Methods and devices for managing the connection of a wireless communication network station

Abstract

A method implemented by a first communication device (106, 306) is described, comprising receiving (1.3) an identifier from a station (301) connected to a first access point (302) of a first set of access points broadcasting a first wireless network (R1); determining (3.6) a host access point of a second set of access points broadcasting a second network to connect the station; transmitting (4.2) to the host access point's second wireless network a request to configure a third wireless network, said configuration using the connection elements of the first wireless network; and moving the station to the given access point. Also described is a method implemented by a second device, comprising a controller for the first network, as well as implementation devices. Figure for the abstract: 2

Description

Title of the invention: Methods and devices for managing the connection of a wireless communication network station. Technical field

[0001] Methods and devices for managing the connection of a wireless communication network station are described, in particular for managing the station's transition between two access points. The application domain is wireless networks. Technical background

[0002] In a wireless internet network, for example a home network, some areas may not be adequately covered by the network equipment installed by a customer. However, these same areas may be served by one or more access points from other networks, for example a neighbor's network. Access to a network other than the customer's is generally secured by a password lock and requires device-by-device configuration to enable access, often performed manually. This does not allow for easy failover from the customer's network to another network.

[0003] It is proposed to fill these gaps. Summary

[0004] One or more embodiments relate to a process implemented by a first communication device comprising:

[0005] - the reception of an identifier from a station connected to a first access point from a first set of access points broadcasting a first wireless network, the first wireless network being configured with first connection elements, the connection elements comprising the information necessary and sufficient for a station to connect to a wireless network;

[0006] - the determination of at least a second set of access points broadcasting a second wireless network, each second set of access points comprising at least one second access point within range of the station so that the station can connect to it, each second wireless network being configured with respective second connection elements, distinct from the first connection elements;

[0007] - the determination, among at least one second access point, of an access point given to connect the station;

[0008] - the initiation of transmission to the given access point, of a request for configuration of a third wireless network by the given access point, said configuration using the connection elements of the first wireless network;

[0009] - the transmission to the first wireless network of a message containing an identifier from the given access point to initiate a movement of the station to the given access point.

[0010] Thus, it is proposed that the second network uses characteristics specific to the first network for a transition from the station to an access point of the second network, this transition being transparent to the user. The coverage area of ​​the first network is thus extended by the second network. The second network can, for example, be a mesh network.

[0011] The invention is particularly advantageous in the context of an area with a high density of wireless networks.

[0012] According to one or more embodiments, the process comprises

[0013] - the reception, of the first wireless network, of the first connection elements; and

[0014] - the initiation of the transmission, at the given access point, of the first elements of connection.

[0015] According to one or more embodiments, the first connection elements comprising an SSID of the first wireless network, a password and an encryption method.

[0016] According to one or more embodiments, the determination of at least a second set of access points broadcasting a second wireless network and of the given access point comprising:

[0017] - obtaining one or more respective identifiers of one or more seconds wireless networks from the first wireless network;

[0018] - the transmission to each of the one or more secondary networks identified by the or the respective identifiers, of a request to obtain at least one quality criterion from at least one access point of each of the one or more second identified networks, the quality criterion being a function of a signal measurement between the at least one access point and the station;

[0019] - the reception of at least one quality criterion for at least one access point;

[0020] - a selection of the given access point based on at least one quality criterion.

[0021] According to one or more embodiments, the quality criterion is further dependent on at least one of the following:

[0022] a number of stations connected to an access point of a second identified network; and

[0023] an available transmission time of an access point of a second identified network.

[0024] According to one or more embodiments, the determination of a given second access point involves:

[0025] - the determination of at least one second network based on a proximity criterion geographical of at least one second network with the first network.

[0026] According to one or more embodiments, at least a second wireless network is a mesh network.

[0027] One or more embodiments also relate to a first communication device comprising a processor configured to implement the method according to one of the above embodiment examples.

