A method, control device, access device and storage medium for protection switching

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a protection switching method, a control device, an access device and a storage medium, which can switch the access device to a backup network of another access device in the case of link interruption between the access device and the control device, and reduces the networking complexity of realizing the protection switching. The method comprises the following steps: firstly, the control device sends a first configuration message to a first access device, the first configuration message is used for indicating a backup network, the first access device is one of N access devices connected to the control device, and N is any integer greater than 1; secondly, the link between the control device and the first access device is interrupted, and the control device sends a second configuration message to a second access device, the second configuration message is used for instructing the second access device to configure the backup network, and the backup network is used for being accessed by the first access device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a protection switching method, control device, access device, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] A fiber-to-the-room (FTTR) network consists of a main FTTR unit (MFU) and multiple sub-FTTR units (SFUs) connected to the MFU. The MFU is connected to an optical line terminal (OLT).

[0003] When the fiber optic cable between the OLT and MFU is interrupted, customer premises equipment (CPE) is added to the network to avoid service interruption. The CPE is used to convert wireless or wired broadband signals into local area network (LAN) signals, which allow the SFU to transmit services with the OLT via the LAN signals.

[0004] However, adding a CPE will bring the disadvantage of increasing hardware and increasing the complexity of network setup. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a protection switching method, control device, access device, and storage medium, which enables the access device to quickly switch to the backup network of another access device when the link between the access device and the control device is interrupted, thereby reducing the networking complexity of implementing protection switching.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a protection switching method, the method comprising: firstly, a control device sending a first configuration message to a first access device, the first configuration message being used to indicate a backup network, the first access device being one of N access devices connected to the control device, the N being any integer greater than 1; secondly, the link between the control device and the first access device being interrupted, the control device sending a second configuration message to a second access device, the second configuration message being used to instruct the second access device to configure the backup network, the backup network being used to be accessed by the first access device.

[0007] As described in this aspect, the control device sends a first configuration message to the first access device, enabling the first access device to obtain the backup network indicated by the first configuration message. In the event of a link interruption between the first access device and the control device, the control device sends a second configuration message to the second access device, enabling the first access device to access the backup network configured by the second access device according to the second configuration message. Therefore, even if the link between the first access device and the control device is interrupted, to ensure normal service transmission between the two devices, the first access device is quickly switched to the backup network of the second access device. This reduces the link switching latency through forwarding via the backup network of the second access device, ensuring the reliability of service transmission between the control device and the first access device, and even guaranteeing uninterrupted service transmission between them. Furthermore, protection switching can be achieved without adding new equipment (such as CPE) to the communication system, reducing the complexity of the communication system structure and minimizing modifications to the existing network topology.

[0008] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the first configuration message carries the identifier of the backup network and the backup password, wherein the backup password is the password used to access the backup network.

[0009] In this implementation, the first configuration message sent by the control device to the first access device enables the first access device to obtain a backup network in advance. In the event of a link interruption between the first access device and the control device, the first access device can scan the backup network to discover it and use the backup password to authenticate with the backup network, thereby enabling the first access device to access the backup network and achieve the purpose of service transmission between the control device and the first access device.

[0010] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the control device includes an optical line terminal (OLT), the first access device includes a first main fiber-to-room (MFU) or a first optical network terminal (ONT), the second access device includes a second MFU, a second ONT, or a slave SFU, and the control device is connected to the first access device via optical fiber.

[0011] By adopting this implementation method, the protection switching method provided in this application can be applied to FTTR, ensuring the reliability of service transmission between MFU and OLT in FTTR application scenarios.

[0012] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the messages transmitted between the control device and the first access device, and the messages transmitted between the control device and the second access device, both conform to the Optical Network Unit Management and Control Interface (OMCI) protocol. For example, the control device sends a first configuration message conforming to the OMCI protocol to the first access device, and similarly, the control device sends a second configuration message conforming to the OMCI protocol to the second access device.

[0013] By adopting this implementation method, the control device and each access device exchange information through messages conforming to the OMCI protocol, which improves the efficiency and accuracy of the control device in configuring each access device.

[0014] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, before the control device sends the second configuration message to the second access device, the method further includes: the control device receiving first attribute information from the first access device, the first attribute information being related to the first access device, and the first attribute information being used to select the second access device from the N access devices. For example, the first access device sends the first attribute information to the control device via a message conforming to the OMCI protocol.

[0015] By adopting this implementation method, when the control device receives the first attribute information, it can select the second access device based on the first attribute information, thereby ensuring the success rate of the first access device accessing the backup network and reducing the latency of link switching.

[0016] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the first attribute information includes at least one of the following:

[0017] The frequency bands supported by the first access device, the operating channel of the first access device, the number of terminal devices connected to the first access device, the interference duty cycle of the first access device, the transmission duty cycle of the first access device, the channel utilization of the first access device, the spectral efficiency of the first access device, and the bandwidth limit of the first access device.

[0018] By adopting this implementation method, when the control device receives the first attribute information, it can select the second access device based on various information related to the first access device, thereby ensuring the success rate of the first access device accessing the backup network and reducing the latency of link switching.

[0019] Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation, before the control device sends the second configuration message to the second access device, the method further includes: the control device receiving M second attribute information from the first access device, the second attribute information being related to one of the M neighboring access devices, where M is any integer greater than or equal to 1, the first access device being located within the signal coverage area of ​​the neighboring access device, and the M second attribute information being used to select the second access device from the M neighboring access devices.

[0020] By adopting this implementation method, when the control device receives the second attribute information, it can select the second access device according to the second attribute information, thereby ensuring the success rate of the first access device accessing the backup network and reducing the latency of link switching.

[0021] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the second attribute information includes at least one of the following:

[0022] The neighbor access device's Service Set Identifier (SSID), the neighbor access device's Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID), the signal quality from the neighbor access device to the first access device, the frequency bands supported by the neighbor access device, and the operating channel of the neighbor access device.

[0023] By adopting this implementation method, when the control device receives the second attribute information, it can select the second access device based on various information related to the neighboring access device, thereby ensuring the success rate of the first access device accessing the backup network and reducing the latency of link switching.

[0024] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the second configuration message includes at least one of the following:

[0025] The activation instruction, target frequency band instruction, identifier of the backup network, and backup password;

[0026] Wherein, the activation indication is used to instruct the second access device to configure the backup network, the target frequency band indication is used to indicate the target frequency band, the target frequency band is the frequency band accessed by the backup network, and the backup password is the password used to access the backup network.

[0027] In this implementation, when the control device selects a second access device, it sends a second configuration message to the second access device so that the second access device can successfully configure the backup network according to the second configuration message. This ensures that if the link between the first access device and the control device is interrupted, the first access device can successfully access the backup network, thus ensuring the successful transmission of services between the control device and the first access device.

[0028] Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation, before the control device sends the first configuration message to the first access device, the method further includes: the control device receiving a first capability message from the first access device, the first capability message carrying the identifier of the first access device; the control device receiving a second capability message from a master access device, the second capability message carrying the identifier of the master access device, the master access device being the second access device, or the second access device being a slave access device connected to the master access device; the control device obtaining a target network, the target network including the identifier of the first access device and the identifier of the master access device.

[0029] In this implementation, if the primary access device is the second MFU, then the secondary access device is also the second MFU. If the primary access device is the second MFU, then the secondary access device can also be the target SFU. In this implementation, the control device can obtain the target network so that each access device included in the target network is a secure access device, thus ensuring the security of protection switching.

[0030] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the first configuration message carries a joining indication, wherein the joining indication is used to indicate that the target network has been joined.

[0031] In this implementation, when the control device detects that the first access device is a secure access device based on the first capability message from the first access device, the control device returns a first configuration message to the first access device to instruct the first access device to join the target network.

[0032] Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation, after the control device sends a second configuration message to the second access device, the method further includes: the control device communicating with the first access device through the backup network configured by the second access device.

[0033] By adopting this implementation method, when the link between the first access device and the control device is interrupted and the first access device is connected to the backup network, the first access device can communicate with the control device through the backup network, which reduces the latency of link switching and helps to achieve uninterrupted transmission of services between the control device and the first access device.

