A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus are disclosed to improve the communication efficiency of HPLC. The method includes: a first communication device generating a first physical frame, wherein the number of leading symbols in the first physical frame is related to first information; the first communication device transmitting the first physical frame to a second communication device; wherein the first communication device and the second communication device communicate via power lines; wherein the first information includes: an acknowledgment frame corresponding to a second physical frame, the second physical frame being transmitted before the first physical frame and transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device; and / or, first indication information, the first indication information indicating the number of leading symbols, the first indication information being related to the reception status of a third physical frame received by the second communication device, the third physical frame being transmitted before the first physical frame and transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] High-speed power line communication (HPLC) is a technology that utilizes power lines for high-speed data communication. HPLC technology can be applied to at least one of the following scenarios: electricity consumption data collection, photovoltaic new energy, or smart homes. With the increasing scale of charging piles for new energy vehicles and the rapid development of power system services, higher demands are being placed on the communication capabilities of HPLC technology.

[0003] Currently, improving the communication efficiency of HPLC is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in HPLC technology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for improving the communication efficiency of HPLC.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a first communication device. The first communication device can be applied to a communication system for HPLC technology. For example, the first communication device can be a central coordinator (CCO), a proxy coordinator (PCO), or a station (STA). It can also be a module applied to a CCO, PCO, or STA, such as a circuit, chip, chip system, or processor. Furthermore, it can be a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the CCO, PCO, or STA.

[0006] Taking a first communication device as the executing entity as an example, the method may include: the first communication device generating a first physical frame, wherein the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame is related to first information; the first communication device sending the first physical frame to a second communication device; wherein the first communication device and the second communication device communicate based on power lines; wherein the first information includes: an acknowledgment frame corresponding to a second physical frame, wherein the second physical frame is sent before the first physical frame and is sent by the first communication device to the second communication device; and / or, first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the number of preamble symbols, the first indication information is related to the reception status of a third physical frame received by the second communication device, wherein the third physical frame is sent before the first physical frame and is sent by the first communication device to the second communication device.

[0007] Based on the above method, the first communication device can flexibly determine the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame according to the acknowledgment frame and / or the first indication information corresponding to the second physical frame. That is, different numbers of preamble symbols can be used in different scenarios, which can improve communication efficiency while meeting the requirements of communication reliability.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first communication device may transmit the second physical frame, wherein the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame is related to the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame and the acknowledgment frame.

[0009] Based on this implementation, the first communication device can determine the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame based on the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame and the acknowledgment frame, thus flexibly determining the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame. Specifically, the first communication device can determine the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame based on the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame and whether an acknowledgment frame corresponding to the second physical frame has been received.

[0010] In one possible implementation, when the first communication device receives the acknowledgment frame, the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame is less than or equal to the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame.

[0011] If the first communication device receives an acknowledgment frame corresponding to the second physical frame after sending the second physical frame, it means that the second communication device can correctly receive the second physical frame. Therefore, if the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame is the same as the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame, the second communication device can also complete the frame detection, synchronization and channel estimation performance of the first physical frame. Therefore, the first communication device can set the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame to be less than or equal to the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame to reduce preamble overhead.

[0012] In one possible implementation, if the first communication device does not receive the acknowledgment frame, the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame is greater than or equal to the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame.

[0013] If the first communication device does not receive an acknowledgment frame corresponding to the second physical frame after sending the second physical frame, and the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame is the same as the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame, the second communication device cannot complete the frame detection, synchronization, and channel estimation performance of the first physical frame. Therefore, the first communication device can set the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame to be greater than or equal to the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame, so that the second communication device can perform frame detection, synchronization, and channel estimation performance on the first physical frame with a larger number of preamble symbols, thereby improving communication reliability.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame is less than the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame, including: the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame is the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame minus n times the adjustment step size, where n is a positive integer; the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame is greater than the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame, including: the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame is the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame plus m times the adjustment step size, where m is a positive integer.

[0015] Based on this implementation method, the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame can be flexibly determined.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the preamble includes a first preamble symbol and a second preamble symbol, the second preamble symbol being the first preamble symbol multiplied by 1; the number of symbols within the preamble in the first physical frame is the number of symbols within the preamble in the second physical frame minus n times the adjustment step size, including: the number of the first preamble symbols in the first physical frame being the number of the first preamble symbols in the second physical frame minus n times the adjustment step size; or, the number of the second preamble symbols in the first physical frame being the number of the second preamble symbols in the second physical frame minus n times the adjustment step size; or, the number of the first preamble symbols in the first physical frame being the number of the first preamble symbols in the second physical frame minus n1 times the adjustment step size, and the number of the second preamble symbols in the first physical frame being the number of the second preamble symbols in the second physical frame minus n2 times the adjustment step size, n1+n2=n.

[0017] Based on this implementation method, the number of first preamble symbols and / or the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame can be flexibly determined.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame is the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame plus m times the adjustment step size, including: the number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame is the number of first preamble symbols in the second physical frame plus m times the adjustment step size; or, the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame is the number of second preamble symbols in the second physical frame plus m times the adjustment step size; or, the number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame is the number of first preamble symbols in the second physical frame plus m1 times the adjustment step size, and the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame is the number of second preamble symbols in the second physical frame plus m2 times the adjustment step size, where m1 + m2 = m.

[0019] Based on this implementation method, the number of first preamble symbols and / or the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame can be flexibly determined.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the number of preamble symbols in the third physical frame is the maximum or default value of the number of preamble symbols.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the preamble includes a first preamble symbol and a second preamble symbol, the second preamble symbol being the first preamble symbol multiplied by 1; the number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame is less than the number of first preamble symbols in the third physical frame; and / or, the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame is less than the number of second preamble symbols in the third physical frame.

[0022] Based on this implementation, the number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame can be determined based on the number of first preamble symbols in the third physical frame, and / or the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame can be determined based on the number of second preamble symbols in the third physical frame. Therefore, the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame can be determined based on the number of preamble symbols in the third physical frame.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is at least one of the following: the number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame; the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame; the number of first preamble symbols and the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame; and the sum of the number of first preamble symbols and the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame.

[0024] Based on this implementation, the second network device can flexibly indicate the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame through the first indication information.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the number of the first leading symbol is 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5, or 10.5.

