Method for reducing inter-AP communication interference, communication system, and apparatus

Abstract

A method for reducing inter-AP communication interference, a communication system, and an apparatus. The method comprises: a controller acquires information of a first AP and a second AP that are managed by the controller, time synchronization between WiFi modules of the first AP and the second AP and the controller is realized by means of a PON, and the first AP and the second AP may interfere with each other when simultaneously performing data transmission; and the controller allocates to the first AP and the second AP time units for data transmission, wherein the time units for data transmission of the first AP and the second AP are different. On the basis of the solution, a controller can allocate different time units to a first AP and a second AP that may interfere with each other when simultaneously performing data transmission. Moreover, time synchronization between WiFi modules of the first AP and the second AP and the controller can be realized by means of a PON. The first AP and the second AP can perform data transmission on different time units on the basis of the same time reference as the controller.

Description

Method, communication system and device for reducing communication interference between APs

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on January 11, 2024, with application number 202410045302.4 and application name “Method, communication system and device for reducing communication interference between APs”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method, a communication system, and a device for reducing communication interference between access points (APs). Background Art

[0003] WiFi is a wireless local area network (WLAN) technology that allows user stations (STAs) to access the network through access points (APs). Current WiFi networks typically include multiple APs operating on the same wireless frequency band. If these APs transmit data concurrently, interference will occur in areas where their signal ranges overlap, impacting WiFi network performance.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a method, a communication system, and an apparatus for reducing communication interference between APs, in order to solve the problem that multiple APs managed by a controller send data in parallel, causing communication interference between APs.

[0006] In a first aspect, a method for reducing inter-AP communication interference is provided. The method can be executed by a controller, or by a component of the controller, such as a processor, chip, or chip system, or by a logic module or software capable of performing all or part of the controller's functions. The method may include: first, the controller may obtain information about a first AP and a second AP, the first AP and the second AP being managed by the controller; the WiFi modules of the first AP and the second AP are time-synchronized with the controller via a passive optical network (PON); simultaneous data transmission by the first AP and the second AP may interfere with each other. The controller may then allocate time units for data transmission to the first AP and the second AP based on the information about the first AP, the information about the second AP, and a time unit allocation policy. The time units allocated by the controller for data transmission to the first AP and the time units allocated to the second AP are different. The controller may then send first time unit indication information to the first AP and second time unit indication information to the second AP. The first time unit indication information indicates the time units allocated by the controller for data transmission to the first AP, and the second time unit indication information indicates the time units allocated by the controller for data transmission to the second AP.

[0007] Based on this solution, for a first AP and a second AP whose simultaneous data transmission would interfere with each other, the controller can assign different time units for data transmission. Furthermore, the WiFi modules of the first and second APs can achieve time synchronization with the controller via the PON. This allows the first and second APs to transmit data at different time units based on the same time reference as the controller. This method effectively addresses the issue of interference caused by simultaneous data transmission between APs, thereby reducing or even eliminating communication interference between APs in a communication system.

[0008] In combination with the above first aspect, as a possible implementation manner, the time unit may be a time slot.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect above, as a possible implementation manner, the time of the WiFi modules of the first AP and the second AP and the controller are synchronized at the nanosecond level.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect above, as a possible implementation, the first AP and the second AP are optical APs, and the first AP and the second AP include an ONU module and a WiFi module. The WiFi modules of the first AP and the second AP are time synchronized with a controller via a PON. Specifically, this may include: the ONU modules of the first AP and the second AP are time synchronized with the controller via the PON, and the WiFi modules of the first AP and the second AP are time synchronized with the ONU module via an internal interface.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect above, as a possible implementation manner, the time unit allocation strategy is a simple strategy, which instructs the controller to allocate different time units to different APs.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect above, as a possible implementation, the time unit allocation strategy is an intelligent strategy, which instructs the controller to allocate different time units to APs that may interfere with each other during simultaneous data transmission.

[0013] Based on the above two strategies, the controller can allocate different time units for the first AP and the second AP to perform data transmission, thereby preventing the two APs from performing data transmission simultaneously and interfering with each other.

[0014] In combination with the above first aspect, as a possible implementation manner, the first time unit indication information and the second time unit indication information are carried on a dedicated network, and the dedicated network is a dedicated network established between the controller and an AP connected to the controller.

[0015] In combination with the foregoing first aspect, as a possible implementation manner, information of the first AP and / or the second AP is pre-configured.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect above, as a possible implementation, the method may further include: the controller receiving a first registration message from a first AP, the first registration message carrying information about the first AP, indicating that the first AP is managed by the controller; and / or the controller receiving a second registration message from a second AP, the second registration message carrying information about the second AP, indicating that the second AP is managed by the controller.

[0017] In combination with the above first aspect, as a possible implementation manner, the first registration message and the second registration message are carried on a dedicated network, and the dedicated network is a dedicated network established between the controller and an AP connected to the controller.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect above, as a possible implementation method, before the controller receives the first registration message and the second registration message, the method may further include: the controller sends a registration broadcast message, where the registration broadcast message is used to instruct the AP connected to the controller to register on the controller.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect above, as a possible implementation manner, the registration broadcast message is carried on a dedicated network, and the dedicated network is a dedicated network established between the controller and the AP connected to the controller.

[0020] In a second aspect, a method for reducing inter-AP communication interference is provided. The method can be performed by a first AP, or by a component of the first AP, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the first AP, or by a logic module or software that implements all or part of the first AP's functionality. The method may include: first, the first AP receives first time unit indication information from a controller, the first time unit indication information indicating a time unit allocated by the controller for data transmission for the first AP; wherein the first AP is managed by the controller, and a WiFi module of the first AP is time-synchronized with the controller via a passive optical network (PON). The WiFi module of the first AP then transmits data during the time unit allocated by the controller for data transmission based on the time synchronized with the controller.