[0034] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the backup network is a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0035] With this implementation, in the event of a link interruption between the first access device and the control device, the first access device can access the wireless local area network (WLAN) configured by the second access device, thus ensuring the continuity of service transmission between the first access device and the control device.

[0036] Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation, after the control device sends a second configuration message to the second access device, the method further includes: the control device sending a downlink optical signal to the second access device, the downlink optical signal carrying downlink services sent to the first access device, the downlink optical signal being converted into a downlink WiFi signal by the second access device, and the backup network being used to send the downlink WiFi signal to the first access device.

[0037] In this implementation, if the link between the first access device and the control device is interrupted, the control device will send the downlink optical signal carrying the downlink service sent to the first access device to the second access device. The second access device will convert the downlink optical signal into a downlink WiFi signal and send the WiFi signal to the first access device through a backup network. Therefore, even if the link between the control device and the first access device is interrupted, the forwarding function of the second access device ensures that the downlink service sent by the control device can be successfully transmitted to the first access device, thus ensuring the continuity of service transmission between the first access device and the control device.

[0038] Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation, after the control device sends a second configuration message to the second access device, the method further includes: the control device receiving an uplink optical signal from the second access device, the uplink optical signal carrying uplink services sent by the first access device to the control device, the backup network being used to receive an uplink WiFi signal from the first access device, and the uplink optical signal being converted from the uplink WiFi signal by the second access device.

[0039] In this implementation, if the link between the first access device and the control device is interrupted, the first access device will send the uplink WiFi signal carrying the uplink service to the control device to the second access device through a backup network. The second access device will convert the uplink WiFi into an uplink optical signal and send the uplink optical signal to the control device, thus ensuring the continuity of service transmission between the first access device and the control device.

[0040] Secondly, this application provides a protection switching method, the method comprising: an access device receiving a first configuration message from a control device, the first configuration message indicating a backup network, the access device being one of N access devices connected to the control device, where N is any integer greater than 1; a link between the control device and another access device being interrupted; the access device receiving a second configuration message from the control device; the access device configuring the backup network according to the second configuration message, the backup network being used for access by the other access device. For an explanation of the beneficial effects of this aspect, please refer to the first aspect, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0041] Based on the second aspect, in one optional implementation, the first configuration message carries the identifier of the backup network and the backup password, wherein the backup password is the password used to access the backup network.

[0042] Based on the second aspect, in one optional implementation, the messages transmitted between the control device and the access device conform to the Optical Network Unit Management and Control Interface (OMCI) protocol.

[0043] Based on the second aspect, in one optional implementation, the second configuration message includes at least one of the following:

[0044] The system includes an activation instruction, a target frequency band instruction, an identifier for the backup network, and a backup password. The activation instruction instructs the access device to configure the backup network, the target frequency band instruction indicates the target frequency band, which is the frequency band accessed by the backup network, and the backup password is the password used to access the backup network.

[0045] Based on the second aspect, in an optional implementation, after the access device configures the backup network according to the second configuration message, the method further includes: the access device communicating with the other access device through the backup network.

[0046] Based on the second aspect, in an optional implementation, the backup network is a wireless local area network (WLAN). After the access device configures the backup network according to the second configuration message, the method further includes: the access device receiving a downlink optical signal from the control device, the downlink optical signal carrying downlink services to be sent to the other access device; the access device converting the downlink optical signal into a downlink WiFi signal; and the access device sending the downlink WiFi signal to the other access device through the backup network.

[0047] Based on the second aspect, in an optional implementation, the backup network is a wireless local area network (WLAN). After the access device configures the backup network according to the second configuration message, the method further includes: the access device receiving an uplink WiFi signal from the other access device through the backup network; the access device converting the uplink WiFi signal into an uplink optical signal, the uplink optical signal carrying the uplink service sent by the other access device to the control device; and the access device sending the uplink optical signal to the control device.

[0048] Thirdly, this application provides a protection switching method, the method comprising: an access device receiving a first configuration message from a control device, the first configuration message indicating a backup network, the access device being one of N access devices connected to the control device, wherein N is any integer greater than 1; the link between the access device and the control device being interrupted, and the access device accessing the backup network configured by another access device. For an explanation of the beneficial effects of this aspect, please refer to the first aspect, which will not be elaborated further.

[0049] Based on the third aspect, in one optional implementation, the first configuration message carries the identifier of the backup network and the backup password, wherein the backup password is the password used to access the backup network.

[0050] Based on the third aspect, in an optional implementation, before the access device accesses the backup network configured by another access device, the method further includes: the access device sending first attribute information to the control device, the first attribute information being related to the access device, and the first attribute information being used to select the other access device among the N access devices.

[0051] Based on the third aspect, in an optional implementation, before the access device accesses the backup network configured by another access device, the method further includes: the access device sending M second attribute information to the control device, the second attribute information being related to one of the M neighboring access devices, where M is any integer greater than or equal to 1, the access device being located within the signal coverage range of the neighboring access device, and the M second attribute information being used to select the other access device among the M neighboring access devices.

[0052] Based on the third aspect, in an optional implementation, after the access device accesses the backup network configured by another access device, the method further includes: the access device communicating with the other access device through the backup network.

[0053] Based on the third aspect, in an optional implementation, the backup network is a wireless local area network (WLAN). After the access device accesses the backup network configured by another access device, the method further includes: the access device receiving a downlink WiFi signal from the backup network, wherein the downlink WiFi signal is converted by the other access device from a downlink optical signal from the control device, and the downlink optical signal carries downlink services sent to the access device.

[0054] Based on the third aspect, in an optional implementation, the backup network is a wireless local area network (WLAN). After the access device accesses the backup network configured by another access device, the method further includes: the access device sending an uplink WiFi signal to the backup network, the uplink WiFi signal being converted into an uplink optical signal by the other access device, the uplink optical signal carrying the uplink service sent by the access device to the control device, and the uplink optical signal being received by the control device.

[0055] Fourthly, this application provides a communication network including a first access device and a second access device. The first access device and the second access device are two of N access devices connected to a control device, where N is any integer greater than 1. The first access device is configured to receive a first configuration message from the control device, the first configuration message indicating a backup network. If the link between the control device and the first access device is interrupted, the second access device is configured to receive a second configuration message from the control device, the second configuration message indicating the second access device to configure the backup network, the backup network being accessed by the first access device. For an explanation of the beneficial effects of this aspect, please refer to the first aspect; specific details will not be elaborated further.

[0056] Based on the fourth aspect, in one optional implementation, the communication network further includes the control device.

[0057] Fifthly, this application provides a control device including a processor and a transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to perform the processing-related method of any of the first aspects described above, and the transceiver is configured to perform the transmission-reception-related method of any of the first aspects described above.

[0058] In a sixth aspect, this application provides an access device, including a processor and a transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to execute any of the processing-related methods of the second aspect described above, and the transceiver is configured to execute any of the sending-receiving ...

[0059] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a control device including a module for performing any of the methods described in the first aspect.

[0060] Eighthly, this application provides an access device, including a module for performing any of the methods in the second aspect above, or including a module for performing any of the methods in the third aspect above.

[0061] Ninthly, this application provides a computer program product comprising computer program code that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in any of the first aspects above, or to perform the method described in any of the second aspects above, or to perform the method described in any of the third aspects above.

