Communication method, communication device and communication network

Abstract

Provided are a communication method, a communication device and a communication network, which relate to the field of communications, by which a node device can control a terminal device in a communication network to determine the communication quality of the communication network where the node device is located, thereby implementing acceptance of a network package. The communication method is applied to a first node device. The communication method comprises the following steps: sending a first message, wherein the first message is used for indicating at least one terminal device to start speed measurement; receiving a second message, wherein the second message carries a speed measurement result of at least one terminal device; outputting a speed measurement result of the communication network according to the second message; the communication network is a network where the first node device is located, and the speed measurement result of the communication network is used for indicating the communication quality of the communication network. The embodiment of the invention is applied to the field of communication.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the continuous development of communication technology, the transmission speed of communication networks is also constantly improving. When choosing a network, users will select a suitable operator based on the network packages offered by different operators (including transmission bandwidth, transmission speed, etc.). Operators need to verify the relevant parameters (such as transmission bandwidth) of the network packages offered to users to ensure the actual network experience for users.

[0003] Taking a home network as an example, a speed test application (APP) is typically used to test the home network and verify the relevant parameters of the home network's internet plan. Specifically, a Wi-Fi speed test can be performed using a speed test app to verify the transmission bandwidth of the Wi-Fi network in the home.

[0004] One approach involves a single hotspot and single terminal device for acceptance testing. This approach, however, is limited by the specifications of the terminal device (e.g., a mobile phone) (including size and number of antennas), limiting its bandwidth acceptance capability. Another approach uses multiple terminal devices (e.g., mobile phones) to perform speed tests, and the network plan is then evaluated based on the results. However, if multiple devices cannot start speed tests simultaneously, the results will be inaccurate, leading to unreliable acceptance results. Therefore, this alternative approach requires multiple operators to access the terminal devices simultaneously, resulting in higher installation and maintenance costs.

[0005] Based on the above, existing speed testing solutions have problems such as limited acceptance, inaccurate speed testing, and high maintenance costs. A speed testing solution is needed that can achieve acceptance testing of internet service plans. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of this application provide a communication method, a communication device, and a communication network. Through this communication method, a node device can control a terminal device in the communication network to determine the communication quality of the communication network in which the node device is located, thereby enabling acceptance of the network usage package.

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a first node device in a communication network. The communication method includes: sending a first message to instruct at least one terminal device to begin speed measurement; receiving a second message carrying the speed measurement result of at least one terminal device; and outputting the speed measurement result of the communication network based on the second message; the speed measurement result of the communication network is used to indicate the communication quality of the communication network.

[0008] In the above scheme, a node device in the communication network (i.e., the first node device) can send a corresponding message (i.e., the first message, also known as the speed test initiation message) instructing at least one terminal device to start speed testing. Further, based on the received message carrying the speed test results of at least one terminal device (i.e., the second message, also known as the speed test reporting message), the first node device can output the speed test results of its own communication network. The speed test results of the communication network indicate the communication quality of the network in which the first node device is located. Specifically, by sending the speed test initiation message, the first node device enables at least one terminal device to start speed testing based on the speed test initiation message. After the terminal device completes the test, the first node device can obtain the speed test results of the terminal device based on the received speed test reporting message. Further, based on the speed test results of at least one terminal device carried in the speed test reporting message, the first node device can determine and output speed test results indicating the communication quality of the network in which it (i.e., the first node device) is located.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first node device outputs the speed measurement results of the communication network by displaying them on its own screen. This provides greater visualization of the speed measurement results and facilitates timely assessment of the communication quality by maintenance personnel.

[0010] Optionally, the first node device can act as a hotspot device (referred to as a hotspot) to communicate with the terminal device via wireless transmission. In this case, the network in which the first node device operates refers to the communication network provided by the first node device that enables wireless communication with the terminal device.

[0011] Thus, through the above scheme, the first node device can control at least one terminal device to start speed testing by sending a first message, and then determine the communication quality of the communication network based on the speed test results of at least one terminal device. Therefore, based on the above scheme, a node device (i.e., the first node device) can control one or more terminal devices to start speed testing by sending a speed test start message, and then determine the communication quality of the communication network based on the speed test results of the terminal devices, and output the speed test results of the communication network. Furthermore, based on the speed test results of the communication network, the communication quality of the communication network can be determined, thereby realizing the speed test of the communication network and ultimately enabling the acceptance of the network service plan.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the above communication method further includes: receiving a third message for instructing a first node device to initiate a speed measurement; and sending a first message, including: sending a first message in response to the received third message.

[0013] In the above scheme, the first node device first receives a message instructing it to initiate a speed test (i.e., the third message, also known as the speed test initiation message); then, in response to the speed test initiation message, it sends a speed test start message to at least one terminal device, causing the terminal device to start the speed test. In one possible implementation, the first node device receives a speed test initiation message sent by a terminal device, and in response to the received speed test initiation message, initiates a speed test to at least one terminal device. That is, the first node device controls one or more terminal devices to start the speed test by sending a speed test start message to at least one terminal device. It is easy to understand that the first node device may also receive corresponding instructions or signals from other devices or apparatus instructing it to initiate a speed test, and initiate a speed test to the terminal device based on the corresponding instructions or signals; the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0014] Based on the above scheme, the first node device can respond to the received speed test initiation message and control one or more terminal devices to start speed testing by sending a speed test start message to at least one terminal device.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the above communication method further includes: identifying at least one terminal device in the communication network as the terminal device that needs to be speed measured.

[0016] In the above scheme, the first node device in the communication network can identify the terminal devices in the network that require speed testing. Generally, a communication network includes multiple terminal devices. Optionally, during speed testing, at least one terminal device in the communication network needs to be tested. Alternatively, some (or more) of the terminal devices in the communication network may require speed testing. For example, all of the terminal devices in the communication network may require speed testing. Based on this scheme, the first node device can determine whether the terminal devices in the communication network require speed testing. Furthermore, the first node device can send a speed testing start message to one or more identified terminal devices that require speed testing, causing one or more terminal devices to begin speed testing. In this way, the terminal devices requiring speed testing can start testing simultaneously, making the speed testing results more reliable.

[0017] In this way, the above scheme eliminates the need for manual identification of the terminal devices requiring speed measurement and manual control of these devices to begin the measurement process. Through this scheme, the first node device can identify the terminal devices in the communication network that require speed measurement and then selectively control them to perform the measurement, effectively reducing errors and making the measurement results more reliable.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the communication method further includes: receiving a fourth message indicating a terminal device in the communication network that needs speed measurement; and determining the terminal device in the communication network that needs speed measurement based on the received fourth message, wherein at least one terminal device is included in the terminal device that needs speed measurement.

[0019] In the above scheme, the first node device can receive a message indicating a terminal device in the communication network that needs speed testing (i.e., the fourth message, also known as the speed test discovery message), and then determine the terminal device in its own communication network that needs speed testing based on the received speed test discovery message. In one possible implementation, the first node device determines the terminal device that needs speed testing by parsing the corresponding fields of the received speed test discovery message. Of course, in other examples, the first node device can also determine the terminal device that needs speed testing based on the speed test discovery message through other possible methods. Since at least one terminal device is included among the terminal devices that need speed testing, the first node device can enable the terminal device that needs speed testing to start speed testing by sending a speed test initiation message to at least one terminal device.

[0020] Therefore, through the above scheme, the first node device can determine the terminal device in the communication network that needs to be speed measured based on the received fourth message.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the address information of the terminal device requiring speed measurement is carried in the fourth message; the above communication method further includes: obtaining the address information of the terminal device requiring speed measurement based on the received fourth message; and generating a first list including the terminal device requiring speed measurement and the address information of the terminal device based on the obtained address information of the terminal device requiring speed measurement.

