A communication method includes receiving, from an indoor unit, an indoor unit model, an indoor unit protocol type, and a priority number; determining a communication protocol type and a communication address corresponding to communication with the indoor unit according to the indoor unit model, the indoor unit protocol type, and the priority number; and sending the communication protocol type and the communication address to the indoor unit for the indoor unit to establish a communicative connection to an outdoor unit according to the communication protocol type and the communication address.