Communication methods and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to communication methods and an apparatus. In the communication method, when a communication channel between a first port of an access network device and a network management device is disconnected, the access network device may send, on a second port that is different from the first port, a request message (e.g., a UDP message) to the network management device, so as to receive on the second port a response message of the request message, and, on the basis of the response message, restore on the first port the capability of the communication channel; and thus, after the capability of the communication channel is restored, the access network device can perform, on the first port and via the communication channel, transmission of operation and maintenance information with the network management device, thereby ensuring the timeliness and reliability of communication between the access network device and the network management device.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410663073.2, filed on May 25, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] In communication technology, network management equipment can establish an operation and maintenance channel with the base station for the base station's daily operation and maintenance. Generally, this operation and maintenance channel may be interrupted due to accidental modification of the configuration used to establish the channel within the base station, or due to hardware or software problems with the base station. This prevents the base station from reporting relevant data, such as routine alarms, to the network management equipment in a timely manner. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can restore the communication channel between the access network device and the network management device after the communication channel is disconnected, thereby enabling the continued transmission of operation and maintenance information between the access network device and the network management device through the communication channel, ensuring the timeliness and reliability of communication between the access network device and the network management device.

[0005] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by an access network device, a module (e.g., processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the access network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device. In this method, when the communication channel between the first port of the access network device and the network management device is disconnected, the access network device sends a request message to the network management device on a second port. This allows the access network device to receive a response message from the network management device on the second port and, based on the response message, restore the communication channel on the first port. Thus, operation and maintenance information can be transmitted between the access network device and the network management device via the communication channel on the first port. The first and second ports are different; both the request and response messages are User Datagram Protocol (UDP) messages, while the operation and maintenance information is a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) message.

[0006] As can be seen from the above embodiments, when the communication channel between the first port of the access network device and the network management device is disconnected, the access network device can send a request message (such as a UDP message) to the network management device on a second port different from the first port. The access network device can then receive a response message on the second port and restore the communication channel capability on the first port based on the response message. Therefore, after the communication channel capability is restored, the access network device can transmit operation and maintenance information to the network management device through the communication channel on the first port, ensuring the timeliness and reliability of communication between the access network device and the network management device.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the access network device's ability to restore the communication channel on the first port based on a response message includes: the access network device's ability to perform a reset operation based on the response message to restore the communication channel on the first port.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the access network device's ability to restore the communication channel on the first port based on a response message includes: the access network device activating a minimum configuration based on the response message, the minimum configuration being used to restore the communication channel on the first port.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the access network device's ability to restore the communication channel on the first port based on the response message includes: the access network device performing a reset operation based on the response message; and if the ability to restore the communication channel on the first port is not successfully restored after performing the reset operation based on the response message, the access network device activating a minimum configuration based on the response message, the minimum configuration being used to restore the communication channel on the first port.

[0010] In one possible implementation, before the communication channel is disconnected, the method further includes: the access network device receiving key information from the network management device through the communication channel on the first port, the key information being used to decrypt and encrypt messages on the second port.

[0011] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the access network device receives key information from the network management device through the communication channel, enabling the access network device to decrypt and encrypt messages on the second port. This can ensure the security of message transmission and prevent messages on the second port from being maliciously modified.

[0012] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a network management device, a module applied to the network management device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network management device. In this method, when the communication channel between the first port of the access network device and the network management device is disconnected, the network management device can receive a request message from the access network device, and thus can send a response message to the access network device. Both the request message and the response message are UDP messages. The response message is used to enable the access network device to restore the communication channel on the first port. The communication channel is used for the access network device and the network management device to transmit operation and maintenance information, which is in the form of TCP messages.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the response message is used by the access network device to perform a reset operation to restore the communication channel on the first port.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the response message is used by the access network device to activate the minimum configuration, which is used to restore the communication channel on the first port.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the response message is used to activate the minimum configuration if the access network device fails to restore the communication channel on the first port after performing a reset operation. The minimum configuration is used to restore the communication channel on the first port.

[0016] In one possible implementation, before the communication channel is disconnected, the method further includes: the network management device sending key information to the access network device through the communication channel, the key information being used to decrypt and encrypt messages on a second port in the access network device, the first port and the second port being different.