[0026] Based on this implementation, the number of the first preamble symbols in the first physical frame can be any one of 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5 or 10.5 to achieve flexible preamble settings.

[0027] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a second communication device. The second communication device can be applied to a communication system for HPLC technology. For example, the second communication device can be a CCO, PCO, or STA, or it can be a module applied in a CCO, PCO, or STA, such as a circuit, chip, chip system, or processor. It can also be a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a CCO, PCO, or STA.

[0028] Taking the second communication device as the executing entity as an example, the method may include: the second communication device sending first indication information to the first communication device, the first indication information being used to indicate the number of symbols in the preamble of the first physical frame, the first indication information being related to the reception status of the second communication device receiving the third physical frame, the third physical frame being sent before the first physical frame, and the third physical frame being sent by the first communication device to the second communication device; the second communication device may also receive the first physical frame from the first communication device; wherein, the first communication device and the second communication device communicate based on power lines.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the number of preamble symbols in the third physical frame is the maximum or default value of the number of preamble symbols.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the preamble includes a first preamble symbol and a second preamble symbol, the second preamble symbol being the first preamble multiplied by -1; the number of symbols within the first preamble in the first physical frame is less than the number of symbols within the first preamble in the third physical frame; and / or, the number of symbols within the second preamble in the first physical frame is less than the number of symbols within the second preamble in the third physical frame.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is at least one of the following: the number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame; the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame; the number of first preamble symbols and the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame; and the sum of the number of first preamble symbols and the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the second communication device may further determine the channel estimation result between the first communication device and the second communication device based on the third physical frame, and determine the first indication information based on the channel estimation result.

[0033] Based on this implementation, the second communication device can perform channel estimation based on the third physical frame and determine the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame based on the channel estimation result, so as to achieve accurate determination of the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the first indication information includes the number k of the first preamble symbols in the first physical frame, where k is a positive integer. The method further includes: the second communication device completing the detection of the third physical frame based on the number of first preamble symbols in the third physical frame that is greater than k.

[0035] Based on this implementation, the second communication device can determine the number of symbols in the preamble of the first physical frame according to the number of first preamble symbols required to detect the third physical frame, so as to achieve accurate determination of the number of symbols in the preamble of the first physical frame.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the number of the first leading symbol is 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5, or 10.5.

[0037] The beneficial effects of the methods shown in the second aspect above and its various possible implementations can be found in the beneficial effects of the first aspect and its corresponding implementations, and will not be repeated here.

[0038] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. The device can implement the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first or second aspects described above. The device possesses the functions of the first or second communication device described above. The device is, for example, a terminal device, a functional module within a terminal device, a network device, or a functional module within a network device, etc.

[0039] In one optional implementation, the device may include modules corresponding one-to-one with the methods / operations / steps / actions performed in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In another optional implementation, the device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a communication unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module, communication module, etc.). The transceiver unit is capable of both sending and receiving functions. When the transceiver unit performs the sending function, it may be called a sending unit (sometimes also called a sending module); when the transceiver unit performs the receiving function, it may be called a receiving unit (sometimes also called a receiving module). The sending unit and the receiving unit may be the same functional module, which is called the transceiver unit and can perform both sending and receiving functions; or, the sending unit and the receiving unit may be different functional modules, with the transceiver unit being a collective term for these functional modules.

[0040] For example, when the apparatus is used to perform the method described in any one of the first to second aspects, the apparatus may include a communication unit and a processing unit.

[0041] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device, including a processor for executing a computer program (or computer-executable instructions) stored in a memory, such that when the computer program (or computer-executable instructions) is executed, the device performs the method as described in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the processor and memory are integrated together;

[0043] In another possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device.

[0044] The communication device also includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as sending or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0045] Fifthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, enable the implementation of the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects, and the method shown in any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0046] A sixth aspect provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, enables the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects to be implemented.

[0047] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device for performing the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0048] Eighthly, a chip system is provided, comprising logic circuitry (or, as understood, a processor, which may include logic circuitry, etc.), and further comprising input / output interfaces. The input / output interfaces can be used to input messages or to output messages. The input / output interfaces can be the same interface, i.e., the same interface can implement both sending and receiving functions; or, the input / output interface includes an input interface and an output interface, the input interface being used to implement the receiving function, i.e., to receive messages; and the output interface being used to implement the sending function, i.e., to send messages. The logic circuitry can be used to perform operations other than the sending and receiving functions in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above; the logic circuitry can also be used to transmit messages to the input / output interfaces or to receive messages from other communication devices from the input / output interfaces. The chip system can be used to implement the methods described in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above. The chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0049] Optionally, the chip system may also include a memory, which can be used to store instructions, and the logic circuits can call the instructions stored in the memory to implement the corresponding functions.

[0050] Ninth aspect, a communication method is provided, which may include the method implemented by a first communication device as shown in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and the method implemented by a second communication device as shown in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0051] A tenth aspect provides a communication system that may include a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device may be used to implement the method shown in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and the second communication device may be used to implement the method shown in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0052] The technical effects brought about by the third to tenth aspects above can be found in the descriptions of the beneficial effects of the corresponding solutions in the first and second aspects above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the architecture of a power line communication system.

[0054] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an MPDU and a PPDU provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the leader structure of a PPDU provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the timing relationship between an acknowledgment frame and an SOF frame, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating a method for adjusting the SYNCP length in a physical frame, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a method for sending first indication information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as communication systems using HPLC technology.

[0063] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches are also possible.

[0064] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a possible, non-limiting communication system is shown. (e.g.) Figure 1As shown, the electronic devices communicating in this communication system may play at least one of the following roles: one or more CCOs, one or more PCOs, and one or more STAs. These electronic devices may be, for example, at least one of the following: concentrators, data collectors, circuit breakers, branch switches, photovoltaic communication units, electricity meter communication units, charging pile communication units, or home appliance communication units. The CCO can also be called a central node, used for network management, such as managing the network status of PCOs and STAs. The PCO can also be called a proxy site, used to connect STAs located far from the CCO to the network, manage the device status of STAs under the PCO, and report the device status of STAs under the PCO to the CCO.

[0065] In this embodiment, data from devices such as concentrators, fusion terminals, and smart gateways can be transmitted across the entire network via the CCO in a communication system using HPLC technology. The PCO can forward the received data. For example, the PCO can forward data from the CCO to other PCOs or STAs under that PCO. Also, for example, the PCO can forward data from other PCOs or STAs under that PCO to the CCO.

