Communication method and device

Abstract

A communication method and device relate to the technical field of power line communication, and a concentrator indicates the energy of a node for sending a signal according to the channel quality between a leaf node and an agent node, thereby reducing the influence on surrounding nodes and improving the efficiency of a communication network. The method comprises the following steps: the concentrator receives channel quality information between nodes in each node group of a plurality of node groups from the proxy node and / or the leaf node. And the concentrator determines the signal strength of each node group in the plurality of node groups according to the channel quality information. Each node group may include a leaf node and a proxy node. And the concentrator sends first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used for indicating the signal strength. And the proxy node and the leaf node receive the first indication information, and send signals according to the signal intensity allocated by the concentrator for the proxy node and the leaf node. The concentrator may also indicate time slots in which the proxy node and leaf nodes transmit signals.

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), an electric meter, etc.). 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 electric meter can be the intermediate node and leaf node of the tree structure.

[0003] In the PLC network, carrier sense multiple access / collision avoidance (CSMA / CA) mechanism is adopted for data communication of 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 keep silent and cannot use the channel. After the channel becomes idle, each node competes for the channel again, that is, nodes can only multiplex the channel in a time-sharing manner to transmit data, resulting in low data transmission efficiency and thus low communication efficiency of the PLC network. Summary of the Invention

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

[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, including: receiving channel quality information between nodes in each node group among multiple node groups; determining the signal strength of each node group among the multiple node groups according to the channel quality information, where each node group includes two nodes, and the signal strength of the node group is the signal strength of signal transceiver between the two nodes in the node group; sending first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate the signal strength.

[0007] Through this solution, the central coordinator can allocate the signal strength of the same or different signals to different node groups, so that when a node sends a signal, it no longer uses a unified signal strength. For example, when the nodes in a node group are relatively close, the signal strength of the node sending the signal can be reduced, thereby reducing the interference of the signal sent by the node to surrounding nodes. Furthermore, surrounding nodes can also send signals while the node is sending signals, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the communication network. In addition, reducing the transmission power of the signal can also save energy.

[0008] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, the two nodes of the node group are the first node and the second node, the second node is the proxy node of the first node, and the first node is a non-proxy node.

[0009] With this solution, the concentrator can statistically analyze the channel quality information of the first node (such as a leaf node) and the proxy node of the first node, and allocate signal strength to the signals transmitted between the leaf node and the proxy node of the leaf node. In the communication system network (such as a power line network, abbreviated as the communication system), there are many links between leaf nodes and proxy nodes. By statistically analyzing this type of link, the signal strength of this type of link can be allocated, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the communication system.

[0010] In combination 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 signal strength of the node group 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 signal strength of the node group.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, determining the signal strength of 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 between two nodes in the node group, and the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal between two nodes in the node group.

[0012] In combination 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 of the multiple intervals.

[0013] With this solution, the concentrator can allocate the signal strength for transmitting signals and / or the time slot length occupied by the transmitted signals to each node group within each interval 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, indicating the signal strength of each node group among multiple node groups includes: indicating the attenuation power of the first type of node group or the power of the signal transmitted by the first type of node group, where the first type of node group is the node group in which the value of the channel quality information is located in the first interval, and the multiple intervals include the first interval.

[0015] Through this solution, the concentrator can allocate different signal strengths to node groups with channel quality information values in different intervals, so that the nodes in the node groups in this interval send signals using the signal strengths allocated by the concentrator. For example, a node sends a signal using the power obtained by subtracting the attenuation power from the original transmission power, or uses the power of the signal sent as indicated by the concentrator. This enables node groups in different intervals to send signals with different powers, thereby reducing the impact on surrounding nodes.

[0016] Combined with the first aspect, in a possible design, the number of first intervals is one or more, and the ratio of the number of node groups with channel quality information values in one or more first intervals to the multiple node groups is a first ratio, where the first ratio is greater than or equal to a first threshold; or, the first ratio is less than or equal to a second threshold; or, the first ratio is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold, where the first threshold is less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0017] Through this solution, the concentrator can determine which intervals of channel quality information are used as the first intervals, that is, reduce the signal transmission strengths of which intervals of channel quality information. Thus, it indicates the signal transmission strengths of the nodes in the node groups in the first intervals, improving the communication efficiency of the communication network.

[0018] Combined with the first aspect, in a possible design, when the channel quality information is the received power of the signal between two nodes in a node group, the division of the values of the channel quality information into multiple intervals includes: the values of the channel quality information are divided into multiple intervals according to the values of the received power, and the difference between the received power in the first interval and the attenuation power is greater than or equal to a third threshold, where the third threshold is the minimum received power; when the channel quality information is the attenuation value of the signal between two nodes in a node group, the division of the values of the channel quality information into multiple intervals includes: the values of the channel quality information are divided into multiple intervals according to the values of the attenuation value, and the sum of the attenuation value in the first interval and the attenuation power is less than or equal to a fourth threshold, where the fourth threshold is the maximum signal attenuation value.

[0019] Through this solution, the concentrator determines the attenuation value of the signal transmission power or determines the signal transmission power, so that the nodes in the node groups in the first interval can send signals according to the above attenuation value or transmission power, thereby improving the communication efficiency of the communication network.

[0020] Combined with the first aspect, in a possible design, the method further includes: sending second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate the time slots of multiple node groups, and the time slots of each node group in the multiple node groups are determined according to the channel quality information between the nodes in the multiple node groups.

[0021] With this solution, the concentrator can allocate time slots for node groups, enabling nodes with different channel quality information to transmit signals in different time slots, reducing signal collisions, and improving the efficiency of the communication system.

[0022] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, indicating the time slots of multiple node groups includes: indicating the time slot of the first type of node group as the first time slot, indicating the time slot of the second type of node group as the second time slot. The second type of node group is the node group whose channel quality information value is outside the first interval, and the first time slot is different from the second time slot.

[0023] With this solution, nodes with channel quality in different intervals can transmit in different time slots, thereby reducing frame collisions of different energies and improving the communication efficiency of the communication system.

[0024] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, indicating the time slots of multiple node groups includes: indicating the time slot of the third type of node group as the third time slot. The third time slot is different from the first time slot and the second time slot. In the third type of node group, both nodes are proxy nodes, or one is a proxy node and the other is a root node.

[0025] With this solution, the signals transmitted between proxy nodes have a separate time slot (the third time slot), reducing the collisions between the signals transmitted by proxy nodes and the signals transmitted by surrounding leaf nodes.

[0026] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, including: receiving first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate the signal strength of each node group in multiple node groups; the signal strength of each node group in multiple node groups is determined according to the channel quality information between nodes in multiple node groups. Each node group includes two nodes, and the signal strength of the node group is the strength of the signals transmitted and received between the two nodes in the node group; sending a signal according to the first indication information.

