Time-domain scheduling method, apparatus and system

Abstract

A time-domain scheduling method, apparatus and system, which belong to the technical field of communications. The method comprises: after sending an m-th scheduling message to a first network node, a control node receiving a feedback message, which is sent by the first network node and is used for indicating a first occupancy rate, and sending an (m+1)-th scheduling message to the first network node, wherein the m-th scheduling message is used for indicating a first air interface resource allocated to the first network node; the first network node is any one of at least one network node; the first occupancy rate is the occupancy rate of first data for the first air interface resource, and the first data is data transmitted after the first network node has competed for and obtained an air interface on the first air interface resource; the (m+1)-th scheduling message is used for indicating a second air interface resource allocated to the first network node; and the resource amount difference between the second air interface resource and the first air interface resource is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate. The present application can improve the sending efficiency in a network, and the present application is used for time-domain scheduling on a network node.

Description

Time-domain scheduling methods, devices and systems

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202411567188.8, filed on November 4, 2024, entitled "Time-Domain Scheduling Method, Apparatus and System", 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 time-domain scheduling method, apparatus and system. Background Technology

[0003] Currently, in wireless local area networks (WLANs), the Wi-Fi channel is typically shared by access points (APs) and stations (STAs). Each AP and STA uses a set of enhanced distribution channel access (EDCA) parameters to compete for the Wi-Fi channel and gain the opportunity to transmit.

[0004] Access points (APs) can adjust EDCA parameters by assessing network status. However, with network development and the increasing number of devices in home networks, the probability of multiple devices competing for Wi-Fi channels simultaneously is also increasing. This simultaneous competition for Wi-Fi channels can lead to random backoff conflicts, resulting in packet failures, reduced network throughput, and increased service latency.

[0005] Therefore, how to avoid random backoff collisions in the air interface and improve the transmission efficiency in the network is worth studying. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a time-domain scheduling method, apparatus, and system, which helps to avoid random backoff conflicts at the air interface and improves transmission efficiency in the network.

[0007] Firstly, this application provides a time-domain scheduling method, executed by a control node. The method includes: after sending the m-th scheduling message to a first network node, the control node receives a feedback message from the first network node indicating a first occupancy rate, and then sends the (m+1)-th scheduling message to the first network node. Wherein, the m-th scheduling message indicates a first air interface resource allocated to the first network node; m ≥ 1; the first network node is any one of at least one network node; the first occupancy rate is the occupancy rate of first data on the first air interface resource, where the first data is the data transmitted by the first network node after successfully competing for the air interface resource; the (m+1)-th scheduling message indicates a second air interface resource allocated to the first network node; the difference in resource quantity between the second air interface resource and the first air interface resource is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate.

[0008] In the time-domain scheduling method provided in this application embodiment, when the control node performs time-domain scheduling on at least one network node, it allocates air interface resources to each network node (also known as centralized scheduling) and sends a scheduling message to the network node indicating the air interface resources allocated to that network node. Network nodes can compete for air interface resources (air interface is also a channel, so competing for air interface is also competing for channel) on the air interface resources indicated by the scheduling message, and transmit data on the acquired air interface after winning the competition. It can be seen that the air interface resources for network nodes to compete for are allocated by the control node. Through the control node, centralized control of at least one network node can be achieved, so that the scheduling message sent by the control node instructs each network node to compete for air interface resources on the corresponding air interface resources, and then transmits data on the acquired air interface after winning the competition. Therefore, this helps to avoid random backoff conflicts between network nodes and reduces interference between network nodes' air interfaces.

[0009] Furthermore, when the first occupancy rate is within the occupancy range, it indicates that the amount of first air interface resources may be just enough for the first network node's next data transmission, and the control node does not need to increase or decrease the amount of air interface resources (second air interface resources) allocated to the first network node in the next transmission. When the first occupancy rate is greater than the maximum value within the occupancy range, it indicates that the amount of first air interface resources may be insufficient for the first network node's next data transmission, and the control node needs to increase the amount of air interface resources (second air interface resources) allocated to the first network node in the next transmission. When the first occupancy rate is less than the minimum value within the occupancy range, it indicates that the amount of first air interface resources may be sufficient and even have excess resources for the first network node's next data transmission, and the control node needs to reduce the amount of air interface resources (second air interface resources) allocated to the first network node in the next transmission to minimize waste of air interface resources.

[0010] In related technologies, before the control node sends a scheduling message to each network node, each network node needs to send service information to the control node. This service information indicates the service data that the network node needs to transmit over the air interface. Then, the control node allocates air interface resources to the network nodes based on the service information reported by each network node and sends scheduling messages to each network node to indicate competition for the allocated air interface resources. However, there may be delays in the acquisition and transmission of service information by network nodes, affecting the control node's allocation of air interface resources and the sending of scheduling messages, ultimately impacting data transmission. Furthermore, the amount of service information is usually large, making it difficult for the control node to process the service information sent by each network node, posing a significant challenge to the control node's processor. Reducing the amount of service information would result in lower accuracy in the air interface resources allocated by the control node to each network node based on the service information, failing to improve the utilization rate of air interface resources and the efficiency of data transmission.

[0011] In this embodiment, after sending the m-th scheduling message to each network node, the control node receives utilization feedback messages from each network node. Based on this feedback, the control node adjusts the air interface resources allocated to each network node and then sends the (m+1)-th scheduling message to each network node, thereby adjusting the air interface resources used for data transmission. It is evident that network nodes do not need to send service information, thus avoiding the latency issues associated with service information. Furthermore, network nodes only need to send feedback messages, which indicate the first occupancy rate. This significantly reduces the data volume compared to service information, allowing for rapid transmission of feedback messages to the control node. Moreover, the small data volume of feedback messages processed by the control node makes processing them easier, and the control node's processor can easily handle this task. Additionally, in this embodiment, the control node's adjustment of the air interface resources based on the aforementioned feedback messages allows for more rational allocation of air interface resources, improving air interface resource utilization and data transmission efficiency.

[0012] The difference in resource quantity between the second and first air interface resources is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate. Therefore, the lower the first occupancy rate, the smaller the difference in resource quantity between the second and first air interface resources. Conversely, the higher the first occupancy rate, the larger the difference in resource quantity between the second and first air interface resources. For example, when the first occupancy rate is within a certain range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is equal to that of the first air interface resource. When the first occupancy rate is greater than the maximum value within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is greater than that of the first air interface resource. When the first occupancy rate is less than the minimum value within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is less than that of the first air interface resource.

[0013] Optionally, the air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by different network nodes may have different time domains and / or frequency domains. For example, at least two of the at least one network node may receive air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message that have different time domains but the same frequency domain. Alternatively, when at least one network node includes multiple network nodes, at least two of these multiple network nodes may receive air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message that have the same time domain but different frequency domains. Another example: when at least one network node includes multiple network nodes, at least two of these multiple network nodes may receive air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message that have different time domains and different frequency domains. Yet another example: when at least one network node includes multiple network nodes, some of these multiple network nodes may receive air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message that have different time domains but the same frequency domain, while others may receive air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message that have the same time domain but different frequency domains.

[0014] Optionally, both the first and second air interface resources include the third air interface resource, indicating that the first and second air interface resources have the same air interface resources. Of course, the first and second air interface resources may not have the same air interface resources, and this embodiment does not limit this. When the first and second air interface resources have the same air interface resources, the second air interface resource can be the first air interface resource, or the control node can expand or reduce the resources of the first air interface resource to obtain the second air interface resource.