[0022] In the above scheme, the first node device can receive a speed test discovery message carrying the address information of the terminal device to be speed tested; and then, based on the received speed test discovery message, obtain the address information of the terminal device to be speed tested. Further, based on the address information of the terminal device to be speed tested, the first node device can generate a device list (i.e., a first list) including the terminal device to be speed tested and its address information. Of course, the first list can also include other content, such as terminal device identifiers, terminal device models, etc. In one possible implementation, based on the address information of the terminal device to be speed tested carried in the speed test discovery message, the first node device can first determine the terminal device to be speed tested, and also determine the address information corresponding to each terminal device to be speed tested. Optionally, the first node device obtains the address information of the terminal device to be speed tested and the terminal device to be speed tested by parsing the fields included in the received speed test discovery message.

[0023] Based on the received fourth message, the first node device can obtain the address information of the terminal devices that need to be measured, and then generate the corresponding device list.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the communication method further includes: querying a first list to obtain address information of each terminal device in at least one terminal device; and sending a fifth message carrying the address information of the terminal device to each terminal device in at least one terminal device.

[0025] In the above scheme, the first node device can obtain the address information of each terminal device by querying the first list and send a corresponding message (i.e., the fifth message) carrying the address information of the terminal device to each terminal device. Based on the other schemes mentioned above, the first node device can generate a first list including the terminal devices that need speed testing and their address information based on the received speed test discovery message. Based on this scheme, the first node device can obtain the address information of the terminal devices that need speed testing by querying the first list. Then, by sending the fifth message to each of the terminal devices that need speed testing, the address information of the terminal devices in the first list can be synchronized to any terminal device that needs speed testing. In one possible implementation, any terminal device that needs speed testing can generate a corresponding device list based on the received fifth message, and this device list includes the address information of other terminal devices that need speed testing.

[0026] Therefore, through the above scheme, the first node device can obtain the terminal device address information by querying the first list, and then, by sending the fifth message to any terminal device that needs speed measurement, the address information of other terminal devices that need speed measurement can be synchronized to that terminal device.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the communication network further includes a second node device, which is a next-level device of the first node device; receiving a fourth message includes: receiving a fourth message from each terminal device; or, receiving a fourth message from the second node device.

[0028] The communication network also includes the next-level device of the first node device, namely the second node device. Specifically, the first node device communicates directly with the connected terminal devices, and the first node device receives the fourth message from each terminal device. Alternatively, the second node device communicates directly with the connected terminal devices, and then the first node device receives the fourth message from the next-level device (i.e., the second node device). In one possible implementation, the second node device first receives the fourth message sent by the terminal device, and then forwards the fourth message to the first node device. Of course, the second node device can perform corresponding signal processing on the received fourth message before sending it to the first node device, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this. For example, after the second node device determines the terminal device in the communication network that needs speed measurement based on the fourth message sent by the terminal device, and obtains the address information of the terminal device that needs speed measurement, it forwards the fourth message to the first node device.

[0029] Therefore, through the above scheme, the first node device can receive a fourth message from the terminal device or the next-level node device to indicate the terminal device in the communication network that needs to be measured. This scheme has a wider range of application scenarios and higher compatibility.

[0030] In one possible implementation, at least one terminal device includes a second terminal device connected to the second node device; receiving a third message includes: receiving a third message from the first terminal device; or, receiving a third message from the second node device.

[0031] In the above scheme, the first node device receives the third message directly from the first terminal device, or receives the third message sent by the second terminal device from the second node device. The third message instructs the first node device to initiate a speed test. For example, if the first node device and the first terminal device can communicate directly, the first node device can receive the speed test initiation message from the first terminal device. Alternatively, when the second node device and the second terminal device communicate directly, the second node device can receive the speed test initiation message sent by the second terminal device, and then the first node device receives the speed test initiation message from the next-level second node device. Based on the above scheme, the first node device can receive the speed test initiation message through a terminal device it communicates with directly or a next-level device, and then initiate a speed test to at least one terminal device based on the speed test initiation message.

[0032] Therefore, through the above scheme, the first node device can receive speed test initiation messages from the terminal device or the next level node device, and then initiate speed tests based on the speed test initiation messages.

[0033] In one possible implementation, at least one terminal device includes a second terminal device connected to the second node device; sending a first message includes: sending the first message to the second terminal device through the second node device; receiving a second message includes: receiving a second message sent by the second terminal device from the second node device.

[0034] In the above scheme, the first node device can send a speed test start message to the second terminal device connected to the second node device through the next-level second node device. Simultaneously, the first node device can receive speed test reporting messages from the second terminal device from the next-level second node device. It's easy to understand that the first node device can communicate directly with the next-level second node device, and the second node device can communicate directly with the connected second terminal device. However, the first node device and the connected second terminal device may not be able to communicate directly. Therefore, when the first node device controls the second terminal device to start speed testing, it needs to first send a speed test start message to the second node device that can communicate directly with the second terminal device, and then the second node device will send the speed test start message to the second terminal device. Similarly, when the second terminal device completes the speed test and sends its speed test result to the first node device, it needs to first send a speed test reporting message carrying its own speed test result to the second node device that can communicate directly, and then the second node device will send the speed test reporting message to the first node device.

[0035] Therefore, through the above scheme, the first node device can control the second terminal device connected to the second node device to start speed measurement, and receive the speed measurement results from the second terminal device through the second node device. In other words, the first node device can indirectly control the terminal device connected to the next-level node device to start speed measurement and receive the speed measurement results from that terminal device.

[0036] In one possible implementation, outputting the speed measurement result of the communication network includes: outputting the speed measurement result of the communication network to at least one terminal device; wherein the speed measurement result of the communication network includes the communication parameters of the communication network, and / or the communication parameters of each terminal device in the at least one terminal device.

[0037] In the above scheme, the first node device can send the communication parameters of each terminal device, including the speed measurement results of the communication network, to at least one terminal device, so that the terminal devices can obtain the speed measurement results of other terminal devices. In this way, the terminal devices can determine the communication quality of the communication network based on the received communication parameters of each terminal device. Alternatively, the first node device can send the communication parameters of the communication network, including the speed measurement results, to at least one terminal device. In this way, the communication quality of the communication network can be synchronized to the terminal devices.

[0038] Therefore, through the above scheme, the first node device outputs the communication parameters of the terminal device to the terminal device, enabling the terminal device to determine the communication quality of the communication network. The first node device can also output the communication parameters of the communication network to the terminal device, enabling the terminal device to determine the communication quality of the communication network.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the network connection mode between the first node device and the second node device includes either the following: bridging mode or routing mode.

[0040] Based on the above scheme, if the first node device and the next-level second node device establish a network connection through bridging mode, then the transmission between the two node devices will be transparent (the transmitted packets will not be modified, only forwarded). Specifically, if the first node device and the next-level second node device establish a network connection through routing mode, then the transmission between the two node devices will undergo corresponding conversions (such as address translation, network address translation (NAT)).

[0041] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a terminal device. The communication method includes: receiving a first message, the first message being used to instruct the terminal device to start speed measurement; responding to the first message and starting speed measurement; and outputting a second message, the second message carrying the speed measurement result of the terminal device.

