Communication method, communication device, and communication system

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application disclose a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system for improving the detection accuracy of detecting a faulty base station. In the method of the embodiments of the present application, when a first network device needs to detect a faulty network device, the first network device may instruct a second network device to transmit an out-of-sync detection sequence on a downlink traffic channel, and instruct a third network device adjacent to the second network device to detect the out-of-sync detection sequence. If the out-of-sync detection sequence is detected, this indicates that the second network device and the third network device are out of sync, and the first network device may determine the faulty network device based on the detection result of the third network device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202110564861.2, titled "COMMUNICATION METHOD, COMMUNICATION APPARATUS, AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on May 24, 2021, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Technical Field The present invention relates to the field of communications, and in particular, to a communication method, a communication apparatus, and a communication system.

Background Art

[0003] A time division duplex (TDD) system is a system that requires synchronization of the clocks of base stations. If the clock of a faulty base station is not synchronized with the clock of another base station, for example, when a synchronization loss or a severe offset occurs, the downlink data of that base station may interfere with the uplink data of that other base station, and the downlink data of that other base station may also interfere with the uplink data of that base station. This causes a serious degradation of the service experience.

[0004] In the prior art, a base station detects whether the base station is synchronized based on a special detection sequence. If a special detection sequence is detected through mutual detection of base stations, this indicates that the two base stations are synchronized.

[0005] However, when a base station is subject to external interference, or when there are multiple faulty base stations simultaneously, cases of misdetection or detection omission are likely to occur during detection based on a special detection sequence.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system for improving the detection accuracy of detecting a failed base station.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] A first aspect of the present application provides a communication method. This method may be executed by a communication device, or may be executed by a component (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system) of the communication device, or may be executed by a logical module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication device. This method includes the following: A first network device transmits first indication information and second indication information. Here, the first indication information instructs the second network device to transmit an out-of-synchronization detection sequence on a downlink traffic channel. The second indication information instructs a third network device to detect the out-of-synchronization detection sequence and obtain a detection result. The out-of-synchronization detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are out of synchronization. The third network device is a neighboring station of the second network device. There are a plurality of third network devices. The first network device determines a failed network device based on the detection result.

[0008] In a first aspect, when a first network device needs to detect a faulty network device, the first network device instructs a second network device to send an out-of-sync detection sequence on a downlink traffic channel, and may instruct a third network device adjacent to the second network device to detect the out-of-sync detection sequence. If the out-of-sync detection sequence is detected, this indicates that the second network device and the third network device are out of sync, and the first network device may determine the faulty network device based on the detection result of the third network device. This solves the problem that when detecting a synchronization detection sequence, the base station is likely to be misjudged as being out of sync due to a missing detection, and improves the detection accuracy of detecting a faulty base station.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: the first network device further obtains a fault event. The fault event is reported by the second network device and the third network device. The first network device determines the second network device based on the fault event.

[0010] In the above possible implementation, the first network device may further obtain fault events reported by other network devices based on the monitoring results of the operating state of the first network device, aggregate these fault events, and select a network device with a high probability of failure as the second network device, thereby avoiding detecting all network devices simultaneously and reducing detection consumption.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the third network device is determined based on the second network device with reference to selection conditions, and the selection conditions include multiple items such as geographical location, clock topology, routing topology, and neighbor relationship.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the foregoing step in which the first network device determines a faulty network device based on the detection result includes the following: The first network device divides a plurality of second network devices and a plurality of third network devices into a plurality of synchronization groups based on the detection result. Each synchronization group includes second network devices and third network devices that are clock-synchronized. The first network device determines a reference group based on preset weights and quantities of network devices in each of the plurality of synchronization groups according to preset conditions. The first network device determines a faulty group from the plurality of synchronization groups based on the reference group. The network devices within the faulty group are faulty network devices.

[0013] In the foregoing possible implementation, the first network device may obtain the synchronization relationship between the second network device and the third network device based on the detection result of the third network device, divide the plurality of second network devices and the plurality of third network devices into a plurality of synchronization groups, and then select, as the reference group, a synchronization group having preset weights and quantities of network devices that meet preset conditions from the plurality of synchronization groups. That is, groups other than the reference group within the plurality of synchronization groups are faulty groups, and the network devices within the faulty groups are faulty network devices. Thereby, the feasibility of the solution is improved.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the first instruction information further instructs to send a synchronization detection sequence to the second network device, the second instruction information further instructs to detect the synchronization detection sequence by the third network device, the detection result includes the result of detecting the synchronization detection sequence by the third network device, and the synchronization detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are synchronized.

[0015] In the above possible implementation, the first network device may further instruct the second network device to send a synchronization detection sequence and instruct the third network device to detect the synchronization detection sequence. The third network device can simultaneously feedback the results of detecting the synchronization detection sequence and the out-of-synchronization detection sequence, thereby improving the accuracy of detecting the synchronized network device.

