A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to the field of wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology, in particular to a communication method and device, and solves the problem that after roaming switching of a station in a single channel network (SCN) networking, the station cannot listen to a beacon (Beacon) message of a correct access point, thereby causing packet loss. The method is applied to a station in an SCN, and the method comprises the following steps: the station receives a first Beacon message from a first access point, the first Beacon message comprises first indication information and a first time length, wherein the first indication information indicates that the station is in an association state with the first access point; the station ends sleep according to the first Beacon message when the first time length arrives; the station receives a second Beacon message from a second access point, the second Beacon message comprises second indication information, the second indication information indicates that the station is in an association state with the second access point; and the station enters an energy-saving period corresponding to the second access point according to the second Beacon message, or transmits data with the second access point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology, and more particularly to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology, terminal devices can send and receive data through an access point (AP) to maintain network connectivity. A terminal device connected to an AP is called a station (STA), such as a smartphone, laptop, or wearable device with wireless communication capabilities. Because communication between the AP and STA is affected by transmission distance and obstacles, the signal coverage of a single AP is limited. Therefore, multiple APs can be cascaded to form a network to improve Wi-Fi coverage over a larger area. When a STA moves, a switching of the serving AP usually occurs; for example, a STA switching from AP1 to AP2 is called roaming. From triggering to execution, both the STA and the AP need to have roaming capabilities, such as the 802.11k and 802.11v capabilities in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard. However, different STAs have different levels of support for 802.11k and 802.11v. STAs that do not support 802.11k / v capabilities cannot perform effective roaming.

[0003] Currently, STA-insensitive roaming can be achieved through Single Channel Network (SCN) networking. Specifically, multiple APs use the same Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID). The APs coordinate their transmission and reception to virtualize themselves into a single logical AP. In the SCN network, the STA can only perceive one logical AP. For the STA, there is no roaming process; the roaming process and its effects are entirely controlled by the AP and do not require STA cooperation. Therefore, it is not limited by differences in STA 11k / v capabilities.

[0004] However, during roaming under the above SCN networking scheme, STAs in power-saving mode may experience packet loss because they cannot listen to the correct AP's beacon messages. For example, AP1 broadcasts beacon messages at 100ms intervals. After receiving a beacon message, the STA enters a sleep state and no longer receives beacon messages. Until the next beacon message arrives, the STA wakes up for power saving and receives beacon messages. It then uses the Traffic Indication Map (TIM) bitmap in the beacon message to determine if there is any service data corresponding to the STA. If so, it receives the service data; otherwise, it continues to enter a sleep state at the 100ms interval corresponding to AP1. When a STA in a sleep state switches from AP1 to AP2, since the STA is still in a sleep state, it still wakes up for power saving and receives beacon messages according to the beacon message sending cycle of AP1. The STA's inability to listen to beacon messages sent by AP2 leads to packet loss. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that solves the problem of packet loss caused by the inability to listen to the Beacon messages of the correct access point after a site performs a roaming handover in an SCN network.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, applied to a station in a single-channel network (SCN). The method includes: the station receiving a first beacon message from a first access point, the first beacon message including first indication information and a first duration, wherein the first indication information indicates that the station is associated with the first access point; the station ending its sleep state when the first duration is reached according to the first beacon message; the station receiving a second beacon message from a second access point, the second beacon message including second indication information, the second indication information indicating that the station is associated with the second access point; the station entering an energy-saving cycle corresponding to the second access point according to the second beacon message, or transmitting data with the second access point.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the station can adjust the energy-saving cycle according to the received first Beacon message, and wake up according to the first duration indicated in the first Beacon message to receive the second Beacon message of the access point after roaming handover. According to the indication in the second Beacon message that the station and the access point are in an associated state, the station can determine the energy-saving cycle or perform data transmission based on the second Beacon message. The station can listen for the correct access point's Beacon message, avoid packet loss due to being in a dormant state, and improve the reliability of data transmission.

[0009] In one implementation, the first duration is less than or equal to the time interval during which the first access point periodically sends broadcast Beacon messages.

[0010] In the above possible design, the first Beacon message carries a first duration for adjusting the station wake-up time, so that the station can wake up and end its sleep according to the first duration of the first Beacon message, thereby improving the reliability and flexibility of data transmission.

[0011] In one implementation, before the station receives a first beacon message from the first access point, the method further includes: the station sending an association request message to the first access point; the station receiving an association response message from the first access point, the association response message including identification information of the first access point, the association response message indicating that the station and the first access point are in an association state.

[0012] In the above possible design, the first access point can carry its identification information in the association response message. This allows the site to determine and record the access point in the association state based on the identification information of the first access point carried in the association response message. This enables the site to receive the Beacon message sent by the correct access point based on the locally recorded access point information for synchronization processing or energy-saving adjustments, thus avoiding packet loss caused by roaming handover.

[0013] In one implementation, after the station receives a first beacon message from the first access point, the method further includes: the station receiving a first notification message from the first access point, the first notification message including identification information of the second access point, the first notification message indicating that the station and the second access point are in an associated state.

[0014] With the above possible design, the site can determine the identification information of the access point after the roaming handover based on the access point identification information carried in the first notification message sent by the first access point. This allows the site to correctly receive the Beacon messages sent by the access point after the roaming handover for synchronization processing or energy-saving adjustments, avoiding packet loss caused by roaming handover and improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0015] In one implementation, the station enters the energy-saving cycle corresponding to the second station according to the second Beacon message, specifically including: the station adjusts the energy-saving cycle of the station according to the second Beacon message and enters the energy-saving cycle corresponding to the second access point.

[0016] With the above possible design, the site can adjust the energy-saving cycle according to the second Beacon message sent by the second access point after the roaming handover, thereby ensuring that it can receive the Beacon messages periodically broadcast by the second access point normally and improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0017] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates that the site is associated with the first access point by carrying the site's identification information or the site's corresponding activation status bitmap information; or, the first indication information indicates that the site is associated with the first access point by carrying the first access point's identification information.

[0018] In the above possible design, the first access point can indicate that the station is associated with the first access point by carrying the station's identification information, the station's corresponding activation status bitmap information, or the first access point's identification information in the first Beacon message, thereby enriching the flexibility of the first indication information and improving system performance.

[0019] In one implementation, the second indication information indicates that the site and the second access point are in an associated state by carrying the site's identification information or the site's corresponding activation state bitmap information; or, the second indication information indicates that the site and the second access point are in an associated state by carrying the second access point's identification information.

[0020] In the above possible design, the second access point can indicate that the station is associated with the second access point by carrying the station's identification information, the station's corresponding activation status bitmap information, or the second access point's identification information in the second Beacon message. This enriches the flexibility of the second indication information, improves the reliability of data transmission, and further enhances system performance.

[0021] In one implementation, the first indication information is carried in the Address4 field of the first Beacon message.

[0022] In one implementation, the second indication information is carried in the Address4 field of the second Beacon message.

[0023] In the above possible design, the first or second indication information can be carried in the Address4 field of the Beacon message, thereby enriching the flexibility of the first or second indication information, improving the reliability of data transmission, and further improving system performance.

[0024] In one implementation, the first Beacon message is a unicast Beacon message, and the second Beacon message is a broadcast Beacon message.

