Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of communications, and discloses a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: receiving information from a second network element, wherein the second network element is a management network element for a first network element; and upon abnormal reception of the information from the second network element, sending first information to the second network element, wherein the first information is used for indicating an operation and maintenance state of the first network element. The present application can greatly reduce a fault tracing range of a fronthaul link, thereby improving the operation and maintenance efficiency.

Description

Communication methods and devices Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] A base station's fronthaul network can include a radio equipment control (REC), radio equipment (RE), and fronthaul links between RECs and REs. Fronthaul networks have evolved from the Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) protocol to the Evolved Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI) protocol, with increasing speeds and network complexity. This complexity has also led to an increased failure rate; fronthaul link failures are among the most common base station equipment failures.

[0003] A fronthaul link failure generally refers to the loss of connection between the REC and RE (e.g., a broken link). RX interruption and / or TX interruption can both lead to a fronthaul link failure and abnormal communication between the REC and RE.

[0004] After the link between REC and RE is interrupted, REC cannot determine whether the RE device is normal, that is, it cannot determine whether the link break is caused by the failure of the RE device. It is necessary to rule out the failure of the transmission medium (such as optical fiber) of the fronthaul link or the failure of the RE end. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can greatly reduce the scope of troubleshooting for fronthaul link failures and improve operation and maintenance efficiency.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method applied to a first network element or a chip in the first network element. The method includes: receiving information from a second network element, the second network element being a management network element of the first network element; and when the information received from the second network element is abnormal, sending first information to the second network element, the first information being used to indicate the operation and maintenance status of the first network element.

[0007] For example, the first network element is a radio frequency unit and the second network element is a radio frequency control unit; or, the first network element is an open access network radio frequency unit and the second network element is an open access network radio frequency unit management network element; or, the first network element is a client and the second network element is a server.

[0008] In this method, when the information received from the second network element is abnormal, the first network element sends the first information to the second network element. This can enable the first network element to indicate its operation and maintenance status to the second network element through the first information. This allows the second network element to obtain the operation and maintenance status of the first network element in the event of a downlink failure. Based on the operation and maintenance status of the first network element, the link failure can be investigated, which can greatly reduce the scope of link investigation, reduce ineffective processing, greatly reduce the troubleshooting time, and improve operation and maintenance efficiency.

[0009] In one possible design, sending the first information to the second network element includes: sending the first information to the second network element through a first port, wherein the first port is the sending port corresponding to the first link established between the first network element and the second network element.

[0010] Optionally, the first port is an evolved common radio interface.

[0011] In another possible design, sending the first information to the second network element includes: establishing a second link with the second network element; and sending the first information to the second network element through a second port, wherein the second port is the sending port corresponding to the second link.

[0012] Optionally, the second port is a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) interface.

[0013] Optionally, the method further includes: negotiating with the second network element the sending port and receiving port corresponding to the second link when establishing the first link with the second network element.

[0014] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving second information from the second network element, the second information being used to indicate the capability information of the second network element.

[0015] Sending the first information to the second network element includes: sending the first information to the second network element when the first network element has the capability to support the first mode and the second information indicates that the second network element has the capability to support the first mode.

[0016] In one possible design, the method further includes sending third information to the second network element, the third information being used to indicate the capability information of the first network element.

[0017] In one possible design, the method further includes: when the information received from the second network element is abnormal, sending a fourth message to the second network element, the fourth message being used to indicate that the first network element is receiving abnormal information.

[0018] In one possible design, the operation and maintenance status of the first network element includes at least one of the following: device operating status, device version number, device model, optical module status, optical module model, received optical power information, transmitted optical power information, transmission rate, bit error rate, and signal-to-noise ratio.

[0019] Secondly, this application provides a communication device that has the function of implementing the method described in the first aspect. The function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The device includes one or more units or modules for implementing the function of the method described in the first aspect; for example, the communication device includes a transmitting module and a receiving module.

[0020] The receiving module is used to receive information from a second network element, which is the management network element of the first network element. The sending module is used to send first information to the second network element when the information received from the second network element is abnormal. The first information is used to indicate the operation and maintenance status of the first network element.

[0021] For example, the first network element is a radio frequency unit and the second network element is a radio frequency control unit; or, the first network element is an open access network radio frequency unit and the second network element is an open access network radio frequency unit management network element; or, the first network element is a client and the second network element is a server.

[0022] In one possible design, the sending module is specifically used to send the first information to the second network element through a first port, where the first port is the sending port corresponding to the first link established between the first network element and the second network element.

[0023] Optionally, the first port is an evolved common radio interface.

[0024] In another possible design, the sending module and the receiving module are also used to establish a second link with the second network element; the sending module is specifically used to send the first information to the second network element through a second port, where the second port is the sending port corresponding to the second link.

[0025] Optionally, the second port is a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) interface.

[0026] Optionally, the transmitting module and the receiving module are further configured to negotiate with the second network element the transmitting port and receiving port corresponding to the second link when establishing the first link with the second network element.

[0027] In one possible design, the receiving module is further configured to receive second information from the second network element, the second information being used to indicate the capability information of the second network element.

[0028] The sending module is specifically used to send first information to the second network element when the first network element has the capability to support the first mode and the second information indicates that the second network element has the capability to support the first mode.

[0029] In one possible design, the sending module is further configured to send third information to the second network element, the third information being used to indicate the capability information of the first network element.

[0030] In one possible design, the sending module is further configured to send a fourth message to the second network element when the information received from the second network element is abnormal, the fourth message being used to indicate that the first network element is receiving abnormal information.

[0031] In one possible design, the operation and maintenance status of the first network element includes at least one of the following: device operating status, device version number, device model, optical module status, optical module model, received optical power information, transmitted optical power information, transmission rate, bit error rate, and signal-to-noise ratio.

[0032] Thirdly, this application also provides a communication device, comprising: a processor for executing computer instructions, wherein when the computer instructions are executed, the device performs the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect. Optionally, the communication device further comprises a memory storing the computer instructions.

[0033] Exemplarily, the apparatus includes: one or more processors; a memory for storing one or more computer programs or instructions; and, when the one or more computer programs or instructions are executed by the one or more processors, causing the one or more processors to implement the method as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0034] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device, which includes: a processing circuit and an interface circuit; wherein the interface circuit is used to couple with a memory external to the communication device and to provide a communication interface for the processing circuit to access the memory; the processing circuit is used to execute program instructions in the memory to implement the method as described in any of the first aspects.

[0035] In practical implementation, the communication device can be a chip, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the processing circuit can be a transistor, gate circuit, flip-flop, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be output to, for example, but not limited to, a transmitter and transmitted by the transmitter. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0036] In one implementation, the communication device can be a wireless communication device, i.e., a computer device that supports wireless communication functionality. Specifically, the wireless communication device can be a wireless access network device such as a base station. The network chip can also be called a system-on-a-chip (SoC), or simply a SoC chip. The communication chip may include a baseband processing chip and a radio frequency (RF) processing chip. The baseband processing chip is sometimes also called a modem or baseband chip. The RF processing chip is sometimes called an RF transceiver or RF chip. In physical implementation, some or all of the communication chip chips can be integrated within the SoC chip. For example, the baseband processing chip is integrated into the SoC chip, while the RF processing chip is not integrated with the SoC chip. The interface circuit can be the RF processing chip in the wireless communication device, and the processing circuit can be the baseband processing chip in the wireless communication device.