[0062] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer program instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the method as described in any of the first aspects above, or perform the method as described in any of the second aspects above, or perform the method as described in any of the third aspects above. Attached Figure Description

[0063] Figure 1a Example diagram of the first structure of the communication system provided in this application;

[0064] Figure 1b for Figure 1a Example diagram of FTTR network structure;

[0065] Figure 2 Example diagram of a second structure of the communication system provided in this application;

[0066] Figure 3 Example diagram of a third structure of the communication system provided in this application;

[0067] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the steps of a first embodiment of the protection switching method provided in this application;

[0068] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the steps of a second embodiment of the protection switching method provided in this application;

[0069] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the steps of a third embodiment of the protection switching method provided in this application;

[0070] Figure 7 A schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the communication device provided in this application;

[0071] Figure 8A schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the communication device provided in this application;

[0072] Figure 9 This application provides a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a chip system. Detailed Implementation

[0073] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0074] Figure 1a This is a first structural example diagram of the communication system provided in this application. The communication system shown in this embodiment includes a control device 101, which may be an optical line terminal (OLT) deployed in a center office (CO). The control device 101 is connected to upper-layer network-side devices (e.g., switches, routers, etc.). The communication system also includes N FTTR networks, where N is any integer greater than 1. For example, the N FTTR networks specifically include FTTR network 111, FTTR network 112, and so on up to FTTR network 11N. The N FTTR networks are connected to the OLT 101 through a splitter 102. Figure 1b for Figure 1aThe following is an example diagram of the structure of an FTTR network. Taking FTTR network 111 as an example, FTTR network 111 includes an access device, for example, the access device can be MFU130. FTTR network 111 also includes K SFUs connected to MFU130, where K is any integer greater than or equal to 1. In this embodiment, the K SFUs specifically include SFU131, SFU132, and so on up to SFU13K. The SFUs in FTTR network 111 can be deployed in each room of the home for connection with terminal devices. The SFUs in FTTR network 111 are located in each room, and each SFU can also function as an access point (AP), which can directly connect to one or more terminal devices. For example, the terminal device and the SFU can be connected via wired or wireless connection. Wired connection can be via telephone line, network cable, or coaxial cable, etc. Wireless connection can be via WiFi, Bluetooth, Starlink, Near Field Communication (NFC), infrared, or ZigBee, etc. It should be understood that multiple SFUs can be deployed in FTTR network 111. MFUs interact with SFUs through the Wi-Fi management and control channel (WMCC) and the Wi-Fi management and control interface (WMCI). Specifically, MFUs and SFUs can establish a WMCC management channel based on the WMCI protocol, enabling the exchange of WMCI messages between them to manage or control the wireless local area network (WLAN) functions. For descriptions of FTTR network 112 and FTTR network 11N structures, please refer to the description of FTTR network 111; details will not be elaborated here.

[0075] Figure 2 This is a second structural example diagram of the communication system provided in this application. The communication system shown in this embodiment includes a control device 201, a splitter 202, and N access devices. The control device 201 can be an OLT (Optical Line Terminal). For a description of the OLT and the splitter 202, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1a As shown, details will not be elaborated further. Of the N access devices, each can be an optical network unit (ONU) or an optical network terminal (ONT). Access devices can provide Ethernet user ports or plain old telephone service (POTS) user ports to connect terminal devices.

[0076] Figure 3 This is a third structural example diagram of the communication system provided in this application. The communication system shown in this embodiment includes a control device 301, a splitter 302, and N access devices. The control device 301 can be an OLT (Optical Line Terminal). For a description of the OLT and the splitter 302, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1a As shown, details will not be elaborated further. Of the N access devices, a portion are MFUs (see details...). Figure 1b (As shown), the other part of the access devices are ONT or ONU (see details). Figure 2 (As shown). For example, among the N access devices connected to the optical splitter 302 shown in this embodiment, there are ONT 311, FTTR network 312 and FTTR network 313. This embodiment does not limit the number of ONTs or FTTRs connected to the optical splitter 302.

[0077] It should be clarified that the above description of the communication system is an optional example and is not limited. For example, the communication system can also be applied to a WiFi network, in which case the control device can be an access controller (AC) and the access device can be an access point (AP). As another example, the communication system can also be applied to an EasyMesh network, where the control device can be a control node and the access device can be a proxy node. The communication system shown in this example can also be applied to any one or more combinations of data center networks (DCN), metropolitan area networks (MANs), optical access networks (OANs), synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH), Gigabit-capable PON (GPON), Ethernet passive optical network (EPON), evolved GPON (10-Gigabit-capable symmetric passive optical network, XGS-PON), Ethernet, or flexible Ethernet (FlexE), wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks, etc., without specific limitations.

[0078] The type of access device shown in the above embodiments is not limited. Depending on the application scenario of the communication system, the type of access device may also vary. For example, the access device may be an optical transmission device, optical access device, router, switch, wireless base station, wireless remote access device, wireless baseband signal processing device, etc., or it may be a computing server (usually referred to as a server), high-performance computer (HPC), storage server, or memory resource pool, etc. This example does not limit the type of access device, as long as the access device has electro-optical conversion function and an optical interface capable of connecting to optical fibers. For a description of the control device type, please refer to the description of the access device; details will not be elaborated here.

[0079] The control device described above may also be referred to as "master device", "master gateway", "master optical modem" or "master optical network unit", etc., and the access device may also be referred to as "slave device", "slave gateway", "slave optical modem" or "slave optical network unit", etc. This application does not limit its specific name.

[0080] Understandable, Figure 1a , Figure 1b , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 This is just a schematic diagram; the communication system may also include other equipment, such as wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) equipment, optical amplifiers, and more access devices. Figure 1a , Figure 1b , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 It is not shown in the middle.

[0081] Based on the aforementioned communication system architecture, the method flow provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below. Taking the control device OLT and the access device MFU as an example, the method shown in the embodiments of this application will be explained. In the following method embodiments, the MFU can be replaced by components of the MFU (e.g., chips or circuits), and the OLT can be replaced by components of the OLT (e.g., chips or circuits). It should be noted that the description of the control device type for performing the protection switching method below is an optional example and is not limited. For example, the control device can also be the AC shown above. Similarly, the description of the device type of the access device for performing the protection switching method below is an optional example and is not limited. For example, the access device can also be the ONT, ONU, or AP shown above. Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the steps of a first embodiment of the protection switching method provided in this application.

[0082] Step 401: The OLT sends the first configuration message to each MFU in the target network.

[0083] The target network is created by the OLT and includes N MFUs, where N is any integer greater than 1. This embodiment uses a target network including a first MFU, a second MFU, and an Nth MFU as an example. The OLT sends the first configuration message to each MFU in the target network; for example, the OLT sends the first configuration message to the first MFU, the second MFU, and the Nth MFU respectively. The first configuration message is used to indicate a backup network. This embodiment uses a WiFi network as an example for illustration. It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the type of backup network, as long as it is a wireless network. In this embodiment, the first configuration message sent by the OLT to each MFU in the target network conforms to the Optical Network Unit Management and Control Interface (OMCI) protocol. Specifically, the first configuration message is an extended OMCI message. A description of the first configuration message can be found in Table 1.

[0084] Table 1

[0085] Managed entity (ME) name illustrate ME number Numerical identifiers used to distinguish different MEs ME Identifier (ID) This attribute uniquely identifies each instance of this entity. Add instructions Used to indicate that it has been joined to the target network. Backup network identifier Used to identify backup networks Backup password

[0086] The OMCI protocol allows the OLT to manage MFUs. To achieve this management function, the OMCI protocol defines a series of MEs, each representing a different functional module or resource within the MFU that can be managed and controlled by the OLT. It can be understood that the OLT shown in this embodiment, based on the MEs shown in Table 1, can instruct the MFU to use a backup network. The ME number is a numerical identifier in the OMCI protocol used to distinguish different management entities. Each ME has a unique number; this embodiment does not limit the specific value of the ME number and can define and extend it according to the OMCI protocol. The ME ID is an identifier in the OMCI protocol used to uniquely identify a management entity on the MFU. Unlike the ME number, the ME ID is used within the context of the MFU, allowing the OLT to distinguish different MEs of the same type among multiple MFUs. The ME number and ME ID shown in this embodiment are MEs added to the OMCI to achieve the purpose of executing the protection switching method provided in this embodiment. The joining indication is used to indicate that the MFU receiving the first configuration message has joined the target network created by the OLT. The identifier of the backup network is used to identify the backup network. For example, the identifier of the backup network can be a service set identifier (SSID). This embodiment does not limit the identifier type of the backup network. The backup password is the password used to access the backup network. It should be noted that the description of the content of the first configuration message in this embodiment is an optional example and is not limited, as long as the first configuration message can indicate the backup network to each MFU in the target network.

[0087] Step 402: Each MFU in the target network sends attribute information to the OLT.

