An AP testing method and system for simulating multi-user access based on PCF

Abstract

The embodiments of the present invention provide an AP test method and system based on PCF to simulate multi-user access. When a single network card simulates multi-user data transmission, it is simulated into the working state of real multi-network cards through a central coordination method. When switching users, the wireless network card parameters are reset to achieve the simulation of multi-user hardware differentiation. At the same time, the wireless network card controller uses the central coordination method for data transmission. Each simulated user will communicate with the AP as a real network card according to the scheduling of the wireless network card controller, making full use of the characteristics of WiFi half-duplex communication. At the same time, there is no longer any medium resource competition operation among the simulated users. Only when data is transmitted, the communication medium is occupied by interacting with the AP through RTS / CTS. It can simulate the scenario where the same number of real network cards are distributed to compete for access to the AP communication, which can not only meet the differences required for multi-user testing, but also meet the requirements for the number of multi-users on the premise of cost savings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to the technical field of WiFi testing, and in particular, to an AP testing method and system based on PCF to simulate multi-user access. Background Art

[0002] With the wide application of WiFi technology and the advent of the era of Internet of Everything, the number of users of a single AP (Access Point) device ranges from more than a dozen to two or three dozen, and for the AP devices in Mesh networking, the number of user accesses is even more. Therefore, the multi-user performance of AP devices has attracted more and more attention, and the multi-user performance testing of AP devices has also become very important.

[0003] The currently used WiFi multi-user performance testing methods and ideas mainly have two drawbacks: First, the multi-users simulated by a single network card have the same signal strength, which is difficult to meet the multi-user differences in scenario-based testing. For the coordination ability of an AP device to simultaneously access remote and proximal users (the obvious difference between remote and proximal users lies in the signal strength. Corresponding to the AP device, it is almost impossible to test the ability to dynamically adjust the transmission power and MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) in a timely manner); Second, using multiple physical network cards in the test scenario can keep the signal strengths of multi-users inconsistent to meet the differences between multi-users, but due to factors such as high cost and limited space for using multiple physical network cards, generally only 4 - 8 network cards are used as multi-user access tests in a test device, and it is difficult to achieve simulation tests between 32 - 64 users or even more users. In short, the multi-users simulated by one network card are difficult to meet the required differences in testing, while the actual testing with multiple network cards is difficult to meet the testing requirements in terms of the number of users.

[0004] Another one is the technical feature of WiFi's half-duplex communication. It ensures that even when multiple users access an AP, at the same moment, only one user can communicate with the AP in the frequency domain. In the actual use process, the communication between multiple users and the AP needs to compete. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present invention provide an AP testing method and system based on PCF to simulate multi-user access. Based on the PCF mechanism and using the technical feature of WiFi half-duplex communication, a wireless network card can be used to simulate multi-users with different signal strengths, which can not only meet the differences required for multi-user testing but also meet the requirements for the number of multi-users under the premise of cost savings.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides an AP test method for simulating multi-user access based on PCF, including:

[0007] Step S1: Based on the number of simulated users simulated by the network card, the physical address and transmission power corresponding to each simulated user, establish a corresponding structure linked list;

[0008] Step S2: The simulated users perform authentication and association with the access point AP through the wireless network card controller, negotiate the modulation and coding strategy (MCS) value, and record the negotiated MCS value of each simulated user through the structure linked list;

[0009] Step S3: The simulated users perform data transmission with the AP based on the point coordination function (PCF) in the center coordination mode. Specifically, the simulated users send a request to send (RTS) message through the wireless network card controller within their allocated time slots to request to occupy the transmission medium, and the AP sends a clear to send (CTS) message after receiving the RTS message to coordinate data transmission. In the data reception mode, the AP sends an RTS message to occupy the transmission medium, and the simulated users reply with a CTS message according to the center coordination mode to ensure the correct transmission of the physical address of the data packet.

[0010] Preferably, step S1 specifically includes:

[0011] Initialize the network card, determine the number of simulated users to be simulated, as well as the pre-set physical address and transmission signal strength corresponding to each simulated user, so as to construct simulated users through the network card and establish a corresponding structure linked list, and the pre-set transmission signal strengths of each simulated user are different;

[0012] Record the transmission power, MCS value and physical address of each simulated user based on the structure linked list, wherein the transmission power is converted according to the transmission signal strength of the corresponding user, and the initial value of the MCS value is uniformly set to the MCS value of the lowest transmission rate supported by the network card.