[0037] In another implementation, the communication device can be a component of a wireless communication device, such as an integrated circuit product like a network chip or communication chip. The interface circuit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip or chip network. The processor can also be represented as a processing circuit or logic circuit.

[0038] For example, in the third and fourth aspects, the processor is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect.

[0039] The communication device described in any one of the second to fourth aspects above can be a first network element or a chip in the first network element.

[0040] Fifthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, comprising: computer software instructions; when the computer software instructions are executed, causing the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect to be implemented. For example, when the computer software instructions are executed in a first network element or a device (e.g., a chip) embedded in the first network element, causing the first network element to implement the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect.

[0041] Understandably, the beneficial effects that any of the second to fifth aspects provided above can achieve can be referenced to the beneficial effects of the first aspect and any of its possible designs, which will not be repeated here.

[0042] Sixthly, this application provides a communication method applied to a second network element or a chip in the second network element. The method includes: sending information to a first network element, wherein the second network element is a management network element of the first network element; and receiving first information from the first network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate the operation and maintenance status of the first network element, and the operation and maintenance status of the first network element is used by the second network element to determine the reason for the abnormal reception of the first network element.

[0043] For example, the first network element is a radio frequency unit and the second network element is a radio frequency control unit; or, the first network element is an open access network radio frequency unit and the second network element is an open access network radio frequency unit management network element; or, the first network element is a client and the second network element is a server.

[0044] The beneficial effects of the method described in the sixth aspect can be found in the first aspect and will not be repeated here.

[0045] In one possible design, receiving the first information from the first network element includes: receiving the first information from the first network element through a third port, wherein the third port is the receiving port corresponding to the first link established between the first network element and the second network element.

[0046] Optionally, the third port is an evolved common radio interface.

[0047] In another possible design, receiving the first information from the first network element includes: establishing a second link with the first network element; and receiving the first information from the first network element through a fourth port, wherein the fourth port is the receiving port corresponding to the second link.

[0048] Optionally, the fourth port is a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) interface.

[0049] Optionally, the method further includes: negotiating with the first network element the sending port and receiving port corresponding to the second link when establishing the first link with the first network element.

[0050] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending second information to the first network element, the second information being used to indicate the capability information of the second network element.

[0051] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving third information from the first network element, the third information being used to indicate capability information of the first network element; and listening to the first information when the second network element has the capability to support the first mode and the third information indicates that the first network element has the capability to support the first mode.

[0052] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving fourth information from the first network element, the fourth information being used to indicate that the first network element is receiving abnormal information.

[0053] In one possible design, the operation and maintenance status of the first network element includes at least one of the following: device operating status, device version number, device model, optical module status, optical module model, received optical power information, transmitted optical power information, transmission rate, bit error rate, and signal-to-noise ratio.

[0054] In one possible design, the method further includes: determining the cause of the first network element receiving anomaly based on the first information.

[0055] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication device that has the function of implementing the method described in the sixth aspect. The function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The device includes one or more units or modules for implementing the function of the method described in the sixth aspect; for example, the communication device includes a transmitting module and a receiving module.

[0056] The sending module is used to send information to the first network element, and the second network element is the management network element of the first network element; the receiving module is used to receive first information from the first network element, the first information being used to indicate the operation and maintenance status of the first network element, and the operation and maintenance status of the first network element being used by the second network element to determine the reason for the abnormal reception of the first network element.

[0057] For example, the first network element is a radio frequency unit and the second network element is a radio frequency control unit; or, the first network element is an open access network radio frequency unit and the second network element is an open access network radio frequency unit management network element; or, the first network element is a client and the second network element is a server.

[0058] In one possible design, the receiving module is specifically used to receive first information from the first network element through a third port, wherein the third port is the receiving port corresponding to the first link established between the first network element and the second network element.

[0059] Optionally, the third port is an evolved common radio interface.

[0060] In another possible design, the sending module and the receiving module are also used to establish a second link with the first network element; the receiving module is specifically used to receive first information from the first network element through a fourth port, which is the receiving port corresponding to the second link.

[0061] Optionally, the fourth port is a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) interface.

[0062] Optionally, the transmitting module and the receiving module are further configured to negotiate with the first network element the transmitting port and receiving port corresponding to the second link when establishing the first link with the first network element.

[0063] In one possible design, the sending module is further configured to send second information to the first network element, the second information being used to indicate the capability information of the second network element.

[0064] In one possible design, the receiving module is further configured to receive third information from the first network element, the third information being used to indicate the capability information of the first network element; when the second network element has the capability to support the first mode, and the third information indicates that the first network element has the capability to support the first mode, the module listens for the first information.

[0065] In one possible design, the receiving module is further configured to receive fourth information from the first network element, the fourth information being used to indicate that the first network element is experiencing a reception anomaly.

[0066] In one possible design, the operation and maintenance status of the first network element includes at least one of the following: device operating status, device version number, device model, optical module status, optical module model, received optical power information, transmitted optical power information, transmission rate, bit error rate, and signal-to-noise ratio.

[0067] In one possible design, the device further includes a processing module for determining the cause of the first network element receiving anomaly based on the first information.

[0068] Eighthly, this application also provides a communication device, comprising: a processor for executing computer instructions, which, when executed, cause the device to perform the method described in the sixth aspect or any possible design of the sixth aspect. Optionally, the communication device further comprises a memory storing the computer instructions.

[0069] Exemplarily, the apparatus includes: one or more processors; a memory for storing one or more computer programs or instructions; and, when the one or more computer programs or instructions are executed by the one or more processors, causing the one or more processors to implement the method as described in any of the sixth aspects.

[0070] Ninthly, this application provides a communication device, the device comprising: a processing circuit and an interface circuit; wherein the interface circuit is used to couple with a memory external to the communication device and to provide a communication interface for the processing circuit to access the memory; the processing circuit is used to execute program instructions in the memory to implement the method as described in any of the sixth aspects.

[0071] In practical implementation, the communication device can be a chip, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the processing circuit can be a transistor, gate circuit, flip-flop, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be output to, for example, but not limited to, a transmitter and transmitted by the transmitter. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0072] In one implementation, the communication device can be a wireless communication device, i.e., a computer device that supports wireless communication functionality. Specifically, the wireless communication device can be a wireless access network device such as a base station. The network chip can also be called a system-on-a-chip (SoC), or simply a SoC chip. The communication chip may include a baseband processing chip and a radio frequency (RF) processing chip. The baseband processing chip is sometimes also called a modem or baseband chip. The RF processing chip is sometimes called an RF transceiver or RF chip. In physical implementation, some or all of the communication chip chips can be integrated within the SoC chip. For example, the baseband processing chip is integrated into the SoC chip, while the RF processing chip is not integrated with the SoC chip. The interface circuit can be the RF processing chip in the wireless communication device, and the processing circuit can be the baseband processing chip in the wireless communication device.

[0073] In another implementation, the communication device can be a component of a wireless communication device, such as an integrated circuit product like a network chip or communication chip. The interface circuit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip or chip network. The processor can also be represented as a processing circuit or logic circuit.

[0074] For example, in the eighth and ninth aspects, the processor is configured to perform the method described in the sixth aspect or any possible design of the sixth aspect.