[0088] Taking the first MFU within the target network as an example, the OLT receives attribute information from the first MFU, specifically including first attribute information and second attribute information. The first attribute information is related to the first MFU. For example, the first attribute information of the first MFU includes at least one of the following:

[0089] The frequency bands supported by the first MFU, the operating channel of the first MFU, the number of terminal devices accessing the first MFU, the interference duty cycle of the first MFU, the transmission duty cycle of the first MFU, the channel utilization of the first MFU, the spectral efficiency of the first MFU, and the bandwidth limit of the first MFU.

[0090] The frequency bands supported by the first MFU include, but are not limited to, all or part of the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, 6 GHz band, and high-frequency 60 GHz band supported by WiFi. The operating channel of the first MFU refers to the physical channel used by the first MFU for wireless data transmission; the operating channel of the first MFU is a channel on the frequency band supported by the first MFU. The interference duty cycle of the first MFU refers to the proportion of time occupied by interference signals within one signal cycle of the first MFU. The transmission duty cycle of the first MFU refers to the proportion of time used to transmit effective signals within one signal cycle of the first MFU; this transmission duty cycle determines the signal occupancy in a specific frequency band, thus affecting the efficiency and performance of the communication system. The channel utilization rate of the first MFU refers to the degree to which the channel is effectively utilized within a certain time, or the ratio between the channel's information transmission capacity and the actual amount of information transmitted. The spectral efficiency of the first MFU refers to the amount of information that can be transmitted per unit bandwidth. The bandwidth limit of the first MFU refers to the maximum rate that can be achieved during data transmission. It should be clarified that the description of the first attribute information of the first MFU in this embodiment is an optional example and is not limited, as long as the first attribute information of the first MFU is related to the first MFU.

[0091] The attribute information sent by the first MFU to the OLT also includes M second attribute information pieces. Each of the M second attribute information pieces is associated with one of the M neighboring MFUs, where M is any integer greater than or equal to 1. The first MFU is located within the signal coverage area of ​​the neighboring MFU; that is, the first MFU can detect the signal of the neighboring MFU. The second attribute information includes at least one of the following:

[0092] The neighboring MFU's SSID, the neighboring MFU's basic service set identifier (BSSID), the signal quality from the neighboring MFU to the first MFU, the frequency bands supported by the neighboring MFU, and the operating channel of the neighboring MFU.

[0093] The signal quality from the neighboring MFU to the first MFU can be, for example, received signal strength indication (RSSI), received channel power indication (RCPI), transmission rate, reference signal receiving power (RSRP), reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ), signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR), throughput, or packet loss rate. It should be noted that the description of the second attribute information in this embodiment is an optional example and is not limited, as long as the second attribute information is related to the neighboring MFU of the first MFU.

[0094] The first MFU shown in this embodiment can carry first attribute information and second attribute information through an extended OMCI message, and send the extended OMCI message to the OLT. The extended OMCI message carrying the first attribute information and second attribute information is shown in Table 2:

[0095] Table 2

[0096]

[0097] For an explanation of the ME numbers and ME IDs shown in Table 2, please refer to Table 1; details will not be repeated here. This embodiment uses M neighboring MFUs of the first MFU as an example, where M is any integer greater than or equal to 1. It can be understood that Table 2 includes the second attribute information of the M neighboring MFUs of the first MFU. In this embodiment, the OLT filters the M second attribute information sent by the first MFU to obtain the filter list shown in Table 3:

[0098] Table 3

[0099]

[0100] For example, the first MFU reports the second attribute information of M neighbor MFUs through the extended OMCI message shown in Table 2. Specifically, this includes the second attribute information of neighbor MFU1, the second attribute information of neighbor MFU2, and so on up to the second attribute information of neighbor MFU M. Upon receiving the second attribute information of MFU1, the OLT obtains the identifier of the corresponding neighbor MFU1 based on its SSID or BSSID, and determines whether the identifier of neighbor MFU1 is within the target network created by the OLT. If so, the OLT configures the second attribute information of neighbor MFU1 in the filter list shown in Table 3. Similarly, upon receiving the second attribute information of MFU K, the OLT obtains the identifier of the corresponding neighbor MFU K based on its SSID or BSSID, and determines whether the identifier of neighbor MFU K is within the target network created by the OLT. If so, the OLT configures the second attribute information of neighbor MFU K in the filter list shown in Table 3. For example, when the OLT receives the second attribute information of the neighbor MFU M, it obtains the corresponding identifier of the neighbor MFU M based on the SSID or BSSID of the neighbor MFU M in the second attribute information of the neighbor MFU M, and determines whether the identifier of the neighbor MFU M is within the target network created by the OLT. If not, the OLT will not configure the second attribute information of the neighbor MFU M in the filter list shown in Table 3.

[0101] The OLT shown in this embodiment configures a filter list for each MFU in the target network. For a description of the filter list for each MFU, please refer to the description of the filter list for the first MFU shown in Table 3. Detailed explanations will not be repeated here.

[0102] Step 403: The OLT detects a link interruption between the OLT and the first MFU.

[0103] The OLT configured in this embodiment has a link diagnostic unit. This unit is used to detect the link status between the OLT and each MFU in the target network to detect whether the link between the OLT and each MFU in the target network is interrupted. It should be noted that this embodiment uses the OLT as the control device and the MFU as the access device as an example, and the link between the OLT and the MFU is an optical fiber, but this is not limited. If the control device and / or the access device are other device types, then the link between the control device and the access device can be other link types, and this is not specifically limited. This embodiment does not limit the method by which the OLT detects whether the first optical fiber between the OLT and the first MFU is interrupted. For example, the OLT judges based on the strength of the optical signal received from the first optical fiber. Specifically, if the OLT detects that the strength of the optical signal from the first optical fiber is less than or equal to a threshold, then it determines that the first optical fiber is interrupted. Another example is that the OLT and the first MFU transmit services through a specific communication protocol. If the first optical fiber is interrupted, the OLT cannot receive services sent from the first MFU based on that specific communication protocol, and therefore, the OLT detects that the first optical fiber is interrupted. For example, an OLT can use an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) to detect whether the first fiber is interrupted.

[0104] Step 404: The OLT sends a second configuration message to the second MFU.

[0105] In this embodiment, when the OLT detects a first fiber optic cable interruption between the first MFU and the OLT, the OLT detects the target network to which the first MFU belongs and obtains the filter list corresponding to the first MFU (as shown in Table 3). Then, the second MFU is selected from the filter list corresponding to the first MFU. It can be understood that the second MFU shown in this embodiment is a neighboring MFU of the first MFU, and the identifier of the second MFU is located within the target network created by the OLT. Therefore, within the target network, the first MFU is different from the second MFU.

[0106] This embodiment does not limit the number of neighboring MFUs included in the filter list shown in Table 3. For example, the filter list shown in Table 3 includes the second attribute information of K neighboring MFUs, where K is any integer greater than or equal to 1. This embodiment does not limit the method by which the OLT selects the second MFU from the K neighboring MFUs, as long as the second MFU is one of the K neighboring MFUs. For example, the signal strength from the second MFU to the first MFU is the strongest among the K neighboring MFUs. Furthermore, the OLT may select an MFU supporting a specific frequency band (e.g., the 6GHz band) as the second MFU based on the performance and coverage requirements of the wireless network.

[0107] The OLT shown in this embodiment can also obtain information corresponding to each neighbor MFU in the filter list, such as the neighbor MFU's load information, interference duty cycle, transmission duty cycle, channel utilization, bandwidth limitation, and transmission service rate. The neighbor MFU's load information refers to the data buffer filling status of the neighbor MFU in the current or recent period, including but not limited to the amount of data in the buffer, the data type (e.g., voice, video, data), and potential buffer overflow risks. The data volume reflects the amount of data required for the neighbor MFU to transmit services, and the amount of data directly determines the amount of communication resources required to transmit the service. Buffer overflow risk means that if the MFU's buffer space is about to be filled while data continues to arrive, a buffer overflow may occur, leading to data loss or transmission errors. The OLT combines the information corresponding to each neighbor MFU with the filter list to select a second MFU. This embodiment does not limit the method by which the OLT selects the second MFU, as long as the second MFU is one of the MFUs in the target network created by the OLT and is a neighbor MFU in the filter list.

