

[0138] In some embodiments, the preamble includes a first synchronization symbol, and the number of first synchronization symbols in the preamble of the first type of node group is less than the number of first synchronization symbols in the preamble of the second type of node group. That is to say, the length of the preamble can be reduced by reducing the number of first synchronization symbols in the preamble.

[0139] In some embodiments, the first synchronization symbol is SYNCP.

[0140] In some embodiments, the preamble includes a second synchronization symbol, and the number of second synchronization symbols in the preamble of the first type of node group is the same as the number of second synchronization symbols in the preamble of the second type of node group.

[0141] Exemplarily, with reference to Figure 4 , taking the receiving power distribution of the frames sent by the nodes in node group 7 (an example of the first type of node group), node group 2 (an example of the second type of node group), node group 11, and node group 1 being located in interval 1, interval 2, interval 3, or interval 4 as an example. The concentrator can use the first indication information to indicate that the nodes in interval 1 to the node groups in interval 4 respectively use preamble sequences of 4.5 SYNCP + 2.5 SYNCM, 6.5 SYNCP + 2.5 SYNCM, 8.5 SYNCP + 2.5 SYNCM, or 10.5 SYNCP + 2.5 SYNCM. After receiving the first indication information, node group 7, node group 2, node group 11, and node group 1 can determine the preamble sequence according to the interval where the receiving power of the frames sent by their own nodes is located. For example, nodes d and h in node group 7 receive the preamble lengths corresponding to each of the above intervals sent by the concentrator. Nodes d and h can determine to use a preamble sequence of 4.5 SYNCP + 2.5 SYNCM to send frames according to the receiving power of their own node group 7.

[0142] Exemplarily again, the concentrator can allocate a preamble sequence of 4.5 SYNCP + 2.5 SYNCM to the node groups in interval 1 with a signal-to-noise ratio greater than or equal to 20 dBm, and allocate a preamble sequence of 6.5 SYNCP + 2.5 SYNCM to the node groups in interval 1 with a signal-to-noise ratio less than 20 dBm. Thereby, improving the signal transmission stability of the node groups with a smaller signal-to-noise ratio and reducing the occurrence of signal reception failure caused by a smaller signal-to-noise ratio.

[0143] In some embodiments, the above first indication information indicating the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group among multiple nodes includes: indicating the identifier of each node group among multiple nodes and the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group corresponding to each node group.

[0144] Exemplarily, the proxy node can report the receiving power of the frames sent by each node group. For example, the proxy node reports the receiving power of each subordinate node group to the concentrator. Thus, the concentrator can obtain the receiving power of each node group. The concentrator obtains the number of node groups in each partition according to the receiving power of each node group, allocates the preamble length to the node groups in each partition, and issues each node group and the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in that node group through the identifier of each node group.

[0145] Exemplarily, the identifier of the node group can be the identifier corresponding to the node group, or the identifiers of the nodes in the node group. For example, the identifier of the node group can be represented as Node Group 1, or as Node c and Node p.

[0146] In some embodiments, S603 is further included before S503.

[0147] S603. The concentrator generates a first list based on the channel quality information between the nodes in each node group among the multiple node groups, and / or generates a second list based on the channel quality information between the nodes in each node group among the multiple node groups.

[0148] Wherein, the first list includes the identifier of each node group and the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group corresponding to each node group. The second list includes the interval of the channel quality information and the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in the node group corresponding to the interval.

[0149] Exemplarily, if the proxy node and the first node send the identifier of the node group and the corresponding channel quality information of each node group to the concentrator, the concentrator can allocate the preamble length for the multiple node groups according to the received identifier and channel quality information and generate a first list. The concentrator can also convert the received identifier and channel quality information into the interval of the channel quality information, allocate the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in the node group corresponding to the interval for the interval of the channel command information, and generate a second list.

[0150] Another exemplarily, if the proxy node and the first node send the interval of the channel quality information and the number of node groups in the interval to the concentrator, the concentrator can allocate the preamble length for the node groups in one or more intervals and generate a second list.