[0021] Based on this solution, the first AP managed by the controller can transmit data in the time unit allocated by the controller based on the same time base as the controller. Compared to the existing solution in which the controller controls the AP to start or stop transmitting and receiving through switch information control messages, the solution of this application can reduce the error caused by the transmission delay of switch information control messages.

[0022] In combination with the above second aspect, as a possible implementation manner, the time unit is a time slot.

[0023] In combination with the second aspect above, as a possible implementation manner, the time of the WiFi module of the first AP and the controller are synchronized at the nanosecond level.

[0024] In conjunction with the second aspect, as a possible implementation, the first AP is an optical AP, comprising an optical network unit (ONU) module and a WiFi module. The WiFi module of the first AP is time synchronized with the controller via a PON. Specifically, the ONU module of the first AP is time synchronized with the controller via the PON, and the WiFi module of the first AP is time synchronized with the ONU module via an internal interface.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect above, as a possible implementation, the method may further include: the first AP sending a first registration message to the controller, wherein the first registration message includes information about the first AP, indicating that the first AP is managed by the controller.

[0026] In combination with the above second aspect, as a possible implementation method, before the first AP sends a first registration message to the controller, the method may also include: the first AP receives a registration broadcast message from the controller, and the registration broadcast message is used to instruct the AP connected to the controller to register on the controller.

[0027] In combination with the above second aspect, as a possible implementation manner, the registration broadcast message and the first registration message may be carried on a dedicated network, which is a dedicated network established between the controller and an AP connected to the controller.

[0028] In a third aspect, a method for reducing inter-AP communication interference is provided. This method can be performed by a second AP, or by a component of the second AP, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the second AP. It can also be implemented by a logic module or software that implements all or part of the second AP's functionality. The method may include: first, the second AP receives second time unit indication information from a controller, the second time unit indication information indicating a time unit allocated by the controller for data transmission for the second AP; wherein the second AP is managed by the controller, and a WiFi module of the second AP is time-synchronized with the controller via a passive optical network (PON). The WiFi module of the second AP then transmits data during the time unit allocated by the controller for data transmission based on the time synchronized with the controller.

[0029] In combination with the third aspect above, as a possible implementation manner, the time unit is a time slot.

[0030] In combination with the third aspect above, as a possible implementation manner, the time of the WiFi module of the second AP and the controller are synchronized at the nanosecond level.

[0031] In conjunction with the third aspect, as a possible implementation, the second AP is an optical AP, comprising an optical network unit (ONU) module and a WiFi module. The WiFi module of the second AP is time synchronized with the controller via a PON. Specifically, the ONU module of the second AP is time synchronized with the controller via the PON, and the WiFi module of the second AP is time synchronized with the ONU module via an internal interface.

[0032] In conjunction with the third aspect above, as a possible implementation, the method may further include: the second AP sending a second registration message to the controller, wherein the second registration message includes information about the second AP, indicating that the second AP is managed by the controller.

[0033] In combination with the above third aspect, as a possible implementation method, before the second AP sends a second registration message to the controller, the method may also include: the second AP receives a registration broadcast message from the controller, and the registration broadcast message is used to instruct the AP connected to the controller to register on the controller.

[0034] In combination with the third aspect above, as a possible implementation manner, the registration broadcast message and the second registration message may be carried on a dedicated network, which is a dedicated network established between the controller and an AP connected to the controller.

[0035] Among them, the technical effect achieved by the implementation method of the third aspect is the same as that of the above-mentioned second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0036] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be the controller of the first aspect described above, or a chip or chip system within the controller of the first aspect described above, or a functional module within the controller of the first aspect described above. The communication device may implement the functions performed by the controller in any possible design of the first aspect described above, and the functions may be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software may include one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above. For example, the communication device may include a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module may be configured to obtain information about a first access point (AP) and a second access point (AP). The first and second APs are managed by the controller, and the WiFi modules of the first and second APs are time-synchronized with the controller via a passive optical network (PON). Simultaneous data transmission by the first and second APs may interfere with each other. The processing module may be configured to receive information about the first and second APs, as well as a time unit allocation policy, and allocate time units for data transmission to the first and second APs. The controller may allocate different time units for data transmission to the first AP and the second AP. The transceiver module may also be configured to send first time unit indication information to the first AP and second time unit indication information to the second AP. The first time unit indication information is used to indicate the time unit for data transmission allocated by the controller to the first AP, and the second time unit indication information is used to indicate the time unit for data transmission allocated by the controller to the second AP.

[0037] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, as a possible implementation, the transceiver module may further be configured to: receive a first registration message from a first AP, and / or receive a second registration message from a second AP. The first registration message carries information about the first AP, indicating that the first AP is managed by the controller. The second registration message carries information about the second AP, indicating that the second AP is managed by the controller.

[0038] In combination with the fourth aspect above, as a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module may also be configured to send a registration broadcast message, where the registration broadcast message is used to instruct an AP connected to the controller to register on the controller.

[0039] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be the first AP of the second aspect, or a chip or chip system in the first AP of the second aspect, or a functional module in the first AP of the second aspect. The communication device can implement the functions performed by the first AP in any possible design of the second aspect, and the functions can be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. For example, the communication device may include a transceiver module, and the transceiver module may specifically include a wired module and a WiFi module. The wired module may be used to receive first time unit indication information from the controller, and the first time unit indication information is used to indicate the time unit for data transmission allocated by the controller to the first AP. The WiFi module may be used to perform data transmission at the time unit for data transmission allocated by the controller to the first AP based on the time synchronized with the controller.