[0016] A second aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides a communication method. This method may be executed by a communication device, or may be executed by a component of the communication device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system), or may be executed by a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the communication device. This method includes the following: The second network device obtains first indication information. The first indication information instructs to send an out-of-synchronization detection sequence. The out-of-synchronization detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are out of synchronization. The second network device sends an out-of-synchronization detection sequence on the downlink traffic channel based on the first indication information.

[0017] In the second aspect, the second network device may distribute an out-of-synchronization detection sequence on the downlink traffic channel based on the first indication information from the first network device. As a result, the network device adjacent to the second network device detects whether the network device adjacent to the second network device is out of synchronization with the second network device, and the first network device can determine the faulty network device, thereby improving the detection accuracy of detecting the faulty base station.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the first indication information further instructs to send a synchronization detection sequence, and the synchronization detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are synchronized.

[0019] A third aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides a communication method. This method may be executed by a communication device, or may be executed by a component of the communication device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system), or may be executed by a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the communication device. This method includes the following: A third network device obtains second indication information. The second indication information is used to indicate to detect an out-of-synchronization detection sequence. The out-of-synchronization detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are out of synchronization. The third network device detects the out-of-synchronization detection sequence based on the second indication information and obtains a detection result. The third network device transmits the detection result to the first network device.

[0020] In the third aspect, the third network device detects an out-of-synchronization detection sequence on a downlink traffic channel based on the second notification information from the first network device, determines whether the third network device and the second network device described in the out-of-synchronization detection sequence are out of synchronization, and may feedback the detection result to the first network device. As a result, the first network device can determine a faulty network device, and the detection accuracy of detecting a faulty base station can be improved.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the second indication information further indicates to detect a synchronization detection sequence. The synchronization detection sequence is from the second network device and is used to detect whether two network devices are synchronized.

[0022] A fourth aspect of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device includes: a transmission unit configured to transmit first indication information and second indication information, where the first indication information instructs a second network device to transmit an out-of-synchronization detection sequence on a downlink traffic channel, the second indication information instructs a third network device to detect the out-of-synchronization detection sequence and obtain a detection result, the out-of-synchronization detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are out of synchronization, the third network device is an adjacent station of the second network device, and there are a plurality of third network devices; and a determination unit configured to determine a faulty network device based on the detection result.

[0023] This communication device is configured to execute the method in any one of the first aspect or the implementation of the first aspect.

[0024] A fifth aspect of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire first indication information, where the first indication information instructs to transmit an out-of-synchronization detection sequence, and the out-of-synchronization detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are out of synchronization; and a transmission unit configured to transmit the out-of-synchronization detection sequence on a downlink traffic channel based on the first indication information.

[0025] This communication device is configured to execute the method in any one of the second aspect or the implementation of the second aspect.

[0026] A sixth aspect of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire second indication information, where the second indication information instructs to detect an out-of-synchronization detection sequence, and the out-of-synchronization detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are out of synchronization; a detection unit configured to detect the out-of-synchronization detection sequence based on the second indication information and obtain a detection result; and a transmission unit configured to transmit the detection result to a first network device.

[0027] This communication device is configured to execute the method in either one of the third aspect or the implementation of the third aspect.

[0028] A seventh aspect of the present application provides a communication device including a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The processor is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory, enabling the communication device to execute the method provided in either one of the first aspect or an optional manner of the first aspect. The communication interface is configured to transmit and receive instructions. For specific details of the communication device provided in the seventh aspect, refer to either one of the first aspect or an optional manner of the first aspect. Details will not be described again here.

[0029] An eighth aspect of the present application provides a communication device including a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The processor is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory, enabling the communication device to execute the method provided in either one of the second aspect or an optional manner of the second aspect. The communication interface is configured to transmit and receive instructions. For specific details of the communication device provided in the eighth aspect, refer to either one of the second aspect or an optional manner of the second aspect. Details will not be described again here.

[0030] A ninth aspect of the present application provides a communication device including a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The processor is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory and to enable the communication device to execute a method provided in any one of the third aspect or an optional manner of the third aspect. The communication interface is configured to transmit and receive instructions. For specific details of the communication device provided in the ninth aspect, reference may be made to any one of the third aspect or an optional manner of the third aspect. The details will not be described again here.

[0031] A tenth aspect of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a program. When the program is executed, the computer executes a method provided in any one of the first aspect or an optional manner of the first aspect.

[0032] An eleventh aspect of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a program. When the program is executed, the computer executes a method provided in any one of the second aspect or an optional manner of the second aspect.

[0033] A twelfth aspect of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a program. When the program is executed, the computer executes a method provided in any one of the third aspect or an optional manner of the third aspect.