[0025] Secondly, a communication method is provided for a first access point in a single-channel network (SCN). The method includes: the first access point determining that a site is roaming and switching to a second access point; the first access point sending a first beacon message to the site, the first beacon message including first indication information and a first duration, the first indication information indicating that the site is associated with the first access point, and the first beacon message indicating that the site will end its hibernation when the first duration expires.

[0026] In one implementation, the first duration is less than or equal to the time interval during which the first access point periodically sends broadcast Beacon messages.

[0027] In one implementation, before the first access point determines that the site roaming has been switched to the second access point, the method further includes: the first access point receiving a second notification message from a controller, the second notification message indicating that the site roaming has been switched to the second access point.

[0028] In one implementation, before the first access point determines that the site roaming has been switched to the second access point, the method further includes: the first access point receiving indication information of the first duration from the controller.

[0029] In one implementation, before the first access point sends a first Beacon message to the site, the method further includes: the first access point receiving an association request message from the site; the first access point sending an association response message to the site, the association response message including the identification information of the first access point, the association response message indicating that the site and the first access point are in an association state.

[0030] In one implementation, after the first access point sends a first Beacon message to the site, the method further includes: the first access point sending a first notification message to the site, the first notification message including the identification information of the second access point, the first notification message indicating that the site and the second access point are in an associated state.

[0031] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates that the site is associated with the first access point by carrying the site's identification information or the site's corresponding activation status bitmap information; or, the first indication information indicates that the site is associated with the first access point by carrying the first access point's identification information.

[0032] In one implementation, the first indication information is carried in the Address4 field of the first Beacon message.

[0033] In one implementation, the first Beacon message is a unicast Beacon message.

[0034] Thirdly, a communication method is provided for a second access point in a single-channel network (SCN). The method includes: the second access point determining that a station switches to the second access point; the second access point sending a second Beacon message to the station, the second Beacon message including second indication information, the second indication information indicating that the station and the second access point are in an associated state, the second Beacon message indicating that the station enters an energy-saving cycle corresponding to the second access point, or, transmitting data with the second access point.

[0035] In one implementation, before the second access point determines that the site roaming has been switched to the second access point, the method further includes: the second access point receiving a second notification message from the controller, the second notification message indicating that the site roaming has been switched to the second access point.

[0036] In one implementation, the second indication information indicates that the site and the second access point are in an associated state by carrying the site's identification information or the site's corresponding activation state bitmap information; or, the second indication information indicates that the site and the second access point are in an associated state by carrying the second access point's identification information.

[0037] In one implementation, the second indication information is carried in the Address4 field of the second Beacon message.

[0038] In one implementation, the second Beacon message is a broadcast Beacon message.

[0039] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit is configured to receive a first beacon message from a first access point, the first beacon message including first indication information and a first duration, wherein the first indication information indicates that the communication device is associated with the first access point. The processing unit is configured to end its sleep state when the first duration is reached according to the first beacon message. The communication unit is further configured to receive a second beacon message from a second access point, the second beacon message including second indication information, the second indication information indicating that the communication device is associated with the second access point. The processing unit is further configured to enter an energy-saving cycle corresponding to the second access point according to the second beacon message, or to transmit data with the second access point.

[0040] In one implementation, the first duration is less than or equal to the time interval during which the first access point periodically sends broadcast Beacon messages.

[0041] In one embodiment, the communication unit is further configured to send an association request message to the first access point; receive an association response message from the first access point, the association response message including the identification information of the first access point, the association response message indicating that the communication device is associated with the first access point.

[0042] In one embodiment, the communication unit is further configured to receive a first notification message from the first access point, the first notification message including identification information of the second access point, the first notification message indicating that the communication device is associated with the second access point.

[0043] In one embodiment, the processing unit is specifically used to adjust the energy-saving cycle of the communication device according to the second Beacon message, and enter the energy-saving cycle corresponding to the second access point.

[0044] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates that the communication device is associated with the first access point by carrying the identification information of the communication device or the activation state bitmap information corresponding to the communication device; or, the first indication information indicates that the communication device is associated with the first access point by carrying the identification information of the first access point.

[0045] In one embodiment, the second indication information indicates that the communication device is associated with the second access point by carrying the identification information of the communication device or the activation state bitmap information corresponding to the communication device; or, the second indication information indicates that the communication device is associated with the second access point by carrying the identification information of the second access point.

[0046] In one implementation, the first indication information is carried in the Address4 field of the first Beacon message.

[0047] In one implementation, the second indication information is carried in the Address4 field of the second Beacon message.

[0048] In one implementation, the first Beacon message is a unicast Beacon message, and the second Beacon message is a broadcast Beacon message.

[0049] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, the communication device including a communication unit and a processing unit, the processing unit being configured to determine that a site is roaming and switching to a second access point; the communication unit being configured to send a first beacon message to the site, the first beacon message including first indication information and a first duration, the first indication information indicating that the site and the communication device are in an associated state, and the first beacon message being configured to indicate that the site ends its hibernation when the first duration expires.

[0050] In one implementation, the first duration is less than or equal to the time interval during which the communication device periodically sends broadcast Beacon messages.

[0051] In one implementation, the communication unit is further configured to receive a second notification message from the controller, the second notification message instructing the site to switch roaming to the second access point.

[0052] In one embodiment, the communication unit is further configured to receive indication information of the first duration from the controller.

[0053] In one embodiment, the communication unit is further configured to receive an association request message from the site; and send an association response message to the site, the association response message including identification information of the communication device, the association response message indicating that the site and the communication device are in an association state.

[0054] In one embodiment, the communication unit is further configured to send a first notification message to the site, the first notification message including the identification information of the second access point, the first notification message indicating that the site and the second access point are in an associated state.

[0055] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates that the station and the communication device are in an associated state by carrying the identification information of the station or the activation state bitmap information corresponding to the station; or, the first indication information indicates that the station and the communication device are in an associated state by carrying the identification information of the communication device.

[0056] In one implementation, the first indication information is carried in the Address4 field of the first Beacon message.

[0057] In one implementation, the first Beacon message is a unicast Beacon message.

[0058] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device including a communication unit and a processing unit, the processing unit being configured to determine that a station switches to the communication device; the communication unit being configured to send a second Beacon message to the station, the second Beacon message including second indication information, the second indication information indicating that the station is associated with the communication device, the second Beacon message indicating that the station enters an energy-saving cycle corresponding to the communication device, or, transmits data with the communication device.

[0059] In one embodiment, the communication unit is further configured to receive a second notification message from the controller, the second notification message instructing the site roaming to switch to the communication device.

[0060] In one embodiment, the second indication information indicates that the station and the communication device are in an associated state by carrying the identification information of the station or the activation state bitmap information corresponding to the station; or, the second indication information indicates that the station and the communication device are in an associated state by carrying the identification information of the communication device.

[0061] In one implementation, the second indication information is carried in the Address4 field of the second Beacon message.

[0062] In one implementation, the second Beacon message is a broadcast Beacon message.

[0063] A seventh aspect provides a communication device comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface being used to communicate with a module outside the communication device, and the processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions to implement the method as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0064] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, the communication device comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface being used to communicate with a module outside the communication device, and the processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions to implement the method as described in any one of the second aspects.

[0065] A ninth aspect provides a communication device comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface being configured to communicate with a module outside the communication device, and the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions to implement the method as described in any third aspect.

[0066] A tenth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of the first aspects above.

[0067] Eleventh aspect: A computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of the second aspects above.

[0068] In a twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of the third aspects above.