[0040] In combination with the fifth aspect, as a possible implementation manner, the wired module may also be used to send a first registration message to the controller, where the first registration message includes information of the first AP, indicating that the first AP is managed by the controller.

[0041] In combination with the fifth aspect above, as a possible implementation manner, the wired module may also be used to receive a registration broadcast message from the controller, where the registration broadcast message is used to instruct an AP connected to the controller to register on the controller.

[0042] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be the second AP of the third aspect, or the chip or chip system in the second AP of the third aspect, or the functional module in the second AP of the third aspect. The communication device can implement the functions performed by the second AP in any possible design of the third aspect, and the functions can be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. For example, the communication device may include a transceiver module, and the transceiver module may specifically include a wired module and a WiFi module. The wired module may be used to receive second time unit indication information from the controller, and the second time unit indication information is used to indicate the time unit for data transmission allocated by the controller to the second AP. The WiFi module may be used to perform data transmission at the time unit for data transmission allocated by the controller to the second AP based on the time synchronized with the controller.

[0043] In combination with the sixth aspect, as a possible implementation manner, the wired module may also be used to send a second registration message to the controller, where the second registration message includes information of the second AP, indicating that the second AP is managed by the controller.

[0044] In combination with the sixth aspect, as a possible implementation manner, the wired module may also be used to receive a registration broadcast message from the controller, where the registration broadcast message is used to instruct an AP connected to the controller to register on the controller.

[0045] In a seventh aspect, a communication system is provided, which may include the controller, the first AP, and the second AP in the first to third aspects above.

[0046] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store computer instructions, and when the communication device is running, the processor executes the computer instructions stored in the memory to enable the device to perform a method for reducing inter-AP communication interference as described in any one of the first, second or third aspects above.

[0047] In conjunction with the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the apparatus further includes a communication interface; the communication interface is used for the communication apparatus to communicate with other devices. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin, or related circuits.

[0048] In the ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions. When the computer-readable storage medium is run on a computer, the computer can execute the method of reducing communication interference between APs as described in any one of the first, second or third aspects above.

[0049] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method for reducing inter-AP communication interference described in any one of the first, second or third aspects above.

[0050] Among them, the technical effects brought about by any design method in the fourth to tenth aspects can refer to the technical effects brought about by different design methods in the first, second or third aspects, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a WiFi network provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another WiFi network provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG5 is a schematic diagram showing the principle of time synchronization of a WiFi module of an AP based on a time synchronization interface according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG6 is a flow chart of a method for reducing communication interference between APs according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] For ease of understanding, the relevant technical contents involved in this application are first introduced.

[0061] WiFi is a widely used method for user-side network access. Currently, multiple access points (APs) can be provided within a single WiFi network. Multiple APs within a WiFi network use the same wireless frequency band for communication, and their signal ranges overlap. In most cases, if two APs within the same WiFi network transmit data simultaneously, they will interfere with each other, resulting in data interruptions or high packet loss, impacting WiFi network performance.

[0062] For example, Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a WiFi network that includes two access points (APs), AP1 and AP2. The signal coverage of AP1 and AP2 overlaps, and a STA is connected to AP1 in the shaded area. When the STA in the shaded area is transmitting data to AP1, if AP2 is also transmitting data to other STAs connected to it, AP2's signal will interfere with the data transmission between the STA in the shaded area and AP1.

[0063] To mitigate this phenomenon, one implementation method can centrally manage multiple APs through a controller. For example, Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a Wi-Fi network consisting of a controller and multiple APs. The controller can connect to multiple APs (such as AP1 through APn in Figure 2) via the network and control them. In this networking architecture, the controller can send switch information control messages to each AP, and the AP can start or stop sending and receiving based on the switch information control messages from the controller.

[0064] However, this approach requires strict consistency in the transmission delay of switch information control messages, ensuring that the time difference between each AP receiving the switch information control message matches the time difference between each AP starting or stopping transmission and reception, as determined by the controller. Otherwise, if the transmission delay of the switch information control message is inconsistent, the time difference between at least some APs receiving the switch information control message may differ from the time difference between at least some APs starting or stopping transmission and reception, as determined by the controller. Consequently, the time periods during which at least some APs transmit data may overlap, causing signal interference between APs. This approach places high demands on network latency, making it difficult to deploy on a large scale.

[0065] In view of this, the present application provides a method for reducing communication interference between APs. For a first AP and a second AP whose simultaneous data transmission would interfere with each other, a controller can assign different time units to the two APs for data transmission. Furthermore, the WiFi modules of the first AP and the second AP can also achieve high-precision time synchronization with the controller via a passive optical network (PON). Thus, the first AP and the second AP can transmit data in different time units based on the same time reference as the controller, and this method can reduce communication interference between APs.

[0066] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Among them, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B; "and / or" in the present application is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" refers to two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be single or multiple. In addition, to facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art will understand that words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and words such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit differences. At the same time, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete manner to facilitate understanding. In addition, the network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application and do not constitute a limitation of the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0067] Before introducing the method for reducing inter-AP communication interference provided by an embodiment of the present application, the communication system / service scenario to which the method for reducing inter-AP communication interference of the present application is applied is first introduced.

[0068] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG3 , the controller can be connected to multiple APs (such as AP1 to APn in FIG3 ) via a PON, and the link between the controller and the AP is a fiber optic link. The WiFi module in each AP can achieve time synchronization with the controller via the PON. The controller and AP in the communication system shown in FIG3 can execute the method for reducing communication interference between APs provided in the present application. For specific implementation, please refer to the embodiments below and will not be described in detail here.

