A communication method and a communication device

Abstract

A communication method and a communication device are provided to improve the performance of antenna link optimization. The method can be implemented by a first communication device, and the method comprises: sending a first message, wherein the first message is used to indicate the correspondence between N antenna modules and M radio frequency units of the first communication device, the N antenna modules are used to adjust at least one of the tilt angle, the azimuth angle or the beam width of the antenna, and N and M are positive integers, and M is less than or equal to N.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Antenna line devices (ALDs) can manage and optimize the performance of antenna links. For example, antenna line devices include remote electrical tilt (RET) devices, which allow the ALD to adjust the antenna tilt.

[0003] The antenna device has multiple antennas (or antenna arrays), each of which can be connected to a radio frequency unit (e.g., a remote radio unit, RRU). The antennas and RRUs are typically connected via jumpers for power transfer, but these jumpers cannot be used for antenna adjustment, such as adjusting the antenna tilt. Signals for antenna adjustment need to be sent from the RRU connected to the ALD (Alternate Range Controller) to the ALD, where the adjustment is performed (e.g., by a RET device within the ALD).

[0004] Currently, the correspondence between RRU and RET devices is recorded by construction personnel during on-site installation and maintenance. However, there may be errors or omissions in the recording, leading to poor antenna link optimization performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for improving antenna link optimization performance.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first communication device. The first communication device may be, for example, an antenna device, such as an ALD, or other device including antenna device functions, or a circuit, or a chip system (or chip) or other functional module capable of implementing the antenna device functions, and the chip system or functional module may be disposed, for example, within the antenna device. The method includes: sending a first message, the first message indicating the correspondence between N antenna modules and M radio frequency units of the first communication device, wherein the N antenna modules are used to adjust at least one of the antenna tilt angle, azimuth angle, or beamwidth, and N and M are positive integers, with M less than or equal to N.

[0007] In this embodiment of the application, the correspondence between the communication module and the radio frequency unit included in the first communication device is obtained and fed back by the first communication device. The correspondence obtained by the first communication device is more accurate than the correspondence recorded manually, which helps to improve the antenna link optimization performance.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first message includes the identifiers of the N antenna modules and the identifier of the cell corresponding to each of the N antenna modules, wherein the cell identifier is used to indicate the radio frequency unit.

[0009] In the above technical solution, since there is a correspondence between cells and radio frequency units, and ALD can obtain information about the cells served by each antenna, the correspondence between each communication module and radio frequency unit can be indicated by the correspondence between each communication module and cell.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the first message further includes one or more of the following: a first time, which is the time when the first communication device detects the correspondence between the N antenna modules and the M radio frequency units; the identifier of the first communication device; the standard information of the cell corresponding to each antenna module; the frequency information of the cell corresponding to each antenna module; or, the signal strength of the cell corresponding to each antenna module.

[0011] In the above technical solution, the first step can be to determine whether the current correspondence between the communication module and the radio frequency unit is the latest correspondence, reducing the probability of using an incorrect correspondence to optimize antenna link performance due to changes in the correspondence, and helping to improve the accuracy of the first communication management and antenna link optimization. The identifier of the first communication device can be used to distinguish radio frequency units. Taking the first communication device as an antenna device as an example, the antenna corresponding to RET device 1 in antenna device 1 is connected to radio frequency unit 1, and the antenna corresponding to RET device 2 in antenna device 2 is connected to radio frequency unit 2. Radio frequency unit 1 and radio frequency unit 2 belong to different base stations. If the cell corresponding to RET device 1 in antenna device 1 is cell 1, and the cell corresponding to RET device 2 in antenna device 2 is also cell 1, then the radio frequency units determined according to the cell identifiers corresponding to RET device 1 and RET device 2 include radio frequency unit 1 and radio frequency unit 2. Therefore, the base station corresponding to antenna device 1 and the base station corresponding to antenna device 2 can be determined according to the identifier of the antenna device, thereby determining the correspondence between RET device and radio frequency unit based on the correspondence between antenna device and base station. The standard information, frequency information, or signal strength of the cell corresponding to each antenna module can be used to verify the accuracy of the correspondence between RET device and radio frequency unit. It is understood that the content of the first message mentioned above is only an example. In other embodiments, the first message may include more or less content, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the method further includes receiving a second message, the second message being used to indicate the correspondence between the antenna module and the radio frequency unit of the first communication device.

[0013] In the above technical solution, the second message may come from a second communication device, which instructs the first communication device to detect the correspondence between the antenna module and the radio frequency unit of the first communication device. This eliminates the need for manual on-site maintenance, thereby reducing labor costs and operational expenses.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the second message includes at least one of the identifier of the first communication device, standard information, or frequency information.

[0015] In the above technical solution, by indicating the identifier, standard information or frequency information of the first communication device, the correspondence between the communication module and the radio frequency unit can be detected according to the needs, which is highly flexible.

[0016] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second communication device. The second communication device may be, for example, an RRU communicating with a first communication device, a base station including the RRU, another device including RRU functionality, a circuit, a chip system (or chip), or other functional module capable of implementing the RRU function, and the chip system or functional module may be disposed, for example, within the RRU. The method includes: receiving a first message, the first message indicating the correspondence between N antenna modules and M radio frequency units of the first communication device, wherein the N antenna modules are used to adjust at least one of the antenna tilt angle, azimuth angle, or beamwidth, where N and M are positive integers, and M is less than or equal to N.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the first message includes the identifiers of the N antenna modules and the identifier of the cell corresponding to each of the N antenna modules, wherein the cell identifier is used to indicate the radio frequency unit.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first message further includes one or more of the following: a first time, which is the time when the first communication device detects the correspondence between the N antenna modules and the M radio frequency units; the identifier of the first communication device; the standard information of the cell corresponding to each antenna module; the frequency information of the cell corresponding to each antenna module; or, the signal strength of the cell corresponding to each antenna module.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the method further includes sending a second message, the second message being used to indicate the correspondence between the antenna module and the radio frequency unit of the first communication device.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the second message includes at least one of the identifier of the first communication device, standard information, or frequency information.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the method further includes sending a third message, the third message being used to indicate the correspondence between the N antenna modules and the M radio frequency units.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the third message includes the identifiers of the N antenna modules and the identifier of the cell corresponding to each of the N antenna modules, wherein the cell identifier is used to indicate the radio frequency unit.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the third message may further include one or more of the following: a first time, which is the time when the first communication device detects the correspondence between the N antenna modules and the M radio frequency units; the identifier of the first communication device; the standard information of the cell corresponding to each antenna module; the frequency information of the cell corresponding to each antenna module; or, the signal strength of the cell corresponding to each antenna module.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the method further includes receiving a fourth message, the fourth message being used to indicate the correspondence between the antenna module and the radio frequency unit of the first communication device.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the fourth message includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the second communication device; standard information; frequency information; or, a detection mode, the detection mode being used to indicate single detection or periodic detection.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the fourth message includes the detection mode, and the detection mode indicates periodic detection; the fourth message also includes the number of detections and / or the detection cycle.

