Communication method and system

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a communication method and system, and the method comprises the steps: transmitting a beacon frame in a preset frequency range through a main node, determining a service frequency point according to the beacon frame after at least one sub-node detects the beacon frame in the preset frequency range, and carrying out the data transmission between the main node and the sub-node based on the service frequency point, the frequency of the service frequency point is located outside the preset frequency range, so that the embodiment of the invention can perform network search by using the frequency different from the common communication frequency, thereby avoiding the interference of common signals and improving the network search speed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method and system. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing prevalence of power line carrier communication technology in daily life, more and more devices are using this technology, leading to more severe interference within the same frequency band. When multiple networks operate simultaneously on the same power line, due to the large number of networks using the same frequency band, devices often search for and attempt to connect to non-target networks, resulting in significant time consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a communication method and system to avoid interference from networks in the same frequency band and improve network search speed.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a communication system, the system comprising: The master node is used to send beacon frames within a preset frequency range; At least one child node is configured to detect beacon frames within the preset frequency range, and in response to detecting a beacon frame, determine a service frequency point based on the beacon frame; The master node and the child node are also used to transmit data based on the service frequency; The frequency of the service frequency point is outside the preset frequency range.

[0005] Optionally, the master node is further configured to: Determine the communication quality during data transmission; In response to the communication quality during data transmission falling below predetermined quality parameters, the service frequency point is changed; Data transmission is performed between the new service frequency and the sub-nodes.

[0006] Optionally, the master node is further configured to: Determine the communication quality during data transmission; In response to a communication quality during data transmission falling below a predetermined quality parameter, the working state of the sub-node is determined, including a normal state and an abnormal state. In response to the child node's working status being normal, the service frequency point is changed; Data transmission is performed between the new service frequency and the sub-nodes.

[0007] Optionally, the master node is further configured to: Negotiate the communication period with the child nodes; Based on the communication cycle, the child node communicates with the child node within the preset frequency range to determine the working status of the child node.

[0008] Optionally, the child node is further used for: Based on the communication cycle, the master node communicates with the master node within the preset frequency range to determine the working status of the master node.

[0009] Optionally, the master node is further configured to: Within the preset frequency range, select an unused frequency as the target frequency. Replace the service frequency with the target frequency.

[0010] Optionally, the master node is further configured to: Synchronize time with the child nodes; The communication quality of each frequency point within a preset frequency range is detected by single-carrier polling, and the target frequency point is determined based on the communication quality of each frequency point. Replace the service frequency with the target frequency.

[0011] Optionally, the master node and the child node adjust the transmit and receive frequencies to the preset frequency range by modifying the frequency multiplication of the phase-locked loop.

[0012] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a communication method, the method comprising: Detect beacon frames within a preset frequency range; In response to the detection of a beacon frame, the service frequency point is determined based on the beacon frame; Data transmission is performed with the master node based on the aforementioned service frequency points; The frequency of the service frequency point is outside the preset frequency range.

[0013] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a communication method, the method comprising: A beacon frame is transmitted within a preset frequency range. The beacon frame is used to indicate the service frequency used for communication with the child node. Data transmission is performed between the service frequency point and the sub-node; The frequency of the service frequency point is outside the preset frequency range.

[0014] In this embodiment of the invention, the master node sends beacon frames within a preset frequency range. After at least one child node detects the beacon frames within the preset frequency range, it determines the service frequency point based on the beacon frames. Data transmission between the master node and the child nodes is based on the service frequency point. The frequency of the service frequency point is outside the preset frequency range. Therefore, this embodiment of the invention can use frequencies different from commonly used communication frequencies for network search, avoiding interference from common signals and improving network search speed. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a service frequency point replacement method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of another service frequency point replacement method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The present application is described below based on embodiments, but it is not limited to these embodiments. In the detailed description of the present application below, certain specific details are described in detail. Those skilled in the art can fully understand the present application without these details. To avoid obscuring the substance of the present application, well-known methods, processes, flows, elements, and circuits are not described in detail.

[0017] Furthermore, those skilled in the art should understand that the accompanying drawings provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0018] Unless the context explicitly requires it, words such as "including" or "contains" throughout the application should be interpreted as including rather than exclusive or exhaustive; that is, meaning "including but not limited to".

[0019] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system in this embodiment includes a master node 11 and at least one child node 12.