[0069] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided that, when run on a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of the first aspects above.

[0070] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided that, when run on a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of the second aspects above.

[0071] In a fifteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided that, when run on a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of the third aspects above.

[0072] In a sixteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising a first access point, a second access point, and a station. The first access point is configured to determine that the station has roamed and switched to the second access point, and to send a first beacon message to the station. The first beacon message includes first indication information and a first duration. The first indication information indicates that the station and the first access point are in an associated state, and the first beacon message is configured to indicate that the station will end its sleep state when the first duration expires. The station is configured to receive the first beacon message from the first access point and end its sleep state when the first duration expires according to the first beacon message. The second access point is configured to determine that the station has switched to the second access point, and to send a second beacon message to the station. The second beacon message includes second indication information, and the second indication information indicates that the station and the second access point are in an associated state. The station is further configured to receive a second beacon message from the second access point and, according to the second beacon message, enter an energy-saving cycle corresponding to the second access point, or transmit data with the second access point.

[0073] In a seventeenth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system comprising the communication apparatus described in the fourth, fifth and sixth aspects above.

[0074] It is understood that any of the communication devices, computer-readable storage media, computer program products and communication systems provided above can be implemented by the corresponding methods provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods provided above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0075] Figure 1 A system architecture diagram of a communication system provided in this application embodiment;

[0076] Figure 2 An architectural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an adjustment beacon provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the format of an SCN element in a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 6This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method in a roaming scenario provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0081] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the format of an SCN element for another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this application embodiment in a roaming scenario;

[0083] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this application embodiment in a roaming scenario;

[0084] Figure 10 This is an architectural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0085] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0086] It should be noted that, in this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being described as an example, illustration, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0087] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0088] The method provided in this application can be applied to Wi-Fi communication systems, Bluetooth communication systems, or hybrid communication systems combining Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, or hybrid communication systems combining Wi-Fi technology with visible light.

[0089] It's important to note that Wi-Fi, also known as a "wireless hotspot," is a wireless local area network (WLAN) technology based on the IEEE 802.11 standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The Wi-Fi Alliance was founded in 1999 as the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA) and officially changed its name to the Wi-Fi Alliance in October 2002. Currently, Wi-Fi technology is widely used in various electronic products, such as personal computers, game consoles, MP3 players, smartphones, tablets, printers, laptops, and other peripheral devices that can access the internet wirelessly.

[0090] Next, we will briefly introduce the implementation environment and application scenarios of the embodiments of this application.

[0091] The implementation methods of this application can be applied to SCN networking systems. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 In the communication system 10, there may be multiple access points such as access point 101 and access point 102, as well as a station 103 that can wirelessly communicate with access point 101 or access point 102. Figure 1 This is merely an illustrative diagram and does not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solutions provided in this application.

[0092] Figure 1 The access point, such as access point 101 or access point 102, can be any device with wireless transceiver capabilities. This includes, but is not limited to, access nodes, wireless repeater nodes, and wireless backhaul nodes in a Wi-Fi system. The access point can also be a wireless controller, centralized unit (CU), and / or distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The access point can also be a server, wearable device, machine communication device, or vehicle-mounted device.

[0093] Figure 1The station 103 can be an electronic device with wireless transceiver capabilities, which can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as on ships); and it can also be deployed in the air (such as on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). The station can be a mobile phone, tablet, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, terminal in industrial control, vehicle-mounted terminal device, terminal in self-driving, terminal in assisted driving, terminal in remote medical care, terminal in smart grid, terminal in transportation safety, terminal in smart city, terminal in smart home, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios. Terminal equipment is sometimes also referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), access terminal, vehicle-mounted terminal, industrial control terminal, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, UE terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, machine terminal, UE agent, or UE device, etc. A terminal can be fixed or mobile.

[0094] Figure 1 The communication system 10 shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the technical solutions of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in specific implementations, the communication system 10 may also include other devices, and the number of access points and stations may be determined according to specific needs without limitation.

[0095] Access point 101 or access point 102 can periodically send beacon messages to broadcast the basic information of the AP. Sites within the coverage area of ​​the AP can receive the beacon messages and synchronize their time according to the beacon messages. Sites in energy-saving mode can also sleep or wake up according to the beacon messages.

[0096] It should be noted that since access point 101 or access point 102 share the same BSSID in the SCN network, for example, BSSID is 11:22:33:44:55, site 103 is perceived as a logical AP in the SCN network, and site 103 is not aware of roaming handover between access point 101 or access point 102.

[0097] The Beacon message includes the Beacon time interval, or the Beacon message period, which is generally represented by a Time Unit (TU). For example, the default Beacon message period can be 100 TU, where one TU is 1024 microseconds, meaning the Beacon message period can be approximately 0.1 seconds.

[0098] The Beacon message also includes a timestamp for time synchronization. After receiving the Beacon message broadcast by the access point, the site can synchronize its time with the AP's time based on the timestamp field in the Beacon message.

[0099] Additionally, the site can also determine the signal strength of the access point (AP) based on the signal strength of the received Beacon messages. For example, the Wi-Fi network signal strength displayed on the site's device can be related to the signal strength of the received Beacon messages. Specifically, the received signal strength refers to the signal strength of the Wi-Fi network received by the site from the access point, which can be represented, for example, by the site's received signal strength indicator (RSSI). The process by which the site obtains the received signal strength can include measuring the Wi-Fi physical layer received signal using an integrated Wi-Fi chip.

[0100] In addition, the Beacon message also includes a TIM (Time Indicator) information element, which is mainly used to broadcast which STAs under the jurisdiction of the access point have cached data in the access point AP. The TIM contains a Bitmap control field, typically up to 251 bytes, with each bit mapping to one STA. When the corresponding bit for a STA is 1, it indicates that the STA has cached data in the AP; when the corresponding bit for a STA is 0, it indicates that the STA does not have cached data in the AP.

[0101] In one implementation, a station can periodically transition from a dormant state to a wake-up state. A station in a dormant state neither sends nor receives messages from the access point. While a station is in a dormant state, the access point can cache data for that station. A station in a wake-up state can receive Beacon messages periodically sent by the access point. These Beacon messages can indicate whether the access point stores the station's cached data. If the access point stores the station's cached data, the station receives the cached data from the access point; if the access point does not store the station's cached data, the station enters a dormant state.

[0102] Optionally, embodiments of this application Figure 1Each network element in the device, such as access point 101, access point 102, and site 103, can be a functional module within the device. It is understood that the functional module can be a component in a hardware device, such as a communication chip or communication component in a site or access point, or a software functional module running on hardware, or a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0103] For example, Figure 1 Each network element in the network can be accessed through Figure 2 This is achieved through the communication device 200. Figure 2 The diagram shows a hardware structure of a communication device applicable to embodiments of this application. The communication device 200 may include at least one processor 201, a communication line 202, a memory 203, and at least one communication interface 204.

[0104] The processor 201 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits used to control the execution of the program of the present application.

[0105] Communication line 202 may include a path for transmitting information between the aforementioned components, such as a bus.

[0106] Communication interface 204 uses any transceiver-like device for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet interface, radio access network (RAN) interface, wireless local area network (WLAN) interface, etc.