[0069] The AP in the communication system shown in Figure 3 can be an optical AP. An optical AP is a hybrid optical network unit (ONU) AP that also functions as an ONU in the PON architecture. As an implementation, the optical AP can include an ONU module and a WiFi module. The ONU module implements the ONU functions in the PON architecture, while the WiFi module implements the AP functions.

[0070] For example, the communication system shown in FIG3 may specifically be structured as shown in FIG4 . As shown in FIG4 , the controller may be connected to multiple APs (such as AP1 to APn in FIG4 ) via a PON, with the link between the controller and the AP being a fiber optic link. The AP may be an ONU-converged AP, which may include an ONU module and a WiFi module. The controller may be connected to the ONU module in the AP, and the ONU module may be connected to the WiFi module via internal wiring.

[0071] The embodiments of the present application provide a time synchronization interface for the AP's ONU module and WiFi module. The ONU module's time synchronization interface can be connected to the WiFi module's time synchronization interface via an internal circuit, and the WiFi module can achieve time synchronization with the ONU module via the time synchronization interface. The AP's ONU module can utilize PON time synchronization technology known in the art to achieve time synchronization with the controller via PON signals. Based on this, the AP's WiFi module achieves time synchronization with the controller. The time synchronization interface and synchronization method provided by this application will be described later and will not be detailed here.

[0072] It should be noted that PON time synchronization technology has high synchronization accuracy. The AP's WiFi module and ONU module achieve time synchronization through internal circuits, and their synchronization accuracy is also very high. Based on the time synchronization method provided in this application, the synchronization accuracy of the AP's WiFi module and controller can reach nanosecond levels.

[0073] Optionally, the ONU module and the WiFi module in the optical AP may be integrated on one board, and the ONU module and the WiFi module may be connected via a high-speed peripheral component interconnect express (PCIE) bus.

[0074] Optionally, in the communication system shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 , the controller may be an optical line terminal (OLT) or a network management platform connected to the OLT.

[0075] It should be understood that the network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0076] Next, the time synchronization interface provided by this application and the principle of time synchronization between the ONU module and the WiFi module through the time synchronization interface will be introduced.

[0077] For example, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of time synchronization between an ONU module and a WiFi module in an AP according to an embodiment of the present application, based on a time synchronization interface. The ONU module can serve as a master device for time synchronization, and the WiFi module can serve as a slave device for time synchronization. The WiFi module can synchronize the time of the ONU module via the time synchronization interface. As shown in Figure 5 , the interface of the ONU module includes a time synchronization interface 101, and the interface of the WiFi module includes a time synchronization interface 201. The time synchronization interface 101 is connected to the time synchronization interface 201. The ONU module also includes a real-time clock (RTC) 102 and a time synchronization unit 103. The RTC 102 is connected to the time synchronization unit 103, which is in turn connected to the time synchronization interface 101. The time synchronization unit 103 can obtain the RTC 102's full-second clock signal, full-microsecond clock signal, and timestamp information. The timestamp information can include the time value of the RTC 102 at the rising edge of the full-second clock signal and the full-microsecond clock signal. The full-second clock signal and the full-microsecond clock signal are in phase with each other. The full-second clock signal, full-microsecond clock signal, and timestamp information of RTC 102 are sent to the WiFi module via the time synchronization interface 101. The WiFi module may also include an RTC 202, which is connected to the time synchronization interface 201. Thus, the RTC 202 in the WiFi module can obtain the full-second clock signal, full-microsecond clock signal, and timestamp information of the RTC 102 in the ONU module. RTC 202 can perform timing based on the received full-second clock signal, full-microsecond clock signal, and timestamp information from RTC 102, thereby assuming that RTC 202 and RTC 102 have achieved time synchronization.

[0078] The following describes the method for reducing inter-AP communication interference provided by the embodiments of the present application, in conjunction with the communication systems shown in Figures 3 and 4 and the time synchronization principle shown in Figure 5. The actions, terms, and other aspects of the various embodiments of the present application may be cross-referenced without limitation. The message names or parameter names in the embodiments of the present application are merely examples; other names may be used in specific implementations without limitation.

[0079] FIG6 is a flow chart of a method for reducing communication interference between APs according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG6 , the method may include the following steps:

[0080] Step 601: The controller obtains information about a first AP and a second AP. The first AP and the second AP are two APs among multiple APs managed by the controller. Simultaneous data transmission by the first AP and the second AP will interfere with each other. The WiFi modules of the first AP and the second AP can be synchronized with the controller via PON.

[0081] Optionally, the first AP and the second AP may be optical APs, each including an ONU module and a WiFi module. The WiFi modules of the first AP and the second AP may synchronize time with the controller via a PON. Specifically, the ONU modules of the first AP and the second AP may synchronize time with the controller via the PON, and the WiFi modules of the first AP and the second AP may synchronize time with the ONU module via an internal interface.

[0082] For example, the first AP and the second AP can be two APs among the multiple APs connected to the controller in Figure 4. The structures of the first AP and the second AP can refer to the relevant description of Figure 4 above. The way in which the WiFi modules of the first AP and the second AP achieve time synchronization with the controller can refer to the relevant description of Figure 5 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0083] Optionally, the controller obtains the information of the first AP and the information of the second AP in various ways:

[0084] As a possible implementation manner, information of the first AP and / or the second AP may be pre-configured on the controller.

[0085] As a possible implementation, the first AP's information may be proactively sent to the controller by the first AP, and / or the second AP's information may be proactively sent to the controller by the second AP. For example, the first AP may send a first registration message to the controller, carrying the first AP's information and indicating that the first AP is managed by the controller. Alternatively, the second AP may send a second registration message to the controller, carrying the second AP's information and indicating that the second AP is managed by the controller.

