Signaling message synchronization method and apparatus in communication system, device, and system

Abstract

A signaling message synchronization method and apparatus in a communication system, a device, and a system, relating to the technical field of optical communications. The method comprises: a primary optical network unit in a communication system sending a network formation message, wherein the network formation message comprises an indicating message, and the indicating message is configured for indicating sending moments and sending parameters at which N secondary optical network units send signaling messages. This allows for management and control of signaling message transmission between secondary optical network units, thereby reducing unnecessary contention and collision, and reducing wasted air interface resources.

Description

Methods, apparatus, equipment and systems for synchronizing signaling messages in communication systems

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims Chinese patent applications filed on November 4, 2024, with application number 202411569917.3, entitled "Method, Apparatus, Device and System for Synchronizing Signaling Messages in a Communication System"; and on November 29, 2024, with application number 202411751114.X, also entitled "Method, Apparatus, Device and System for Synchronizing Signaling Messages in a Communication System"; and on December 4, 2024, with application number 20241177366, also entitled "Method, Apparatus, Device and System for Synchronizing Signaling Messages in a Communication System". 5.6 Priority is given to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411999368.3, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on December 31, 2024, entitled "Method, Apparatus, Device and System for Synchronizing Signalling Messages in a Communication System," and Patent Application No. 202510182450.5, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on February 18, 2025, entitled "Method, Apparatus, Device and System for Synchronizing Signalling Messages in a Communication System," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus, device and system for synchronizing signaling messages in a communication system. Background Technology

[0004] In wireless access scenarios, the coverage of a single access point (AP) is limited. In larger areas or areas with high network quality requirements, multiple access points are typically deployed to provide a unified wireless network access service. For example, within a building, multiple fiber-to-the-room (FTTR) systems are deployed, with the FTTR devices in these systems providing a unified wireless network access service.

[0005] However, with the increasing demand for wireless networks, the number of access points in communication systems is also increasing. Each access point periodically or burstily sends signaling messages (such as management frames, control frames, etc.). When there are many access points in a wireless network, unnecessary contention and conflicts may occur because each access point needs to compete for the air interface to send signaling messages. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a method, apparatus, device, and system for synchronizing signaling messages in a communication system, which provides a scheme for synchronizing signaling messages by multiple access points in the communication system, thereby reducing unnecessary competition and conflicts and reducing the waste of air interface resources.

[0007] The technical solution adopted is as follows:

[0008] Firstly, this application provides a method for synchronizing signaling messages in a communication system, the communication system including a master optical network unit and N slave optical network units, where N is a positive integer. The method includes: the master optical network unit sending a networking message; wherein the networking message includes an indication message, the indication message being used to indicate the transmission time and transmission parameters of the signaling messages sent by the N slave optical network units.

[0009] In this method, by controlling the master optical network unit (MOU) in the communication system, multiple slave optical network units can synchronously and orderly send signaling messages according to the transmission time and parameters indicated by the master MOU. Compared to related technologies, where each slave optical network unit needs to compete for air interface resources to send a signaling message each time, this application can reduce unnecessary competition and conflicts and reduce the waste of air interface resources by allowing the master MOU to synchronously instruct multiple slave optical network units to send signaling messages.

[0010] In one possible scenario, the aforementioned communication system is an FTTR system.

[0011] In one possible approach, the primary optical network unit sends an indication message to the SFU in the FTTR network in advance of the Beacon period. That is, the primary optical network unit sends an indication message to the SFU in the FTTR network before the arrival of the Beacon period, instructing the SFU to send the Beacon frame according to the transmission time and corresponding transmission parameters in the indication message.

[0012] The aforementioned Beacon period is the local Beacon period of the primary optical network unit. The primary optical network unit can periodically send the aforementioned networking messages.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the primary optical network unit sends the networking message in the following ways: the primary optical network unit sends the networking message via broadcast; or, the primary optical network unit sends the networking message via multicast; or, the primary optical network unit sends the networking message to the secondary optical network unit via unicast.

[0014] In this implementation, by instructing the transmission of signaling messages from the optical network unit in broadcast, multicast, or unicast messages, unnecessary competition and conflicts can be reduced, thus minimizing the waste of air interface resources.

[0015] In one possible implementation, before the primary optical network unit sends the networking message, the method further includes: the primary optical network unit sending a message to disable the local periodic broadcast signaling messages of the secondary optical network unit.

[0016] In this implementation, the primary optical network unit (POU) disables the local periodic broadcasting of signaling messages by the secondary optical network units (SINs). This allows the primary ONU to centrally control the signaling message transmission of the entire communication system (determining the transmission time and period), avoiding conflicts caused by the SINs periodically broadcasting signaling messages and the primary ONU triggering the transmission of signaling messages by the SINs. Stations in the communication system will not frequently receive signaling messages from multiple optical network units (primary and / or secondary ONUs), saving air interface resources and reducing unnecessary contention and conflicts.

[0017] In one possible implementation, before the primary optical network unit sends the networking message, the method further includes: the primary optical network unit sending a configuration message, the configuration message carrying a signaling message period, the signaling message period being used to indicate the period during which the secondary optical network unit sends signaling messages.

[0018] In this implementation, the period for sending signaling messages from the optical network unit is indicated in advance by configuring messages, which can ensure the synchronization accuracy of the signaling messages.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the message used to disable local periodic broadcast signaling messages from the optical network unit is a configuration message. Specifically, this configuration message can be a roaming configuration message or a roaming enable message.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the transmission parameters include at least one of the following: virtual access point identifier, transmission power, transmission physical parameters, and auxiliary frame parameters.

[0021] In this implementation, by instructing the master optical network unit to send signaling messages to the slave optical network unit, synchronous transmission of signaling messages from the slave optical network unit can be achieved, thereby reducing unnecessary competition and conflicts and reducing the waste of air interface resources.

[0022] The auxiliary frame parameters can include 4 bytes: the first byte indicates whether an auxiliary frame is sent, the second byte indicates the auxiliary frame type, the third byte indicates the number of auxiliary frames, and the fourth byte indicates the auxiliary frame rate information. The byte order described above can be adjusted as needed; this byte order is for illustrative purposes only.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the indication message is sent to the optical network unit via a Wi-Fi management and control interface (WMCI) message. The message content fields of the WMCI message include: a first field, a second field, a third field, a fourth field, and a fifth field; the first field carries the virtual access point identifier; the second field carries the transmission time; the third field carries the transmission power; the fourth field carries the transmission physical parameters; and the fifth field carries the auxiliary frame parameters.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the message content field of the WMCI message further includes a sixth field; the sixth field is used to carry the indication message through a first bit value. For example, the first bit value is 0.