[0015] Optionally, the set of air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by the at least one network node is the same as the set of air interface resources indicated by the (m+1)-th scheduling message received by the at least one network node. In other words, before each scheduling message is sent, the control node allocates air interface resources to each network node from the same air interface resource pool; and no matter how the air interface resources allocated to each network node are adjusted, the air interface resource pool will not be changed. Of course, the set of air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by the at least one network node may also be different from the set of air interface resources indicated by the (m+1)-th scheduling message received by the at least one network node, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0016] There are several ways to implement feedback messages. For example, the feedback message may include a first occupancy rate; or, the feedback message may include parameters related to the first occupancy rate, based on which the control node can determine the first occupancy rate. For example, when the feedback message includes parameters related to the first occupancy rate, the feedback message includes information about the frequency band size occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource, and the air interface duration occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource. The control node can calculate the amount of resources occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource based on the product of the frequency band size and the air interface duration, and then determine the first occupancy rate as the ratio of this resource amount to the total resource amount of the first air interface resource.

[0017] Optionally, sending the m-th scheduling message to the first network node includes: sending the m-th scheduling message to the first network node at a first moment; the first moment is before the time period occupied by the set of air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by at least one network node, or the first moment is the start time of the time period occupied by the first air interface resources.

[0018] Optionally, the control node and the at least one network node both belong to a fiber-to-the-room (FTTR) network.

[0019] Secondly, a time-domain scheduling method is provided, the method being executed by a first network node, which is any one of at least one network node. The method includes: after receiving a scheduling message sent by a control node, the first network node competes for an air interface on a first air interface resource according to the scheduling message, transmits first data on the air interface it has won the competition for, and sends a feedback message to the control node indicating a first occupancy rate; wherein, m≥1, the scheduling message indicates the first air interface resource allocated to the first network node, and the first occupancy rate is the occupancy rate of the first data on the first air interface resource;

[0020] Subsequently, after receiving the (m+1)th scheduling message sent by the control node, the first network node can compete for the air interface on the second air interface resource according to the (m+1)th scheduling message, and transmit the second data on the air interface it wins. The (m+1)th scheduling message is used to indicate the second air interface resource allocated to the first network node, and the difference in resource quantity between the second air interface resource and the first air interface resource is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate.

[0021] Optionally, when the first occupancy rate is within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is equal to the resource quantity of the first air interface resource; when the first occupancy rate is greater than the maximum value within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is greater than the resource quantity of the first air interface resource; when the first occupancy rate is less than the minimum value within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is less than the resource quantity of the first air interface resource.

[0022] Optionally, both the first air interface resource and the second air interface resource include the third air interface resource.

[0023] Optionally, the feedback message includes the first occupancy rate.

[0024] Optionally, the feedback message includes information about the frequency band size occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource, and the air interface duration occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource.

[0025] Optionally, receiving the m-th scheduling message sent by the control node includes: receiving the m-th scheduling message sent by the control node at a first moment; the first moment is before the time period occupied by the set of air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by at least one network node, or the first moment is the start time of the time period occupied by the first air interface resources.

[0026] Optionally, the control node and the at least one network node both belong to the FTTR network.

[0027] Thirdly, a time-domain scheduling device is provided, which belongs to a control node. The time-domain scheduling device includes: a first sending module, a receiving module, and a second sending module. The first sending module is used to send the m-th scheduling message to a first network node, the m-th scheduling message indicating a first air interface resource allocated to the first network node; m≥1; the first network node is any one of at least one network node; the receiving module is used to receive a feedback message sent by the first network node indicating a first occupancy rate, the first occupancy rate being the occupancy rate of the first data on the first air interface resource, the first data being the data transmitted by the first network node after competing for the air interface resource; the second sending module is used to send the (m+1)-th scheduling message to the first network node, the (m+1)-th scheduling message indicating a second air interface resource allocated to the first network node; the difference in resource quantity between the second air interface resource and the first air interface resource is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate.

[0028] Optionally, when the first occupancy rate is within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is equal to the resource quantity of the first air interface resource; when the first occupancy rate is greater than the maximum value within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is greater than the resource quantity of the first air interface resource; when the first occupancy rate is less than the minimum value within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is less than the resource quantity of the first air interface resource.

[0029] Optionally, at least two of the network nodes receive air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message that are different in the time domain but the same in the frequency domain.

[0030] Optionally, both the first air interface resource and the second air interface resource include the third air interface resource.

[0031] Optionally, the set of air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by the at least one network node is the same as the set of air interface resources indicated by the (m+1)-th scheduling message received by the at least one network node.

[0032] Optionally, the feedback message includes the first occupancy rate.

[0033] Optionally, the feedback message includes: information on the frequency band size occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource, and the air interface duration occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource.

[0034] Optionally, the first sending module is configured to: send the m-th scheduling message to the first network node at a first moment; the first moment is before the time period occupied by the set of air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by at least one network node, or the first moment is the start time of the time period occupied by the first air interface resources.

[0035] Optionally, the control node and the at least one network node both belong to the FTTR network.

[0036] Fourthly, a time-domain scheduling device is provided, wherein the time-domain scheduling device belongs to a first network node, the first network node being any one of at least one network node, and the time-domain scheduling device includes: a first receiving module, a first contention module, a sending module, a second receiving module, and a second contention module. A first receiving module is configured to receive the m-th scheduling message sent by the control node, where m ≥ 1; the m-th scheduling message indicates a first air interface resource allocated to the first network node; a first contention module is configured to compete for an air interface on the first air interface resource according to the m-th scheduling message, and transmit first data on the acquired air interface; a sending module is configured to send a feedback message to the control node indicating a first occupancy rate, where the first occupancy rate is the occupancy rate of the first data on the first air interface resource; a second receiving module is configured to receive the (m+1)-th scheduling message sent by the control node, where the (m+1)-th scheduling message indicates a second air interface resource allocated to the first network node, and the difference in resource quantity between the second air interface resource and the first air interface resource is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate; a second contention module is configured to compete for an air interface on the second air interface resource according to the (m+1)-th scheduling message, and transmit second data on the acquired air interface.

[0037] Optionally, when the first occupancy rate is within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is equal to the resource quantity of the first air interface resource; when the first occupancy rate is greater than the maximum value within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is greater than the resource quantity of the first air interface resource; when the first occupancy rate is less than the minimum value within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is less than the resource quantity of the first air interface resource.

[0038] Optionally, both the first air interface resource and the second air interface resource include the third air interface resource.

[0039] Optionally, the feedback message includes the first occupancy rate.

[0040] Optionally, the feedback message includes information about the frequency band size occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource, and the air interface duration occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource.

[0041] Optionally, the first receiving module is configured to: receive the m-th scheduling message sent by the control node at a first moment; the first moment is before the time period occupied by the set of air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by at least one network node, or the first moment is the start time of the time period occupied by the first air interface resources.

[0042] Optionally, the control node and the at least one network node both belong to the FTTR network.

[0043] Fifthly, a time-domain scheduling device is provided, which belongs to a control node in an FTTR network. The time-domain scheduling device includes an interface and a processor. The interface is used to perform the sending and receiving operations in the method provided by any design in the first aspect, and the processor is used to perform operations other than sending and receiving (i.e., processing operations) in the method provided by any design in the first aspect. For example, the interface is used to send the m-th scheduling message to a first network node, the m-th scheduling message indicating a first air interface resource allocated to the first network node; m ≥ 1; the first network node is any one of at least one network node; the interface is also used to receive a feedback message sent by the first network node indicating a first occupancy rate, the first occupancy rate being the occupancy rate of first data on the first air interface resource, the first data being the data transmitted by the first network node after competing for the air interface resource; the interface is also used to send the (m+1)-th scheduling message to the first network node, the (m+1)-th scheduling message indicating a second air interface resource allocated to the first network node; the difference in resource quantity between the second air interface resource and the first air interface resource is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate.