[0107] The memory 203 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory may exist independently and be connected to the processor via communication line 202. The memory may also be integrated with the processor. The memory provided in this application embodiment is generally non-volatile. The memory 203 is used to store computer execution instructions involved in the scheme of this application and is controlled by the processor 201 for execution. The processor 201 is used to execute computer execution instructions stored in the memory 203, thereby implementing the method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0108] Optionally, the computer execution instructions in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as application code, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0109] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, the processor 201 may include one or more CPUs, for example... Figure 2 CPU0 and CPU1 in the CPU.

[0110] In a specific implementation, as one example, the communication device 200 may include multiple processors, such as... Figure 2 Processors 201 and 207 are described herein. Each of these processors may be a single-core (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. A processor here may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores used to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0111] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, the communication device 200 may further include an output device 205 and an input device 206. The output device 205 communicates with the processor 201 and can display information in various ways. For example, the output device 205 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. The input device 206 communicates with the processor 201 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, the input device 206 may be a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen device, or sensing device, etc.

[0112] The following is combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The information indication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below. The network element in the following embodiments may possess… Figure 2 The component shown.

[0113] It should be noted that the message names between network elements or the names of parameters in the messages in the following embodiments of this application are just examples. Other names may be used in the specific implementation. This application does not limit them in this respect.

[0114] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the access point or site may execute some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also execute other steps or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessary to execute all the steps in the embodiments of this application.

[0115] like Figure 3 As shown, this application provides a communication method that is applied to a first access point, a second access point, and a site in an SCN networking system. The method may include the following steps.

[0116] 301: The first access point determines that the site roaming switch is to the second access point and generates a first beacon message, which includes first indication information and a first duration.

[0117] The first indication information can be used to indicate that the site is associated with the first access point. Several specific indication methods will be described in detail below, and will not be repeated here.

[0118] It should be noted that a site being associated with an access point means that the site and access point have successfully established a connection, allowing the site to transmit data through the access point; that is, the site can send and receive data through the access point. From the access point's perspective, this can be manifested by the access point updating the site's recorded state from inactive to active.

[0119] In this case, since there may be multiple access points in an SCN network, and a site can only be aware of one logical AP, but cannot be aware of which physical access point the received message comes from, the site is not aware of the roaming handover between access points in an associated state. Instead, the roaming handover is managed and controlled by the controller.

[0120] For example, when a site moves and enters the overlapping coverage area of ​​the signal coverage areas of the first access point and the second access point, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the controller will control the station to roam and switch from the first access point to the second access point based on the station's location and movement direction. Specifically, the station's state at the first access point will be updated from Active to Inactive, and its state at the second access point will be updated from Inactive to Active. The station is currently in an unassociated state with the first access point, but in an associated state with the second access point, allowing it to transmit data via the second access point subsequently.

[0121] In one implementation, before the first access point determines that the site is roaming and switching to the second access point, the method may include: the first access point receiving a second notification message from the controller, the second notification message indicating that the site is roaming and switching to the second access point.

[0122] Furthermore, in one embodiment, before the first access point determines the site roaming handover to the second access point, the method may further include: the first access point receiving indication information of a first duration from the controller.

[0123] The first duration can essentially be the clock difference between the first Beacon message sent by the first access point and the Beacon message broadcast by the second access point. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the time interval between the first access point and the second access point broadcasting Beacon messages is 100ms, but their broadcast clocks are not synchronized. For example, if the first access point broadcasts a Beacon message at time T2, and the second access point's next Beacon message will be broadcast at time T4, then the first access point can send a first beacon message (adjusting the Beacon message) to the station at time T3. The time information carried in this first beacon message, i.e., the first duration, can be T4-T3.

[0124] Since the timing of roaming handover between access points is managed and controlled by the controller, the controller can send the first duration to the first access point, so that the first access point can notify the site to adjust the energy-saving cycle, thereby enabling the site to wake up from the dormant state and receive the Beacon message broadcast by the second access point after the roaming handover, thus avoiding packet loss problems caused by roaming handover.

[0125] In one implementation, the first duration can be less than or equal to the time interval at which the first access point periodically sends broadcast Beacon messages. Wherein, the first duration being less than the time interval at which the first access point periodically sends broadcast Beacon messages means that before the next Beacon message from AP1 arrives, the station will roam from AP1 to AP2. Therefore, the station needs to be woken up after the first duration has elapsed to receive the Beacon message from AP2.

[0126] 302: The first access point sends the first beacon message to the site.

[0127] The first beacon message can be a unicast beacon message, meaning that the first beacon message is sent point-to-point by the first access point to the site requiring roaming handover, based on a message issued by the controller. Essentially, the first beacon message is an adjustment beacon message, used to adjust the site's sleep period, instructing the site to end its sleep cycle when the first duration, as included in the first beacon message, is reached.

[0128] 303: The station receives the first beacon message and ends its hibernation when the first duration is reached, based on the first beacon message.

[0129] After receiving the first beacon message, the station obtains the first duration included in the first beacon message. The station can then end its sleep state when the first duration is reached, that is, the station wakes up from the sleep state and can receive messages sent by the second access point.

[0130] In one implementation, since the first beacon message carries first indication information, which indicates that the station and the first access point are in an associated state, the station can determine that the first beacon message was sent to the station based on the first indication information included in the first beacon message, and thus perform energy-saving cycle adjustment processing based on the first beacon message.

[0131] 304: The second access point sends a second beacon message, which includes second indication information.

[0132] In one implementation, the second beacon message is a Beacon message periodically broadcast by the second access point, and wireless devices within the wireless signal coverage area of ​​the second access point can receive the broadcast Beacon message.

[0133] The second beacon message may include the time interval for broadcasting the Beacon message, and may also include information such as a timestamp for clock synchronization.

[0134] The second access point, through information exchange with the controller, can determine whether the site needs to roam and switch from the first access point to the second access point. Therefore, the second beacon message can include second indication information, which indicates that the site is associated with the second access point.

[0135] In one implementation, before the second access point sends the second beacon message, the method may further include: the second access point can receive a second notification message from the controller, the second notification message being used to instruct the site to roam and switch to the second access point. Thus, the second access point determines that the site has roamed and switched to the second access point based on the second notification message.

[0136] The second indication information is used to indicate that the site and the second access point are in an associated state. The specific indication method will be described in detail below, and will not be repeated here.

[0137] 305: The station receives the second beacon message and enters the energy-saving cycle corresponding to the second access point according to the second beacon message, or transmits data with the second access point.

[0138] After receiving the second beacon message, the station obtains the second indication information included in the second beacon message, determines that the station and the second access point are in an associated state, and then processes the second beacon message.

[0139] Specifically, a station can enter the energy-saving cycle corresponding to the second access point based on the second beacon message, adjusting its own energy-saving cycle to match that of the second access point. Additionally, clock synchronization can be performed based on the second beacon message. Alternatively, if the second beacon message indicates that the second access point has data to transmit, the station can exit energy-saving mode, remain awake, and transmit data with the second access point until the data transmission is complete, at which point the station can re-enter energy-saving mode.

[0140] In addition, if a station receives other Beacon messages and detects that the Beacon message does not contain any indication that the station and the access point that sent the Beacon message are in an associated state, it means that the station and the access point that sent the Beacon message are not in an associated state, and the Beacon message does not contain the station's data, then the station can discard the Beacon message and not process it.

[0141] In the above-described embodiments of this application, the first access point sends a first beacon message, i.e., an adjustment beacon message, to the site undergoing roaming handover to adjust the site's energy-saving cycle, so that it can be woken up before the second access point broadcasts the beacon message, so as to successfully receive the correct access point's beacon message after the roaming handover and avoid packet loss due to energy saving.