[0025] In one possible implementation, before the master optical network unit sends the networking message, the method further includes: the master optical network unit synchronizing time with the N slave optical network units.

[0026] In this implementation, by synchronizing the time between the master optical network unit and the slave optical network unit in a wireless or network-free environment, the accuracy of the master optical network unit's instruction to the slave optical network unit to synchronously send signaling messages can be guaranteed.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the main optical network unit is an optical network terminal (ONT) or an optical network unit (ONU).

[0028] In one possible implementation, the BSSID (basic service set identifier) ​​and / or SSID (service set identifier) ​​of the master optical network unit and the N slave optical network units are the same.

[0029] In this implementation, by unifying the BSSID of all master and slave optical network units, seamless roaming of STA sites can be achieved, reducing handover latency and the risk of disconnection.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the N slave optical network units simultaneously transmit signaling messages.

[0031] In this implementation, by synchronously sending signaling messages, all slave optical network units send signaling messages simultaneously at the time specified by the master optical network unit, avoiding signaling conflicts or collisions that may occur with asynchronous transmission. Furthermore, the simultaneous transmission of signaling messages by the master optical network unit and / or slave optical network units ensures that the STA receives only the signaling message sent by the master optical network unit or one slave optical network unit, avoiding jitter and conflicts caused by the STA receiving multiple signaling messages simultaneously.

[0032] Secondly, this application provides a method for synchronizing signaling messages in a communication system. The communication system includes a master optical network unit (BONU) and N slave optical network units (SONUs), wherein the N SONUs include a first slave optical network unit, and N is a positive integer. The method includes: the first slave optical network unit receiving a networking message from the master optical network unit; the first slave optical network unit obtaining a transmission time and transmission parameters for sending a signaling message from an indication message included in the networking message; and the first slave optical network unit sending a signaling message according to the transmission time and the transmission parameters.

[0033] In one possible scenario, the aforementioned communication system is an FTTR system.

[0034] In one possible approach, the primary optical network unit sends an indication message to the SFU in the FTTR network in advance of the Beacon period. That is, the primary optical network unit sends an indication message to the SFU in the FTTR network before the arrival of the Beacon period, instructing the SFU to send the Beacon frame according to the transmission time and corresponding transmission parameters in the indication message.

[0035] In one possible implementation, before the first slave optical network unit receives the networking message from the master optical network unit, the method further includes: the first slave optical network unit receiving a message from the master optical network unit for disabling local periodic broadcast signaling messages of the first slave optical network unit.

[0036] In one possible implementation, before the first slave optical network unit receives the networking message from the master optical network unit, the method further includes: the first slave optical network unit receiving a configuration message from the master optical network unit; and the first slave optical network unit obtaining a signaling message period from the configuration message. Sending the signaling message includes: periodically sending signaling messages according to the signaling message period.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the message used to disable the local periodic broadcast signaling messages of the first optical network unit is a configuration message.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the transmission parameters include at least one of the following: virtual access point identifier, transmission power, transmission physical parameters, and auxiliary frame parameters.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the indication message is sent via a WMCI message. The message content fields of the WMCI message include: a first field, a second field, a third field, a fourth field, and a fifth field; the first field carries the virtual access point identifier; the second field carries the transmission time; the third field carries the transmission power; the fourth field carries the transmission physical parameters; and the fifth field carries the auxiliary frame parameters.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the message content field of the WMCI message further includes a sixth field; the sixth field is used to carry the indication message through a first bit value.

[0041] In one possible implementation, before the first slave optical network unit receives the networking message from the master optical network unit, the method further includes: the first slave optical network unit performing time synchronization with the master optical network unit.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the first optical network unit is an ONU or an ONT.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the master optical network unit and the N slave optical network units have the same BSSID and / or the same SSID.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the N slave optical network units simultaneously transmit signaling messages.

[0045] Thirdly, this application provides a signaling message synchronization apparatus applied to a master optical network unit in a communication system, which further includes N slave optical network units, where N is a positive integer. The apparatus has the functionality to implement the first aspect and its optional methods. The apparatus includes at least one module for implementing the methods provided by the first aspect and its optional methods. In one possible embodiment, the communication system is an FTTR system.

[0046] In one possible embodiment, the apparatus includes a transmitting module. The transmitting module is configured to transmit a networking message; wherein the networking message includes an indication message, the indication message being used to indicate the transmission time and transmission parameters of the N signaling messages transmitted from the optical network units.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the sending module is used to send network messages, specifically: sending network messages in a broadcast manner; or sending network messages in a multicast manner; or sending network messages in a unicast manner.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the sending module is further configured to: send a message for disabling local periodic broadcast signaling messages of the N slave optical network units before sending the networking message.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the sending module is further configured to: send a configuration message before sending the networking message, the configuration message carrying a signaling message period, the signaling message period being used to indicate the period for sending signaling messages from the optical network unit.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the message used to disable the local periodic broadcast signaling messages of the N optical network units is a configuration message.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the transmission parameters include at least one of the following: virtual access point identifier, transmission power, transmission physical parameters, and auxiliary frame parameters.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the indication message is sent to the optical network unit via a WMCI message; wherein the message content fields of the WMCI message include: a first field, a second field, a third field, a fourth field, and a fifth field; the first field is used to carry the virtual access point identifier; the second field is used to carry the transmission time; the third field is used to carry the transmission power; the fourth field is used to carry the transmission physical parameters; and the fifth field is used to carry the auxiliary frame parameters.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the message content field of the WMCI message further includes a sixth field; the sixth field is used to carry the indication message through a first bit value.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the apparatus further includes a processing module for time synchronization with the N slave optical network units before sending networking messages.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the main optical network unit is an ONU or an ONT.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the master optical network unit and the N slave optical network units have the same BSSID and / or the same SSID.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the N slave optical network units simultaneously transmit signaling messages.

[0058] Fourthly, this application provides a signaling message synchronization apparatus applied to a first slave optical network unit in a communication system. The communication system includes a master optical network unit and N slave optical network units, where N is a positive integer, and the N slave optical network units include the first slave optical network unit. The apparatus has the functionality to implement the second aspect and its optional methods. The apparatus includes at least one module for implementing the methods provided by the second aspect and its optional methods.