[0108] When the OLT selects a second MFU from the K neighbor MFUs included in Table 3, the OLT sends a second configuration message to the second MFU. This second configuration message can be an extended OMCI message. This second configuration message instructs the second MFU to configure a backup network. When the second MFU configures the backup network according to the second configuration message, this backup network is used by the first MFU to enable communication between the first MFU and the OLT. It can be understood that even if the link between the OLT and the first MFU is interrupted, the first MFU can still access the backup network configured by the second MFU. Therefore, the first MFU can send uplink services to the OLT through this backup network, and the first MFU can also receive downlink services from the OLT through the backup network, effectively ensuring uninterrupted service between the OLT and the first MFU and guaranteeing the reliability of service transmission between the OLT and the first MFU.

[0109] For a description of this second configuration message, please refer to Table 4 below:

[0110] Table 4

[0111] ME Name illustrate ME number Numerical identifiers used to distinguish different MEs ME ID This attribute uniquely identifies each instance of this ME. Open Instruction Instructions to configure backup network Target frequency band indication Used to indicate the target frequency band Backup network identifier Used to identify backup networks Backup password Password used to access the backup network

[0112] For explanations of the ME number and ME ID, please refer to Table 1; details will not be elaborated further. The activation indicator indicates that the second MFU has received the second configuration message and is configuring a backup network. The target frequency band is the frequency band accessed by the backup network; for example, the target frequency band could be a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band, etc., with no specific limitation. For explanations of the backup network identifier and backup password, please refer to Table 1; details will not be elaborated further.

[0113] Step 405: Configure the backup network for the second MFU.

[0114] When the second MFU receives the second configuration message, it configures the backup network according to the second configuration message. Specifically, the SSID of the backup network configured by the second MFU is the SSID carried in the second configuration message, the frequency band accessed by the backup network is the target frequency band indicated by the second configuration message, and the password used to access the backup network is the password carried in the second configuration message.

[0115] Step 406: The first MFU connects to the backup network.

[0116] In this embodiment, the first MFU detects a link interruption between itself and the OLT. For a description of how the first MFU detects this link interruption, please refer to the description above regarding the OLT detecting a link interruption between itself and the first MFU; details will not be repeated here. The first MFU scans for backup networks based on the received first configuration message. For example, the first MFU may discover a backup network through passive scanning. Specifically, the first MFU receives a beacon frame from the second MFU, which indicates the backup network. Alternatively, the first MFU may discover a backup network through active scanning. Specifically, the first MFU sends a probe frame and waits for the second MFU to return a probe response frame based on the probe frame. If the first MFU detects a backup network with the SSID carried in the first configuration message, the first MFU uses the backup password to authenticate with the backup network of the second MFU. The authenticated first MFU then accesses the backup network to enable service transmission with the OLT based on this backup network.

[0117] When the first MFU is connected to the backup network, the second MFU switches to bridging mode, where the second MFU acts as a bridge between the first MFU and the OLT. For example, the backup network of the second MFU receives uplink wireless signals (e.g., WiFi signals) from the first MFU. The second MFU demodulates the uplink wireless signals into uplink electrical signals. The second MFU performs electro-optical conversion on the uplink electrical signals to obtain uplink optical signals carrying uplink services. The second MFU then transmits these uplink optical signals to the OLT via a second link (e.g., an optical fiber connecting the second MFU and the OLT). Alternatively, when the OLT sends a second configuration message to the second MFU, a service list is created. This service list includes the correspondence between the identifiers of the first MFU and the second MFU. If the first optical fiber between the first MFU and the OLT is interrupted, and the OLT needs to send downlink services to the first MFU, the OLT queries the service list to obtain the identifier of the second MFU corresponding to the identifier of the first MFU. Based on the identifier of the second MFU, the OLT sends downlink optical signals to the second MFU via the second link. These downlink optical signals carry the downlink services to be sent to the first MFU. The second MFU performs photoelectric conversion on the downlink optical signal to obtain a downlink electrical signal. The second MFU converts the downlink electrical signal into a downlink wireless signal (e.g., a WiFi signal) and sends the downlink wireless signal carrying downlink services to the first MFU through the backup network.

[0118] Using the method shown in this embodiment, the control device (e.g., the OLT shown above) sends a first configuration message to the first access device (e.g., the first MFU shown above) to enable the first access device to obtain the backup network indicated by the first configuration message. If the link between the first access device and the control device is interrupted, the control device sends a second configuration message to the second access device (e.g., the second MFU shown above) to enable the first access device to access the backup network configured by the second access device according to the second configuration message. Therefore, even if the link between the first access device and the control device is interrupted, to ensure normal service transmission between the first access device and the control device, the first access device is quickly switched to the backup network of the second access device. This reduces the link switching latency through forwarding via the backup network of the second access device, ensuring the reliability of service transmission between the control device and the first access device, and even guaranteeing uninterrupted service transmission between the control device and the first access device, ensuring that service transmission between the first access device and the control device has an "uninterrupted" characteristic. Furthermore, protection switching can be achieved without adding new equipment (e.g., CPE) to the communication system, reducing the complexity of the communication system structure and minimizing modifications to the existing network topology.

[0119] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the steps of a second embodiment of the protection switching method provided in this application. Figure 4 In a corresponding embodiment, taking the control device as an OLT, the first access device as a first MFU, and the second access device as a second MFU as an example, in Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the control device is an OLT, the first access device is a first MFU, and the second access device is an SFU connected to the second MFU. For a description of the control device and the first access device, please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 4 The corresponding explanations will not be elaborated upon here.

[0120] Step 501: The OLT sends the first configuration message to each MFU in the target network.

[0121] For a description of the execution process of step 501 shown in this embodiment, please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 4 The corresponding step 401 is shown below, and will not be elaborated further.

[0122] Step 502: Each MFU in the target network sends attribute information to the OLT.

[0123] Taking the first MFU within the target network as an example, the OLT receives attribute information from the first MFU. This attribute information specifically includes first attribute information and second attribute information. The first attribute information is related to the first MFU; for details, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The description of the first attribute information shown in step 402 will not be repeated here.

[0124] The attribute information sent by the first MFU to the OLT also includes L second attribute information pieces. These L second attribute information pieces specifically include M second attribute information pieces and W second attribute information pieces, where L is any integer greater than 1, and W is any integer greater than or equal to 1. Each of the M second attribute information pieces is associated with one of the M neighboring MFUs. For detailed explanation, please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 4 The description of the first attribute information shown in step 402 is not detailed here. In the W second attribute information, each second attribute information is related to one of the W neighbor SFUs. It can be understood that the first MFU detecting the second attribute information in this embodiment can be based on neighbor MFU detection, and the first MFU detecting the second attribute information can also be based on neighbor SFU detection. Where the target network includes a first MFU, a second MFU, and a third MFU, the neighbor SFU can be an SFU accessing the second MFU, or a neighbor SFU can be an SFU accessing the third MFU. The first MFU is located within the signal coverage range of the neighbor SFU; it can be understood that the first MFU can detect the signal of the neighbor SFU. The second attribute information of the neighbor SFU includes at least one of the following:

[0125] The SSID of the neighboring SFU, the BSSID of the neighboring SFU, the signal quality from the neighboring SFU to the first MFU, the frequency band supported by the neighboring SFU, and the operating channel of the neighboring SFU are detailed in the description of the second attribute information of the neighboring MFU. Further details will not be elaborated here.

[0126] The first MFU shown in this embodiment can carry first attribute information and second attribute information through extended OMCI messages. For details, please refer to the description of the extended OMCI messages in Table 2. Detailed explanations will not be repeated here.