[0017] Thirdly, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing the methods described in any one of the first or second aspects. The communication apparatus may be an access network device, a module of an access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0018] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor; wherein the at least one processor is configured to perform the method described in any one of the first or second aspects. The communication device may be an access network device, a module of an access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device. The at least one processor can execute computer programs or instructions stored in a memory to cause the described method to be performed. The memory may be included in the communication device or located externally to the communication device. Furthermore, the communication device may also include an interface.

[0019] Fifthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores computer instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method as described in any one of the first to second aspects.

[0020] Sixthly, a computer program product is provided, comprising: computer program code, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of the first or second aspects.

[0021] In a seventh aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including at least one processor and an interface, the processor being configured to read and execute instructions stored in a memory, wherein when the instructions are executed, the chip causes the chip to perform the method as described in any one of the first or second aspects.

[0022] Eighthly, a communication system is provided, comprising an access network device for performing the method as described in any one of the first aspects and a network management device for performing the method as described in any one of the second aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 shows the basic architecture of a communication system;

[0024] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. Unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship; for example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer 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, and c can be one or multiple. Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish between network elements and similar items with essentially the same function. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0028] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in the embodiments described in this application mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0029] The following detailed embodiments further illustrate the objectives, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this application. It should be understood that the following are merely specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made based on the technical solutions of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0031] It should be understood that the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can be applied to long-term evolution (LTE) architecture, 5th generation mobile networks (5G), wireless local area networks (WLAN) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, LTE-vehicle (LTE-V), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, machine-type communications (MTC), etc. The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other future communication systems, such as 6G communication systems. In future communication systems, the functions may remain the same, but the names may change.

[0032] The basic architecture of the communication system provided in the embodiments of this application is described below. The communication system provided in this application may include network management equipment and one or more access network devices.

[0033] The following explanation uses the system architecture shown in Figure 1 as an example. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes a network management device 10 and one or more access network devices (access network device 20 in Figure 1) that communicate with the network management device 10.

[0034] It should be noted that the number of network management devices and access network devices in Figure 1 is merely illustrative and should not be considered as a specific limitation of this application. The various devices involved in the system architecture will be described in detail below.

[0035] I. Access Network Equipment

[0036] An access network device is a network-side entity used to transmit signals, or receive signals, or both. Access network devices can be means deployed in a radio access network (RAN) to provide wireless communication functionality for access network devices.

[0037] In one possible scenario, access network equipment can be devices with base station functions, such as evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), transmitting and receiving points (TRPs), transmitting points (TPs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs), next-generation base stations in 6G mobile communication systems, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, and non-terrestrial access network equipment in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), which can be deployed on high-altitude platforms or satellites. Access network equipment can be transmission and receiving points (TRPs), base stations, and various forms of control nodes, such as network controllers and radio controllers. Specifically, access network equipment can be various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small cells) in heterogeneous network (HetNet) scenarios, relay stations, access points (APs), radio network controllers (RNCs), node Bs (NBs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved node Bs, or home node Bs (HNBs)), baseband units (BBUs) and remote radio units (RRUs) in distributed base station scenarios, transmitting and receiving points (TRPs), transmitting points (TPs), mobile switching centers, etc., and can also be base station antenna panels. Control nodes can connect to multiple base stations and configure resources for multiple access network devices covered by multiple base stations. In systems employing different wireless access technologies, the names of devices with base station functions may differ.For example, it could be a gNB in ​​5G, network-side equipment in networks after 5G, or access network equipment in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), or equipment that performs base station functions in device-to-device (D2D) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. This application does not limit the specific name of the access network equipment. Access network equipment can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a baseband unit (BBU) pool under a cloud radio access network (CRAN), and an RRU, etc.

[0038] In another possible scenario, multiple access network devices collaborate to assist the access network device in achieving wireless access, with each access network device implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, access network devices may include a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs may be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). It is understood that access network devices can be CU nodes, DU nodes, or devices including both CU and DU nodes. Furthermore, a CU can be classified as an access network device in the RAN (RAN) or as an access network device in the CN (CN), without limitation.

[0039] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0040] In this embodiment, the form of the access network device is not limited. The device used to implement the function of the access network device can be the access network device itself; or it can be a device that supports the access network device in implementing the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the access network device or used in conjunction with the access network device.

[0041] All or part of the functions of the access network device in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The access network device in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0042] II. Network Management Equipment

[0043] Network management devices can perform operation and maintenance (OM) on access network devices, such as viewing and analyzing at least one of the following: configuration information, communication system information, alarm information, tracking information, and log information. Essentially, the network management device can transmit operation and maintenance information to the access network devices, where the operation and maintenance information includes at least one of the following:

[0044] 1. Configuration Information

[0045] Configuration information can be information required by access network devices for service transmission. For example, configuration information may include at least one of the following: the number of antennas in a sector, downlink bandwidth, cell identifier, and frequency band.