[0027] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be implemented by a network device, such as a network equipment, or other equipment including network equipment functions, or a circuit, or a chip system (or chip), or other functional module, which is capable of implementing the functions of the network equipment, and is, for example, disposed in the network equipment. The network equipment is, for example, a baseband unit (BBU) or a network management system (NMS), etc. The method includes: receiving a third message, the third message being used to indicate the correspondence between N antenna modules and M radio frequency units of a first communication device, the N antenna modules being used to adjust at least one of the antenna tilt angle, azimuth angle, or beamwidth, where N and M are positive integers, and M is less than or equal to N.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the third message includes the identifiers of the N antenna modules and the identifier of the cell corresponding to each of the N antenna modules, wherein the cell identifier is used to indicate the radio frequency unit.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the third message may further include one or more of the following: a first time, which is the time when the first communication device detects the correspondence between the N antenna modules and the M radio frequency units; the identifier of the first communication device; the standard information of the cell corresponding to each antenna module; the frequency information of the cell corresponding to each antenna module; or, the signal strength of the cell corresponding to each antenna module.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the method further includes sending a fourth message, the fourth message being used to indicate the correspondence between the antenna module and the radio frequency unit of the first communication device.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the fourth message includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the second communication device; standard information; frequency information; or, a detection mode, the detection mode being used to indicate single detection or periodic detection.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the fourth message includes the detection mode, and the detection mode indicates periodic detection; the fourth message also includes the number of detections and / or the detection cycle.

[0033] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be the first communication device described in the first or second aspect above. The communication device possesses the functions of the first communication device. For example, the communication device may implement the functions of the first communication device described in the first or second aspect. For instance, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first communication device described in the first or second aspect above. These modules, units, or means may be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0034] In one optional implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module). The transceiver unit is capable of both sending and receiving functions. When the transceiver unit performs the sending function, it can be called a sending unit (sometimes also called a sending module); when the transceiver unit performs the receiving function, it can be called a receiving unit (sometimes also called a receiving module). The sending unit and the receiving unit can be the same functional module, which is called the transceiver unit and can perform both sending and receiving functions; alternatively, the sending unit and the receiving unit can be different functional modules, and the transceiver unit is a collective term for these functional modules.

[0035] In one optional implementation, the transceiver unit is used to send a first message, which indicates the correspondence between N antenna modules and M radio frequency units of the first communication device. The N antenna modules are used to adjust at least one of the antenna tilt angle, azimuth angle, or beamwidth, where N and M are positive integers and M is less than or equal to N.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment, the communication device further includes a storage unit (sometimes also called a storage module), and the processing unit is configured to couple with the storage unit and execute programs or instructions in the storage unit to enable the communication device to perform the functions of the first communication device described in the first or second aspect above.

[0037] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, which can be the second communication device described in any one of the first to third aspects above. The communication device possesses the functions of the second communication device. For example, the communication device can implement the functions of the second communication device described in any one of the first to third aspects. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the second communication device described in any one of the first to third aspects above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0038] In one optional implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module). The transceiver unit is capable of both sending and receiving functions. When the transceiver unit performs the sending function, it can be called a sending unit (sometimes also called a sending module); when the transceiver unit performs the receiving function, it can be called a receiving unit (sometimes also called a receiving module). The sending unit and the receiving unit can be the same functional module, which is called the transceiver unit and can perform both sending and receiving functions; alternatively, the sending unit and the receiving unit can be different functional modules, and the transceiver unit is a collective term for these functional modules.

[0039] In one optional implementation, the transceiver unit is configured to receive a first message, the first message indicating the correspondence between N antenna modules and M radio frequency units of the first communication device, the N antenna modules being configured to adjust at least one of the antenna tilt angle, azimuth angle, or beamwidth, where N and M are positive integers, and M is less than or equal to N.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment, the communication device further includes a storage unit (sometimes also called a storage module), and the processing unit is configured to couple with the storage unit and execute programs or instructions in the storage unit to enable the communication device to perform the functions of the second communication device described in any one of the first to third aspects above.

[0041] Sixthly, a communication device is provided, the communication device including a memory and one or more processors. The memory is used to store part or all of a computer program or instructions necessary for implementing the functions involved in any of the first to third aspects described above. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer program or instructions, such that when the computer program or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the methods in any possible design or implementation of any of the first to third aspects described above.

[0042] In one possible design, the communication device may further include an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0043] In one possible design, the communication device may also include the memory.

[0044] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the methods performed by the first communication device, the second communication device, or the network device in the preceding aspects to be implemented.

[0045] Eighthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, causes the methods described in the above aspects to be implemented.

[0046] Ninthly, a chip system is provided, including a processor and an interface, the processor being configured to call and execute instructions from the interface to enable the chip system to implement the methods of the above aspects.

[0047] The technical effects that can be achieved by any of the second to ninth aspects described above can be described with reference to the technical effects that can be achieved by any possible implementation of the first aspect described above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 A communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a connection method between an ALD and an RRU.

[0050] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a system architecture provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific operating methods in the method embodiments can also be applied to the device embodiments or system embodiments.

[0055] The terms "system" and "network" in this application embodiment can be used interchangeably. "Multiple" refers to two or more; therefore, in this application embodiment, "multiple" can also be understood as "at least two". "At least one" can be understood as one or more, such as one, two, or more. For example, including at least one means including one, two, or more, and is not limited to which ones are included. For example, including at least one of A, B, and C means including A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Similarly, the understanding of descriptions such as "at least one" is similar. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. In addition, the character " / ", unless otherwise specified, generally indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship.

[0056] Unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects, and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority, or importance of multiple objects. Furthermore, the descriptions of “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” do not necessarily imply that the objects are different.