[0028] One or more embodiments also relate to a method implemented by a second communication device of a first wireless communication network broadcast by a first set of access points, the method comprising:

[0029] - the transmission, to a first communication device, of an identifier of a station connected to an access point of the primary communication network,

[0030] - the transmission of initial connection elements intended for configuration from an access point of a second communication network within range of the station, the second wireless network being broadcast by a second set of access points and being configured with second connection elements distinct from the first connection elements, the connection elements comprising the information necessary and sufficient for a station to connect to a wireless network configured with these elements;

[0031] - the reception, by the first communication device, of a point identifier access given from the second set of access points having configured a third wireless communication network with the first connection elements;

[0032] - the initiation of a movement of the station towards the given access point.

[0033] According to one or more embodiments, the method includes checking whether a connection quality criterion of a station connected to an access point of the first wireless network is below a threshold, an identifier of a station being transmitted in the affirmative.

[0034] According to one or more embodiments, the process comprises

[0035] - transmission to at least one access point of the first set of access points of a request to determine one or more secondary networks within range of at least one access point;

[0036] - the reception of at least one access point of one or more identifiers respective second networks determined to be within range;

[0037] - the transmission of the identifier(s) of the second network within range to the first device.

[0038] One or more embodiments also relate to a second communication device comprising a processor configured to implement the method according to one of the above embodiment examples.

[0039] According to one or more embodiments, the second device includes a mesh network controller.

[0040] According to one or more embodiments, a set of access points comprises one or more access points. Brief description of the figures

[0041] Other features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for an understanding of which reference should be made to the attached drawings, among which:

[0042] [Fig-1] - [Fig.1] is a schematic diagram of a set of wireless networks neighbors illustrating the context of the invention;

[0043] [Fig.2] - [Fig.2] is a flowchart of a method according to an example of implementation;

[0044] [Fig.3] - [Fig.3] is a detailed message sequencing diagram of an example implementation of the method in [Fig.2];

[0045] [Fig.4] - the [Fig.4] is a block diagram of an implementation device for one or more embodiment examples;

[0046] [Fig.5] - the [Fig.5] is a schematic block diagram illustrating the implementation of ESS and SSIDs. Detailed description

[0047] In the following description, identical, similar, or analogous elements will be designated by the same reference numerals. The block diagrams, flowcharts, and message sequence diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionalities, and operation of computer systems, devices, processes, and program products according to one or more embodiments. Each block in a block diagram or each phase in a flowchart can represent a module or a portion of software code comprising instructions for implementing one or more functions. In some implementations, the order of the blocks or phases can be changed, or the corresponding functions can be implemented in parallel.Process blocks or phases can be implemented using circuits, software, or a combination of circuits and software, either centrally or in a distributed manner, for all or part of the blocks or phases. The systems, devices, processes, and methods described can be modified, supplemented, and / or deleted while remaining within the scope of this description. For example, the components of a device or system can be integrated or separated. Similarly, the described functions can be implemented using more or fewer components or phases, or with other components or through other means. other phases. Any suitable data processing system can be used for implementation. A suitable data processing system or device includes, for example, a combination of software code and circuits, such as a processor, controller, or other circuit suitable for executing the software code. When the software code is executed, the processor or controller directs the system or device to implement all or part of the functionalities of the blocks and / or phases of the processes or methods, according to the embodiment examples. The software code can be stored in memory or on a readable medium accessible directly or through another module by the processor or controller.

[0048] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a set of neighboring wireless networks illustrating the context of one or more embodiments in a non-limiting manner. In the example in Figure 1, two wireless networks are shown, networks A and B, whose respective ranges are shown by areas delimited by dashed lines. Network A has a gateway ('GW') comprising an access point ('AP') functionality 101, while network B has a gateway comprising an access point functionality 103. Gateways 101 and 103 are connected to a network 105 of a network operator, for example, by a fiber optic connection. In the simplified example of [Fig.1], a station ('STA') 102 is associated with gateway 101, and a wireless network extender 104 ('EXT'), called an "extender" in English, is associated with gateway 103. A device 106 is part of the operator's network ('NW') 105 or is connected to it.Device 106, which is for example a server, is under the control of the network operator or a third party (referred to as 'service provider') and provides the functionalities described below. These functionalities may also be provided by several devices, depending on the implementation. The service provider is the entity that offers the service described in the various embodiments.