[0027] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, the node group includes a first node and a second node, and the second node is a proxy node of the first node, and the first node is a non - proxy node.

[0028] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, the first node is a leaf node or a proxy node.

[0029] 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 between the two nodes in the node group, and the signal - to - noise ratio of the signal between the two nodes in the node group.

[0030] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals, which indicate the signal strength of each node group among multiple nodes, including: indicating the attenuation power of the first type of node group or the power of the signal transmitted by the first type of node group. The first type of node group is the node group where the value of the channel quality information is within the first interval, and the multiple intervals include the first interval.

[0031] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, when the channel quality information is the received power of the signal between two nodes in a node group, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals, including: the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals according to the value range of the received power. The difference between the received power in the first interval and the attenuation power is greater than or equal to the third threshold, and the third threshold is the minimum received power. When the channel quality information is the attenuation value of the signal between two nodes in a node group, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals, including: the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals according to the value range of the attenuation value. The sum of the attenuation value in the first interval and the attenuation power is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the fourth threshold is the maximum signal attenuation value.

[0032] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, the method further includes: receiving second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate the time slots of multiple node groups, and the time slot of each node group among the multiple node groups is determined according to the channel quality information between the nodes in the multiple node groups.

[0033] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, indicating the time slots of 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. The second type of node group is the node group other than the node group where the value of the channel quality information is within the first interval, and the first time slot is different from the second time slot.

[0034] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, before receiving the first indication information, it further includes: sending the channel quality information between the nodes in the node group. Through this solution, the leaf node can send the channel quality information to the upper-level node (such as the proxy node or concentrator), so that the concentrator can obtain the channel quality information of multiple node groups.

[0035] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, the method further includes: sending a signal according to the time slot indicated by the second indication information.

[0036] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, including: sending channel quality information between nodes in each of a plurality of node groups; receiving first indication information for indicating the signal strength of each of the plurality of node groups, where the signal strength of each of the plurality of node groups is determined according to the channel quality information between nodes in the plurality of node groups, and the signal strength of a node group is the strength of signals sent between nodes in the node group.

[0037] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible design, a node group includes a first node and a second node, the second node is a proxy node of the first node, and the first node is a non-proxy node.

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

[0039] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible design, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into a plurality of intervals, and sending the channel quality information between nodes in each of the plurality of node groups includes:

[0040] sending the number of node groups in which the channel quality information between nodes in the plurality of node groups is located in each of the plurality of intervals.

[0041] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible design, the method further includes: receiving second indication information for indicating the time slots of the plurality of node groups, where the time slots of each of the plurality of node groups are determined according to the channel quality information between nodes in the plurality of node groups.

[0042] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible design, indicating the time slots of the plurality of node groups includes: indicating that the time slot of a third type of node group is a third time slot, where both nodes in the third type of node group are proxy nodes, or a node group with one proxy node and one root node.

[0043] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible design, before receiving the first indication information, it further includes: receiving the channel quality information between nodes in the plurality of node groups. Through this solution, the proxy node can receive the channel quality information sent by the subordinate nodes and report the channel quality information, so that the concentrator can obtain the channel quality information of the plurality of node groups.

[0044] Fourth aspect, a communication method is provided, including: a second node sending channel quality information between nodes in each of a plurality of node groups; a concentrator receiving the channel quality information between nodes in each of the plurality of node groups; the concentrator determining a signal strength of each of the plurality of node groups according to the channel quality information, each of the node groups including a first node and a second node, and the signal strength of the node group being a signal strength of signal transceiver between the first node and the second node; the concentrator sending first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the signal strength of each of the plurality of node groups; the second node receiving the first indication information; the first node receiving the first indication information; and the first node sending a signal according to the first indication information.

[0045] Combined with the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation, the second node is a proxy node of the first node.

[0046] Fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a receiving module, a sending module, and a processing module; the receiving module is configured to receive channel quality information between nodes in each of a plurality of node groups; the processing module is configured to determine a signal strength of each of the plurality of node groups according to the channel quality information, each of the node groups including two nodes, and the signal strength of the node group being a signal strength of signal transceiver between the two nodes in the node group; and the sending module is configured to send first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the signal strength.

[0047] Sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a receiving module, a sending module, and a processing module; the receiving module is configured to receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the signal strength of each of the plurality of node groups; the signal strength of each of the plurality of node groups is determined according to channel quality information between nodes in the plurality of node groups, each of the node groups including two nodes, and the signal strength of the node group being a strength of signal transceiver between the two nodes in the node group; the processing module is configured to determine a signal according to the first indication information; and the sending module is configured to send the signal.

[0048] Seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, including a receiving module, a sending module, and a processing module; the sending module is configured to send channel quality information between nodes in each of a plurality of node groups; the receiving module is configured to receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the signal strength of each of the plurality of node groups; the signal strength of each of the plurality of node groups is determined according to the channel quality information between nodes in the plurality of node groups, and the signal strength of the node group being a strength of signal transceiver between nodes in the node group.

[0049] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device is used to implement the various communication methods described above. The communication device includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the above communication methods, and the 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.

[0050] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes: a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store computer instructions, and when the processor executes the instructions, the communication device is caused to execute the communication method of any one of the above aspects.

[0051] In a tenth 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 instructions in the memory, so that the communication device executes the communication method of any one of the above aspects.

[0052] In an eleventh aspect, a chip system is provided. The chip system includes a processor and an input / output port. The processor is used to implement the processing functions involved in the communication method of any one of the above aspects, and the input / output port is used to implement the transceiver functions involved in the communication method of any one of the above aspects.

[0053] In a possible design, the 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 of any one of the above aspects.

[0054] The chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0055] In a twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. Instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium; when the instructions run on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the communication method of any one of the above designs.

[0056] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided. The system includes a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device executes the communication method of the first aspect above, and the second communication device executes the communication method of the second aspect above.

[0057] In combination with the thirteenth aspect, in a possible design, a third communication device is further included, and the third communication device executes the communication method of the third aspect above.

[0058] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to execute the communication method designed in any one of the above aspects.

[0059] 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 above second aspect to fourteenth aspect can refer to the beneficial effects in the first aspect provided above and any possible implementation manner, which will not be elaborated here. Description of the Drawings

[0060] Figure 1 Schematic structural diagram of the communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of time slots in a beacon period;

[0062] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of nodes being hidden nodes from each other;

[0063] Figure 4 Flowchart of the communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 5 Another schematic structural diagram of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of time slots in a beacon period provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 8 Another schematic diagram of the communication device provided by the embodiment of the present application. Detailed Embodiments

[0068] 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 the power line to obtain meter reading data from devices such as electricity meters. The above PLC network usually adopts centralized network management. The CCO manages the medium 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, intermediate 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 intermediate 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 intermediate nodes (also known as proxy coordinators (PCOs), intermediate proxy nodes), and the devices 4 to 8 corresponding to the triangles represent leaf nodes. Intermediate nodes and leaf nodes can be collectively referred to as sub-nodes in the PLC network, simply called sub-nodes. Sub-nodes can be devices such as electricity meters. Optionally, when devices such as electricity meters are used as intermediate nodes, they can also be called repeaters.