[0057] The embodiments of this application can be applied to various mobile communication systems, such as: new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, advanced long term evolution (LTE-A) systems, future communication systems, and other communication systems, and are not limited thereto. For example, please refer to... Figure 1 This is a communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. Optionally, the communication system also includes an Internet 300. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., Figure 1 110a and 110b (collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (such as Figure 1 RAN100, denoted as RAN100, comprises RAN nodes 120a-120j, collectively referred to as RAN120. RAN100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Terminal 120 is connected to RAN node 110 wirelessly. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 wirelessly or via wired connection. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0058] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative, for example... Figure 1 Network element 120i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 1Network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0059] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc. Figure 1 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 1 The RAN node can be a relay node or donor node (as described in section 110b), or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node can also be equipped with communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The RAN node can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions and corresponding program instructions. The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node functions.

[0060] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0061] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0062] Taking a RAN node as an example, a base station is equipped with an ALD (Alternating Range Controller). The ALD can manage and optimize the performance of the antenna link. For example, the ALD includes RET (Remote Azimuth Steering) devices, Remote Azimuth Steering (RAS) devices, and Remote Azimuth Beamwidth (RAB) devices. The ALD can adjust the antenna tilt angle through the RET device, the antenna azimuth angle through the RAS device, and the antenna beamwidth through the RAB device.

[0063] An ALD (Advanced Digital Lever) can typically connect to multiple antennas (or antenna arrays) of different frequency bands. That is, the antennas connected to the ALD are usually multi-frequency antennas, and the ALD can adjust the tilt angle, azimuth angle, or beamwidth of these multiple antennas of different frequency bands. Taking the adjustment of the tilt angle of multiple antennas of different frequency bands by the ALD as an example, the ALD can include multiple RET (Remote Antenna Units) for adjusting the tilt angle of these multiple antennas of different frequency bands. One RET device can adjust the tilt angle of one antenna, or it can adjust the tilt angle of multiple antennas; that is, one RET device can correspond to one antenna, or it can correspond to multiple antennas. When one RET device corresponds to multiple antennas, these multiple antennas can be antennas of the same frequency band, or they can be antennas of different frequency bands. In this embodiment, one RET device corresponding to one antenna is used as an example.

[0064] An ALD can connect to a base station. For example, an ALD can connect to a base station's RRU or AAU. Taking the connection between an ALD and a base station's RRU as an example, one ALD can connect to at least one RRU, and one RRU can connect to at least one ALD. When an RRU is connected to multiple ALDs, the connection between these multiple ALDs is a cascaded connection.

[0065] A terminal can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. A terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, transportation vehicles with wireless communication capabilities, communication modules, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal. A terminal typically contains a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication function. The terminal can also be configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication function.

[0066] Please refer to Figure 2 This is a connection method between ALD and RRU. For example... Figure 2As shown, ALD is connected to RRU1. RRU1 and ALD can communicate via the Antenna Interface Standards Group (AISG) protocol. For example, RRU1 can send a signal to ALD to adjust the antenna tilt angle through this connection.

[0067] The ALD includes four RET devices: RET0 is connected to antenna 1, RET1 to antenna 2, RET2 to antenna 3, and RET3 to antenna 4. Antennas 1 and 2 are connected to RRU1, and antennas 3 and 4 are connected to RRU2. The antennas and RRUs are connected via jumpers for power transfer; that is, RRU1 can transmit signals through antennas 1 and 2, and RRU2 can transmit signals through antennas 3 and 4.

[0068] Since RRU2 is not connected to ALD and cannot communicate with ALD, the signal used to adjust the antenna tilt angle is sent by RRU1. However, RRU1 needs to know the correspondence between RRU and RET devices when sending signals to ALD.

[0069] Currently, the correspondence between RRU and RET devices is recorded by construction personnel during on-site installation and maintenance. However, there may be errors or omissions in the records. For example, during on-site installation, the personnel may record that RET0 corresponds to RRU2. This could lead to a situation where, when RRU1 instructs ALD to adjust the tilt angle of the antenna corresponding to RRU2 (e.g., antenna 3) based on this correspondence, ALD actually adjusts the tilt angle of antenna 1, resulting in poor antenna link optimization performance.

[0070] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method in which a first communication device (e.g., ALD) can detect the correspondence between antenna modules (e.g., RETs) and radio frequency units (e.g., RRUs) and send the correspondence to a second communication device (e.g., an RRU connected to the ALD). Compared to the method of recording by construction personnel, this helps to improve the accuracy of the obtained correspondence between antenna modules and radio frequency units. In addition, by reporting the correspondence through the ALD, unused RETs can be identified in a timely manner, which helps to improve the utilization rate of RETs.

[0071] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture provided for an embodiment of this application. This system architecture can also be referred to as a network management system architecture, etc. The system architecture includes: management service consumers, management service providers, and network elements. The management service provider includes a cross-domain management functional unit and a domain management functional unit. Each unit is briefly described below.

[0072] (1) Managing service consumers.

[0073] Management service consumers are used to request and invoke management services. For example, a management service consumer can initiate a management service invocation request to a management domain (such as a cross-domain management unit or a single-domain management unit). An example of a management service consumer is a third-party entity, such as a management system in a vertical industry, which can initiate management service invocation requests to a management domain (a cross-domain management system or a single-domain management system).

[0074] (2) Cross-domain management function unit.

[0075] A cross-domain management function unit, also known as a network management function (NMF) or a cross-domain management system (NMS), is used as an example in the following embodiments. The cross-domain management function unit is responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of the network. One cross-domain management function unit can manage one or more domain management function units, such as a domain management function unit managing the radio access network domain and a domain management function unit managing the core network domain.

[0076] (3) Domain management function unit.

[0077] A domain management function unit can also be called a single-domain management function unit or a single-domain management system (EMS). In the following embodiments, the domain management function unit is an EMS. An EMS may include, for example, a subnetwork management function (NMF), a network element / function management function, an EMS for the RAN domain, or an EMS for the core network domain. An EMS can manage one or more network elements. For example, an EMS for the radio access network domain can manage access network elements, while an EMS for the core network domain can manage network data analytics function (NWDAF) elements, user plane function (UPF) elements, session management function (SMF) elements, access and mobility management function (AMF) elements, etc.

[0078] (4) Network element.