[0059] In one possible embodiment, the device includes a receiving module, a processing module, and a sending module. The receiving module is used to receive a networking message from the main optical network unit; the obtaining module is used to obtain the transmission time and transmission parameters of the signaling message from the indication message included in the networking message; the sending module is used to send the signaling message according to the transmission time and the transmission parameters.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the receiving module is further configured to receive a message from the main optical network unit for disabling the local periodic broadcast signaling message of the first slave optical network unit before receiving the networking message from the main optical network unit.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the receiving module is further configured to receive a configuration message from the main optical network unit before receiving the networking message from the main optical network unit; the obtaining module is further configured to obtain the signaling message period from the configuration message; and the sending module is configured to send signaling messages, specifically configured to periodically send signaling messages according to the signaling message period.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the message used to disable the local periodic broadcast signaling messages of the first optical network unit is a configuration message.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the transmission parameters include at least one of the following: virtual access point identifier, transmission power, transmission physical parameters, and auxiliary frame parameters.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the indication message is sent via a WMCI message; wherein the message content fields of the WMCI message include: a first field, a second field, a third field, a fourth field, and a fifth field; the first field is used to carry the virtual access point identifier; the second field is used to carry the transmission time; the third field is used to carry the transmission power; the fourth field is used to carry the transmission physical parameters; and the fifth field is used to carry the auxiliary frame parameters.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the message content field of the WMCI message further includes a sixth field; the sixth field is used to carry the indication message through a first bit value.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the apparatus further includes a processing module. The processing module is configured to synchronize its time with the main optical network unit before receiving networking messages from the main optical network unit.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the first optical network unit is an ONU or an ONT.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the master optical network unit and the N slave optical network units have the same BSSID and / or the same SSID.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the N slave optical network units simultaneously transmit signaling messages.

[0070] Fifthly, this application provides a master optical network unit, which includes a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The processor is used to execute program instructions in the memory to implement the methods provided in the first aspect and the optional manner of the first aspect. The communication interface is used to communicate with N slave optical network units.

[0071] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a slave optical network unit, the slave optical network unit including a processor, a memory and a communication interface; the processor is used to execute program instructions in the memory to implement the methods provided in the second aspect and the optional methods of the second aspect, and the communication interface is used to communicate with a master optical network unit.

[0072] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication system comprising a master optical network unit and N slave optical network units, wherein the master optical network unit is used to implement the methods provided by the first aspect and optional methods thereof, and the slave optical network units are used to implement the methods provided by the second aspect and optional methods thereof.

[0073] Eighthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program instruction that is read by a processor to cause a main optical network unit to perform the method provided in the first aspect or any alternative method of the first aspect.

[0074] Ninthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program instruction that is read by a processor to cause an optical network unit to perform the method provided in the second aspect or any alternative method of the second aspect described above.

[0075] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product including program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a main optical network unit reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the program instructions, causing the main optical network unit to perform the method provided in the first aspect or any alternative method of the first aspect.

[0076] Eleventhly, this application provides a computer program product including program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of an optical network unit reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the program instructions, causing the optical network unit to perform the method provided in the second aspect or any alternative method of the second aspect described above.

[0077] It should be noted that the beneficial effects of aspects two through eleven can be found in the beneficial effects described in aspect one, and will not be repeated here.

[0078] In all the solutions provided above, the aforementioned networking messages can be used to send instruction messages to the Beacon.

[0079] In one possible manner, the Beacon sending instruction message carries one or more parameters from the following: transmission delay, transmission power, Beacon frame, and frame type.

[0080] In one possible approach, the Beacon sends an indication message carrying the payload length and payload parameters. The payload parameters may include the Beacon frame.

[0081] In one possible implementation, after receiving the Beacon transmission instruction, the SFU transmits a Beacon frame according to the transmission time and transmission parameters (such as transmission power) in the Beacon transmission instruction. Attached Figure Description

[0082] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of application scenario 1 provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of application scenario 2 provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of application scenario 3 provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the roaming function provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a method for synchronizing signaling messages in a communication system provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 6 is a second schematic flowchart of a method for synchronizing signaling messages in a communication system provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 7 is a third schematic flowchart of a method for synchronizing signaling messages in a communication system provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a signaling message synchronization device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a signaling message synchronization device provided in another exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device provided in another exemplary embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0092] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] In wireless scenarios, the coverage of a single access point is limited. In larger areas or areas with high network quality requirements, multiple access points are typically deployed. These multiple access points provide a unified wireless network access service, also known as Wi-Fi network access service. When multiple access points exist, if a station moves between FTTR systems or between two ONTs, and leaves the coverage area of ​​its current access point, it will disconnect from that access point and then reconnect to the access point with the best current signal quality. The FTTR system includes a master fiber unit (MFU) and a sub-fiber unit (SFU). An MFU can also be interpreted as a main FTTR unit, and an SFU can be interpreted as a sub-FTTR unit.

[0094] In Wi-Fi technology, access points such as MFUs and SFUs occupy air interface resources to send or receive signals and data over the air. However, with increasing demands on wireless networks, the number of access points within communication systems is also growing. Each access point periodically or burstily sends signaling messages (also called "signaling frames," which can be management frames, control frames, etc.). When there are many network nodes in a wireless network, the need for each node to compete for air interface space to send signaling messages can lead to unnecessary contention and conflicts.

[0095] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a method for synchronizing signaling messages in a communication system, which periodically synchronizes some network topology messages in a scenario where roaming configuration is enabled. In this method, the primary optical network unit (POU) carries an indication message in the network topology message sent to the secondary optical network unit (SIN). This indication message indicates the transmission time and transmission parameters. Correspondingly, the SIN obtains the transmission time and transmission parameters from the indication message included in the SIN, and then sends a signaling message based on the obtained transmission time and parameters. This method can reduce unnecessary contention and conflicts, and reduce the waste of air interface resources.

[0096] For ease of understanding, the application scenarios of the embodiments of this application are described below.