[0066] Figure 1 The communication system shown is modeled as a tree network. This network model has the following characteristics: large network scale (up to 2000 electronic devices); deep topology (TOPO) hierarchy (up to 15 layers); when the communication system includes multiple topologies, the uploading and downloading of service commands can be aggregated through a PCO and then forwarded point-to-point; the latency and success rate of controlling multiple electronic devices in the communication system are limited by the topology hierarchy and network scale.

[0067] The communication system described in this application is intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this application and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0068] This application is applied to HPLC scenarios. HPLC technology employs orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation and Turbo encoding / decoding technology.

[0069] The relevant terminology involved in HPLC will be explained below. It should be noted that these explanations are intended to make the embodiments of this application easier to understand and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0070] (1) MAC frame, physical frame

[0071] In communication systems using HPLC technology, the MAC frame is the basic transmission unit for data transfer between the MAC layers of different electronic devices. Data needs to be processed by the MAC layer of the electronic device to obtain a MAC frame, specifically a MAC protocol data unit (MPDU) as defined in the HPLC standard. The physical layer (PHY layer) of the electronic device maps the MAC frame to a physical frame and then transmits the physical frame. Specifically, the physical frame can be a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) as defined in the HPLC standard. An example MPDU structure is shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the MPDU contains the vacuum value and the frame payload.

[0072] As an example of a physical frame in a data transmission scenario, a physical frame can be a data frame. A data frame can be, for example, a frame transmitting upper-layer business data, and more broadly, it can also include frames transmitting network management messages. Specifically, it can be a start-of-frame (SOF) frame as defined in the HPLC standard. Here, a data frame can be a frame used to transmit data between different electronic devices. Optionally, a data frame can be a frame used to transmit data between different electronic devices in a communication system using HPLC technology. For example, a data frame can be a frame used to transmit data between the CCO and PCO. Another example is a data frame used to transmit data between different PCOs. Yet another example is a data frame used to transmit data between the PCO and STA. The specific data type carried within the SOF frame is indicated by the MSDU type, as shown in Table 1.

[0073] Table 1 MSDU Types

[0074] value definition 0 Network management messages 1-47 Data link layer needs to be expanded 48 Application layer messages 49 IP packets other To be expanded

[0075] In addition, physical frames can also be beacon frames or acknowledgment frames. Beacon frames can be used for electronic device registration and network access. For example, a beacon frame is sent by an electronic device via power line broadcast to an unspecified recipient.

[0076] (2) HPLC physical layer structure:

[0077] HPLC physical layer frames, also known as PPDU, have the following structure: Figure 2As shown, it includes preamble, frame control, and data payload symbols. The frame control in the PPDU is obtained by the physical layer processing the frame control in the MPDU, and the data payload in the PPDU is obtained by the physical layer processing the frame payload in the MPDU.

[0078] like Figure 3 As shown, current HPLC standards define the leader as consisting of 10.5 SYNCP symbols and 2.5 SYNCM symbols.

[0079] One complete SYNCP symbol or one complete SYNCM symbol occupies one OFDM symbol.

[0080] The receiver can perform preamble detection, frequency offset estimation, and channel estimation based on SYNCP. It can also achieve symbol synchronization based on SYNCM symbols to define the boundaries of frame control symbols and data payload symbols within the physical frame. More SYNCP symbols can provide better frame detection, synchronization, and channel estimation performance for the computer in scenarios with poor channel conditions and high noise interference. However, frame detection failure directly leads to frame reception failure, and the results of synchronization and channel estimation affect whether the data in the frame control symbols and data payload symbols can be correctly received.

[0081] For example, the SYNCP symbol can be written as:

[0082]

[0083] Where keC represents the available carrier set, N represents the size of the inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), n represents the time-domain sampling point index, and k represents the carrier index. Indicates phase.

[0084] The SYNCP and SYNCM symbols satisfy the condition: SYNCM = -SYNCP. That is, the SYNCM symbol is the SYNCP symbol multiplied by -1.

[0085] The first 0.5 SYNCP symbols are the second half of the complete SYNCP symbol, and the last 0.5 SYNCM symbols are the first half of the complete SYNCM symbol.

[0086] Currently, due to the complex channel conditions in HPLC applications, including significant channel attenuation and interference, a longer preamble is designed in the HPLC physical frame structure to improve communication stability and increase communication success rate. For example... Figure 3The structure shown has a preamble containing 13 data payload symbols (excluding guard intervals). However, the preamble is not used to carry data and is part of the physical layer overhead. Therefore, an excessively long preamble can lead to a decrease in physical layer efficiency.

[0087] In conclusion, improving communication efficiency is a technical problem that HPLC technology urgently needs to solve.

[0088] To address this technical problem, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 4 This application illustrates the method using a first communication device and a second communication device as examples of the execution entities in the interactive illustration, but it does not limit the execution entities of this interactive illustration. The first and second communication devices can be applied to communication systems in HPLC technology. For example, the first communication device can be a CCO, PCO, or STA, or a module applied within a CCO, PCO, or STA, such as a circuit, chip, chip system, or processor; it can also be a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a CCO, PCO, or STA. Similarly, the second communication device can be a CCO, PCO, or STA, or a module applied within a CCO, PCO, or STA, such as a circuit, chip, chip system, or processor; it can also be a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a CCO, PCO, or STA.

[0089] like Figure 4 As shown, the method includes:

[0090] S101: The first communication device generates a first physical frame, the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame being related to the first information.

[0091] S101 can also be described as: the first communication device generates a first physical frame based on the first information, or the first communication device determines the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame based on the first information, or the first communication device determines a parameter for the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame based on the first information. In this application, the parameter for the number of preamble symbols in the physical frame can refer to the configuration of the number of preamble symbols, specifically the configuration of the number of first preamble symbols and / or the configuration of the number of second preamble symbols.

[0092] The preamble in the first physical frame contains a first preamble symbol and a second preamble symbol. (Participate) Figure 3As explained, the preamble in a physical frame can contain SYNCP and SYNCM. In this application, the first preamble symbol can be SYNCP, and the second preamble symbol can be SYNCM. Alternatively, the first preamble symbol can be considered as SYNCM, and the second preamble symbol as SYNCP. The first and second preamble symbols can also be collectively referred to as preamble inner symbols. Preamble inner symbols can also be called preamble symbols.

