Router networking devices, methods and systems

Abstract

This application provides a router networking method. The router includes a parent router and at least one child router. The networking method includes: detecting a user equipment (UE) network access request in an area outside the first area, wherein outside the first area, the UE receives parameters from the parent router that are less than or equal to a first preset value; and locating the position of the UE and controlling at least one child router to move to a designated position, wherein the UE receives parameters from the child router at the designated position that are greater than a second preset value. The technical solution of this application allows the child routers to respond according to the user's different locations or temporary network access needs, and the child routers can move according to the instructions of the parent router, realizing automated and intelligent networking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a router networking apparatus, method, and system. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread adoption of broadband, Wi-Fi has become an indispensable part of daily life. Mobile phones, computers, smart home appliances, and home security cameras all rely on wireless networks, necessitating wide coverage, stability, and high transmission speeds. Especially in large homes, users often use a mesh network with a main router and sub-routers to extend network coverage. Current router technology typically includes a main router and sub-routers connected via wired or wireless connections. However, this method has several limitations: First, while adding sub-routers effectively increases coverage, many covered areas may not actually require network access, leading to wasted resources. Second, once the topology of the main and sub-routers is fixed, the coverage area is limited, making it impossible to respond to temporary network access needs in uncovered areas, impacting the user experience. Third, sub-routers cannot function in locations without power outlets, failing to effectively handle temporary network access requests. Fourth, configuring the main and sub-routers requires manual relocation, preventing automation and intelligent setup. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some embodiments of this application provide router networking apparatus, methods, and systems that can at least partially solve the aforementioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] According to one aspect of this application, a router networking method is provided, the router including a parent router and at least one child router, the networking method including: detecting a user equipment access network request in an area outside the first area, wherein, outside the first area, the user equipment receives parameters from the parent router that are less than or equal to a first preset value; and locating the position of the user equipment and controlling at least one of the child routers to move to a designated position, wherein, at the designated position, the user equipment receives parameters from the child router that are greater than a second preset value.

[0005] In one embodiment of this application, after locating the position of the user equipment and controlling at least one of the sub-routers to move to a designated position, the method may further include: receiving parameters of the sub-routers at the designated position; determining the parameters; if the parameters of the designated position are greater than a second preset value, determining the designated position as the final position of the sub-routers; or if the parameters of the designated position are less than or equal to the second preset value, changing the designated position of the sub-routers until the parameters of the designated position are greater than the second preset value.

[0006] In one embodiment of this application, before detecting that a user equipment receives a network access request from the parent router in an area outside the first area, the method may further include: determining the placement location of the parent router so that the parameters of the parent router meet the user's requirements in the first area.

[0007] In one embodiment of this application, determining the placement location of the parent router may include: controlling at least one of the child routers to probe the area to be covered by the network; receiving the probe information from the child routers and drawing an area map based on the probe information; dividing the area map into multiple sampling points and controlling at least one of the child routers to collect information from the sampling points; detecting user access to the network, collecting the user's internet access information, locating the user's location based on the area map, the information from the sampling points, and the user's internet access information; and drawing a network usage heatmap of the user based on the internet access information, and providing the placement location of the parent router.

[0008] In one embodiment of this application, after drawing the user's network usage heatmap based on the internet access information and confirming the placement location of the parent router, the method further includes: sending the network usage heatmap and the placement location of the parent router to the user for confirmation and obtaining feedback information; when the feedback information is confirmation, determining the placement location of the parent router as the final placement location of the parent router; or when the feedback information is non-confirmation, adjusting the position of the parent router, controlling the sub-router to re-determine the network usage heatmap, obtaining an updated network usage heatmap, sending the updated network usage heatmap and the placement location of the parent router to the user for confirmation and obtaining updated feedback information, and then determining the final placement location of the parent router based on the updated feedback information.

[0009] In one embodiment of this application, the method may further include: detecting the power level of the sub-router; and if the power level of the sub-router is less than a safety threshold, the parent router controls the remaining sub-routers to take over the operation of the current sub-router.

[0010] In one embodiment of this application, the method may further include: recalling the sub-router whose battery level is less than a safety threshold and charging the sub-router.

[0011] In one embodiment of this application, dividing the area map into multiple sampling points and controlling at least one sub-router to collect information from the sampling points may include: dividing the area map into multiple grid-like sampling points and setting the coordinate information of the sampling points; and using a wireless connection to test the parameters of different sampling points.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, the internet access information may include the user's internet traffic, internet location, and internet access time.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, the parameters may include at least one of the received signal strength, negotiation rate, and actual throughput.