[0142] Furthermore, in existing technologies, since the station is located in the overlapping area of ​​the signal coverage of multiple access points, the station can receive broadcast Beacon messages from the first and second access points for time synchronization and can also calculate the wireless signal strength. When the signal strength detected by the station differs significantly from that of the second access point, the obtained wireless signal strength changes frequently, affecting the user experience. However, through the above-described embodiments of this application, the station can calculate the wireless signal strength based solely on the Beacon messages from the first access point, or, after roaming handover, only based on the Beacon messages from the second access point, thus avoiding frequent changes in wireless signal strength and improving the user experience.

[0143] In the above embodiments, the first indication information or the second indication information may specifically indicate that the site carries the site's identification information or carries the site's corresponding activation status bitmap information, which is used to indicate that the site and the corresponding access point are in an associated state.

[0144] In one implementation, the first Beacon message sent by the first access point may carry site identification information to indicate that the site is associated with the first access point. Alternatively, the first Beacon message sent by the first access point may carry activation status bitmap information corresponding to the site to indicate that the site is associated with the first access point.

[0145] The second access point can indicate that the site is associated with the second access point by carrying the site's identification information in the second Beacon message it sends. Alternatively, the second access point can indicate that the site is associated with the second access point by carrying the site's corresponding activation status bitmap information in the second Beacon message it sends.

[0146] For example, in an SCN networking system, the first indication information may specifically be an SCN element. The SCN element may include site identification information of at least one site associated with the first access point, or it may include bitmap information of at least one site associated with the first access point. If the first indication information includes an Active STA Bitmap field, when a site is in an Active state on the access point, the Active STA Bitmap bit corresponding to the AID can be set to 1 based on the site's corresponding identifier, such as AID; otherwise, the Active STA Bitmap bit corresponding to the site can be set to 0.

[0147] In one implementation, the value of the Active STA Bitmap field corresponding to the access point can be obtained using the following algorithm:

[0148] Active STABitmap[AID / 8]|=1<<(AID%8).

[0149] In one embodiment, the first indication information may further include a feature identifier corresponding to the first indication information and an extended field corresponding to the feature identifier.

[0150] For example, such as Figure 5 The format of an SCN Element is shown, which may include a 1-byte element identifier, a 1-byte extended field, and 1 to 251 bytes of bitmap information for the active site.

[0151] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, when a station is within the coverage area of ​​access point AP1, it establishes an association with AP1. Therefore, the station is active on AP1 (Active) and inactive on AP2 (Inactive). When a station receives beacon messages periodically broadcast by AP1, it retrieves the SCN element field included in the beacon message. If the station determines that the corresponding flag bit in the bitmap information of the active station included in the SCN element field is 1, then the beacon message needs to be processed, i.e., time synchronization is performed based on the beacon message, and the energy-saving status is determined.

[0152] At this time, AP2 also broadcasts beacon messages at a fixed period. If a station is within the signal coverage area of ​​AP2, it can receive the beacon message from AP2, retrieve the SCN element field included in the beacon message, and determine that the identifier bit corresponding to the active station in the bitmap information of the active station included in the SCN element field is 0. Then, the beacon message does not need to be processed and can be discarded.

[0153] As the site moves, a roaming handover occurs from AP1 to AP2, meaning the site re-establishes its association with AP2 and can send and receive data through AP2. At this time, the site switches to an active state (Active) on AP2 and an inactive state (Inactive) on AP1.

[0154] Subsequently, AP2 broadcasts beacon messages at fixed intervals. When a station receives a beacon message from AP2, it retrieves the SCN element field included in the beacon message and determines that the identifier bit corresponding to the station in the bitmap information of the active station included in the SCN element field is 1. If so, the beacon message needs to be processed, that is, time synchronization is performed based on the beacon message, and the energy-saving status is determined.

[0155] At this time, AP1 also broadcasts beacon messages at a fixed period. If a station is within the signal coverage area of ​​AP1, it can receive the beacon message from AP1, retrieve the SCN element field included in the beacon message, and determine that the identifier bit corresponding to the active station in the bitmap information of the active station included in the SCN element field is 0. Then, the beacon message does not need to be processed and can be discarded.

[0156] Through the above implementation method, the access point adds an indication of the active site in the Beacon message, so that the site can receive the correct access point message for time synchronization and / or energy saving when roaming handover occurs, thereby avoiding the inability to receive data packets due to disordered energy saving status.

[0157] In addition, through the above embodiments of this application, before roaming handover, the station can calculate the wireless signal strength based solely on the Beacon message of AP1, or after roaming handover, the station can calculate the wireless signal strength based solely on the Beacon message of AP2, thus avoiding frequent changes in wireless signal strength and further improving the user experience.

[0158] In another implementation, the first or second indication information may specifically indicate that the site is associated with the corresponding access point by carrying the identification information of the corresponding access point.

[0159] In other words, the first indication information can indicate that the site is associated with the first access point by carrying the identification information of the first access point. Alternatively, the second indication information can indicate that the site is associated with the second access point by carrying the identification information of the second access point.

[0160] Therefore, the site can compare the access point identification information carried in the received Beacon message with the identification information of the access points in the associated state recorded locally, and select the Beacon message from the correct access point for processing. That is, it processes the Beacon message sent by the access point in the associated state, and discards the Beacon message sent by other access points.

[0161] It should be noted that when a site successfully establishes an association with the first access point, the site can record the identification information corresponding to the first access point locally. For example, if the first access point is used as an authorized access point, the identification information of the first access point is the identification information corresponding to the authorized access point.

[0162] In one implementation, before step 301 in the above implementation, i.e., before the first access point sends the first beacon message to the station, the method further includes: the station sending an association request message to the first access point, wherein the association request message can be used to request access to the first access point. After receiving the association request message from the station, the first access point sends an association response message back to the station, indicating whether the station and the access point have successfully established an association relationship. The association response message may include the identification information of the first access point, indicating that the station and the first access point are in an associated state. Thus, the station can record the identification information of the first access point and use the first access point as an authorized access point.

[0163] Furthermore, in step 303 of the above implementation, after receiving the first Beacon message, the station compares the identification information of the first access point carried in the first Beacon message with the identification information of the authorized access point recorded locally. If it determines that the first Beacon message originates from an authorized access point, i.e., from the first access point, the station adjusts the energy-saving cycle based on the first Beacon message. At this time, if the station receives other Beacon messages whose access point identification information does not match the locally recorded authorized access point identification information, the station discards the Beacon message without processing it.

[0164] Furthermore, after step 303 in the above embodiment, the first access point can send a first notification message to the site, the first notification message including the identification information of the second access point. The first notification message is used to indicate that the site and the second access point are in an associated state.

[0165] It should be noted that after sending the first beacon message, the first access point can immediately send the first notification message. At this time, the site is still in an active state and can receive the first notification message.

[0166] In other words, after the first access point sends an adjustment Beacon message (i.e., the first Beacon message) to the site about to undergo roaming handover, the first access point can send a first notification message for the handover to the site, which is used by the site to update the identification information of the authorized access point recorded locally. Specifically, after receiving the first notification message sent by the first access point, the site can update the identification information of the authorized access point recorded locally by the site to the identification information corresponding to the second access point.