[0151] In some embodiments, the above steps further include S604.

[0152] S604. The concentrator sends second indication information. Correspondingly, the first node and the proxy node receive the second indication information.

[0153] The second indication information is used to indicate the time slots of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group among the multiple node groups. The time slots of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group among the multiple node groups are determined according to the channel quality information between the nodes in each node group among the multiple node groups.

[0154] Similar to the first indication information, the concentrator can send the second indication information in a broadcast manner.

[0155] The second indication information and the first indication information can be sent in the same message. For example, the concentrator sends the first indication information and the second indication information through a beacon frame. After receiving the beacon frame, the intermediate node can forward the beacon frame to its subordinate nodes. Thus, all nodes in the PLC network can receive the second indication information. Through this solution, the concentrator assigns different time slots to node groups with different preamble lengths, thereby improving the communication efficiency of the communication network.

[0156] In some embodiments, the time slots of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group among multiple node groups indicated by the second indication information include: the second indication information indicates that the time slot of the first type of node group is the first time slot, and the time slot of the second type of node group is the second time slot.

[0157] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 6 , the first time slot can also be referred to as the first CSMA time slot, the short frame 1 CSMA time slot, etc., and the second time slot can also be referred to as the second CSMA time slot, the short frame 2 CSMA time slot, etc. The node group in interval 1 shown in Table 2 can send frames in the first CSMA time slot, and the node group in interval 2 sends frames in the second CSMA time slot.

[0158] In addition to the above time slots, each beacon period may further include other time slots, such as the bound CSMA time slot, etc.

[0159] In some embodiments, as shown in Table 2, the node groups are divided into 4 intervals in total, Figure 6 and each beacon period shown may further include a third CSMA time slot. The node groups in interval 3 can send frames in the third CSMA time slot respectively, and the node groups in interval 4 can send frames in the CSMA time slot.

[0160] In some embodiments, the length and / or the position of the time slot are determined according to the number of the node group corresponding to the time slot and / or the priority of the service sent by the node group corresponding to the time slot.

[0161] The node group corresponding to the time slot is the node group that sends frames in this time slot. For example, the concentrator assigns node group 1 to send frames in the CSMA time slot, and node group 1 is the node group corresponding to the CSMA time slot.

[0162] In some embodiments, if the number of the first type of node group is greater than the number of the second type of node group, then the length of the time slot of the first type of node group is greater than the length of the time slot of the second type of node group in the first period; if the priority of the service sent by the first type of node group is greater than the priority of the service sent by the second type of node group, then the time slot of the first type of node group is in front of the time slot of the second type of node group in the first period.

[0163] Exemplarily, the first period is a beacon period.

[0164] The priority of the services sent by the node groups corresponding to the time slots can be determined according to the time requirements of the services and / or the success rate of service transmission. Taking an example where there are 500 node groups in a communication system, the node groups corresponding to time slot 1 are node groups 1 to 100, and the node groups corresponding to time slot 2 are node groups 101 to 300. If the services transmitted by node groups 1 to 100 need to be transmitted within 0.1 second, and the services transmitted by node groups 101 to 300 need to be transmitted within 0.2 second, then the time slots of the node groups with higher time requirements for the services transmitted in the time slots can have higher priorities, that is, the priority of time slot 1 is higher. If the success rate of the services transmitted by node groups 1 to 100 is 80%, and the success rate of the services transmitted by node groups 101 to 300 is 60%, then it can be determined that the time slots of the node groups with higher success rates have higher priorities, that is, the priority of time slot 1 is higher. If the time requirement of the services transmitted by node groups 1 to 100 is 0.1 second, which is higher than the time requirement of 0.2 second for the services of node groups 101 to 300, and the success rate of the services transmitted by node groups 1 to 100 is 50%, which is lower than the success rate of 60% of node groups 101 to 200, then the priorities of the time slots can be determined according to the magnitudes of the differences in time requirements and the differences in success rates. For example, (0.2 - 0.1) ÷ 0.1 = 100%, (60% - 50%) ÷ 50% = 20%, and 100% > 20%, so the priority of time slot 1 is higher.