[0069] The above PLC network can be networked through the issuance and feedback of beacon frames. Exemplarily, the device 1a (root node) issues beacon frame 1. The device 1b that receives beacon frame 1 sends feedback information 1 to the device 1a to notify the device 1a that the device 1b has received beacon frame 1. The device 1a takes the 1b that sends feedback information 1 as a leaf node. The device 1a issues beacon frame 2 according to feedback information 1 and instructs some or all of the devices 1b to issue beacon frame 3. If the device 1c receives beacon frame 3, then the device 1c sends feedback information 2 to the device 1b, and the device 1b sends feedback information 2 to the device 1a. After the device 1a receives feedback information 2, indicating that the device 1c has received the beacon frame 3 issued by the device 1b, the device 1a can update the device 1b as an intermediate node. The device 1b is the upper-level node of the device 1c, and the device 1c is the sub-node (also can be called the lower-level node, subordinate node, etc.) of the device 1b. If the device 1b does not send feedback information 2 to the device 1a, then the device 1b remains as a leaf node.

[0070] For example, the device 1a is the device 1 in the above Figure 1 the device 1b is the devices 2, 3, 6, 7 in the above Figure 1 the device 1c is the device 4 in the above Figure 1 where some or all of the devices 1b include the devices 2, 6, 7. For another example, the device 1a is the aboveFigure 1 Device 1 in, and device 1b is the above-mentioned Figure 1 Devices 2, 3, 6, and 7 in, and device 1c is the above-mentioned Figure 1 Devices 5 and 8 in, where some or all of device 1b includes devices 3 and 7.

[0071] Optionally, the above-mentioned devices (such as device 1a and device 1b) can send beacon frames by broadcasting.

[0072] Optionally, the above-mentioned devices (such as device 1a, device 1b, and device 1c) send beacon frames and / or feedback information at the maximum transmission power. By sending information such as beacon frames and feedback information at the maximum transmission power, the child nodes in the PLC network can communicate with the CCO through fewer intermediate nodes, reducing the number of levels for nodes far from the CCO to communicate with the CCO. In addition, the signal-to-noise ratio of the messages transmitted between nodes can be improved.

[0073] The above-mentioned beacon frames can not only be used for network formation, but also for determining and transmitting attenuation values.

[0074] The PLC network stipulates the maximum transmission power (also known as the maximum emission power) of the nodes in the PLC network. When a node joins the network, it usually obtains the maximum transmission power requirement of the network and sends signals at the maximum transmission power, that is, the signal transmission power of each node in the PLC network is the maximum transmission power. During the network formation process of the PLC network, each node can determine the attenuation value from the surrounding nodes to this node according to the received power of the beacon frames of the surrounding nodes, and form a discovery list with the attenuation values from one or more surrounding nodes to this node. Each node can perform routing evaluation according to its own discovery list. For example, select the node with a smaller attenuation value as the node to access the PLC network. In addition, each node broadcasts and publishes its own discovery list, so that the surrounding nodes can receive the discovery list of the above-mentioned node. In this way, each node can obtain the attenuation value from this node to the surrounding nodes through the discovery list of the surrounding nodes, and thus, this node obtains the topological information of the entire surrounding network, which is beneficial for this node to find a more suitable route. After the PLC network is formed, the nodes (including the CCO and terminals) in the PLC network regularly send the discovery list messages of their respective nodes. The discovery list messages carry information such as the discovery list of this node, which can be used to update the routing of the nodes in the PLC network.

[0075] Refer to Figure 2, the PLC communication system controls the nodes in the PLC network to send messages on the same channel through a beacon frame-based channel access mechanism, and through this mechanism, the sub-nodes in the PLC network can communicate with the CCO. This channel access mechanism is implemented as follows: the CCO periodically sends beacon frames, and the beacon frames include the planning information of beacon time slots, TDMA time slots, CSMA time slots, and bound CSMA time slots, etc. within the beacon period allocated by the CCO. The sub-nodes in the PLC network follow the time slots allocated by the CCO and perform channel access within their corresponding time slots. Generally, the beacon time slot and the TDMA time slot are time slots allocated to the CCO or designated nodes for use, collectively referred to as non-competitive time slots. Among them, the designated 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 for which the user is not specified, the nodes in the PLC network can compete for the use of this part of the time slots when needed, collectively referred to as competitive time slots. When planning the 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. All nodes involved in this service can compete to send messages of this service in this bound CSMA time slot.

[0076] The nodes at all levels in the PLC network can use the CSMA / CA mechanism to transmit data frames. The data frames can represent frames for transmitting control signaling and frames for transmitting data, such as beacon frames, etc. The data frames can also be called signals, and hereinafter, they will be uniformly described using signals. Before sending data, the node first listens to the channel. When the node detects that the channel is idle, it sends a signal. When the node detects that the channel is busy (that is, when there are signals from other nodes being sent), it randomly idles for a period of time and then sends a signal (that is, adopts a random backoff mechanism). That is to say, in the CSMA / CA mechanism, when a certain node sends a signal, the other nodes can only remain silent and compete for the channel after the channel becomes idle. Through the random backoff method, the signal is transmitted after the backoff ends, and the nodes can only multiplex the channel in a time-division manner to transmit data. In this way, CSMA can prevent multiple transmission tasks from being carried out at the same time on the same medium, thereby reducing the mutual interference of the data transmitted between nodes. However, since in the PLC network, for a single channel, only one node can use this channel to transmit data at the same time. When the scale of the PLC network nodes is large, the sub-nodes need to wait for a long time to transmit data. In addition, when the scale of the PLC network nodes is large, some nodes cannot directly communicate with the CCO and need to forward signals through intermediate nodes, thereby increasing the number of data transmissions and further deteriorating the communication efficiency.

[0077] Furthermore, when the scale of the PLC network nodes is large, many nodes cannot directly listen to each other and become hidden nodes to each other. For example, referring to Figure 3 , Figure 3It shows that Node 4 and Node 5 are hidden nodes to each other. The virtual circle around Node 4 represents the coverage range of the signal of Node 4, and the virtual circle around Node 5 represents the coverage range of the signal of Node 5. Both Node 2 and Node 3 are within the coverage ranges of the signals of Node 4 and Node 5. Node 4 is a child node of Node 2, and Node 5 is a child node of Node 3. When Node 4 sends a signal to Node 2, Node 5 cannot detect this signal, resulting in Node 5 misjudging that the channel is idle, and causing Node 5 to send a signal to Node 3. Node 4 and Node 5 send signals at the same moment, causing these two signals to collide and resulting in the failure of both signals to be transmitted. In an actual PLC network, the signal collision probability between nodes can reach more than 30%, the data transmission efficiency between nodes is low, and the communication efficiency of the PLC network is low.