[0046] 2. Call statistics information

[0047] Call statistics information can be data obtained by statistically analyzing performance indicators during the service transmission process of access network equipment.

[0048] For example, call statistics information may include traffic statistics. Traffic statistics may include, for example, traffic statistics related to communication between access network devices.

[0049] For example, call statistics information can be load information of access network equipment. This load information may include at least one of the following: the load of the central processing unit (CPU) and the number of users in the cell.

[0050] 3. Alarm Information

[0051] Alarm information can be data indicating hardware or software failures that occur during service transmission by access network equipment. For example, alarm information may include at least one of antenna failure and cell failure.

[0052] 4. Tracking Information

[0053] Tracking information can be data generated during the service transmission process of an access network device, tracking a specific process. For example, tracking information of the access network device during call setup. Another example is information about each message communicated between access network devices, including at least one of the following: message time, message content, and message name.

[0054] 5. Log Information

[0055] Log information can be software or hardware records generated by access network devices during service transmission, such as at least one of the following: code debugging exception data, memory usage data, and hardware failure data.

[0056] Optionally, the network management device can establish an operation and maintenance channel with the access network device, through which the network management device can transmit operation and maintenance information to the access network device.

[0057] Among them, network management equipment can be, for example, operation administration and management (OAM) equipment.

[0058] The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the network management device. The device used to implement the function of the network management device can be the network management device itself; it can also be a device that supports the network management device in implementing the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the network management device or used in conjunction with the network management device. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete components.

[0059] All or part of the functions of the network management device in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The network management device in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network management device.

[0060] Generally, the messages involved in establishing an operation and maintenance channel between the network management device and the access network device need to be processed at the application layer of the access network device (which is responsible for providing services to applications (also known as applications or users)). This means that after the access network device receives the message, it needs to pass through the corresponding forwarding system (including baseband processing devices, etc.) and protocol stack. In other words, if there is a problem with the hardware or software related to the forwarding system and / or protocol stack within the access network device, it may cause the access network device to be unable to process the message, resulting in an interruption of the operation and maintenance channel. Alternatively, the configuration used to establish the operation and maintenance channel within the access network device may be mistakenly modified, leading to an interruption of the operation and maintenance channel. An interruption of the operation and maintenance channel often prevents the access network device from transmitting operation and maintenance information to the network management device in a timely manner. Therefore, in this situation, how to restore the operation and maintenance channel to ensure the smooth transmission of operation and maintenance information has become an urgent technical problem to be solved at this stage. Based on this, this application provides the embodiment shown in Figure 2 to solve this problem.

[0061] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. As shown in Figure 2, a communication method is provided by an embodiment of this application. This communication method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0062] 201. When the communication channel between the first port of the access network device and the network management device is disconnected, the access network device sends a request message to the network management device on the second port.

[0063] Accordingly, if the communication channel between the first port of the access network device and the network management device is disconnected, the network management device receives a request message from the access network device. Here, "disconnection of the communication channel" refers to a non-physical fiber optic cable disconnection.

[0064] 202. The network management device sends a response message to the access network device. Both the request message and the response message are UDP messages.

[0065] Accordingly, the access network device receives a response message from the network management device on the second port.

[0066] 203. The ability of access network equipment to restore the communication channel on the first port based on the response message.

[0067] 204. The access network device transmits operation and maintenance information to the network management device through this communication channel on the first port. The operation and maintenance information is in the form of TCP packets.

[0068] The specific implementation methods for steps 201 to 204 are explained below.

[0069] The first port and the second port are different. Optionally, a port mentioned in this application (such as the first port or the second port) can be a logical port, such as a port in the TCP protocol.

[0070] Optionally, the first port can be used by the access network device to transmit TCP packets, such as operation and maintenance information, with the network management device through the aforementioned communication channel. The second port can be used by the access network device to transmit UDP packets, such as request and response packets, with the network management device. In other words, TCP packets may include the port number of the first port, and UDP packets (such as request and response packets) may include the port number of the second port.