[0013] Preferably, step S3 specifically includes:

[0014] Determine the data transmission mode, where the data transmission mode includes a data sending mode and a data receiving mode;

[0015] In the data sending mode, the wireless network card controller allocates time slots for each simulated user and performs data sending through polling based on PCF. Each simulated user is only allowed to send an RTS message to the AP within the allocated time slot to start data sending;

[0016] In the data receiving mode, when the network card receives data from multiple analog users based on PCF, the AP first initiates the corresponding RTS packet to occupy the transmission medium, and the wireless network card controller replies with the corresponding CTS packet through centralized coordination, and determines the physical address of the data packet according to the physical header of the data packet sent by the AP, so as to send the data packet to the analog user.

[0017] Preferably, in step S3, the wireless network card controller allocates time slices for each of the analog users, specifically including:

[0018] Equal allocation of time slices, equally allocating time slices for each analog user; or,

[0019] Allocation of time slices according to weights, equally allocating time slices for each analog user during authentication and association in step S2, and configuring time slices based on the obtained MCS value after authentication and association, with a proportional or inverse proportional weight coefficient allocated according to a high or low MCS value; or,

[0020] Random allocation of time slices, randomly allocating time slices for all analog users when sending data.

[0021] Preferably, in step S3, data is sent through polling based on PCF, specifically including:

[0022] During data transmission, the wireless network card controller matches the corresponding transmission power and MCS value in the structure linked list based on the source physical address of the data to be transmitted. When polling the corresponding analog user, the network card completes the setting of the transmission power and MCS value of the network card within the short inter-frame space SIFS time, and sends the data.

[0023] Preferably, in step S3, it also includes setting the order of polling to send data, specifically including:

[0024] Randomly sorting the analog users during network card initialization; or randomly sorting the analog users once before each polling; or sorting by MCS value, with the larger MCS value first or the larger MCS value last.

[0025] Preferably, in step S3, the AP first initiates the corresponding RTS packet to occupy the transmission medium, and the wireless network card controller replies with the corresponding CTS packet through centralized coordination, specifically including:

[0026] For the RTS packet initiated by the AP, the wireless network card controller directly replies with the CTS packet, and the virtual network vector NAV value therein is the requested time in the RTS packet minus the transmission time of the RTS packet and the time required to send the CTS; or,

[0027] Based on the PCF with central coordination method, compare the value of the time slice of the preset simulated user with the NAV value requested in the RTS packet sent by the AP. If the NAV value requested in the RTS packet is not greater than the value of the time slice of the simulated user, the wireless network card controller directly replies with a CTS packet, and the virtual network vector NAV value therein is the requested time in the RTS packet minus the transmission time of the RTS packet and the time required to send the CTS. Otherwise, use the value of the time slice of the simulated user as the CTS reply.

[0028] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides an AP test system for simulating multi-user access based on PCF, including:

[0029] A user simulation module that, based on the number of simulated users simulated by the network card, the physical address and transmission power corresponding to each simulated user, establishes a corresponding structure linked list;

[0030] An association authentication module, where the simulated user performs authentication association with the access point AP through the wireless network card controller, negotiates the modulation and coding strategy MCS value, and records the negotiated MCS value of each simulated user through the structure linked list;

[0031] A test module, where the simulated user performs data transmission with the AP based on the PCF with central coordination method through the wireless network card controller. Among them, the simulated user sends an RTS packet within the time slice allocated by the wireless network card controller to request to occupy the transmission medium, and the AP responds and sends a CTS packet to coordinate data transmission. In the data reception mode, the AP sends an RTS packet to occupy the transmission medium, and the simulated user replies with a CTS packet to ensure that the data packet is correctly delivered to the simulated user.