[0078] Based on this, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method. For a network that uses the same channel for communication, it can enable multiple nodes in the network to perform data transmission during the same time period, improve the utilization rate of the channel by the nodes, and improve the communication efficiency. Taking the PLC network after networking as an example, referring to Figure 4 , the embodiments of the present application include the following steps.

[0079] S401. The first node sends the channel quality information among the nodes in the node group.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first node is a leaf node in the PLC network. Exemplarily, referring to Figure 5 , Figure 5 , the node a corresponding to the square box in it can represent the root node, and node a can be a concentrator. The nodes b to e corresponding to the circles can represent intermediate nodes, and the nodes f to p corresponding to the triangles can represent leaf nodes. The nodes f to p can be the first node. The intermediate nodes and leaf nodes can be electric meters. Figure 5 The nodes at both ends of the straight line in it can represent a node group, and the serial numbers next to the straight line are used to distinguish the node groups.

[0081] In some embodiments, the node group includes a first node and a second node. Among them, the second node is the proxy node of the first node. The proxy node of the first node refers to the node that is connected to the first node and through which the first node accesses the PLC network. That is to say, the first node is a child node of the second node. For example, node c (an example of the second node) and node p (an example of the first node) form node group 1, node l and node e form node group 2, and so on, which will not be elaborated here.

[0082] The first node can be all or part of the leaf nodes in the PLC network. The second node can be all or part of the proxy nodes in the PLC network. For example, the second node is a proxy node other than the concentrator that is connected to the leaf node.

[0083] The channel quality information between nodes in a node group can be abbreviated as the channel quality information of the node group.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] In some embodiments, the channel quality information between nodes in a node group is the average value or 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] Taking the example that the node group includes node m and node e, when node e sends signal 1 to node m, node m can obtain the channel quality information of the signal sent from node e to node m based on the received signal 1. Or, when node m sends signal 2 to node e, node e can obtain the channel quality information of the signal sent from node m to node e based on 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 or 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.

[0089] In some embodiments, a node group is determined by a sending node and a receiving node. That is to say, in the case where a first node sends a signal to a second node, the first node and the second node form node group 1. In the case where 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.

[0090] S402. The proxy node receives the channel quality information between nodes in multiple node groups.

[0091] In some embodiments, the proxy node directly receives the channel quality information between the nodes in the receiving node group. For example, the child nodes of the receiving proxy node obtain the channel quality information, and the proxy node receives the channel quality information sent by the child nodes.

[0092] In some other embodiments, the proxy node indirectly receives the channel quality information between the nodes in the receiving node group. For example, the proxy node receives the signals sent by the child nodes, and the proxy node obtains the channel quality information based on the received signals.

[0093] In some embodiments, the proxy node receives the channel quality information between the nodes in the receiving node group sent by the child nodes of the proxy node. For example, referring to Figure 5 , the proxy node can be node c, and node c can receive the channel quality information of node groups 1 to 5. The proxy node can be node e, and node e can receive the channel quality information of node groups 2 to 5.

[0094] S403. The proxy node sends the channel quality information between the nodes in each of the multiple node groups.

[0095] The proxy node can send the channel quality information between the nodes in the multiple received node groups to the upper-level node. For example, referring to Figure 5 , node e sends the channel quality information of node groups 2 to 5 to node c. For another example, node c sends the channel quality information of node groups 1 to 5 to node a. For another example, node c sends the channel quality information of node groups 1 to 5 and the channel quality information of node group 12 to node a.

[0096] S404. The concentrator receives the channel quality information between the nodes in each of the multiple node groups.

[0097] In some embodiments, the concentrator can receive the channel quality information between the nodes in all the node groups in the PLC network. For example, referring to Figure 5 , the concentrator can receive the channel quality information of node groups 1 to 15.

[0098] In some other embodiments, the concentrator can also receive the channel quality information between the nodes in some of the node groups in the PLC network. For example, referring to Figure 5 , the concentrator can receive the channel quality information of node groups 1 to 5 sent by node c and the channel quality information of node groups 7 to 10 sent by node b.

[0099] S405. The concentrator determines the signal strength of each of the multiple node groups according to the channel quality information.

[0100] The signal strength of a node group is the signal strength for signals sent between nodes in the node group.

[0101] S406. The concentrator sends first indication information.

[0102] Among them, the first indication information is used to indicate the signal strength of each node group among multiple node groups.

[0103] That is to say, the concentrator can determine the signal strength of each node group among multiple node groups according to the channel quality information between nodes in the multiple node groups, and indicate the signal strength of each node group among the multiple node groups through the first indication information.

[0104] The signal strength of signals sent by nodes in a node group can be referred to as the signal strength of the node group.

[0105] Exemplarily, the node group includes node m and node e. The signal strength of the node group can be the signal strength of node m sending a signal to node e, or the signal strength of node e sending a signal to node m, or the signal strength of node e receiving a signal, or the signal strength of node m receiving a signal.

[0106] In some embodiments, the signal strength of each node group among multiple node groups is the same. In other embodiments, the signal strength of each node group among multiple node groups is different.

[0107] The concentrator can send the first indication information in a broadcast manner, for example, carrying the first indication information in a beacon frame.

[0108] S407. The proxy node receives the first indication information.

[0109] S408. The first node receives the first indication information.

[0110] In some embodiments, after receiving the first indication information, the proxy node forwards the first indication information to the first node. For example, referring to Figure 5 , node a issues the first indication information. After node c receives the first indication information, it issues the first indication information to node e and node p, and node e continues to issue the first indication information to nodes l to o.

[0111] In other embodiments, the first node receives the first indication information from the concentrator. For example, referring to Figure 5 , nodes f and g can communicate directly with node a and receive the first indication information issued by node a.

[0112] S409. The proxy node sends a signal according to the first indication information.

[0113] S410. The first node sends a signal according to the first indication information.

[0114] For example, signals are sent according to the signal strength indicated by the first indication information.