[0093] In S101, the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame refers to the sum of the number of the first preamble symbols and the number of the second preamble symbols in the first physical frame. This is compared to... Figure 3 The frame structure shown indicates that the number of SYNCP symbols and / or SYNCM symbols in the first physical frame can be related to... Figure 3 The frame structures shown are different.

[0094] Specifically, the preamble in the first physical frame consists of p SYNCP symbols and q SYNCM symbols. The values ​​of p and q are shown in Table 2. Note that p + q is less than 13.

[0095] Table 2

[0096] Number of SYNCP symbols p Number of SYNCM symbols q Numerical range 2.5～10.5 1.5～2.5

[0097] For example, referring to Table 2, the value of p can be 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5, or 10.5, and the value of q can be 1.5 or 2.5. It is understood that Table 2 is merely an illustrative example of the values ​​of p and q, and should not be construed as a limitation on the possible values ​​of p q.

[0098] The range of the number of symbols in the preamble of the first physical frame shown in Table 2 can be defined in the HPLC-related protocol or pre-configured in the first communication device.

[0099] The following describes the content of the first information in S101, and the relationship between the first information and the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame. As an implementation of the first information 1, the first information includes an acknowledgment frame corresponding to the second physical frame. As an implementation of the first information 2, the first information includes first indication information indicating the number of preamble symbols, and this first indication information comes from the second communication device. Implementations 1 and 2 are described below.

[0100] Method 1: The first information includes the acknowledgment frame corresponding to the second physical frame.

[0101] In this application, an acknowledgment frame, also known as a response frame, is a frame returned by the receiving end to the sending end after receiving a data frame sent by the sending end, indicating that the receiving end has correctly received the data frame. As an example, the acknowledgment frame is the selective acknowledgment frame defined in HPLC-related protocols.

[0102] The second physical frame is sent before the first physical frame, and is sent from the first communication device to the second communication device. The acknowledgment frame corresponding to the second physical frame can be used to indicate that the second communication device has correctly received the second physical frame. As an example, the second physical frame can be an SOF frame or other types of physical frames.

[0103] Taking the second physical frame as an SOF frame and the acknowledgment frame as a selection acknowledgment frame as an example, such as Figure 5 As shown, according to the requirements of the HPLC-related protocol, the transmitting end sends an SOF frame. After the inter-frame interval, it replies with a Select Acknowledgment frame upon confirming that the destination Terminal Equipment Identifier (TEI) is the TEI of the receiving end's own site. If the receiving end does not reply with a Select Acknowledgment frame, the transmitting end confirms that the receiving end has not detected the frame preamble or has not correctly demodulated the bit data in the frame control. This bit data contains the important source TEI and destination TEI. The source TEI corresponds to the transmitting segment of the frame, and the destination TEI corresponds to the receiving end of the frame.

[0104] Understandable. Figure 5 This application is not limited to this example, but rather describes one exemplary method of transmitting confirmation frames.

[0105] In other words, before sending the first physical frame, the first communication device can send a second physical frame to the second communication device. The second communication device can then send an acknowledgment frame corresponding to the second physical frame to the first communication device. Specifically, if the second communication device correctly receives the second physical frame, it can send an acknowledgment frame to indicate that it has correctly received the second physical frame; if the second communication device does not correctly receive the second physical frame, it does not send an acknowledgment frame. Therefore, if the first communication device receives an acknowledgment frame corresponding to the second physical frame, it means that the second communication device has correctly received the second physical frame; if the first communication device does not receive an acknowledgment frame corresponding to the second physical frame, it means that the second communication device has not correctly received the second physical frame.

[0106] The number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame can be a predetermined number or another number. The number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame can be referenced from the description of the preamble symbols in the first physical frame. As an example, the preamble symbols in the second physical frame are 5.5 SYNCP symbols and 2.5 SYNCM symbols, that is, relative to... Figure 3The example physical frame structure has 5 fewer SYNCP symbols in the preamble of the second physical frame. Here, 5.5 can be used as an example of a set value. Alternatively, the number of SYNCP symbols included in the preamble of the second physical frame can also be 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, or other values.

[0107] The set quantity can be a value defined in the HPLC-related protocol or a value pre-configured in the first communication device.

[0108] In Method 1, the number of symbols in the preamble of the first physical frame is related to whether the first communication device receives the acknowledgment frame corresponding to the second physical frame. Alternatively, the number of symbols in the preamble of the first physical frame can also be considered to be related to whether the first communication device receives the acknowledgment frame corresponding to the second physical frame and the number of symbols in the preamble of the second physical frame. That is, the number of symbols in the preamble of the second physical frame can be adjusted based on whether the first communication device receives the acknowledgment frame to obtain the number of symbols in the preamble of the first physical frame.

[0109] Specifically, if the first communication device receives an acknowledgment frame corresponding to the second physical frame, the number of symbols in the preamble of the first physical frame can be less than or equal to the number of symbols in the preamble of the second physical frame. If the first communication device receives an acknowledgment frame corresponding to the second physical frame after sending it, it indicates that the second communication device can correctly receive the second physical frame, or that the preamble parameter is available in the link. That is, the number of symbols in the preamble of the second physical frame is sufficient for the second communication device to perform frame detection, synchronization, and channel estimation for the second physical frame. Therefore, even if the number of symbols in the preamble of the first physical frame is the same as the number of symbols in the preamble of the second physical frame, the second communication device can still perform frame detection, synchronization, and channel estimation for the first physical frame. Thus, the first communication device can set the number of symbols in the preamble of the first physical frame to be less than or equal to the number of symbols in the preamble of the second physical frame to reduce preamble overhead.

[0110] As a way to reduce the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame to the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame, the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame can be the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame minus n times the adjustment step size, where n is a positive integer. The adjustment step size is greater than 0. For example, if the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame is 8, n = 1, and the adjustment step size is 1, then the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame is 7.

[0111] The adjustment step size can be a value defined in the HPLC-related protocol or a value pre-configured in the first communication device.

[0112] Furthermore, the fact that the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame is less than the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame can mean reducing the number of first preamble symbols and / or the number of second preamble symbols in the second physical frame to obtain the number of first preamble symbols and / or the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame.