[0049] Each network includes a controller, which is an entity responsible for its operation and communication with the operator's network and the service provider's devices. In [Fig. 1], the respective controllers of networks A and B are designated by reference numerals 107 and 108 and are housed in gateways 101 and 103. A controller may be located in a device other than the gateway. Any device with an access point function also has an entity responsible for the operation of that access point. In [Fig. 1], these entities are referenced as 109, 110, and 111 respectively for gateways 101, 103, and extender 104. An entity is understood to be a software component, a hardware component, or a combination of both.

[0050] Although in the example of [Fig. 1], the two gateways 101 and 103 are connected to the same operator network, the case of connections to separate networks is not excluded. Wireless networks A and B are, for example, local or home wireless networks.

[0051] In the described embodiments, both networks A and B are multi-access point wireless networks, comprising one or more access points controlled by a central controller. An example of a mesh multi-access point network is described in the standard trade name 'Wi-Fi EasyMesh' (registered trademark) maintained by the 'WiFi Alliance' (registered trademark). The principles described are, however, applicable to other types of wireless networks, including non-mesh networks.

[0052] The 'Wi-Fi EasyMesh' standard defines a wireless network with potentially multiple access points and comprising a multi-access point controller. A multi-access point controller has an access point function and controls other access points in its network, these other access points having a functionality, designated by the term 'agent', which is an access point functionality in itself.

[0053] Returning to the example in [Fig. 1] and placing it within the framework of an 'EasyMesh' network, controllers 107 and 108 are multi-access point controllers, and entities 109 to 111 managing the access points are access point agents.

[0054] According to one or more embodiments, an access point, referred to as the home access point, of a first wireless network configures a network with the connection elements of a second wireless network, to which a station is connected. The connection elements are the information necessary and sufficient for connecting a station to the second wireless network.

[0055] The first and second networks are, for example, wireless networks based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, broadcast respectively by two sets of access points. It should be noted that a set can include one or more access points. Each of the two networks corresponds to a distinct Extended Service Set (ESS). An ESS consists of one or more Basic Service Sets (BSS). An ESS has an identifier, called the Service Set Identifier (SSID), used by each BSS in that ESS. Each BSS, however, has its own unique identifier, also called the BSSID. The additional network created by the host access point with the connection elements of the second network is, for example, a network corresponding to a third ESS, but using the SSID of the first network.

[0056] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the implementation of ESS and SSIDs. The diagram shows two gateways, P1 and P2. Gateway P2 is connected to two access points, AP1.1 and AP1.2, respectively. Gateway P2 is also connected to two access points, AP2.1 and AP2.2. Access point AP1.1 creates two BSSs, BSS 1.1.1 and 1.1.2. Access point AP1.2 creates three BSSs, 1.2.1, 1.2.2, and 1.2.3. Access point AP2.1 creates one BSS 2.1.1, while access point AP2.2 creates one BSS 2.2.1. The first ESS includes BSSs 1.1.1, 1.2.1, and 1.2.2. This first ESS has an SSID 'A'. The second ESS includes BSSs 1.1.2 and 1.2.3. This second ESS has an SSID 'B'. The third ESS includes BSSs 2.1.1 and 2.2.1. This third ESS also has the SSID 'B'. We therefore have two ESSs which have the same SSID, although the access points creating the respective BSSs of the second and third ESSs are connected to different gateways.

[0057] In the example of [Fig. 1], the first network is network B and the second network is network A.

[0058] The station can thus easily connect to the network newly created by the host access point, since the station already has all the necessary and sufficient information to connect to it, in the form of the connection elements. Manual configuration is therefore not required, whether by a user of the station or by an administrator of the second wireless network.

[0059] The second wireless network is close to the first wireless network in that the station, while connected to an access point of the first network, is within range of at least one access point of the second network in order to be able to connect to it following a request to transition to that access point of the second network.

[0060] The host access point is adapted to allow it to simultaneously broadcast a wireless network based on the connection information of the second network, while continuing to broadcast the first wireless network and remaining connected to its own wireless network. The host access point can, for example, configure several virtual access points on the same radio. It can also have several radios to operate on multiple frequency bands.