[0167] Therefore, in step 305 of the above embodiment, after receiving the second Beacon message, the station determines that the second Beacon message originates from the second access point based on the identification information of the second access point carried in the second Beacon message. The station can compare the identification information of the second access point with the identification information of the authorized access points recorded locally to determine that the second Beacon message originates from an authorized access point, i.e., from the second access point. Then, the station adjusts the energy-saving cycle or performs data transmission based on the second Beacon message. At this time, if the station receives other Beacon messages, and the identification information of the access point carried in the Beacon message is inconsistent with the identification information of the authorized access points recorded locally, the station discards the Beacon message without processing it.

[0168] In this implementation, the specific form of the first or second indication information can be an SCN element added to the Beacon message. This SCN element may include access point identification information, such as the SCN AP ID field.

[0169] In one embodiment, the first indication information or the second indication information may further include the feature identifier corresponding to the SCNElement and the extended field corresponding to the feature identifier.

[0170] For example, such as Figure 7 The format of an SCN Element is shown, which may include a 1-byte element identifier, a 1-byte extended field, and a 1-byte access point identifier (SCN AP ID).

[0171] In one implementation, the first instruction information or the second instruction information may be carried in a service message, that is, the first instruction information or the second instruction information may be carried in a service message sent by the access point to the site.

[0172] In one implementation, the first indication information is carried in the Address4 field of the first Beacon message.

[0173] In one implementation, the second indication information is carried in the Address4 field of the second Beacon message.

[0174] Therefore, there is no need to define an SCN Element in the Beacon message. The access point can identify the authorized access point's identification information, such as AuthAPID, through the Address4 field in the message sent to the site, and then update the locally recorded authorized access point identifier AuthAPID based on the identifier included in the Address4 field. Alternatively, the access point can identify the site's corresponding identifier AID through the Address4 field in the message sent to the site.

[0175] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, when a site is within the coverage area of ​​access point AP1, it establishes an association with AP1. The site is then authenticated and online with AP1, and is in an active state. The site can locally record the access point identifier information of AP1 as the authorized access point identifier information (AuthAPID). When a site receives beacon messages periodically broadcast by AP1, it retrieves the SCN element field included in the beacon message. If the access point identifier information included in the SCN element field matches the authorized access point identifier information (AuthAPID) recorded locally by the site, then the beacon message needs to be processed, i.e., time synchronization is performed based on the beacon message, and the energy-saving cycle is adjusted.

[0176] At this time, AP2 also broadcasts beacon messages at fixed intervals. If a site is within the signal coverage area of ​​AP2, it can receive the beacon message from AP2, retrieve the SCN element field included in the beacon message, and determine that the access point identifier included in the SCN element field is inconsistent with the authorized access point identifier AuthAPID recorded locally by the site. If so, the beacon message does not need to be processed and can be discarded.

[0177] As a site moves, a roaming handover occurs from AP1 to AP2, meaning the site re-establishes its association with AP2 and can send and receive data through AP2. At this time, the Authorized Access Point ID (AuthAPID) recorded locally at the site needs to be updated to the access point ID of AP2.

[0178] It should be noted that when a site switches access points, AP1 can send an AdjustedBeacon to the site. This AdjustedBeacon can be unicast and is used by the site to adjust the period of the received beacon to avoid packet loss. Additionally, AP1 can also send a first notification message to the site. This first notification message includes AP2's identification information; that is, the first notification message can be used to instruct the site to switch to AP2, i.e., to be associated with AP2.

[0179] Subsequently, AP2 broadcasts beacon messages at fixed intervals. When a site receives a beacon message from AP2, it retrieves the SCN element field included in the beacon message. If the access point identification information included in the SCN element field is consistent with the authorized access point identification information AuthAPID recorded locally by the site, then the beacon message needs to be processed, that is, time synchronization is performed based on the beacon message, and the energy-saving cycle is adjusted.

[0180] At this time, AP1 also broadcasts beacon messages at a fixed period. If the site is within the signal coverage range of AP1, it can receive the beacon message from AP1, retrieve the SCN element field included in the beacon message, and determine that the access point identification information included in the SCN element field is inconsistent with the authorized access point identification information AuthAPID recorded locally by the site. If so, the beacon message does not need to be processed and can be discarded.

[0181] Through the above implementation method, by adding an access point identifier to the Beacon message or Association Response message, the site can receive the correct access point message for time synchronization and energy-saving cycle adjustment when roaming handover occurs, thereby avoiding packet loss.

[0182] Furthermore, in existing technologies, since the station can receive Beacon messages from AP1 and AP2 and perform time synchronization processing, when the signal strength detected by the station for AP1 differs significantly from that for AP2, the wireless signal strength fluctuates frequently, affecting the user experience. However, in the embodiments described in this application, the station can calculate the wireless signal strength based solely on the Beacon messages from AP1, or, after roaming handover, based solely on the Beacon messages from AP2, thus avoiding frequent changes in wireless signal strength and further improving the user experience.

[0183] In addition, this application also provides an information indication method, applied to an SCN system, in a scenario where a site roams from a first access point to a second access point.

[0184] When sending a Beacon, the access point can set the flag bit corresponding to the inactive site in the TIM bitmap to 1 to avoid misleading the site into thinking that the first access point has no cached data to send, thus causing it to enter a dormant state and resulting in packet loss.

[0185] In one implementation, such as Figure 9 As shown, the site is authenticated and online on AP1 and is in an active state, meaning it has successfully established a connection with AP1. AP1 marks the site as active and sends and receives data normally with it. AP2 marks the site as inactive and does not send or receive data with it. When the site moves from AP1 to AP2, AP2 can set the corresponding flag bit in the TIM bitmap of the broadcast Beacon message to 1. Upon receiving the Beacon message, the site, based on the flag bit being set to 1 in the TIM bitmap, determines that it needs to receive buffered data, thus avoiding packet loss issues after roaming.

[0186] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a communication device for implementing the steps performed by the station in the above embodiments. For example... Figure 10 The communication device 1000 includes a communication unit 1001 and a processing unit 1002.

[0187] The communication unit 1001 can be used to receive a first beacon message from the first access point. The first beacon message includes first indication information and a first duration. The first indication information indicates that the communication device 1000 is associated with the first access point.

[0188] The processing unit 1002 can be used to end the sleep state when the first duration is reached according to the first Beacon message.

[0189] The communication unit 1001 can also be used to receive a second Beacon message from the second access point. The second Beacon message includes second indication information, which indicates that the communication device 1000 is associated with the second access point.

[0190] The processing unit 1002 can also be used to enter the energy-saving cycle corresponding to the second access point according to the second Beacon message, or to transmit data with the second access point.

[0191] In one implementation, the first duration is less than or equal to the time interval during which the first access point periodically sends broadcast Beacon messages.

[0192] In one embodiment, the communication unit 1001 can also be used to send an association request message to the first access point; receive an association response message from the first access point, the association response message including the identification information of the first access point, and the association response message indicating that the communication device 1000 is in an association state with the first access point.

[0193] In one embodiment, the communication unit 1001 can also be used to receive a first notification message from a first access point, the first notification message including the identification information of the second access point, the first notification message indicating that the communication device 1000 is associated with the second access point.

[0194] In one embodiment, the processing unit 1002 may be specifically used to adjust the energy-saving cycle of the communication device 1000 according to the second Beacon message, and enter the energy-saving cycle corresponding to the second access point.