[0075] The communication device described in any one of the seventh to ninth aspects above can be a second network element or a chip in the second network element.

[0076] In a tenth aspect, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, comprising: computer software instructions; which, when executed, cause the method described in the sixth aspect or any possible design of the sixth aspect to be implemented. For example, when the computer software instructions are executed in a second network element or a device (e.g., a chip) embedded in the second network element, they cause the second network element to implement the method described in the sixth aspect or any possible design of the sixth aspect.

[0077] Understandably, the beneficial effects that can be achieved by any of the seventh to tenth aspects provided above can be referred to the beneficial effects of the sixth aspect and any of its possible designs, which will not be repeated here.

[0078] Optionally, the units or modules included in any of the communication devices mentioned above are merely illustrative examples, and these units or modules may also be divided in other ways, which are not limited in this application.

[0079] In an eleventh aspect, this application also provides a computer program product that, when executed, can implement the methods described in the first aspect or the sixth aspect, and any possible design thereof.

[0080] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a chip, comprising: a processing circuit and an interface circuit; wherein the interface circuit is configured to couple with a memory external to the chip and provide a communication interface for the processing circuit to access the memory; the processing circuit is configured to execute program instructions in the memory to implement the method described in the first aspect or the sixth aspect, and any possible design thereof.

[0081] In a thirteenth aspect, this application also provides a communication system, the system comprising: a first network element and a second network element; each network element performing the aforementioned corresponding steps.

[0082] Understandably, the beneficial effects that can be achieved by aspects eleven to thirteen provided above can be referred to the beneficial effects described in aspects one to ten, etc., and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0083] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a base station fronthaul network.

[0084] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a fronthaul link failure.

[0085] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a fronthaul link fault feedback.

[0086] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the O-RAN system.

[0087] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0088] Figure 6 shows another flowchart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0089] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of a base station fronthaul network provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0090] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of another base station fronthaul network provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0091] Figure 9 shows another flowchart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0092] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0093] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0094] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the words "first" and "second" are merely for distinguishing descriptions and are not used to specifically limit a certain feature. That is, "first" or "second" can include more content, rather than being limited to a specific concept. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. At least one refers to one or more; multiple refers to two or more. The embodiments of this application may perform fewer steps than all steps, or perform more steps, without limitation. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions are used to represent any combination of the listed items; for example, at least one of A, B and / or C can represent the following situations: A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B simultaneously, B and C simultaneously, A and C simultaneously, and A, B and C simultaneously, where A, B, and C can be single or multiple.

[0095] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application's specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0096] The embodiments of this application can be applied to the fronthaul network of the base station or other scenarios similar to the fronthaul network, such as other networking scenarios where an operation and maintenance observation node manages other subordinate nodes.

[0097] For example, Figure 1 shows a network topology diagram of a base station fronthaul network. As shown in Figure 1, the base station fronthaul network may include a radio equipment control (REC) 110, radio equipment (RE) 120, and a fronthaul link between REC 110 and RE 120. REC 110 is also called the radio equipment control center. RE 120 is generally installed on a tower or rooftop, providing radio frequency functionality. The fronthaul link generally consists of various devices or modules such as optical modules, optical distribution boxes, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) equipment, and transmission networks. TX represents the transmit end, and RX represents the receive end. The TX module of REC 110 can be understood as the transmit channel of REC 110, which interfaces with the receive channel on the RE 120 side; the RX module of REC 110 can be understood as the receive channel of REC 110, which interfaces with the transmit channel on the RE 120 side. Correspondingly, the TX module of RE 120 can be understood as the transmit channel of RE 120, which interfaces with the receive channel on the REC 110 side; the RX module of RE 120 can be understood as the receive channel of RE 120, which interfaces with the transmit channel on the REC 110 side. Optionally, the aforementioned TX module and RX module can be small form-factor pluggable (SFP) optical modules.

[0098] Optionally, referring to Figure 1, in the base station fronthaul network, REC 110 can also connect to the network element management system (NMS) 130, allowing operators to manage the base station through NMS 130. The interface between REC 110 and NMS 130 enables the operation and maintenance of RE 120.

[0099] The fronthaul network has evolved from the Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) protocol to the Evolved Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI) protocol, with increasingly higher speeds and more complex network topologies. This complexity has also led to a higher failure rate; fronthaul link failures are among the most common base station equipment failures. Troubleshooting fronthaul equipment is challenging, and quickly and accurately identifying fronthaul network faults is both a key focus and a major challenge for base station operations and maintenance.

[0100] A fronthaul link failure generally refers to the loss of connection between the REC and RE (e.g., a broken link). RX interruption and / or TX interruption can both lead to a fronthaul link failure, resulting in abnormal communication between the REC and RE. After the link between the REC and RE is interrupted, the REC cannot determine whether the RE device is functioning properly, i.e., it cannot determine whether the link break was caused by a fault in the RE device. It is necessary to separately troubleshoot faults in the fronthaul link's transmission medium (e.g., optical fiber) or at the RE end.

[0101] For example, Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a fronthaul link failure. As shown in Figure 2, in one possible scenario, after the link for sending information from REC 110 to RE 120 is interrupted, REC 110 cannot determine whether RE 120 is normal and needs to rule out either a failure of the transmission medium (such as optical fiber) of the fronthaul link or a failure of RE 120.

[0102] Currently, in the Ethernet protocol, the RE side can synchronize the reception anomaly to the REC side after it occurs. For example, Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a fronthaul link fault feedback. As shown in Figure 3, when RE 120 detects a reception anomaly, it can send a remote fault sequence at its transmitting port and stop transmitting data. After receiving the anomaly information (i.e., the aforementioned remote fault sequence) sent by RE 120, REC 110 can set the link to a "fault" state and stop receiving data from the peer. Thus, when a fiber optic cable fails, communication between REC 110 and RE 120 is impossible.

[0103] In the method shown in Figure 3, REC can obtain the fault status of the link, but cannot obtain the cause of the link fault status, and cannot guide maintenance personnel to further delineate the cause of the fault, such as analyzing whether it is an optical module fault on the RE side, or a software or hardware fault on the RE side, or a fiber fault.

[0104] Against this background, this application provides a communication method, the method comprising: a second network element acting as a management network element of a first network element, sending information to or receiving information from the first network element; correspondingly, the first network element can receive information from the second network element or send information to the second network element. When the information received from the second network element is abnormal, the first network element sends first information to the second network element, the first information being used to indicate the operation and maintenance status of the first network element.

[0105] In this method, when the information received from the second network element is abnormal, the first network element sends the first information to the second network element. This can enable the first network element to indicate its operation and maintenance status to the second network element through the first information. This allows the second network element to obtain the operation and maintenance status of the first network element in the event of a downlink failure. Based on the operation and maintenance status of the first network element, the link failure can be investigated, which can greatly reduce the scope of link investigation, reduce ineffective processing, greatly reduce the troubleshooting time, and improve operation and maintenance efficiency.

[0106] In some possible scenarios, the first network element can be a radio frequency unit, and the second network element can be a radio frequency control unit.

[0107] For example, the first network element can be a RE (Remote Element), and the second network element can be a REC (Remote Control Element). Using this method, in the fronthaul network of a base station, when a downlink failure occurs, the REC can obtain the operational status of the RE device, reducing the scope of fronthaul link troubleshooting, avoiding ineffective on-site processing, and enabling operation and maintenance personnel to remotely perceive this status information through the REC side, allowing for faster and more convenient troubleshooting or confirmation of RE device failures, and achieving remote fault location and delimitation capabilities.