[0061] The first and second ESSs differ in their connection elements and are linked to one or more operator networks via separate gateways. When the station connects to an ESS broadcast by the second network, its connectivity beyond the second wireless network therefore passes through a different gateway than that of the first network.

[0062] In the context of an IEEE 802.11 type network, for example, the connection elements include a network identifier such as the SSID, a password, and the encryption method. In other contexts, this information may differ.

[0063] In the example in [Fig. 1], station 102 is located at the edge of the coverage area of ​​its network A, with a quality of service below an acceptable threshold. However, this station is located within the coverage area of ​​network B, which can potentially provide it with a quality of service above the expected threshold. In such a case, the extender 104 can configure a network wireless C using the connection elements of network A. Gateway 103 can also create this network if it is within range of station 102. The latter can then connect to the new network C.

[0064] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a process according to one or more embodiments. The process comprises: - 201 - Identification of a station likely to migrate to an access point reception outside the station's initial network. - 202- Identification of one or more neighboring wireless networks. - 203 - Identification of an access point in the neighboring network(s) capable of hosting the station, called the reception access point. - 204 - Transfer of wireless network connection elements to which the station is associated and configured with a wireless network by the home access point with the connection elements. - 205 -Movement from station to reception access point.

[0065] A first step 201 includes the identification of at least one station that could benefit from a move to another network. Such a station is referred to as an 'eligible' station in what follows.

[0066] By way of example and as already briefly mentioned, an eligible station may be a station likely to obtain a better quality of service by moving to a host access point of another network.

[0067] According to one embodiment of this step, the signal level emitted by a station is checked for all access points of the station's current network. If this level is below a threshold for all access points, then the station is eligible.

[0068] In the example of a network such as that illustrated in [Fig. 1], the first step is, for example, primarily managed by a wireless network controller to which the eligible station is connected. The controller obtains the aforementioned measurements for the stations in the wireless network and decides on this basis whether a station is eligible or not. Corresponding information is transmitted via the operator network to the service provider's device.

[0069] The following steps are implemented individually for each station. However, it should be noted that it is entirely possible for certain steps to be implemented for one eligible station and not have to be repeated for another eligible station. For example, several stations on the same network could be transferred to the same receiving access point. The latter will only need to configure a wireless network once using the connection elements of the original network of the eligible stations.

[0070] A second step 202 includes, for an eligible station, the identification of at least one compatible neighboring wireless network.

[0071] A neighboring wireless network is a network in the geographical vicinity of the initial network of the eligible station. A compatible neighboring wireless network is a wireless network configured to allow the provision of a host access point.

[0072] According to a first embodiment of this step, a list containing one or more compatible neighboring networks is generated using a database containing the geographic coordinates of wireless networks, for example, all wireless networks connected to the operator's network. The database makes it possible to determine the geographic coordinates of the initial wireless network of the eligible station and of nearby networks.

[0073] By way of example, the selection of compatible wireless networks can be based on a distance threshold relative to the initial network of the eligible station. This threshold characterizes, for example, the maximum expected range of a home wireless network, but can be chosen differently.

[0074] The database includes, for example, information on other compatible wireless networks of the network operator to which the initial wireless network of the eligible station is connected. According to one embodiment, this database also includes information concerning compatible wireless networks operated by one or more other operators.

[0075] According to a second embodiment of this step, the device implementing the second step has a unique identifier for each compatible wireless network in its database. This unique identifier can be the BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier). The access point(s) of the eligible station's initial network scan the radio environment to determine the identifiers of neighboring networks. These identifiers can, for example, but not limited to, be obtained by listening to the Beacon Frame messages regularly transmitted by the access points of each wireless network. The list of BSSIDs thus found is transmitted to the device implementing this step.The device determines compatible neighboring wireless networks by identifying compatible wireless networks in its database whose BSSIDs are also found in the received list. According to this embodiment, the geographical location of the different networks is not necessary, as the concept of a neighboring network is based on the ability to receive a signal from that network.