[0042] In the above scheme, a terminal device in the communication network can send a message (i.e., a third message) to a node device (i.e., a first node device) instructing the first node device to initiate a speed test, and starts the speed test based on the received message (i.e., the first message). Then, it outputs a second message carrying its speed test result. Generally, a communication network includes multiple terminal devices, and these terminal devices include different types of terminal devices such as mobile phones and tablets. Through the above scheme, one or more terminal devices in the communication network can communicate with a node device (e.g., the first node device), and these multiple terminal devices can be of different types. Thus, any terminal device can control the first node device to initiate a speed test by sending a third message to the first node device. Furthermore, any terminal device can start the speed test based on the received first message. Then, any terminal device can send a second message carrying its own speed test result to the first node device. Furthermore, the first node device can obtain the speed test result of the terminal device based on the second message to determine the speed test result of the communication network it is in. Therefore, based on the above scheme, any type of terminal device can control the first node device to initiate a speed test by sending a third message. Then, based on the received first message, the speed test is completed, and a second message carrying the speed test result is sent to the first node device. Furthermore, based on the speed test result of the terminal device, the communication quality of the network can be determined, thus achieving speed testing of the communication network and acceptance testing of the internet service plan.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the above communication method further includes sending a third message, which is used to instruct the first node device to initiate a speed measurement.

[0044] The technical effects brought about by the above solutions can be compared with the technical effects brought about by the corresponding design methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the above communication method further includes sending a fourth message, which is used to instruct the terminal devices in the communication network that require speed measurement.

[0046] The technical effects brought about by the above solutions can be compared with the technical effects brought about by the corresponding design methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the fourth message carries the address information of the terminal device that needs to be speed measured.

[0048] The technical effects brought about by the above solutions can be compared with the technical effects brought about by the corresponding design methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the communication method further includes: receiving a fifth message, the fifth message carrying the address information of the terminal device to be speed measured.

[0050] The technical effects brought about by the above solutions can be compared with the technical effects brought about by the corresponding design methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the above communication method further includes: receiving speed measurement results from the communication network; wherein the speed measurement results from the communication network include communication parameters of the communication network, and / or communication parameters of each terminal device of the communication network.

[0052] The technical effects brought about by the above solutions can be compared with the technical effects brought about by the corresponding design methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0053] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, which is applied to a node device. The communication device includes: an interface unit and a processing unit; the interface unit is configured to send a first message, the first message being used to instruct at least one terminal device to start speed measurement; the interface unit is also configured to receive a second message, the second message carrying the speed measurement result of at least one terminal device; the processing unit is configured to control the interface unit to output the speed measurement result of the communication network based on the second message received by the interface unit; the communication network is the network where the first node device is located, and the speed measurement result of the communication network is used to indicate the communication quality of the communication network.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the interface unit is also used to receive a third message, which instructs the first node device to initiate a speed measurement; the processing unit is specifically used to respond to the received third message and control the interface unit to send a first message.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to determine that at least one terminal device in the communication network is a terminal device that requires speed measurement.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the interface unit is further configured to receive a fourth message, which indicates a terminal device in the communication network that requires speed measurement; the processing unit is further configured to determine, based on the fourth message received by the interface unit, the terminal device in the communication network that requires speed measurement, wherein at least one terminal device is included in the terminal device that requires speed measurement.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the address information of the terminal device that needs to be speed measured is carried in the fourth message; the processing unit is also used to obtain the address information of the terminal device that needs to be speed measured based on the fourth message received by the interface unit; specifically, the processing unit is used to generate a first list based on the obtained address information of the terminal device that needs to be speed measured; the first list includes the terminal device that needs to be speed measured and the address information of the terminal device.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to query a first list and obtain the address information of each terminal device in at least one terminal device from the first list; the interface unit is further configured to send a fifth message to each terminal device in at least one terminal device, the fifth message carrying the address information of the terminal device.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the communication network further includes a second node device, which is a next-level device of the first node device; the interface unit is specifically used to receive a fourth message from each terminal device; or, to receive a fourth message from the second node device.

[0060] In one possible implementation, at least one terminal device includes a second terminal device attached to the second node device; the interface unit is specifically used to receive a third message from the first terminal device; or, to receive a third message from the second node device.

[0061] In one possible implementation, at least one terminal device includes a second terminal device attached to the second node device; the interface unit is specifically used to send a first message to the second terminal device through the second node device; the interface unit is also used to receive a second message sent by the second terminal device from the second node device.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the interface unit is further configured to output the speed measurement results of the communication network to at least one terminal device; wherein the speed measurement results of the communication network include the communication parameters of the communication network, and / or the communication parameters of each terminal device in at least one terminal device.

[0063] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, which is applied to a terminal device. The communication device includes: an interface unit and a processing unit; the interface unit is configured to receive a first message, the first message being used to instruct the terminal device to start speed measurement; the processing unit is configured to start speed measurement in response to the first message received by the interface unit; the interface unit is further configured to output a second message, the second message carrying the speed measurement result of the terminal device.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the interface unit is also used to send a third message, which instructs the first node device to initiate a speed measurement.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the interface unit is also used to send a fourth message, which indicates that the terminal device is a terminal device in the communication network that needs to be speed measured.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the fourth message carries the address information of the terminal device that needs to be speed measured.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the interface unit is further configured to receive speed measurement results from the communication network; wherein the speed measurement results from the communication network include communication parameters of the communication network, and / or communication parameters of each terminal device of the communication network.

[0068] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be a communication equipment, or it may be a module or chip within a communication equipment. The communication equipment may also be a chip or a system-on-a-chip. The communication device includes: a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the processor is coupled to the interface circuit; the processor is used to control the interface circuit to perform the communication method as described in any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0069] Sixthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be a communication equipment, or it may be a module or chip within a communication equipment. The communication equipment may also be a chip or a system-on-a-chip. The communication device includes: a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the processor is coupled to the interface circuit; the processor is used to control the interface circuit to perform the communication method as described in any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0070] A seventh aspect provides a communication network. The communication network includes at least one node device and at least one terminal device; wherein the at least one node device includes a communication device as described in the third or fifth aspect, and the at least one terminal device includes a communication device as described in the fourth or sixth aspect.

[0071] Eighth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when read and executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the communication method as described in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0072] A ninth aspect provides a computer program product comprising instructions, the computer program product including: computer program code, which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to perform the communication method as described in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0073] A tenth aspect provides a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes: processing circuitry and an input / output interface; wherein the processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication method as described in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0074] The technical effects of any of the possible design methods in the third to tenth aspects mentioned above can be referred to the technical effects of different design methods in the first and second aspects, and will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description

[0075] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a home network provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a home network provided for another embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a communication method provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a communication method provided for another embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a device list provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a message format provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a message format provided for another embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided for another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0084] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0085] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as those known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or order. In the embodiments of this application, "and / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone, where A and B can be singular or plural.

[0086] It should be noted that, in this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being described as an example, illustration, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0087] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0088] As described in the background section, when operators verify the promised internet service packages, they typically use speed test apps to test the communication network. These speed test apps may include apps like Petal Speed ​​Test. Specifically, this solution involves using a speed test app opened on a mobile device or other terminal device to perform a short-range speed test on the WiFi of a specific node device (i.e., a hotspot) within the communication network, thereby testing the communication network between the terminal device and the node device.

[0089] However, since the above scheme uses a single hotspot and single terminal device, meaning that the speed measurement process only involves a single hotspot device and a single terminal device, it is limited by the specifications of the terminal device (such as a mobile phone) (including size and number of antennas). For example, mobile phones typically have a 2*2 specification, also known as 2*2 multi-antenna transmission and reception (MIMO) technology. The number of transmitting (or receiving) antennas on a mobile phone is two, which can only support two data streams (such as spatial streams) transmission.