[0032] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the program, it implements the steps of the AP test method for simulating multi-user access based on PCF as described in the first aspect embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the AP test method for simulating multi-user access based on PCF as described in the first aspect embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] An AP testing method and system based on PCF for simulating multi-user access provided by an embodiment of the present invention. When a single network card simulates multi-user data transmission, it is simulated into a real multi-network card working state through a central coordination method. When switching users, the wireless network card parameters are reset to achieve multi-user hardware differential simulation. At the same time, the wireless network card controller uses the central coordination method for data transmission. Each simulated user will communicate with the AP as a real network card according to the scheduling of the wireless network card controller, making full use of the characteristics of WiFi half-duplex communication. At the same time, there is no longer any medium resource competition operation among the simulated users, and only when data is transmitted, the communication medium is occupied by interacting with the AP through RTS / CTS. By controlling the communication between each network card and the AP through the central coordination method of the wireless network card controller, a scenario where the same number of real network cards are distributed and competitively access the AP for communication can be simulated. A single wireless network card can simulate multiple users with different signal strengths, which can not only meet the differences required for multi-user testing, but also meet the requirements for the number of multi-users under the premise of cost savings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0036] Figure 1 Schematic flow of an AP testing method based on PCF for simulating multi-user access according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 2 Schematic flow of the AP testing method according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0038] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the entity structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "and / or" merely describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, both A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0041] In the embodiments of the present application, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of the present application, the terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a system, product, or device that includes a series of components or units is not limited to the listed components or units, but optionally further includes components or units not listed, or optionally further includes other components or units inherent to these products or devices. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality of" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0042] Referring to "embodiments" herein means that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments can be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The phrase appears in various places in the specification and does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0043] The technical characteristics of the half-duplex communication of WiFi ensure that even when multiple users access the AP, at the same moment, there can only be communication between one user and the AP in the frequency domain (after the AP device supporting WiFi6 enables the OFDMA function, it can support multiple users to communicate with the AP simultaneously, and the AP supporting the uplink and downlink MIMO function also supports multiple users to communicate with the AP simultaneously. However, since these two situations are rarely used in current actual applications, the present invention does not consider these two situations for the time being). In the actual use process, the communication between multiple users and the AP needs to compete. The embodiments of the present invention will utilize this technical characteristic to implement the scenario-based differential simulation test of a single network card for multiple users.

[0044] Figure 1 and Figure 2FIG. 0 is a schematic flowchart of an AP test method for simulating multi-user access based on PCF according to an embodiment of the present invention. By resetting the wireless network card parameters when switching users, multi-user hardware differential simulation is achieved. At the same time, the wireless network card controller uses PCF (Point Coordination Function) for data transmission. Each simulated user simulated will communicate with the AP as a real network card according to the scheduling of the wireless network card controller, making full use of the characteristics of WiFi half-duplex communication. At the same time, no medium resource competition operations are performed between the simulated users, and only when data is transmitted, the communication medium is occupied by interacting with the AP through RTS / CTS. By controlling the communication between each network card and the AP through the central coordination method of the wireless network card controller, a scenario where the same number of real network cards are distributed and compete to access the AP communication can be simulated. Combining the characteristics of WiFi communication transmission, after each occupation of the transmission medium ends, at least 1 SIFS (Short Interframe Space) time will be waited before the next medium occupation and data transmission. During this SIFS time, traditional network cards are mainly used for carrier sensing competition access and receiver-transmitter conversion. In addition to this, this solution will also be used to reset the transmission power of the network card transmitter, so as to achieve the purpose that different users use different transmission powers and use the MCS negotiated by the corresponding power for data transmission. The method specifically includes:

[0045] Step S1: Based on the number of simulated users simulated by the network card, the physical address and transmission power corresponding to each simulated user, establish a corresponding structure linked list;

[0046] In this embodiment, the network card is a wireless network card, which can simulate the physical addresses of multiple users, the signal strength of the wireless network cards of multiple users, the number of simulated users, and the test mode, etc. It also includes a host computer and a wireless network card controller. The host computer can input control instructions to control the corresponding network card to achieve its simulation function.

[0047] Specifically, step S1 is the network card initialization stage. According to the preset number of simulated users to be simulated, the physical address and the network card transmission signal strength corresponding to each simulated user, and establish a corresponding structure linked list to record the transmission power, MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) value, and physical address of each simulated user. During initialization, the transmission power of the corresponding simulated user is converted according to the preset transmission signal strength, and the MCS value is uniformly set to the MCS value of the lowest transmission rate supported by this network card to ensure normal operation during the subsequent association stage. In addition, the test mode of the system needs to be set to select the performance of the sending direction or the receiving direction of the test AP.

[0048] Step S2: Simulate that the user performs authentication and association with the access point AP through the wireless network card controller, negotiates the modulation and coding strategy (MCS) value, and records the negotiated MCS value of each simulated user through the structure linked list;

[0049] In this embodiment, step S2 is the association access stage. Each simulated user initiates authentication and association operations through the username and password of the AP and completes the association. At this stage, since the signal strength settings of each simulated user are different, the transmission power of its corresponding network card is different, and the negotiated MCS value corresponding to the signal strength during association is also different. At this time, the wireless network card controller records the negotiated MCS value of each simulated user through the structure linked list established in the network card initialization stage, so as to retrieve relevant parameters to reset the transmission state of the network card when sending data.