[0034] A thirteenth aspect of the present application provides a computer program product. When the computer program product is executed on a computer, the computer executes a method provided in any one of the first aspect or an optional manner of the first aspect.

[0035] A fourteenth aspect of the present application provides a computer program product. When the computer program product is executed on a computer, the computer executes a method provided in any one of the second aspect or an optional manner of the second aspect.

[0036] A fifteenth aspect of the present application provides a computer program product. When the computer program product is executed on a computer, the computer executes a method provided in any one of the third aspect or an optional manner of the third aspect.

[0037] A sixteenth aspect of the present application provides a communication system including a communication device in an optional manner of any one of the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, or the sixth aspect.

[0038] Optionally, the communication system may further include a terminal device.

Brief Description of Drawings

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Figure 1

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Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0050] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system for improving the detection accuracy of detecting a faulty base station.

[0051] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part, not all, of the embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art can know that the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems due to the development of technology and the emergence of new scenarios.

[0052] In the specification, claims, and appended drawings of this application, terms such as "first", "second", etc. are intended to distinguish similar objects and do not necessarily indicate a particular order or sequence. Data called in this way is interchangeable in appropriate circumstances, so it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification may be implemented in an order other than the order exemplified or described in this specification. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having", as well as any other variations, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a list of steps or units is not necessarily limited to the explicitly listed steps or units, and may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such a process, method, product, or device.

[0053] The specific term "example" in this specification means "used as an example, embodiment, or illustration". Embodiments described as "examples" are not necessarily described as being superior or better than other embodiments.

[0054] In addition, for a better explanation of this application, in the following specific implementations, a number of specific details are provided. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application may be implemented without some specific details. In some examples, methods, means, elements, and circuits well known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail so as to emphasize the main purpose of this application.

[0055] The technical solution provided in this application is applied to the communication system shown in FIG. 1. The communication system includes M base stations, and data may be transmitted between the M base stations via an air interface. M is greater than 1, and each of the M base stations has at least one adjacent station within the M base stations. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the M base stations include base station 1, base station 2, base station 3, base station 4, ···, base station M. For example, base station 1 has two adjacent stations, namely base station 2 and base station 3. Base station 2 has one adjacent station, which is base station 1. Base station 3 has two adjacent stations, namely base station 1 and base station 4. Base station 4 has one adjacent station, which is base station 3.

[0056] Optionally, the communication system may further include a network device, and the network device is separately connected to four base stations. The terminal device can communicate with one or more of the four base stations in FIG. 1 via an air interface.

[0057] A base station is a network element device configured to provide wireless services, and includes a building baseband unit (BBU) and a remote radio unit (RRU). The BBU is a baseband processing unit configured to provide base station services and provides a clock signal for the base station. The RRU is a service unit configured to transmit radio frequency signals to the surrounding area.

[0058] The communication system shown in FIG. 1 may be a communication system that supports fourth generation (4G) access technologies, such as long term evolution (LTE) access technologies. Alternatively, the communication system may be a communication system that supports fifth generation (5G) access technologies, such as new radio (NR) access technologies. Alternatively, the communication system may be a communication system that supports multiple radio technologies, such as a communication system that supports LTE technology and NR technology. In addition, the communication system may also be applicable to future-oriented communication technologies.

[0059] In the communication system shown in FIG. 1, the base station may be an evolved NodeB (eNB) in a communication system that supports 4G access technology, or may be a next generation NodeB (gNB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a relay node, an access point (AP), etc. in a communication system that supports 5G access technology.

[0060] The network device in the present application includes, for example, an access network device and / or a core network device. The access network device is a device having a wireless / wired transmission and reception function and is configured to communicate with a terminal device. The access network device includes, but is not limited to, a base station (BTS, NodeB, eNodeB / eNB or gNodeB / gNB) in the above-mentioned communication system, a transmission reception point (TRP), a base station that will evolve in 3GPP later, an access node in a Wi-Fi system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, etc. The base station may be a macro base station, a micro base station, a pico base station, a small cell, a relay station, etc. A plurality of base stations may support a network using the same access technology described above, or may support a network using different access technologies described above. The base station may include one or more co-site or non-co-site transmission reception points. Alternatively, the network device may be a wireless controller, a central unit (CU) and / or a distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Alternatively, the network device may be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle-mounted device, etc. For example, the network device in V2X technology may be a road side unit (RSU). Hereinafter, an example in which the access network device is a base station will be described. The plurality of network devices in the communication system may be of the same type of base station or different types of base stations.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present application, the first network device may be an operations & maintenance center (OMC), which is generally called an element management system or simply NMS for short. The second network device may be a base station to be detected, and the third network device may be an adjacent base station that may be interfered with.