[0076] In the example of a network such as that illustrated in [Fig. 1], the first embodiment of the second step is, for example, implemented mainly by a device of the service provider. It is assumed that this device has access to a database data with geographic locations. The second embodiment can be mainly implemented by a wireless network controller of the eligible station to obtain the list of identifiers of neighboring networks from the different access points of its network, and a device of the service provider mentioned above, for comparing this list with that of compatible wireless networks.

[0077] A third step 203 includes, for an eligible station, the identification of a host access point in one of the compatible neighboring networks determined in the previous step for that eligible station.

[0078] This step includes triggering, in each of the previously identified compatible neighboring networks, a measurement phase of a quality indicator to determine if the network is likely to accommodate said eligible station.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the quality indicator is the signal level emitted by the eligible station (e.g., the RSSI), as seen from an access point of a compatible neighboring network. This measurement can be performed for one, several, or all access points of a compatible neighboring network.

[0080] According to one embodiment of this step, within the framework of a multi-point network of the 'EasyMesh' type, this measurement can be carried out among other ways via the "Unassociated STA monitoring" function.

[0081] According to one embodiment, one or more additional parameters or metrics other than signal level are used to determine the extent to which an access point in a compatible neighboring network is capable of hosting an eligible station. These parameters may include one or more of the following: the number of stations already connected to an access point, the available airtime, etc. A score based on the parameters considered can then be associated with the pair (eligible station, access point in a compatible neighboring network). The score may, for example, result from a linear combination of the selected parameters. Equation 1 illustrates this for the implementation of the three parameters mentioned above:

[0082] [Equation 1]

[0083] Score (AP,STA)-a*SignalLevel(AP,STA) + b*TxOP(AP)-c*NbSTA(AP)

[0084] where a, b and c are weighting coefficients, SignalLevel is the signal level of the eligible station STA seen from the access point AP, TxOP is the available transmission time as a percentage and NbSTA is the number of stations associated with the access point.

[0085] For each compatible neighboring network and depending on the implementation chosen, this phase can result in the identification of one or more access points (best point access, the identification of several access points associated with their respective scores...), or, if applicable, no access point capable of serving as a host access point. Based on feedback from the various compatible neighboring networks, a host access point is chosen for the eligible station.

[0086] In the context of a network such as that illustrated in [Fig.1], the measurements of the access points of a compatible neighboring wireless network can, for example, be obtained and processed by the controller of that wireless network and the result communicated to the device of the service provider mentioned above.

[0087] A fourth step 204 includes the transmission of the wireless network connection elements from the eligible station to the home access point determined in the previous step and the configuration of a wireless network using these elements.

[0088] According to a first embodiment of this step, the transmission is carried out via a device controlled by the service provider, for example device 106.

[0089] According to a second embodiment of this step, the transmission is carried out directly between the wireless network of the eligible station and the wireless network of the chosen home access point.

[0090] The home access point then configures a wireless network with the received connection elements.

[0091] In a network such as the one illustrated in [Fig. 1], transmission can occur from the wireless network controller of the eligible station to the network controller of the host access point. The network controller of the host access point then transmits the information to the host access point. In the specific context of an 'EasyMesh' network, this last step can be performed by implementing the access point autoconfiguration mechanism ('AP AutoConfiguration').

[0092] A fifth step 205 includes moving an eligible station to the receiving access point.

[0093] Moving an eligible station to the host access point involves sending a request to that effect to the wireless network controller of the eligible station, this request including an identifier of the host access point. This identifier is, for example, the BSSID of the host access point.

[0094] According to one embodiment, this request is sent by the service provider's device.

[0095] The controller receiving the request then initiates the movement of the eligible station to the receiving access point in a manner known per se.

[0096] For example; in the context of a multi-access point wireless network, the controller transmits a request to the entity or agent in charge of the access point to which the eligible station is connected, this entity or agent relaying the request to the eligible station.

[0097] In an 'EasyMesh' type network, this request can take the form of a 'Client Steering Request' message. The access point to which the eligible station is connected then transmits a transition request to the eligible station, which in the case of an 'EasyMesh' type network can be a 'BSS Transition Request' message conforming to the IEEE 802.1IV standard, the message containing the BSSID of the receiving access point.