[0050] Step S3: Simulate that the user performs data transmission with the AP through the wireless network card controller based on the point coordination function (PCF) of the center coordination mode. Each of the simulated users occupies the communication medium through interaction with the AP by sending a request to send (RTS) message / clear to send (CTS) message during data transmission.

[0051] In this embodiment, step S3 is the data transmission stage. The wireless network card mainly processes data in two modes: data sending mode and data receiving mode during the data transmission stage.

[0052] In the data sending mode, the wireless network card controller allocates time slices for each of the simulated users and performs data sending in a polling manner based on the PCF. Each simulated user is only allowed to send an RTS message to the AP within the allocated time slice to start data sending;

[0053] In the data sending mode, since one network card is used to simulate the work of multiple simulated users, the simulated users need to obtain time slices through the wireless network card controller first. Each simulated user is only allowed to send an RTS (Request To Send) to the AP within its allocated time slice to start data sending. The central coordinated data sending of the wireless network card controller is carried out in a polling manner, and the difference is that the time slices occupied by each simulated user are inconsistent. The allocation of simulated user time slices is mainly divided into three methods: First, evenly allocate time slices. Regardless of the negotiated MCS value of each simulated user, each simulated user is evenly allocated time slices; Second, allocate time slices according to weights. During the association stage, each simulated user evenly allocates time segments. After the association is completed, the time segments are configured with weights according to the obtained MCS value. The weight allocation is divided into two types: the one with a higher MCS value obtains a higher weight or the one with a lower MCS value obtains a higher weight; Third, randomly allocate time slices. All simulated users obtain randomly allocated time slices when sending data, which can further simulate the real scenario.

[0054] There are also different ways to set the order of polling and sending data. First, randomly sort when initializing simulated users and do not change it later. Second, perform a random sort before each polling. Third, sort according to the MCS value, with the larger MCS value first or last.

[0055] The allocation method of polling time slices and the order of polling and sending data will be configured to the network card driver through the upper computer, and users can configure and use it according to test needs. When sending data, the wireless network card controller finds the corresponding transmit power and MCS value in the linked list of multi-simulated user structures according to the source physical address of the data to be sent. When polling this simulated user, the network card completes the setting of relevant states within the SIFS time, and then sends the data. The operation of setting the transmit power of the simulated user before data transmission is the key to truly simulating the hardware differences of multi-simulated users.

[0056] In the data reception mode, when the network card receives data from multiple simulated users based on PCF, the AP first initiates the corresponding RTS message to occupy the transmission medium, and the wireless network card controller replies with the corresponding CTS message through the central coordination method, and determines the physical address of the data packet according to the physical packet header of the data packet sent by the AP to send the data packet to the simulated user.

[0057] In the data reception mode, all data packets whose destination physical address conforms to the preset physical address of the simulated user will be received, and the rest of the data packets will be directly discarded to save the overhead of the network card. When the network card is in the reception state, regardless of the MCS value of the data packet sent by the AP, the network card can process it according to the physical packet header of the data packet, which is a function possessed by all wireless network cards.

[0058] When the central coordinator receives data from multiple users, the AP will first initiate the corresponding RTS to occupy the transmission medium, and then the wireless network card controller will reply with the corresponding CTS (Clear To Send) through the central coordination method. For the RTS initiated by the AP, the wireless network card controller can choose two processing methods. The first method is to directly reply with CTS according to the processing of traditional network cards. The NAV (Network Allocation Vector) is the time of the RTS application minus the time for transmitting the RTS packet and the time required to send the CTS. The second method is to judge according to the central coordination method, and compare the preset time segment value of the simulated user with the NAV in the RTS packet sent by the AP. If the NAV value of the RTS application is less than or equal to the coordinated time slice value, it will be processed according to the traditional network card processing method described in the first method. If the coordinated time slice value is less than the NAV value of the RTS application, the coordinated time slice value will be used as the CTS reply. Through the processing method of replying CTS through central coordination, the performance indicators of the AP's multi-user data transmission can be directly tested.