[0115] Through this solution, the concentrator determines the signal strength of each node group among multiple node groups according to the channel quality information between the nodes in the node groups, so that the nodes in each node group send signals according to the signal strength indicated by the concentrator. Compared with the prior art in which each node sends signals at the maximum transmission power specified by the PLC network, this solution can reduce the interference of the signals sent by some nodes to the surrounding nodes, reduce the probability of data collision between nodes, enable more nodes to send signals in parallel, and improve the communication efficiency of the PLC network. For example, referring to Figure 3 , Figure 3 the direction indicated by the arrow in shows the signal transmission direction, the solid line represents the communication signal, the dashed line represents the interference signal, and the value beside the solid line or the dashed line represents the attenuation value of the signal. For example, the attenuation value of the signal sent from node 5 to node 3 is 10 dB. Assume Figure 3 that the attenuation value of the signal sent at the maximum transmission power between the nodes shown can be normally received only when it is less than 100 dB, and the receiving end cannot receive the signal when it is greater than 100 dB. Then through this solution, the concentrator can configure both node 2 and node 5 to reduce the transmission power by 45 dB, so that the attenuation values of the signals sent from node 4 to node 2 and node 3 are 75 dB and 115 dB respectively, and the attenuation values of the signals sent from node 5 to node 3 and node 2 are 55 dB and 105 dB respectively. When node 4 and node 5 send signals simultaneously, the signal of node 4 will not reach node 3 and will not cause interference to the signal sent by node 5. The signal of node 5 will not reach node 2 and will not cause interference to the signal of node 4. Thus, node 4 and node 5 can send signals simultaneously, improving the utilization rate of the channel by the nodes and improving the communication efficiency.

[0116] In some embodiments, the method does not include the above S401 and / or S402.

[0117] Exemplarily, if the channel quality information between the nodes in the node group is the channel quality information of the leaf node sending a signal to the proxy node, the proxy node can obtain the channel quality information by receiving the signal sent from the leaf node to the proxy node. Thus, the method can obtain the channel quality information between the nodes in the node group without performing S401 and / or S402, thereby reducing the communication resources occupied by the leaf node sending the channel quality information to the proxy node.

[0118] In some embodiments, the channel quality information between the nodes in the 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.

[0119] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 3 , still taking the transmission power of the sub-node in the PLC network as 20 dBm as an example, Figure 3 In the middle node 4 sends a signal of 20 dBm to node 2, and node 2 receives a signal of -10 dBm. Node 2 can subtract the known signal transmission power of 20 dBm from the received signal reception power of -10 dBm to obtain the attenuation value from node 4 to node 2 as 30 dB. When node 2 reports the channel quality information between the nodes in the node group composed of node 4 and node 2 to the upper-level node, it can report the signal reception power of -10 dBm, or report the attenuation value of 30 dB, or report the signal-to-noise ratio, etc.

[0120] In some embodiments, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals, and S403 - S404 can be implemented as S503 - S504.

[0121] S503. The proxy node sends the number of node groups in which the channel quality information between the nodes in multiple node groups is located in each interval.

[0122] S504. 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.

[0123] When the channel quality information is the attenuation value of the signal between two nodes in the node group, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals including: the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals according to the value range of the attenuation value.

[0124] Exemplarily, taking Figure 5 the channel quality information in the PLC network shown as the attenuation value as an example. Among node groups 1 to 11, the value range of the attenuation value is 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 with the attenuation value 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 the node groups to which they belong with the attenuation value in each interval. Node a receives the number of the node groups with the attenuation value in each interval.

[0125] Table 1

[0126]

[0127] In some embodiments, the multiple intervals include a first interval, the number of the first intervals is one or more, and the ratio of the number of node groups whose channel quality information values are within one or more first intervals to the multiple node groups is a first ratio. That is to say, the ratio of the sum of the number of node groups whose channel quality information values are within the first intervals among one or more first intervals to the multiple node groups is the first ratio, and the first ratio is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0128] The first threshold may be a preset threshold, or the first threshold may be calculated by the concentrator according to the historical communication efficiency of the PLC network.

[0129] Exemplarily, the first threshold is 80%. The number of node groups with attenuation values in the range of 0 to 60 dB is 9, 9 / 11 = 81%, 81% > 80%, and the first interval may include Interval 1, Interval 2, and Interval 3.

[0130] Another example, the first threshold is 60%. The number of node groups with attenuation values in the range of 0 to 50 dB is 8, 8 / 11 = 72%, 72% > 60%, and the first interval may include Interval 1 and Interval 2.

[0131] In some other embodiments, the above-mentioned first ratio is less than or equal to a second threshold. Similar to the first threshold, the second threshold may be a preset threshold, or may be calculated by the concentrator according to the historical communication efficiency of the PLC network.

[0132] Exemplarily, the second threshold is 80%. The number of node groups with attenuation values in the range of 0 - 60 dB is 9, 9 / 11 = 81%, 81% > 80%, and the first interval may include Interval 1 (0 - 40 dB), Interval 2 (40 dB - 50 dB), and Interval 3 (50 dB - 60 dB).

[0133] In some other embodiments, the above-mentioned first ratio is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold, where the first threshold is less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0134] Exemplarily, the first threshold is 60% and the second threshold is 80%.

[0135] In some other embodiments, the number of node groups whose channel quality information values are within one or more first intervals is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0136] In some other embodiments, the number of node groups whose channel quality information values are within one or more first intervals is less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0137] In some other embodiments, the number of node groups whose channel quality information values are within one or more first intervals is greater than or equal to a first threshold and a first ratio is less than or equal to a second threshold, where the first threshold is less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0138] Exemplarily, the first threshold and the second threshold can be fixed values. For example, the first threshold is equal to 8 and the second threshold is equal to 10.

[0139] In the above Table 1, the node groups including leaf nodes are used as statistics, and the number of node groups in different intervals is counted. It should be noted that the node group can also be a node group that does not include leaf nodes, that is, a node group composed of two intermediate nodes. Because in some embodiments, the number of leaf nodes in the PLC network is large, and the number of node groups composed of two intermediate nodes is small. For example, the PLC network includes 1000 leaf nodes and 30 node groups composed of two intermediate nodes. In a scenario where the proportion of leaf nodes is large, the number of nodes such as node groups composed of two intermediate nodes is small, and the influence on the statistical results is small. When counting, this node group can also be counted and calculated together with the obtained number of node groups, reducing the computing power consumed by removing this node group and improving the computing efficiency.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first indication information in S406 above indicates the signal strength of each node group in multiple node groups, and can be implemented as the first indication information indicating the attenuation power of the first type of node group or the power of the signal sent by the first type of node group. The first type of node group is a node group whose channel quality information value is within the first interval.

[0141] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 5 , taking the maximum transmission power specified in the PLC network as 20 dBm, the first interval includes Interval 1 and Interval 2 in Table 1, the attenuation values of Node Group 5 to Node Group 8 are within Interval 1, and the attenuation values of Node Group 1 to Node Group 4 are within Interval 2 as an example. The first indication information can indicate that the attenuation power of Node Group 1 to Node Group 8 is 50 dB, that is, the first indication information can indicate that both nodes in each node group of Node Group 1 to Node Group 8 send signals at -70 dBm. Another example is that the first indication information can indicate that the attenuation power of Node Group 1 to Node Group 8 is 45 dB.