[0090] Thus, limited by the phone's specifications, the speed test solution for a single hotspot and a single terminal device can only achieve a maximum speed of 2.5Gbps. Therefore, the above solution can only be accepted within a limited range (transmission speed not exceeding 3Gbps). Since there is a direct correlation between transmission speed and bandwidth, the bandwidth acceptance capability of the above solution is limited.

[0091] Based on the above, the proposed solution is difficult to accept for communication networks with faster transmission speeds (e.g., speeds exceeding 3Gbps). Therefore, the network packages offered by operators remain at around 2Gbps (transmission speed, corresponding to bandwidth), meaning that operators in many regions only offer 2Gbps network packages.

[0092] Generally speaking, transmission speed (or bandwidth) is the most easily perceived aspect of internet usage. Therefore, operators are constantly developing their internet service plans, for example, gradually increasing transmission speeds to 3Gbps or higher. Furthermore, with the rapid development of communication technology, communication networks have also improved several times over in terms of bandwidth, coverage, and user experience. 10 Gigabit (referring to transmission speed, i.e., 10Gbps) internet service plans are gradually becoming available, and some operators in certain regions have already launched such plans.

[0093] Based on the above, a speed testing scheme is needed to verify internet service plans. For example, it should be able to match internet service plans with transmission speeds of 3Gbps and above, i.e., verify internet service plans with faster transmission speeds.

[0094] Based on the above problems, the following two speed measurement schemes can be adopted:

[0095] Option 1: Improve the specifications of the corresponding communication equipment in the communication network so that the speed measurement scheme for a single hotspot and a single terminal device is no longer limited by the specifications of the equipment.

[0096] For example, a Fiber To The Room (FTTR) home network (called an FTTR network) typically includes multiple FTTR devices. Specifically, FTTR devices usually include a master node device (referred to as the master node) and slave node devices (referred to as slave nodes), and the master node and slave nodes are deployed in different locations in the FTTR network (e.g., different rooms in a home).

[0097] For example, refer to Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides a schematic diagram of a home network. This home network employs an FTTR (Fiber to the Reach) scheme, enabling ultra-high contracted bandwidth and coverage to every corner of the home, thereby meeting user needs. For ease of explanation, in the following embodiments of this application, this home network is referred to as a home network (also known as an FTTR network) 10, and this should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. (In conjunction with...) Figure 1 As shown, home network 10 includes: a master node device (i.e., the master node, see reference 10). Figure 1 The master node 101 and multiple slave node devices (i.e., slave nodes, see reference) Figure 1 (from slave node 102-1 to slave node 102-3) and terminal devices (refer to) Figure 1 Terminal 103 in the middle). The master node 101 is used to communicate with multiple slave nodes (including...) Figure 1 Connect from node 102-1 to node 102-3 in the network.

[0098] In one possible implementation, combining Figure 1 As shown, the aforementioned home network 10 also includes a connection device (see reference). Figure 1 The connecting device 104 is shown by the dashed line. Optionally, this connecting device can be an optical distribution box or an optoelectronic distribution box. It is easy to understand that, for ease of explanation, only the example shown here is used. Figure 1 The architecture shown is illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. For example, in conjunction with... Figure 1 As shown, the terminals 103 in the aforementioned home network 10 include various types of terminal devices deployed in different locations within the home (e.g., different rooms), such as mobile phones, computers, tablets, robot vacuum cleaners, and virtual reality (VR) glasses. For example, master node 101 is deployed in the living room, slave node 102-1 in the master bedroom, slave node 102-2 in the study, and slave node 102-3 in the kitchen.

[0099] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the master node 101 will connect to multiple slave nodes (including slave nodes 102-1 to 102-3) deployed in different rooms via optical fibers. Specifically, the master node 101 deployed in the living room will connect to slave nodes 102-1 deployed in the master bedroom, 102-2 deployed in the study, and 102-3 deployed in the kitchen via optical fibers. Communication between the node devices (including the master node and slave nodes) deployed in different locations within the home and the terminal device 103 will all utilize wireless transmission technology, such as wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0100] Typically, when testing a home network, you can use a speed test app on terminal 103 to test the speed of the home network 10.

[0101] However, current FTTR equipment and terminal devices (such as mobile phones) typically use a 2x2 specification, also known as 2x2 MIMO. This means the FTTR device has only two transmit (or send) antennas, supporting only two data streams (e.g., spatial streams). Thus, limited by the specifications of the terminal devices, the maximum speed measurement achievable is restricted.

[0102] Therefore, to achieve acceptance testing of home networks, it is necessary to promote the evolution of FTTR equipment specifications to 4x4 MIMO, and at the same time, it is also necessary to promote the evolution of terminal equipment (such as mobile phones) specifications to 4x4 MIMO. That is, the number of transmit (or send) signal antennas of FTTR equipment and terminal equipment is 4, so that FTTR equipment and terminal equipment can support the transmission of four data streams (such as spatial streams).

[0103] Therefore, the above solution not only requires operators to modify relevant specifications (such as the specifications of FTTR equipment), but also necessitates increasing the specifications of both FTTR equipment and terminal equipment from 2x2 MIMO to 4x4 MIMO. This increases the cost of FTTR equipment and the overall investment cost. Furthermore, requiring mobile phones to meet the 4x4 MIMO specification makes production difficult, thus rendering this solution unfeasible.

[0104] Option 2:

[0105] This scheme utilizes multiple hotspots and multiple terminal devices; that is, the speed test process involves multiple hotspot devices and multiple terminal devices. The speed test results from multiple mobile phones are then superimposed as the acceptance result of the communication network. Based on the above scheme, refer to... Figure 1 The home network 10 shown can be used to test the speed of the master and slave nodes deployed in different locations in the FTTR network, thereby enabling the user's home network to be accepted.

[0106] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 The architecture shown allows for speed tests on the master node 101 deployed in the living room, the slave node 102-1 deployed in the master bedroom, the slave node 102-2 deployed in the study, and the slave node 102-3 deployed in the kitchen, all using different terminal devices. Typically, only one or two maintenance personnel are needed; therefore, they must operate the different terminal devices sequentially to test the speed of the master and slave nodes.

[0107] However, if speed tests are performed on the master node and slave node sequentially, it is actually measuring the speed of the master or slave node in the home network at different times. However, the results of multiple speed tests often have significant errors and low reliability; therefore, the results of two speed tests cannot be used as the overall speed measurement of the home network.

[0108] To ensure the accuracy of speed test results, it is necessary to perform speed tests on both the master and slave nodes simultaneously to guarantee the accuracy of the communication network's speed test results. Specifically, the above solution requires two people to operate two terminal devices (e.g., mobile phones) simultaneously, controlling both devices to start speed tests at the same time. This will significantly increase the operation and maintenance costs of the communication network.

[0109] based on Figure 1 The architecture shown is exemplary, referencing Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides a schematic diagram of a communication network. (In conjunction with...) Figure 2 As shown, the communication network includes: a master node (refer to...) Figure 2 The master node 201 and multiple slave nodes (see reference) Figure 2(Slave node 202-1 and slave node 202-2) and terminal device (refer to) Figure 2 Terminals 203-1 to 203-3 in the diagram). The master node 201 is used to communicate with multiple slave nodes (including...). Figure 3 Connect slave nodes 202-1 and 202-2 in the middle.

[0110] In the following embodiments of this application, the communication network is deployed in a home setting as an example. For ease of explanation, this communication network is referred to as home network 20, and this should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application.