[0059] The embodiment of the present invention also exemplifies the specific implementation process of the AP test method based on PCF to simulate multi-user access:

[0060] The AP device A to be tested, the test system B of the present invention, the physical network card of B is W, and the 25 simulated users are W1-W25 respectively. The following briefly describes the implementation process of using the test system B of the present invention to test the performance of device A in the receiving and sending directions.

[0061] I. Test the receiving performance of device A:

[0062] First, set the relevant parameters of B through the upper computer of B, including 25 simulated users, and the simulated signal strength decreases in a gradient of 2dBm from -30dBm to -80dBm. At this time, the upper computer will calculate the transmission power and MCS values corresponding to the 25 simulated users and then save them one by one to complete the initialization of the test system.

[0063] Next, continue to initiate 25 simulated users W1-W25 to authenticate and associate with A through the upper computer. After the association is completed, a data channel between the test device and the simulated users is established, and the test mode is set to the mode of testing the receiving performance of the test device A through the upper computer, that is, the mode of the test system sending data.

[0064] Then, the host computer is used to set the allocation method of the multi-user polling time slice of B as random allocation, and the polling order is set to perform a random sorting before sending data for each polling. At this time, from the perspective of the slave device A, the 25 simulated users are completely different. After the host computer completes this series of settings, testing can be carried out. Each time the testing system switches users to send data, the physical parameters of the wireless network card will be reset, and the testing device A receives data equivalent to that from 25 different devices. Then, based on the test results, the multi-user performance of device A and some areas for improvement can be judged.

[0065] II. Testing the transmission performance of testing device A:

[0066] Most of the operations are the same as above. Set the relevant parameters. The difference is that the test mode needs to be set to test the transmission performance of testing device A, and the allocation method of the multi-user polling time slice of testing system B is set to random allocation. After the successful establishment of the data channel through association, the host computer is used to set the response RTS method of testing system B to the traditional method for processing, and fill and reply to the CTS message according to the conventional operation.

[0067] At this time, testing device A is equivalent to sending data to 25 users with different physical states. According to the test results, the performance indicators of testing device A for sending multi-user data can be obtained.

[0068] The embodiment of the present invention also provides an AP testing system for simulating multi-user access based on PCF, based on the AP testing method for simulating multi-user access based on PCF in the above embodiments, including:

[0069] A user simulation module, based on the number of simulated users simulated by the network card, the physical address and transmission power corresponding to each simulated user, to establish a corresponding structure linked list;

[0070] An association authentication module, where the simulated user performs authentication association with the access point AP through the wireless network card controller, negotiates the modulation and coding strategy MCS value, and records the negotiated MCS value of each simulated user through the structure linked list;

[0071] A testing module, where the simulated user performs data transmission with the AP based on the central coordination method PCF through the wireless network card controller. Among them, the simulated user sends an RTS message within the time slice allocated by the wireless network card controller to request to occupy the transmission medium, and the AP responds and sends a CTS message to coordinate the data transmission. In the data reception mode, the AP sends an RTS message to occupy the transmission medium, and the simulated user replies with a CTS message to ensure that the data packet is correctly delivered to the simulated user.

[0072] Based on the same concept, the embodiment of the present invention also provides a schematic diagram of the entity structure, such as Figure 3As shown in the figure, the server may include: a processor 810, a communications interface 820, a memory 830, and a communication bus 840. Among them, the processor 810, the communications interface 820, and the memory 830 complete their mutual communication through the communication bus 840. The processor 810 may call the logical instructions in the memory 830 to execute the steps of the AP test method for simulating multi-user access based on PCF as described in the above embodiments. For example, it includes:

[0073] Step S1: Based on the number of simulated users simulated by the network card, the physical address and transmission power corresponding to each simulated user, establish a corresponding structure linked list;

[0074] Step S2: The simulated users perform authentication and association with the access point AP through the wireless network card controller, negotiate the modulation and coding strategy MCS value, and record the negotiated MCS value of each simulated user through the structure linked list;

[0075] Step S3: The simulated users perform data transmission with the AP based on the point coordination function PCF in the center coordination mode. Among them, the simulated users send RTS packets through the wireless network card controller to request to occupy the transmission medium within their allocated time slots, and the AP sends CTS packets after receiving the RTS packets to coordinate data transmission. In the data reception mode, the AP sends RTS packets to occupy the transmission medium, and the simulated users reply with CTS packets according to the center coordination mode to ensure the correct transmission of the physical address of the data packet..