[0113] As an example, the first communication device determines the number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame by reducing the number of first preamble symbols in the second physical frame without changing the number of second preamble symbols in the first and second physical frames. For example, the first communication device reduces the number of first preamble symbols in the second physical frame by an adjustment step of n times to obtain the number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame, while the number of first preamble symbols remains unchanged. For instance, if the number of SYNCP symbols in the preamble of the second physical frame is 5.5 and the number of SYNCM symbols is 2.5, with n=1 and the adjustment step is 1, then the number of SYNCP symbols in the preamble of the first physical frame is 4.5 and the number of SYNCM symbols is 2.5.

[0114] As another example, the first communication device reduces the number of second preamble symbols in the second physical frame without changing the number of first preamble symbols in the first and second physical frames, thereby determining the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame. For example, the first communication device reduces the number of second preamble symbols in the second physical frame by an adjustment step of n times to obtain the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame, while the total number of second preamble symbols remains unchanged. For instance, if the number of SYNCP symbols in the preamble of the second physical frame is 5.5 and the number of SYNCM symbols is 2.5, with n=1 and the adjustment step is 1, then the number of SYNCP symbols in the preamble of the first physical frame is 5.5 and the number of SYNCM symbols is 1.5.

[0115] As another example, the first communication device can reduce the number of first preamble symbols in the second physical frame to determine the number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame, and reduce the number of second preamble symbols in the second physical frame to determine the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame. For example, the first communication device reduces the number of first preamble symbols in the second physical frame by an adjustment step of n1 to determine the number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame, and reduces the number of second preamble symbols in the second physical frame by an adjustment step of n2 to obtain the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame, where n1 and n2 are positive integers. It can be assumed that n1 + n2 = n in this case. For example, if the number of SYNCP symbols in the preamble of the second physical frame is 5.5, the number of SYNCM symbols is 2.5, n1 = n2 = 1, and the adjustment step is 1, then the number of SYNCP symbols in the preamble of the first physical frame is 4.5, and the number of SYNCM symbols is 1.5.

[0116] Furthermore, if the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame is equal to the minimum number of preamble symbols, the first communication device can set the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame to be equal to the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame. The minimum number of preamble symbols is, for example, 2.5, or it can be other preset values.

[0117] If the first communication device does not receive an acknowledgment frame corresponding to the second physical frame, the number of symbols in the preamble of the first physical frame can be greater than or equal to the number of symbols in the preamble of the second physical frame. Specifically, if the first communication device does not receive an acknowledgment frame corresponding to the second physical frame after sending it, it means that the second communication device cannot correctly receive the second physical frame, or that the preamble parameter is unavailable in the link. That is, the number of symbols in the preamble of the second physical frame is insufficient for the second communication device to complete frame detection, synchronization, and channel estimation for the second physical frame. Therefore, if the number of symbols in the preamble of the first physical frame is the same as the number of symbols in the preamble of the second physical frame, the second communication device cannot complete frame detection, synchronization, and channel estimation for the first physical frame. Therefore, the first communication device can set the number of symbols in the preamble of the first physical frame to be greater than or equal to the number of symbols in the preamble of the second physical frame, so that the second communication device can perform frame detection, synchronization, and channel estimation for the first physical frame with a larger number of preamble symbols, thereby improving communication reliability.

[0118] As a way to make the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame greater than the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame, the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame can be the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame plus m times the adjustment step size, where m is a positive integer. The adjustment step size is greater than 0. For example, if the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame is 8, m = 1, and the adjustment step size is 1, then the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame is 9.

[0119] Furthermore, the fact that the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame is less than the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame can mean increasing the number of first preamble symbols and / or second preamble symbols in the second physical frame to obtain the number of first preamble symbols and / or second preamble symbols in the first physical frame.

[0120] As an example, the first communication device increases the number of first preamble symbols in the second physical frame to determine the number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame without changing the number of second preamble symbols in the first and second physical frames. For example, the first communication device increases the number of first preamble symbols in the second physical frame by an adjustment step of m, obtaining the number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame, while the number of first preamble symbols remains unchanged. For instance, if the number of SYNCP symbols in the preamble of the second physical frame is 5.5 and the number of SYNCM symbols is 2.5, m = 1 and the adjustment step is 1, then the number of SYNCP symbols in the preamble of the first physical frame is 6.5 and the number of SYNCM symbols is 2.5.

[0121] As another example, the first communication device increases the number of second preamble symbols in the second physical frame without changing the number of first preamble symbols in the first and second physical frames, thereby determining the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame. For example, the first communication device increases the number of second preamble symbols in the second physical frame by an adjustment step size of m, obtaining the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame, while the number of second preamble symbols remains unchanged. For instance, if the number of SYNCP symbols in the preamble of the second physical frame is 5.5 and the number of SYNCM symbols is 1.5, m = 1 and the adjustment step size is 1, then the number of SYNCP symbols in the preamble of the first physical frame is 5.5 and the number of SYNCM symbols is 2.5.

[0122] As another example, the first communication device can increase the number of first preamble symbols in the second physical frame to determine the number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame, and increase the number of second preamble symbols in the second physical frame to determine the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame. For example, the first communication device increases the number of first preamble symbols in the second physical frame by an adjustment step of m1 to determine the number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame, and increases the number of second preamble symbols in the second physical frame by an adjustment step of m2 to obtain the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame, where m1 and m2 are positive integers. It can be considered that m1 + m2 = m in this case. For example, if the number of SYNCP symbols in the preamble of the second physical frame is 5.5, the number of SYNCM symbols is 1.5, m1 = m2 = 1, and the adjustment step is 1, then the number of SYNCP symbols in the preamble of the first physical frame is 6.5, and the number of SYNCM symbols is 2.5.

[0123] Furthermore, if the number of leading symbols in the second physical frame equals the maximum number of leading symbols, the first communication device can set the number of leading symbols in the first physical frame to equal the number of leading symbols in the second physical frame. The maximum number of leading symbols can be the number of leading symbols defined by the HPLC-related protocol, such as 13, or other values.

[0124] As a possible example of Method 1, the first communication device may send multiple second physical frames before sending the first physical frame, and determine the number of preamble symbols in the first communication device based on the reception status of the acknowledgment frames corresponding to the multiple physical frames. The relationship between the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame and the number of preamble symbols in any second physical frame satisfies the description in Method 1.

[0125] The following is combined Figure 6 The method for determining the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame when only the number of SYNCP symbols in the second physical frame is changed is explained.