[0127] In this embodiment, the OLT filters the L second attribute information sent by the first MFU to obtain the filter list shown in Table 5:

[0128] Table 5

[0129]

[0130]

[0131] For example, the first MFU reports M second attribute information via extended OMCI messages, specifically, the second attribute information of neighbor MFU1, the second attribute information of neighbor MFU2, and so on up to the second attribute information of neighbor MFU M. The first MFU reports W second attribute information via extended OMCI messages, specifically, the second attribute information of SFU1 accessed to neighbor MFU2, the second attribute information of SFU2, and so on up to the second attribute information of SFU W accessed to neighbor MFU M. This embodiment does not limit the number of second attribute information of neighbor SFUs detected by the first MFU. Upon receiving the second attribute information of MFU1, the OLT obtains the identifier of the corresponding neighbor MFU1 based on the SSID or BSSID of the neighbor MFU1 in the second attribute information, and determines whether the identifier of the neighbor MFU1 is within the target network created by the OLT. If so, the OLT configures the second attribute information of the neighbor MFU1 in the filtering list shown in Table 5. For a detailed explanation of the process, please refer to the description of the filtering list shown in Table 3; further details are omitted here.

[0132] When the OLT receives the second attribute information of a neighboring SFU, it obtains the identifier of the MFU accessed by that neighboring SFU based on the SSID or BSSID in the second attribute information. It then determines whether the identifier of that MFU is located within the target network created by the OLT. If so, the OLT configures that neighboring SFU in the filtering list shown in Table 5. For example, when the OLT receives the second attribute information of neighboring SFU 1, it obtains that the MFU accessed by neighboring SFU 1 is MFU2 based on the SSID or BSSID of neighboring SFU 1 in the second attribute information. It then determines whether the identifier of neighboring MFU 2 is located within the target network created by the OLT. If so, the OLT configures the second attribute information of neighboring SFU 1 in the filtering list shown in Table 5. For example, when the OLT receives the second attribute information of neighbor SFU 2, it determines that the MFU it accesses is MFU2 based on the SSID or BSSID of neighbor SFU 2 in the second attribute information, and determines whether the identifier of neighbor MFU 2 is within the target network created by the OLT. If so, the OLT configures the second attribute information of neighbor SFU 2 in the filter list shown in Table 5. Similarly, when the OLT receives the second attribute information of neighbor SFU W, it determines that the MFU it accesses is MFU3 based on the SSID or BSSID of neighbor SFU W in the second attribute information, and determines whether the identifier of neighbor MFU 3 is within the target network created by the OLT. If so, the OLT configures the second attribute information of neighbor SFU W in the filter list shown in Table 5.

[0133] The OLT shown in this embodiment configures a filter list for each MFU in the target network. For a description of the filter list for each MFU, please refer to the description of the filter list for the first MFU shown in Table 5. Detailed explanations will not be repeated here.

[0134] Step 503: The OLT detects a link interruption between the OLT and the first MFU.

[0135] For a description of the execution process of step 503 shown in this embodiment, please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 4 The corresponding step 403 is shown below, and will not be elaborated further.

[0136] Step 504: The OLT sends a second configuration message to the second MFU.

[0137] Step 505: The second MFU sends a second configuration message to the target SFU.

[0138] In this embodiment, when the OLT detects a first fiber optic cable interruption between the first MFU and the OLT, the OLT detects the target network to which the first MFU belongs and obtains the filter list corresponding to the first MFU (as shown in Table 5). Then, the OLT selects the target SFU from the filter list corresponding to the first MFU. For an explanation of how the OLT selects the target SFU from the filter list shown in Table 5, please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 4 The description of the OLT selecting the second MFU in the filter list in step 404 is not elaborated here. When the target SFU is determined, the OLT obtains the second MFU that the target SFU is connected to. The target SFU is one of one or more SFUs connected to the second MFU. It can be understood that the target SFU in this embodiment is a neighboring MFU of the first MFU, and the identifier of the second MFU connected to the target SFU is located within the target network created by the OLT. This embodiment does not limit the number of neighboring MFUs or neighboring SFUs included in the filter list shown in Table 5. The OLT sends a second configuration message to the second MFU, which can be an extended OMCI message. This second configuration message is shown in Table 6.

[0139] Table 6

[0140]

[0141]

[0142] For the ME number, ME ID, enable indication, target frequency band indication, backup network identifier, and backup password descriptions in the second configuration message shown in this embodiment, please refer to the corresponding descriptions in Table 4; detailed explanations will not be repeated here. When the OLT obtains the target SFU, the identifier of the target SFU is configured in the second configuration message so that when the second MFU receives the identifier of the target SFU, it sends the second configuration message to the target SFU.

[0143] Step 506: Configure backup network for target SFU.

[0144] Upon receiving the second configuration message, the target SFU configures the backup network according to the second configuration message. For details, please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 4 The description of the second MFU configuration backup network shown in step 405 will not be repeated here.

[0145] Step 507: The first MFU connects to the backup network.

[0146] For a description of step 507 in this embodiment, please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 4 The corresponding step 406 is shown below, and will not be elaborated further.

[0147] When the first MFU is connected to the backup network, the target SFU switches to bridged mode. Bridged mode means that the target SFU acts as a bridge between the first MFU and the OLT. For details, please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 4 The explanation of how the second MFU acts as a bridge between the first MFU and the OLT will not be elaborated upon here.

[0148] Using the method shown in this embodiment, if the link between the first access device (e.g., the first MFU as described above) and the control device (e.g., the OLT as described above) is interrupted, the first access device can access the target network of the second access device. The second access device can be an SFU that has already connected to the MFU. This embodiment increases the types and number of access devices that the first access device can access, reduces the latency of link switching, ensures the reliability of service transmission between the control device and the first access device, and can even guarantee uninterrupted service transmission between the control device and the first access device, ensuring that service transmission between the first access device and the control device has the characteristic of "never interruption". Furthermore, protection switching can be achieved without adding new equipment (e.g., CPE) to the communication system, reducing the complexity of the communication system structure and the degree of modification to the existing network structure.

[0149] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a third embodiment of the protection switching method provided in this application. This embodiment illustrates the process of a control device creating a target network. The control device shown in this embodiment can be an OLT, and the first access device can be a first MFU. For detailed explanation, please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 4 The specific descriptions of the corresponding control equipment and the first access equipment will not be elaborated upon here.

[0150] Step 601: The first MFU sends the first capability message to the OLT.

[0151] In this embodiment, after the first MFU goes online, it registers and authenticates with the OLT. After successful registration and authentication, the OLT sends configuration information, including network parameters and service parameters, to the first MFU to ensure its access to the OLT and enable service transmission between them. When the first MFU is connected to the OLT, it sends a first capability message to the OLT. This message carries the identifier of the first MFU, which may include its serial number (SN), media access control address (MAC), or values ​​of specific fields. This first capability message can be an extended OMCI message.

[0152] Step 602: The second MFU sends a second capability message to the OLT.

[0153] The second MFU shown in this embodiment is the primary access device. The second capability message carries the identifier of the second MFU. For details, please refer to the description of the first capability message in step 601. Detailed explanation will not be repeated here.

[0154] This embodiment does not limit the execution sequence between steps 601 and 602.

[0155] Step 603: The OLT obtains the target network topology.

[0156] When the OLT receives a first capability message, it determines whether the identifier of the first MFU carried in the first capability message is in the OLT's preset whitelist. If so, the OLT configures the identifier of the first MFU in the target network. When the OLT receives a second capability message, it determines whether the identifier of the second MFU carried in the second capability message is in the OLT's preset whitelist. If so, the OLT configures the identifier of the second MFU in the target network. If the MFU identifier is in the whitelist, it means that the MFU is a legitimate and secure MFU. This whitelist can be a whitelist configured by the OLT itself, or it can be sent to the OLT by the network management device.

[0157] Step 604: The OLT sends the first configuration message to each MFU in the target network.

[0158] Step 605: Each MFU in the target network sends attribute information to the OLT.

[0159] Step 606: The OLT detects a link interruption between the OLT and the first MFU.

[0160] Step 607: The OLT sends a second configuration message to the second MFU.

[0161] Step 608: Configure the backup network for the second MFU.

[0162] Step 609: The first MFU connects to the backup network.

[0163] For a description of the execution process of steps 604 to 609 shown in this embodiment, please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 4 The corresponding steps 401 to 406 are shown below, and will not be described in detail. Steps 604 to 609 in this embodiment are shown as follows, taking the second access device as an MFU as an example. Optionally, the second access device can also be the target SFU. For a detailed explanation of the process, please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 5 The corresponding explanations will not be elaborated upon here.