[0086] As a possible implementation method, the information of the first AP and / or the second AP can be obtained by the controller through active request. For example, the controller can send a registration broadcast message, and the registration broadcast message is used to instruct the AP connected to the controller to register on the controller. The registration broadcast message can be received by any AP connected to the controller (including the first AP and the second AP). After receiving the registration broadcast message, the first AP can feedback the first registration message to the controller, and / or the second AP can feedback the second registration message to the controller after receiving the registration broadcast message. The contents of the first registration message and the second registration message can be referred to as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0087] It should be understood that the controller may obtain the information of the first AP and the second AP through at least one of the above three implementation methods, and this application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0088] Optionally, a dedicated network can be established between the controller and each of its connected APs to transmit control information. For example, the first registration message, the second registration message, and the registration broadcast message can be carried on the dedicated network. It should be understood that transmitting control information over a dedicated network can isolate control information from data messages, reducing mutual interference.

[0089] As an implementation manner, the dedicated network established between the controller and each AP connected thereto may be a virtual local area network (VLAN).

[0090] Optionally, in a private network, the controller may assign an identifier in the private network to each AP, and the identifier is distinguished from the AP's identity (ID) so as to distinguish registration messages, registration broadcast messages and data messages for easy identification.

[0091] Step 602: The controller allocates time units for data transmission to the first AP and the second AP according to the information of the first AP, the information of the second AP, and the time unit allocation policy. The time units allocated by the controller to the first AP and the second AP are different.

[0092] It should be understood that the first and second APs are synchronized with the controller, and the controller performs data transmission in different time units for the first and second APs. Therefore, the first and second APs can perform data transmission in different time units based on the same time reference as the controller. This prevents overlap in the data transmission times of the first and second APs, thereby reducing communication interference between the APs.

[0093] Optionally, the time unit allocation policy may be a simple policy, which instructs the controller to allocate different time units to different APs. If the controller applies the simple policy, the controller does not need to distinguish whether there is interference between APs and allocates different time units.

[0094] Optionally, the time unit allocation policy may be an intelligent policy, which instructs the controller to allocate different time units to APs whose simultaneous data transmissions may interfere with each other. If the controller applies a simple policy, the controller may allocate different time units to APs whose simultaneous data transmissions may interfere with each other. For APs whose simultaneous data transmissions do not interfere with each other, data transmission may be allocated the same time units or different time units, which is not limited in this application.

[0095] It should be understood that the first AP and the second AP are APs that will interfere with each other when performing data transmission at the same time. Therefore, no matter whether the controller applies a simple policy or an intelligent policy, the controller will allocate different time units to the first AP and the second AP.

[0096] Optionally, the time unit may be a time slot, and the controller may divide the time into a plurality of time slots. The time slots allocated by the controller to the first AP and the second AP are part of the plurality of time slots.

[0097] Step 603: The controller sends first time unit indication information to the first AP, where the first time unit indication information indicates the time unit allocated by the controller to the first AP for data transmission. Furthermore, the controller sends second time unit indication information to the second AP, where the second time unit indication information indicates the time unit allocated by the controller to the second AP for data transmission.

[0098] Optionally, the first time unit indication information and the second time unit indication information may be carried on a dedicated network established by the controller and each AP connected thereto, wherein the dedicated network may be described in the foregoing manner and will not be described in detail here.

[0099] Optionally, after receiving the first time unit indication information from the controller, the first AP may learn the time unit for data transmission allocated by the controller. Thereafter, the WiFi module of the first AP may perform data transmission in the time unit for data transmission allocated by the controller based on the time synchronized with the controller.

[0100] Optionally, after receiving the second time unit indication information from the controller, the second AP may learn the time unit for data transmission allocated by the controller. Thereafter, the WiFi module of the second AP may perform data transmission at the time unit for data transmission allocated by the controller based on the time synchronized with the controller.

[0101] Based on the method for reducing inter-AP communication interference provided by the present application, for a first AP and a second AP whose simultaneous data transmission would interfere with each other, the controller can allocate different time units for data transmission. Furthermore, the WiFi modules of the first AP and the second AP can achieve time synchronization with the controller via the PON. Thus, the first AP and the second AP can transmit data at different time units based on the same time reference as the controller. This method can effectively solve the problem of mutual interference caused by simultaneous data transmission between APs, thereby reducing or even avoiding communication interference between APs in a communication system.

[0102] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, multiple APs managed by the controller can achieve time synchronization with the controller via the PON, and the controller can allocate time units for data transmission to the multiple APs managed by the controller. The method by which the controller allocates time units for data transmission to the multiple APs managed by the controller is the same as the method described above in which the controller allocates time units for data transmission to the first AP and the second AP.

[0103] As an implementation manner, the controller allocates time units for data transmission to multiple APs managed by the controller, which may include the following steps:

[0104] 1) The controller can obtain information about multiple APs it manages.

[0105] The method for the controller to obtain information of each AP is the same as the method for the controller to obtain information of the first AP or the second AP in step 601. Please refer to the relevant description above and will not be repeated here.

[0106] 2) The controller allocates time units for data transmission to the multiple APs based on the information of the multiple APs and the time unit allocation strategy.

[0107] Optionally, the time unit allocation policy applied by the controller may be a simple policy. The meaning of the simple policy can be referred to above and will not be repeated here. In this case, the controller may allocate different time units to each AP for data transmission.

