Network device, medium, and method for radio

Abstract

Example implementations involve dividing a radio into chains to scan channels. In some examples, a network device may include processing resources and memory resources, the memory resources storing machine-readable instructions to respond to a scan request, divide a default radio of the network device into a service chain and a scan chain, scan a specific channel using the scan chain to discover devices operating on the specific channel of the network, and combine the service chain and the scan chain into the default radio.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communications, and primarily to network equipment, media, and methods for radio. Background Art

[0002] The network device can transmit and / or receive electromagnetic waves to communicate with other devices. The electromagnetic waves can be transmitted and / or received by the radio chain of the network device.

[0003] The network device can communicate with other devices over a radio channel. For example, the network device and other devices can communicate using the same radio channel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application discloses a network device including a processing resource and a memory resource storing machine-readable instructions to cause the processing resource to, in response to a scan request, partition a default radio of the network device into a service chain and a scan chain. The service chain provides network connectivity to client devices connected to the network device, and the scan chain scans other channels to discover devices operating on the other channels. A specific channel is scanned using the scan chain for a predetermined amount of time to discover devices operating on the specific channel of the network. After the scan is completed and after the predetermined amount of time, the service chain and the scan chain are combined into a default radio.

[0005] The present application discloses a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium having machine-readable instructions stored thereon to cause a computer processor, in response to receiving a scan request, to divide a default radio of a network device into a service chain and a scan chain. The service chain provides network connectivity to client devices connected to the network device, and the scan chain scans other channels to discover devices operating on other channels. The scan chain of the network device scans a specific channel for a predetermined amount of time to discover devices operating on the specific channel of the network, wherein the network device is currently operating on a channel different from the specific channel. After the scan is completed and after the predetermined amount of time, the service chain and the scan chain are combined into a default radio.

[0006] The present application discloses a method for a radio, comprising, by an access point (AP), in response to receiving a scan request, dividing a default radio of the AP into a service chain and a scan chain, wherein the service chain provides network connectivity to client devices connected to the AP, and wherein the scan chain scans other channels to discover devices operating on other channels. The method also includes, for a predetermined amount of time, scanning, by the scan chain of the AP, a specific channel to discover devices operating on the specific channel of the network, wherein the AP is operating on a channel different from the specific channel. The method also includes, by the service chain of the AP, providing network connectivity to client devices connected to the AP, and, after completing the scan and after the predetermined amount of time, combining, by the AP, the service chain and the scan chain into a default radio. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 The figure shows an example of a network layout according to the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example of a network device that divides radios into chains to scan channels according to the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an example of a system according to the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 4 The figure shows an example of a method according to the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 5 An example flow diagram illustrating dividing radios into chains to scan channels according to the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Network devices may use radio links to transmit and / or receive information. Information may be transmitted and / or received via a network. As used herein, the term "radio link" may, for example, refer to hardware that may transmit and / or receive information via radio signals. Client devices and / or other devices may use multiple radio links to communicate with network devices over radio channels. As used herein, the term radio channel may, for example, refer to a frequency or frequency range used by a network device to communicate (e.g., transmit and / or receive) information.

[0013] The network device can scan other channels to discover devices that may be operating on other channels. In some cases, devices operating on other channels may not be able to communicate with the network device. In some implementations, the network device can divide the default radio into a service chain and a scan chain. The scan chain can scan other channels to discover other devices that may be operating on other channels. As used herein, the term "service chain" can refer to, for example, a radio chain that provides network connectivity to client devices connected to the network device. As used herein, the term "scan chain" can refer to, for example, a radio chain that scans other channels to discover other devices that may be operating on other channels.

[0014] While the scan chain is scanning other channels, the service chain can provide network connectivity to client devices connected to the network device. As used herein, the term "network connectivity" can refer to, for example, the ability to transmit and / or receive information via radio signals via a network relationship. As used herein, the term "network relationship" can refer to, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a virtual local area network (VLAN), a wide area network (WAN), a personal area network (PAN), a distributed computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment), a storage area network (SAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a cellular communication network, and / or the Internet, as well as other types of network relationships.

[0015] As used herein, the term "information" may refer to, for example, data, addresses, control, management (e.g., statistics), or any combination thereof. For data transmission, information may be transmitted as a message, i.e., a collection of bits in a predetermined format. A message, such as a wireless message, may include a header having a predetermined number of information bits and payload data. A wireless message may be arranged in the format of multiple packets, frames, or cells.