[0164] Using the method shown in this embodiment, both the first access device and the second access device are located within the target network obtained by the control device. Each access device within the target network is a legitimate and secure access device. The control device controls the protection switching within the target network. Therefore, even if the link between the first access device and the control device is interrupted, the link for transmitting services can be quickly switched to the backup network of the second access device, reducing the latency of link switching while ensuring the security of service transmission.

[0165] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the communication device provided in this application. Specifically, the communication device 700 includes a transmitting module 701, a processing module 702, and a receiving module 703. The transmitting module 701 may also be referred to as a transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitting device, etc. The receiving module 703 may also be referred to as a receiver, receiving unit, receiving device, etc. The processing module 702 is used to implement corresponding processing functions. The transmitting module 701 and the receiving module 703 may also be referred to as a communication interface or communication unit.

[0166] Optionally, the communication device 700 also includes a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 702 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit to execute corresponding processing control actions.

[0167] For example, a communication device can be a control device, such as an OLT as described above, or a module (e.g., a chip) of an OLT. Alternatively, a communication device can be a first access device, such as an MFU, ONT, or ONU as described above, or a module (e.g., a chip) of an MFU, ONT, or ONU. Furthermore, a communication device can be a second access device, such as an MFU, ONT, ONU, or SFU as described above, or a module (e.g., a chip) of an MFU, ONT, ONU, or SFU.

[0168] If the communication device 700 is used as an OLT, then the processing module 702 is used to execute... Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the process, the sending module 701 is used to perform the steps related to processing. Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the process, the receiving module 703 is used to perform the steps related to sending. Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the context of receiving, the steps are related to...

[0169] If the communication device 700 is used as the first access device, then the processing module 702 is used to execute... Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the process, the sending module 701 is used to perform the steps related to processing. Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the process, the receiving module 703 is used to perform the steps related to sending. Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the context of receiving, the steps are related to...

[0170] If the communication device 700 is used as the second access device, then the processing module 702 is used to execute... Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the process, the sending module 701 is used to perform the steps related to processing. Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the process, the receiving module 703 is used to perform the steps related to sending. Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the context of receiving, the steps are related to...

[0171] It should be understood that the specific process of each module performing the above-mentioned steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0172] Optionally, the communication device 700 can be a device including an OLT, or a component configured in the OLT, such as a chip of the OLT. In this case, the receiving module 703 and the transmitting module 701 can be interface circuits, pins, etc. Specifically, the interface circuit can include input circuits and output circuits, wherein the receiving module 703 can include input circuits, the transmitting module 701 can include output circuits, and the processing module 702 can include processing circuits.

[0173] Optionally, the communication device 700 can be a device including an MFU, or a component configured in the MFU, such as the chip of the MFU. In this case, the receiving module 703 and the transmitting module 701 can be interface circuits, pins, etc. Specifically, the interface circuit can include input circuits and output circuits, wherein the receiving module 703 can include input circuits, the transmitting module 701 can include output circuits, and the processing module 702 can include processing circuits.

[0174] Optionally, the communication device 700 can be a device including an SFU, or a component configured in the SFU, such as the SFU chip. In this case, the receiving module 703 and the transmitting module 701 can be interface circuits, pins, etc. Specifically, the interface circuit can include input circuits and output circuits, wherein the receiving module 703 can include input circuits, the transmitting module 701 can include output circuits, and the processing module 702 can include processing circuits.

[0175] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating another embodiment of the communication device provided in this application. The communication device 800 includes a processor 801 and a transceiver 802. Optionally, the communication device 800 also includes a memory 803. The transceiver 802 may be an interface, a bus, a circuit, or a device capable of implementing transmission and reception functions. Optionally, the device in the transceiver 802 used to implement the receiving function can be regarded as a receiving module, and the device in the transceiver 802 used to implement the transmitting function can be regarded as a transmitting module; that is, the transceiver 802 includes a receiver and a transmitter.

[0176] For example, in one embodiment, processor 801 is configured for other operations or functions of the OLT's chip. Transceiver 802 is used to implement message exchange between the OLT and access devices.

[0177] For example, in one embodiment, processor 801 is configured for other operations or functions of the MFU chip. Transceiver 802 is used to implement message exchange between the MFU and the OLT, and between the MFU and the SFU.

[0178] For example, in one embodiment, processor 801 is configured for other operations or functions of the SFU chip. Transceiver 802 is used to implement message exchange between the SFU and MFU.

[0179] The communication device 800 includes a memory 803 for storing computer programs or instructions and / or data. The memory 803 is coupled to a processor 801, which executes the computer programs or instructions and / or data stored in the memory 803, causing the methods described in the above method embodiments to be performed. The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, and can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 801 can operate in conjunction with the memory 803. This embodiment does not limit the type of processor 801; for example, the processor 801 can be one or more chips, or one or more integrated circuits. For example, processor 801 can be one or more optical digital signal processors (oDSP), digital signal processors (DSP), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), system on chip (SoC), central processor units (CPU), network processors (NP), microcontroller units (MCU), programmable logic devices (PLD), network interface cards (NICs), storage interface chips, or other integrated chips, or any combination of the above chips or processing modules, etc., which will not be elaborated further.

[0180] Optionally, the communication device 800 may include one or more processors 801 and one or more memories 803.

[0181] Alternatively, the memory 803 may be integrated with the processor 801 or set separately.

[0182] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the processor 801, transceiver 802, and memory 803. This application embodiment... Figure 8 The processor 801, transceiver 802, and memory 803 are connected via a bus 804. Figure 8 The connections between other components are indicated by thick lines and are for illustrative purposes only, not as limiting information. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc.

[0183] It should be understood that, for ease of representation, Figure 8 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0184] If the communication device 800 is used as an OLT, then the processor 801 is used to execute... Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the process, transceiver 802 is used to perform the steps related to processing. Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In this context, the steps related to sending and receiving are described.

[0185] If the communication device 800 is used as the first access device, then the processor 801 is used to execute... Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the process, transceiver 802 is used to perform the steps related to processing. Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In this context, the steps related to sending and receiving are described.

[0186] If the communication device 800 is used as a second access device, then the processor 801 is used to execute... Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the process, transceiver 802 is used to perform the steps related to processing. Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In this context, the steps related to sending and receiving are described.

[0187] It should be understood that the specific process of each device performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0188] Figure 9 This application provides a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a chip system. The chip system 900 (or processing system) includes logic circuitry 910 and an input / output interface 920.

[0189] The logic circuit 910 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 900. The logic circuit 910 can be coupled to a memory unit, calling instructions from the memory unit, enabling the chip system 900 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 920 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 900, outputting processed information from the chip system 900, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 900 for processing.

[0190] Optionally, the logic circuit 910 may be implemented by one or more processors, including the one or more processors or the processing portion of the one or more processors.

[0191] Optionally, the input / output interface 920 may include transceiver circuitry, a transceiver, input / output circuitry, or a communication interface.

[0192] As one option, the chip system 900 is used to implement the operations performed by the OLT in the various method embodiments described above, or the chip system 900 is used to implement the operations performed by the MFU in the various method embodiments described above, or the chip system 900 is used to implement the operations performed by the SFU in the various method embodiments described above.

[0193] Specifically, logic circuit 910 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the OLT in the above method embodiment; input / output interface 920 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the OLT in the above method embodiment.

[0194] Alternatively, logic circuit 910 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the MFU in the above method embodiments; input / output interface 920 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the MFU in the above method embodiments.

[0195] Alternatively, logic circuit 910 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by SFU in the above method embodiments; input / output interface 920 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by SFU in the above method embodiments.

[0196] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the OLT, MFU, or SFU in the above-described method embodiments.

[0197] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the methods performed by the OLT, MFU, or SFU in the various embodiments of the above methods.

[0198] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by the OLT, MFU, or SFU in the above-described method embodiments.

[0199] This application also provides a communication network, which includes a first access device and a second access device in the embodiments described above. Alternatively, the communication network may include a control device connected to the first access device and the second access device. For a description of the access device and the control device, please refer to the descriptions corresponding to the various embodiments; specific details will not be repeated here.