[0044] In a sixth aspect, a time-domain scheduling device is provided, the time-domain scheduling device belonging to a first network node in an FTTR network, the first network node being any one of at least one network node in the FTTR network, the time-domain scheduling device comprising an interface and a processor. The interface is used to perform the transmission and reception operations in the method provided by any design in the second aspect, and the processor is used to perform operations other than transmission and reception (i.e., processing operations) in the method provided by any design in the second aspect. For example, the interface is used to receive the m-th scheduling message sent by the control node, where m ≥ 1; the m-th scheduling message is used to indicate the first air interface resource allocated to the first network node; the interface is also used to compete for an air interface on the first air interface resource according to the m-th scheduling message, and transmit first data on the air interface that has been won; the interface is also used to send a feedback message to the control node to indicate a first occupancy rate, where the first occupancy rate is the occupancy rate of the first data on the first air interface resource; the interface is also used to receive the (m+1)-th scheduling message sent by the control node, where the (m+1)-th scheduling message is used to indicate the second air interface resource allocated to the first network node, and the difference in resource quantity between the second air interface resource and the first air interface resource is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate; the interface is also used to compete for an air interface on the second air interface resource according to the (m+1)-th scheduling message, and transmit second data on the air interface that has been won.

[0045] In a seventh aspect, a time-domain scheduling system is provided, the time-domain scheduling system including a control node and at least one network node in an FTTR network; the control node is used to execute the time-domain scheduling method described in any design of the first aspect; the first network node is used to execute the time-domain scheduling method described in any design of the second aspect, wherein the first network node is any one of the at least one network node.

[0046] Eighthly, this application provides a time-domain scheduling apparatus, comprising: a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a program, and the processor is configured to run the program to execute the time-domain scheduling method described in either the first or second aspect.

[0047] Ninthly, this application provides a computer storage medium storing a computer program, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute the time-domain scheduling method described in either the first or second aspect.

[0048] In a tenth aspect, this application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when the computer program product is run on a computer, cause the computer to execute the time-domain scheduling method described in either the first or second aspect.

[0049] In an eleventh aspect, this application also provides a chip for implementing the time-domain scheduling method as described in either the first or second aspect.

[0050] The effects of the second to eleventh aspects mentioned above can be referred to the effects of the corresponding designs in the first aspect mentioned above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a WLAN network provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an FTTR network provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another FTTR network provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another FTTR network provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a time-domain scheduling method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an air interface resource provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another air interface resource provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another air interface resource provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another air interface resource provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the data usage of air interface resources according to an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another air interface resource provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of sending a scheduling message according to an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of another method for sending scheduling messages provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a scheduling message provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a feedback message provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 16 is a block diagram of a time-domain scheduling device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 17 is a block diagram of another time-domain scheduling device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0068] Referring to Figure 1, a possible WLAN network architecture is illustrated. The WLAN network architecture includes a wireless controller (also referred to as a "control node" in this embodiment), wireless access points (also referred to as "network nodes" in this embodiment), and terminal devices. The wireless controller is used to configure services and radio frequency for the access points. The wireless access point (AP) is used to provide service access to associated STAs. Terminal devices, acting as STAs, can be associated with the access point.

[0069] Terminal devices can include mobile phones (or "cellular" phones), computers with mobile terminal devices, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, and computer-embedded mobile devices, etc. Examples include Personal Communication Service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and other devices. Terminal devices can also be computers, tablets, e-readers, and smart home devices such as smart TVs and smart speakers. As an example and not a limitation, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices or smart wearable devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices; they achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Wearable smart devices in a broad sense include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can perform all or part of their functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on a specific type of application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets, smart helmets, and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0070] The Wi-Fi channel is shared by the Access Point (AP) and the Station (STA). Currently, each AP and STA uses its own set of Enhanced Distribution Channel Access (EDCA) parameters to compete for the Wi-Fi channel and gain transmission opportunities. As described in the background section, with the development of networks, the number of devices in home networks is increasing, and the probability of multiple devices competing for the Wi-Fi channel at the same time is also increasing. Therefore, multiple devices (such as multiple APs) competing for the Wi-Fi channel at the same time may cause random backoff conflicts, leading to packet transmission failures, reduced network throughput, and increased service latency.

[0071] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a time-domain scheduling method to provide a feasible way to avoid random backoff conflicts on the air interface, thereby improving the efficiency of data transmission through the channel in the wireless network and improving the overall network performance of the wireless network.

[0072] This application embodiment can be applied to fiber-to-the-room (FTTR) networks, where fiber optic cables are laid to every room, and home gateways are interconnected by deploying sub-FTTR units (SFUs) in each room. FTTR can meet the high bandwidth and latency requirements of new business applications such as online education, home office, and home entertainment. An SFU can be an edge optical network terminal (edge ​​ONT) or an access point (AP), i.e., it can act as a network node in a wireless network. Referring to Figure 2, in an FTTR application scenario, a main FTTR unit (MFU) is deployed to manage the SFUs. An MFU can be an optical gateway, optical network terminal (ONT), or passive optical network (PON) gateway, i.e., it can act as a control node in a wireless network.

[0073] In an FTTR network, the MFU (Master Unit) acts as both the ONT (On-Network Terminal) in a fiber-to-the-home / office (FTTH / O) network and the upstream device for the SFU (Support Unit), managing the SFU. SFUs can be deployed in various rooms of a home or office to provide signal to terminals. An SFU functions as an ONT and can also function as a wireless access point (AP). Multiple SFUs can be deployed in an FTTR network, each connected to the MFU via an optical splitter. The MFU can centrally manage and configure all SFUs. The MFU can also be referred to as the "master device," "master gateway," or "master optical modem," while the SFU can be referred to as a "slave gateway," "slave optical modem," or "slave device."

[0074] As an example, let's take an MFU as the optical gateway and an SFU as the edge ONT. Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an optical communication system topology applied to FTTR. An optical communication system applied to FTTR includes at least an optical gateway, a splitter, and multiple edge ONTs. In this embodiment, the edge ONT can also be called an EDGE ONT or an Edge ONT. The optical gateway can communicate with multiple EDGE ONTs separately through the splitter. The optical communication system also includes an OLT. The optical gateway is deployed between the OLT and the edge ONTs. In the FTTR scenario, the optical gateway connects to the home information box via fiber optic cable, and then connects to each room via the splitter. Each room deploys an edge ONT, and the optical gateway at the information box collaboratively manages multiple edge ONTs. Multiple ONTs in the FTTR network are connected to the optical gateway via optical fiber, and control and management resources do not occupy Wi-Fi air interfaces. Compared with multi-AP Wi-Fi cascading schemes, this improves the real-time performance of optical gateway management. Terminal devices can access the edge ONTs to achieve network communication.

[0075] As another example, consider an MFU (Medium-Operated Unit) as the optical gateway, implemented using an ONT (Optical Network Terminal), and an SFU (Self-Service Unit) as the access point (AP). Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of another optical communication system topology for a home network. The optical communication system includes at least an ONT and multiple APs. The ONT is used for collaborative management of the APs deployed in each room.

[0076] FTTR optical communication systems can employ PON. PON can be gigabit-capable PON (GPON), Ethernet passive optical network (EPON), 10Gb / s ethernet passive optical network (10G-EPON), time and wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network (TWDM-PON), 10gigabit-capable passive optical network (XG-PON), or 10-gigabit-capable symmetric passive optical network (XGS-PON), etc. Future advancements will increase PON speeds to 25Gbps, 50Gbps, or even 100Gbps; therefore, this application also allows for the application of PONs with even higher transmission rates.