[0098] Figure 3 is a message sequence diagram illustrating the process of Figure 2 in an example of a multi-access point network environment given for illustrative purposes. In Figure 3, the various steps mentioned above are indicated on the left of the diagram, with substeps being indicated as messages between entities or as actions by entities with an XY reference, where X denotes the step and Y the substep.

[0099] A station 301 is initially connected to a wireless network RI through an access point managed by an agent 302. The RI network also includes a controller 303. Two other wireless networks, R2 and R3, are nearby. For the purposes of this example, the two networks R2 and R3 are neighboring and compatible networks. A device 306 of a service provider is connected to the operator's network to which networks RI through R3 are connected.

[0100] In 1.1, the RI network controller 303 obtains from agent 302 one or more metrics representing the quality of the connection between station 301 and the access point managed by agent 302. In 1.2, the controller 303 evaluates the metrics and decides whether or not station 302 is eligible for a move. For the purposes of [Fig. 3], it will be assumed that it is. The controller 303 then transmits a message in 1.3 to device 306 informing it that a station is eligible. In a non-limiting embodiment, the message includes an identifier of the eligible station, for example, its MAC address.

[0101] In 2.1, controller 303 of the RI network requests a list of visible neighboring networks from agent 302 of the same network. In 2.2, the agent initiates a scan of the neighboring networks and obtains their identifiers from the beacon frames. In 2.3, a list of the identifiers of the visible neighboring networks is transmitted to controller 303, which then transmits it in 2.4 to device 306 of the service provider.

[0102] In 3.1, device 306 requests the controllers of the visible neighboring networks (here, controllers 305 and 307 of networks R2 and R3) to provide metrics for the eligible station 301 as seen from each access point in each of these networks (in the simple example of [Fig. 3], respectively, the access point managed by agent 304 for network R2 and the access point managed by agent 308 for network R3). The controllers initiate the metric retrieval phase from the agents. In section 3.2, the agents implement it, and in section 3.3, for example, in the case of an 'EasyMesh' network, they use the monitoring function mentioned earlier. The metrics are returned by each agent (304 and 308) to its respective controller in section 3.4. Controllers (305 and 307) process these metrics to obtain usable data—for example, a score based on the metrics—for device 306 to select a host access point from those offered. This selection is made in section 3.6.

[0103] In the example in [Fig. 3], network access point R3 is selected as the host access point. In 4.1, network controller 303 of network RI transmits the connection elements of network R2 to device 306, for example, following an unshown request made by device 306 to network controller 303 of network RL

[0104] In step 4.2, device 306 transmits the connection elements of network R2 to controller 307 of network R3. These elements were previously obtained by device 306. In step 4.3, controller 307 of network R3 initiates the configuration of a wireless network at the receiving access point with agent 308. The connection elements are transmitted to agent 308 for this purpose.

[0105] It should be noted that the example of transmitting the connection elements from the first network to the receiving access point can take other paths and / or occur at other times. In particular, the transmission can be made directly to the receiving access point without passing through device 306. In this case, the controller of the first network is informed of the receiving access point's identifier before the latter is configured. The transmission of the connection elements can, for example, be carried out in phase 1, in parallel with the transmission 1.3 of the eligible station's identifier. The person skilled in the art will be able to adapt the sequence of steps according to the context and needs.

[0106] In 5.1, device 306 transmits an identifier of the host access point to controller 303 of the eligible station's RI network. This data allows the controller to send, in 5.2, to the agent managing the access point to which eligible station 301 is connected, a transition request from station 301 to the host access point. This request is relayed by agent 302 to station 301 appropriately in 5.3. Station 301 then transitions to the host access point in a manner known per se (not illustrated).

[0107] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a device 400 that can be used to implement one of the methods described. The device 400 includes a processor 401, a memory 402, a user interface 403, a communication interface 404 enabling communication with other devices on the wireless network, a display 406 adapted for displaying data to a user, and a working memory 407.