[0195] In one embodiment, the first indication information indicates that the communication device 1000 is associated with the first access point by carrying the identification information of the communication device 1000 or the activation state bitmap information corresponding to the communication device 1000; or, the first indication information indicates that the communication device 1000 is associated with the first access point by carrying the identification information of the first access point.

[0196] In one embodiment, the second indication information indicates that the communication device 1000 is associated with the second access point by carrying the identification information of the communication device 1000 or the activation state bitmap information corresponding to the communication device 1000; or, the second indication information indicates that the communication device 1000 is associated with the second access point by carrying the identification information of the second access point.

[0197] In one implementation, the first indication information is carried in the Address4 field of the first Beacon message.

[0198] In one implementation, the second indication information is carried in the Address4 field of the second Beacon message.

[0199] In one implementation, the first Beacon message is a unicast Beacon message, and the second Beacon message is a broadcast Beacon message.

[0200] Furthermore, based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a communication device for implementing the steps performed by the first access point in the above embodiments. For example... Figure 10The communication device 1000 includes a communication unit 1001 and a processing unit 1002.

[0201] The processing unit 1002 is used to determine the site roaming switch to the second access point.

[0202] The communication unit 1001 is used to send a first beacon message to the station. The first beacon message includes first indication information and a first duration. The first indication information indicates that the station and the communication device 1000 are in an associated state. The first beacon message is used to instruct the station to end its hibernation when the first duration is reached.

[0203] In one implementation, the first duration is less than or equal to the time interval during which the communication device 1000 periodically transmits broadcast Beacon messages.

[0204] In one embodiment, the communication unit 1001 is further configured to receive a second notification message from the controller, the second notification message instructing the site to switch roaming to the second access point.

[0205] In one embodiment, the communication unit 1001 is further configured to receive indication information of the first duration from the controller.

[0206] In one embodiment, the communication unit 1001 is further configured to receive an association request message from the site; send an association response message to the site, the association response message including identification information of the communication device 1000, the association response message indicating that the site and the communication device 1000 are in an association state.

[0207] In one embodiment, the communication unit 1001 is further configured to send a first notification message to the site, the first notification message including the identification information of the second access point, the first notification message indicating that the site and the second access point are in an associated state.

[0208] In one embodiment, the first indication information indicates that the station and the communication device 1000 are in an associated state by carrying the identification information of the station or the activation state bitmap information corresponding to the station; or, the first indication information indicates that the station and the communication device 1000 are in an associated state by carrying the identification information of the communication device 1000.

[0209] In one implementation, the first indication information is carried in the Address4 field of the first Beacon message.

[0210] In one implementation, the first Beacon message is a unicast Beacon message.

[0211] Furthermore, based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a communication device for implementing the steps performed by the second access point in the above embodiments. For example... Figure 10 The communication device 1000 includes a communication unit 1001 and a processing unit 1002.

[0212] The processing unit 1002 can be used to determine when a site is switched to the communication device 1000.

[0213] The communication unit 1001 can be used to send a second Beacon message to the station. The second Beacon message includes second indication information, which indicates that the station is associated with the communication device 1000. The second Beacon message indicates that the station enters an energy-saving cycle corresponding to the communication device 1000, or transmits data with the communication device 1000.

[0214] In one embodiment, the communication unit 1001 is further configured to receive a second notification message from the controller, the second notification message instructing the site roaming to switch to the communication device 1000.

[0215] In one embodiment, the second indication information indicates that the station and the communication device 1000 are in an associated state by carrying the identification information of the station or the activation state bitmap information corresponding to the station; or, the second indication information indicates that the station and the communication device 1000 are in an associated state by carrying the identification information of the communication device 1000.

[0216] In one implementation, the second indication information is carried in the Address4 field of the second Beacon message.

[0217] In one implementation, the second Beacon message is a broadcast Beacon message.

[0218] Understandable, combined Figure 2 As shown, when the communication device is an electronic device, the communication unit 1001 can be a transceiver, which may include an antenna and radio frequency circuits, etc., and the processing unit 1002 can be a processor, such as a baseband chip. When the device is a component having the functions of an access point or station as described in the above embodiments, the communication unit 1001 can be a radio frequency unit, and the processing unit 1002 can be a processor. When the communication device is a chip system, the communication unit 1001 can be an input interface and / or output interface of the chip system, and the processing unit 1002 can be a processor of the chip system, such as a central processing unit (CPU).

[0219] It should be noted that the specific execution process and embodiments in the above communication device can refer to the steps and related descriptions executed by the first access point, the second access point, or the site in the above method embodiments. The technical problems solved and the technical effects brought about can also refer to the content described in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0220] In this embodiment, the communication device can be presented in an integrated manner, divided into various functional modules. Here, "module" can refer to a specific circuit, a processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other devices that can provide the aforementioned functions. In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that the communication device can adopt the aforementioned... Figure 2 As shown in the figure.

[0221] For example, Figure 10 The function / implementation process of the processing unit 1002 can be achieved through... Figure 2 The processor 201 in the memory calls computer program instructions stored in memory 203 to implement the program. For example, Figure 10 The function / implementation process of the communication unit 1001 can be achieved through... Figure 2 It is implemented using the communication interface 204.

[0222] In some implementations... Figure 2 The processor 201 can call computer execution instructions stored in the memory 203, so that the device 200 can perform the operations performed by the first access point, the second access point, or the site in the above-described method embodiments, and implement the above-described possible implementation methods of this application.

[0223] The communication group devices in the above-described device embodiments can completely correspond to the first access point, second access point, or station in the method embodiments, with corresponding modules or units executing the corresponding steps. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the communication unit can be an interface circuit for the chip to receive signals from other chips or devices. The communication unit used for sending or receiving is an interface circuit of the device, used to send signals to other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the communication unit can be an interface circuit for sending signals to other chips or devices.

[0224] In an exemplary embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium or a computer program product including instructions is also provided, which can be executed by the processor 201 of the communication device 200 to perform the methods of the above embodiments. Therefore, the technical effects obtained can be referred to the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0225] This application also provides a computer program product including instructions that, when executed, enable the computer to perform operations corresponding to the methods described above, performed by a first access point, a second access point, or a site.

[0226] This application also provides a system-on-a-chip (SoC) comprising a processing unit and a communication unit. The processing unit may be, for example, a processor, and the communication unit may be, for example, an input / output interface, pins, or circuitry. The processing unit can execute computer instructions to cause the communication device to which the chip is applied to perform the operations performed by the first access point, second access point, or station in the methods provided in the above-described embodiments of this application.

[0227] Optionally, any of the communication devices provided in the above embodiments of this application may include the system chip.

[0228] Optionally, the computer instructions are stored in a storage unit.

[0229] This application also provides a communication system, which may include any of the first access point, second access point or station described in the above embodiments.

[0230] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions according to the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices.

[0231] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein.