[0014] Another aspect of this application provides a router networking device, the router including a parent router and at least one child router, the networking device may include: a detection unit, configured to detect a user equipment network access request in an area outside the first area, wherein, outside the first area, the user equipment receives parameters from the parent router that are less than or equal to a first preset value; and a control unit, configured to locate the position of the user equipment and control at least one child router to move to a designated position, wherein, at the designated position, the child router receives parameters from the child router that are greater than a second preset value.

[0015] This application also provides a router networking system, which may include a parent router and at least one child router connected to the parent router; the parent router includes a processing module and a power supply module, and the parent router is used to send a mobility control command to at least one of the child routers; and the child router includes a power supply module and a mobility module, the power supply module provides power to the child router, and the child router is used to receive the mobility control command and move to a designated location according to the mobility control command.

[0016] According to an exemplary implementation of this application, after detecting a user's network access request, the parent router locates the user's position and moves the child routers to the designated locations to expand network coverage and meet the user's internet access needs. The child routers can respond according to the user's different locations or temporary network access needs, and can move according to the parent router's instructions, thus achieving automated and intelligent network configuration.

[0017] According to other exemplary embodiments of this application, based on the detection information of the sub-router, the mother router controls the sub-router to collect information at the sampling point, determine the user's network usage heatmap, and provide the placement location of the mother router. This can enable the wireless signal of the mother router to cover the range of the user's normal network usage, making the coverage range of the mother router's wireless signal more in line with the user's network usage habits. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a router networking method according to an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of determining the location of the parent router according to an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a grid-like sampling point distribution according to an exemplary embodiment of this application; and

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a router networking apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To better understand this application, various aspects of this application will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these detailed descriptions are merely illustrative of exemplary embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application in any way. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The expression "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0024] In the accompanying drawings, the size, dimensions, and shapes of the elements have been slightly adjusted for ease of illustration. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not strictly to scale. As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and similar terms are used to indicate approximation, not degree, and are intended to illustrate inherent deviations in measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, the order in which the steps are described in this application does not necessarily indicate the order in which these steps occur in actual operation, unless otherwise expressly defined or deduced from the context.

[0025] It should also be understood that expressions such as "comprising," "including," "having," "containing," and / or "comprising" are open-ended rather than closed-ended expressions in this specification, indicating the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but not excluding the presence of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. Furthermore, when expressions such as "at least one of..." appear after a list of listed features, they modify the entire list of features, not just individual elements in the list. Additionally, when describing embodiments of this application, the word "may" is used to mean "one or more embodiments of this application." And the term "exemplary" is intended to refer to examples or illustrations.

[0026] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including engineering and technical terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. It should also be understood that, unless expressly stated herein, terms defined in common dictionaries shall be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as having an idealized or overly formalized meaning.

[0027] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a router networking method 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. The router includes a parent router and at least one child router, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the router networking method 1000 may include:

[0029] Step S1100: A user equipment network access request is detected in an area outside the first area, wherein, outside the first area, the parameters received by the user equipment from the parent router are less than or equal to a first preset value; and

[0030] Step S1200: Locate the position of the user equipment and control at least one sub-router to move to a designated position, wherein the user equipment receives parameters from the sub-router at the designated position that are greater than a second set value.

[0031] Before detecting a network access request from a user device outside the first area, the user can adjust the location of the parent router according to their own network usage habits, so that the parameters of the parent router in the first area match the user's network usage habits. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of determining the location of the parent router according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, determining the location of the mother router includes the following steps:

[0032] Step S100: Control at least one sub-router to probe the area to be covered by the network;

[0033] Step S200: Receive the probe information from the sub-router and draw an area map based on the probe information;

[0034] Step S300: Divide the area map into multiple sampling points, and control at least one sub-router to collect information from the sampling points;

[0035] Step S400: Detecting user network access, collecting user internet access information, and locating the user's position based on the area map, sampling point information, and user internet access information; and

[0036] Step S500: Draw a network usage heatmap of the user based on the internet access information and provide the location of the main router.