[0126] Figure 6 Taking an adjustment step size of 1 as an example, the first communication device can send physical frame #0 to the second communication device at time t0, wherein the number of SYNCP symbols in the preamble of physical frame #0 is 5.5. Physical frame #0 can be an SOF frame. The SYNCP symbol length of 5.5 exemplified here is one example of a set number of SYNCP symbols. The first communication device can also send physical frame 1 after time t0.

[0127] The first communication device can determine whether it has received the acknowledgment frame corresponding to physical frame #0 sent by the second communication device. If the acknowledgment frame corresponding to physical frame #0 is received, the first communication device can end the preamble parameter adjustment, that is, determine that the number of SYNCP symbols in the preamble of physical frame 1 is 5.5.

[0128] If the first communication device does not receive the acknowledgment frame corresponding to physical frame #0, it can increase the number of SYNCP symbols by an adjustment step size of 1, that is, determine that the number of SYNCP symbols in the preamble of the next physical frame is 6.5. The next physical frame can be, for example, designated as physical frame #1. The first communication device can determine whether it has received the acknowledgment frame corresponding to physical frame #1 sent by the second communication device, and based on the reception result of the acknowledgment frame corresponding to physical frame #1, determine whether to increase the number of SYNCP symbols in the preamble of the next physical frame. The next physical frame can be designated as physical frame #2. Physical frame #2 is sent after physical frame #1.

[0129] It is understandable that if the first communication device receives the acknowledgment frame corresponding to physical frame #1, the first communication device can end the preamble parameter adjustment, that is, determine that the number of SYNCP symbols in the preamble of physical frame #2 is 6.5.

[0130] If the first communication device does not receive the acknowledgment frame corresponding to physical frame #1, the first communication device can increase the number of SYNCP symbols by an adjustment step size of 1, that is, determine the number of SYNCP symbols in the preamble of physical frame #2 to be 7.5.

[0131] It is understood that before increasing the number of SYNCP symbols to obtain the aforementioned physical frame #1 and / or physical frame #2, the first communication device may also determine whether the number of SYNCP symbols has reached the maximum value. This maximum value is, for example, 10.5, or other values. Taking the determination of the number of SYNCP symbols in physical frame #2 as an example, if the number of SYNCP symbols in physical frame #1, 5.5, is already the maximum value, then the number of SYNCP symbols will not be increased further; for example, the number of SYNCP symbols in physical frame #2 will remain 5.5. If the number of SYNCP symbols in physical frame #1, 5.5, has not reached the maximum value, then the number of SYNCP symbols can be increased, and the number of SYNCP symbols in physical frame #2 could be 6.5.

[0132] It is also understood that if the first communication device subsequently sends more physical frames to the second communication device, the number of SYNCP symbols in the preamble of the more physical frames can be determined by referring to the aforementioned method, which will not be elaborated further.

[0133] Method 2, the first information includes the first instruction information.

[0134] In this application, the first indication information can be used to indicate the number of symbols within the preamble. The number of symbols within the preamble indicated by the first indication information can be determined by the receiving end.

[0135] Specifically, in method 2, the first communication device may send a third physical frame to the second communication device before sending the first physical frame. The third physical frame is sent before the first physical frame, and is sent from the first communication device to the second communication device. The description of the third physical frame is similar to that of the second physical frame and will not be repeated here. For example, the third physical frame can be an SOF frame or other physical frames.

[0136] The number of leader symbols in the third physical frame can be either the maximum value or the default value for the leader symbols. The maximum value can be the number of leader symbols defined by the HPLC-related protocol, such as 13, or other values. The default value can be a value less than 13. Figure 3 This can serve as an example of the frame structure of a third physical frame when the number of preamble symbols in the third physical frame is 13. Specifically, when the number of preamble symbols in the third physical frame is 13, the preamble in the third physical frame can contain 10.5 SYNCP symbols and 2.5 SYNCM symbols.

[0137] The second communication device can determine the number of symbols in the preamble based on the third physical frame sent by the first communication device, and indicate the number to the first communication device through first indication information. Accordingly, the first communication device can determine the number of symbols in the preamble in the first physical frame based on the number.

[0138] The following sections describe the methods by which the second communication device determines the number of symbols in the preamble, using methods 2-1 and 2-2 respectively.

[0139] In method 2-1, the second communication device can estimate the channel between the first and second communication devices based on the third physical frame. The second communication device can also determine the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame based on the channel estimation result.

[0140] The channel estimation results can include parameters such as signal attenuation and signal-to-noise ratio.

[0141] Specifically, the second communication device can determine parameters such as signal attenuation and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the received third physical frame during channel propagation, and estimate the number of first preamble symbols required within the preamble symbols of the first physical frame based on these parameters. For example, the second communication device can determine the number of first preamble symbols required within the preamble symbols of the first physical frame based on a pre-stored correspondence between attenuation, SNR, and the number of first preamble symbols, and based on the attenuation, SNR, and other parameters obtained from detecting the third physical frame. This correspondence can be defined in the HPLC-related protocol or pre-configured in the second communication device. Alternatively, the second communication device can calculate the number of first preamble symbols based on the attenuation, SNR, and other parameters obtained from the third physical frame using formulas or other methods. These formulas or calculation methods can be defined in the HPLC-related protocol or pre-configured in the second communication device.

[0142] In method 2-2, the second communication device determines that the detection, frequency offset estimation, and / or channel estimation of the third physical frame are completed based on K1 first preamble symbols in the preamble of the third physical frame. The first indication information can be used to indicate that the preamble of the first physical frame includes k first preamble symbols, where k is determined based on K1. And / or, the second communication device determines that the synchronization of the third physical frame is completed based on K2 second preamble symbols in the preamble of the third physical frame. The first indication information can be used to indicate that the preamble of the first physical frame includes l second preamble symbols, where l is determined based on K2.

[0143] It is understood that the second communication device can perform detection, frequency offset estimation, and / or channel estimation of the third physical frame based on K1 first preamble symbols within the preamble of the third physical frame. Therefore, K1 first preamble symbols are available for the link between the first and second communication devices. Similarly, the second communication device can synchronize the third physical frame based on K2 second preamble symbols within the preamble of the third physical frame. Therefore, K2 second preamble symbols are available for the link between the first and second communication devices.