[0108] In other possible scenarios, the first network element can also be an Open Access Network Radio Unit (O-RU), and the second network element can also be an Open Access Network Radio Unit Management (O-RU) network element. The Open Access Network Radio Unit Management network element is the management network element of the O-RU, and in actual implementation, it can also have other names, for example, it can be deployed in the O-DU or deployed in the NMS. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0109] The O-RAN architecture is briefly introduced below.

[0110] For example, a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects a terminal to a wireless network can be called an access network device, such as a base station. Currently, some examples of RAN nodes include: evolved Node B (gNB), transmission reception point (TRP), evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), base band unit (BBU), or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point (AP), etc. Additionally, in a network architecture, access network devices may include centralized unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, or RAN devices comprising both CU and DU nodes. This includes the RAN equipment of CU nodes and DU nodes, which separates the protocol layer of the eNB in ​​the long term evolution (LTE) system. Some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU.

[0111] Access network equipment can also be implemented based on an Open RAN (O-RAN) architecture. The difference from the traditional access network architecture lies in the information sent by the CN to the access network equipment on the F1AP between CU and DU, and the information sent by the terminal to the access network equipment.

[0112] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an O-RAN system. As shown in Figure 4, the access network equipment (RAN, such as an eNB, gNB, or next-generation access network equipment) communicates with the core network (CN) via a backhaul link and with the user equipment (UE) via an air interface. The access network equipment may include centralized units (CU) and distributed units (DU).

[0113] In some examples, the CU is a logical node that carries the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network equipment. The CU connects to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, which can be interfaces such as E2 interfaces. Optionally, the CU may have some core network functions. The CU (e.g., the PDCP layer and higher layers) connects to the DU (e.g., the RLC layer and lower layers) through interfaces, which can be interfaces such as the F1 interface. In some examples, these interfaces (e.g., the F1 interface) can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). F1AP is the application protocol of the F1 interface, defining the F1 signaling procedures in some examples. The F1 interface supports control plane F1-C and user plane F1-U.

[0114] In some examples, the CU can be split into CU-CP (Control Unit-Control Plane) and CU-UP (Control Unit-User Plane). CU-CP is a logical node carrying the RRC layer and PDCP-C (Control plane part of PDCP) layer, used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements in the core network can be access and mobility function network elements, such as the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in a 5G system. The AMF network element is responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal location updates, terminal registration with the network, and terminal handover. CU-UP is a logical node carrying the SDAP layer and PDCP-U (User plane part of PDCP) layer, used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. These network elements in the core network, such as the UPF (User Plane Function) in a 5G system, are responsible for data forwarding and receiving in the terminal. The above CU and DU configurations are merely examples; the functions of the CU and DU can be configured as needed. For instance, the CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or only some protocol layer processing functions. For example, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency. Functions that require low latency can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not require low latency can be placed in the CU.

[0115] In some examples, the DU is a logical node carrying the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, Higher Physical Layer (Higher PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, the DU can control at least one radio unit (RU). The DU connects to the RU through interfaces, which may be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the Higher PHY layer includes the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0116] In some examples, the RU is a logical node that carries both Lower Physical Layer (Lower PHY) and Radio Frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU can be a 3GPP Transmission Reception Point (TRP), a Remote Radio Head (RRH), or other similar entities. In some examples, the Low-PHY includes portions of the PHY processing, such as Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a radio link.

[0117] The DU and RU can be co-located or not. The DU and RU exchange control plane and user plane information via a fronthaul link through the Lower-Layer Split CUS-Plane (LLS-CUS) interface. LLS-CUS may include LLS-C and LLS-U interfaces providing the control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane), respectively. In some examples, the control plane (C-Plane) refers to real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU exchange management information via an LLS-M interface on the fronthaul link; the management plane (M-Plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0118] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0119] In addition, the CU can be classified as an access network device in the access network, or it can be classified as an access network device in the core network (CN). This application does not limit this.

[0120] Optionally, in the O-RAN system, the RU can be called O-RU, the DU can be called O-DU, and the O-RAN system may also include other components besides those shown in Figure 4.

[0121] It should be understood that the scenarios described above, where the first network element is a radio frequency unit and the second network element is a radio frequency control unit, or where the first network element is an O-RU and the second network element is an O-RU Management network element, are all examples. The solution described in this application can be extended or applied to many other possible scenarios. For example, this application can be applied to a network scenario with a TCP / IP protocol, where one operation and maintenance observation node manages other subordinate nodes, such as the first network element being a client and the second network element being a server. Correspondingly, in different scenarios, the communication media of the first network element and the second network element can also be different, such as optical fiber or other transmission media.

[0122] Optionally, this application can be applied to WCDMA systems, LTE systems, LTE-A (LTE advanced) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS), 5G NR systems, and other wireless communication systems that use OFDM technology, or it can be a future sixth-generation mobile communication technology (6G) network communication system. This application does not limit the specific type of the communication system.

[0123] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are illustrated below. The process described below, which is performed by a single execution entity, can also be divided into processes performed by multiple execution entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. It should also be understood that, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0124] For example, in the embodiments of this application, the steps performed by the first network element can be specifically performed by the first network element itself, or by a device (e.g., a chip) built into the first network element. The steps performed by the second network element can specifically be performed by the second network element itself, or by a device (e.g., a chip) built into the second network element.

[0125] The following description will use RE as the first network element and REC as the second network element as an example, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0126] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, the method may include steps S501-S502. The second network element is the management network element of the first network element.

[0127] S501. The second network element sends information to the first network element.

[0128] Accordingly, the first network element receives information from the second network element.

[0129] For example, the second network element, as the management network element of the first network element, can send control information or transmit data to the first network element.

[0130] For example, REC can send control information or transmit data to RE, controlling RE to perform tasks, such as sending data.

[0131] S502. When the first network element receives abnormal information, it sends the first information to the second network element. The first information is used to indicate the operation and maintenance status of the first network element.

[0132] In other words, when the information received from the second network element is abnormal, the first network element can send the first information to the second network element. The operation and maintenance status of the first network element can be used by the second network element to determine the reason for the abnormality in the first network element's reception.

[0133] Accordingly, the second network element can receive the first information.

[0134] For example, if the RE experiences an abnormal reception (such as failing to receive data or information from the REC), the RE can send a first message to the REC. This first message indicates the RE's operational status. The RE's operational status can be used by the REC to determine the cause of the abnormal reception.

[0135] For example, the operation and maintenance status of the first network element may include at least one of the following: device operating status, device version number, device model, optical module status, optical module model, received optical power information, transmitted optical power information, transmission rate, bit error rate, and signal-to-noise ratio.

[0136] In the method shown in Figure 5, when the information received from the second network element is abnormal, the first network element sends the first information to the second network element. This can enable the first network element to indicate the operation and maintenance status of the first network element to the second network element through the first information. This allows the second network element to obtain the operation and maintenance status of the first network element in the event of a downlink failure. Based on the operation and maintenance status of the first network element, the link failure can be investigated, which can greatly reduce the scope of link investigation, reduce invalid processing, greatly reduce the troubleshooting time, and improve operation and maintenance efficiency.