[0062] The current method for detecting a faulty base station is a solution that implements a function for detecting a clock synchronization failure by using the result of mutually detecting synchronization sequences by surrounding the triggered base station. This solution implements a function for diagnosing a clock synchronization failure based on the periodic detection results of the synchronization sequences by the base station and its adjacent stations. Specifically, the function of transmitting and detecting a synchronization sequence signal within a gap area is used to confirm the effect of pairwise synchronization between two base stations. When two base stations are synchronized and the air interface path loss between the base stations is small, the two base stations can mutually detect the synchronization sequence. When two base stations are not synchronized, the two base stations cannot mutually detect the synchronization sequence.

[0063] When a desynchronized faulty base station causes interference to an adjacent synchronized base station, the signal in the downlink slot of the desynchronized faulty base station causes interference to the adjacent synchronized base station. The interference to the adjacent base station disappears immediately unless a signal is transmitted in the downlink slot of the desynchronized faulty base station. Based on the association relationship between the desynchronized faulty base station and the surrounding synchronized base stations of the desynchronized faulty base station, the desynchronized base station can transmit a group of silence sequences, and the surrounding synchronized base stations simultaneously detect and report changes in the interference signal. If multiple synchronized base stations simultaneously detect a silence sequence signal, the silent base station can be determined to be the faulty base station that causes interference to the surrounding base stations.

[0064] However, this solution is mainly limited by factors such as the resources of the air interface gap and the influence of changes in the external environment of the base station on the detection results, or the case where there are multiple base stations with clock synchronization failures in a certain area, etc. This causes a high false detection rate of clock synchronization failures.

[0065] To solve the above problems, the present application provides a communication method. The communication method is as follows.

[0066] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0067] 201: The OMC sends the first instruction information to the base station to be detected.

[0068] In an embodiment of the present application, the base station to be detected is a base station with a high failure probability, and there are multiple base stations to be detected. The OMC may distribute the first instruction information to multiple base stations to be detected. The first instruction information may instruct the base station to be detected to distribute a synchronization failure detection sequence on the downlink traffic channel according to a specific rule. The specific rule may be a specific time interval. When the base station receives the synchronization failure detection sequence, this indicates that the base station and the base station to be detected are in a synchronization failure state. The OMC may determine the synchronization state or synchronization failure state between the base station to be detected and another base station.

[0069] Optionally, the OMC may further obtain a failure event and determine a base station to be detected based on the failure event. Specifically, the OMC and a plurality of base stations performing network transmission monitor a clock synchronization failure event based on the operating states of the plurality of base stations. Then, the plurality of base stations may report an external interference event of the plurality of base stations or a state change event of a clock module or component of the plurality of base stations to the OMC. The plurality of base stations includes at least the base station to be detected and adjacent base stations. The OMC may summarize the events reported by the plurality of base stations and then select the base station to be detected according to a preset rule. The adjacent base stations are adjacent base stations that may be interfered with by the failed base station, and there are a plurality of adjacent base stations. The preset rule may be set in relation to the prior art and is not limited herein.

[0070] 202: The OMC transmits the second instruction information to the adjacent base station.

[0071] In an embodiment of the present application, when transmitting the first instruction information to the base station to be detected, the OMC may further transmit the second instruction information to an adjacent base station of the base station to be detected. The second instruction information may instruct the adjacent base station to detect an out-of-synchronization detection sequence on the uplink traffic channel, and the second instruction information may further instruct the period during which the adjacent base station detects the out-of-synchronization detection sequence. When the adjacent base station receives the out-of-synchronization detection sequence, this indicates that the adjacent base station and the base station corresponding to the out-of-synchronization detection sequence are in an out-of-synchronization state. In this way, for two base stations that are out of synchronization, the detection accuracy is high and the resistance to external interference is strong.

[0072] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, the neighboring base station may be determined based on the base station to be detected with reference to the selection conditions. The selection conditions may include a plurality of items such as geographical location, clock topology, and neighborhood relationship. Specifically, the OMC may determine the neighboring base station of the base station to be detected based on the geographical location, clock topology and routing topology of the base station to be detected, or the adjacency relationship between base stations. For example, refer to the schematic diagram of the selection of neighboring base stations in FIG. 3. A plurality of base stations are within a cellular cluster structure. The black cells are the faulty base stations, the cross-hatched cells are the base stations to be detected determined by the OMC, the vertically hatched cells are the potentially selected neighboring base stations based on the selection conditions, another base station is represented by a blank cell, and the neighboring base stations are intra-frequency base stations within the same physical area.

[0073] In the embodiments of the present application, the order of step 201 and step 202 is not limited.

[0074] 203: The base station to be detected transmits a synchronization loss detection sequence on the downlink traffic channel based on the first indication information.

[0075] In the embodiments of the present application, after receiving the first indication information, the base station to be detected may distribute a synchronization loss detection sequence on the downlink traffic channel according to specific rules and based on the first indication information. Optionally, after distributing the synchronization loss detection sequence, the base station to be detected may further feedback the transmission result to the OMC. Specifically, when the transmission result is a transmission failure, the OMC may re-distribute the first indication information or find out the cause of the failure.