[0144] Taking the determination of the first preamble symbol in the first physical frame as an example, to improve communication efficiency, k is less than or equal to K1. For instance, after the first communication device sends the third physical frame, it can send a fourth physical frame to the second communication device. The number of preamble symbols in the fourth physical frame is less than the number of preamble symbols in the third physical frame. If the second communication device completes the detection of the fourth physical frame based on less than K1 first preamble symbols, then k is determined to be less than K1; conversely, if the second communication device still needs to complete the detection of the fourth physical frame based on K1 first preamble symbols, then k is equal to K1. The fourth physical frame can be described with reference to the third physical frame; for example, the number of preamble symbols in the fourth physical frame is the maximum or default value of the number of preamble symbols.

[0145] It is understood that this explanation uses the example of the first communication device sending the third and fourth physical frames to the second communication device. This application does not exclude the possibility of the first communication device sending more physical frames to the second communication device.

[0146] For example, to improve communication efficiency while ensuring communication reliability, k = K1+1 if K1+1 is less than the maximum number of the first preamble symbols. The maximum number of the first preamble symbols is, for example, the number of SYMCPs defined in the HPLC protocol, such as 10.5.

[0147] Similarly, the number l of the second preamble symbols in the first physical frame can be less than or equal to K2. Furthermore, if K1+1 is less than the maximum number of the second preamble symbols, then l = K2+1. The maximum number of the second preamble symbols is, for example, the number of SYMCNs defined by the HPLC protocol, such as 2.5.

[0148] In mode 2-2, the first indication information can be carried in a physical frame sent from the second communication device to the first communication device. For example, the physical frame carrying the first indication information can be an SOF frame.

[0149] like Figure 7 The diagram illustrates an example of a method in which a first communication device sends a third physical frame to a second communication device, and the second communication device sends a first instruction message to the first communication device. Figure 7 In this process, the first indication information can be carried in the SOF frame. Optionally, after receiving the first indication information, the first communication device can send an SOF frame to the second communication device, which can carry a reception response of the first indication information to indicate that the SOF frame confirming receipt of the first indication information has been received.

[0150] It is understandable that Method 1 and Method 2 can also be implemented in combination. For example, after sending the second physical frame, the first communication device can receive the acknowledgment frame corresponding to the second physical frame and the first indication information. The first indication information can be carried in the acknowledgment frame or can be independent of the acknowledgment frame, without specific restrictions.

[0151] The first communication device can determine the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame based on the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame and the number of preamble symbols indicated by the first indication information. For example, when the acknowledgment frame is received, if the number indicated by the first indication information is less than the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame, the number indicated by the first indication information can be used as the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame; conversely, if the number indicated by the first indication information is greater than or equal to the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame, the number of preamble symbols in the second physical frame can be used as the number of preamble symbols in the first physical frame.

[0152] S102: The first communication device sends a first physical frame to the second communication device.

[0153] In this process, the first communication device and the second communication device communicate based on power lines. That is, in S102, the first communication device sends a first physical frame to the second communication device through the power lines.

[0154] Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the first physical frame from the first communication device via the power line.

[0155] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0156] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of possible communication devices provided for embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first and / or second communication devices in the above method embodiments, thus achieving the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be a first or second communication device, or it can be a module or component (such as a chip) within the first or second communication device. For example, the communication device can be used to implement… Figure 4 , Figures 6 to 7 The functions of the first communication device and / or the second communication device in any of the processes shown in the diagram.

[0157] Figure 8 The communication device 800 shown includes a processing unit 810 and a transceiver unit (or communication unit) 820. The communication device 800 is used to implement the receiving and / or transmitting functions of the first communication device and / or the second communication device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver unit may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, respectively used for transmitting and receiving.

[0158] by Figure 4 Taking the process shown as an example, when the communication device 800 is used to implement... Figure 4 In the illustrated method embodiment, the first communication device functions as follows: specifically, the transceiver unit 820 can be used to send the first physical frame. The processing unit 810 can be used to generate the first physical frame.

[0159] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 810 and the transceiver unit 820, please refer directly to the description of the process steps and their related features in the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0160] Figure 9 The communication device 900 shown includes a processor 910 and an interface circuit 920. The processor 910 and the interface circuit 920 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 920 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 900 may also include a memory 930 for storing instructions executed by the processor 910, or storing input data required for the processor 910 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 910 executes instructions.

[0161] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the above method embodiment, the processor 910 is used to implement the function of the processing unit 810, and the interface circuit 920 is used to implement the function of the transceiver unit 820.

[0162] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), microprocessors without interlocked piped stages architecture (MIPS), advanced instruction set computers (RISC) machines (ARM), network processors (NPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0163] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disk, portable hard disk, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Furthermore, the ASIC can reside in a first communication device or a second communication device. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can exist as discrete components in the first or second communication device.

[0164] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. A computer program is a set of instructions that directs each step of an action of an electronic computer or other device with message processing capabilities. It is typically written in a programming language and runs on a target architecture. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed, in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium can be volatile or non-volatile, or it can include both types of storage media.

[0165] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium, including a program or instructions, which, when run on a computer, cause the methods in the above method embodiments to be executed.

[0166] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product, including instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the methods in the above method embodiments to be executed.

[0167] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system to achieve... Figure 4 , Figure 6 or Figure 7 The communication method is shown.

[0168] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0169] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0170] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects.

[0171] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0172] This application can be presented in terms of aspects, embodiments, or features surrounding a system that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that various systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these solutions may also be used. Additionally, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplarily," "for example," etc., are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the term "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding / relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0173] In this application, "transmit (Tx / tx)" and "receive (Rx / rx)" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX. "Send information" can include direct transmission or indirect transmission through other communication devices, communication apparatuses, units, or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY. "Receive information" can include direct reception from YY or indirect reception from YY through other communication devices, communication apparatuses, units, or modules. Furthermore, "transmit" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. In other words, "transmit" or "receive" can occur between devices, for example, between access network devices and terminals via an air interface. "Transmit" or "receive" can also occur within a device, for example, between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within a device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0174] In this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing "information" for indicating A, it can include whether the information directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the information carries A.

[0175] The information indicated by a given piece of information is called the information to be indicated. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be indicated, such as the information to be indicated itself or its index. It can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be indicated. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the indication of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing the indication overhead to some extent. At the same time, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and indicated uniformly to reduce the indication overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0176] Furthermore, the specific indication method can also be any existing indication method, such as, but not limited to, the above-mentioned indication methods and their various combinations. Specific details of various indication methods can be found in existing technologies, and will not be repeated here. As described above, for example, when multiple pieces of information of the same type need to be indicated, the indication methods for different pieces of information may differ. In the specific implementation process, the required indication method can be selected according to specific needs. This application embodiment does not limit the selected indication method; therefore, the indication methods involved in this application embodiment should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated.