[0077] This application leverages the advantage of MFU's collaborative management of SFUs in an FTTR network. The MFU centrally decides the order in which SFUs compete for channels to avoid random backoff conflicts, thereby optimizing overall network performance. It is understood that this application can also be applied to non-FTTR networks; any communication system architecture consisting of control nodes and network nodes can be used in this application's embodiments. The above example using an FTTR network is not intended to limit the scope.

[0078] The method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] Referring to Figure 5, it is an interactive flowchart of a time-domain scheduling method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0080] S101. The control node sends the m-th scheduling message to the first network node, where m ≥ 1. The m-th scheduling message is used to indicate the first air interface resources allocated to the first network node.

[0081] Both control nodes and network nodes may or may not belong to an FTTR network. Furthermore, when both control nodes and network nodes belong to an FTTR network, the control node may be referred to as an MFU, master node, master device, etc., and the network node may be referred to as an SFU, slave node, slave device, etc. The first network node is any one of at least one network node; this at least one network node can be a single network node or multiple network nodes. This embodiment uses multiple network nodes as an example.

[0082] At least one of the aforementioned network nodes is a network node that the control node needs to control. The control node sends scheduling information to each of these at least one network node to indicate the air interface resources allocated to it. Network nodes can compete for the air interface (the air interface is also the channel, so competing for the air interface is equivalent to competing for the channel) on the allocated air interface resources. The control node continuously sends scheduling messages to the network nodes, and each time a network node receives a scheduling message, it can compete for the air interface resources indicated in the scheduling message, following the instructions in that message.

[0083] The example given here is that the control node sends the m-th scheduling message to the first network node to indicate the first air interface resources allocated to the first network node. The process of the control node sending the m-th scheduling message to other network nodes to indicate the air interface resources allocated to other network nodes can be referred to the embodiments of this application.

[0084] It is understandable that when at least one network node includes multiple network nodes, the air interface resources allocated by the control node to different network nodes may be the same or different.

[0085] Optionally, the time domain and / or frequency domain of the air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by different network nodes may be different.

[0086] For example, when at least one network node includes multiple network nodes, the air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by at least two of these multiple network nodes have different time domains but the same frequency domain. In this embodiment, the at least two network nodes are taken as all of the multiple network nodes. Of course, the at least two network nodes could also be some of the multiple network nodes, which will not be elaborated upon here. For example, suppose the at least two network nodes include network node 1 and network node 2. The m-th scheduling message received by network node 1 indicates that network node 1 competes for the air interface on air interface resource 1, and the m-th scheduling message received by network node 2 indicates that network node 2 competes for the air interface on air interface resource 2. Then, air interface resources 1 and 2 can be as shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 shows that both air interface resources 1 and 2 include subcarrier 0 to subcarrier x in the frequency domain, but air interface resource 1 includes the time period from t0 to t1 in the time domain, and air interface resource 2 includes the time period from t1 to t2 in the time domain. It is evident that air interface resource 1 and air interface resource 2 have the same frequency domain but different time domains.

[0087] For example, when at least one network node comprises multiple network nodes, the air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by at least two of these network nodes have the same time domain but different frequency domains. For instance, suppose the at least two network nodes include network node 1 and network node 3. The m-th scheduling message received by network node 1 indicates that network node 1 will compete for air interface resources 1, and the m-th scheduling message received by network node 3 indicates that network node 3 will compete for air interface resources 3. Then, air interface resources 1 and 2 can be represented as shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 shows that both air interface resources 1 and 3 include the time period from t0 to t1 in the time domain, but air interface resource 1 includes subcarriers 0 to x in the frequency domain, while air interface resource 3 includes subcarriers x+1 to y in the frequency domain. Therefore, air interface resources 1 and 3 have different frequency domains but the same time domain.

[0088] For example, when at least one network node comprises multiple network nodes, the air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by at least two of these network nodes have different time domains and different frequency domains. For instance, suppose the at least two network nodes include network node 1 and network node 4. The m-th scheduling message received by network node 1 indicates that network node 1 will compete for air interface resources 1, and the m-th scheduling message received by network node 4 indicates that network node 4 will compete for air interface resources 4. Then, air interface resources 1 and 4 can be represented as shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 shows that air interface resources 1 include the time period from t0 to t1 in the time domain, and air interface resources 4 include the time period from t1 to t2 in the time domain. Air interface resources 1 include subcarriers 0 to x in the frequency domain, and air interface resources 4 include subcarriers x+1 to y in the frequency domain. Therefore, air interface resources 1 and 4 have different frequency domains and different time domains.

[0089] For example, when at least one network node includes multiple network nodes, among these multiple network nodes, there are network nodes whose received m-th scheduling message indicates air interface resources with different time domains but the same frequency domain, and there are also network nodes whose received m-th scheduling message indicates air interface resources with the same time domain but different frequency domains. For instance, suppose the at least one network node includes network nodes 1, 2, 3, and 4 from the example above; and the m-th scheduling message received by network node 1 indicates that network node 1 competes for air interface resources 1, the m-th scheduling message received by network node 2 indicates that network node 2 competes for air interface resources 2, the m-th scheduling message received by network node 3 indicates that network node 3 competes for air interface resources 3, and the m-th scheduling message received by network node 4 indicates that network node 4 competes for air interface resources 4. As shown in Figure 9, air interface resources 1, 2, 3, and 4 have the same frequency domain but different time domain. Air interface resources 3 and 4 have the same frequency domain but different time domain. Air interface resources 1 and 3 have different frequency domains but the same time domain. Air interface resources 2 and 4 have different frequency domains but the same time domain.

[0090] In addition, before S101, the control node needs to determine the air interface resources to be allocated to at least one of the network nodes. Then, in S101, it can send the m-th scheduling message to each network node based on the allocated air interface resources. Before determining the air interface resources to be allocated to at least one network node, the control node can also perform initialization and synchronization-related operations with the network nodes.

[0091] During time-domain scheduling, the control node needs to allocate air interface resources for network nodes within the time-domain resources. These time-domain resources can include transmission resources for different time periods (the length of each time period may not be fixed), and these transmission resources do not affect each other. Data transmitted on transmission resources for different time periods within these transmission resources does not interfere with each other.

[0092] S102. The first network node competes for the air interface on the first air interface resource according to the m-th scheduling message received.

[0093] After receiving the m-th scheduling message, the first network node can determine the first air interface resource according to the instruction of the m-th scheduling message, and then compete for the air interface on the first air interface resource.

[0094] S103. After the first network node competes for the first air interface resource, it transmits the first data on the air interface it has competed for.

[0095] The first data is the data to be transmitted by the first network node. The first data can be either uplink data or downlink data, and this application embodiment does not limit this. After the first network node competes for the air interface on the first air interface resource, it can execute the transmission of the first data.

[0096] S104. The first network node sends a feedback message to the control node to indicate the first occupancy rate, where the first occupancy rate is the occupancy rate of the first data on the first air interface resources.

[0097] After the first network node has completed transmitting the first data, it can send a feedback message to the control node to provide information related to the first occupancy rate, so that the control node can know the occupancy of the first air interface resources by the data transmitted by the first network node.

[0098] There are several ways to implement the feedback message. For example, the feedback message may include a first occupancy rate; or, the feedback message may include parameters related to the first occupancy rate, based on which the control node can determine the first occupancy rate.