[0111] In one possible implementation, the master node 201 communicates with the upper-layer communication device ( Figure 2 The network connection mode between the master node 201 and slave node 202-1 (not shown in the diagram) is routing mode, and the network connection mode between the master node 201 and slave node 202-2 is bridging mode. Generally, in bridging mode, the transmission method between communication devices is transparent transmission. Transparent transmission typically does not involve processing the transmitted content (e.g., signals or data), but only forwards the transmitted content. Thus, transmission between the master node 201 and slave node 202-1 or slave node 202-2 is transparent transmission, and all terminals in the home network 20 (i.e., terminals 203-1 to 203-3) are on the same local area network.

[0112] In other examples, the master node 201 communicates with the upper-layer communication device ( Figure 2 The network connection mode between the master node 201 and slave node 202-1 (not shown in the diagram) is routing mode, the network connection mode between the master node 201 and slave node 202-2 is bridging mode, and the network connection mode between the master node 201 and slave node 202-2 is routing mode. Generally, in routing mode, the communication devices involve processing the transmitted content (such as signals or data), including address allocation and NAT translation. Thus, the transmission between the master node 201 and slave node 202-1 is transparent, while the transmission between the master node 201 and slave node 202-2 is not transparent, meaning all terminals in the home network 20 (i.e., terminals 203-1 to 203-3) are in different local area networks.

[0113] It is not difficult to understand that this is only based on Figure 2 The architecture shown is an example and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. For example, the aforementioned multiple terminal devices ( Figure 2 Terminals 203-1 to 203-3 in the document can be implemented by a mobile phone or other types of terminal devices; the embodiments of this application do not limit this. For example, Figure 2The communication network shown may also include more node devices (including master nodes or slave nodes). Based on the above, and exemplarily, refer to... Figure 3 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides a schematic diagram of a communication method. Through this communication method, a node device, by controlling a terminal device, can determine the communication quality of the communication network it is in, thereby enabling acceptance of the network usage plan. The following will combine... Figure 3 The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below. It should be noted that, here, the method is described in detail below. Figure 2 The architecture shown is used as an example to illustrate the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application through node devices and terminal devices, and should not be construed as limiting the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. The following description, in conjunction with... Figure 2 The architecture shown illustrates the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0114] It is easy to understand that the embodiments of this application can be applied to a variety of application scenarios, for example, they can be applied to... Figure 1 or Figure 2 The home network shown. In the following embodiments, combined with Figure 2 As shown, the example uses the first node device as the master node 201 and the terminal device as 203-3, and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Of course, the first node device and one or more terminal devices in the embodiments of this application can also be implemented by devices or equipment capable of performing similar functions, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0115] The following is combined Figure 3 The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described, including steps 301 to 308, as follows:

[0116] Step 301: The first node device sends the first message.

[0117] Combination Figure 3 As shown, the first node device sends a first message to at least one terminal device. The first message is used to instruct at least one terminal device to begin speed measurement.

[0118] Optionally, at least one terminal device may include terminal devices connected to the first node device or terminal devices connected to other node devices. Other node devices and the first node device are in the same communication network. Other node devices may be the next-level devices of the first node device. Other node devices may be connected to the first node device through bridging mode or routing mode.

[0119] In one possible implementation, at least one terminal device includes a first terminal device, which is not a terminal device directly connected to a first node device, but a terminal device connected to a second node device. The second node device is a next-level device of the first node device. Then, the first node device sending a first message to the first terminal device may include: in bridging mode, the first node device directly sending the first message to the first terminal device connected to the second node device; or, in routing mode, the first node device sending the first message to the second node device, which processes the first message accordingly and sends the processed first message to the first terminal device.

[0120] Specifically, in combination Figure 2 As shown, master node 201 sends the first message to terminal 203-3.

[0121] For example, if slave node 202-2 and master node 201 are connected via bridge mode, then master node 201 sending the first message to terminal 203-3 includes: master node 201 sending the first message to slave node 202-2, and slave node 202-2 forwarding the first message to terminal 203-3. Slave node 202-2 simply forwards the first message without processing it.

[0122] For example, slave node 202-2 is connected to master node 201 via routing mode. Then, master node 201 sending the first message to terminal 203-3 includes: master node 201 sending the first message to slave node 202-2, and slave node 202-2 then sending the first message to terminal 203-3. Slave node 202-2 processes the first message accordingly, such as performing address allocation and NAT translation, and then sends the processed first message to terminal 203-3.

[0123] Optionally, before sending the first message to at least one terminal device, the first node device may first determine whether the terminal device is one that needs speed measurement. Further, the first node device sends the first message to at least one terminal device.

[0124] In one possible implementation, the first node device sends a first message to at least one terminal device in the communication network via broadcast. For example, the first node device sends the first message to the terminal device via broadcast.

[0125] Then, any one of the at least one terminal devices performs the following steps 302 to 304:

[0126] Step 302: The terminal device receives the first message.

[0127] Combination Figure 3As shown, the terminal device receives the first message sent by the first node device. Specifically, in conjunction with... Figure 2 As shown, terminal 203-3 receives the second message sent by master node 201.

[0128] In one possible implementation, in conjunction with step 301, the terminal device receives the first message sent by the first node device via broadcast.

[0129] Step 303: The terminal device responds to the first message and begins speed measurement.

[0130] Combination Figure 3 As shown, the terminal device responds to the first message and begins speed measurement. Specifically, in conjunction with... Figure 2 As shown, terminal 203-3 responds to the first message sent by the first node device and begins speed measurement.

[0131] Step 304: The terminal device sends the second message.

[0132] Combination Figure 3 As shown, the terminal device sends a second message to the first node device, carrying the terminal device's speed measurement result. Specifically, in conjunction with... Figure 2 As shown, terminal 203-3 sends a second message to master node 201.

[0133] Step 305: The first node device receives the second message.

[0134] Combination Figure 3 As shown, the first node device receives a second message sent by the terminal device; wherein the second message carries the speed measurement results of at least one terminal device. Specifically, in conjunction with... Figure 2 As shown, master node 201 receives the second message sent by terminal 203-3.

[0135] In one possible implementation, in conjunction with step 301, the communication network further includes a second node device (e.g., slave node 202-2), which is a downstream device of the first node device. Optionally, refer to... Figure 2 In the architecture shown, slave node 202-2 is connected to master node 201 via bridge mode, and slave node 202-2 is connected to master node 201 via routing mode. Thus, master node 201 will receive the second message from slave node 202-2.

[0136] Step 306: The first node device outputs the speed measurement result of the communication network according to the second message.

[0137] Combination Figure 3As shown, the first node device determines the speed measurement result of the communication network based on the received second message, acquires and outputs the speed measurement result of the communication network, which indicates the communication quality of the communication network.

[0138] Specifically, in combination Figure 2 As shown, the master node 201 can determine the communication quality of the communication network at the location of the slave node 202-2 based on the second message received carrying the speed measurement results of the terminal 203-3.

[0139] In one possible implementation, as described in step 301, both terminal 203-1 and terminal 203-2 can receive the first message. As described in step 302, both terminal 203-1 and terminal 203-2 can respond to the first message and begin speed measurement. Further, as described in step 304, both terminal 203-1 and terminal 203-2 can send a second message carrying their own speed measurement results to the master node 201. Thus, based on the speed measurement results of terminal 203-1, the master node 201 can determine the communication quality of its own communication network, and based on the speed measurement results of terminal 203-2, the master node 201 can determine the communication quality of the communication network where slave node 202-1 is located. Since the master node and the slave node are in the same communication network, the master node 201 can determine the communication quality of the home network 20 based on the location of the master node 202, the location of the slave node 202-1, and the quality of the communication network at the location of the slave node 202, and output the speed measurement result of the home network 20.