[0137] For example, taking the first network element as RE and the second network element as REC, the method shown in Figure 5 can enable REC to obtain the operating status of RE equipment at the time of the fault and the fronthaul link information detected by RE equipment when the downlink link from REC to RE fails. This allows operation and maintenance personnel to remotely perceive the status information through the REC side, thereby enabling operation and maintenance personnel to eliminate or confirm the fault of RE equipment and realize the ability to remotely locate and delimit the fault.

[0138] Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, after receiving the first information, the second network element can determine the reason for the abnormal reception of the first network element based on the first information. For example, Figure 6 shows another schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in this embodiment of the application. As shown in Figure 6, the method may include S601-S603.

[0139] S601. The second network element sends information to the first network element.

[0140] Accordingly, the first network element receives information from the second network element.

[0141] S602. When the first network element receives abnormal information, it sends the first information to the second network element. The first information is used to indicate the operation and maintenance status of the first network element.

[0142] Accordingly, the second network element can receive the first information.

[0143] S601-S602 can be found in S501-S502, and will not be repeated here.

[0144] S603. The second network element determines the cause of the first network element's reception anomaly based on the first information.

[0145] For example, taking REC and RE as an example, after RE sends the first information to REC, REC can receive the first information and parse the RE's operation and maintenance status from the first information. The operation and maintenance status can also be called operation and maintenance information, operation and maintenance data, working status, etc., without limitation. The operation and maintenance status of RE may include, but is not limited to: device operating status, device version number, device model, optical module status, optical module model, received optical power information, transmitted optical power information, transmission rate, detected bit error rate, signal-to-noise ratio, etc.

[0146] After obtaining the operational status of the RE, the REC side can conduct further analysis based on the operational status of the RE to determine the cause of the link failure. For example, it can determine whether the link failure is caused by the optical fiber or by a failure of the RE device itself.

[0147] In one possible design, the above S501 may include: the first network element sending first information to the second network element through a first port, wherein the first port is the sending port corresponding to the first link established between the first network element and the second network element.

[0148] Accordingly, the second network element receiving the first information from the first network element may include: the second network element receiving the first information from the first network element through a third port, where the third port is the receiving port corresponding to the first link established between the first network element and the second network element.

[0149] For example, a first link is established between a first network element and a second network element for communication. The first network element sends information to the second network element through a first port, and the second network element receives information through a third port. The link between the first port and the third port can be called an uplink. When the downlink between the first network element and the second network element fails, the first network element can send first information to the second network element through the uplink of the first link.

[0150] For example, taking REC and RE as examples, Figure 7 shows a network topology diagram of a base station fronthaul network provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 7, the transmission link established between REC and RE can be called the first link. In the first link, the sending port of RE is port 1, and the receiving port of REC is port 2. Port 1 can be called the first port, and port 2 can be called the third port. RE can send first information through port 1 after receiving an anomaly, and REC can receive the first information through port 2.

[0151] Optionally, the first port and the second port can be the evolved common radio interface (eCPRI), and this application does not limit this; they can also be CPRI.

[0152] In another possible design, the first network element and the second network element can establish a second link. The above-mentioned S501 may include: sending first information to the second network element through a second port, where the second port is the sending port corresponding to the second link.

[0153] Accordingly, the second network element receiving the first information from the first network element may include: the second network element receiving the first information from the first network element through a fourth port, where the fourth port is the receiving port corresponding to the second link.

[0154] For example, a second link can be established between the first network element and the second network element for communication. The first network element sends information to the second network element through a second port, and the second network element receives information through a fourth port. The link between the second port and the fourth port can be called an uplink, which is different from the uplink in the first link. When the downlink of the first link between the first network element and the second network element fails, the first network element can send the first information to the second network element through the uplink of the second link.

[0155] For example, taking REC and RE as examples, Figure 8 shows a network topology diagram of another base station fronthaul network provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8, the transmission link established between REC and RE during normal communication can be called the first link. The aforementioned second link can be used to send first information. In the second link, the sending port of RE is port 3, and the receiving port of REC is port 4. Port 3 can be called the second port, and port 4 can be called the fourth port. RE can send the first information through port 3 after receiving an anomaly, and REC can receive the first information through port 4.

[0156] Optionally, the second and fourth ports can be user datagram protocol (UDP) interfaces. This application does not limit this; for example, they can also be other protocol interfaces.

[0157] Optionally, when establishing the first link, the first network element and the second network element can negotiate the corresponding sending and receiving ports for the second link. If the first network element experiences a reception failure, it can send the first information using the negotiated sending port of the second link, and the second network element can receive the first information using the negotiated receiving port of the second link.

[0158] In the first design, the first network element can use the uplink of the first link to send the first information. In the second design, the first network element can use a separate second link to send the first information to the second network element.

[0159] For example, taking REC and RE as examples, in the first design, when the RE network element detects a receiving anomaly, it can set itself to enter "maintenance state." This "maintenance state" can also be called maintenance mode, fronthaul maintenance mode, or other names, such as the first mode mentioned below. When the RE enters "maintenance state," it maintains the maintenance link information established in the normal state, such as eCPRI link information, including IP address, security authentication related information, etc. At the same time, the RE network element can collect the current RE's maintenance status information, including but not limited to: device operating status, device version number, device model, optical module status, model, received optical power information, transmitted optical power information, transmission rate, detected bit error rate, signal-to-noise ratio, etc. The RE network element can assemble the collected maintenance information into message packets (e.g., NetConf or various vendor-defined application layer communication protocols) and send them through the eCPRI interface. It should be understood that the packets sent by the RE network element at this time will inevitably fail to receive acknowledgment messages. In this mode, the RE network element can ignore the state of not receiving acknowledgment messages and only needs to assemble the collected information into packets for transmission.

[0160] The REC network element can receive and parse messages according to the original maintenance link. After receiving the first message sent by the peer (RE network element), it can parse the "maintenance information" sent by the RE side from the message according to the agreed application message definition. This information includes, but is not limited to: device operating status, device version number, device model, optical module status, model, received optical power information, transmitted optical power information, transmission rate, detected bit error rate, signal-to-noise ratio, etc. The REC network element can analyze the RE maintenance information obtained under the "maintenance mode" to further determine the cause of the maintenance link failure.

[0161] Continuing with the REC and RE as examples, in the second design, when the RE network element detects a reception anomaly, it can also enter "Operation and Maintenance State." Once in "Operation and Maintenance State," the RE can determine the port of the second link as negotiated above and switch to UDP communication. Simultaneously, the RE network element can collect current RE operation and maintenance status information, including but not limited to: device operating status, device version number, device model, optical module status, model, received optical power information, transmitted optical power information, transmission rate, detected bit error rate, signal-to-noise ratio, etc. The RE network element can assemble the collected operation and maintenance information into message packets (e.g., NetConf or vendor-defined application layer communication protocols) and send them via the UDP interface. The REC network element can receive and parse messages via the UDP interface. After receiving the first message from the peer (RE network element), it can parse the "maintenance information" sent by the RE side from the message according to the agreed application message definition. This information includes, but is not limited to: device operating status, device version number, device model, optical module status, model, received optical power information, transmitted optical power information, transmission rate, detected bit error rate, signal-to-noise ratio, etc. The REC network element can analyze the RE maintenance information obtained under "maintenance mode" to further determine the cause of the maintenance link failure.