[0016] In some implementations, dividing the radio into multiple chains to scan channels can facilitate continuous network connectivity with client devices connected to the network device while scanning other channels of the network. Using this partitioning mechanism, dividing the radio into multiple chains to scan channels can reduce the chance of client device frame drops during scanning, which can reduce the chance of client device connection issues with the network device during scanning. As used herein, the term "mechanism" can refer to, for example, a component of a system or device that provides multiple functions, including but not limited to a software component, an electronic component, an electrical component, a mechanical component, an electromechanical component, etc.

[0017] Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows an example of a network layout 100 according to the present disclosure. Figure 1As illustrated in FIG, the network layout 100 may include a network device 102, a service chain 104, a service channel 105, client devices 106-1, 106-M (collectively referred to as client devices 106), a scan chain 108, a specific channel 109, and devices 110-1, 110-N (collectively referred to as devices 110).

[0018] As used herein, the term "default radio" may, for example, refer to a radio of a network device, such as network device 102, that can provide network connectivity to client devices, such as client device 106, when network device 102 is not performing a scan. For example, although not described herein for clarity and to not obscure the examples of this disclosure, Figure 1 , when the network device 102 is not performing a channel scan, the network device 102 can provide network connectivity to the client device 106 via a default radio. The default radio can be a single radio, such as a WLAN radio, which can be divided into a service chain 104 and a scan chain 108. When the network device 102 is not performing a scan on a particular channel 109, the service chain 104 and the scan chain 108 can be combined into a default radio, as further described herein. As used herein, the term "network device" can refer, for example, to a device adapted to transmit and / or receive signaling and process information within such signaling, such as a station (e.g., any data processing equipment, such as a computer, cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, tablet device, etc.), an access point, a data transmission device (such as a network switch, router, controller, etc.), or the like.

[0019] Network device 102 can partition a default radio of network device 102 into a service chain 104 and a scan chain 108. As used herein, the term "partition" can refer to, for example, a partial or shared allocation or distribution. For example, network device 102 can partition the default radio into multiple radio chain portions. Each portion of the default radio can include a service chain 104 and a scan chain 108.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown in , the network device 102 may be a network device with 8×8 antennas. As used herein, the term “antenna” may, for example, refer to a device that converts electrical power into electromagnetic waves (e.g., radio waves) and / or vice versa. For example, the network device 102 with 8×8 antennas may include, for example, a radio that may include eight transmit antennas and eight receiver antennas. The network device 102 may divide the default radio into a 4×4 service chain 104 and a 4×4 scan chain 108. That is, the 4×4 service chain 104 may include four transmit antennas and four receiver antennas, while the 4×4 scan chain 108 may include four transmit antennas and four receiver antennas.

[0021] Despite Figure 1 108, the network device 102 is shown as being divided into a 4×4 service chain 104 and a 4×4 scan chain 108, but examples of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, among other division schemes, the network device 102 may also divide the default radio into a 7×7 service chain and a 1×1 scan chain. That is, the 7×7 service chain 104 may include seven transmit antennas and seven receiver antennas, and the 1×1 scan chain 108 may include one transmit antenna and one receiver antenna.

[0022] Although network device 102 is Figure 1 8×8 antenna network device, but the examples of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the network device 102 may be smaller than an 8×8 network device (e.g., a 6×6 network device) or larger than an 8×8 network device (e.g., a 12×12 network device).

[0023] In response to a scan request, network device 102 may divide the default radio into service chain 104 and scan chain 108. As used herein, the term "scan request" may refer to, for example, a request to scan a specific channel 109. The scan request may include a specific channel 109 to be scanned. Specific channel 109 may be a channel that is not used by network device 102 to provide network connectivity to client device 106. In other words, network device 102 may provide network connectivity to client device 106 on service channel 105, where service channel 105 is a different service channel 105 than specific channel 109.

[0024] In some examples, the scan request may be received periodically by the network device 102. As used herein, the term "periodically" may, for example, refer to recurring at regular and / or irregular time intervals. For example, the network device 102 may receive a scan request every second, every five seconds, and / or a combination thereof (e.g., every second, then every five seconds, then every second, etc.), although the examples disclosed herein are not limited to periodic scan requests received every second, every five seconds, etc. For example, a periodic scan request may be received more than every second or less than every second.