[0076] 204: The neighboring base station detects the synchronization loss detection sequence based on the second indication information and obtains the detection result.

[0077] In an embodiment of the present application, after receiving the second indication information, the neighboring base station may detect a desynchronization detection sequence during the period indicated by the second indication information and determine the detection result. Specifically, when the base station to be detected is synchronized with the neighboring base station, the desynchronization detection sequence cannot be detected on the uplink traffic channel of the neighboring base station. When the base station to be detected is not synchronized with the neighboring base station, the desynchronization detection sequence may be detected on the uplink traffic channel of the neighboring base station. The OMC may determine whether the two base stations are not synchronized based on the result of detecting the desynchronization sequence.

[0078] For example, the base station to be detected distributes a desynchronization detection sequence on the downlink traffic channel based on a specific rule. A schematic diagram of desynchronization detection in which the neighboring base station detects the desynchronization detection sequence on the uplink traffic channel is shown in FIG. 4. The base station to be detected distributes a desynchronization detection sequence (represented by a black block) to a plurality of slots (represented by blocks) of the downlink traffic channel. The synchronized neighboring base station can detect the desynchronization detection sequence within the same slot, and the asynchronous neighboring base station cannot detect the desynchronization detection sequence within the same slot.

[0079] 205: The neighboring base station transmits the detection result to the OMC.

[0080] In an embodiment of the present application, after determining the detection result, each neighboring base station may feedback the detection result to the OMC. As a result, the OMC summarizes and analyzes all the detection results.

[0081] 206: The OMC determines the faulty network device based on the detection result.

[0082] In an embodiment of the present invention, the OMC determines, based on all detection results, the synchronization relationship or out-of-synchronization relationship between each of a plurality of base stations to be detected and each of a plurality of neighboring base stations, and then, based on a plurality of synchronized base stations with a large amount of data, the corresponding out-of-synchronization base stations can be used as faulty network devices, that is, faulty base stations.

[0083] Optionally, the OMC divides the base stations to be detected and the neighboring base stations into a plurality of synchronization groups based on the detection results, and determines a reference group based on the preset weights and quantities of the network devices in each of the plurality of synchronization groups according to preset conditions, and can determine a faulty group from the plurality of synchronization groups based on the reference group.

[0084] Specifically, the OMC may determine the out-of-synchronization relationship between an adjacent base station and a base station to be detected corresponding to the out-of-synchronization detection sequence based on the detection result of whether the adjacent base station has detected the out-of-synchronization detection sequence. Specifically, when the adjacent base station does not detect the out-of-synchronization detection sequence, this indicates that the adjacent base station and the base station to be detected corresponding to the out-of-synchronization detection sequence are synchronized. When the adjacent base station detects the out-of-synchronization detection sequence, this indicates that the adjacent base station and the base station to be detected corresponding to the out-of-synchronization detection sequence are out of synchronization. Correspondingly, the OMC may determine a plurality of synchronization groups. The synchronization group includes the base stations to be detected with clock synchronization and the adjacent base stations. Base stations in different synchronization groups are in an out-of-synchronization relationship. The OMC may determine a reference group from the plurality of synchronization groups based on preset conditions. The preset condition is that a group having a preset weight and quantity of base stations meeting the requirements is selected as the reference group from the plurality of synchronization groups. For example, the synchronization group with the largest value calculated using the quantity and the preset weight is determined as the reference group from the plurality of base stations to be detected and the plurality of adjacent base stations. The preset weight may be an importance weight preset for each base station. Base stations in another synchronization group are out-of-synchronization base stations, that is, faulty network devices, with respect to the base stations in the reference group.

[0085] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the first instruction information may further instruct to distribute a synchronization detection sequence to the base station to be detected. Correspondingly, the second instruction information may further instruct the adjacent base station to detect the synchronization detection sequence. In other words, the detection result fed back by the adjacent base station to the OMC includes both the result of detecting the out-of-synchronization detection sequence and the result of detecting the synchronization detection sequence. The synchronization detection sequence can improve the accuracy of detecting synchronized base stations.

[0086] Specifically, the synchronization detection sequence may be transmitted in the GP area within the air interface frame of the TDD cell. Specifically, refer to the schematic diagram of synchronization detection shown in FIG. 5. For the uplink and downlink transmissions of two base stations, there is one or more special subframes. The base station may transmit the synchronization detection sequence in the GP area of the special subframe (represented by using black blocks in the drawing), or may detect the synchronization detection sequence in the GP area of the special subframe (represented by using blank blocks in the drawing). When the two base stations are synchronized and the air interface path loss between the base stations is small, the two base stations can detect the synchronization sequence mutually. However, when the two base stations are not synchronized, the two base stations cannot detect the synchronization sequence mutually. Therefore, the OMC may determine whether any two of the base stations participating in the detection are synchronized based on the result of detecting the synchronization sequence.