[0108] Optionally, the time unit allocation strategy applied by the controller may be an intelligent strategy. The meaning of the intelligent strategy may be referred to as described above and will not be repeated here. In this case, the controller may allocate different time units to APs (such as the first AP and the second AP mentioned above) that may interfere with each other when performing data transmission simultaneously. For APs that do not interfere with each other when performing data transmission simultaneously, the controller may allocate the same time unit or different time units for data transmission, and this application does not limit this. It should be understood that for APs that do not interfere with each other when performing data transmission simultaneously, if the controller arranges them to perform data transmission in the same time unit, the efficiency of data transmission can be improved without causing communication interference.

[0109] As a possible implementation method, the controller can determine the time unit allocation information based on the information of multiple APs and the time unit allocation strategy. The time unit allocation information may include multiple time units divided by the controller and record which time units of the multiple time units each AP uses for data transmission.

[0110] For example, using time slots as the time unit, the controller may divide one second into 50 time slots and allocate at least some of these 50 time slots to multiple APs managed by the controller for data transmission. The time slot allocation information generated by the controller may be as shown in Table 1. The time slot allocation table may include 50 slots, slots 1 to 49, and indicates the occupancy status of each time slot. Slot 0, Slot 1, and Slot 16 are occupied by AP1; Slot 2, Slot 3, Slot 4, Slot 17, and Slot 18 are occupied by AP2; Slot 5, Slot 6, Slot 7, Slot 8, Slot 19, and Slot 20 are occupied by AP3; Slot 9, Slot 10, and Slot 21 are occupied by AP4; Slot 11, Slot 12, Slot 13, Slot 14, Slot 15, and Slot 23 are occupied by AP5; Slot 30 to Slot 33 are occupied by AP6; Slot 37 to Slot 40 are occupied by AP7; and all other slots are not occupied by APs.

[0111] Table 1

[0112] 3) The controller sends time unit indication information to each AP respectively, where the time unit indication information is used to indicate the time unit for data transmission allocated by the controller to the corresponding AP.

[0113] As an implementation method, the time unit indication information sent by the controller to each AP may only carry the information of the time unit for data transmission allocated by the controller to the AP. For example, taking the time unit allocation information as shown in Table 1, the time unit indication information sent by the controller to AP1 may carry Slot0, Slot1 and Slot16 in the time unit allocation information, the time unit indication information sent by the controller to AP2 may carry Slot2, Slot3, Slot4, Slot17 and Slot18 in the time unit allocation information, the time unit indication information sent by the controller to AP3 may carry Slot5, Slot6, Slot7, Slot8, Slot19 and Slot20 in the time unit allocation information, and the time unit indication information sent by the controller to AP The time unit indication information sent by the controller to AP4 can carry Slot9, Slot10, and Slot21 in the time unit allocation information. The time unit indication information sent by the controller to AP5 can carry Slot11, Slot12, Slot13, Slot14, Slot15, and Slot23 in the time unit allocation information. The time unit indication information sent by the controller to AP6 can carry Slot30 to Slot33 in the time unit allocation information. The time unit indication information sent by the controller to AP7 can carry Slot37 to Slot40 in the time unit allocation information.

[0114] As another implementation, the time unit indication information sent by the controller to each AP can include the time unit allocation information determined by the controller, including the allocation of all time units divided by the controller. In this case, the time unit indication information sent by the controller to different APs can be identical. For example, using the time unit allocation information shown in Table 1, the time unit indication information sent by the controller to each AP from AP1 to AP7 can include all the information in Table 1.

[0115] Optionally, when the time unit indication information sent by the controller to each AP includes the time unit allocation information determined by the controller, the controller may broadcast the time unit indication information including the time unit allocation information. In this manner, the controller can quickly indicate the time units for data transmission to multiple APs, which is more efficient.

[0116] Optionally, upon receiving the time unit indication information from the controller, any one of the multiple APs may be informed of the time unit for data transmission allocated by the controller. Subsequently, the WiFi module of the AP may perform data transmission at the time unit for data transmission allocated by the controller based on the time synchronized with the controller.

[0117] For example, taking the time unit allocation information determined by the controller as shown in Table 1 as an example, AP1 can perform data transmission in Slot 0, Slot 1, and Slot 16 according to the instruction of the time unit indication information; AP2 can perform data transmission in Slot 2, Slot 3, Slot 4, Slot 17, and Slot 18 according to the instruction of the time unit indication information; AP3 can perform data transmission in Slot 5, Slot 6, Slot 7, Slot 8, Slot 19, and Slot 20 according to the instruction of the time unit indication information; AP4 can perform data transmission in Slot 9, Slot 10, and Slot 21 according to the instruction of the time unit indication information; AP5 can perform data transmission in Slot 11, Slot 12, Slot 13, Slot 14, Slot 15, and Slot 23 according to the instruction of the time unit indication information; AP6 can perform data transmission in Slot 30 to Slot 33 according to the instruction of the time unit indication information; and AP7 can perform data transmission in Slot 37 to Slot 40 according to the instruction of the time unit indication information.

[0118] Based on the above method, multiple APs managed by the controller can transmit data based on the same time base as the controller, and APs that interfere with each other will transmit data at different time units. Therefore, this method can reduce communication interference between multiple APs managed by the controller.

[0119] Furthermore, it should be understood that in traditional solutions, the controller sends switch control information messages to each AP at the moment it is about to transmit data to control the AP's transmission and reception behavior. This is a centralized control method. In contrast, in the solution provided by this application, the controller only needs to allocate time units to each AP, and each AP then independently transmits data in the corresponding time units. This is a distributed control method. The method provided by this application is more flexible.