[0037] In steps S100 and S200, the router includes a master router and at least one sub-router, which can be physically or wirelessly connected to the master router. First, the master router controls at least one sub-router to probe the area to be covered by the network, and then draws an area map based on the probe information from the sub-routers. In an exemplary embodiment of this application, each sub-router can move, first scanning and modeling the area to be covered by the network, and then sending the scanning and modeling information to the master router. The master router generates an area map based on the information collected by the sub-routers. During the measurement process, the master router can use a single sub-router to probe the entire area to be covered by the network and receive the probe information from the sub-router; the master router can also use multiple sub-routers to probe parts of the area to be covered by the network separately and receive the probe information from each sub-router. During the sub-router's probe process, the sub-router can move and autonomously determine whether there are obstacles in its direction of movement, braking or turning promptly upon encountering an obstacle. For example, if the area to be covered by the network is a residential area, the sub-router can first scan the entire residential area to generate a floor plan.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment of this application, by probing the area to be covered by the network through at least one sub-router and drawing an area map, the parent router can better understand the size and characteristics of the area to be covered by the network, which is beneficial for determining the location of the parent router in the future.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, in step S300, the parent router can further divide the area map into multiple grid-like sampling points and control the sub-routers to collect information from the sampling points. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a grid-like sampling point according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. An exemplary schematic diagram of dividing a region map into multiple grid-like sampling points is shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the intersections of the grid can be used as sampling points. The coordinate information of the sampling points can be set according to the region map. For example, the coordinates of the sampling points can be (x1, y1)...(x n y n The number and coordinates of sampling points can be adjusted based on the area map. The parent router and child routers can be wirelessly connected. The parent router controls the child router to test the information of each sampling point. The information of the sampling point may include at least one of the Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), negotiation rate, and actual throughput. For example, the received signal strength value is used as the information of the sampling point. Based on the RSSI values ​​of different sampling points, the signal strength of the parent router at the sampling point's location can be clearly understood. This application's exemplary implementation uses the intersection of grids as an example for the sampling point; however, the sampling point can also be located at the center of each grid, and this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, the parent router can divide the sampling points based on a region map. For example, during the process of the sub-router sending probe information and generating a region map, the location and size of obstacles within the area to be covered by the network can be marked to avoid situations where obstacles prevent information collection at designated sampling points. For example, a floor plan can be divided into multiple grid-like sampling points, with the locations of furniture and appliances marked on the floor plan. During the sampling point division process, the locations of furniture and appliances are avoided, facilitating information collection at designated sampling points by the sub-router.

[0041] In another exemplary embodiment of this application, the parent router can divide the sampling points based on a region map. For example, during the process of the sub-router sending probe information and generating the region map, the location and size of obstacles within the area to be covered by the network are not marked. If the sub-router encounters an obstacle at a sampling point, it can send the information to the parent router. The parent router, based on the feedback from the sub-router, resets the sampling points near the obstacle-affected sampling point and controls the sub-router to collect information at the new sampling points. For example, the floor plan can be divided into multiple grid-like sampling points. The sub-router collects information at designated sampling points and uploads the collected information to the parent router. The parent router can obtain the information of the corresponding sampling point, which may include at least one of the received signal strength value, negotiation rate, and actual throughput. If an obstacle, such as furniture or appliances, is encountered at a sampling point, the sub-router can feed the information back to the parent router, which can then reset at least one sampling point around the furniture or appliances.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, in step S400, when the parent router detects that a user has accessed the network, it uses the child router to collect the user's internet access information. This information may include the user's data usage, location, and usage time. Based on the area map, sampling point information, and the user's internet access information, the user's location can be determined. Taking the received signal strength value as an example, different sampling points correspond to different RSSI values. The location of the sampling point where the user is located can be determined based on the RSSI value returned when the user accesses the network. Based on the coordinate information of the sampling point, the user's specific location can be confirmed.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, in step S500, the main router can draw a network usage heatmap based on the user's internet access information. The user's internet access information may include data usage, location, and time of use. By analyzing user behavior based on this information, the network usage heatmap can be drawn. For example, the heatmap can be used to analyze the user's frequent network usage times, locations, and required network traffic, thus determining the user's typical network usage range. The placement of the main router can then be determined based on this typical network usage range, making its location more aligned with the user's network usage habits.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, after confirming the placement location of the parent router based on the network usage heatmap, the network usage heatmap and the placement location of the parent router can be sent to the user for confirmation. If the user confirms the current placement location of the parent router, the placement location of the parent router can be the final placement location of the parent router. If the user believes that the current placement location of the parent router needs to be adjusted, the user can adjust the placement location of the parent router, and then the parent router controls the sub-routers to redetermine the network usage heatmap to obtain an updated network usage heatmap. Then, the parent router sends the updated network usage heatmap and the updated location of the parent router to the user for confirmation and obtains the user's feedback information. For example, during the process of determining the location of the parent router, the user can intuitively see the RSSI value distribution and the RSSI value of each sampling point based on the network usage heatmap. The user can change the RSSI value corresponding to the sampling point by adjusting the placement location of the parent router until it meets the customer's needs.