[0162] Optionally, after the first network element and the second network element detect that the maintenance link (first link) is normal, the second link can be disconnected. For example, REC and RE disconnect the UDP link established under "operation and maintenance mode".

[0163] Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, when the information received from the second network element is abnormal, the first network element may also send a fourth message to the second network element, the fourth message being used to indicate that the first network element is receiving abnormal information.

[0164] For example, Figure 9 shows another schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 9, the method may include S901-S904.

[0165] S901. The second network element sends information to the first network element.

[0166] Accordingly, the first network element receives information from the second network element.

[0167] S902. When the first network element receives abnormal information, it sends a fourth message to the second network element. The fourth message is used to indicate that the first network element has received abnormal information.

[0168] Correspondingly, the second network element receives the fourth information.

[0169] For example, the fourth piece of information could be remote fault information.

[0170] The fourth piece of information can trigger the second network element (such as REC) to enter "maintenance state". In the first design above, in "maintenance state", the REC network element can continue to receive packets on the previously established maintenance link without dismantling it, ignoring the abnormal packet sending status at this time. In the first design above, in "maintenance state", the REC network element can open the previously negotiated UDP link port for listening.

[0171] S903. The first network element sends first information to the second network element, the first information being used to indicate the operation and maintenance status of the first network element.

[0172] Accordingly, the second network element can receive the first information.

[0173] S904. The second network element determines the cause of the first network element's reception anomaly based on the first information.

[0174] S901 and S903-S904 can be found in S601-S603, and will not be repeated here.

[0175] In some possible scenarios, after the first network element and the second network element establish the first link, they can negotiate with each other to send their own capability information, such as whether they support the first mode ("Operation and Maintenance Status"). For the second design mentioned above, the first network element and the second network element can also negotiate with each other to use UDP communication for transmission in the first mode, and negotiate the sending and receiving ports for UDP communication.

[0176] For example, after the first network element and the second network element establish a first link, the second network element can send second information to the first network element. This second information indicates the capability information of the second network element. The first network element can receive the second information. The first network element can also send third information to the second network element, which indicates the capability information of the first network element. The second network element can receive the third information. When the first network element has the capability to support a first mode, and the second information indicates that the second network element has the capability to support the first mode, the first network element can send the first information to the second network element. When the second network element has the capability to support the first mode, and the third information indicates that the first network element has the capability to support the first mode, the second network element can listen for the first information.

[0177] For example, after REC and RE establish a communication link, they negotiate whether their capabilities support "fronthaul maintenance mode." Only when both REC and RE support maintenance mode will they enter maintenance mode under specific conditions. Alternatively, after REC and RE establish a communication link, they negotiate whether their capabilities support "fronthaul maintenance mode." Only when both REC and RE support maintenance mode will they enter maintenance mode under specific conditions and negotiate whether to use UDP communication for transmission, and negotiate the sending and receiving ports for UDP communication.

[0178] In other possible scenarios, the first network element and the second network element may also query other network elements, or they may have each other's capability information preset, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0179] The above embodiments, using RE as the first network element and REC as the second network element as an example, illustrate the technical solution of this application. As mentioned above, the first and second network elements can also be in other networking scenarios. For example, the second network element can be O-RU Management, and the first network element can be O-RU.

[0180] For example, after the O-RU establishes a communication link, the O-RU Management and the O-RU negotiate their respective capabilities and whether they support the "fronthaul maintenance mode." If both O-RU Management and the O-RU support maintenance mode, they will only enter maintenance mode under specific conditions. They also negotiate that UDP communication will be used for transmission in maintenance mode, and negotiate the sending and receiving ports for UDP communication.

[0181] When an O-RU network element detects a reception anomaly, in addition to sending a "Remote Fault" message to O-RU Management, it sets itself into "Operation and Maintenance Mode." Once in Operation and Maintenance Mode, the O-RU switches to UDP communication via the port determined during the negotiation, and simultaneously collects the current RE's operation and maintenance status information, including but not limited to: device operating status, device version number, device model, optical module status, model, received optical power information, transmitted optical power information, transmission rate, detected bit error rate, and signal-to-noise ratio. The O-RU can then assemble the collected operation and maintenance information into message packets (NetConf or vendor-defined application layer communication protocols) and send them via the newly established UDP link.

[0182] After receiving a "Remote Fault" message from the peer, the O-RU Management network element triggers the link on that port to enter "Fronthaul Maintenance Mode". In "Fronthaul Maintenance Mode", the previously negotiated UDP link port is opened for listening. The O-RU Management network element can receive and parse packets from the newly established UDP link, extracting "maintenance information" sent by the RE side according to the agreed application message definition. This information includes, but is not limited to: device operating status, device version number, device model, optical module status, model, received optical power information, transmitted optical power information, transmission rate, detected bit error rate, signal-to-noise ratio, etc. The O-RU Management side analyzes the RE maintenance information obtained in "Maintenance Mode" to further determine the cause of the maintenance link failure. After the O-RU Management and O-RU detect that the maintenance link is normal, the UDP link established in "Maintenance Mode" can be disconnected.

[0183] This solution enables the acquisition of the O-RU device's operating status at the time of the fault, as well as the fronthaul link information detected by the O-RU device, when both O-RU Management and the O-RU downlink link fail. This allows operation and maintenance personnel to remotely perceive this status information through the O-RU Management side, thereby enabling them to troubleshoot or confirm O-RU device faults and achieve remote fault location and delimitation capabilities.

[0184] The above mainly describes the solution provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of the interaction between various network elements. It can be understood that each network element includes the corresponding hardware structure and / or software module to perform the above functions in order to achieve the above functions.

[0185] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. The electronic device 1000 can be any of the aforementioned network elements, such as a terminal, access network equipment, core network equipment, etc. As shown in Figure 10, the electronic device 1000 includes a processor 1001, a transceiver 1002, and a communication line 1003.

[0186] The processor 1001 is used to execute any of the steps in the aforementioned method embodiments, and when performing processes such as sending physical layer-specific configuration information, it may selectively call the transceiver 1002 and the communication line 1003 to complete the corresponding operations.

[0187] Furthermore, the electronic device 1000 may also include a memory 1004. The processor 1001, the memory 1004, and the transceiver 1002 can be connected via a communication line 1003.

[0188] Transceiver 1002 is used to communicate with other devices or other communication networks, such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), etc. Transceiver 1002 can be a module, circuit, transceiver, or any device capable of enabling communication.

[0189] The transceiver 1002 is mainly used for sending and receiving messages, and may include a transmitter and a receiver to send and receive messages, respectively; operations other than sending and receiving messages are implemented by the processor, such as generating transmission frames.

[0190] Communication line 1003 is used to transmit information between the various components included in electronic device 1000.

[0191] In one design, the processor can be viewed as a logic circuit, and the transceiver as an interface circuit.

[0192] Memory 1004 is used to store instructions. These instructions can be computer programs.

[0193] It should be noted that the memory 1004 can exist independently of the processor 1001, or it can be integrated with the processor 1001. The memory 1004 can be used to store instructions, program code, or some data, etc. The memory 1004 can be located inside or outside the electronic device 1000, without limitation. The processor 1001 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 1004 to implement the methods provided in the above embodiments of this application.

[0194] In one example, processor 1001 may include one or more processors, such as processor 0 and processor 1 in Figure 10.