[0099] For example, when the feedback message includes parameters related to the first occupancy rate, the feedback message includes information about the frequency band size occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource, and the air interface duration occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource. The control node can calculate the amount of resources occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource based on the product of the frequency band size and the air interface duration, and then determine the first occupancy rate as the ratio of this amount of resources to the total amount of resources in the first air interface resource. It is understood that the parameters related to the first occupancy rate can also be implemented in other ways, and this application embodiment does not limit them.

[0100] The information regarding the frequency band size occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource can be implemented in various ways. For example, it could be the frequency range of the frequency band occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource; or, the number of subcarriers occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource; or, the size and number of resource units occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource; or, the type and number of resource units occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource. In these cases, the first data may occupy one or more resource units in the first air interface resource.

[0101] S105. The control node sends the (m+1)th scheduling message to the first network node. The (m+1)th scheduling message is used to indicate the second air interface resources allocated to the first network node. The difference in resource quantity between the second air interface resources and the first air interface resources is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate.

[0102] After receiving the feedback message, the control node can determine the first occupancy rate based on the feedback message, and then determine the second air interface resource to be indicated by the next scheduling message (the (m+1)th scheduling message) sent to the first network node based on the first occupancy rate and the first air interface resource.

[0103] The difference in resource quantity between the second and first air interface resources is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate. Therefore, the lower the first occupancy rate, the smaller the difference in resource quantity between the second and first air interface resources. Conversely, the higher the first occupancy rate, the greater the difference in resource quantity between the second and first air interface resources.

[0104] For example, when the first occupancy rate is within the occupancy range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is equal to the resource quantity of the first air interface resource. When the first occupancy rate is greater than the maximum value within the occupancy range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is greater than the resource quantity of the first air interface resource. When the first occupancy rate is less than the minimum value within the occupancy range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is less than the resource quantity of the first air interface resource.

[0105] It is evident that when the first occupancy rate falls within the occupancy range, the amount of the first air interface resource is likely sufficient for the first network node's next data transmission, and the control node does not need to increase or decrease the amount of air interface resource (second air interface resource) allocated to the first network node in the next transmission. When the first occupancy rate exceeds the maximum value within the occupancy range, the amount of the first air interface resource may be insufficient for the first network node's next data transmission, and the control node needs to increase the amount of air interface resource (second air interface resource) allocated to the first network node in the next transmission. When the first occupancy rate is less than the minimum value within the occupancy range, the amount of the first air interface resource may be sufficient and even have excess resources for the first network node's next data transmission, and the control node needs to reduce the amount of air interface resource (second air interface resource) allocated to the first network node in the next transmission to minimize waste of air interface resources.

[0106] For example, suppose that at least one network node mentioned above includes network nodes 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the example above, and the m-th scheduling message received by network node 1 indicates that network node 1 competes for the air interface on air interface resource 1 in Figure 9, the m-th scheduling message received by network node 2 indicates that network node 2 competes for the air interface on air interface resource 2 in Figure 9, the m-th scheduling message received by network node 3 indicates that network node 3 competes for the air interface on air interface resource 3 in Figure 9, and the m-th scheduling message received by network node 4 indicates that network node 4 competes for the air interface on air interface resource 4 in Figure 9. Furthermore, it is assumed that the data transmitted by each network node after S103 occupies air interface resources 1, 2, 3, and 4 as shown in Figure 10. It can be seen that the data transmitted by network node 1 occupies air interface resource 1 at a low rate (for example, less than the minimum value in the above occupancy range), the data transmitted by network node 3 occupies air interface resource 3 at a low rate, the data transmitted by network node 2 occupies air interface resource 2 at a high rate (for example, greater than the maximum value in the above occupancy range), and the data transmitted by network node 4 occupies air interface resource 4 at a high rate.

[0107] Then, the (m+1)th scheduling message received by network node 1 instructs network node 1 to compete for the air interface on air interface resource 1' in Figure 11; the (m+1)th scheduling message received by network node 2 instructs network node 2 to compete for the air interface on air interface resource 2' in Figure 11; the (m+1)th scheduling message received by network node 3 instructs network node 3 to compete for the air interface on air interface resource 3' in Figure 11; and the (m+1)th scheduling message received by network node 4 instructs network node 4 to compete for the air interface on air interface resource 4' in Figure 11.

[0108] Comparing Figures 9 and 11, it can be observed that the amount of air interface resources allocated by the control node to network nodes 1 and 3 decreases, while the amount allocated to network nodes 2 and 4 increases. This ensures that the newly allocated air interface resources are just enough for the network nodes to use in their next data transmission, making the allocation of air interface resources more efficient, improving air interface resource utilization, and enhancing data transmission efficiency.

[0109] Understandably, given that the difference in resource quantity between the second and first air interface resources is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate, and when the first occupancy rate falls within a certain range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource may not be equal to that of the first air interface resource. Furthermore, given that the difference in resource quantity between the second and first air interface resources is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate, regardless of the relationship between the first occupancy rate and the extreme values ​​within the occupancy rate range, the second air interface resource can always be greater than or less than the first air interface resource.

[0110] Optionally, both the first and second air interface resources include the third air interface resource, indicating that the first and second air interface resources have the same air interface resources. Of course, the first and second air interface resources may not have the same air interface resources, and this embodiment does not limit this. When the first and second air interface resources have the same air interface resources, the second air interface resource can be the first air interface resource, or the control node can expand or reduce the resources of the first air interface resource to obtain the second air interface resource.

[0111] Optionally, the set of air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by the at least one network node is the same as the set of air interface resources indicated by the (m+1)-th scheduling message received by the at least one network node. In other words, before each scheduling message is sent, the control node allocates air interface resources to each network node from the same air interface resource pool; and no matter how the air interface resources allocated to each network node are adjusted, the air interface resource pool will not be changed. Of course, the set of air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by the at least one network node may also be different from the set of air interface resources indicated by the (m+1)-th scheduling message received by the at least one network node, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0112] S106. The first network node competes for the air interface on the second air interface resource according to the received (m+1)th scheduling message.

[0113] S106 can be referred to S102, and the embodiments of this application will not be described in detail here.

[0114] S107. After the first network node competes for the air interface on the second air interface resource, it transmits the second data on the air interface it has competed for.

[0115] S107 can be referred to S103, and will not be described in detail here in the embodiments of this application.

[0116] Furthermore, following S107, the first network node can also refer to S104 to send a feedback message to the control node indicating a second occupancy rate, where the second occupancy rate is the occupancy rate of the second data on the second air interface resources. Then, the control node can refer to S105 to send the (m+2)th scheduling message to the first network node. This (m+2)th scheduling message instructs the first network node to compete for air interface resources on the third air interface, where the difference in resource quantity between the third and second air interface resources is positively correlated with the second occupancy rate. This process is repeated multiple times to achieve dynamic adjustment of the air interface resources allocated to each network node.

[0117] In summary, in the time-domain scheduling method provided in this application, when the control node performs time-domain scheduling on at least one network node, it allocates air interface resources to each network node (also known as centralized scheduling) and sends scheduling messages to the network nodes to indicate the air interface resources allocated to them. Network nodes can compete for air interfaces (air interface is also a channel, so competing for an air interface is also competing for a channel) on the air interface resources indicated by the scheduling message, and transmit data on the acquired air interface after winning the competition. It is evident that the air interface resources for network nodes to compete for are allocated by the control node. Through the control node, centralized control of at least one network node can be achieved, allowing each network node to compete for air interface resources on the corresponding air interface resources via scheduling messages sent by the control node, and then transmit data on the acquired air interface after winning the competition. Therefore, the control node can control the order in which network nodes transmit data, which helps avoid random backoff conflicts between network nodes, reduces interference between network nodes' air interfaces, improves air interface efficiency, reduces retransmission rate, reduces latency, and increases throughput, providing a stable and reliable connection for the terminal.