[0142] In some embodiments, the sum of the attenuation value and the attenuation power in the first interval is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the fourth threshold is the maximum signal attenuation value. The maximum signal attenuation value is equal to the maximum transmission power of the signal. Exemplarily, the maximum transmission power of the PLC network is 20 dBm. The first interval includes interval 1 and interval 2, and the attenuation value in the first interval is less than 50 dB. The attenuation power can be obtained by subtracting the attenuation value of 50 dB in the first interval from the fourth threshold of 20 dBm, resulting in -70 dBm. Exemplarily, the concentrator can also use the boundary value of 60 dB in interval 3 as the attenuation value in the first interval, and obtain -80 dBm by subtracting the attenuation value of 60 dB in the first interval from the fourth threshold of 20 dBm. Again exemplarily, the attenuation power can be between 40 dB and 50 dB as described above, that is, the node groups in interval 1 and interval 2 send signals at -30 dBm to -20 dBm. This enables effective signal transmission and reception between the two nodes of the node group in the first interval and reduces signal interference to other node groups.

[0143] The leaf node can determine the interval to which the node group where the leaf node is located belongs according to the channel quality information between the nodes in the node group where the leaf node is located. After receiving the first indication information, the leaf node can determine the signal strength of the node group according to the signal strength of the interval to which the node group where the leaf node is located belongs. Exemplarily, referring to Figure 5 , taking the attenuation value of node group 5 as 30 dB, the first indication information indicating that the node group in the first interval attenuates by 45 dB, and the attenuation value range of the first interval being 0 - 50 dB as an example. After node o receives the first indication information, it can determine that the signal attenuation value for communicating with node e is within the first interval. Then, when sending signals subsequently, it no longer sends signals at the maximum power of 20 dBm, but at -25 dBm. In this way, after the signal sent by node o to node e attenuates by 30 dB, node e can receive the signal power from node o as 15 dBm.

[0144] The above uses the attenuation value of the signal between two nodes in the node group as the channel quality information as an example to illustrate the embodiments of the present application. It should be noted that the channel quality information can also be the received power of the signal between two nodes in the node group.

[0145] In the case where the channel quality information is the received power of the signal between two nodes in the node group, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals, including: the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals according to the value range of the received power.

[0146] Similar to Table 1, the value range of the received power can be divided into multiple intervals as shown in Table 2.

[0147] Table 2

[0148]

[0149]

[0150] In some embodiments, the difference between the received power and the attenuation power in the first interval is greater than or equal to a third threshold, and the third threshold is the minimum received power. Exemplarily, the minimum received power is -80 dBm. The maximum transmission power of the PLC network is 20 dBm. The first interval includes interval 1 and interval 2, and the received power in the first interval is greater than -30 dBm. By subtracting the minimum received power of -80 dBm from the received power of -30 dBm in the first interval, the attenuation power is obtained to be greater than 50 dB. Another example is that the concentrator can also use the boundary value of -40 dB in interval 3 as the received power in the first interval. By subtracting the minimum received power of -80 dBm from the received power of -40 dBm in the first interval, the attenuation power is obtained to be greater than 40 dB. Thus, the two nodes in the node group in the first interval can effectively send and receive signals, and the signal interference to other node groups is reduced.

[0151] The above solution introduces the space multiplexing technology, that is, when two nodes in the node group in the first interval send signals, they no longer use the maximum power specified by the PLC network to send signals, but send signals with a lower power. Thus, the interference to the signals sent by surrounding nodes is reduced, the multiplexing of the channel at the same time is realized, the collision of signals in the network is reduced, the success rate of network communication is improved, and the communication efficiency is improved.

[0152] The above embodiments take the nodes in the PLC network sending signals with the maximum power specified by the PLC network as an example to introduce how the node receiving the signal determines the attenuation value of the signal through the received power of the signal. It should be noted that the signal sending node can also send signals with other powers, as long as the signal receiving node can obtain the power of the sent signal. For example, referring to Figure 5 , node o sends a signal to node e at 10 dBm and carries the numerical value (10 dBm) information indicating the transmission power in the signal. Node e receives a signal of -20 dBm and determines the signal transmission power to be 10 dBm from the numerical value information indicating the transmission power, so as to determine the attenuation value to be 30 dB. The concentrator can determine the signal strength of each node group according to this attenuation value or this received power.

[0153] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, Figure 5 the PLC network shown includes 11 leaf nodes as an example for illustration. In an actual PLC network, the number of leaf nodes can reach several hundred or several thousand.

[0154] In some embodiments, the above steps further include S409.

[0155] S409: The concentrator sends the second indication information.

[0156] The second indication information is used to indicate the time slots of multiple node groups. The time slots of each node group in the multiple node groups are determined according to the channel quality information between the nodes in the multiple node groups. That is to say, the concentrator can determine the time slots of each node group in the multiple node groups according to the channel quality information between the nodes in the multiple node groups, and indicate the time slots of the multiple node groups through the second indication information.

[0157] Correspondingly, the leaf nodes and intermediate nodes receive the second indication information.

[0158] Similar to the first indication information, the concentrator can send the second indication information in a broadcast manner.

[0159] 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.

[0160] In some embodiments, the beacon frame includes a first field and a second field. The content in the first field is the first indication information, and the content in the second field is the second indication information.

[0161] The second indication information and the first indication information can also be sent in different messages.

[0162] In some embodiments, the second node and / or the first node can send signals according to the second indication information. For example, send signals according to the time slots indicated by the second indication information.

[0163] In some embodiments, the time slot includes one or more of the following information: time slot type, time slot length, and the position of the time slot in the beacon period.

[0164] In some embodiments, the concentrator can indicate different time slots for the first type of node group, the second type of node group, and the third type of node group. Among them, the second type of node group is the node group whose value of the channel quality information is outside the first interval, and the third type of node group is the node group in which both nodes are proxy nodes, or one is a proxy node and the other is a root node. That is to say, both nodes in the third type of node group are proxy nodes, or the two nodes in the third type of node group are one proxy node and one root node.

[0165] Exemplarily, if the first interval includes interval 1 and interval 2 in Table 1, then the node groups in interval 1 and interval 2 belong to the first type of node group. The node groups in interval 3 and interval 4 belong to the second type of node group.

[0166] The channel quality of the second type of node group is worse than that of the first type of node group. For example, when two nodes in the second type of node group send signals, they consume more energy than two nodes in the first type of node group, or the signal-to-noise ratio is lower than that of the first type of node group, or the attenuation value is greater than that of the first type of node group.

[0167] The leaf nodes in the second type of node group can be called isolated nodes. For example, referring to Figure 5 , the attenuation value of the signal sent from node p to node c is 70 dB, which is greater than the attenuation value of the signal sent between the node groups in the first interval.

[0168] In some embodiments, the time slot length can be determined according to the number of node groups transmitting signals in the time slot. Exemplarily, the number of the first type of node groups is 600, and the time slot length for the first type of node groups to send signals is 0.06 ms. The number of the second type of node groups is 200, and the time slot length for the second type of node groups to send signals is 0.02 ms.