[0025] In some examples, a scan request may be received by network device 102 in response to a change in the network topology. The network may be a network to which network device 102 is connected. The topology of the network may change, and therefore network device 102 may scan specific channels 109 to determine changes in the topology of the network. For example, an access point (AP) may be added to the network. The added AP may change the topology of the network to which network device 102 is connected. Network device 102 may receive a scan request in response to adding an AP to the network. An AP may refer to a networking device that allows client devices to connect to a wired or wireless network. As used herein, the term "access point" (AP) may, for example, refer to a receiving point for any convenient wireless access technology that is known or may subsequently become known. In particular, the term AP is not intended to be limited to APs based on IEEE 802.11. An AP is typically used as an electronic device that is suitable for allowing wireless devices to connect to a wired network via various communication standards. The AP may include processing resources, memory, and / or input / output interfaces, including wired network interfaces such as IEEE 802.3 Ethernet interfaces and wireless network interfaces such as IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi interfaces, although examples of the present disclosure are not limited to such interfaces. The AP may include memory resources, including read-write memory, and a hierarchy of persistent memory, such as ROM, EPROM, and flash memory.

[0026] Although described above as receiving scan requests periodically or in response to changes in network topology, examples of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, network device 102 may receive scan requests in response to various performance issues with the network. For example, network device 102 may receive scan requests in response to suboptimal channel and / or radio assignments, asymmetric AP links, beacon link desynchronization, and / or other performance issues (such as performance thresholds being exceeded).

[0027] The network device 102 may utilize the scan chain 108 to scan the specific channel 109 to discover a device 110 operating on the specific channel 109 of the network. As used herein, the term "scan" may refer to searching for a device that may be unknown to the network device 102. For example, the device 110 may be operating on the specific channel 109, while the client device 106 may be operating on the service channel 105 and the network device 102 may be providing network connectivity on the service channel 105. The network device 102 may be unaware of the device 110 because they are operating on the specific channel 109. The network device 102 may scan the specific channel 109 to discover the device 110.

[0028] The network device 102 can provide network connectivity to client devices 106 connected to the network device 102 using the service chain 104 while the specific channel 109 is being scanned by the scan chain 108. For example, while the scan chain 108 is scanning the specific channel 109 to search for the device 110, the service chain 104 can provide network connectivity to the client devices 106 operating on the service channel 105. In other words, the network device 102 can provide network connectivity to the client devices 106 connected to the network device 102 on the service channel 105, which is a different channel than the specific channel 109 scanned by the scan chain 108. By dividing the default radio into the service chain 104 and the scan chain 108, a single radio can be used to provide network connectivity to existing client devices 106 while scanning the specific channel 109 for the device 110 operating on the specific channel 109.

[0029] In some examples, network device 102 may scan specific channel 109 for a predetermined amount of time. For example, network device 102 may scan specific channel 109 for one second, although examples of the present disclosure are not limited in this regard. For example, network device 102 may scan specific channel 109 for more than one second or for less than one second.

[0030] The predetermined amount of time may be modifiable. For example, the network device 102 may scan the particular channel 109 for a modifiable amount of time. For example, the network device 102 may scan the particular channel 109 for two seconds. The predetermined amount of time may be modified to be greater than or less than two seconds.

[0031] The network device 102 can combine the service chain 104 and the scan chain 108 into a default radio. Figure 1 , the service chain 104 and the scan chain 108 are shown as being divided into 4×4 service chains 104 and 4×4 scan chains 108. The network device 102 can combine the 4×4 service chains 104 and the 4×4 scan chains 108 into an 8×8 default radio. The 8×8 default radio can provide network connectivity to the client device 106, and the network device 102 no longer has any antennas to scan the specific channel 109.

[0032] In some examples, network device 102 may combine service chain 104 and scan chain 108 into a default radio in response to scanning particular channel 109 for a predetermined amount of time. In other words, network device 102 may combine service chain 104 and scan chain 108 into a default radio after a predetermined amount of scanning time. For example, scan chain 108 may scan particular channel 109 for two seconds, and network device 102 may combine service chain 104 and scan chain 108 into a default radio after two seconds.