[0021] The communication system in this embodiment is a power line carrier communication system. To meet the requirements of signal transmission distance and speed, the transmit and receive frequencies of the nodes in a power line carrier communication system are typically between 0.7MHz and 12MHz. This means that most power line carrier communication systems operate at frequencies between 0.7MHz and 12MHz, resulting in a large number of different network signals within this frequency range, which affects communication between nodes. Especially during the initial network setup or when a new node needs to connect to the system, the network search process can consume a significant amount of time due to encountering and attempting to connect to non-target networks.

[0022] Based on this, in this embodiment, a preset frequency range different from the commonly used communication frequency is pre-configured in the master node 11 and the child node 12, and the following steps are performed: In step S110, the master node 11 transmits a beacon frame within a preset frequency range. This beacon frame indicates the service frequency used for data transmission between the master node 11 and the child node 12. Specifically, the beacon frame includes a cyclic prefix and a control signal. The cyclic prefix is ​​used to avoid interference between signals and maintain the orthogonality of subcarriers, while the control signal indicates the service frequency used for data transmission between the master node 11 and the child node 12.

[0023] In step S120, the sub-node 12 detects beacon frames within a preset frequency range, and in response to the detection of beacon frames, determines the service frequency point based on the detected beacon frames.

[0024] In step S130, the master node 11 and the child node 12 transmit data based on the service frequency.

[0025] The frequency corresponding to the service frequency point is within the range of commonly used communication frequencies; that is, the frequency of the service frequency point is outside the preset frequency range.

[0026] Optionally, the preset frequency range can be a set of at least one preset frequency point, wherein each preset frequency point is located outside the range of commonly used communication frequencies, or it can be a preset frequency band range, such as 9-190KHz.

[0027] Preferably, the upper limit of the preset frequency range is lower than the lower limit of the commonly used communication frequency, that is, the preset frequency range is low frequency. Since low frequency signals have strong penetrating power and are not easily interfered with, using low frequency signals for beacon frame transmission and reception between the master node 11 and the child node 12 can improve the stability of communication.

[0028] Optionally, when sending and receiving beacon frames, the master node 11 and the child node 12 can modify the frequency multiplication of the PLL (Phase-Locked Loop, used to adjust the signal frequency) in software, thereby adjusting the transmission and reception frequency to a preset frequency range without modifying the chip.

[0029] In this embodiment, the master node sends beacon frames within a preset frequency range. After the child node detects the beacon frames within the preset frequency range, it determines the service frequency point based on the beacon frames. Data transmission between the master node and the child node is based on the service frequency point. The frequency of the service frequency point is outside the preset frequency range. Since there are few signals within the preset frequency range, this embodiment can perform network search by using a frequency different from the commonly used communication frequency, avoiding interference from common signals and improving network search speed.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a service frequency point switching method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an optional implementation, such as... Figure 2 As shown, master node 11 performs the following steps to complete the change of service frequency points.

[0031] In step S210, the master node 11 determines the communication quality during data transmission. The communication quality can be obtained by detecting packet loss rate, latency, signal-to-noise ratio, signal strength, and / or transmission rate during data transmission.

[0032] Step S220: In response to the communication quality during data transmission being lower than the predetermined quality parameters, the service frequency point is changed.

[0033] The master node 11 can select an unused frequency point as the target frequency point from a preset frequency point range and replace the service frequency point with the target frequency point. The preset frequency point range is a set of multiple frequency points, all of which are located within the commonly used communication frequency range. Optionally, each frequency point in the frequency point range has a preset priority, which can be adjusted according to real-time communication conditions. When selecting a target frequency point, a frequency point with a higher priority can be selected. After determining the target frequency point, the master node 11 sends a beacon frame carrying the target frequency point information within the preset frequency range to instruct the child node 12 to replace the service frequency point with the target frequency point.

[0034] The master node 11 can also synchronize its time with the child nodes 12, and then use single-carrier polling to detect the communication quality of each frequency point within a preset frequency range. Based on the communication quality of each frequency point, it determines the target frequency point and replaces the service frequency point with the target frequency point. Specifically, the master node 11 can select a frequency point and communicate with each child node 12 sequentially to determine the communication quality of each child node 12 at that frequency point. After completion, it selects another frequency point within the frequency range and repeats the above steps until the communication quality of each child node 12 at each frequency point is obtained. The communication quality of each child node 12 at each frequency point is then weighted and summed to obtain the frequency point with the best overall communication quality as the target frequency point, and the service frequency points of all child nodes 12 are replaced with the target frequency point. Alternatively, the master node can only detect the communication quality of the current child node 12 at each frequency point, select the frequency point with the best communication quality as the target frequency point, and replace the service frequency point of the current child node 12 with the target frequency point.