[0071] It should be noted that UDP packets in this application can be considered as data link layer packets. Similarly, TCP packets in this application can be considered as application layer packets. The data link layer ensures reliable data transmission over the physical link. Data or instructions at the data link layer can be encapsulated into specific frames that can be transmitted by the physical layer. Optionally, the data link layer may also include functions such as access control, resource management, data segmentation, concatenation, and error correction. In one example, the data link layer may include a medium access control (MAC) layer.

[0072] The request message can be used to request the ability to restore the aforementioned communication channel on the first port. The response message can be a message responding to the request message. That is, after receiving the request message, the network management device can send a response message to the access network device in response to the request message.

[0073] For example, after receiving a request message, the network management device can display the requested content on its interface. Upon detecting an acknowledgment command for the requested content (which allows the communication channel to be restored on the first port), the device can send a response message to the access network device. In other words, the user can view the content displayed on the interface and input acknowledgment commands into the network management device. In this way, upon detecting the acknowledgment command, the network management device can send a response message to the access network device.

[0074] The response message may include the following:

[0075] 1. The response message is used to instruct the access network device to perform a reset operation. In this case, the access network device performs a reset operation based on the response message to restore the aforementioned communication channel capability on the first port. Optionally, the reset operation in this application can be understood as initialization. For example, the access network device performing a reset operation can be understood as the access network device performing initialization, including at least one of the following: hardware power-on, self-test, loading software into memory or chip, software initialization, etc.

[0076] 2. The response message is used to instruct the access network device to activate the minimum configuration, which is used to restore the aforementioned communication channel capability on the first port. In this case, the access network device activates the minimum configuration based on the response message.

[0077] The minimum configuration can be predefined in the access network device, or the minimum configuration is the configuration obtained by the access network device from the network management device based on the dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP), or the minimum configuration is the configuration obtained by the access network device through other means. This application does not limit this.

[0078] Optionally, the minimum configuration may include at least one of the following: the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the access network device, the subnet mask of the IP address, and the routing information of the next-hop gateway, etc., which are not limited in this application. The routing information may include at least one of the following: the IP address of the next-hop gateway, and the subnet mask of the IP address, etc., which are not limited in this application.

[0079] In one possible implementation, the response message can also be used to instruct the access network device to release configurations other than the minimum configuration. In this case, the access network device can also release other configurations based on the response message. These other configurations may include, for example, information required by the access network device for service transmission, and are not limited thereto.

[0080] 3. The response message is used to instruct the access network device to perform a reset operation and activate the minimum configuration. In this case, the access network device can perform a reset operation based on the response message.

[0081] For example, if the access network device can successfully restore the communication channel on the first port after performing a reset operation based on the response message, the minimum configuration may not be activated.

[0082] For example, if the ability to restore the aforementioned communication channel on the first port is not successfully restored after a reset operation based on the response message, the access network device may activate the minimum configuration based on the response message. In this case, the response message can also be used to instruct the access network device to release other configurations besides the minimum configuration. Therefore, the access network device can also release other configurations based on the response message.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the access network device can also decrypt and encrypt packets on the second port. For example, the access network device can use key information to encrypt the request packet, meaning the request packet is encrypted using key information. Similarly, the access network device can use key information to decrypt the response packet to obtain the information indicated by the response packet. In other words, key information can be used to decrypt and encrypt packets on the second port.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the key information can be obtained by the access network device from the network management device via the communication channel on the first port before the aforementioned communication channel is disconnected. That is, before the aforementioned communication channel is disconnected, the access network device can receive key information from the network management device via the communication channel on the first port. The key information can be, for example, a secure hash algorithm 256 (HMAC-SHA256) for message authentication.

[0085] Optionally, the processing performed by a single execution entity (access network device or network management device) shown in the embodiments of this application can also be divided into multiple execution entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. For example, the processing performed by the access network device can be divided into execution by at least one of CU, DU, and RU.

[0086] Furthermore, the various embodiments of this application are merely illustrative examples of executing all the steps included, and should not be considered as specific limitations on this application. For example, the order of steps in various embodiments can be simply changed according to their function and internal logic; or, for example, all steps in various embodiments can be executed, or only a portion of them can be executed, as long as the same function as in the embodiments of this application can be achieved.

[0087] It is understood that, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, the device includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for performing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0088] This application embodiment can divide access network devices or network management devices into functional modules according to the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0089] Referring to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application, the communication device 300 can be applied to the method shown in the embodiment described in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, the communication device 300 includes a processing module 301 and a transceiver module 302. The processing module 301 may be one or more processors, and the transceiver module 302 may be a transceiver or a communication interface. The communication device can be used to implement the access network device or network management device involved in any of the above method embodiments, or to implement the functions of the network element involved in any of the above method embodiments. The network element or network function may be a network component in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualization function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). Optionally, the communication device 300 may also include a storage module 303 for storing the program code and data of the communication device 300.