[0177] The information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information messages, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. This application does not limit the specific sending method. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0178] "Preset," "predefined," or "preconfigured" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means of indicating relevant information in the device (e.g., including terminals and network devices), or by pre-defining them in a protocol. This application does not limit the specific implementation method. "Stored" can refer to storing in one or more memories. These memories can be separate installations or integrated into the encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories can be separate installations, while others are integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a first communication device, and comprises: generating a first physical frame, a number of symbols in a preamble in the first physical frame being related to first information; sending the first physical frame to a second communication device; wherein communication between the first communication device and the second communication device is based on a power line; the first information comprises: an acknowledgement frame corresponding to a second physical frame, the second physical frame being sent before the first physical frame and being sent by the first communication device to the second communication device; and / or first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the number of symbols in the preamble, the first indication information being related to a receiving condition of the second communication device receiving a third physical frame, the third physical frame being sent before the first physical frame and being sent by the first communication device to the second communication device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: sending the second physical frame; the first information comprises the acknowledgement frame, the number of symbols in the preamble in the first physical frame being related to the first information, comprising: the number of symbols in the preamble in the first physical frame being related to the number of symbols in the preamble in the second physical frame and the acknowledgement frame.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, the number of symbols in the preamble in the first physical frame being related to the initial value and the acknowledgement frame, comprising: in a case where the first communication device receives the acknowledgement frame, the number of symbols in the preamble in the first physical frame being less than or equal to the number of symbols in the preamble in the second physical frame; or in a case where the first communication device does not receive the acknowledgement frame, the number of symbols in the preamble in the first physical frame being greater than or equal to the number of symbols in the preamble in the second physical frame.

4. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein the number of symbols in the preamble in the first physical frame is less than the number of symbols in the preamble in the second physical frame, comprising: the number of symbols in the preamble in the first physical frame being the number of symbols in the preamble in the second physical frame minus n times an adjustment step, the n being a positive integer; the number of symbols in the preamble in the first physical frame is greater than the number of symbols in the preamble in the second physical frame, comprising: the number of symbols in the preamble in the first physical frame being the number of symbols in the preamble in the second physical frame plus m times an adjustment step, the m being a positive integer.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, the preamble comprises a first preamble symbol and a second preamble symbol, the second preamble symbol being -1 times the first preamble symbol; the number of symbols in the preamble in the first physical frame being the number of symbols in the preamble in the second physical frame minus n times an adjustment step, comprising: the number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame being the number of first preamble symbols in the second physical frame minus n times an adjustment step; or the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame being the number of second preamble symbols in the second physical frame minus n times an adjustment step; or the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame being the number of second preamble symbols in the second physical frame minus n times an adjustment step; or The number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame is the number of first preamble symbols in the second physical frame minus n1 times the adjustment step, and the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame is the number of second preamble symbols in the second physical frame minus n2 times the adjustment step, n1+n2=n; The number of in-preamble symbols in the first physical frame is the number of in-preamble symbols in the second physical frame plus m times the adjustment step, comprising: The number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame is the number of first preamble symbols in the second physical frame plus m times the adjustment step; or, The number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame is the number of second preamble symbols in the second physical frame plus m times the adjustment step; or, The number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame is the number of first preamble symbols in the second physical frame plus m1 times the adjustment step, and the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame is the number of second preamble symbols in the second physical frame plus m2 times the adjustment step, m1+m2=m.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The number of in-preamble symbols in the third physical frame is the maximum value or the default value of the number of preamble symbols.

7. The method of claim 1 or 6, wherein, The preamble comprises first preamble symbols and second preamble symbols, and the second preamble symbols are -1 times the first preamble symbols; The number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame is less than the number of first preamble symbols in the third physical frame; and / or, The number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame is less than the number of second preamble symbols in the third physical frame.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The first indication information is at least one of: The number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame; The number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame; The number of first preamble symbols and the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame; The sum of the number of first preamble symbols and the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame.

9. The method of claim 5 or 7, wherein, The number of first preamble symbols is 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5 or 10.

5.

10. A communication method characterized by comprising: Applied to a second communication device, comprising: Sending first indication information to the first communication device, the first indication information being used to indicate the number of in-preamble symbols of a first physical frame, the first indication information being related to the receiving situation of a third physical frame received by the second communication device, the third physical frame being sent before the first physical frame, and the third physical frame being sent by the first communication device to the second communication device; Receiving the first physical frame from the first communication device; Wherein, the first communication device and the second communication device communicate based on power lines.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The number of in-preamble symbols in the third physical frame is the maximum value or the default value of the number of preamble symbols.

12. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein, The preamble comprises first preamble symbols and second preamble symbols, and the second preamble symbols are -1 times the first preamble; The number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame is less than the number of first preamble symbols in the third physical frame; and / or, The number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame is less than the number of second preamble symbols in the third physical frame.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The first indication information is at least one of: The number of first preamble symbols in the first physical frame; The number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame; The number of first preamble symbols and the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame; The sum of the number of first preamble symbols and the number of second preamble symbols in the first physical frame.

14. The method of any one of claims 10-13, wherein, The method further comprises: determining a channel estimation result between the first communication device and the second communication device according to the third physical frame; determining the first indication information according to the channel estimation result.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein, The first indication information comprises the number of first preamble symbols k in the first physical frame, k being a positive integer, and the method further comprises: completing the detection of the third physical frame according to the first preamble symbols in the third physical frame whose number is greater than k.

16. The method of any one of claims 12-13, 15, wherein, The number of first preamble symbols is 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5 or 10.

5.

17. A communications device, characterized by A unit or module for performing the method of any one of claims 1-9, or a unit or module for performing the method of any one of claims 10-16.

18. A communications device, characterized by A processor for executing computer programs or instructions to implement the method of any one of claims 1-9, or to implement the method of any one of claims 10-16.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium has stored therein computer programs or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method of any one of claims 1-9, or implement the method of any one of claims 10-16.

20. A computer program product, characterised in that, When a computer program product is executed by a computer, the computer executes the method of any one of claims 1-9, or executes the method of any one of claims 10-16.

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