[0200] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0201] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of apparatus or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0202] 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 instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs). For example, the aforementioned available media include, but are not limited to, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks, and other media capable of storing program code.

[0203] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for protection switching, characterized in that, The method includes: The control device sends a first configuration message to the first access device. The first configuration message is used to indicate a backup network. The first access device is one of N access devices connected to the control device, where N is any integer greater than 1. When the link between the control device and the first access device is interrupted, the control device sends a second configuration message to the second access device. The second configuration message is used to instruct the second access device to configure the backup network, and the backup network is used to be accessed by the first access device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first configuration message carries the identifier of the backup network and the backup password, wherein the backup password is the password used to access the backup network.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control device includes an optical line terminal (OLT), the first access device includes a first master fiber-to-room (MFU) or a first optical network terminal (ONT), and the second access device includes a second MFU, a second ONT, or a slave SFU. The control device and the first access device are connected by optical fiber.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The messages transmitted between the control device and the first access device, and the messages transmitted between the control device and the second access device, all conform to the Optical Network Unit Management and Control Interface (OMCI) protocol.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Before the control device sends the second configuration message to the second access device, the method further includes: The control device receives first attribute information from the first access device, the first attribute information being related to the first access device, and the first attribute information being used to select the second access device from the N access devices.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first attribute information includes at least one of the following: The frequency bands supported by the first access device, the operating channel of the first access device, the number of terminal devices connected to the first access device, the interference duty cycle of the first access device, the transmission duty cycle of the first access device, the channel utilization of the first access device, the spectral efficiency of the first access device, and the bandwidth limit of the first access device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Before the control device sends the second configuration message to the second access device, the method further includes: The control device receives M second attribute information from the first access device. The second attribute information is related to one of the M neighboring access devices, where M is any integer greater than or equal to 1. The first access device is located within the signal coverage area of ​​the neighboring access device. The M second attribute information is used to select the second access device from the M neighboring access devices.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second attribute information includes at least one of the following: The neighbor access device's Service Set Identifier (SSID), the neighbor access device's Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID), the signal quality from the neighbor access device to the first access device, the frequency bands supported by the neighbor access device, and the operating channel of the neighbor access device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The second configuration message includes at least one of the following: The activation instruction, target frequency band instruction, identifier of the backup network, and backup password; Wherein, the activation indication is used to instruct the second access device to configure the backup network, the target frequency band indication is used to indicate the target frequency band, the target frequency band is the frequency band accessed by the backup network, and the backup password is the password used to access the backup network.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Before the control device sends the first configuration message to the first access device, the method further includes: The control device receives a first capability message from the first access device, the first capability message carrying the identifier of the first access device; The control device receives a second capability message from the master access device, the second capability message carrying the identifier of the master access device, wherein the master access device is the second access device, or the second access device is a slave access device connected to the master access device; The control device obtains the target network, which includes the identifier of the first access device and the identifier of the main access device.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first configuration message carries a joining indication, wherein the joining indication is used to indicate that the target network has been joined.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The backup network is a wireless local area network (WLAN).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, After the control device sends the second configuration message to the second access device, the method further includes: The control device sends a downlink optical signal to the second access device. The downlink optical signal carries downlink services intended for the first access device. The downlink optical signal is converted into a downlink WiFi signal by the second access device. The backup network is used to send the downlink WiFi signal to the first access device.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, After the control device sends the second configuration message to the second access device, the method further includes: The control device receives an uplink optical signal from the second access device. The uplink optical signal carries the uplink service sent by the first access device to the control device. The backup network is used to receive an uplink WiFi signal from the first access device. The uplink optical signal is generated by the second access device by converting the uplink WiFi signal.

15. A method for protection switching, characterized in that, The method includes: The access device receives a first configuration message from the control device, the first configuration message being used to indicate a backup network, wherein the access device is one of N access devices connected to the control device, and N is any integer greater than 1; When the link between the control device and another access device is interrupted, the access device receives a second configuration message from the control device. The access device configures the backup network according to the second configuration message, and the backup network is used to be accessed by the other access device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first configuration message carries the identifier of the backup network and the backup password, wherein the backup password is the password used to access the backup network.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The messages transmitted between the control device and the access device conform to the Optical Network Unit Management and Control Interface (OMCI) protocol.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, The second configuration message includes at least one of the following: The activation instruction, target frequency band instruction, identifier of the backup network, and backup password; The activation instruction is used to instruct the access device to configure the backup network, the target frequency band instruction is used to indicate the target frequency band, the target frequency band is the frequency band accessed by the backup network, and the backup password is the password used to access the backup network.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that, The backup network is a wireless local area network (WLAN). After the access device configures the backup network according to the second configuration message, the method further includes: The access device receives a downlink optical signal from the control device, and the downlink optical signal carries downlink services to be sent to the other access device; The access device converts the downlink optical signal into a downlink WiFi signal; The access device sends the downlink WiFi signal to the other access device through the backup network.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that, The backup network is a wireless local area network (WLAN). After the access device configures the backup network according to the second configuration message, the method further includes: The access device receives an uplink WiFi signal from the other access device through the backup network; The access device converts the uplink WiFi signal into an uplink optical signal, and the uplink optical signal carries the uplink service sent by the other access device to the control device. The access device sends the uplink optical signal to the control device.

21. A method for protection switching, characterized in that, The method includes: The access device receives a first configuration message from the control device, the first configuration message being used to indicate a backup network, wherein the access device is one of N access devices connected to the control device, and N is any integer greater than 1; When the link between the access device and the control device is interrupted, the access device connects to the backup network configured by another access device.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first configuration message carries the identifier of the backup network and the backup password, wherein the backup password is the password used to access the backup network.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, Before the access device accesses the backup network configured on another access device, the method further includes: The access device sends first attribute information to the control device. The first attribute information is related to the access device and is used to select another access device from the N access devices.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that, Before the access device accesses the backup network configured on another access device, the method further includes: The access device sends M second attribute information to the control device. The second attribute information is related to one of the M neighboring access devices. M is any integer greater than or equal to 1. The access device is located within the signal coverage area of ​​the neighboring access device. The M second attribute information is used to select the other access device among the M neighboring access devices.

25. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that, The backup network is a wireless local area network (WLAN). After the access device connects to the backup network configured on another access device, the method further includes: The access device receives a downlink WiFi signal from the backup network. The downlink WiFi signal is generated by the other access device by converting a downlink optical signal from the control device. The downlink optical signal carries downlink services to be sent to the access device.

26. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, characterized in that, The backup network is a wireless local area network (WLAN). After the access device connects to the backup network configured on another access device, the method further includes: The access device sends an uplink WiFi signal to the backup network. The uplink WiFi signal is converted into an uplink optical signal by the other access device. The uplink optical signal carries the uplink service sent by the access device to the control device and is received by the control device.

27. A communication network, characterized in that, The communication network includes a first access device and a second access device, wherein the first access device and the second access device are two of N access devices connected to the control device, and N is any integer greater than 1; The first access device is configured to receive a first configuration message from the control device, the first configuration message being used to indicate a backup network; When the link between the control device and the first access device is interrupted, the second access device is configured to receive a second configuration message from the control device. The second configuration message is configured to instruct the second access device to configure the backup network, and the backup network is configured to be accessed by the first access device.

28. The communication network according to claim 27, characterized in that, The communication network also includes the control device.

29. A control device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a transceiver, the processor being configured to perform the processing-related method of any one of claims 1 to 14, and the transceiver being configured to perform the sending-receiving-receiving-related method of any one of claims 1 to 14.

30. An access device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to perform the processing-related method of any one of claims 15 to 20, and the transceiver is configured to perform the sending-receiving ...

31. A control device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 14.

32. An access device, characterized in that, It includes a module for performing the method of any one of claims 15 to 20, or a module for performing the method of any one of claims 21 to 26.

33. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 20, or the method as described in any one of claims 21 to 26.

34. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It includes computer program instructions, which, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 20, or the method as described in any one of claims 21 to 26.

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