[0165] In some embodiments, the above S504 can be implemented as S605, and S505 can be implemented as S606.

[0166] S605. The first node sends a frame according to the first indication information and the second indication information.

[0167] S606. The proxy node sends a frame according to the first indication information and the second indication information.

[0168] Exemplarily, the first node or the proxy node sends a frame according to the preamble length indicated by the first indication information and the time slot indicated by the second indication information.

[0169] In some embodiments, if the first indication information instructs the first node to send a message to the second node in the first time slot and instructs the second node to send a message to the first node in the second time slot, then the second node sends a response message to the first node in the first time slot.

[0170] Wherein, the response message is a response message to the message sent by the first node.

[0171] Exemplarily, the node group is determined by the sending node and the receiving node. Refer to Figure 4, the channel quality information of the frame sent by node c to node p and the channel quality information of the frame sent by node p to node c may not be in the same interval. The second indication information indicates that node c sends a frame to node p in the first time slot and node p sends a frame to node c in the second time slot. In this case, node c sends frame 1 to node p in the first time slot, and node p can also send a response message of frame 1 to node c in the first time slot. Node p sends frame 2 to node c in the second time slot, and node c can send a response message of frame 2 to node p in the second time slot. Thus, when two nodes are assigned to send frames in different time slots, the response message can be quickly replied, improving the message processing speed.

[0172] In some embodiments, the preamble length of the response message sent by the second node to the first node in the first time slot is the first preamble length. Among them, the first preamble length can be the default preamble length. For example, the preamble includes 10.5 SYNCPs and 2.5 SYNCMs. Or, the first preamble length can be a preset preamble length. For example, the preamble length includes 8.5 SYNCPs and 2.5 SYNCMs. Or, the first preamble length can be related to the preamble length of the message sent by the first node above. For example, it has 2 more SYNCPs than the preamble of the message sent by the first node above.

[0173] In some embodiments, the number of channel quality information of nodes in the node group sent by the proxy node and the first node to the concentrator in a certain interval is 0, and the concentrator does not allocate a time slot for this interval. Thus, more available time slots are allocated to the node group in the communication system, improving the system utilization efficiency.

[0174] In some embodiments, the value range of the above interval can be the default value, and this default value is stored in the concentrator and the above nodes. The value range of the above interval can also be set when the concentrator, the proxy node, and the first node communicate.

[0175] The method of the embodiment of the present application has been introduced above. It should be noted that the concentrator and nodes in the communication system can regularly update and send discovery list messages, enabling the communication system to reorganize the network. The concentrator can determine the current network organization situation in the communication system according to the discovery lists of each node, and indicate the preamble length of the frames sent by the nodes in each node group and divide time slots for the node groups according to the method provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0176] In various embodiments of the present application, without special instructions and logical conflicts, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be cross-referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships. For example, the above-mentioned multiple embodiments can be combined and the combined solution can be implemented. Optionally, some operations in the processes of the method embodiments are optionally combined, and / or the order of some operations is optionally changed. Moreover, the execution order between the steps of each process is only exemplary and does not constitute a limitation on the execution order between the steps. The steps can also be in other execution orders. It is not intended to indicate that the execution order is the only order in which these operations can be performed. Those of ordinary skill in the art will think of various ways to reorder the operations herein. Additionally, it should be noted that the process details involved in a certain embodiment herein are similarly applicable to other embodiments in a similar manner, or different embodiments can be used in combination.

[0177] It can be understood that, in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the CCO and the terminal include the corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for performing each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and method steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in the present application, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is executed in the manner of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenarios and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0178] Figure 7 and Figure 8 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a possible communication device provided for the embodiments of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the terminal or the CCO in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects possessed by the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be, for example, Figure 4 the CCO shown in (such as node a), or can be, for example, Figure 4 the terminal shown in (such as the electricity meter shown by node b and node f), or can also be a module (such as a chip) applied to the CCO and the terminal.