[0118] Furthermore, in related technologies, before the control node sends a scheduling message to each network node, each network node needs to send service information to the control node. This service information indicates the service data that the network node needs to transmit over the air interface. Then, the control node allocates air interface resources to the network nodes based on the service information reported by each network node and sends scheduling messages to each network node to indicate competition for the allocated air interface resources. However, there may be delays in the acquisition and transmission of service information by network nodes, affecting the control node's allocation of air interface resources and the sending of scheduling messages, ultimately impacting data transmission. Moreover, the amount of service information is usually large, making it difficult for the control node to process the service information sent by each network node, posing a significant challenge to the control node's processor. Reducing the amount of service information would result in lower accuracy in the air interface resources allocated by the control node based on the service information, failing to improve the utilization rate of air interface resources and the efficiency of data transmission.

[0119] In this embodiment, after sending the m-th scheduling message to each network node, the control node receives utilization feedback messages from each network node. Based on this feedback, the control node adjusts the air interface resources allocated to each network node and then sends the (m+1)-th scheduling message to each network node, thereby adjusting the air interface resources used for data transmission. It is evident that network nodes do not need to send service information, thus avoiding the latency issues associated with service information. Furthermore, network nodes only need to send feedback messages, which indicate the first occupancy rate. This significantly reduces the data volume compared to service information, allowing for rapid transmission of feedback messages to the control node. Moreover, the small data volume of feedback messages processed by the control node makes processing them easier, and the control node's processor can easily handle this task. Additionally, in this embodiment, the control node's adjustment of the air interface resources based on the aforementioned feedback messages allows for more rational allocation of air interface resources, improving air interface resource utilization and data transmission efficiency.

[0120] There are various ways for a control node to send scheduling messages to network nodes. The following example illustrates this using the control node sending the m-th scheduling message to the first network node. The process of the control node sending a scheduling message to each node each time can be referenced below.

[0121] For example, the control node can send the m-th scheduling message to the first network node at the first moment. In the embodiments of this application, there are multiple ways to achieve the first moment.

[0122] 1. In the first possible implementation of the first timeframe, the first timeframe is before the time period occupied by the set of air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by the at least one network node. In this case, the control node can simultaneously send the m-th scheduling message to each of the at least one network node; this simultaneous timeframe is also the first timeframe. After receiving the m-th scheduling message, each network node waits for the start time of the air interface resources indicated by the received m-th scheduling message, and then competes for the air interface on that air interface resource at that start time.

[0123] For example, assume at least one network node includes network nodes 1, 2, 3, and 4. Network node 1 receives the m-th scheduling message instructing it to compete for air interface resource 1 in Figure 9; network node 2 receives the m-th scheduling message instructing it to compete for air interface resource 2 in Figure 9; network node 3 receives the m-th scheduling message instructing it to compete for air interface resource 3 in Figure 9; and network node 4 receives the m-th scheduling message instructing it to compete for air interface resource 4 in Figure 9. Then, the control node can send the m-th scheduling message to network nodes 1, 2, 3, and 4 at time tx (the first time), which is before the time interval t0 to t2 in Figure 12. Afterward, network nodes 1 and 3 compete for air interface resources during the time interval t0 to t1, and network nodes 2 and 4 compete for air interface resources during the time interval t1 to t2.

[0124] Optionally, if the first feasible method is adopted at the first moment, the control node can also send the m-th scheduling message to different network nodes at different times, but the time when the control node sends the m-th scheduling message to each network node is before the time period occupied by the aforementioned set of air interface resources.

[0125] In the first possible implementation at the first moment, each network node can synchronize its clock so that each network node can compete for air interface resources allocated to it, according to the instructions of the control node.

[0126] 2. In the second possible implementation of the first timeframe, the first timeframe refers to the start time of the time period occupied by the first air interface resource. In this case, the control node can send the m-th scheduling message to each network node at the start time of the time period occupied by the air interface resource corresponding to that network node. Here, the air interface resource corresponding to each network node is the air interface resource indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by that network node. Therefore, if the start times of the time periods occupied by the air interface resources corresponding to network nodes are different, then the time at which the control node sends the m-th scheduling message to the network node will also be different.

[0127] For example, suppose at least one network node includes network nodes 1, 2, 3, and 4. Network node 1 receives the m-th scheduling message instructing it to compete for air interface resource 1 in Figure 9; network node 2 receives the m-th scheduling message instructing it to compete for air interface resource 2 in Figure 9; network node 3 receives the m-th scheduling message instructing it to compete for air interface resource 3 in Figure 9; and network node 4 receives the m-th scheduling message instructing it to compete for air interface resource 4 in Figure 9. Then, as shown in Figure 13, the control node can send the m-th scheduling message to network nodes 1 and 3 at time t0, and to network nodes 2 and 4 at time t1. Upon receiving the m-th scheduling message, network nodes 1, 2, 3, and 4 immediately compete for air interface resources indicated by the received m-th scheduling message. For example, network nodes 1 and 3 compete for air space during the time period from t0 to t1, while network nodes 2 and 4 compete for air space during the time period from t1 to t2.

[0128] In the second possible implementation at the first moment, the network nodes may or may not synchronize their clocks, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0129] In the above embodiment, the m-th scheduling message sent by the control node to the first network node in S101 needs to indicate the first air interface resource. For example, the m-th scheduling message sent by the control node to the first network node includes multiple fields, among which there is an air interface resource field for indicating the first air interface resource.

[0130] The structure of the m-th scheduling message sent by the control node to the first network node can be as shown in Figure 14. This scheduling message includes: a scheduling type field, a scheduling mode field, a start time field, an termination type field, and an air interface resource field. The scheduling type field, scheduling mode field, start time field, termination type field, and air interface resource field can be arranged sequentially. Of course, the scheduling type field, scheduling mode field, start time field, termination type field, and air interface resource field can also be arranged in a different order than from left to right in Figure 14.

[0131] Additionally, the aforementioned start time field indicates the start time of the time period occupied by the first air interface resource. When the first time period is implemented using the first feasible method, the first network node can determine the start time of the time period occupied by the first air interface resource based on this start time field and begin competing for the air interface at that start time. When the first time period is implemented using the second feasible method, this start time field indicates the first time period (or in other words, indicates that the first network node immediately begins competing for the air interface).

[0132] Optionally, each field in the scheduling message (such as the air interface resource field, the start time field, etc.) can have multiple status values, and the field can indicate the content it is used to indicate through its status value. For example, the start time field can indicate the aforementioned start time through any of the multiple status values. When the first time is implemented using the second possible method, the start time field can use a status value (or other status value) in which all bits in the field are at their maximum values ​​to indicate the start time (or in other words, to indicate that the first network node immediately begins to compete for the air interface). This status value is, for example, a status value in hexadecimal where all bits are F (representing 16). The start time field can include one byte, two bytes, or more bytes. In this embodiment, the start time field includes four bytes as an example.

[0133] In some alternative embodiments, the scheduling message can be represented using Table 1.

[0134] Table 1

[0135] In the above embodiment, the feedback message sent by the first network node to the control node in S104 needs to indicate a first occupancy rate. For example, the feedback message may include multiple fields, including an occupancy rate field for indicating the first occupancy rate.

[0136] Fields in feedback messages (such as the occupancy rate field) can have multiple status values, and a field can use its status value to indicate the content it is meant to indicate. For example, the occupancy rate field can indicate the aforementioned first occupancy rate through any of a variety of status values.