[0033] In some examples, the network device 102 can combine the service chain 104 and the scan chain 108 into a default radio in response to receiving a multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) transmission from a client device 106 connected to the network device 102. As used herein, a MU-MIMO device can utilize a radio channel to transmit and receive more than one data signal simultaneously. The MU-MIMO device can include operating constraints such that the network device 102 can provide network connectivity to the MU-MIMO device in a non-split state. That is, the network device 102 can utilize the default radio, including up to all available radio chains included in the default radio, to transmit and / or receive MU-MIMO frames, thereby providing network connectivity to the MU-MIMO device, such as in conjunction with Figure 4 and Figure 5 Further described.

[0034] In some examples, network device 102 may be an access point (AP), although examples of this disclosure are not limited to network device 102 being an AP.

[0035] According to the present disclosure, dividing radios into chains to scan channels can allow a network device to scan for other devices without interfering with the network connectivity of existing client devices connected to the network device. By dividing a default radio into a service chain and a scan chain, the network device can use the dedicated service chain to provide continuous network connectivity to existing client devices and use the scan chain to simultaneously scan backup channels. According to the present disclosure, dividing radios into chains to scan channels can reduce the chance of frame drops for existing client devices when scanning while providing stable network connectivity for existing client devices connected to the network device. Dividing radios into chains to scan channels can avoid having antennas that are dedicated to scanning channels and cannot provide network connectivity to client devices.

[0036] Figure 2 is a block diagram 212 of an example network device 202 that divides radios into chains to scan channels according to the present disclosure. As described herein, the network device 202 (e.g., in conjunction with Figure 1 The network device 102 described previously may perform functions related to dividing the radios into chains to scan channels. Figure 2Although not shown in the figure, network device 202 may include a machine-readable storage medium. Although the following description refers to individual processing resources and individual machine-readable storage media, these descriptions may also apply to systems with multiple processing resources and multiple machine-readable storage media. In such an example, network device 202 may be distributed across multiple machine-readable storage media, and network device 202 may be distributed across multiple processing resources. In other words, the instructions executed by network device 202 may be stored on multiple machine-readable storage media and may be executed on multiple processing resources, such as in a distributed or virtual computing environment.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG, network device 202 may include processing resources 214 and memory resources 216 that store machine-readable instructions to cause processing resources 214 to perform operations related to dividing radios into chains to scan channels. That is, using processing resources 214 and memory resources 216, network device 202 may divide a default radio, among other operations. Processing resources 214 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, and / or other hardware device suitable for retrieving and executing instructions stored in memory resources 216.

[0038] The network device 202 may include instructions 218 stored in the memory resources 216 and executable by the processing resources 214 to partition the default radio. For example, the network device 202 may include instructions 218 stored in the memory resources 216 and executable by the processing resources 214 to partition the default radio of the network device 202 into a service chain and a scan chain in response to a scan request.

[0039] The network device 202 may include instructions 220 stored in the memory resource 216 and executable by the processing resource 214 to scan a particular channel. For example, the network device 202 may include instructions 220 stored in the memory resource 216 and executable by the processing resource 214 to scan a particular channel using a scan chain to discover devices operating on the particular channel of the network.

[0040] The network device 202 may include instructions 222 stored in the memory resources 216 and executable by the processing resources 214 to combine the service chain and the scan chain. For example, the network device 202 may include instructions 222 stored in the memory resources 216 and executable by the processing resources 214 to combine the service chain and the scan chain into a default radio.

[0041] In this manner, the network device 202 can divide the default radio into a service chain and a scan chain, utilize the scan chain to scan specific channels while utilizing the service chain to provide network connectivity to existing client devices, and combine the service chain and the scan chain into the default radio.

[0042] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an example of a system 324 according to the present disclosure. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 3 , system 324 includes processing resources 314 (e.g., in conjunction with Figure 2 214) and machine-readable storage medium 326 as previously described. Although the following description relates to individual processing resources and individual machine-readable storage media, these descriptions can also be applied to systems with multiple processing resources and multiple machine-readable storage media. In such examples, instructions can be distributed across multiple machine-readable storage media, and instructions can be distributed across multiple processing resources. In other words, instructions can be stored on multiple machine-readable storage media and executed on multiple processing resources, such as in a distributed computing environment.