[0169] In some embodiments, the time slot length can be determined according to the proportion of the number of node groups transmitting signals in the time slot in all node groups. Exemplarily, there are 1000 node groups in the PLC network, and the total time slot length allocated to each type of node group is 0.2 ms. If the number of the first type of node groups is 600, then the time slot length for the first type of node groups to send signals is 0.2×600÷1000 = 0.12 ms.

[0170] In some embodiments, the time slots indicating multiple node groups include: the time slot indicating the first type of node group is the first time slot, and the time slot indicating the second type of node group is the second time slot, and the first time slot is different from the second time slot.

[0171] In some embodiments, the time slots indicating multiple node groups further include: the time slot indicating the third type of node group is the third time slot, and the third time slot is different from the first time slot and the second time slot.

[0172] Referring to Figure 5, the node group 12 is a third - type node group. The node e can summarize the information of node groups 2 to 5 and send the summarized information to the node c. For example, nodes l to o respectively send discovery lists to the node e. When the node e sends signals to nodes l to o respectively according to the discovery lists, the node e obtains the received power of nodes l to o, so as to obtain the channel quality information of node groups 2 to 5. The node e counts the number of the channel quality information of node groups 2 to 5 in each interval and sends it to the node c in the third time slot. For another example, the node d can send the number of the channel quality information of node groups 2 to 5 in each interval to the node b in the third time slot. For another example, the node c can send the number of the channel quality information of node groups 1 to 5 in each interval to the node a in the third time slot.

[0173] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 6 , Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of time slots within a period. Exemplarily, this period can be a beacon period.

[0174] Figure 6 As shown, a period includes a beacon time slot, a TDMA time slot, a first time slot (or called a multiplexing frame time slot), a second time slot (or called a PCO CSMA time slot), and a third time slot (or called a CSMA time slot).

[0175] In some embodiments, each of the above - mentioned periods further includes time slots other than the above - mentioned time slots, such as bound CSMA time slots and other time slots.

[0176] This solution assigns different time slots to different node groups, such that the node groups in the first interval have separate time slots, enabling multiple node groups to transmit signals simultaneously. For example, Figure 5 the node d and the node e in can transmit signals with their respective child nodes at the same time. This reduces the probability that such node groups occupy the channel by other nodes, reduces the collisions between nodes, and improves the communication efficiency. By controlling the first threshold, for example, selecting the first threshold as 80%, most node groups can be classified as the first - type node groups. The number of the second - type node groups is less compared with the first - type node groups. Assigning separate time slots to the second - type node groups can reduce the probability of signal collisions between the second - type node groups. The third - type node groups are the backbone network of the PLC network. The number of the third - type node groups is less among the node groups in the entire PLC network, and the collision probability is low. By assigning the third time slot to the third - type node groups, the throughput rate and transmission success rate of the backbone network are improved. Thus, the embodiments of the present application realize the parallel communication between different proxy nodes and their subordinate child nodes by assigning different time slots to different node groups, improving the network efficiency. It realizes the communication between proxy nodes through dedicated time slots, improving the forwarding efficiency of the backbone network.

[0177] The method of the embodiments of the present application has been introduced above. It should be noted that both the concentrator and the 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 configuration in the communication system based on 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 in the embodiments of the present application.

[0178] 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 referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their internal 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 combined and used.

[0179] Exemplarily, in some embodiments, the embodiments of the present application include steps S408 and S410. In some other embodiments, S401 is further included. In some embodiments, the embodiments of the present application include steps S403 and S407. In some other embodiments, S402 is further included. In some other embodiments, S409 is further included. In some embodiments, the embodiments of the present application include S404, S405, and S406.

[0180] The embodiments of the present application also provide a communication device, which can execute the above method. Exemplarily, this communication device can execute the above S408 and S410. This communication device can also execute S401. The embodiments of the present application also provide a communication device, which can execute the above method S403 and S407. This communication device can also execute S409. This communication device can also execute S402. The embodiments of the present application also provide a communication device, which can execute the above method S404, S405, and S406.

[0181] 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 executing 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 this application, this 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 way of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0182] 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 5 the CCO shown (such as node a), or can be, for example, Figure 5 the terminal shown (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.

[0183] Such 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 above Figure 4 shown method embodiments.

[0184] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the first node in the Figure 4 shown method embodiment: the transceiver unit 1320 is used to receive the first indication information or send a signal according to the first indication information; the processing unit 1310 is used to execute the functions related to processing.

[0185] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the proxy node in the Figure 4 shown method embodiment: the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send the channel quality information between the nodes in each node group of the multiple node groups, receive the first indication information or send a signal according to the first indication information; the processing unit 1310 is used to execute the functions related to processing.

[0186] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the concentrator in the Figure 4 shown method embodiment: the transceiver unit 1320 is used to receive the channel quality information between the nodes in each node group of the multiple node groups and send the first indication information; the processing unit 1310 is used to determine the signal strength of each node group of the multiple node groups according to the channel quality information.

[0187] Such as Figure 8As 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 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1410 or input data required for the processor 1410 to run the instructions or data generated after the processor 1410 runs the instructions.

[0188] When the communication device 1400 is used to implement Figure 4 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.

[0189] 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.

[0190] 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.

[0191] 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 through other entities. Here, entity A and B can be CCO nodes or terminals, or modules within CCO nodes or terminals. The sending and receiving of information can be information interaction between a CCO node and a terminal, for example, information interaction between a CCO and a terminal; the sending and receiving of information can also be information interaction between two CCO nodes, for example, information interaction between a CU and a DU; the sending and receiving of information can also be information interaction between different modules within a device, for example, information interaction between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or information interaction between a CCO chip and other modules in the CCO.

[0192] 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.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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 whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. 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 can be accessed by a computer, 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.

[0195] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification 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 identical or similar items with basically the same functions and effects. 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 them to be different.

[0196] "At least one" means one or more, and "a plurality" means two or more.

[0197] "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects and indicates that there can be three relationships. 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 indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "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.

[0198] In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof mentioned in the description of this 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.

[0199] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design solution described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this 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 the 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 of a plurality of node groups; determining the signal strength of each node group in the plurality of node groups according to the channel quality information, each node group includes two nodes, and the signal strength of the node group is the signal strength of the signal transmitted and received between the two nodes in the node group; sending first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate the signal strength.