[0079] Network elements are entities that provide network services, including radio access network elements, core network elements (not shown in the diagram), and transport network elements (not shown in the diagram). For example, core network elements may include, but are not limited to, access and mobility management function (AMF) entities, session management function (SMF) entities, policy control function (PCF) entities, user plane function (UPF) entities, network data analysis function (NWDAF) entities, network repository function (NRF) entities, gateways, etc.

[0080] In addition, ORAN also includes a service management and orchestration (SMO) system. The role of the SMO system in the network architecture is similar to that of NMS. It is responsible for the operation, management and maintenance of network services and orchestration functions in each domain. For example, it can manage network elements in each domain (such as radio access network elements, NWDAF elements, etc.).

[0081] The communication method and apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that this application uses a first communication device, a second communication device, and a network device as examples of the execution entities in the interactive illustration, but this application does not limit the execution entities in the interactive illustration. For example, the method executed by the network device in this application can also be implemented by a module (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) in the network device, or a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device. Similarly, the method executed by the first communication device in this application can also be implemented by a module (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) in the first communication device, or a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first communication device. Likewise, the method executed by the second communication device in this application can also be implemented by a module (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) in the second communication device, or a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second communication device.

[0082] To better illustrate the embodiments of this application, the communication methods provided by the embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the method flowcharts corresponding to the various embodiments of this application, all steps indicated by dashed lines are optional steps. The methods provided by the various embodiments of this application can be applied to... Figure 3 The system architecture shown, for example, the network devices involved in the various embodiments of this application, can be... Figure 3 The EMS, NMS, or SMO system shown, or the network device, can be a device within the EMS, NMS, or SMO system, or the network device can also be... Figure 3 The BBU in the wireless access network element shown, and the second network device involved in the various embodiments of this application, can be... Figure 3 The RRU in the wireless access network element shown, and the first network device involved in the various embodiments of this application, can be a... Figure 3 The ALD is connected to the RRU in the wireless access network element shown.

[0083] This application provides a communication method, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The following is a flowchart of the method. In this embodiment, the first communication device is an ALD, the second communication device is an RRU (e.g., the first RRU) connected to the ALD, and the network device is an NMS.

[0084] S401: The first communication device sends a first message to the second communication device. Correspondingly, the RRU in the radio access network element receives the first message.

[0085] The ALD includes N antenna modules, which are used to adjust at least one of the antenna tilt angle, azimuth angle, or beamwidth, where N is a positive integer. It is understood that the ALD may also include other modules, such as an electronically controlled controller, a tower amplifier (TMA), a boost converter, etc., but this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0086] Optionally, the N antenna modules include at least one of RET devices, RAS devices, or RAB devices. For example, if the N antenna modules are used to adjust the tilt angle of the antenna, the N antenna modules can be N RET devices; if the N antenna modules are used to adjust the azimuth angle of the antenna, the N antenna modules can be N RAS devices; if the N antenna modules are used to adjust the beamwidth of the antenna, the N antenna modules can be N RAB devices; if the N antenna modules are used to adjust both the tilt angle and azimuth angle of the antenna, the N antenna modules can include N1 RET devices and N2 RAS devices, where N1 + N2 = N; if the N antenna modules... The N antenna modules are used to adjust the azimuth and beamwidth of the antenna. These N antenna modules can include M1 RAS devices and M2 RAB devices, where M1 + M2 = N. If the N antenna modules are used to adjust the tilt and beamwidth, they can include L1 RET devices and L2 RAB devices, where L1 + L2 = N. If the N antenna modules are used to adjust the tilt, azimuth, and beamwidth, they can include P1 RET devices, P2 RAS devices, and P3 RAB devices, where P1 + P2 + P3 = N.

[0087] It is understood that when N antenna modules include at least two types of devices, at least two of these devices may correspond to the same antenna. For example, the N antenna modules include N1 RET devices and N2 RAS devices, and RET1 among the N RET devices and RAS device 1 among the N RAS devices may correspond to the same antenna (e.g., antenna 1). In this embodiment, N antenna modules are taken as N RET devices.

[0088] The first message indicates the correspondence between the N RET devices and the M RRUs. Optionally, since there is a correspondence between cells and RRUs, the correspondence between each RET device and an RRU can be indicated by this correspondence. For example, the first message includes the identifier (ID) of the N RET devices, and the identifier (cell ID) of the cell corresponding to each of the N RET devices, which can be used to indicate the RRU. Since there may be at least two RET devices serving the same cell, there may also be at least two RET devices corresponding to the same RRU, therefore M is a positive integer less than or equal to N.

[0089] Optionally, before sending the first message to the first RRU, the ALD can also obtain the cell identifier corresponding to each of the N RET devices. That is, before executing S401, it can also execute S400a: the first communication device detects the correspondence between the N antenna modules and the M radio frequency units.

[0090] For example, the ALD can sequentially transmit signals through the antennas corresponding to the N RET devices included in the ALD, and demodulate cell information when transmitting signals through the antenna corresponding to each RET device. The ALD can determine the cell corresponding to each RET device based on the cell information corresponding to each RET device. Optionally, the ALD may include a communication module. When the ALD transmits signals through the antenna corresponding to a RET device (e.g., RET device 1), the communication module can demodulate cell information, and the ALD can determine the cell corresponding to RET device 1 based on the demodulated cell information. The cell information may include the identifier of at least one cell. Optionally, the cell information may also include, for example, information such as the operating frequency band, standard, frequency point, or signal strength of each of the at least one cells.

[0091] Therefore, optionally, the first message may also include one or more of the following: the first time the ALD detects the correspondence between the N RET devices and the M RRUs, the identifier of the ALD (e.g., ALD ID), the standard information of the cell corresponding to each RET device, the frequency information of the cell corresponding to each RET device, or the signal strength of the cell corresponding to each RET device, to assist in determining the correspondence between each RET device and the RRU. The standard information of the cell corresponding to the RET device can be understood as the standard information of the cell served by the antenna of the RET device, such as LTE or NR; the frequency information of the cell corresponding to the RET device can be understood as the frequency information of the cell served by the antenna of the RET device, such as the cell's operating frequency band and frequency point; the signal strength of the cell corresponding to the RET device can be understood as the signal strength of the cell served by the antenna of the RET device, such as the reference signal received power (RSRP).