[0090] In one example, the communication device functions as an access network device or as a chip applied within an access network device, and performs the steps executed by the access network device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 302 is used to specifically execute the sending and / or receiving actions performed by the access network device in the embodiments described in FIG2, for example, supporting the access network device in performing other processes of the technology described herein. The processing module 301 can be used to support the communication device 300 in performing the processing actions in the above method embodiments, for example, supporting the access network device in performing other processes of the technology described herein.

[0091] For example, when the communication channel between the first port of the communication device and the network management device is disconnected, the transceiver module 302 is used to send a request message to the network management device on the second port; the transceiver module 302 is also used to receive a response message from the network management device on the second port; the processing module 301 is used to restore the communication channel capability on the first port based on the response message; the transceiver module 302 is also used to transmit operation and maintenance information to the network management device through the communication channel on the first port. The first port and the second port are different; both the request message and the response message are UDP messages, while the operation and maintenance information is a TCP message.

[0092] In one possible implementation, when the ability to restore the communication channel on the first port is based on the response message, the processing module 301 is used to perform a reset operation based on the response message to restore the ability to restore the communication channel on the first port.

[0093] In one possible implementation, when the ability to restore the communication channel on the first port is based on the response message, the processing module 301 is used to activate the minimum configuration based on the response message, the minimum configuration being used to restore the communication channel on the first port.

[0094] In one possible implementation, when the ability to restore the communication channel on the first port is based on the response message, the processing module 301 is configured to: perform a reset operation based on the response message; and if the ability to restore the communication channel on the first port is not successfully restored after the reset operation based on the response message, activate the minimum configuration based on the response message, the minimum configuration being used to restore the ability to restore the communication channel on the first port.

[0095] In one possible implementation, before the aforementioned communication channel is disconnected, the transceiver module 302 is also configured to receive key information from the network management device via the communication channel on the first port, and the key information is used to decrypt and encrypt messages on the second port.

[0096] In one example, the communication device functions as a network management device or is a chip applied within a network management device, and executes the steps performed by the network management device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 302 is used to specifically execute the sending and / or receiving actions performed by the network management device in the embodiments described in FIG2, for example, supporting the network management device in performing other processes of the technology described herein. The processing module 301 can be used to support the communication device 300 in performing the processing actions in the above method embodiments, for example, supporting the network management device in performing other processes of the technology described herein.

[0097] For example, transceiver module 302 is configured to: receive a request message from the access network device and send a response message to the access network device when the communication channel between the first port of the access network device and the communication device is disconnected. Both the request message and the response message are UDP messages. The response message is used to enable the access network device to restore the communication channel on the first port. The communication channel is used for the access network device to transmit operation and maintenance information to the network management device, and the operation and maintenance information is in TCP messages.

[0098] In one possible implementation, before the communication channel is disconnected, the transceiver module 302 is also used to send key information through the communication channel to the access network device. The key information is used to decrypt and encrypt messages on the second port of the access network device. The first port and the second port are different.

[0099] In one possible implementation, when the access network device or network management device is a chip, the transceiver module 302 can be a communication interface, pins, or circuits. The communication interface can be used to input data to be processed to the processor and can output the processor's processing results. Specifically, the communication interface can be a general purpose input / output (GPIO) interface, which can connect to multiple peripheral devices (such as LCD displays, cameras, radio frequency (RF) modules, antennas, etc.). The communication interface is connected to the processor via a bus.

[0100] The processing module 301 may be a processor, which can execute computer execution instructions stored in the storage module to cause the chip to execute the method involved in the embodiment of FIG2. Further, the processor may include a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and registers. For example, the controller is mainly responsible for instruction decoding and issuing control signals for the operations corresponding to the instructions. The ALU is mainly responsible for performing fixed-point or floating-point arithmetic operations, shift operations, and logical operations, and can also perform address operations and conversions. The registers are mainly responsible for storing register operands and intermediate operation results temporarily stored during instruction execution. In specific implementations, the processor's hardware architecture may be an ASIC architecture, a microprocessor without interlocked piped stages architecture (MIPS), an advanced reduced instruction set machine (RISC) machine (ARM) architecture, or a network processor (NP) architecture, etc. The processor may be single-core or multi-core. The storage module may be an in-chip storage module, such as a register or cache. The storage module may also be an external storage module, such as ROM or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, RAM, etc.