[0120] Optionally, the above-mentioned method for reducing inter-AP communication interference in the embodiments of the present application can be performed by a communication device, which can be the controller in the above-mentioned method embodiments, or a device including the above-mentioned controller, or a component that can be used in a controller. Furthermore, the above-mentioned method for reducing inter-AP communication interference can also be performed by a first AP, which can be the first AP in the above-mentioned method embodiments, or a device including the above-mentioned first AP, or a component that can be used in a first AP. To implement the above-mentioned functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to each function. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that, in conjunction with the various exemplary units and algorithm steps described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or in a hardware-driven manner by computer software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0121] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device. The communication device 70 includes a transceiver module 701 and a processing module 702. The communication device 70 may be the controller in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The transceiver module 701 may be used to obtain information about a first AP and a second AP. The first AP and the second AP are managed by the controller. The WiFi modules of the first AP and the second AP are time-synchronized with the controller via a passive optical network (PON). Simultaneous data transmission by the first AP and the second AP may interfere with each other. The processing module 702 may be used to allocate time units for data transmission to the first AP and the second AP based on the information about the first AP, the information about the second AP, and the time unit allocation strategy. The time units allocated by the controller for data transmission to the first AP and the time units allocated to the second AP are different. The transceiver module 701 may also be used to send first time unit indication information to the first AP and second time unit indication information to the second AP. The first time unit indication information indicates the time units allocated by the controller for data transmission to the first AP, and the second time unit indication information indicates the time units allocated by the controller for data transmission to the second AP.

[0122] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device. The communication device 80 includes a transceiver module 801. The transceiver module 801 may specifically include a wired module 801a and a WiFi module 801b. The wired module 801a can be used for wired communication, and the WiFi module 801b is used for data transmission over the air interface. The communication device 80 can be any AP managed by the controller, such as the first AP or the second AP described above.

[0123] Taking the controller as the first AP in the above embodiment as an example, the wired module 801a can be configured to receive first time unit indication information from the controller, where the first time unit indication information indicates a time unit allocated by the controller for data transmission to the first AP. The WiFi module 801b can be configured to perform data transmission during the time unit allocated by the controller for data transmission to the first AP based on a time synchronized with the controller.

[0124] Taking the controller as the second AP in the above embodiment as an example, the wired module 801a can be configured to receive second time unit indication information from the controller, where the second time unit indication information indicates the time unit allocated by the controller for data transmission to the second AP. The WiFi module 801b can be configured to perform data transmission during the time unit allocated by the controller for data transmission to the second AP based on a time synchronized with the controller.

[0125] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiment can be referenced to the functional description of the corresponding functional module and will not be repeated here. Since the communication device 70 and the communication device 80 provided in this embodiment can perform the above-mentioned method for reducing communication interference between APs, the technical effects that can be achieved can be referred to the above method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0126] In this embodiment, communication devices 70 and 80 are presented in the form of integrated functional modules. "Module" here can refer to a specific ASIC, circuit, processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuit, and / or other device capable of providing the aforementioned functionality. In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that communication devices 70 and 80 can take the form of device 90 shown in FIG. 9 .

[0127] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 90 includes one or more processors 901, a communication line 902, and at least one communication interface (Figure 9 is only illustrative of the example of including a communication interface 903 and a processor 901). Optionally, a memory 904 may also be included. The processor 901 may be 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 the program of the present application. The communication line 902 may include a path for communication between different components. The communication interface 903 may be a transceiver module for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, RAN, wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc. For example, the transceiver module may be a device such as a transceiver or a transceiver. Optionally, the communication interface 903 may also be a transceiver circuit located in the processor 901 to realize signal input and signal output of the processor. The memory 904 may be a device with a storage function. For example, it can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compact discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited to these. The memory can be independent and connected to the processor via a communication line 902. The memory can also be integrated with the processor. Among them, the memory 904 is used to store computer-executable instructions for executing the solution of the present application, and the execution is controlled by the processor 901. The processor 901 is used to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 904, thereby implementing the method for reducing inter-AP communication interference provided in the embodiment of the present application.Alternatively, in the embodiment of the present application, the processor 901 performs processing-related functions in the method for reducing inter-AP communication interference provided in the following embodiment of the present application, and the communication interface 903 is responsible for communicating with other devices or communication networks, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application. The computer-executable instructions in the embodiment of the present application may also be referred to as application code, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application. As an embodiment, the processor 901 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in Figure 9.

[0128] As an embodiment, the communication device 90 may include multiple processors, such as the processor 901 and the processor 907 in FIG9 . Each of these processors may be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. The processors here may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), or an artificial intelligence processor, etc., and each computing device may include one or more cores for executing software instructions to perform calculations or processing.

[0129] As an embodiment, the communication device 90 may further include an output device 905 and an input device 906. The output device 905 communicates with the processor 901 and can display information in a variety of ways. For example, the output device 905 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector. The input device 906 communicates with the processor 901 and can receive user input in a variety of ways. For example, the input device 906 can be a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen device, or a sensor device.

[0130] The communication device 90 described above may also sometimes be referred to as a communication device, which may be a general-purpose device or a dedicated device. For example, the communication device 90 may be a controller in a network or a device having a similar structure as shown in FIG9 . The embodiment of the present application does not limit the type of the communication device 90 .

[0131] The processor 901 in the communication device 90 shown in FIG9 can invoke computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 904 to cause the communication device 90 to execute the method for reducing inter-AP communication interference in the above-described method embodiment. Since the communication device 90 provided in this embodiment can execute the above-described method for reducing inter-AP communication interference, the technical effects achieved can be referenced to the above-described method embodiment and will not be further described here.