[0087] In the embodiment of the present application, when the first network device needs to detect a faulty network device, the first network device may instruct the second network device to transmit an out-of-synchronization detection sequence on the downlink traffic channel, and may instruct a third network device adjacent to the second network device to detect the out-of-synchronization detection sequence. When the out-of-synchronization detection sequence is detected, this indicates that the second network device and the third network device are out of synchronization, and the first network device may determine the faulty network device based on the detection result of the third network device. This solves the problem that it is easy to misjudge that the base station is out of synchronization due to detection omission when detecting the synchronization detection sequence, and improves the detection accuracy of detecting the faulty base station.

[0088] Furthermore, the first network device may further instruct the second network device to transmit a synchronization detection sequence and instruct the third network device to detect the synchronization detection sequence. The third network device may simultaneously feedback the result of detecting the synchronization detection sequence and the result of detecting the out-of-synchronization detection sequence, thereby improving the accuracy of detecting the synchronized network device.

[0089] The above describes the communication method. Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0090] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a communication device 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 6, this embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device includes a transmission unit 601 configured to transmit first instruction information and second instruction information. Here, the first instruction information instructs the second network device to transmit an out-of-synchronization detection sequence on the downlink traffic channel, and the second instruction information instructs the third network device to detect the out-of-synchronization detection sequence and obtain a detection result. The out-of-synchronization detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are out of synchronization. The third network device is an adjacent station of the second network device, and there are a plurality of third network devices. a determination unit 602 configured to determine a faulty network device based on the detection result.

[0092] Optionally, the determination unit 602 may further obtain a fault event, where the fault event is reported by the second network device and the third network device. be configured to determine the second network device based on the fault event.

[0093] Optionally, the third network device is determined based on the second network device with reference to selection conditions, which include multiple items such as geographical location, clock topology, routing topology, and adjacency relationship.

[0094] Optionally, the determination unit 602 specifically: Based on the detection result, divide the multiple second network devices and the multiple third network devices into multiple synchronization groups, where each synchronization group includes a second network device and a third network device that are clock-synchronized. Determine a reference group based on the preset weights and quantities of the network devices in each of the multiple synchronization groups according to the preset conditions. It is configured to determine a failure group from the multiple synchronization groups based on the reference group, where the network devices within the failure group are failed network devices.

[0095] Optionally, the first instruction information further instructs to send a synchronization detection sequence to the second network device, and the second instruction information further instructs the third network device to detect the synchronization detection sequence. The detection result includes the result of the third network device detecting the synchronization detection sequence. The synchronization detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are synchronized.

[0096] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the communication device 70 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 7, this embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device includes: An acquisition unit 701 configured to acquire first instruction information, where the first instruction information instructs to send an out-of-synchronization detection sequence, and the out-of-synchronization detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are out of synchronization. Including a transmitting unit 702 configured to transmit an out-of-sync detection sequence on a downlink traffic channel based on first indication information.

[0098] Optionally, the first indication information further instructs to transmit a synchronization detection sequence, and the synchronization detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are synchronized.

[0099] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of a communication device 80 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 8, this embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device includes: An acquisition unit 801 configured to acquire second indication information, where the second indication information instructs to detect an out-of-sync detection sequence, and the out-of-sync detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are out of sync, A detection unit 802 configured to detect an out-of-sync detection sequence based on the second indication information and obtain a detection result, and A transmitting unit 803 configured to transmit the detection result to a first network device.

[0101] Optionally, the second indication information further instructs to detect a synchronization detection sequence, the synchronization detection sequence is from a second network device, and the synchronization detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are synchronized.

[0102] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a possible logical structure of a communication device 90 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 90 includes a processor 901, a communication interface 902, a storage system 903, and a bus 904. The processor 901, the communication interface 902, and the storage system 903 are connected to each other via the bus 904. In an embodiment of the present application, the processor 901 is configured to control and manage the operation of the communication device 90. For example, the processor 901 is configured to execute the steps executed by the OMC in the embodiment of the method of FIG. 2. The communication interface 902 is configured to support the communication device 90 when communicating. The storage system 903 is configured to store the program code and data of the communication device 90.

[0103] The processor 901 may be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or another programmable logic device, a transistor logic device, a hardware component, or any combination thereof. The processor 901 may implement or execute various exemplary logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the content disclosed in the present application. Alternatively, the processor 901 may be a combination for implementing arithmetic functions, such as a combination including one or more microprocessors, or a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor. The bus 904 may be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, or the like. The bus may be classified into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. For the sake of convenience of representation, in FIG. 9, only one thick line is used in the representation, but this does not mean that only one bus exists or only one type of bus exists.