[0137] The structure of the feedback message can be shown in Figure 15. The feedback message includes: air interface contention result field, contention failure reason field, transmission result reporting field, number of transmission streams and rate field, aggregation length field, aggregation size field, retransmission count field, number of packets sent field, number of erroneous packets field, termination of air interface result field, and occupancy rate field. These fields can be arranged in the order from left to right as shown in Figure 15. Of course, these fields can also be arranged in a different order than that shown in Figure 15.

[0138] In some optional embodiments, the feedback message can be represented by Table 2.

[0139] Table 2

[0140] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the application, a field (any field in this embodiment) indicates the content it is meant to indicate through its status value. Optionally, when some fields indicate content, the field or some bits of the field may be empty (NULL). For example, when the second possible implementation is adopted at the first moment, the start time field is empty, indicating that the first network node immediately begins to compete for the air interface.

[0141] This application embodiment also provides a time-domain scheduling device, which belongs to the control node in the FTTR network. As shown in Figure 16, the time-domain scheduling device includes: a first sending module 1901, a receiving module 1902, and a second sending module 1903. The first sending module 1901 is used to send the m-th scheduling message to a first network node. The m-th scheduling message is used to indicate the first air interface resource allocated to the first network node; m≥1; the first network node is any one of at least one network node. The receiving module 1902 is used to receive a feedback message sent by the first network node indicating a first occupancy rate. The first occupancy rate is the occupancy rate of the first data on the first air interface resource. The first data is the data transmitted by the first network node after competing for the air interface resource. The second sending module 1903 is used to send the (m+1)-th scheduling message to the first network node. The (m+1)-th scheduling message is used to indicate the second air interface resource allocated to the first network node; the difference in resource quantity between the second air interface resource and the first air interface resource is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate. The operations performed by the first sending module 1901 can refer to the operations related to the control node in S101 of the aforementioned embodiment. The operations performed by the receiving module 1902 can refer to the operations related to the control node in S104 of the aforementioned embodiment. The operations performed by the second sending module 1903 can refer to the operations related to the control node in S105 of the aforementioned embodiment.

[0142] Optionally, when the first occupancy rate is within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is equal to the resource quantity of the first air interface resource; when the first occupancy rate is greater than the maximum value within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is greater than the resource quantity of the first air interface resource; when the first occupancy rate is less than the minimum value within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is less than the resource quantity of the first air interface resource.

[0143] Optionally, at least two of the network nodes receive air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message that are different in the time domain but the same in the frequency domain.

[0144] Optionally, both the first air interface resource and the second air interface resource include the third air interface resource.

[0145] Optionally, the set of air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by the at least one network node is the same as the set of air interface resources indicated by the (m+1)-th scheduling message received by the at least one network node.

[0146] Optionally, the feedback message includes the first occupancy rate.

[0147] Optionally, the feedback message includes: information on the frequency band size occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource, and the air interface duration occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource.

[0148] Optionally, the first sending module is configured to: send the m-th scheduling message to the first network node at a first moment; the first moment is before the time period occupied by the set of air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by at least one network node, or the first moment is the start time of the time period occupied by the first air interface resources.

[0149] Optionally, the control node and the at least one network node both belong to a Fiber to the Room (FTTR) network.

[0150] This application embodiment also provides another time-domain scheduling device, which belongs to a first network node in the FTTR network. The first network node is any one of the at least one network node in the FTTR network, as shown in FIG17. The time-domain scheduling device includes: a first receiving module 2001, a first contention module 2002, a transmitting module 2003, a second receiving module 2004, and a second contention module 2005. The first receiving module 2001 is used to receive the m-th scheduling message sent by the control node, where m ≥ 1; the m-th scheduling message is used to indicate the first air interface resource allocated to the first network node; the first contention module 2002 is used to compete for an air interface on the first air interface resource according to the m-th scheduling message, and transmit first data on the air interface that has been won; the sending module 2003 is used to send a feedback message to the control node to indicate a first occupancy rate, where the first occupancy rate is the occupancy rate of the first data on the first air interface resource; the second receiving module 2004 is used to receive the (m+1)-th scheduling message sent by the control node, where the (m+1)-th scheduling message is used to indicate the second air interface resource allocated to the first network node, and the difference in resource quantity between the second air interface resource and the first air interface resource is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate; the second contention module 2005 is used to compete for an air interface on the second air interface resource according to the (m+1)-th scheduling message, and transmit second data on the air interface that has been won.

[0151] The operations performed by the first receiving module 2001 can refer to the operations related to the first network node in S101 of the aforementioned embodiments. The operations performed by the first contention module 2002 can refer to the operations related to the first network node in S102 of the aforementioned embodiments. The operations performed by the sending module 2003 can refer to the operations related to the first network node in S104 of the aforementioned embodiments. The operations performed by the second receiving module 2004 can refer to the operations related to the first network node in S105 of the aforementioned embodiments. The operations performed by the second contention module 2005 can refer to the operations related to the first network node in S106 of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0152] Optionally, when the first occupancy rate is within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is equal to the resource quantity of the first air interface resource; when the first occupancy rate is greater than the maximum value within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is greater than the resource quantity of the first air interface resource; when the first occupancy rate is less than the minimum value within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is less than the resource quantity of the first air interface resource.

[0153] Optionally, both the first air interface resource and the second air interface resource include the third air interface resource.

[0154] Optionally, the feedback message includes the first occupancy rate.

[0155] Optionally, the feedback message includes information about the frequency band size occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource, and the air interface duration occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource.

[0156] Optionally, the first receiving module is configured to: receive the m-th scheduling message sent by the control node at a first moment; the first moment is before the time period occupied by the set of air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by at least one network node, or the first moment is the start time of the time period occupied by the first air interface resources.

[0157] Optionally, the control node and the at least one network node both belong to a Fiber to the Room (FTTR) network.

[0158] This application also provides a time-domain scheduling device, which belongs to the control node in the FTTR network. The time-domain scheduling device includes an interface and a processor. The interface is used to perform the sending and receiving operations performed by the control node in any of the methods provided in this application, and the processor is used to perform operations other than sending and receiving (i.e., processing operations) performed by the control node in any of the methods provided in this application. For example, the interface is used to send the m-th scheduling message to a first network node, the m-th scheduling message indicating the first air interface resource allocated to the first network node; m≥1; the first network node is any one of at least one network node; the interface is also used to receive a feedback message sent by the first network node indicating a first occupancy rate, the first occupancy rate being the occupancy rate of the first data on the first air interface resource, the first data being the data transmitted by the first network node after competing for the air interface resource; the interface is also used to send the (m+1)-th scheduling message to the first network node, the (m+1)-th scheduling message indicating the second air interface resource allocated to the first network node; the difference in resource quantity between the second air interface resource and the first air interface resource is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate.

[0159] This application also provides a time-domain scheduling device, which belongs to a first network node in a fiber-to-the-room (FTTR) network. The first network node is any one of at least one network node in the FTTR network. The time-domain scheduling device includes an interface and a processor. In any design provided in this application, the first network node performs the sending and receiving operations, and the processor is used to perform operations other than sending and receiving (i.e., processing operations) performed by the first network node in any design provided in this application. For example, the interface is used to receive the m-th scheduling message sent by the control node, where m ≥ 1; the m-th scheduling message is used to indicate the first air interface resource allocated to the first network node; the interface is also used to compete for an air interface on the first air interface resource according to the m-th scheduling message, and transmit first data on the air interface that has been won; the interface is also used to send a feedback message to the control node to indicate a first occupancy rate, where the first occupancy rate is the occupancy rate of the first data on the first air interface resource; the interface is also used to receive the (m+1)-th scheduling message sent by the control node, where the (m+1)-th scheduling message is used to indicate the second air interface resource allocated to the first network node, and the difference in resource quantity between the second air interface resource and the first air interface resource is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate; the interface is also used to compete for an air interface on the second air interface resource according to the (m+1)-th scheduling message, and transmit second data on the air interface that has been won.