[0092] The first-time information is used to indicate the time when the correspondence between the N RET devices and the M RRUs was acquired. For example, if construction personnel adjust the connection between the antenna and the RRU, the correspondence between the RET devices and the RRUs will change. Therefore, the ALD can also send the first-time information of the correspondence between the N RET devices and the M RRUs. In this way, the first RRU can instruct the ALD to adjust the antenna tilt angle according to the latest correspondence, which helps to improve the accuracy of ALD management and optimization of antenna links.

[0093] The identifier, standard information, frequency information, or signal strength of the ALD are used to verify the correspondence between RET devices and RRUs, or to assist in determining the RRU corresponding to each RET device when the cell information corresponding to each RET device includes information from multiple cells.

[0094] For example, when the ALD detects the cells corresponding to RET devices, if the cell corresponding to a certain RET device (e.g., RET device 2) cannot provide normal service (i.e., the cell is out of service), and the ALD transmits a signal through the antenna corresponding to RET device 2, the ALD may demodulate cell information from other cells, thus obtaining an incorrect correspondence. Therefore, the first message may also include the ALD's identifier, and at least one of the following: standard information, frequency information, or signal strength of the cell corresponding to each RET device, used to verify the correspondence between the N RET devices and the M RRUs.

[0095] For example, if RET device 2 belongs to ALD1, the first message indicates that the cell identifier corresponding to RET device 2 is the identifier of cell 1. However, the distance between the location of the RRU (e.g., RRU-1) corresponding to cell 1 and the location of ALD1 is greater than a threshold, indicating that the antenna corresponding to RRU-1 may be connected to an ALD other than ALD1. Therefore, it can be considered that the RET device 1 and RRU-1 indicated by the first message are incorrect.

[0096] Alternatively, if the antenna corresponding to RET device 2 is of LTE standard, but the first message indicates that the cell corresponding to RET device 2 is of NR standard, it means that when ALD transmits signals through the antenna corresponding to RET device 2, the cell information demodulated by ALD is information of other cells. Therefore, it can be considered that the correspondence between RET device 2 and RRU (e.g., RRU-1) indicated by the first message is incorrect.

[0097] Alternatively, if the frequency band of the antenna corresponding to RET device 2 is a low frequency band, while the frequency band of the cell corresponding to RET device 2 indicated by the first message is a mid frequency band, it means that when ALD transmits signals through the antenna corresponding to RET device 2, the cell information demodulated by ALD is information from other cells. Therefore, it can be considered that the correspondence between RET device 2 and RRU (e.g., RRU-1) indicated by the first message is incorrect.

[0098] Alternatively, if the signal strength of the cell corresponding to RET device 2 in the first message is less than the threshold, it indicates that when ALD transmits a signal through the antenna corresponding to RET device 2, the cell information demodulated by ALD may not be the cell information of the cell served by the antenna corresponding to RET device 2. Therefore, it can be considered that the correspondence between RET device 2 and the cell included in the first message is incorrect.

[0099] For example, when the ALD detects the cell corresponding to the RET device, the ALD sends a signal through the antenna corresponding to each RET device. The cell information demodulated by the ALD may include information from multiple cells. Therefore, the first message may also include at least one of the following: the ALD's identifier, the standard information, frequency information, or signal strength of the cell corresponding to each RET device, to help determine the RRU corresponding to each RET device.

[0100] For example, the first message indicates that the cells corresponding to RET device 2 include cell 1, cell 2 and cell 3. Among them, only the location of the RRU (e.g. RRU-2) corresponding to cell 1 is less than or equal to the location of the ALD (e.g. ALD1) at a distance less than or equal to a threshold. This indicates that only the antenna corresponding to RRU-2 may be connected to ALD1. The ALD connected to the antennas corresponding to the RRUs (e.g. RRU-3 and RRU-4) corresponding to cells 2 and 3 is not ALD1. Therefore, it can be determined that the RRU corresponding to RET device 2 is RRU-2.

[0101] Alternatively, the standard of the antenna corresponding to RET device 2 is LTE, and the first message indicates that the cell corresponding to RET device 2 includes cell 1, cell 2 and cell 3, where cell 1 is LTE and cell 2 and cell 3 are NR. Therefore, it can be determined that the RRU corresponding to RET device 2 is the RRU corresponding to cell 1 (for example, RRU-2).

[0102] Alternatively, the frequency band of the antenna corresponding to RET device 2 is a low frequency band, and the first message indicates that the cell corresponding to RET device 2 includes cell 1, cell 2 and cell 3, where the frequency band of cell 1 is a low frequency band, the frequency band of cell 2 is a mid frequency band, and the frequency band of cell 3 is a high frequency band. Therefore, it can be determined that the RRU corresponding to RET device 2 is the RRU corresponding to cell 1 (for example, RRU-2).

[0103] Alternatively, the first message indicates that the cell corresponding to RET device 2 includes cell 1, cell 2 and cell 3, where the signal strength of cell 1 is -68dB, the signal strength of cell 2 is -105dB and the signal strength of cell 3 is -110dB. Therefore, it can be determined that the RRU corresponding to RET device 2 is the RRU corresponding to cell 1 (for example, RRU-2).

[0104] In addition, the ALD identifier can also enable management devices (such as the network devices described below) to promptly discover unused RET devices in the ALD. For example, if the management device determines that ALD1 includes 10 RET devices, but the first message only includes the correspondence between 5 RET devices and RRUs, the management device can discover that there may be 5 unused RET devices in ALD1, which helps to improve the utilization rate of RET devices.

[0105] For example, please refer to Table 1 for one example of the content included in the first message. In Table 1, the example is N=4, and the cell information corresponding to each RET includes information from 3 cells.

[0106] Table 1

[0107]

[0108] Optionally, the ALD sending the first message to the first RRU can be manually triggered by construction personnel installing the ALD on-site or adjusting the connection between the antenna and the RRU. For example, after the ALD is installed, the construction personnel can manually trigger the ALD to detect the correspondence between the RET device and the RRU. After the detection is completed, the ALD can send the first message to the first RRU. Alternatively, the ALD can send the first message to the first RRU after receiving an indication message from the first RRU. For example, the first RRU can send a second message to the ALD, which instructs the ALD to detect the correspondence between the RET device and the RRU. When the ALD receives the second message, it can detect the correspondence between the RET device and the RRU and send the first message to the first RRU after the detection is completed. Alternatively, the timing of the ALD sending the first message to the first RRU can be pre-configured. For example, the period for sending the first message can be set in the ALD. When the period arrives, the ALD can detect the correspondence between the RET device and the RRU and send the first message to the first RRU after the detection is completed. The first RRU can communicate with the ALD via the AISG protocol. For example, the first RRU is... Figure 2 The first RRU is shown as RRU1. Optionally, this first RRU belongs to the M RRUs.