[0104] The transmission unit 601 of the communication device 60 corresponds to the communication interface 902 of the communication device 90, and the determination unit 602 of the communication device 60 corresponds to the processor 901 of the communication device 90.

[0105] The communication device 90 in this embodiment may correspond to the OMC in the embodiment of the method in FIG. 2. The communication interface 902 of the communication device 90 may implement the functions of the OMC in the embodiment of the method in FIG. 2 and / or various steps implemented by the OMC in the embodiment of the method in FIG. 2. For the sake of brevity, the details will not be described again here.

[0106] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a possible logical structure of a communication device 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 100 includes a processor 1001, a communication interface 1002, a storage system 1003, and a bus 1004. The processor 1001, the communication interface 1002, and the storage system 1003 are connected to each other via the bus 1004. In the embodiment of the present application, the processor 1001 is configured to control and manage the operation of the communication device 100. For example, the processor 1001 is configured to execute the steps executed by the base station to be detected in the embodiment of the method in FIG. 2. The communication interface 1002 is configured to support the communication device 100 when communicating. The storage system 1003 is configured to store the program code and data of the communication device 100.

[0107] Processor 1001 may be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or another programmable logic device, a transistor logic device, a hardware component, or any combination thereof. The processing module may implement or execute various exemplary logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the content disclosed in this application. Processor 1001 may alternatively be a combination for implementing arithmetic functions, such as a combination including one or more microprocessors or a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor. Bus 1004 may be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, or the like. The bus may be classified into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For the sake of representation convenience, in FIG. 10, only one thick line is used in the representation, but this does not mean that only one bus exists or only one type of bus exists.

[0108] The transmission unit 702 of the communication device 70 corresponds to the communication interface 1002 of the communication device 100, and the acquisition unit 701 of the communication device 70 corresponds to the processor 1001 of the communication device 100.

[0109] The communication device 100 in this embodiment may correspond to the base station to be detected in the method embodiment of FIG. 2. The communication interface 1002 of the communication device 100 may implement the functions of the base station to be detected in the method embodiment of FIG. 2 and / or various steps implemented by the base station to be detected in the method embodiment of FIG. 2. For the sake of brevity, the details are not described again here.

[0110] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a possible logical structure of the communication device 110 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 110 includes a processor 1101, a communication interface 1102, a storage system 1103, and a bus 1104. The processor 1101, the communication interface 1102, and the storage system 1103 are connected to each other via the bus 1104. In an embodiment of the present application, the processor 1101 is configured to control and manage the operation of the communication device 110. For example, the processor 1101 is configured to execute the steps performed by the adjacent base station in the embodiment of the method of FIG. 2. The communication interface 1102 is configured to support the communication device 110 when communicating. The storage system 1103 is configured to store the program code and data of the communication device 110.

[0111] The processor 1101 may be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or another programmable logic device, a transistor logic device, a hardware component, or any combination thereof. The processing module may implement or execute various exemplary logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the content disclosed in the present application. The processor 1101 may alternatively be a combination for implementing arithmetic functions, such as a combination including one or more microprocessors, or a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor. The bus 1104 may be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, or the like. The bus may be classified into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. For the sake of representation convenience, in FIG. 11, only one thick line is used in the representation, but this does not mean that only one bus exists or only one type of bus exists.

[0112] The transmission unit 803 of the communication device 80 corresponds to the communication interface 1102 of the communication device 110, and the acquisition unit 801 and the detection unit 802 of the communication device 80 correspond to the processor 1101 of the communication device 110.

[0113] The communication device 110 in this embodiment may correspond to the neighboring base station in the embodiment of the method in FIG. 2. The communication interface 1102 of the communication device 110 may implement the functions of the neighboring base station in the embodiment of the method in FIG. 2 and / or various steps implemented by the neighboring base station in the embodiment of the method in FIG. 2. For the sake of brevity, the details will not be described again here.

[0114] In another embodiment of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is further provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions. When the processor of the device executes the computer-executable instructions, the device executes the steps of the communication method executed by the OMC in the embodiment of the method in FIG. 2.

[0115] In another embodiment of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is further provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions. When the processor of the device executes the computer-executable instructions, the device executes the steps of the communication method executed by the base station to be detected in the embodiment of the method in FIG. 2.

[0116] In another embodiment of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is further provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions. When the processor of the device executes the computer-executable instructions, the device executes the steps of the communication method executed by the neighboring base station in the embodiment of the method in FIG. 2.

[0117] In another embodiment of the present application, a computer program product is further provided. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions are stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When a processor of the device executes the computer-executable instructions, the device executes the steps of the communication method executed by the OMC in the embodiment of the method of FIG. 2.