[0160] This application also provides a time-domain scheduling system, which includes a control node and at least one network node in an FTTR network; the control node is used to execute the operations performed by the control node in any of the time-domain scheduling methods described in any of the embodiments of this application; the first network node is used to execute the operations performed by the first network node in any of the time-domain scheduling methods provided in any of the embodiments of this application, wherein the first network node is any one of the at least one network node.

[0161] This application provides a time-domain scheduling device, including: a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a program, and the processor is used to run the program to perform the operations performed by a control node or a first network node in any of the time-domain scheduling methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0162] This application provides a computer storage medium storing a computer program. When the computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform operations executed by a control node or a first network node in any of the time-domain scheduling methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0163] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when the computer program product is run on a computer, cause the computer to perform operations executed by a control node or a first network node in any of the time-domain scheduling methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0164] This application also provides a chip for implementing the operations performed by a control node or a first network node in any of the time-domain scheduling methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0165] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented entirely or partially as a computer program product, which includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium, or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state drive), etc.

[0166] In this application, the terms "first" and "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The term "at least one" refers to one or more, and "multiple" refers to two or more, unless otherwise expressly defined. The term "and / or" 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. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0167] The method embodiments and device embodiments provided in this application can be referenced interchangeably, and this application does not limit them. The order of operations in the method embodiments provided in this application can be appropriately adjusted, and operations can be added or removed as appropriate. Any variations that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the protection scope of this application, and therefore will not be elaborated further.

[0168] In the corresponding embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices, etc., can be implemented in other configurations. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices, or modules, and may be electrical or other forms.

[0169] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components described as modules may or may not be physical units; they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple devices. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0170] The above description is merely a specific embodiment 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 technical scope 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 time-domain scheduling method, characterized in that, The method is executed by the control node, and the method includes: Send the m-th scheduling message to the first network node, wherein the m-th scheduling message is used to indicate the first air interface resource allocated to the first network node; m≥1; the first network node is any one of at least one network node; Receive a feedback message sent by the first network node to indicate a first occupancy rate, wherein the first occupancy rate is the occupancy rate of the first data on the first air interface resource, and the first data is the data transmitted by the first network node after it has competed for the air interface on the first air interface resource. Send the (m+1)th scheduling message to the first network node. The (m+1)th scheduling message is used to indicate the second air interface resource allocated to the first network node. The difference in resource quantity between the second air interface resource and the first air interface resource is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first occupancy rate is within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is equal to the resource quantity of the first air interface resource. When the first occupancy rate is greater than the maximum value within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is greater than the resource quantity of the first air interface resource. When the first occupancy rate is less than the minimum value within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is less than the resource quantity of the first air interface resource.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by at least two of the at least one network node are different in the time domain but the same in the frequency domain.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Both the first air interface resource and the second air interface resource include the third air interface resource.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The set of air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by the at least one network node is the same as the set of air interface resources indicated by the (m+1)-th scheduling message received by the at least one network node.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The feedback message includes the first occupancy rate.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The feedback message includes: information on the frequency band size occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource, and the air interface duration occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Sending the m-th scheduling message to the first network node includes: sending the m-th scheduling message to the first network node at a first moment; The first time point is before the time period occupied by the set of air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by at least one network node, or the first time point is the start time of the time period occupied by the first air interface resources.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The control node and the at least one network node both belong to a Fiber to the Room (FTTR) network.

10. A time-domain scheduling method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a first network node, which is any one of at least one network node. The method includes: Receive the m-th scheduling message sent by the control node, where m ≥ 1; the m-th scheduling message is used to indicate the first air interface resource allocated to the first network node; According to the m-th scheduling message, compete for an air interface on the first air interface resource, and transmit the first data on the air interface that has been won; A feedback message indicating a first occupancy rate is sent to the control node, where the first occupancy rate is the occupancy rate of the first data on the first air interface resource. The system receives the (m+1)th scheduling message sent by the control node. The (m+1)th scheduling message is used to indicate the second air interface resource allocated to the first network node. The difference in resource quantity between the second air interface resource and the first air interface resource is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate. According to the (m+1)th scheduling message, compete for the air interface on the second air interface resource, and transmit the second data on the air interface that is won.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the first occupancy rate is within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is equal to the resource quantity of the first air interface resource. When the first occupancy rate is greater than the maximum value within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is greater than the resource quantity of the first air interface resource. When the first occupancy rate is less than the minimum value within the occupancy rate range, the resource quantity of the second air interface resource is less than the resource quantity of the first air interface resource.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, Both the first air interface resource and the second air interface resource include the third air interface resource.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The feedback message includes the first occupancy rate.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The feedback message includes information about the frequency band size occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource, and the air interface duration occupied by the first data in the first air interface resource.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, Receiving the m-th scheduling message sent by the control node includes: receiving the m-th scheduling message sent by the control node at a first moment; The first time point is before the time period occupied by the set of air interface resources indicated by the m-th scheduling message received by at least one network node, or the first time point is the start time of the time period occupied by the first air interface resources.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that, The control node and the at least one network node both belong to a Fiber to the Room (FTTR) network.

17. A time-domain scheduling device, characterized in that, The time-domain scheduling device belongs to the control node, and the time-domain scheduling device includes: The first sending module is used to send the m-th scheduling message to the first network node, wherein the m-th scheduling message is used to indicate the first air interface resources allocated to the first network node; m≥1; the first network node is any one of at least one network node; The receiving module is used to receive a feedback message sent by the first network node to indicate a first occupancy rate, wherein the first occupancy rate is the occupancy rate of the first data on the first air interface resource, and the first data is the data transmitted by the first network node after it has competed for the air interface on the first air interface resource. The second sending module is used to send the (m+1)th scheduling message to the first network node. The (m+1)th scheduling message is used to indicate the second air interface resources allocated to the first network node. The difference in resource quantity between the second air interface resources and the first air interface resources is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate.

18. A time-domain scheduling device, characterized in that, The time-domain scheduling device belongs to a first network node, which is any one of at least one network node. The time-domain scheduling device includes: The first receiving module is used to receive the m-th scheduling message sent by the control node, where m ≥ 1; the m-th scheduling message is used to indicate the first air interface resource allocated to the first network node. The first contention module is used to compete for an air interface on the first air interface resource according to the m-th scheduling message, and to transmit the first data on the air interface that has been won. The sending module is used to send a feedback message to the control node to indicate a first occupancy rate, wherein the first occupancy rate is the occupancy rate of the first data on the first air interface resources; The second receiving module is used to receive the (m+1)th scheduling message sent by the control node. The (m+1)th scheduling message is used to indicate the second air interface resources allocated to the first network node. The difference in resource quantity between the second air interface resources and the first air interface resources is positively correlated with the first occupancy rate. The second contention module is used to compete for an air interface on the second air interface resource according to the (m+1)th scheduling message, and to transmit the second data on the air interface that has been won.

19. A time-domain scheduling system, characterized in that, The time-domain scheduling system includes a control node and at least one network node; The control node is used to execute the time-domain scheduling method according to any one of claims 1 to 9; Any one of the at least one network node is a first network node, and the first network node is used to execute the time-domain scheduling method according to any one of claims 10 to 16.

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