[0043] The processing resource 314 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, and / or other hardware device suitable for retrieving and executing instructions stored in the machine-readable storage medium 326. Figure 3 , processing resource 314 can receive, determine, and send instructions 328, 330, and 332. As an alternative to or in addition to retrieving and executing instructions, processing resource 314 can include electronic circuitry including electronic components for performing operations on the instructions in machine-readable storage medium 326. With respect to executable instruction representations or blocks described and illustrated herein, it should be understood that some or all executable instructions and / or electronic circuitry included within one block can be included in another block illustrated in the figure or in another block not illustrated.

[0044] The machine-readable storage medium 326 may be any electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that stores executable instructions. Thus, the machine-readable storage medium 326 may be, for example, a random access memory (RAM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a storage drive, an optical disk, etc. The executable instructions may be "installed" in Figure 3 324. The machine-readable storage medium 326 may be, for example, a portable, external, or remote storage medium that allows the system 324 to download instructions from the portable / external / remote storage medium. In this case, the executable instructions may be part of an "installation package." As described herein, the machine-readable storage medium 326 may be encoded with executable instructions related to antenna polarization patterns.

[0045] Instructions 328 for partitioning a default radio device, when executed by processing resource 314, may cause system 324 to partition a default radio of a network device into a service chain and a scan chain by the network device in response to receiving a scan request. In some examples, the scan request may be a periodic scan request. In some examples, the scan request may be received by the network device in response to a change in the topology of a network. The network may be a network to which the network device is connected.

[0046] When executed by processing resource 314, instructions 330 for scanning a specific channel may cause system 324 to scan the specific channel via a scan chain of the network device to discover devices operating on the specific channel of the network. The network device may be operating on a channel different from the specific channel. While the scan chain is scanning the specific channel, the service chain may provide network connectivity for existing client devices connected to the network device.

[0047] The instructions 332 for combining the service chain and the scan chain, when executed by the processing resource 314, can cause the system 324 to combine the service chain and the scan chain into a default radio. In some examples, the network device can combine the service chain and the scan chain into a default radio in response to scanning a particular channel for a predetermined amount of time. In some examples, the network device can combine the service chain and the scan chain into a default radio in response to receiving a MU-MIMO transmission from an existing client device connected to the network device, such as in conjunction with Figure 4 and Figure 5 Further described.

[0048] Figure 4 FIG. 4 shows an example of a method 434 according to the present disclosure. The method 434 may be performed by a network device (e.g., in conjunction with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The network devices 102, 202 described respectively) are executed.

[0049] At 436, method 434 may include, in response to receiving the scan request, dividing, by an access point (AP), a default radio of the AP into a service chain and a scan chain. In some examples, the scan request may be a periodic scan request. In some examples, the scan request may be received by the network device in response to a change in the topology of the network. The network may be a network to which the network device is connected.

[0050] In some examples, the AP can determine whether MU-MIMO transmissions are in progress for existing client devices before dividing the default radio. For example, the AP can operate using the default radio to successfully transmit and / or receive MU-MIMO transmissions with existing client devices connected to the network device. Figure 5As further described, the AP may refrain from partitioning the default radio in response to a client device having an MU-MIMO transmission in progress.

[0051] At 438, method 434 can include scanning, by a scan chain of the AP, the specific channel to discover devices operating on the specific channel of the network. The AP can operate on a channel other than the specific channel.

[0052] At 440, method 434 can include providing network connectivity by the AP's service chain to client devices connected to the AP. For example, the AP's scan chain can simultaneously scan a particular channel of the network while the AP's service chain provides network connectivity to existing client devices connected to the AP.

[0053] At 442, method 434 can include combining, by the AP, the service chain and the scan chain into a default radio. In some examples, the AP can combine the service chain and the scan chain into the default radio in response to scanning a particular channel for a predetermined amount of time. In some examples, the AP can combine the service chain and the scan chain into the default radio in response to receiving a MU-MIMO transmission from a client device connected to the network device.

[0054] Method 434 may be repeated. In some examples, method 434 may be repeated in response to receiving a scan request. In some examples, method 434 may be repeated in response to a change in network topology.

[0055] Figure 5 FIGURE 544 illustrates an example flow chart for dividing radios into chains to scan channels according to the present disclosure. At 546, a scan request may be generated. The scan request may be periodic or responsive to changes in the network topology. At 548, the network device may operate on the operating channel. That is, the network device may provide network connectivity to existing client devices on the operating channel. The network device may receive the scan request.