[0097] Application Scenario 1: In a centralized FTTR deployment scenario, multiple FTTR systems may be deployed within the same subnet. Each FTTR system includes an MFU and an SFU. Within each FTTR system, the MFU is connected to the optical line termination (OLT) via optical fiber, and the MFU is connected to the SFU via optical fiber. Access points include MFUs and SFUs, which can be ONTs or ONUs. When these multiple FTTR systems are deployed and put into operation, the OLT is logically configured to belong to the same subnet. Configuration can be performed manually or automatically. For example, as shown in Figure 1, FTTR system 1 and FTTR system 2 are deployed in the same subnet and managed by OLT1. FTTR system 1 includes MFU1, SFU1.1, and SFU1.2. MFU1 is connected to SFU1.1 and SFU1.2 via optical fibers and is also connected to OLT1. FTTR system 2 includes MFU2, SFU2.1, and SFU2.2. MFU2 is connected to SFU2.1 and SFU2.2 via optical fibers and is also connected to OLT1. Sites roam from SFU1.2 to SFU2.1, with SFU1.2 as the first access point and SFU2.1 as the second access point. MFUs can also be called main gateways, and SFUs can be called sub-gateways.

[0098] Application Scenario 2: In a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) deployment scenario, multiple ONTs or ONUs may be deployed in the same area. Taking multiple ONTs as an example, each ONT is connected to the OLT via fiber optic cable. The access point includes the ONT. When an ONT is deployed and brought online, the OLT is logically configured as a subnet. For example, as shown in Figure 2, ONT1 and ONT2 are deployed in the same area. Both ONT1 and ONT2 are connected to OLT1. A site roams from ONT1 to ONT2, with ONT1 as the first access point and ONT2 as the second access point.

[0099] Application Scenario 3: In a hybrid deployment scenario of FTTH and FTTR systems, both FTTH and FTTR systems may be deployed simultaneously in the same area. When the ONT or ONU in the FTTH system and the FTTR system are deployed and put online, they are logically configured to belong to the same subnet on the OLT. This configuration can be done manually or automatically. For example, as shown in Figure 3, FTTR system 1, ONT1, and ONT2 are deployed in the same area. FTTR system 1 includes MFU1, SFU1.1, and SFU1.2. MFU1 is connected to SFU1.1 and SFU1.2 via fiber optic cables and is also connected to OLT1. ONT1 and ONT2 are both connected to OLT1. Sites roam from SFU1.2 to ONT1, with SFU1.2 as the first access point and ONT1 as the second access point.

[0100] For example, as shown in Figure 4, during the movement of a station (STA) in an FTTR network, the channel quality between the terminal and its currently associated SFU (e.g., the initially connected SFU1) deteriorates, requiring the terminal to roam to an SFU with better channel quality (e.g., virtually connected SFU2, SFU3, and SFU4) to ensure service continuity. Simultaneously, during roaming, the terminal needs to re-establish a connection on the new SFU, leading to service interruption. To ensure timely and continuous roaming, a single-network architecture is adopted, where roaming between SFUs only involves service shutdown and startup delays. This single-network architecture mainly includes four aspects of processing: roaming configuration information synchronization, network message synchronization, terminal online processing, and terminal roaming processing. This embodiment focuses on the processing of network message synchronization.

[0101] After roaming configuration is enabled, some information needs to be periodically synchronized with network messages. These network messages include beacon frame transmission indication messages and broadcast / multicast frame transmission indication messages. This application focuses on the synchronization process of beacon frames. The following describes the execution entity of the signaling message synchronization method in the communication system.

[0102] The entity executing the signaling message synchronization method in a communication system is a signaling message synchronization device. Optionally, this signaling message synchronization device is a hardware device, such as an MFU or SFU in an FTTR system, or an ONU or ONT. Optionally, the signaling message synchronization device is a software device, such as a software program running on an MFU or SFU in an FTTR system, or a software program running on an ONT or ONU.

[0103] The following describes the method flow for synchronizing signaling messages in a communication system according to embodiments of this application. Steps 500, 501A, 501B, 502A, and 502B are shown in Figure 5. It should be noted that in the following embodiments, the communication system may include, for example, a master optical network unit, slave optical network unit 1, and slave optical network unit 2. It is understood that the number of slave optical network units included in the communication system is not limited in embodiments of this application.

[0104] Step 500: The communication system performs time synchronization.

[0105] For example, the master optical network unit, slave optical network unit 1, and slave optical network unit 2 achieve high-precision clock synchronization.

[0106] Step 501A: The master optical network unit sends a networking message to the slave optical network unit 1. Correspondingly, the slave optical network unit 1 receives the networking message from the master optical network unit.

[0107] In step 501B, the optical network unit sends a networking message to the slave optical network unit 2. Correspondingly, the slave optical network unit 2 receives the networking message from the master optical network unit.

[0108] It should be noted that the execution order between steps 501A and 501B is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0109] For example, the master optical network unit can send networking messages to slave optical network unit 1 and slave optical network unit 2 via broadcast.

[0110] In another example, the primary optical network unit can send networking messages to secondary optical network units 1 and 2 via multicast. It can be understood that secondary optical network units 1 and 2 are in a single multicast session.

[0111] As another example, the master optical network unit can also send networking messages to slave optical network unit 1 and slave optical network unit 2 respectively via unicast.

[0112] In one possible implementation, the networking messages transmitted between the optical network unit and from the optical network unit can be carried in WMCI messages. For example, the aforementioned networking messages can be carried in WMCI messages.

[0113] WMCI is the interface between the MFU and SFU for implementing WLAN control and other functions. The WMCI management channel is a low-latency channel in an FTTR network that enables WLAN control and other functions between the MFU and SFU. It carries WMCI messages via a unique FEM port-ID. The WMCI management channel is also called the Wi-Fi management and control channel (WMCC). WMCI messages are encapsulated in FEM frames and used to manage and control the WLAN functions of the SFU. The FTTR transceiver can identify the destination of the WMCI message using the FEM port ID in the FEM frame.

[0114] See Table 1 for the WMCI message encapsulation format.

[0115] Table 1

[0116] The message type is an 8-bit field that indicates the type of message and defines the semantics of the message content. When the MFU receives an upstream message with a message type ID indicating that it is unsupported, the MFU ignores the message. When the SFU receives a message with a reserved or unsupported message type ID, it ignores the message.