[0179] As Figure 7 shown, the communication device 1300 includes a processing unit 1310 and a transceiver unit 1320. The communication device 1300 is used to implement the functions of the terminal or the CCO in the method embodiments shown in the above Figure 5 .

[0180] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 5When implementing the functions of the terminal in the method embodiments shown: The transceiver unit 1320 is used to send the channel quality information between the nodes in each node group of multiple node groups, receive the first indication information, or send a frame according to the first indication information; The processing unit 1310 is used to execute functions related to processing.

[0181] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 5 the functions of the CCO in the method embodiments shown: The transceiver unit 1320 is used to receive the channel quality information between the nodes in each node group of multiple node groups and send the first indication information; The processing unit 1310 is used to determine the preamble length according to the channel quality information.

[0182] As Figure 8 shown, the communication device 1400 includes a processor 1410 and an interface circuit 1420. The processor 1410 and the interface circuit 1420 are coupled to each other. It can be understood that the interface circuit 1420 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include a memory 1430, which is used to store the instructions executed by the processor 1410, or store the input data required for the processor 1410 to run the instructions, or store the data generated after the processor 1410 runs the instructions.

[0183] When the communication device 1400 is used to implement Figure 5 the method shown, the processor 1410 is used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned processing unit 1310, and the interface circuit 1420 is used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned transceiver unit 1320.

[0184] When the above communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from the CCO. It can be understood that this information is first received by other modules (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna) in the terminal, and then sent by these modules to the terminal chip. The terminal chip sends information to the CCO. It can be understood that this information is first sent to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna) in the terminal, and then sent by these modules to the CCO.

[0185] When the above communication device is a chip applied to the CCO, the CCO chip implements the functions of the CCO in the above method embodiments. The CCO chip receives information from the terminal. It can be understood that this information is first received by other modules (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna) in the CCO, and then sent by these modules to the CCO chip. The CCO chip sends information to the terminal. It can be understood that this information is sent to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna) in the CCO, and then sent by these modules to the terminal.

[0186] In this application, when entity A sends information to entity B, it can be directly sent from A to B, or A can indirectly send it to B via other entities. Similarly, when entity B receives information from entity A, entity B can directly receive the information sent by entity A, or entity B can indirectly receive the information sent by entity A via other entities. Here, entity A and B can be CCO nodes or terminals, or modules inside CCO nodes or terminals. The sending and receiving of information can be the information interaction between a CCO node and a terminal, for example, the information interaction between a CCO and a terminal; the sending and receiving of information can also be the information interaction between two CCO nodes, for example, the information interaction between a CU and a DU; the sending and receiving of information can also be the information interaction between different modules within a device, for example, the information interaction between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or the information interaction between a CCO chip and other modules in the CCO.

[0187] It can be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0188] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in a random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, removable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC can be located in a CCO or a terminal. The processor and the storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a CCO or a terminal.

[0189] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in the form of a computer program product in whole or in part. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are executed in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device, or other programmable devices. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center in a wired or wireless manner. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that the computer can access, or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium can be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or can include both volatile and non-volatile types of storage media.

[0190] The terms "first" and "second" in the description and drawings of the present application are used to distinguish objects or to distinguish the processing of the same object. The words "first", "second", etc. can distinguish the same items or similar items with basically the same functions and roles. For example, the first device and the second device are only used to distinguish different devices, and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art can understand that the words "first", "second", etc. do not limit the quantity and execution order, and the words "first", "second", etc. do not necessarily limit that they are different.

[0191] "At least one" means one or more, and "a plurality" means two or more.