[0232] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, applied to stations in a single-channel network (SCN), includes: The station receives a first beacon message from a first access point. The first beacon message includes first indication information and a first duration. The first indication information indicates that the station and the first access point are in an associated state. The first indication information indicates that the station and the first access point are in an associated state by carrying the activation state bitmap information corresponding to the station. Alternatively, the first indication information indicates that the station and the first access point are in an associated state by carrying the identification information of the first access point. The station ends its sleep state when the first duration is reached based on the first Beacon message; The station receives a second Beacon message from the second access point. The second Beacon message includes second indication information, which indicates that the station and the second access point are in an associated state. The second indication information indicates that the station and the second access point are in an associated state by carrying the activation state bitmap information corresponding to the station. Alternatively, the second indication information indicates that the station and the second access point are in an associated state by carrying the identification information of the second access point. The station enters the energy-saving cycle corresponding to the second access point based on the second Beacon message, or transmits data with the second access point.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first duration is less than or equal to the time interval during which the first access point periodically sends broadcast Beacon messages.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before the station receives the first beacon message from the first access point, the method further includes: The site sends an association request message to the first access point; The station receives an association response message from the first access point, the association response message including the identification information of the first access point, the association response message indicating that the station and the first access point are in an association state.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After the station receives the first beacon message from the first access point, the method further includes: The site receives a first notification message from the first access point, the first notification message including the identification information of the second access point, the first notification message indicating that the site and the second access point are in an associated state.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The station enters the energy-saving cycle corresponding to the second access point based on the second Beacon message, specifically including: The station adjusts its energy-saving cycle according to the second Beacon message and enters the energy-saving cycle corresponding to the second access point.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first indication information indicates that the site is associated with the first access point by carrying the site's identification information.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second indication information indicates that the site is associated with the second access point by carrying the site's identification information.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, applied to the first access point in a single-channel network (SCN), includes: The first access point determines that the site roaming switch will be made to the second access point; The first access point sends a first beacon message to the station. The first beacon message includes first indication information and a first duration. The first indication information indicates that the station and the first access point are in an associated state. The first beacon message is used to indicate that the station ends its sleep state when the first duration expires. The first indication information indicates that the station and the first access point are in an associated state by carrying the active state bitmap information corresponding to the station. Alternatively, the first indication information indicates that the station and the first access point are in an associated state by carrying the identification information of the first access point.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first duration is less than or equal to the time interval during which the first access point periodically sends broadcast Beacon messages.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, Before the first access point determines that the site roaming handover has been completed to the second access point, the method further includes: The first access point receives a second notification message from the controller, the second notification message instructing the site to switch roaming to the second access point.

11. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, Before the first access point determines that the site roaming handover has been completed to the second access point, the method further includes: The first access point receives indication information of the first duration from the controller.

12. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, After the first access point sends the first Beacon message to the station, the method further includes: The first access point sends a first notification message to the site. The first notification message includes the identification information of the second access point and indicates that the site and the second access point are in an associated state.

13. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The first indication information indicates that the site is associated with the first access point by carrying the site's identification information.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, applied to a second access point in a single-channel network (SCN), includes: The second access point determines that the site is switched to the second access point; The second access point sends a second beacon message to the station. The second beacon message includes second indication information, which indicates that the station and the second access point are in an associated state. The second beacon message indicates that the station enters an energy-saving cycle corresponding to the second access point, or transmits data with the second access point. The second indication information indicates that the station and the second access point are in an associated state by carrying the activation status bitmap information corresponding to the station. Alternatively, the second indication information indicates that the station and the second access point are in an associated state by carrying the identification information of the second access point.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Before the second access point determines the site roaming handover to the second access point, the method further includes: The second access point receives a second notification message from the controller, which instructs the site to switch roaming to the second access point.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The second indication information indicates that the site is associated with the second access point by carrying the site's identification information.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: A communication unit is configured to receive a first beacon message from a first access point. The first beacon message includes first indication information and a first duration. The first indication information indicates that the device is associated with the first access point. The first indication information indicates that the device is associated with the first access point by carrying activation state bitmap information corresponding to the device. Alternatively, the first indication information indicates that the device is associated with the first access point by carrying identification information of the first access point. The processing unit is configured to end the sleep state when the first duration is reached based on the first Beacon message; The communication unit is further configured to receive a second Beacon message from a second access point, the second Beacon message including second indication information, the second indication information indicating that the device is associated with the second access point; the second indication information indicates that the device is associated with the second access point by carrying activation state bitmap information corresponding to the device; or, the second indication information indicates that the device is associated with the second access point by carrying identification information of the second access point. The processing unit is further configured to enter the energy-saving cycle corresponding to the second access point based on the second Beacon message, or to transmit data with the second access point.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first duration is less than or equal to the time interval during which the first access point periodically sends broadcast Beacon messages.

19. The apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The communication unit is also used to send an association request message to the first access point; The device receives an association response message from the first access point, the association response message including the identification information of the first access point, the association response message indicating that the device is associated with the first access point.

20. The apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The communication unit is further configured to receive a first notification message from the first access point, the first notification message including the identification information of the second access point, the first notification message indicating that the device is associated with the second access point.

21. The apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The processing unit is specifically used to adjust the energy-saving cycle of the device according to the second Beacon message, and enter the energy-saving cycle corresponding to the second access point.

22. The apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The first indication information indicates that the device is associated with the first access point by carrying the device's identification information.

23. The apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The second indication information indicates that the device is associated with the second access point by carrying the device's identification information.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: The processing unit is used to determine whether the site roaming switch should be performed to the second access point; A communication unit is configured to send a first beacon message to the station. The first beacon message includes first indication information and a first duration. The first indication information indicates that the station and the device are in an associated state. The first beacon message is used to indicate that the station ends its sleep state when the first duration expires. The first indication information indicates that the station and the device are in an associated state by carrying the activation state bitmap information corresponding to the station. Alternatively, the first indication information indicates that the station and the device are in an associated state by carrying the identification information of the device.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that, The communication unit is further configured to receive a second notification message from the controller, the second notification message instructing the site to switch roaming to the second access point.

26. The apparatus according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that, The communication unit is further configured to send a first notification message to the site, the first notification message including the identification information of the second access point, the first notification message indicating that the site and the second access point are in an associated state.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: Processing unit, used to determine the site roaming switch to the device; A communication unit is configured to send a second beacon message to the station. The second beacon message includes second indication information, which indicates that the station and the device are in an associated state. The second beacon message indicates that the station enters an energy-saving cycle corresponding to the device, or transmits data with the device. The second indication information indicates that the station and the device are in an associated state by carrying activation state bitmap information corresponding to the station. Alternatively, the second indication information indicates that the station and the device are in an associated state by carrying identification information of the device.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that, The device is also configured to receive a second notification message from the controller, the second notification message instructing the site roaming to switch to the device.

29. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a first access point, a second access point, and a site. The first access point is used to determine that the site has roamed to the second access point and sends a first beacon message to the site. The first beacon message includes first indication information and a first duration. The first indication information indicates that the site is associated with the first access point. The first beacon message is used to indicate that the site will end its hibernation when the first duration is reached. The first indication information indicates that the site and the first access point are associated by carrying the activation status bitmap information corresponding to the site; or, the first indication information indicates that the site and the first access point are associated by carrying the identification information of the first access point. The station is used to receive a first beacon message from a first access point and to end its sleep state when the first duration is reached based on the first beacon message. The second access point is used to determine that the site has switched to the second access point, and sends a second beacon message to the site. The second beacon message includes second indication information, which indicates that the site and the second access point are in an associated state. The second indication information indicates that the site and the second access point are in an associated state by carrying the activation state bitmap information corresponding to the site. Alternatively, the second indication information may indicate that the site is associated with the second access point by carrying the identification information of the second access point; The station is also used to receive a second Beacon message from the second access point, enter an energy-saving cycle corresponding to the second access point according to the second Beacon message, or transmit data with the second access point.

Images