[0056] At 550, the network device may determine whether any MU-MIMO transmissions by the client device are in progress. The in-progress MU-MIMO transmissions may include receiving MU-MIMO transmissions from the client device and / or transmitting MU-MIMO transmissions by the network device to the client device. In response to the client device having an in-progress MU-MIMO transmission, the network device may avoid partitioning a default radio of the network device. For example, the network device may operate in a default mode such that the default radio is not partitioned when there are client devices performing MU-MIMO transmissions with the network device because the network device may utilize all available radio chains included in the default radio to transmit and / or receive MU-MIMO frames to provide network connectivity for the MU-MIMO devices.

[0057] In an example where a MU-MIMO transmission is in progress, the network device may queue received scan requests. For example, a client device may be transmitting a MU-MIMO transmission to the network device while three scan requests are received. These three scan requests may include requests to scan three different channels (e.g., channel 1, channel 2, and channel 3), where the network device is currently operating on channel 4.

[0058] At 552, in response to the cessation of MU-MIMO transmissions from the client device, the network device may partition the default radio and scan the channels received from the scan request. For example, MU-MIMO transmissions from the client device to the network device may be stopped, and the network device may partition the default radio into a service chain and a scan chain. The service chain may provide network connectivity to the client device, while the scan chain may scan queued channels (e.g., channel 1, channel 2, and channel 3).

[0059] Although it is described above that three channels are queued, examples of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the network device may queue fewer than three channels to be scanned or more than three channels to be scanned.

[0060] At 554, the network device may determine whether the scan time is complete. For example, in response to the scan time being complete, the network device may combine the scan chain and the service chain into a default radio. At 548, the default radio may resume providing network connectivity to existing client devices via the operating channel. The network device may resume MU-MIMO transmission.

[0061] At 556, the network device may determine whether any MU-MIMO transmissions are incoming in response to the scan time not being complete. For example, the network device may determine whether the client device may have transmitted any MU-MIMO transmissions to the network device.

[0062] In response to no MU-MIMO transmissions incoming, the network device may continue to scan the channels included in the scan request. For example, the network device may continue to scan any queued channels received in the scan request.

[0063] In response to the incoming MU-MIMO transmission, the network device may combine the scan chain and the service chain into a default radio. The default radio may resume providing network connectivity to existing client devices via the operating channel at 548, and the network device may resume MU-MIMO transmission.

[0064] Although the above description is as operating in a default mode such that the default radio is not divided when there is a client device performing MU-MIMO transmission with the network device, examples of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the network device may operate in a default mode such that the default radio is divided into a service chain and a scan chain. When none of the client devices connected to the network device have MU-MIMO capabilities, a default mode with a divided default radio may be used. The network device may combine the service chain and the scan chain into a default radio in response to a client device with MU-MIMO capabilities being connected to the network device, and may operate in a default mode such that the default radio is not divided.

[0065] According to the present disclosure, dividing a radio into chains for scanning channels can allow a network device to provide continuous network connectivity to existing client devices while scanning for other devices on different channels. By dividing the default radio into service chains and scan chains, the network device can perform dynamic resource allocation. In other words, the network device can avoid dedicated / permanent scan chains, thereby allowing for better resource allocation when not performing scanning operations. Examples of the present disclosure can reduce the chance of frame loss for existing client devices, which can reduce the chance of losing network connectivity with existing client devices when the network device scans different channels.

[0066] In the foregoing detailed description of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and in which are shown by way of illustration examples of how the present disclosure may be practiced. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the examples of the present disclosure, and it is understood that other examples may be utilized and process, electrical and / or structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0067] The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit corresponds to the figure number and the remaining digits identify the element or component in the figure. Similar elements or components between different figures may be identified by using similar numerals. For example, in Figure 1 102 can refer to the reference element "02", in Figure 2 Similar elements in the drawings may be referenced as 202. Elements shown in the various figures herein may be added, exchanged and / or eliminated to provide multiple additional examples of the present disclosure. In addition, the proportions and relative scales of the elements provided in the drawings are intended to illustrate examples of the present disclosure and should not be considered restrictive. As used herein, particularly with respect to the figure marks in the drawings, the indicators "M" and "N" indicate that multiple specific features so specified may be included in the examples of the present disclosure. Indicators can represent specific features of the same or different numbers. In addition, as used herein, "multiple" elements and / or features can refer to more than one such element and / or feature.