[0195] As an optional implementation, the electronic device 1000 may include multiple processors, for example, in addition to processor 1001 in FIG10, it may also include processor 1007.

[0196] As an optional implementation, the electronic device 1000 also includes an output device 1005 and an input device 1006. For example, the input device 1006 is a device such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, or joystick, and the output device 1005 is a device such as a display screen or speaker.

[0197] It should be noted that the electronic device 1000 can be a chip system or a device with a structure similar to that shown in Figure 10. The chip system can be composed of chips or include chips and other discrete components. Actions, terms, etc., involved in the various embodiments of this application can be referred to mutually without limitation. The message names or parameter names in the messages used for interaction between devices in the embodiments of this application are merely examples; other names can be used in specific implementations without limitation. Furthermore, the composition structure shown in Figure 10 does not constitute a limitation on the electronic device 1000. In addition to the components shown in Figure 10, the electronic device 1000 may include more or fewer components than those shown in Figure 10, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0198] The processor and transceiver described in this application can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits, mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), p-type metal oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0199] This application embodiment can divide the device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0200] For example, embodiments of this application may provide a communication device, which may include a transmitting module and a receiving module. This device can be applied to any of the above-mentioned network elements, with the transmitting module implementing the transmitting function of the network element and the receiving module implementing the receiving function of the network element.

[0201] For example, FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG11, the communication device may include a transmitting module 1101 and a receiving module 1102. The communication device shown in FIG11 can be used to implement the function of the first network element described above.

[0202] The receiving module 1102 is used to receive information from a second network element, which is the management network element of the first network element. The sending module 1101 is used to send first information to the second network element when the information received from the second network element is abnormal. The first information is used to indicate the operation and maintenance status of the first network element.

[0203] For example, the first network element is a radio frequency unit and the second network element is a radio frequency control unit; or, the first network element is an open access network radio frequency unit and the second network element is an open access network radio frequency unit management network element; or, the first network element is a client and the second network element is a server.

[0204] In one possible design, the sending module 1101 is specifically used to send the first information to the second network element through a first port, where the first port is the sending port corresponding to the first link established between the first network element and the second network element.

[0205] Optionally, the first port is an evolved common radio interface.

[0206] In another possible design, the sending module 1101 and the receiving module 1102 are also used to establish a second link with the second network element; the sending module 1101 is specifically used to send the first information to the second network element through a second port, where the second port is the sending port corresponding to the second link.

[0207] Optionally, the second port is a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) interface.

[0208] Optionally, the transmitting module 1101 and the receiving module 1102 are further configured to negotiate with the second network element the transmitting port and receiving port corresponding to the second link when establishing the first link with the second network element.

[0209] In one possible design, the receiving module 1102 is further configured to receive second information from the second network element, the second information being used to indicate the capability information of the second network element.

[0210] The sending module 1101 is specifically used to send first information to the second network element when the first network element has the capability to support the first mode and the second information indicates that the second network element has the capability to support the first mode.

[0211] In one possible design, the sending module 1101 is further configured to send third information to the second network element, the third information being used to indicate the capability information of the first network element.

[0212] In one possible design, the sending module 1101 is further configured to send a fourth message to the second network element when the information received from the second network element is abnormal, the fourth message being used to indicate that the first network element is receiving abnormal information.

[0213] In one possible design, the operation and maintenance status of the first network element includes at least one of the following: device operating status, device version number, device model, optical module status, optical module model, received optical power information, transmitted optical power information, transmission rate, bit error rate, and signal-to-noise ratio.

[0214] This application also provides a communication device that can be used to implement the functions of the second network element described above. The structure of this communication device is shown in Figure 11, and includes a transmitting module and a receiving module. These are not illustrated in the figures here.

[0215] The sending module is used to send information to the first network element, and the second network element is the management network element of the first network element; the receiving module is used to receive first information from the first network element, the first information being used to indicate the operation and maintenance status of the first network element, and the operation and maintenance status of the first network element being used by the second network element to determine the reason for the abnormal reception of the first network element.

[0216] For example, the first network element is a radio frequency unit and the second network element is a radio frequency control unit; or, the first network element is an open access network radio frequency unit and the second network element is an open access network radio frequency unit management network element; or, the first network element is a client and the second network element is a server.

[0217] In one possible design, the receiving module is specifically used to receive first information from the first network element through a third port, wherein the third port is the receiving port corresponding to the first link established between the first network element and the second network element.

[0218] Optionally, the third port is an evolved common radio interface.

[0219] In another possible design, the sending module and the receiving module are also used to establish a second link with the first network element; the receiving module is specifically used to receive first information from the first network element through a fourth port, which is the receiving port corresponding to the second link.

[0220] Optionally, the fourth port is a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) interface.

[0221] Optionally, the transmitting module and the receiving module are further configured to negotiate with the first network element the transmitting port and receiving port corresponding to the second link when establishing the first link with the first network element.

[0222] In one possible design, the sending module is further configured to send second information to the first network element, the second information being used to indicate the capability information of the second network element.

[0223] In one possible design, the receiving module is further configured to receive third information from the first network element, the third information being used to indicate the capability information of the first network element; when the second network element has the capability to support the first mode, and the third information indicates that the first network element has the capability to support the first mode, the module listens for the first information.

[0224] In one possible design, the receiving module is further configured to receive fourth information from the first network element, the fourth information being used to indicate that the first network element is experiencing a reception anomaly.

[0225] In one possible design, the operation and maintenance status of the first network element includes at least one of the following: device operating status, device version number, device model, optical module status, optical module model, received optical power information, transmitted optical power information, transmission rate, bit error rate, and signal-to-noise ratio.

[0226] In one possible design, the device further includes a processing module for determining the cause of the first network element receiving anomaly based on the first information.

[0227] It should be understood that the division of units in the above device is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, all units in the device can be implemented entirely in software through processing element calls; all units can be implemented entirely in hardware; or some units can be implemented in software through processing element calls, while others can be implemented in hardware.

[0228] For example, each unit can be a separate processing element, or it can be integrated into a chip within the device. Alternatively, it can be stored as a program in memory, invoked and executed by a processing element within the device. Furthermore, these units can be integrated in whole or in part, or implemented independently. The processing element described here can also be called a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the above method or each of the above units can be implemented through integrated logic circuits in the processor element or through software invoked by the processing element.

[0229] In one example, the unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more digital signal processing (DSP) circuits, or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0230] For example, when the units in the device can be implemented through a processing element scheduler, the processing element can be a general-purpose processor, such as a CPU or other processor capable of calling programs. Alternatively, these units can be integrated together to form a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0231] The receiving unit described above is an interface circuit or input circuit of the device, used to receive signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the receiving unit is an interface circuit or input circuit of the chip for receiving signals from other chips or devices. When the communication device includes a transmitting unit, the transmitting unit is an interface circuit or output circuit of the device, used to transmit signals to other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the transmitting unit is an interface circuit or output circuit of the chip for transmitting signals to other chips or devices.

[0232] For example, embodiments of this application may also provide a communication device, which may include a processor and an interface circuit. The processor may include one or more.

[0233] When the communication device is applied to the above network elements, the processor is used to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute the various steps performed by the corresponding network element in the above method.