[0108] The various components of the device 400 are connected via a communication bus 404. The memory 402 contains software code 405. The memory 407 is used to store and manage the data to be transmitted. The device may include other components, and some components may be absent, depending on the needs of the context of use and the function of the device. When the processor executes the software code 405, it causes the device to implement a method according to one or more described embodiments, such as those described in relation to [Fig. 2] and / or [Fig. 3]. The device 400 may be a gateway, a terminal or mobile station, an access point, or another network device, such as equipment belonging to or connected to a telecommunications network operator.

Claims

Demands

1. A method implemented by a first communication device (106, 306) comprising: - receiving (1.3) an identifier from a station (301) connected to a first access point (302) of a first set of access points broadcasting a first wireless network (WN), the first wireless network being configured with first connection elements, the connection elements comprising the information necessary and sufficient for a station to connect to a wireless network; - determining (2.4) at least one second set of access points broadcasting a second wireless network (R2, R3), each second set of access points comprising at least one second access point within range of the station so that the station can connect to it, each second wireless network being configured with respective second connection elements, distinct from the first connection elements; - determining (3.6), among at least one second access point, from a given access point to connect the station; characterized by - the initiation of the transmission (4.2) to the given access point, of a request to configure a third wireless network by the given access point, said configuration using the connection elements of the first wireless network; - the transmission (5.1) to the first wireless network of a message containing an identifier of the given access point to initiate a movement of the station to the given access point to enable the station to connect to the third network using the connection elements of the first wireless network.

2. A method according to claim 1, comprising - the reception (4.1) of the first wireless network, of the first connection elements; and

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8. - 1'initiation of transmission (4.2), at the given access point, of the first connection elements. Method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, the first connection elements comprising an SSID of the first wireless network, a password and an encryption mode. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, determining at least one second set of access points broadcasting a second wireless network and the given access point comprising: - obtaining (2.4) one or more respective identifiers of one or more second wireless networks from the first wireless network; - the transmission (3.1) to each of the one or more second networks identified by the respective identifier(s), of a request to obtain at least one quality criterion from at least one access point of each of the one or more second networks identified, the quality criterion being a function of a signal measurement between the at least one access point and the station; - the reception (3.5) of at least one quality criterion for at least one access point; - a selection (3.6) of the given access point based on at least one quality criterion. A method according to claim 4, wherein the quality criterion is further a function of at least one of the following: a number of stations connected to an access point of a second identified network; and an available transmission time from an access point of a second identified network. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, determining a second given access point comprising: - the determination of at least one second network based on a criterion of geographical proximity of at least one second network with the first network. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least a second wireless network is a mesh network. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, an access point set comprising one or more access points.

9. A method implemented by a second communication device (101, 303) of a first wireless communication network (WCR) broadcast by a first set of access points, the method comprising: - the transmission (1.3), to a first communication device (306), of an identifier of a station connected to an access point of the first communication network, characterized by - the transmission (4.1) of first connection elements intended for the configuration of an access point of a second communication network within range of the station, the second wireless network being broadcast by a second set of access points and being configured with second connection elements distinct from the first connection elements, the connection elements comprising the information necessary and sufficient for a station to connect to a wireless network configured with these elements; - the reception (5.1), of the first communication device, an identifier of a given access point of the second set of access points having configured a third wireless communication network with the first connection elements; - the initiation (5.2) of a movement of the station towards the given access point to enable the station to connect to the third network using the connection elements of the first wireless network.

10. A method according to claim 9, comprising checking (1.2) whether a connection quality criterion of a station (301) connected to an access point of the first wireless network (RI) is below a threshold, an identifier of a station being transmitted in the affirmative.

11. A method according to any one of claims 9 or 10, comprising: - the transmission (2.1) to at least one access point of the first set of access points of a request to determine one or more second networks within range of at least one access point;

12.

13.

14.

15. - the reception (2.3) of at least one access point of one or more respective identifiers of the second networks determined to be within range; - the transmission (2.4) of the identifier(s) of the second network within range to the first device. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, an access point set comprising one or more access points. First communication device comprising a processor configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Second communication device comprising a processor configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 9 to 12. Second device according to claim 14, the device comprising a mesh network controller.

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