[0140] In one possible implementation, the first node device can output the speed measurement results of the communication network to a corresponding display device, making the speed measurement results of the communication network visible so that users can obtain the communication quality of the communication network in a timely manner.

[0141] In other examples, step 306 above includes: the first node device outputting the speed measurement result of the communication network to at least one terminal device; wherein the speed measurement result of the communication network includes the communication parameters of the communication network, and / or the communication parameters of each of the at least one terminal device.

[0142] Optionally, the speed measurement results of the communication network include: the total throughput, latency, and jitter of the communication network. Of course, the speed measurement results of the communication network may also include other communication parameters that can indicate the communication quality of the communication network. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific types or quantities of communication parameters included in the speed measurement results of the communication network.

[0143] Optionally, based on steps 301 to 306 above, the communication method further includes:

[0144] Step 307: The terminal device sends a third message.

[0145] Combination Figure 3 As shown, the terminal device sends a third message to the first node device; this third message instructs the first node device to initiate a speed measurement. Specifically, in conjunction with... Figure 2 As shown, terminal 203-3 sends a third message to master node 201.

[0146] Step 308: The first node device receives the third message.

[0147] Combination Figure 3 As shown, the first node device receives the third message sent by the terminal device.

[0148] In conjunction with step 308 above, optionally, the first node device responds to the received third message by sending a first message to at least one terminal device.

[0149] In one possible implementation, in conjunction with step 301, the communication network further includes a second node device, which is a downstream device of the first node device. The second node device can be connected to the first node device via a bridging mode or a routing mode.

[0150] In one possible implementation, at least one terminal device includes a first terminal device, which is not a terminal device directly connected to a first node device, but a terminal device connected to a second node device. The second node device is a next-level device of the first node device. Then, the first node device receiving the third message sent by the terminal device may include: in bridging mode, the first node device directly receiving the third message from the first terminal device; or, in routing mode, the second node device receiving the third message sent by the first terminal device, and then the first node device receiving the third message from the second node device.

[0151] Specifically, in combination Figure 2 As shown, master node 201 receives the third message sent by terminal 203-3.

[0152] For example, slave node 202-2 is connected to master node 201 via bridge mode. Then, the third message received by master node 201 from terminal 203-3 includes: terminal 203-3 sending the third message to slave node 202-2, which then forwards the third message to master node 201. Slave node 202-2 simply forwards the third message without processing it.

[0153] For example, slave node 202-2 is connected to master node 201 via routing mode. Then, master node 201 receiving a third message from terminal 203-3 includes: terminal 203-3 sending a third message to slave node 202-2, and slave node 202-2 sending a third message to master node 201. Slave node 202-2 processes the third message accordingly, such as performing address allocation and NAT translation, and then sends the processed third message to master node 201.

[0154] Based on steps 301 to 308 above, the node device sends messages to one or more terminal devices, enabling these devices to begin speed testing. Furthermore, based on the speed test results from the one or more terminal devices, the node device can determine the communication quality of the network and output the network speed test results. According to the network speed test results, the communication quality of the network can also be determined, thus achieving network speed testing and ultimately enabling acceptance testing of the internet service plan.

[0155] In one possible implementation, in conjunction with the above steps, after receiving the corresponding message, the receiving device or equipment can notify the sending device or equipment by sending a corresponding response message to the sending device or equipment.

[0156] For example, in conjunction with step 302 above, if the terminal device receives the first message (i.e., the speed test start message) sent by the first node device, it can send a corresponding response message (i.e., the speed test start response message) to the first node device.

[0157] For example, in conjunction with step 308 above, if the first node device receives the third message (i.e., the speed test initiation message) sent by the terminal device, it can send a corresponding response message (i.e., the speed test initiation response message) to the terminal device.

[0158] based on Figure 3 As shown, exemplarily, refer to Figure 4 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides a schematic diagram of a communication method. Through this communication method, a node device can determine the terminal device in the communication network that needs speed measurement. The following will be combined with... Figure 4 The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below. It should be noted that, here, the method is described in detail below. Figure 2 The architecture shown is used as an example to illustrate the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application through a first node device and a terminal device, and should not be construed as limiting the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. The following description, in conjunction with... Figure 2 The architecture shown illustrates the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0159] It is easy to understand that the embodiments of this application can be applied to a variety of application scenarios, for example, they can be applied to... Figure 2 The home network 20 shown. In the following embodiments, combined with Figure 2 As shown, the first node device (refer to) Figure 2 The master node 201 and terminal devices (refer to) Figure 2 The example given is terminal 203-3, and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Of course, the first node device and terminal device in the embodiments of this application can also be implemented by devices or equipment capable of performing similar functions, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0160] The following is combined Figure 4 The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described, including steps 401 to 406, as follows:

[0161] Step 401: The terminal device sends the fourth message.

[0162] Combination Figure 4 As shown, the terminal device sends a fourth message to the first node device. This fourth message is used to indicate which terminal devices in the communication network require speed measurement. Specifically, in conjunction with... Figure 2 As shown, terminal 203-3 sends the fourth message to master node 201.

[0163] Step 402: The first node device receives the fourth message. (Combined with...) Figure 4 As shown, the first node device receives the fourth message sent by the terminal device. Specifically, in conjunction with... Figure 2 As shown, master node 201 receives the fourth message sent by terminal 203-3.

[0164] In one possible implementation, in conjunction with step 401, the fourth message can indicate the terminal device in the communication network that needs speed measurement. Based on the received fourth message, the first node device can then determine the terminal device in the communication network that needs speed measurement.

[0165] Step 403: The first node device obtains the address information of the terminal device that needs to be measured.

[0166] In one possible implementation, the address information of the terminal device requiring speed measurement is carried in the fourth message. Then, combined with... Figure 4 As shown, the first node device can obtain the address information of the terminal device that needs to be measured based on the received fourth message.

[0167] Specifically, in combination Figure 2 As shown, based on the received fourth message, the master node 201 can obtain the address information of the terminal 203-3 that needs to be measured.

[0168] Step 404: The first node device generates the first list.

[0169] Combination Figure 4 As shown, the first node device generates a first list based on the address information of the terminal devices requiring speed measurement. This first list includes the terminal devices requiring speed measurement and their address information. Specifically, combined with... Figure 2 As shown, the master node 201 generates a device list (i.e., the first list) of terminal devices based on the address information of the terminal devices that need speed measurement. For example, combined with... Figure 5 As shown in (1), a schematic diagram of a possible first list of first node devices is illustrated.

[0170] In one possible implementation, the first list also includes information such as the terminal device identifier and the terminal device model.

[0171] Optionally, based on steps 401 to 403 above, the communication method further includes:

[0172] Step 405: The first node device sends the fifth message.

[0173] Combination Figure 4 As shown, the first node device sends a fifth message to the terminal device; this fifth message carries the address information of the terminal device that needs speed measurement. Specifically, in conjunction with... Figure 2 As shown, master node 201 sends the fifth message to terminal 203-3. For example, in conjunction with... Figure 5 As shown in (2) in the figure, a schematic diagram of a possible list of terminal devices is shown.

[0174] In one possible implementation, the first node device sending the fifth message to the terminal device includes: the first node device obtaining the address information of each terminal device among at least one terminal device by querying a generated first list; and the first node device sending a fifth message carrying the address information of the terminal device requiring speed measurement to each of the at least one terminal device.