[0035] Step S230: Data transmission is performed between the new service frequency and the sub-node 12.

[0036] This embodiment detects the communication quality during data transmission and sends beacon frames to change the service frequency when the communication quality is poor, thereby avoiding interference from co-frequency signals and ensuring the stability of data transmission.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of another service frequency point switching method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In another optional implementation, such as... Figure 3 As shown, master node 11 performs the following steps to complete the change of service frequency points.

[0038] Step S310: Determine the communication quality during data transmission.

[0039] Step S320: In response to the communication quality during data transmission being lower than a predetermined quality parameter, determine the working state of child node 12. The working state includes a normal state and an abnormal state. If the working state of child node 12 is abnormal, proceed to step S330; if the working state of child node 12 is normal, proceed to step S340.

[0040] Optionally, the master node 11 determines the working status of the child node 12, which may include: negotiating a communication period with the child node 12, and communicating with the child node 12 within a preset frequency range based on the communication period to determine the working status of the child node 12. Specifically, the master node 11 periodically sends beacon frames to the child node 12 within the preset frequency range according to the communication period. After receiving the beacon frames, the child node 12 sends an acknowledgment response to the master node 11 within the preset frequency range. The master node can determine that the working status of the child node 12 is normal by comparing the interval between adjacent acknowledgment responses with the communication period. When the interval between adjacent acknowledgment responses and the communication period are consistent, the master node determines that the working status of the child node 12 is normal. It is understood that due to the uncertainty in the signal transmission process, a certain error range can be allowed in the comparison. That is, the interval between adjacent acknowledgment responses and the communication period are consistent, which can be that the difference between the interval between adjacent acknowledgment responses and the communication period is less than a certain threshold. This threshold is pre-configured in the master node 11 and the child node 12.

[0041] Similarly, child node 12 can communicate with the master node within a preset frequency range based on the communication cycle to determine the working status of the master node 11. Specifically, the child node can compare the interval between received adjacent beacon frames with the communication cycle. If the interval between adjacent beacon frames and the communication cycle are consistent, the working status of the master node 11 is determined to be normal; otherwise, the working status of the master node 11 is determined to be abnormal.

[0042] In step S330, in response to the abnormal operating state of child node 12, a self-test command is sent to child node 12. This self-test command controls child node 12 to check its own status and attempt to restore normal operation through methods such as software restart. Optionally, if child node 12 cannot restore normal operation through self-test, the master node 11 or child node 12 can also send a maintenance command to maintenance personnel to perform maintenance on child node 12. It is understood that if a child node detects that the master node 11 is in an abnormal operating state, it can also perform similar steps.

[0043] Step S340: In response to the normal working state of child node 12, change the service frequency point.

[0044] Step S350: Data transmission is performed between the child nodes and the changed service frequency points.

[0045] This embodiment monitors the communication quality during data transmission and eliminates the possibility that abnormal working status of sub-nodes may affect communication quality. Only when it is determined that the communication quality has deteriorated due to signal interference will the service frequency be changed. Therefore, this embodiment can more accurately judge signal interference and further ensure the stability of data transmission.

[0046] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, this embodiment also provides a communication method applied to child nodes. Figure 4 As shown, the communication method specifically includes the following steps: Step S410: Detect beacon frames within a preset frequency range.

[0047] Step S420: In response to the detection of a beacon frame, determine the service frequency point based on the beacon frame. The frequency of the service frequency point is outside a preset frequency range.

[0048] Step S430: Data transmission is performed with the master node based on the service frequency.

[0049] This embodiment detects beacon frames within a preset frequency range, determines the service frequency point based on the beacon frame after detection, and performs data transmission with the master node based on the service frequency point. The service frequency point is located outside the preset frequency range. Therefore, this embodiment can use a frequency different from the commonly used communication frequency for network search, avoid interference from common signals, and improve network search speed.