Claims

1. A network device comprising: Processing resources; as well as a memory resource storing machine-readable instructions to cause the processing resource to: In response to a scan request, partitioning a default radio of the network device into a service chain and a scan chain, wherein the service chain provides network connectivity to client devices connected to the network device, and wherein the scan chain scans other channels to discover devices operating on the other channels; scanning a particular channel using the scan chain for a predetermined amount of time to discover a device operating on the particular channel of a network; as well as In response to scanning the particular channel for the predetermined amount of time, the service chain and the scan chain are combined into the default radio.

2. The network device of claim 1, comprising instructions to cause the processing resource to utilize the service chain to provide network connectivity to a client device connected to the network device when the particular channel is scanned by the scan chain. 3 . The network device of claim 1 , wherein the channel scanned by the scan chain is determined based on the scan request. 4 . The network device of claim 1 , wherein the network device provides network connectivity to client devices connected to the network device on a channel different from the particular channel scanned by the scan chain.

5. The network device of claim 1 , comprising instructions to cause the processing resources to: In response to receiving a Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) transmission from an existing client device connected to the network device, the service chain and the scan chain are combined into the default radio. The network device according to claim 1 , wherein the network device is an access point (AP).

7. The network device of claim 1 , comprising instructions for causing the processing resource to: In response to the scan request, the antenna of the network device is divided into the service chain and the scan chain.

8. The network device of claim 1 , comprising instructions for causing the processing resource to: In response to MU-MIMO transmission being in progress, queuing the scan request; and In response to the MU-MIMO transmission being stopped, scanning the specific channel.

9. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium having machine-readable instructions stored thereon to cause a computer processor to: dividing, by a network device, a default radio of the network device into a service chain and a scan chain in response to receiving a scan request, wherein the service chain provides network connectivity to client devices connected to the network device, and wherein the scan chain scans other channels to discover devices operating on the other channels; scanning, by the scan chain of the network device, a particular channel for a predetermined amount of time to discover a device operating on the particular channel of a network, wherein the network device is operating on a channel different from the particular channel; as well as In response to scanning the particular channel for the predetermined amount of time, the service chain and the scan chain are combined into the default radio.

10. The medium of claim 9, comprising instructions to combine the service chain and the scan chain into the default radio in response to at least one of: receiving Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) transmissions from a plurality of client devices connected to the network device; and A MU-MIMO transmission is transmitted to the plurality of client devices connected to the network device. The medium of claim 10 , wherein the predetermined amount of time is modifiable.

12. The medium of claim 9, wherein the scan request is received periodically by the network device.

13. The medium of claim 9, wherein the scan request is received by the network device in response to a change in a topology of the network.

14. The medium of claim 9, further comprising: In response to MU-MIMO transmission being in progress, queuing the scan request; as well as In response to the MU-MIMO transmission being stopped, scanning the specific channel.

15. A method for radio, comprising: In response to receiving a scan request, an access point (AP) divides a default radio of the AP into a service chain and a scan chain, wherein the service chain provides network connectivity to client devices connected to the AP, and wherein the scan chain scans other channels to discover devices operating on the other channels; scanning, by the scan chain of the AP, a specific channel for a predetermined amount of time to discover devices operating on the specific channel of a network, wherein the AP is operating on a channel different from the specific channel; providing network connectivity by the service chain of the AP to client devices connected to the AP; as well as In response to scanning the particular channel for a predetermined amount of time, the service chain and the scan chain are combined by the AP into the default radio.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the method comprises combining the service chain and the scan chain in response to receiving a multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) transmission from a client device connected to the AP.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the method comprises: Determining, by the AP, whether MU-MIMO transmission of the client device is in progress; as well as Responsive to the client device's MU-MIMO transmission being in progress, partitioning the default radio is avoided.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the method comprises: In response to the MU-MIMO transmission being in progress, queuing the received scan request; as well as In response to cessation of MU-MIMO transmission of the client device, scanning, by the scan chain of the AP, a specific channel included in the queued scan request.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the method comprises: In response to the scan request, the antennas of the AP are divided into the service chain and the scan chain.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the scan request is received in response to at least one of an asymmetric AP link, a beacon link being out of sync, or a performance threshold being exceeded.

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