[0117] The sequence number is an 8-bit field containing a sequence number counter to ensure the robustness of the WMCI message channel. In the downlink direction, the sequence number field is populated with the corresponding MFU sequence number counter value. The MFU maintains a separate sequence number counter for each SFU unicast and broadcast WMCI message stream. Each sequence number counter rolls from 255 to 1. A value of 0 is not used in the downlink direction. In the uplink direction, when an uplink WMCI message is a response to a downlink message, the value of the sequence number field is equal to the value of the sequence number field in the downlink message. If the WMCI message is initiated by the SFU, sequence number = 0 is used.

[0118] Message length and priority are 2-byte fields, representing the number of bytes in the message content and the message processing requirements. X (the most significant bit of the third byte): Indicates the priority of processing this message. When X=1, the message has high priority; X=0 indicates low priority. LL LLLL LLLL: This field represents the length of the message content. The value range is 0 to 1023. O: Indicates the operation type of the current message. In the downlink direction, when O=1, it indicates that the operation type of this message is a parameter request, requesting the SFU to send the output indicated by the Message type ID field; when O=0, it indicates that the message is a parameter configuration message, with the Message type ID field indicating the parameter type configured in this message. In the uplink direction, when O=1, it indicates that the operation type of this message is a scheduling request, requesting the MFU to send the scheduling configuration indicated by the Message type ID field; when O=0, it indicates that the message is a parameter reporting message, with the Message type ID field indicating the parameter type configured in this message.

[0119] The format of the message content field is related to the specific message. The message content includes two parts: the message mask and the parameter content.

[0120] The message mask consists of a 16-bit mask, as shown in Table 2.

[0121] Table 2

[0122] Each message type can carry a maximum of 16 parameters. Please refer to the message definition for a detailed explanation of the parameter sequence.

[0123] The message content should be filled in according to the order indicated by the parameter mask. For downlink request messages, the parameter mask represents the parameters that the MFU wants to obtain. For uplink messages, the parameter mask represents the parameters reported and replied to.

[0124] Message verification can employ cyclic redundancy check (CRC). The message verification field, also known as the CRC field, is used to verify whether the message has been corrupted during transmission; its value is generated by the CRC algorithm.

[0125] In an alternative implementation, the indication message may be carried in the message content field of WMCI as described above. It can be understood that the indication message can also be interpreted as a beacon frame sending an indication message. For example, one possible indication message is shown in Table 3 below:

[0126] Table 3

[0127] The aforementioned transmission time can be an absolute time, such as a time specified by a clock. The transmission time can also be a relative time, such as a delay of a specific duration (e.g., a delay of n microseconds, where n is an integer).

[0128] The transmission time in Table 3 above can occupy either 4 bytes or 8 bytes. The transmission power can occupy either 1 byte or 4 bytes, in dBm, and is a signed integer character.

[0129] The roaming network synchronization message shown in Table 3 above can be understood as the network message shown in Figure 5. Optionally, when the bit value of the roaming network synchronization message field is 0, it can be used to instruct the beacon frame to send an indication message. Table 3 also shows that the SFU can obtain the beacon frame's transmission time and transmission parameters such as transmission power from the network message sent by the MFU.

[0130] The auxiliary frame parameters can include four bytes: the first byte indicates whether an auxiliary frame is sent, the second byte indicates the auxiliary frame type, the third byte indicates the number of auxiliary frames, and the fourth byte indicates the auxiliary frame rate information. The byte order can be adjusted as needed; the above byte order is for illustrative purposes only. Sending auxiliary frames from the MFU or SFU to the STA can enhance the STA's received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and prevent STA disconnection. Auxiliary frame types include Beacon frames and / or null data frames. The auxiliary frame rate can be determined based on the modulation and coding scheme (MCS). Beacon frames can be unicast, meaning the auxiliary frame type includes unicast beacon frames.

[0131] Step 502A: The optical network unit 1 sends a signaling message according to the networking message. For example, the optical network unit 1 obtains the transmission time and transmission parameters such as transmission power from the beacon frame transmission indication message included in the networking message; then, the optical network unit 1 sends the beacon frame according to the transmission time and transmission parameters such as transmission power.

[0132] Step 502B: The optical network unit 2 sends a signaling message according to the networking message. For example, the optical network unit 2 obtains the transmission time and transmission parameters such as transmission power from the beacon frame transmission indication message included in the networking message; then, the optical network unit 2 sends the beacon frame according to the transmission time and transmission parameters such as transmission power.

[0133] It should be noted that the execution order between steps 502A and 502B is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0134] In some possible implementations, the indication message is also used to indicate that different slave optical network units correspond to different transmit powers. For example, slave optical network unit 1 has a first power, and slave optical network unit 2 has a second power, the first power being different from the second power. In other possible implementations, the indication message is also used to indicate that different slave optical network units correspond to different power determination methods. For example, slave optical network unit 1 has a default power, and slave optical network unit 2 uses a power greater or less than the default power.

[0135] In one possible implementation, after receiving the Beacon transmission instruction, the SFU transmits a Beacon frame according to the transmission time and transmission parameters (such as transmission power) in the Beacon transmission instruction.

[0136] The format for sending instruction messages via Beacon can be as follows:

[0137] In the above implementation, the payload field of the Beacon sending indication message can carry a Beacon frame. Therefore, after receiving the Beacon sending indication message, the SFU can directly obtain the Beacon frame from it and then send the obtained Beacon frame after the transmission delay time has elapsed. In this implementation, the SFU does not need to generate a Beacon frame anymore; it only needs to send the Beacon frame from the received Beacon sending indication message, thus improving the transmission efficiency of the Beacon frame.

[0138] In the above implementation, the fields numbered 1-5 can be partially or fully carried in the Beacon sending instruction message as needed. For example, only fields numbered 1, 2, 4, and 5 can be carried, or only field 2 can be carried, or fields 1-2 and 5 can be carried.

[0139] In one possible implementation, prior to steps 501A and 501B above, the MFU may send a message to the SFU to disable the SFU's local periodic broadcast. For example, Figure 6 is a flowchart of another method for signaling message synchronization in a communication system provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0140] In step 700A, the primary optical network unit sends a message to disable local periodic broadcast signaling messages. Correspondingly, the optical network unit 1 receives a message from the primary optical network unit to disable local periodic broadcast signaling messages.

[0141] In step 700B, the primary optical network unit sends a message to disable local periodic broadcast signaling messages. Correspondingly, the optical network unit 2 receives a message from the primary optical network unit to disable local periodic broadcast signaling messages.