[0101] It should be noted that the functions of the processor and interface can be implemented through hardware design, software design, or a combination of both; no restrictions are imposed here.

[0102] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. It is understood that the communication device 410 includes necessary means such as modules, units, components, circuits, or interfaces, appropriately configured together to execute this solution. The communication device 410 can be the aforementioned access network device or network management device, or a component (e.g., a chip) within these devices, used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. The communication device 410 includes one or more processors 411. The processor 411 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (e.g., access network device, network management device, or chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0103] Optionally, in one design, the processor 411 may include a program 413 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be executed on the processor 411 to cause the communication device 410 to perform the methods described in the above embodiments. In yet another possible design, the communication device 410 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG4) for implementing the functions of the access network device, network management device, etc., in the above embodiments. Optionally, the communication device 410 may include one or more memories 412 storing a program 414 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be executed on the processor 411 to cause the communication device 410 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0104] Optionally, data may also be stored in the processor 411 and / or the memory 412. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0105] Optionally, the communication device 410 may also include a transceiver 415 and / or an antenna 416. The processor 411, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device (e.g., access network equipment or network management equipment). The transceiver 415, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device through the antenna 416.

[0106] This application also provides a communication device, which includes at least one processor; wherein the at least one processor is configured to perform the method described in any of the embodiments of FIG2.

[0107] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed, cause the computer to perform the method described in any of the embodiments shown in FIG2.

[0108] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code. When the computer program code is run, it causes the computer to perform the method described in any of the embodiments shown in FIG2.

[0109] This application also provides a chip, which includes at least one processor and an interface. The processor is used to read and execute instructions stored in a memory. When the instructions are executed, the chip causes the chip to perform the method described in any of the embodiments shown in FIG2.

[0110] The units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the objectives of the embodiments of this application, depending on actual needs. Furthermore, the network element units in the various embodiments of this application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The integrated units described above can be implemented in hardware or as software network element units.

[0111] If the integrated units described above are implemented as software network elements and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the essential contribution of the technical solution of this application, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, access network device, cloud server, or network management device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, mobile hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks. The above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: When the communication channel between the first port of the access network device and the network management device is disconnected, a request message is sent to the network management device on the second port, where the first port and the second port are different. The system receives a response message from the network management device on the second port. Both the request message and the response message are UDP messages. The ability to restore the communication channel on the first port based on the response message; On the first port, operation and maintenance information is transmitted to the network management device through the communication channel, and the operation and maintenance information is a TCP message.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ability to restore the communication channel on the first port based on the response message includes: The ability to perform a reset operation based on the response message to restore the communication channel on the first port.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ability to restore the communication channel on the first port based on the response message includes: Based on the response message, a minimum configuration is activated, which is used to restore the communication channel's capability on the first port.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ability to restore the communication channel on the first port based on the response message includes: Perform a reset operation based on the response message; If the ability to restore the communication channel on the first port is not successfully restored after the reset operation is performed based on the response message, the minimum configuration is activated based on the response message. The minimum configuration is used to restore the ability to restore the communication channel on the first port.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Before the communication channel is disconnected, the method further includes: On the first port, key information from the network management device is received through the communication channel. The key information is used to decrypt and encrypt messages on the second port.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, include: When the communication channel between the first port of the access network device and the network management device is disconnected, a request message from the access network device is received. Send a response message to the access network device, wherein both the request message and the response message are UDP messages; The response message is used by the access network device to restore the communication channel on the first port. The communication channel is used by the access network device to transmit operation and maintenance information with the network management device. The operation and maintenance information is a TCP message.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The response message is used by the access network device to perform a reset operation to restore the communication channel on the first port.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The response message is used by the access network device to activate the minimum configuration, which is used to restore the communication channel capability on the first port.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The response message is used to activate the minimum configuration if the access network device fails to restore the communication channel on the first port after performing the reset operation. The minimum configuration is used to restore the communication channel on the first port.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that, Before the communication channel is disconnected, the method further includes: The access network device sends key information through the communication channel. The key information is used to decrypt and encrypt messages on the second port of the access network device. The first port and the second port are different.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units or modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes at least one processor; wherein the at least one processor is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: computer program code, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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