[0109] It is understood that the timing of the ALD sending the first message to the first RRU is only an example. In other embodiments, the timing of the ALD sending the first message to the first RRU can also be determined in other ways. For example, after the ALD is installed, the construction personnel can manually trigger the ALD to detect the correspondence between the RET device and the RRU. After the ALD detects the correspondence, it can save the correspondence between the RET device and the RRU. After receiving the first indication information from the first RRU, it sends the first message to the first RRU. The first indication information is used to indicate the reporting of the correspondence between the RET device and the RRU. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0110] If the ALD sends the first message to the first RRU after receiving the second message from the first RRU, S400b can also be executed before executing S401: the second communication device sends the second message to the first communication device. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the second message.

[0111] The second message may include one or more of the following: the ALD's identifier, system information, or frequency information. The ALD's identifier is used to indicate the ALD (e.g., the target ALD) for which the correspondence between the RET device and the RRU needs to be detected.

[0112] The standard information can be used to indicate the RET devices to be detected. For example, an ALD may include A RET devices, where A1 of these A RET devices have antennas with an LTE standard, and A-A1 RET devices have antennas with an NR standard. The first RRU can instruct the ALD to detect the correspondence between the RET devices with LTE antennas and the RRUs; that is, the ALD can only detect the correspondence between the A1 RET devices and the RRUs, without detecting the correspondence between the A-A1 RET devices and the RRUs. Alternatively, the first RRU can also instruct the ALD to detect the correspondence between the RET devices with NR antennas and the RRUs; that is, the ALD can only detect the correspondence between the A-A1 RET devices and the RRUs, without detecting the correspondence between the A1 RET devices and the RRUs. Alternatively, the first RRU can also instruct the ALD to detect the correspondence between the RET devices with both LTE and NR antennas and the RRUs; that is, the ALD can detect the correspondence between the A RET devices and the RRUs. In this context, the antenna standard can be understood as the standard of the cell served by the antenna.

[0113] Frequency information can also be used to indicate the RET device to be detected. For example, ALD includes A RET devices, of which A2 RET devices have antennas that support low frequency bands, and A-A2 RET devices have antennas that support high frequency bands. The first RRU can instruct the ALD to detect the correspondence between RET devices and RRUs whose corresponding antennas support low-frequency bands. That is, the ALD can only detect the correspondence between A2 RET devices and RRUs, and not the correspondence between A-A2 RET devices and RRUs. Alternatively, the first RRU can also instruct the ALD to detect the correspondence between RET devices and RRUs whose corresponding antennas support high-frequency bands. That is, the ALD can only detect the correspondence between A-A2 RET devices and RRUs, and not the correspondence between A2 RET devices and RRUs. Or, the first RRU can also instruct the ALD to detect the correspondence between RET devices and RRUs whose corresponding antennas support both low-frequency and high-frequency bands. That is, the ALD can detect the correspondence between A RET devices and RRUs. Here, the frequency band supported by the antenna can be understood as the operating frequency band of the cell served by the antenna.

[0114] Optionally, the content of the first message can be related to the second message. For example, if the second message includes standard information, the ALD can transmit signals only through the antenna corresponding to the RET device whose antenna standard is the standard indicated by the second message. That is, the ALD can only detect the correspondence between the RET device whose antenna standard is the standard indicated by the second message and the RRU. For example, if the standard indicated by the second message is LTE, the ALD device can only detect the correspondence between the RET device whose antenna standard is LTE and the RRU. In this case, since the standard of the antennas corresponding to the N RET devices included in the first message is the same, and the first RRU knows the standard of the antennas corresponding to the N RET devices, the first message may not include standard information.

[0115] If the second message includes frequency information, the ALD can transmit signals only to the antennas corresponding to the RET devices in the frequency band indicated by the second message, using only the frequency bands supported by the corresponding antennas. In other words, the ALD can only detect the correspondence between RET devices and RRUs whose corresponding antennas support the frequency bands indicated by the second message. For example, if the frequency band indicated by the second message is a low-frequency band, the ALD can only detect the correspondence between RET devices and RRUs whose corresponding antennas support low-frequency bands. Since the N RET devices included in the first message all support the same frequency band, and the first RRU knows the frequency bands supported by the antennas of these N RET devices, the first message does not need to include frequency information, thus reducing the ALD's reporting overhead.

[0116] If the second message includes system and frequency information, or if the second message does not include system and frequency information, the ALD can detect the correspondence between all RET devices and RRUs included in it. Therefore, the first message can include system and frequency information.

[0117] Alternatively, the content of the first message may be unrelated to the second message, meaning that the content of the first message may be decoupled from the content of the second message.

[0118] S402: The second communication device sends a third message to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the third message.

[0119] After receiving the first message indicating the correspondence between the N RET devices and the M RRUs, the first RRU can also send the correspondence between the N RET devices and the M RRUs to the NMS, that is, the first RRU sends a third message to the NMS indicating the correspondence between the N RET devices and the M RRUs.

[0120] Optionally, the content of the third message may be related to the content of the first message. For example, if the information in the first message indicating the correspondence between N RET devices and M RRUs includes the identifiers of the N RET devices and the identifier of the cell corresponding to each RET device, then the information in the third message indicating the correspondence between the N RET devices and M RRUs may also include the identifiers of the N RET devices and the identifier of the cell corresponding to each RET device. Alternatively, if the first message also includes at least one of the following: first time, ALD ID, standard information of the cell corresponding to each RET device, frequency information of the cell corresponding to each RET device, or signal strength of the cell corresponding to each RET device, the third message may also include at least one of the following: first time, ALD ID, standard information of the cell corresponding to each RET device, frequency information of the cell corresponding to each RET device, or signal strength of the cell corresponding to each RET device. It is understood that when the content of the third message is related to the content of the first message, the content of the third message may be less than the content of the first message, or the content of the third message may be the same as the content of the first message. For example, the first time is the time when ALD detects the correspondence between N RET devices and M RRUs. That is, the first time is determined by ALD. Therefore, if the first message includes the first time, the third message may or may not include the first time. If the first message does not include the first time, then the third message will also not include the first time.