[0050] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, this embodiment also provides a communication method applied to a master node. Figure 5 As shown, the communication method specifically includes the following steps: Step S510: Send a beacon frame within a preset frequency range. The beacon frame is used to indicate the service frequency used for communication with the child node. The frequency of the service frequency is outside the preset frequency range.

[0051] Step S520: Data transmission is performed between the service frequency point and the sub-node.

[0052] This embodiment transmits beacon frames indicating service frequencies within a preset frequency range, and performs data transmission with child nodes based on the service frequencies. Since the service frequencies are located outside the preset frequency range, this embodiment can use frequencies different from commonly used communication frequencies for network searching, avoiding interference from common signals and improving network search speed.

[0053] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (For example...) Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6The illustrated electronic device is a master or slave node in a communication system, comprising a general computer hardware architecture, including at least a processor 61 and a memory 62. The processor 61 and memory 62 are connected via a bus 63. The memory 62 is adapted to store instructions or programs executable by the processor 61. The processor 61 can be a standalone microprocessor or a collection of one or more microprocessors. Thus, the processor 61 executes the instructions stored in the memory 62, thereby performing the method flow of the embodiments of the present invention as described above to process data and control other devices. The bus 63 connects the aforementioned components together, and also connects these components to a display controller 64, a display device, and an input / output (I / O) device 65. The input / output (I / O) device 65 can be a mouse, keyboard, modem, network interface, touch input device, motion-sensing input device, printer, and other devices known in the art. Typically, the input / output device 65 is connected to the system via an input / output (I / O) controller 66.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, apparatus (devices), or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-readable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0055] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations of methods, apparatus (devices), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It should be understood that each step in the flowchart can be implemented by computer program instructions.

[0056] These computer program instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including an instruction means, the implementation process of which is described in the instruction means. Figure 1 The function specified in one or more processes.

[0057] These computer program instructions may also be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device, produce instructions for implementing processes. Figure 1 A device for a function specified in one or more processes.

[0058] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a non-volatile storage medium for storing a computer-readable program for use by a computer to execute some or all of the above-described method embodiments.

[0059] That is, those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a program specifying the relevant hardware. This program is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a device (which may be a microcontroller, chip, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0060] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication system, characterized in that, The system includes: The master node is used to send beacon frames within a preset frequency range; At least one child node is configured to detect beacon frames within the preset frequency range, and in response to detecting a beacon frame, determine a service frequency point based on the beacon frame; The master node and the child node are also used to transmit data based on the service frequency; The frequency of the service frequency point is outside the preset frequency range.

2. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The master node is further used for: Determine the communication quality during data transmission; In response to the communication quality during data transmission falling below predetermined quality parameters, the service frequency point is changed; Data transmission is performed between the new service frequency and the child nodes.

3. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The master node is further used for: Determine the communication quality during data transmission; In response to a communication quality during data transmission falling below a predetermined quality parameter, the working state of the sub-node is determined, including a normal state and an abnormal state. In response to the child node's working status being normal, the service frequency point is changed; Data transmission is performed between the new service frequency and the sub-nodes.

4. The communication system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The master node is further used for: Negotiate the communication period with the child nodes; Based on the communication cycle, the child node communicates with the child node within the preset frequency range to determine the working status of the child node.

5. The communication system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The child node is further used for: Based on the communication cycle, the master node communicates with the master node within the preset frequency range to determine the working status of the master node.

6. The communication system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The master node is further used for: Within the preset frequency range, select an unused frequency as the target frequency. Replace the service frequency with the target frequency.

7. The communication system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The master node is further used for: Synchronize time with the child nodes; The communication quality of each frequency point within a preset frequency range is detected by single-carrier polling, and the target frequency point is determined based on the communication quality of each frequency point. Replace the service frequency with the target frequency.

8. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The master node and the child node adjust the transmit and receive frequencies to the preset frequency range by modifying the frequency multiplication of the phase-locked loop.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Detect beacon frames within a preset frequency range; In response to the detection of a beacon frame, the service frequency point is determined based on the beacon frame; Data transmission is performed with the master node based on the aforementioned service frequency points; The frequency of the service frequency point is outside the preset frequency range.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: A beacon frame is transmitted within a preset frequency range. The beacon frame is used to indicate the service frequency used for communication with the child node. Data transmission is performed between the service frequency point and the sub-node; The frequency of the service frequency point is outside the preset frequency range.

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