[0175] Step 406: The terminal device receives the fifth message.

[0176] Combination Figure 4 As shown, the terminal device receives the fifth message sent by the first node device. Specifically, in conjunction with... Figure 2 As shown, terminal 203-3 receives the fifth message sent by master node 201.

[0177] It is not difficult to understand that the embodiments of this application only use the above-described communication method as an example to illustrate the process by which the first node device determines the terminal device in the communication network that needs speed measurement and obtains the address information of the terminal device that needs speed measurement. Of course, the first node device can also determine the terminal device in the communication network that needs speed measurement and obtain the address information of the terminal device that needs speed measurement through other means, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0178] Based on steps 401 to 406 above, the node device, according to the received fourth message indicating the terminal devices in the communication network that require speed measurement, can determine one or more terminal devices in the communication network that require speed measurement. Furthermore, based on the fourth message carrying the address information of the terminal devices requiring speed measurement, the node device can also generate a corresponding device list. Further, by querying the generated device list and sending a fifth message containing the address information to the terminal devices, the node device can synchronize the address information of each terminal device.

[0179] In one possible implementation, in conjunction with the above steps, after receiving the corresponding message, the receiving device or equipment can notify the sending device or equipment by sending a corresponding response message to the sending device or equipment.

[0180] For example, based on step 402 above, if the first node device receives the fourth message (i.e., the speed detection message) sent by the terminal device, it can send a corresponding response message (i.e., the speed detection response message) to the first node device.

[0181] For example, based on step 406 above, if the terminal device receives the fifth message sent by the first node device, it can send a corresponding response message to the terminal device.

[0182] Based on the above, the first message can also be called the speed test initiation message, and the second message can also be called the speed test reporting message. Both can be implemented using different message formats. For example, they can be pure MAC packets, IP packets, or UDP packets.

[0183] For example, refer to Figure 6 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides a schematic diagram of a message format, illustrating... Figure 3 The communication process involves three possible message formats. Each message format must include a field indicating the message type (e.g., initiating a speed test). Alternatively, the message format may also include one or more fields indicating initiation of a test, response message, reported results, speed test results, etc.

[0184] Specifically, in combination Figure 6As shown in (1), the message format includes eight fields, in the following order: destination MAC field, source MAC field, Ethernet type field, IP header, destination IP field, source IP field, UDP header, and operation type field; wherein, the IP header occupies the first 12 bytes of its field, and the UDP header occupies the first 8 bytes of its field. In particular, the operation type field in this message format is a field indicating that the message type is to initiate a speed test. In one possible implementation, the first message can adopt this message format.

[0185] Combination Figure 6 As shown in (2), the message format includes eight fields, in the following order: destination MAC field, source MAC field, Ethernet type field, IP header, destination IP field, source IP field, UDP header, and operation type field; among them, the IP header occupies the first 12 bytes of its field, and the UDP header occupies the first 8 bytes of its field. In particular, the operation type field in this message format is a field indicating that the message type is a response (e.g., a speed test start response).

[0186] Combination Figure 6 As shown in (3), the message format includes nine fields, in the following order: destination MAC field, source MAC field, Ethernet type field, IP header, destination IP field, source IP field, UDP header, operation type field, and speed test result field. The speed test result field carries the speed test result of the terminal device. The IP header occupies the first 12 bytes of its field, and the UDP header occupies the first 8 bytes. Specifically, the operation type field in this message format indicates that the message type is reporting (speed test) results. In one possible implementation, the second message can adopt this message format, and the speed test result of the terminal device can be carried in the speed test result field.

[0187] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned fourth message can also be called a speed test discovery message, and it can be implemented using different message formats. For example, it can be a pure MAC packet, an IP packet, or a UDP packet.

[0188] For example, refer to Figure 7 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides a schematic diagram of a message format, illustrating... Figure 4 The fourth message in the aforementioned communication process has three possible message formats. The message format must include a field indicating the message type (e.g., speed detection). Of course, the message format may also include one or more fields indicating other information.

[0189] Specifically, in combination Figure 7As shown in (1), the message format includes four fields, namely: destination MAC field (or destination MAC broadcast address field), source MAC field, Ethernet type field and operation type field; wherein, the operation type field in the message format is a field indicating that the message type of the fourth message is speed detection.

[0190] Specifically, in combination Figure 7 As shown in (2), the message format includes 8 fields, in the following order: destination MAC (or destination MAC broadcast address) field, source MAC field, Ethernet type field, IP header, destination IP (or destination IP broadcast address) field, source IP field, and operation type field; among them, the operation type field in the message format is the field that indicates that the message type of the fourth message is speed test discovery, and the IP header occupies the first 12 bytes of the field in which it is located.

[0191] Specifically, in combination Figure 7 As shown in (3), the message format includes 9 fields, in the following order: destination MAC (or destination MAC broadcast address) field, source MAC field, Ethernet type field, IP header, destination IP (or destination IP broadcast address) field, source IP field, UDP header and operation type field; among them, the operation type field in the message format is the field that indicates that the message type of the fourth message is speed test discovery, the IP header occupies the first 12 bytes of the field in which it is located, and the UDP header occupies the first 8 bytes of the field in which it is located.

[0192] Of course, the messages (including the first message to the fourth message) involved in the above embodiments of this application can be based on other protocol formats and adopt other message formats that can achieve their functions. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0193] Based on the above, and exemplarily, refer to Figure 8 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides a schematic diagram of a communication device applied to a node device. For ease of explanation, in the following embodiments of this application, this communication device is designated as communication device 30, and this should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. (In conjunction with...) Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 30 includes an interface unit 801 and a processing unit 802. The interface unit 801 is used to send a first message, which instructs at least one terminal device to start speed measurement; the interface unit 801 is also used to receive a second message, which carries the speed measurement results of at least one terminal device. The processing unit 802 is used to control the interface unit 801 to output the speed measurement results of the communication network based on the second message received by the interface unit 801; the communication network is the network where the first node device is located, and the speed measurement results of the communication network are used to indicate the communication quality of the communication network.

[0194] Specifically, the interface unit 801 is further configured to execute the communication methods described in steps 301, 305, and 307; the processing unit 802 is further configured to execute the communication method described in step 306. Alternatively, the interface unit 801 is further configured to execute the communication methods described in steps 402 and 405; the processing unit 802 is further configured to execute the communication methods described in steps 403 and 404. It is understood that this communication device can directly reference the above... Figure 3 or Figure 4 The functions and effects of the communication methods shown are described below, and will not be repeated here.

[0195] For example, refer to Figure 9 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides a schematic diagram of a communication device applied to a terminal device. For ease of explanation, in the following embodiments of this application, the communication device is designated as communication device 40, and this should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. (In conjunction with...) Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 40 includes an interface unit 901 and a processing unit 902. The interface unit 901 is used to receive a first message, which instructs the terminal device to start speed measurement. The processing unit 902 is used to start speed measurement in response to the first message received by the interface unit 901. The interface unit 901 is also used to output a second message, which carries the speed measurement result of the terminal device.

[0196] Specifically, the interface unit 901 is further configured to execute the communication methods described in steps 302 and 304; the processing unit 902 is further configured to execute the communication method described in step 303. Alternatively, the interface unit 901 may also be configured to execute the communication methods described in steps 402, 401, and 406. It is understood that this communication device can directly reference the above-described... Figure 4 The functions and effects of the communication methods shown are described below, and will not be repeated here.