[0142] It should be noted that the execution order between steps 700A and 700B is not limited in this embodiment. Furthermore, the execution order between steps 700A, 700B, and 500 is not limited in this embodiment; for example, step 500 may be executed before or after steps 700A and 700B.

[0143] For example, the master optical network unit can broadcast a message to slave optical network unit 1 and slave optical network unit 2 to disable local periodic broadcast signaling messages.

[0144] In another example, the master optical network unit can send a message to slave optical network unit 1 and slave optical network unit 2 via multicast to disable local periodic broadcast signaling messages. It can be understood that slave optical network unit 1 and slave optical network unit 2 are in a multicast session.

[0145] As another example, the master optical network unit can also send messages to slave optical network unit 1 and slave optical network unit 2 respectively via unicast to disable local periodic broadcast signaling messages.

[0146] In the above communication system, the BSSID and / or SSID of MFU and SFU can be the same.

[0147] In one possible implementation, the message used to disable local periodic broadcast signaling messages can be a configuration message. Before steps 501A and 501B above, roaming network configuration can be performed between the MFU and SFU via a roaming network configuration message. For example, Figure 7 is a flowchart of another method for signaling message synchronization in a communication system provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0148] Step 600A: The primary optical network unit sends a configuration message. Correspondingly, the optical network unit 1 receives the configuration message from the primary optical network unit.

[0149] In step 600B, the primary optical network unit sends a configuration message. Correspondingly, the optical network unit 2 receives the configuration message from the primary optical network unit.

[0150] In some possible implementations, the configuration message carries a signaling period, which can indicate the period at which signaling messages are sent from the optical network unit.

[0151] It should be noted that the execution order between steps 600A and 600B is not limited in this embodiment. Furthermore, the execution order between steps 600A, 600B, and 500 is not limited in this embodiment; for example, step 500 may be executed before or after steps 600A and 600B.

[0152] For example, the master optical network unit can send configuration messages to slave optical network unit 1 and slave optical network unit 2 via broadcast.

[0153] In another example, the primary optical network unit can send configuration messages to secondary optical network unit 1 and secondary optical network unit 2 via multicast. It can be understood that secondary optical network unit 1 and secondary optical network unit 2 are in a multicast session.

[0154] As another example, the master optical network unit can also send configuration messages to slave optical network unit 1 and slave optical network unit 2 respectively via unicast.

[0155] In some possible implementations, based on the scenario illustrated in Figure 4, the configuration message can be a roaming network configuration message.

[0156] For example, the roaming network configuration message types are shown in Table 4 below:

[0157] Table 4

[0158] For example, the specific message format of the roaming enable / disable configuration message can be shown in Table 5 below:

[0159] Table 5

[0160] For example, the specific message format of the roaming parameter configuration message can be shown in Table 6 below:

[0161] Table 6

[0162] It should be noted that the MFU and SFU in the communication system have the same BSSID and / or the same SSID.

[0163] It should be noted that the parameters shown in Table 6 do not necessarily need to be configured every time.

[0164] It should also be noted that the configuration is not limited to the parameters shown in Table 6.

[0165] By including the beacon period in the roaming parameter configuration message shown in Table 6, beacon period synchronization between the primary optical network unit (ONU) and the secondary optical network unit (NRU) can be achieved. This allows the NRU to periodically send signaling messages based on the beacon period. For example, based on steps 502A or 502B shown in Figure 5, NRU 1 can periodically send signaling messages based on the beacon period and networking messages; NRU 2 can also periodically send signaling messages based on the beacon period and networking messages.

[0166] For example, the specific format of the roaming enable / disable / configuration confirmation message can be shown in Table 7 below:

[0167] Table 7

[0168] The parameters in Table 4-7 above can be carried in the message content field of the WMCI message.

[0169] The signaling message synchronization method in the communication system provided in this application, based on time synchronization between the primary optical network unit (PON) and the secondary optical network unit (SON), allows the PON to send an indication message to the SON via a WMCI message. This enables the SON to synchronously send signaling messages according to the collaborative management of the PON, thereby reducing unnecessary contention and conflicts and minimizing waste of air interface resources.

[0170] Figure 8 is a structural diagram of the signaling message synchronization device provided in an embodiment of this application. This device can be implemented as part or all of the device through software, hardware, or a combination of both. The device is applied to the master optical network unit in a communication system, which also includes N slave optical network units, where N is a positive integer. The aforementioned communication system is an FTTR system. The device provided in this embodiment can implement part of the processes shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7 of this embodiment. The device includes: a transmitting module 710; wherein,

[0171] The sending module 710 is used to send networking messages; wherein, the networking messages include indication messages, which are used to indicate the sending time and sending parameters of the signaling messages sent from the N optical network units.

[0172] In some possible implementations, the sending module 710 is used to send network messages, specifically: sending network messages in a broadcast manner; or sending network messages in a multicast manner; or sending network messages in a unicast manner.

[0173] In some possible implementations, the sending module 710 is also used to: send a configuration message before sending the networking message, the configuration message carrying a signaling message period, the signaling message period being used to indicate the period for sending signaling messages from the optical network unit.

[0174] In some possible implementations, the transmission parameters include at least one of the following: virtual access point identifier, transmission power, transmission physical parameters, and auxiliary frame parameters.

[0175] In some possible implementations, the instruction message is sent to the optical network unit via a WMCI message; wherein the message content fields of the WMCI message include: a first field, a second field, a third field, a fourth field, and a fifth field; the first field is used to carry the virtual access point identifier; the second field is used to carry the transmission time; the third field is used to carry the transmission power; the fourth field is used to carry the transmission physical parameters; and the fifth field is used to carry the auxiliary frame parameters.

[0176] In some possible implementations, the message content field of a WMCI message also includes a sixth field; the sixth field is used to carry an indication message through the first bit value.

[0177] In some possible implementations, the device also includes a processing module for time synchronization with N slave optical network units before sending networking messages.

[0178] In some possible implementations, the main optical network unit is an ONU or an ONT.