[0132] In the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence number of each process does not mean the order of execution, and the order of execution of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented with electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and simplicity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of units described is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other divisions may be employed. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be omitted or not implemented. Furthermore, the couplings or direct couplings or communication connections shown or discussed may be through interfaces, or indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units, which may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, i.e., they may be located in a single location or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the objectives of the present embodiments as needed. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a single processing unit, each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. In the above embodiments, implementation may be in whole or in part through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, implementation may be in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product comprises one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device.The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., a digital versatile disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid state drive (SSD)).

[0133] As used in this application, the terms "component", "module", "system" and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, which can be hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software or software in operation. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to: a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, a thread in execution, a program and / or a computer. As an example, both an application running on a computing device and the computing device can be a component. One or more components can exist in a process and / or thread in execution, and a component can be located in a computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can be executed from various computer-readable media with various data structures thereon. These components can communicate in the form of local and / or remote processes, such as based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from a component that interacts with another component in a local system, a distributed system and / or interacts with other systems in the form of signals over a network such as the Internet). This application presents various aspects, embodiments or features around a system that can include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It is to be understood and appreciated that the various systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc. and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in connection with the figures. Furthermore, combinations of these aspects may also be used.

[0134] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the word "exemplary" is used to indicate an example, illustration or explanation. Any embodiment or design described in the present application as an "example" should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present the concept in a concrete way. In the embodiments of the present application, information, signal, message, and channel are sometimes used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings to be expressed are consistent. "of", "corresponding, relevant" and "corresponding" are sometimes used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings to be expressed are consistent. "System" and "network" are sometimes used interchangeably. When the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings to be expressed are consistent. For example, "communication network" also refers to "communication system". The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field will know that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0135] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for reducing communication interference between access points (APs), characterized in that, The method includes: The controller obtains information of a first AP and information of a second AP; wherein, the first AP and the second AP are managed by the controller, WiFi modules of the first AP and the second AP achieve time synchronization with the controller through a passive optical network (PON), and data transmissions by the first AP and the second AP simultaneously will interfere with each other; The controller allocates time units for data transmission to the first AP and the second AP according to the information of the first AP, the information of the second AP, and a time unit allocation policy; wherein, the time units for data transmission allocated by the controller to the first AP and the time units for data transmission allocated by the controller to the second AP are different; The controller sends first time unit indication information to the first AP, and the first time unit indication information is used to indicate the time units for data transmission allocated by the controller to the first AP; The controller sends second time unit indication information to the second AP, and the second time unit indication information is used to indicate the time units for data transmission allocated by the controller to the second AP.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first AP and the second AP are optical APs, and the first AP and the second AP include optical network unit (ONU) modules and WiFi modules; The WiFi modules of the first AP and the second AP achieving time synchronization with the controller through PON includes: The ONU modules of the first AP and the second AP achieve time synchronization with the controller through PON, and the WiFi modules of the first AP and the second AP achieve time synchronization with the ONU modules through internal interfaces.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The time unit allocation policy is a simple policy, and the simple policy instructs the controller to allocate different time units to different APs.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The time unit allocation policy is an intelligent policy, and the intelligent policy instructs the controller to allocate different time units to APs that will interfere with each other during simultaneous data transmission.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first time unit indication information and the second time unit indication information are carried on a dedicated network, and the dedicated network is a dedicated network established between the controller and the APs connected to the controller.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The information of the first AP and / or the second AP is pre-configured.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that The method further includes: The controller receives a first registration message from the first AP, and the first registration message carries the information of the first AP and is used to indicate that the first AP is managed by the controller; And / or, the controller receives a second registration message from the second AP, and the second registration message carries the information of the second AP and is used to indicate that the second AP is managed by the controller.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein The first registration message and the second registration message are carried on a dedicated network, and the dedicated network is a dedicated network established between the controller and the APs connected to the controller.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that Before the controller receives the first registration message and the second registration message, the method further includes: The controller sends a registration broadcast message, which is used to indicate that the APs connected to the controller register on the controller.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein The registration broadcast message is carried on a dedicated network established between the controller and the APs connected to the controller.

11. A method for reducing communication interference between access points AP, characterized in that, The method includes: The first AP receives first time unit indication information from the controller, where the first time unit indication information is used to indicate the time unit allocated by the controller for the first AP to perform data transmission; wherein, the first AP is managed by the controller, and the WiFi module of the first AP achieves time synchronization with the controller through a passive optical network (PON). Based on the time synchronized with the controller, the WiFi module of the first AP performs data transmission in the time unit allocated by the controller for the first AP to perform data transmission.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The first AP is an optical AP, and the first AP includes an optical network unit (ONU) module and a WiFi module; The WiFi module of the first AP achieving time synchronization with the controller through PON includes: The ONU module of the first AP achieves time synchronization with the controller through PON, and the WiFi module of the first AP achieves time synchronization with the ONU module through an internal interface.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first AP sends a first registration message to the controller, where the first registration message carries information of the first AP and is used to indicate that the first AP is managed by the controller.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein Before the first AP sends the first registration message to the controller, the method further includes: The first AP receives a registration broadcast message from the controller, where the registration broadcast message is used to indicate that the APs connected to the controller register on the controller.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The registration broadcast message and the first registration message are carried on a dedicated network established between the controller and the APs connected to the controller.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: a processor and a memory; The memory is used to store program instructions. When the processor executes the program instructions, the communication device is enabled to execute the method for reducing interference in communication between access points (APs) according to any one of claims 1-10 or 11-15.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Including instructions, when running on a computer, enabling the computer to execute the method for reducing interference in communication between access points (APs) according to any one of claims 1-10 or 11-15.

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