[0234] In one implementation, the units that implement the corresponding steps in the above methods for each of the above network elements can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler. For example, the device for a corresponding network element may include a processing element and a storage element. The processing element calls the program stored in the storage element to execute the method executed by the corresponding network element in the above method embodiments. The storage element can be a storage element located on the same chip as the processing element, i.e., an on-chip storage element.

[0235] In another implementation, the program used to execute the method performed by the corresponding network element in the above methods can be located on a storage element on a different chip than the processing element, i.e., an off-chip storage element. In this case, the processing element calls or loads the program from the off-chip storage element onto the on-chip storage element to call and execute the method executed by the corresponding network element in the above method embodiments.

[0236] For example, embodiments of this application may also provide a communication device, which may include a processor for executing computer instructions stored in a memory. When the computer instructions are executed, the device causes the device to perform the method executed by the corresponding network element described above. The memory may be located within or outside the communication device. Furthermore, the processor may include one or more processors.

[0237] In another implementation, the unit implementing each step of the above method can be configured as one or more processing elements, which can be correspondingly set on the corresponding network element. These processing elements can be integrated circuits, such as one or more ASICs, one or more DSPs, one or more FPGAs, or combinations of these types of integrated circuits. These integrated circuits can be integrated together to form a chip.

[0238] The units implementing each step in the above method can be integrated together in the form of a System-on-Chip (SoC). This SoC chip is used to implement the corresponding method. The chip can integrate at least one processing element and a storage element, with the processing element calling the stored program in the storage element to implement the corresponding method; alternatively, the chip can integrate at least one integrated circuit to implement the corresponding method; or, a combination of the above implementation methods can be used, with some units' functions implemented by the processing element calling the program, and some units' functions implemented by the integrated circuit.

[0239] The processing element here is as described above and can be a general-purpose processor, such as a CPU, or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as one or more ASICs, or one or more microprocessors (DSPs), or one or more FPGAs, or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0240] A storage element can be a single memory or a collective term for multiple storage elements.

[0241] For example, this application also provides a chip system that can be applied to any of the above-mentioned network elements. The chip system includes one or more interface circuits and one or more processors; the interface circuits and processors are interconnected via lines; the processor receives and executes computer instructions from the memory of the electronic device through the interface circuits to implement the methods executed by the corresponding network element in the above method embodiments.

[0242] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0243] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed 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 or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0244] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0245] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0246] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, in essence, or the parts that contribute to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solutions, can be embodied in the form of a software product, such as a program. This software product is stored in a program product, such as a computer-readable storage medium, and includes several instructions to cause a device (which may be a microcontroller, chip, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0247] For example, embodiments of this application may also provide a computer-readable storage medium, including: computer software instructions; when the computer software instructions are executed, the steps performed by the network element in the method described in the foregoing embodiments are implemented.

[0248] For example, when computer software instructions are run in the first network element or a device (e.g., a chip) built into the first network element, the first network element performs the steps as described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0249] Alternatively, when computer software instructions are executed in the second network element or a device (e.g., a chip) built into the second network element, the second network element performs the steps as described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0250] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product that, when executed, can implement the method executed by any network element as described above.

[0251] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a communication system, including at least one network element as described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0252] It should be understood that the descriptions of technical features, technical solutions, beneficial effects, or similar language in this application do not imply that all features and advantages can be achieved in any single embodiment. Rather, it is understood that the description of a feature or beneficial effect means that a specific technical feature, technical solution, or beneficial effect is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the descriptions of technical features, technical solutions, or beneficial effects in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the technical features, technical solutions, and beneficial effects described in this embodiment can be combined in any suitable manner. Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be implemented without one or more specific technical features, technical solutions, or beneficial effects of a particular embodiment. In other embodiments, additional technical features and beneficial effects may be identified in specific embodiments that do not embody all embodiments.

[0253] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first network element or a chip within the first network element, and the method includes: Receive information from a second network element, which is the management network element of the first network element; When the information received from the second network element is abnormal, the first information is sent to the second network element. The first information is used to indicate the operation and maintenance status of the first network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Sending the first information to the second network element includes: The first information is sent to the second network element through the first port, which is the sending port corresponding to the first link established between the first network element and the second network element.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first port is the evolved common radio interface.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Sending the first information to the second network element includes: Establish a second link with the second network element; The first information is sent to the second network element through the second port, where the second port is the sending port corresponding to the second link.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second port is the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) interface.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: When establishing the first link with the second network element, negotiate the corresponding sending port and receiving port of the second link with the second network element.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information from the second network element, the second information being used to indicate the capability information of the second network element; Sending the first information to the second network element includes: When the first network element has the capability to support the first mode, and the second information indicates that the second network element has the capability to support the first mode, the first information is sent to the second network element.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message to the second network element, the third message being used to indicate the capability information of the first network element.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the information received from the second network element is abnormal, a fourth message is sent to the second network element, the fourth message being used to indicate that the first network element is receiving abnormal information.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The operation and maintenance status of the first network element includes at least one of the following: device operating status, device version number, device model, optical module status, optical module model, received optical power information, transmitted optical power information, transmission rate, bit error rate, and signal-to-noise ratio.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second network element or a chip within a second network element, and the method includes: Send information to the first network element, where the second network element is the management network element of the first network element; The first information is received from the first network element. The first information is used to indicate the operation and maintenance status of the first network element. The operation and maintenance status of the first network element is used by the second network element to determine the reason for the abnormal reception of the first network element.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The receiving of the first information from the first network element includes: The first information is received from the first network element through a third port, which is the receiving port corresponding to the first link established between the first network element and the second network element.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The third port is the evolved common radio interface.

14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The receiving of the first information from the first network element includes: Establish a second link with the first network element; The first information is received from the first network element through the fourth port, which is the receiving port corresponding to the second link.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The fourth port is the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) interface.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: When establishing the first link with the first network element, negotiate the sending port and receiving port corresponding to the second link with the first network element.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11-16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message to the first network element, the second message being used to indicate the capability information of the second network element.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11-17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information from the first network element, the third information being used to indicate the capability information of the first network element; When the second network element has the capability to support the first mode, and the third information indicates that the first network element has the capability to support the first mode, the first information is listened to.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11-18, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives a fourth message from the first network element, the fourth message indicating that the first network element is experiencing a reception anomaly.

20. The method according to any one of claims 11-19, characterized in that, The operation and maintenance status of the first network element includes at least one of the following: device operating status, device version number, device model, optical module status, optical module model, received optical power information, transmitted optical power information, transmission rate, bit error rate, and signal-to-noise ratio.

21. The method according to any one of claims 11-20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the first information, determine the cause of the abnormal reception of the first network element.

22. The method according to any one of claims 1-21, characterized in that, The first network element is a radio frequency unit, and the second network element is a radio frequency control unit; Alternatively, the first network element is an open access network radio frequency unit, and the second network element is an open access network radio frequency unit management network element; Alternatively, the first network element can be a client and the second network element can be a server.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes modules for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1-22.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes a processor configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-22.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes instructions that, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1-22 to be implemented.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is executed, it causes the method described in any one of claims 1-22 to be implemented.

27. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes: Processing circuits and interface circuits; The interface circuit is used to couple with the memory outside the chip and to provide a communication interface for the processing circuit to access the memory. The processing circuit is used to execute program instructions in the memory to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-22.

28. A communication system, characterized in that, include: First network element and second network element; The first network element performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-10 or 22; The second network element performs the method as described in any one of claims 11-22.

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