[0076] In addition, when the logical instructions in the above-mentioned memory 830 are implemented in the form of software function units and sold or used as independent products, they may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of this technical solution, may be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present invention. And the aforementioned storage medium includes: USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, read-only memories (ROM, Read-Only Memory), random access memories (RAM, Random Access Memory), magnetic disks, or optical discs, etc., which can store program codes.

[0077] Based on the same concept, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program includes at least one segment of code. The at least one segment of code can be executed by a master device to control the master device to implement the steps of the AP test method for simulating multi-user access based on PCF as described in the above embodiments. For example, it includes:

[0078] Step S1: Based on the number of simulated users simulated by the network card, the physical address and transmission power corresponding to each simulated user, establish a corresponding structure linked list;

[0079] Step S2: The simulated users perform authentication and association with the access point AP through the wireless network card controller, negotiate the modulation and coding strategy MCS value, and record the negotiated MCS value of each simulated user through the structure linked list;

[0080] Step S3: The simulated users perform data transmission with the AP based on the point coordination function PCF in the center coordination mode. Among them, the simulated users send RTS packets through the wireless network card controller within the allocated time slice to request to occupy the transmission medium, and the AP sends CTS packets after receiving the RTS packets to coordinate data transmission. In the data reception mode, the AP sends RTS packets to occupy the transmission medium, and the simulated users reply with CTS packets according to the center coordination mode to ensure the correct transmission of the physical address of the data packet..

[0081] Based on the same technical concept, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a master device, it is used to implement the above method embodiment.

[0082] The program can be stored in whole or in part on a storage medium packaged together with the processor, or can be stored in whole or in part on a memory not packaged together with the processor.

[0083] Based on the same technical concept, an embodiment of the present application further provides a processor, and the processor is used to implement the above method embodiment. The above processor can be a chip.

[0084] In summary, an AP test method and system for simulating multi-user access based on PCF provided by the embodiments of the present invention simulate the working state of real multi-network cards through a central coordination method, reset the wireless network card parameters when switching users to achieve differential simulation of multi-user hardware. At the same time, the wireless network card controller uses the central coordination method for data transmission. Each simulated user will communicate with the AP as a real network card according to the scheduling of the wireless network card controller, making full use of the characteristics of WiFi half-duplex communication. At the same time, no medium resource competition operations are performed between the simulated users, and only when data is transmitted, the RTS / CTS is used to interact with the AP to occupy the communication medium. By controlling the communication between each network card and the AP through the central coordination method of the wireless network card controller, a scenario where the same number of real network cards are distributed and competitively access the AP communication can be simulated. A single wireless network card can be used to simulate multi-users with different signal strengths, which can not only meet the differences required for multi-user testing, but also meet the requirements for the number of multi-users on the premise of cost savings.

[0085] The various embodiments of the present invention can be combined arbitrarily to achieve different technical effects.

[0086] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in accordance with the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center by wire (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line) or wirelessly (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (such as a floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (such as a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (such as a solid state disk).

[0087] Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above-described embodiments can be completed by hardware instructed by a computer program. This program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it can include the processes of the above-described method embodiments. The foregoing storage media include: various media such as ROM or random access memory RAM, magnetic disks, or optical discs that can store program codes.

[0088] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements for some of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention in each embodiment.

Claims

1. An AP test method for simulating multi-user access based on PCF, characterized in that Including: Step S1: Based on the number of simulated users emulated by the network card, the physical address and transmission power corresponding to each simulated user, a corresponding structure linked list is established; Step S2: The simulated users perform authentication and association with the access point AP through the wireless network card controller, negotiate the Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) value, and record the negotiated MCS value of each simulated user through the structure linked list; Step S3: The simulated users perform data transmission with the AP based on the Point Coordination Function (PCF) in the centralized coordination mode. Specifically, the simulated users send Request to Send (RTS) packets through the wireless network card controller within their allocated time slots to request to occupy the transmission medium. After receiving the RTS packet, the AP sends a Clear to Send (CTS) packet to coordinate data transmission. In the data reception mode, the AP sends an RTS packet to occupy the transmission medium, and the simulated users reply with CTS packets according to the centralized coordination mode to ensure the correct transmission of the physical address of the data packet.