[0121] When the NMS receives the third message, it can determine the correspondence between the N RET devices and the M RRUs based on the third message. For example, the NMS can determine the RRU corresponding to the RET device based on the identifier of the cell corresponding to the RET device. Taking the third message as having the same content as the first message, and the first message having the content shown in Table 1 as an example, the correspondence between the N RET devices and the M RRUs determined by the NMS based on the third message can be found in Table 2.

[0122] Table 2

[0123]

[0124]

[0125] Optionally, there may be scenarios where the same cell corresponds to multiple RRUs. That is, when the NMS determines the RRU corresponding to a cell based on the cell ID, it may identify multiple RRUs. In this case, the NMS can determine the target RRU based on the signal strength of the two RRUs. For example, if the cell with cell identifier A495A0D corresponds to two RRUs, the NMS can obtain the signal strength of each RRU from the configuration information of these two RRUs and determine the RRU with the signal strength closest to that in the first message as the target RRU.

[0126] Optionally, the NMS is the Operation and Maintenance Center, responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of the network. Therefore, in this embodiment, the NMS can trigger the detection of the correspondence between RET devices and RRUs. That is, the NMS determines whether it is necessary to detect the correspondence between RET devices and RRUs. When the NMS determines that it is necessary to detect the correspondence between RET devices and RRUs, it can send an indication message to the first RRU, instructing the first RRU to trigger the detection of the correspondence between RET devices and RRUs. When the first RRU receives the indication message from the NMS, it can send an indication message (i.e., the aforementioned second message) to the ALD, instructing the ALD to detect the correspondence between RET devices and RRUs. Therefore, optionally, before executing S402, S403 can also be executed: the network device sends a fourth message to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the fourth message.

[0127] The fourth message may include one or more of the following: the identifier of the first RRU, system information, frequency information, or detection mode. The identifier of the first RRU indicates the RRU connected to the target ALD; the descriptions of the system and frequency information can be found in the second message and will not be repeated here; the detection mode indicates single detection or periodic detection. If the detection mode indicates single detection, the first RRU may send the second message to the ALD only once; if the detection mode indicates periodic detection, the first RRU may send the second message to the ALD periodically.

[0128] If the fourth message includes a detection mode that indicates periodic detection, the period or number of times the first RRU sends the second message to the ALD can be predefined or indicated by the NMS. Therefore, optionally, the fourth message can also include the number of detections and / or the detection period. The number of detections indicates the total number of times the first RRU sends the second message to the ALD, and the detection period indicates the time during which the first RRU sends the second message to the ALD.

[0129] In this embodiment, the ALD can detect the correspondence between RET devices and RRUs and send this correspondence to the NMS, enabling the NMS to manage and optimize antenna link performance based on the correspondence, such as adjusting the antenna tilt angle, azimuth angle, or beamwidth. Furthermore, detecting the correspondence between RET devices and RRUs using ALD is more accurate than recording the correspondence during on-site installation or maintenance by construction personnel, thus helping to improve the NMS's management and optimization of antenna link performance.

[0130] Figure 5A schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application is provided. The communication device 500 may be... Figure 4 The first communication device or circuit system of the first communication device described in the illustrated embodiment is used to implement the method corresponding to the first communication device in the above method embodiments. Alternatively, the communication device 500 may also be... Figure 4 The second network device or the circuit system in the second network device described in the illustrated embodiment is used to implement the method corresponding to the second network device in the above method embodiments. Alternatively, the communication device 500 may also be... Figure 4 The network device or circuit system in the illustrated embodiment is used to implement the method corresponding to the network device in the above method embodiments. For example, one type of circuit system is a chip or chip system.

[0131] The communication device 500 includes at least one processor 501. The processor 501 can be used for internal processing within the device to implement certain control processing functions. Optionally, the processor 501 includes instructions. Optionally, the processor 501 can store data. Optionally, different processors can be independent devices, located in different physical locations, or located on different integrated circuits. Optionally, different processors can be integrated into one or more processors, for example, integrated on one or more integrated circuits.

[0132] Optionally, the communication device 500 includes one or more memories 503 for storing instructions. Optionally, the memories 503 may also store data. The processor and the memories may be separate or integrated together.

[0133] Optionally, the communication device 500 includes a communication line 502 and at least one communication interface 504. Since the memory 503, communication line 502, and communication interface 504 are all optional, therefore... Figure 5 All are represented by dashed lines.

[0134] Optionally, the communication device 500 may further include a transceiver. The transceiver can be used to send information to or receive information from other devices. The transceiver may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver circuit, input / output interface, etc., and is used to implement the transmission and reception functions of the communication device 500.

[0135] For example, communication device 500 is Figure 4 The first communication device described in the illustrated embodiment has a transceiver used to send a first message. The first message is used to indicate the correspondence between N antenna modules and M radio frequency units of the first communication device. The N antenna modules are used to adjust at least one of the antenna tilt angle, azimuth angle, or beamwidth. N and M are positive integers, and M is less than or equal to N.

[0136] For example, communication device 500 is Figure 4 The second network device (e.g., a first RRU) described in the illustrated embodiment has a transceiver used to receive a first message from a first communication device. Optionally, the transceiver includes a transmitter and a receiver.

[0137] Processor 501 may include a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of programs according to the present application.

[0138] Communication line 502 may include a path for transmitting information between the aforementioned components.

[0139] Communication interface 504 uses any transceiver-like device for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), wired access network, etc.

[0140] Memory 503 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. Memory 503 may exist independently and be connected to processor 501 via communication line 502. Alternatively, memory 503 may be integrated with processor 501.

[0141] The memory 503 stores computer execution instructions for implementing the scheme of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 501. The processor 501 executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 503, thereby realizing... Figure 4 The steps performed by the first communication device, the second network device, or the network device in the illustrated embodiments.

[0142] Optionally, the computer execution instructions in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as application code, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0143] In a specific implementation, as one example, the processor 501 may include one or more CPUs, for example... Figure 5 CPU0 and CPU1 in the CPU.

[0144] In a specific implementation, as one example, the communication device 500 may include multiple processors, such as... Figure 5 Processors 501 and 505 are described in the text. Each of these processors may be a single-core (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. Here, "processor" can refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores used to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0145] when Figure 5 When the communication device 500 shown is a chip, such as a first communication device, a second network device, or a network device chip, the chip includes a processor 501 (and may also include a processor 505), a communication line 502, and a communication interface 504. Optionally, it may include a memory 503. Specifically, the communication interface 504 may be an input interface, pins, or circuits, etc. The memory 503 may be a register, cache, etc. The processor 501 and processor 505 may be a general-purpose CPU, microprocessor, ASIC, or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of a program that controls the communication method of any of the above embodiments.