[0179] Figure 9 is a structural diagram of the signaling message synchronization device provided in an embodiment of this application. This device can be implemented as part or all of the device through software, hardware, or a combination of both. The device is applied to a first slave optical network unit in a communication system. The communication system includes a master optical network unit and N slave optical network units, where N is a positive integer, and the N slave optical network units include the first slave optical network unit. The aforementioned communication system is an FTTR system. The device provided in this embodiment can implement part of the process flow shown in Figure 5 of this embodiment. The device includes: a receiving module 810, an acquisition module 820, and a sending module 830, wherein:

[0180] The receiving module 810 is used to receive networking messages from the main optical network unit; the obtaining module 820 is used to obtain the sending time and sending parameters of the signaling message from the indication message included in the networking message; and the sending module 830 is used to send the signaling message according to the sending time and sending parameters.

[0181] In some possible implementations, the receiving module 810 is further configured to receive a configuration message from the main optical network unit before receiving the networking message from the main optical network unit; the obtaining module 820 is further configured to obtain the signaling message period from the configuration message; and the sending module 830 is configured to send the signaling message, specifically to periodically send the signaling message according to the signaling message period.

[0182] In some possible implementations, the transmission parameters include at least one of the following: virtual access point identifier, transmission power, transmission physical parameters, and auxiliary frame parameters.

[0183] In some possible implementations, the indication message is sent via a WMCI message; the message content fields of the WMCI message include: a first field, a second field, a third field, a fourth field, and a fifth field; the first field is used to carry the virtual access point identifier; the second field is used to carry the transmission time; the third field is used to carry the transmission power; the fourth field is used to carry the transmission physical parameters; and the fifth field is used to carry the auxiliary frame parameters.

[0184] In some possible implementations, the message content field of a WMCI message also includes a sixth field; the sixth field is used to carry an indication message through the first bit value.

[0185] In some possible implementations, the device further includes a processing module; wherein the processing module is used to synchronize time with the main optical network unit before receiving networking messages from the main optical network unit.

[0186] In some possible implementations, the device for synchronizing signaling messages is an ONU or an ONT.

[0187] The signaling message synchronization devices shown in Figures 8 and 9 are described in detail in the preceding embodiments, and will not be repeated here. The signaling message synchronization device shown in Figure 8 is the master optical network unit mentioned above, and the signaling message synchronization device shown in Figure 9 is the slave optical network unit mentioned above, such as slave optical network unit 1 or slave optical network unit 2 as shown in Figure 5.

[0188] This application also provides a device 100. As shown in FIG10, device 100 includes: a bus 102, a processor 104, a memory 106, and a communication interface 108. The processor 104, the memory 106, and the communication interface 108 communicate with each other via the bus 102. Device 100 may be a server or a terminal device. It should be understood that this application does not limit the number of processors and memories in device 100.

[0189] Bus 102 can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of illustration, only one line is used in Figure 10, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or one type of bus. Bus 102 can include pathways for transmitting information between various components of device 100 (e.g., memory 106, processor 104, communication interface 108).

[0190] The processor 104 may include any one or more processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor (MP), or a digital signal processor (DSP).

[0191] The memory 106 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM). The memory 106 may also include non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid state drive (SSD).

[0192] The memory 106 stores executable program code, which the processor 104 executes to implement a method for synchronizing signaling messages in a communication system. In other words, the memory 106 stores program instructions for executing a method for synchronizing signaling messages in a communication system.

[0193] The communication interface 108 uses an optical module to enable communication between the device 100 and other devices or communication networks.

[0194] This application also provides a computer program product including program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The processor of the main optical network unit reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the program instructions, causing the main optical network unit to perform a portion of the process shown in FIG5.

[0195] This application also provides a computer program product including program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of an optical network unit reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the program instructions, causing the optical network unit to perform a portion of the process shown in FIG5.

[0196] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the method steps and units described in the embodiments disclosed in this application can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the steps and components of each embodiment have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0197] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed system architecture, apparatus, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus 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 or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices, or modules, or may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms of connection.

[0198] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of the embodiments of this application, depending on actual needs.

[0199] Furthermore, the modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or in software.

[0200] If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0201] In this application, the terms "first" and "second," etc., are used to distinguish identical or similar items that have substantially the same function and purpose. It should be understood that there is no logical or temporal dependency between "first" and "second," nor does it limit the quantity or order of execution. It should also be understood that although the following description uses the terms "first" and "second," etc., to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by the terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another.

[0202] The above description is merely an exemplary 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 such 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 method for synchronizing signaling messages in a communication system, the communication system comprising a master optical network unit and N slave optical network units, wherein N is a positive integer, characterized in that, The method includes: The main optical network unit sends a networking message; The networking message includes an indication message, which is used to indicate the transmission time and transmission parameters of the N signaling messages sent from the optical network unit.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main optical network unit sends networking messages, including: The main optical network unit sends networking messages via broadcast; or... The main optical network unit sends networking messages using multicast.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before the main optical network unit sends the networking message, the method further includes: The master optical network unit sends a message to disable local periodic broadcast signaling messages from the slave optical network unit.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before the main optical network unit sends the networking message, the method further includes: The primary optical network unit sends a configuration message, which carries a signaling message period. The signaling message period is used to indicate the period during which the secondary optical network unit sends signaling messages.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The message used to disable local periodic broadcast signaling messages from the optical network unit is a configuration message.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The transmission parameters include at least one of the following: virtual access point identifier, transmission power, transmission physical parameters, and auxiliary frame parameters.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The instruction message is sent to the optical network unit via the Wireless Local Area Network Management and Control Interface (WMCI) message. The message content fields of the WMCI message include: a first field, a second field, a third field, a fourth field, and a fifth field; The first field is used to carry the virtual access point identifier; The second field is used to carry the transmission time; The third field is used to carry the transmission power; The fourth field is used to carry the transmission physical parameters; The fifth field is used to carry the auxiliary frame parameters.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The message content fields of the WMCI message also include: a sixth field; The sixth field is used to carry the indication message through the first bit value.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Before the main optical network unit sends the networking message, the method further includes: The master optical network unit synchronizes its time with the N slave optical network units.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The main optical network unit is either an optical network unit (ONU) or an optical network terminal (ONT).