[0197] In one possible implementation, embodiments of this application also provide a communication network. The communication network includes at least one node device and at least one terminal device; wherein the at least one node device includes... Figure 8 The communication apparatus shown includes at least one terminal device. Figure 9 The communication device shown.

[0198] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or can include one or more data storage devices such as servers or data centers that can be integrated with media. The available medium can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state drives (SSDs)). In embodiments of this application, the computer may include the aforementioned devices.

[0199] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple instances. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce a good effect.

[0200] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of this application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if such modifications and modifications of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The communication method is applied to the first node device; the communication method includes: Send a first message, which is used to instruct at least one terminal device to start speed measurement; Receive a second message, the second message carrying the speed measurement result of the at least one terminal device; Based on the second message, the speed measurement result of the communication network is output; the communication network is the network where the first node device is located, and the speed measurement result of the communication network is used to indicate the communication quality of the communication network.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication method further includes: Receive a third message, the third message being used to instruct the first node device to initiate a speed measurement; The sending of the first message includes: In response to the received third message, a first message is sent.

3. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication method further includes: The at least one terminal device in the communication network is determined to be a terminal device that requires speed measurement.

4. The communication method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The communication method further includes: Receive a fourth message, the fourth message being used to indicate the terminal devices in the communication network that need speed measurement; Based on the received fourth message, the terminal devices in the communication network that need to be speed measured are determined, and the at least one terminal device is included in the terminal devices that need to be speed measured.

5. The communication method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The address information of the terminal device that needs to be measured is carried in the fourth message; The communication method further includes: Based on the received fourth message, obtain the address information of the terminal device that needs to be measured; Based on the obtained address information of the terminal devices that need speed measurement, a first list is generated; the first list includes the terminal devices that need speed measurement and their address information.

6. The communication method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The communication method further includes: Query the first list and obtain the address information of each terminal device in the at least one terminal device from the first list; A fifth message is sent to each of the at least one terminal device, the fifth message carrying the address information of the terminal device for which speed measurement is required.

7. The communication method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The communication network also includes a second node device, which is a next-level device of the first node device; The receiving of the fourth message includes: Receive the fourth message from each terminal device; Alternatively, receive the fourth message from the second node device.

8. The communication method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one terminal device includes a second terminal device connected to the second node device; The receiving of the third message includes: Receive the third message from the first terminal device; or, Receive the third message from the second node device.

9. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one terminal device includes a second terminal device connected to the second node device; The sending of the first message includes: The first message is sent to the second terminal device through the second node device; The receiving of the second message includes: Receive the second message sent by the second terminal device from the second node device.

10. The communication method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The speed measurement results of the output communication network include: The speed measurement result of the communication network is output to the at least one terminal device; wherein the speed measurement result of the communication network includes the communication parameters of the communication network, and / or the communication parameters of each of the at least one terminal device.

11. The communication method according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The network connection mode between the first node device and the second node device includes any of the following: bridging mode or routing mode.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, The communication method is applied to a terminal device; the communication method includes: Receive a first message, the first message being used to instruct the terminal device to start speed measurement; In response to the first message, speed measurement begins; Output a second message, which carries the speed measurement result of the terminal device.

13. The communication method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The communication method further includes: A third message is sent, which is used to instruct the first node device to initiate a speed measurement.

14. The communication method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The communication method further includes: A fourth message is sent, which is used to indicate the terminal equipment in the communication network that needs to be measured.

15. The communication method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The fourth message carries the address information of the terminal device that needs to be measured.

16. The communication method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The communication method further includes: The fifth message is received, which carries the address information of the terminal device that needs to be measured.

17. The communication method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The communication method further includes: Receive the speed measurement results of the communication network; wherein the speed measurement results of the communication network include the communication parameters of the communication network, and / or the communication parameters of each terminal device of the communication network.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is applied to a node device, and the communication device includes: an interface unit and a processing unit; The interface unit is used to send a first message, which is used to instruct at least one terminal device to start speed measurement. The interface unit is also used to receive a second message, the second message carrying the speed measurement result of the at least one terminal device; The processing unit is configured to control the interface unit to output the speed measurement result of the communication network based on the second message received by the interface unit; the communication network is the network where the first node device is located, and the speed measurement result of the communication network is used to indicate the communication quality of the communication network.

19. The communication device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The interface unit is also used to receive a third message, which is used to instruct the first node device to initiate a speed measurement. The processing unit is specifically used to control the interface unit to send the first message in response to the received third message.

20. The communication device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The processing unit is further configured to determine that at least one terminal device in the communication network is a terminal device that requires speed measurement.

21. The communication device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The interface unit is also used to receive a fourth message, which is used to indicate the terminal device in the communication network that needs to be speed measured. The processing unit is further configured to determine, based on the fourth message received by the interface unit, the terminal devices in the communication network that require speed measurement, wherein the at least one terminal device is included among the terminal devices that require speed measurement.

22. The communication device according to claim 21, characterized in that, The address information of the terminal device that needs to be measured is carried in the fourth message; The processing unit is also used to obtain the address information of the terminal device that needs to be measured based on the fourth message received by the interface unit; The processing unit is specifically used to generate a first list based on the obtained address information of the terminal devices that need speed measurement; the first list includes the terminal devices that need speed measurement and the address information of the terminal devices.

23. The communication device according to claim 22, characterized in that, The processing unit is also configured to query the first list and obtain the address information of each terminal device in the at least one terminal device from the first list; The interface unit is also configured to send a fifth message to each of the at least one terminal devices, the fifth message carrying the address information of the terminal device.

24. The communication device according to claim 21, characterized in that, The communication network also includes a second node device, which is a next-level device of the first node device; The interface unit is specifically used to receive the fourth message from each terminal device; or, to receive the fourth message from the second node device.

25. The communication device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The at least one terminal device includes a second terminal device connected to the second node device; The interface unit is specifically used to receive a third message from the first terminal device; or, to receive a third message from the second node device.

26. The communication device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The at least one terminal device includes a second terminal device connected to the second node device; The interface unit is specifically used to send the first message to the second terminal device through the second node device; The interface unit is also used to receive the second message sent by the second terminal device from the second node device.

27. The communication device according to any one of claims 18-26, characterized in that, The interface unit is further configured to output the speed measurement result of the communication network to the at least one terminal device; wherein the speed measurement result of the communication network includes the communication parameters of the communication network, and / or the communication parameters of each of the at least one terminal devices.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used in a terminal device; the communication device includes: an interface unit and a processing unit; The interface unit is used to receive a first message, which is used to instruct the terminal device to start speed measurement. The processing unit is configured to start speed measurement in response to the first message received by the interface unit; The interface unit is also used to output a second message, which carries the speed measurement result of the terminal device.

29. The communication device according to claim 28, characterized in that, The interface unit is also used to send a third message, which is used to instruct the first node device to initiate a speed measurement.

30. The communication device according to claim 28, characterized in that, The interface unit is also used to send a fourth message, which indicates that the terminal device is a terminal device in the communication network that needs to be speed measured.

31. The communication device according to claim 30, characterized in that, The fourth message carries the address information of the terminal device that needs to be measured.

32. The communication device according to claim 30, characterized in that, The interface unit is also used to receive the speed measurement results of the communication network; wherein the speed measurement results of the communication network include the communication parameters of the communication network, and / or the communication parameters of each terminal device of the communication network.

33. A communication network, characterized in that, The communication network includes: node devices and terminal devices; The node device is communicatively connected to the terminal device; The node device includes at least one communication device as described in any one of claims 18 to 27, and the terminal device includes at least one communication device as described in any one of claims 28 to 32.

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