[0146] This application embodiment can divide the device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, when dividing the device into functional modules according to each function, Figure 6A schematic diagram of an apparatus 600 is shown. This apparatus 600 can be the first communication device, the second network device, or a network device involved in the various method embodiments described above. The apparatus 600 includes a transmitting unit 601, a processing unit 602, and a receiving unit 603. The transmitting unit 601 and the receiving unit 603 can be two functional units, each implementing a transmitting function and a receiving function, respectively; alternatively, the transmitting unit 601 and the receiving unit 603 can be a single functional unit, capable of both transmitting and receiving functions.

[0147] It should be understood that the device 600 can be used to implement the steps performed by the first communication device, the second network device, or the network device in the communication method of the embodiments of this application, and the relevant features can be referred to above. Figure 4 The embodiments shown are not described in detail here.

[0148] Optional, Figure 6 The functions / implementation processes of the transmitting unit 601, receiving unit 603, and processing unit 602 can be understood through... Figure 5 The processor 501 in the memory calls computer execution instructions stored in memory 503 to implement the function. Alternatively, Figure 6 The function / implementation process of the processing unit 602 can be achieved through... Figure 5 The processor 501 in the memory calls computer execution instructions stored in the memory 503 to implement this. Figure 6 The functions / implementation process of the transmitting unit 601 and the receiving unit 603 can be obtained through Figure 5 It is implemented using the communication interface 504.

[0149] Optionally, when the device 600 is a chip or circuit, the functions / implementation of the transmitting unit 601 and the receiving unit 603 can also be implemented through pins or circuits, etc.

[0150] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed, they implement the methods performed by the first communication device, the second network device, or a network device in the aforementioned method embodiments. Thus, the functions described in the above embodiments can be implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to it, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0151] This application also provides a computer program product comprising: computer program code, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method executed by the first communication device, the second network device, or the network device in any of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0152] This application also provides a processing apparatus, including a processor and an interface; the processor is used to execute the methods executed by the first communication device, the second network device, or the network device involved in any of the above method embodiments.

[0153] 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. 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 medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0154] The various illustrative logic units and circuits described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented or operate the described functions using a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), ASIC, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor; alternatively, it can be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor can also be implemented using a combination of computing devices, such as a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a digital signal processor core, or any other similar configuration.

[0155] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in the embodiments of this application can be directly embedded in hardware, software units executed by a processor, or a combination of both. The software units can be stored in RAM, flash memory, ROM, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), EEPROM, registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium in the art. Exemplarily, the storage medium can be connected to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium can also be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage medium can be disposed in an ASIC, which can be disposed in the terminal device. Optionally, the processor and storage medium can also be disposed in different components of the terminal device.

[0156] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0157] The contents of the various embodiments of this application can be referenced to each other. Unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0158] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the first communication device, the second network device, or the network device may execute some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and other operations or variations thereof may also be performed in the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessary to perform all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first communication device, the method includes: Send a first message, which is used to indicate the correspondence between N antenna modules and M radio frequency units of the first communication device. The N antenna modules are used to adjust at least one of the antenna tilt angle, azimuth angle or beamwidth. N and M are positive integers, and M is less than or equal to N.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a second message, which is used to indicate the correspondence between the antenna module and the radio frequency unit of the first communication device.

3. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second communication device, the method includes: Receive a first message, which is used to indicate the correspondence between N antenna modules and M radio frequency units of the first communication device. The N antenna modules are used to adjust at least one of the antenna tilt angle, azimuth angle or beamwidth. N and M are positive integers, and M is less than or equal to N.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, which is used to indicate the correspondence between the antenna module and the radio frequency unit of the first communication device.

5. The method as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third message is sent, which is used to indicate the correspondence between the N antenna modules and the M radio frequency units.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: A fourth message is received, which is used to indicate the correspondence between the antenna module and the radio frequency unit of the first communication device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-2 and 3-6, characterized in that, The first message includes the identifiers of the N antenna modules and the identifier of the cell corresponding to each of the N antenna modules, wherein the cell identifier is used to indicate the radio frequency unit.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The first message also includes one or more of the following: The first time is the time when the first communication device detects the correspondence between the N antenna modules and the M radio frequency units; The identifier of the first communication device; The standard information of the cell corresponding to each antenna module; The frequency information of the cell corresponding to each antenna module; or, The signal strength of the cell corresponding to each antenna module.

9. The method according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 6, characterized in that, The second message includes at least one of the identifier, standard information, or frequency information of the first communication device.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to network devices, the method includes: A third message is received, which is used to indicate the correspondence between N antenna modules and M radio frequency units of the first communication device. The N antenna modules are used to adjust at least one of the antenna tilt angle, azimuth angle or beamwidth. N and M are positive integers, and M is less than or equal to N.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: A fourth message is sent, which is used to indicate the correspondence between the antenna module and the radio frequency unit of the first communication device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 5-6 and 10-11, characterized in that, The third message includes the identifiers of the N antenna modules and the identifier of the cell corresponding to each of the N antenna modules, wherein the cell identifier is used to indicate the radio frequency unit.

13. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The third message also includes one or more of the following: The first time is the time when the first communication device detects the correspondence between the N antenna modules and the M radio frequency units; The identifier of the first communication device; The standard information of the cell corresponding to each antenna module; The frequency information of the cell corresponding to each antenna module; or, The signal strength of the cell corresponding to each antenna module.

14. The method as described in claim 6 or 11, characterized in that, The fourth message includes one or more of the following: The identifier of the second communication device; Standard information; Frequency information; or, A detection mode, which indicates whether a single detection or a periodic detection is performed.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The fourth message includes the detection mode, and the detection mode indicates periodic detection. The fourth message also includes the number of detections and / or the detection cycle.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-2, 9-11, or for performing the method as described in any one of claims 3-6, 9-15, or for performing the method as described in any one of claims 7-8, 12-15.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-2, 9-11, or any one of claims 3-6, 9-15, or any one of claims 7-8, 12-15.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1-2, 9-11 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 3-6, 9-15 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 7-8, 12-15 to be performed.

19. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-2, 9-11, or as described in any one of claims 3-6, 9-15, or as described in any one of claims 7-8, 12-15.

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