2. The AP test method for simulating multi-user access based on PCF according to claim 1, wherein The specific steps of Step S1 include: Initialize the network card, determine the number of simulated users to be emulated, as well as the physical address and transmission signal strength preset for each simulated user, so as to construct simulated users through the network card and establish a corresponding structure linked list. The preset transmission signal strengths of each simulated user are different; Based on the structure linked list, record the transmission power, MCS value, and physical address of each simulated user. Among them, the transmission power is converted according to the transmission signal strength of the corresponding user, and the initial value of the MCS value is uniformly set to the MCS value corresponding to the lowest transmission rate supported by the network card.

3. The AP test method for simulating multi-user access based on PCF according to claim 1, wherein The specific steps of Step S3 include: Determine the data transmission mode, and the data transmission mode includes a data sending mode and a data reception mode; In the data sending mode, the wireless network card controller allocates time slots for each simulated user and performs data sending based on PCF through a polling method. Each simulated user is only allowed to send an RTS packet to the AP within the allocated time slot to start data sending; In the data reception mode, when the network card receives data from multiple simulated users based on PCF, the AP first initiates a corresponding RTS packet to occupy the transmission medium, and the wireless network card controller replies with a corresponding CTS packet through the centralized coordination method. Determine the physical address of the data packet according to the physical packet header of the data packet sent by the AP, so as to send the data packet to the simulated user.

4. The AP test method for simulating multi-user access based on PCF according to claim 3, characterized in that In Step S3, when the wireless network card controller allocates time slots for each simulated user, it specifically includes: Allocate time slots equally, and allocate time slots equally for each simulated user; or, Allocate time slots according to weights. During authentication and association in Step S2, time slots are allocated equally for each simulated user. After authentication and association, time slots are configured based on the obtained MCS value, and proportional or inverse proportional weight coefficients are allocated according to high or low MCS values; or, Randomly allocate time slots, and randomly allocate time slots for all simulated users when sending data.

5. The AP test method for simulating multi-user access based on PCF according to claim 3, wherein In Step S3, when performing data sending based on PCF through a polling method, it specifically includes: When data is sent, the wireless network card controller matches the corresponding transmit power and MCS value in the structure linked list based on the source physical address of the data to be sent. When the corresponding simulated user is polled, the network card completes the setting of the transmit power and MCS value of the network card within the short inter-frame space (SIFS) time and sends the data.

6. The AP test method for simulating multi-user access based on PCF according to claim 3, wherein, In step S3, it further includes setting the order of polling and sending data, specifically including: Randomly sorting the simulated users during network card initialization; or randomly sorting the simulated users once before each poll; or sorting by the MCS value, with the larger MCS value first or the larger MCS value last.

7. The AP test method for simulating multi-user access based on PCF according to claim 3, wherein In step S3, the AP first initiates the corresponding Request to Send (RTS) message to occupy the transmission medium, and the wireless network card controller replies with the corresponding Clear to Send (CTS) message through centralized coordination, specifically including: For the RTS message initiated by the AP, the wireless network card controller directly replies with the CTS message, and the Network Allocation Vector (NAV) value in it is the requested time in the RTS message minus the transmission time of the RTS message and the time required to send the CTS; or, Based on the Point Coordination Function (PCF) of the centralized coordination method, compare the time slice value of the preset simulated user with the NAV value requested in the RTS message sent by the AP. If the NAV value requested in the RTS message is not greater than the time slice value of the simulated user, the wireless network card controller directly replies with the CTS message, and the NAV value in it is the requested time in the RTS message minus the transmission time of the RTS message and the time required to send the CTS. Otherwise, use the time slice value of the simulated user as the CTS reply.

8. An AP test system for simulating multi-user access based on PCF, characterized in that, It includes: A user simulation module that establishes a corresponding structure linked list based on the number of simulated users simulated by the network card, the physical address and transmit power corresponding to each simulated user; An association authentication module where the simulated user performs authentication and association with the access point (AP) through the wireless network card controller, negotiates the Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) value, and records the negotiated MCS value of each simulated user through the structure linked list; A test module where the simulated user performs data transmission with the AP through the wireless network card controller based on the PCF of the centralized coordination method. Among them, the simulated user sends an RTS message within the time slice allocated by the wireless network card controller to request to occupy the transmission medium, and the AP responds and sends a CTS message to coordinate data transmission. In the data reception mode, the AP sends an RTS message to occupy the transmission medium, and the simulated user replies with a CTS message to ensure that the data packet is correctly delivered to the simulated user.

9. An electronic device, comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the program, it implements the steps of the AP test method for simulating multi-user access based on PCF according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the AP test method for simulating multi-user access based on PCF according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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