11. A method for synchronizing signaling messages in a communication system, the communication system comprising a master optical network unit and N slave optical network units, wherein the N slave optical network units include a first slave optical network unit, and N is a positive integer, characterized in that, The method includes: The first optical network unit receives a networking message from the main optical network unit; The first optical network unit obtains the transmission time and transmission parameters of the signaling message from the indication message included in the networking message; The first optical network unit sends a signaling message according to the transmission time and the transmission parameters.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Before the first optical network unit receives the networking message from the main optical network unit, the method further includes: The first slave optical network unit receives a message from the master optical network unit for disabling a local periodic broadcast signaling message for the first slave optical network unit.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Before the first optical network unit receives the networking message from the main optical network unit, the method further includes: The first slave optical network unit receives a configuration message from the master optical network unit; The first optical network unit obtains the signaling message period from the configuration message; The transmitted signaling message includes: Signaling messages are sent periodically according to the signaling message period.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The message used to disable the local periodic broadcast signaling messages of the first slave optical network unit is a configuration message.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that, The transmission parameters include at least one of the following: virtual access point identifier, transmission power, transmission physical parameters, and auxiliary frame parameters.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The instruction message is sent via WMCI message; The message content fields of the WMCI message include: a first field, a second field, a third field, a fourth field, and a fifth field; The first field is used to carry the virtual access point identifier; The second field is used to carry the transmission time; The third field is used to carry the transmission power; The fourth field is used to carry the transmission physical parameters; The fifth field is used to carry the auxiliary frame parameters.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The message content fields of the WMCI message also include: a sixth field; The sixth field is used to carry the indication message through the first bit value.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that, Before the first optical network unit receives the networking message from the main optical network unit, the method further includes: The first slave optical network unit synchronizes its time with the master optical network unit.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that, The first optical network unit is either an ONU or an ONT.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1-19, characterized in that, The master optical network unit and the slave optical network unit have the same BSSID and / or the same SSID.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1-20, characterized in that, The N slave optical network units simultaneously send signaling messages.

22. A signaling message synchronization device, applied to a master optical network unit in a communication system, the communication system further comprising N slave optical network units, wherein N is a positive integer, characterized in that, The device includes a transmitting module, wherein: The sending module is used to send network formation messages; The networking message includes an indication message, which is used to indicate the transmission time and transmission parameters of the N signaling messages sent from the optical network unit.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that, The sending module is used to send network formation messages, specifically for: Send network formation messages via broadcast; or, Networking messages are sent using multicast.

24. The apparatus according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The sending module is further configured to: Before sending the networking message, a message is sent to disable local periodic broadcast signaling messages from the optical network unit.

25. The apparatus according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The sending module is further configured to: Before sending the networking message, a configuration message is sent, which carries a signaling message period, which is used to indicate the period during which signaling messages are sent from the optical network unit.

26. The apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that, The message used to disable local periodic broadcast signaling messages from the optical network unit is a configuration message.

27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that, The transmission parameters include at least one of the following: virtual access point identifier, transmission power, transmission physical parameters, and auxiliary frame parameters.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that, The instruction message is sent to the optical network unit via a WMCI message; The message content fields of the WMCI message include: a first field, a second field, a third field, a fourth field, and a fifth field; The first field is used to carry the virtual access point identifier; The second field is used to carry the transmission time; The third field is used to carry the transmission power; The fourth field is used to carry the transmission physical parameters; The fifth field is used to carry the auxiliary frame parameters.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that, The message content fields of the WMCI message also include: a sixth field; The sixth field is used to carry the indication message through the first bit value.

30. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 29, characterized in that, The device also includes a processing module; The processing module is used to synchronize time with the N slave optical network units before sending the networking message.

31. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 30, characterized in that, The main optical network unit is either an ONU or an ONT.

32. A signaling message synchronization apparatus, applied to a first slave optical network unit in a communication system, the communication system comprising a master optical network unit and N slave optical network units, wherein the N slave optical network units include the first slave optical network unit, and N is a positive integer, characterized in that, The device includes a receiving module, a processing module, and a transmitting module; wherein, The receiving module is used to receive networking messages from the main optical network unit; The acquisition module is used to obtain the sending time and sending parameters of the signaling message from the indication message included in the networking message; The sending module is used to send signaling messages according to the sending time and the sending parameters.

33. The apparatus according to claim 32, characterized in that, The receiving module is further configured to receive a message from the main optical network unit for disabling the local periodic broadcast signaling message of the first slave optical network unit before receiving the networking message from the main optical network unit.

34. The apparatus according to claim 32, characterized in that, The receiving module is further configured to receive a configuration message from the main optical network unit before receiving the networking message from the main optical network unit; The acquisition module is further configured to acquire the signaling message period from the configuration message; The sending module is used to send signaling messages, specifically: periodically sending signaling messages according to the signaling message period.

35. The apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that, The message used to disable the local periodic broadcast signaling messages of the first slave optical network unit is a configuration message.

36. The apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 35, characterized in that, The transmission parameters include at least one of the following: virtual access point identifier, transmission power, transmission physical parameters, and auxiliary frame parameters.

37. The apparatus according to claim 36, characterized in that, The instruction message is sent via WMCI message; The message content fields of the WMCI message include: a first field, a second field, a third field, a fourth field, and a fifth field; The first field is used to carry the virtual access point identifier; The second field is used to carry the transmission time; The third field is used to carry the transmission power; The fourth field is used to carry the transmission physical parameters; The fifth field is used to carry the auxiliary frame parameters.

38. The apparatus according to claim 37, characterized in that, The message content fields of the WMCI message also include: a sixth field; The sixth field is used to carry the indication message through the first bit value.

39. The apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 38, characterized in that, The device further includes a processing module; wherein... The processing module is used to synchronize time with the main optical network unit before receiving the networking message from the main optical network unit.

40. The apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 39, characterized in that, The first optical network unit is either an ONU or an ONT.

41. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22-40, characterized in that, The master optical network unit and the slave optical network unit have the same BSSID and / or the same SSID.

42. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22-41, characterized in that, The N slave optical network units simultaneously send signaling messages.

43. A primary optical network unit, characterized in that, The access point includes a processor, a memory, and a communication interface; The processor is used to execute program instructions in the memory to perform the processing functions in the method for synchronizing signaling messages in a communication system as described in any one of claims 1 to 10; The communication interface is used to communicate with N slave optical network units.

44. A first optical network unit, characterized in that, The optical line terminal includes a processor, a memory, and a communication interface; The processor is configured to execute program instructions in the memory to perform the processing functions in the method for synchronizing signaling messages in a communication system as described in any one of claims 11 to 21; The communication interface is used to communicate with the main optical network unit and the site.

45. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a master optical network unit and N slave optical network units, wherein the master optical network unit is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10; The optical network unit is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 21.

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