[0192] "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects and indicates that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after. "At least one of the following" or its similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a - b, a - c, b - c, or a - b - c, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0193] In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof mentioned in the description of the present application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally further includes other steps or units not listed, or optionally further includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0194] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to represent examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design solution described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or design solutions. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present relevant concepts in a specific manner.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, comprising: receiving channel quality information between nodes in each node group among a plurality of node groups; determining the preamble length of frames sent by nodes in each node group among the plurality of node groups according to the channel quality information; sending first indication information for indicating the preamble length.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, each node group includes two nodes, the two nodes of the node group are a first node and a second node, the first node is a leaf node, and the second node is a proxy node of the first node.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, determining the preamble length of frames sent by nodes in each node group among the plurality of node groups according to the channel quality information includes: determining the channel quality information between nodes in the node group according to one or more of the following information: the received power of the signal between two nodes in the node group, the attenuation value of the signal strength between two nodes in the node group, or the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal between two nodes in the node group.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into a plurality of intervals, and receiving the channel quality information between nodes in each node group among the plurality of node groups includes: receiving the number of node groups in which the channel quality information between nodes is located in each of the plurality of intervals.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, indicating the preamble length of frames sent by nodes in each node group among the plurality of node groups includes: indicating the identifier of each node group and the preamble length of frames sent by nodes in each node group corresponding to each node group.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, before sending the first indication information, it further includes: generating a first list according to the channel quality information between nodes in each node group among the plurality of node groups, the first list includes the identifier of each node group and the preamble length of frames sent by nodes in each node group corresponding to each node group; and / or, before sending the first indication information, it further includes: generating a second list according to the channel quality information between nodes in each node group among the plurality of node groups, the second list includes the interval of the channel quality information and the preamble length of frames sent by nodes in the node group corresponding to the interval.

7. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, the plurality of intervals include a first interval and a second interval, the node groups located in the first interval are first-type node groups, the node groups located in the second interval are second-type node groups, and indicating the preamble length of frames sent by nodes in each node group among the plurality of node groups includes: indicating that the preamble length of frames sent by nodes in the first-type node groups is a first length, and indicating that the preamble length of frames sent by nodes in the second-type node groups is a second length.

8. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, the first length is different from the second length.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, if the signal quality of the first type of node group is higher than that of the second type of node group, the preamble length of the first type of node group is less than the preamble length of the second type of node group.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, the preamble includes a first synchronization symbol, and the number of first synchronization symbols in the preamble of the first type of node group is less than the number of first synchronization symbols in the preamble of the second type of node group.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, further comprising: determining the time slot according to the channel quality information; sending second indication information for indicating the time slot of the frame sent by the nodes in each node group among the multiple node groups.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, indicating the time slot of the frame sent by the nodes in each node group among the multiple node groups includes: indicating the time slot of the first type of node group as a first time slot and indicating the time slot of the second type of node group as a second time slot.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, the length and / or the position of the time slot is determined according to the number of the node groups corresponding to the time slot and / or the priority of the service sent by the node groups corresponding to the time slot.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, if the number of the first type of node groups is greater than the number of the second type of node groups, the length of the time slot of the first type of node groups is greater than the length of the time slot of the second type of node groups within a first period; if the priority of the service sent by the first type of node groups is greater than the priority of the service sent by the second type of node groups, the time slot of the first type of node groups is in front of the time slot of the second type of node groups within a first period.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12-14, wherein, if the first indication information indicates that the first node sends a message to the second node in the first time slot and indicates that the second node sends a message to the first node in the second time slot, the second node sends a response message to the first node in the first time slot.

16. A communication method, wherein, comprising: receiving first indication information for indicating the preamble length of the frame sent by the nodes in each node group among the multiple node groups; the preamble length is determined according to the channel quality information; sending a frame according to the first indication information.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, each node group includes two nodes, the two nodes of the node group are a first node and a second node, the first node is a leaf node, and the second node is the proxy node of the first node.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The channel quality information between nodes in a node group is determined according to one or more of the following information: the received power of a signal between two nodes in the node group, the attenuation value of the signal strength between two nodes in the node group, or the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal between two nodes in the node group.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 - 18, wherein, indicating the preamble length of a frame sent by nodes in each node group among the multiple node groups includes: indicating the identifier of each node group and the preamble length of a frame sent by nodes in each node group corresponding to each node group.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 - 18, wherein, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals, the multiple intervals include a first interval and a second interval, the node groups located in the first interval are first - type node groups, the node groups located in the second interval are second - type node groups, and indicating the preamble length of a frame sent by nodes in each node group among the multiple node groups includes: indicating that the preamble length of a frame sent by nodes in the first - type node groups is a first length, and indicating that the preamble length of a frame sent by nodes in the second - type node groups is a second length.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, the first length is different from the second length.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein, if the signal quality of the first - type node groups is higher than the signal quality of the second - type node groups, then the preamble length of the first - type node groups is less than the preamble length of the second - type node groups.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, the preamble includes a first synchronization symbol, and the number of first synchronization symbols in the preamble of the first - type node groups is less than the number of first synchronization symbols in the preamble of the second - type node groups.