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

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, determining the signal strength of each node group in 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 the two nodes in the node group, the attenuation value of the signal between the two nodes in the node group, and the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal between the 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 of a plurality of node groups includes: receiving the number of node groups in which the channel quality information between nodes in a plurality of node groups is located in each interval of the plurality of intervals.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, indicating the signal strength of each node group in the plurality of node groups includes: indicating the attenuation power of the first type of node group or the power of the signal transmitted by the first type of node group, the first type of node group is the node group in which the value of the channel quality information is located in the first interval, and the plurality of intervals include the first interval.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, the number of the first intervals is one or more, and the ratio of the number of node groups in which the value of the channel quality information is located in the one or more first intervals to the plurality of node groups is a first ratio, and the first ratio is greater than or equal to a first threshold; or, the first ratio is less than or equal to a second threshold; or, the first ratio is greater than or equal to the first threshold and the first ratio is less than or equal to the second threshold, wherein the first threshold is less than or equal to the second threshold.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, when the channel quality information is the received power of the signal between the two nodes in the node group, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into a plurality of intervals including: the value range of the channel quality information is divided into a plurality of intervals according to the value range of the received power, and the difference between the received power of the first interval and the attenuation power is greater than or equal to a third threshold, and the third threshold is the minimum received power; When the channel quality information is the attenuation value of the signal between two nodes in the node group, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals, including: the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals according to the value range of the attenuation value, and the sum of the attenuation value and the attenuation power in the first interval is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the fourth threshold is the maximum attenuation value of the signal.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, further comprising: sending second indication information for indicating the time slots of the multiple node groups, and the time slots of each node group in the multiple node groups are determined according to the channel quality information between the nodes in the multiple node groups.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, the indication of the time slots of the 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, and the second type of node group is the node group other than those whose channel quality information values are in the first interval, and the first time slot is different from the second time slot.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, the indication of the time slots of the multiple node groups includes: indicating that the time slot of the third type of node group is the third time slot, and the third time slot is different from the first time slot and the second time slot, and both nodes in the third type of node group are proxy nodes, or it is a node group with one proxy node and one root node.

11. A communication method, wherein, comprising: receiving first indication information for indicating the signal strength of each node group in multiple node groups; the signal strength of each node group in the multiple node groups is determined according to the channel quality information between the nodes in the multiple node groups, each node group includes two nodes, and the signal strength of the node group is the strength of the signal transmitted and received between the two nodes in the node group; sending a signal according to the first indication information.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, the node group includes a first node and a second node, and the second node is a proxy node of the first node, and the first node is a non-proxy node.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, the channel quality information between the 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 between the two nodes in the node group, and the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal between the two nodes in the node group.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11-13, wherein, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals, and the indication of the signal strength of each node group in the multiple nodes includes: indicating the attenuation power of the first type of node group or the power of the signal transmitted by the first type of node group, and the first type of node group is the node group whose channel quality information value is in the first interval, and the multiple intervals include the first interval.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, When the channel quality information is the received power of the signal between two nodes in the node group, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals, including: the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals according to the value of the received power, the difference between the received power in the first interval and the attenuation power is greater than or equal to a third threshold, and the third threshold is the minimum received power; When the channel quality information is the attenuation value of the signal between two nodes in the node group, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals, including: the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals according to the value of the attenuation value, the sum of the attenuation value in the first interval and the attenuation power is less than or equal to a fourth threshold, and the fourth threshold is the maximum attenuation value of the signal.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11-15, characterized in that, further comprising: receiving second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate the time slots of the multiple node groups, and the time slots of each node group in the multiple node groups are determined according to the channel quality information between the nodes in the multiple node groups.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, the indication of the time slots of the 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, where the second type of node group is the node group other than those whose channel quality information values are in the first interval, and the first time slot is different from the second time slot.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11-17, characterized in that, before receiving the first indication information, further comprising: sending the channel quality information between the nodes in the node group.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11-18, characterized in that, further comprising: sending a signal according to the time slot indicated by the second indication information.

20. A communication method, characterized in that, comprising: sending the channel quality information between the nodes in each node group of multiple node groups; receiving first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate the signal strength of each node group in the multiple node groups; the signal strength of each node group in the multiple node groups is determined according to the channel quality information between the nodes in the multiple node groups, and the signal strength of the node group is the strength of the nodes in the node group sending signals to each other.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, the node group includes a first node and a second node, the second node is the proxy node of the first node, and the first node is a non-proxy node.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, the value range of the channel quality information is divided into multiple intervals, and the sending of the channel quality information between the nodes in each node group of the multiple node groups includes: sending the number of node groups whose channel quality information between the nodes in the multiple node groups is in each of the multiple intervals.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20-22, characterized in that, further comprising: Receive second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate time slots of the multiple node groups, and the time slots of each node group in the multiple node groups are determined according to channel quality information between nodes in the multiple node groups.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, the indication of the time slots of the multiple node groups includes: indicating that the time slot of a third type of node group is a third time slot, where both nodes in the third type of node group are proxy nodes, or one is a proxy node and the other is a root node.

25. The method according to any one of claims 20 - 24, wherein, before receiving the first indication information, it further includes: receiving channel quality information between nodes in the multiple node groups.

26. A communication method, wherein, it includes: a second node sends channel quality information between nodes in each node group of the multiple node groups; a concentrator receives channel quality information between nodes in each node group of the multiple node groups; the concentrator determines the signal strength of each node group in the multiple node groups according to the channel quality information, each node group includes a first node and a second node, and the signal strength of the node group is the signal strength of the signal transceived between the first node and the second node; the concentrator sends first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate the signal strength of each node group in the multiple node groups; the second node receives the first indication information; the first node receives the first indication information; the first node sends a signal according to the first indication information.

27. A communication device, wherein, it includes a receiving module, a sending module, and a processing module; the receiving module is used to receive channel quality information between nodes in each node group of the multiple node groups; the processing module is used to determine the signal strength of each node group in the multiple node groups according to the channel quality information, each node group includes two nodes, and the signal strength of the node group is the signal strength of the signal transceived between the two nodes in the node group; the sending module is used to send first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate the signal strength.

28. A communication device, wherein, it includes a receiving module, a sending module, and a processing module; the receiving module is used to receive first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate the signal strength of each node group in the multiple node groups; the signal strength of each node group in the multiple node groups is determined according to channel quality information between nodes in the multiple node groups, each node group includes two nodes, and the signal strength of the node group is the strength of the signal transceived between the two nodes in the node group; the processing module is used to determine a signal according to the first indication information; the sending module is used to send the signal.

29. A communication device, wherein, it includes a receiving module, a sending module, and a processing module; the sending module is used to send channel quality information between nodes in each node group of the multiple node groups; The receiving module is configured to receive first indication information for indicating the signal strength of each node group in the multiple node groups; the signal strength of each node group in the multiple node groups is determined according to the channel quality information between nodes in the multiple node groups, and the signal strength of the node group is the strength of signals transmitted between nodes in the node group.

30. A communication system, characterized in that it includes the communication device according to claim 27, the communication device according to claim 28, and the communication device according to claim 29.

31. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that when the instructions are run on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or the communication device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, or the communication device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 20 to 25.

32. A communication device, characterized in that it includes a processor and a memory; the memory is configured to store computer instructions, and when the processor executes the instructions, the computer instructions are caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or it includes means for executing the method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, or it includes means for executing the method according to any one of claims 20 to 25.

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