[0118] In another embodiment of the present application, a computer program product is further provided. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions are stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When a processor of the device executes the computer-executable instructions, the device executes the steps of the communication method executed by the base station to be detected in the embodiment of the method of FIG. 2.

[0119] In another embodiment of the present application, a computer program product is further provided. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions are stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When a processor of the device executes the computer-executable instructions, the device executes the steps of the communication method executed by the adjacent base station in the embodiment of the method of FIG. 2.

[0120] As can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, for the sake of convenience and concise description, for the detailed working processes of the aforementioned system, device and unit, reference may be made to the corresponding processes in the embodiments of the aforementioned method, and the details will not be described again here.

[0121] In some embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods may be implemented in a different manner. For example, the described device embodiments are merely examples. For example, the division into units is merely a logical function division, and in actual implementation, it may be in a different division manner. For example, a plurality of units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Additionally, the shown or described mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection may be implemented via some interfaces. The indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be implemented in electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0122] The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separated, and the parts shown as units may or may not be physical units. They may be located at one position or distributed among multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the purpose of the embodiment's solution.

[0123] In addition, the functional units in the embodiments of this application may be integrated into one processing unit. Each of the units may physically exist alone, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0124] When the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, the integrated unit may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of this application essentially contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution may be implemented in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in the embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes any medium such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk that can store program code.

Claims

1. A communication method, comprising: a step of transmitting, by a first network device, first instruction information and second instruction information, wherein the first instruction information instructs the second network device to transmit a synchronization loss detection sequence on a downlink traffic channel, the second instruction information instructs a third network device to detect the synchronization loss detection sequence and obtain a detection result, the synchronization loss detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are out of synchronization, the third network device is an adjacent station of the second network device, there are a plurality of third network devices, the third network device is determined with reference to selection conditions based on the second network device, and the selection conditions include a plurality of items such as geographical location, clock topology, routing topology, and adjacency relationship; a step of determining, by the first network device, a faulty network device based on the detection result; The communication method comprising the above steps.

2. a step of obtaining, by the first network device, a fault event, wherein the fault event is reported by the second network device and the third network device; a step of determining, by the first network device, the second network device based on the fault event; The communication method according to Claim 1, comprising the above steps.

3. The step of determining, by the first network device, a faulty network device based on the detection result comprises: a step of dividing, by the first network device, a plurality of second network devices and the plurality of third network devices into a plurality of synchronization groups based on the detection result, wherein each synchronization group includes a second network device and a third network device that are clock-synchronized; a step of determining, by the first network device, a reference group based on preset weights and quantities of network devices in each of the plurality of synchronization groups according to preset conditions; A step of determining a failure group from the plurality of synchronization groups based on the reference group by the first network device, wherein the network devices within the failure group are the failure network devices The communication method according to claim 1, including this

4. The first instruction information further instructs the second network device to transmit a synchronization detection sequence, the second instruction information further instructs the third network device to detect the synchronization detection sequence, and the detection result further includes a detection result of the synchronization detection sequence by the third network device. The synchronization detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are synchronized The communication method according to claim 1

5. A communication method A step of obtaining first instruction information from a first network device by a second network device, wherein the first instruction information instructs to transmit an out-of-synchronization detection sequence, and the out-of-synchronization detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are out of synchronization A step of transmitting the out-of-synchronization detection sequence to a third network device on a downlink traffic channel by the second network device based on the first instruction information Including The first instruction information further instructs to transmit a synchronization detection sequence, the synchronization detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are synchronized, and the step of transmitting the out-of-synchronization detection sequence to the third network device on the downlink traffic channel by the second network device based on the first instruction information A communication method including a step of transmitting the out-of-synchronization detection sequence and the synchronization detection sequence to the third network device on the downlink traffic channel by the second network device based on the first instruction information

6. A communication method A step of obtaining second instruction information from a first network device by a third network device, wherein the second instruction information instructs to detect an out-of-sync detection sequence, and the out-of-sync detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are out of sync. A step of detecting the out-of-sync detection sequence based on the second instruction information by the third network device and obtaining a detection result. A step of transmitting the detection result to the first network device by the third network device. Including, the second instruction information further instructs to detect a synchronization detection sequence, the synchronization detection sequence is from a second network device, the synchronization detection sequence is used to detect whether two network devices are synchronized, and the step of transmitting the detection result to the first network device by the third network device is A communication method including a step of transmitting, by the third network device, the detection result of the out-of-sync detection sequence and the detection result of the synchronization detection sequence to the first network device.

7. A communication device comprising a unit configured to execute the method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

8. A communication device comprising a unit configured to execute the method according to Claim 5.

9. A communication device comprising a unit configured to execute the method according to Claim 6.

10. A computer-readable storage medium that stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can execute the method according to any one of Claims 1 to 6.

11. A computer program that, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method according to any one of Claims 1 to 6.

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