24. The method according to any one of claims 16 - 23, wherein, further includes: receiving second indication information, the second indication information is used to indicate the time slot of a frame sent by nodes in each node group among the multiple node groups, and the time slot of the frame is determined according to the channel quality information.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, indicating the time slot of a frame sent by nodes in each node group among the multiple node groups includes: indicating that the time slot of the first - type node groups is a first time slot, and indicating that the time slot of the second - type node groups is a second time slot.

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, wherein, the length and / or the position of the time slot is determined according to the number of node groups corresponding to the time slot and / or the priority of the service sent by the node groups corresponding to the time slot.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein, If the number of the first type of node groups is greater than the number of the second type of node groups, then the time slot length of the first type of node groups is greater than that of the second type of node groups in the first period; if the priority of the services sent by the first type of node groups is greater than the priority of the services sent by the second type of node groups, then the time slots of the first type of node groups are in front of the time slots of the second type of node groups in the first period.

28. The method according to any one of claims 24 - 27, wherein, if the first indication information indicates that the first node sends a message to the second node in the first time slot and indicates that the second node sends a message to the first node in the second time slot, then the second node sends a response message to the first node in the first time slot.

29. The method according to any one of claims 16 - 28, wherein, before receiving the first indication information, it further includes: sending channel quality information between nodes in the sending node group.

30. The method according to any one of claims 16 - 29, wherein, it further includes: sending a frame according to the first indication information and / or the second indication information.

31. A communication method, wherein, it includes: sending channel quality information between nodes in each node group of multiple node groups; receiving first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate the preamble length of the frames sent by nodes in each node group of the multiple node groups; the preamble length is determined according to the channel quality information.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals, and the sending channel quality information between nodes in each node group of the multiple node groups includes: the number of node groups where the channel quality information between nodes in the multiple node groups is located in each of the multiple intervals.

33. The method according to claim 31 or 32, wherein, before sending the channel quality information between nodes in each node group of the multiple node groups, it further includes: receiving channel quality information between nodes in the multiple node groups.

34. The method according to any one of claims 31 - 33, wherein, after receiving the first indication information, it further includes: sending a frame according to the first indication information.

35. The method according to any one of claims 31 - 34, wherein, it further includes receiving second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate the time slots of the frames sent by nodes in each node group of the multiple node groups, and the time slots of the frames are determined according to the channel quality information.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein, it further includes: sending a frame according to the first indication information and the second indication information.

37. A computer-readable storage medium, in which instructions are stored, wherein, When the instruction runs on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or the communication device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 16 to 30, or the communication device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 31 to 36.

38. A communication device, characterized in that it includes a module for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or includes a module for executing the method according to any one of claims 16 to 30, or includes a module for executing the method according to any one of claims 31 to 36.

39. A communication device, characterized in that it includes: a processor and a memory; the memory is used for storing computer instructions, and when the processor executes the computer instructions, the communication device is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or the communication device is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 16 to 30, or the communication device is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 31 to 36.

40. A computer program product, characterized in that it includes: a computer program or instruction, and when the computer program or instruction runs on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or the computer is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 16 to 30, or the computer is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 31 to 36.

41. A system, characterized in that it includes a first device and a second device, the first device executes the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, and the second device executes the communication method according to any one of claims 16 to 30.

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