[0045] According to the exemplary embodiments of this application, determining the placement of the main router based on a network usage heatmap can ensure that the main router's wireless signal covers the area of ​​the user's normally used network, making the coverage area of ​​the main router's wireless signal more aligned with the user's network usage habits. Furthermore, users can adjust the placement of the main router according to their personal network usage habits, providing better signal strength values ​​for frequently used network locations, thus providing users with a better internet browsing experience.

[0046] In the exemplary embodiments of this application, once the placement location of the parent router is determined, the location is generally fixed and not easily adjusted later. Therefore, the coverage area of ​​the parent router only serves as the user's normal network coverage. For users' network usage habits at different times and temporary network access needs, network access can be provided through child routers. The parent router and child routers can be connected via a mesh network. In steps S1100 and S1200, when a user equipment network access request is detected outside the first area, the user's location can be located, and the child router can be controlled to move to a designated location. Specifically, outside the first area, the parameters received by the user equipment from the parent router are less than or equal to a first preset value, while the parameters received by the user equipment from the child router at the designated location are greater than a second preset value. These parameters may include at least one of the received signal strength, negotiation rate, and actual throughput. The first and second preset values ​​can be set according to the user's actual needs; they can be the same or different, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this. For example, taking the received signal strength value as an example, the first set value can be -70dBm, that is, in the first area, the strength of the received signal from the parent router received by the user equipment is greater than -70dBm.

[0047] For example, if a user equipment needs to access the network in an area outside the first area, it can be configured using an area map or a sampling point distribution map. Taking the sampling point distribution map as an example, if the user wants to access the network in (x... n Network connection is established at point y1. Users can set the desired network connection point on the sampling point distribution map. When the parent router detects the desired network connection point, it can control the child router to move to that point. Users can also determine the area requiring network connection on the sampling point distribution map. When the parent router detects the area requiring network connection, it can control the child router to move to the center of the area or a user-specified location. Furthermore, the child router can adjust according to the user's location to provide better received signal strength values ​​for the user's network usage location.

[0048] For example, a user can configure the main router so that when it detects that the user's device parameters are below a first preset value, it sends a message to the user asking if the sub-router needs to extend the network range to ensure the user's internet quality. If the user agrees to use the sub-router, the main router can control the sub-router to move to a designated location based on the user's device location. At this designated location, the user device receives signals from the sub-router whose parameters are greater than a second preset value. These parameters can include at least one of the following: received signal strength, negotiated rate, and actual throughput. For example, taking received signal strength as the parameter, the first preset value can be -80 dBm, meaning that after the sub-router moves to the designated location, the user device receives a signal strength from the sub-router that is greater than -80 dBm. Furthermore, the sub-router can also adjust based on the user's location to provide better signal strength for the user's network usage location.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, after the parent router locates the user equipment's position based on the network access request and controls at least one sub-router to move to a designated position, the sub-router performs parameter testing at the designated position and sends the test results to the parent router. The parent router receives the parameters from the sub-router at the designated position and determines the parameters. If the parameters received by the user equipment at the designated position are greater than a second preset value, the designated position is determined as the final position of the sub-router. If the parameters at the designated position are less than or equal to the second preset value, the designated position of the sub-router is changed until the parameters at the designated position are greater than the second preset value. For example, the parameters may include at least one of the received signal strength, negotiation rate, and actual throughput. Taking the received signal strength as an example, the sub-router's position is determined only when the signal strength at the designated position meets the user's internet access requirements. The sub-router's position can also be adjusted at any time according to user needs.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, a sub-router can operate independently of the main router for several hours or longer. When the main router detects that the sub-router's battery level is below a safety threshold, it can re-control another sub-router to replace the sub-router with insufficient battery power and recall the sub-router with insufficient battery power for charging so that it can be used later.

[0051] In the exemplary embodiments of this application, users can also set different network usage modes according to their personal network usage habits, such as weekday mode and weekend mode, to guide the router to adjust the network deployment.

[0052] According to the exemplary implementation of this application, when the parent router detects that a user outside the first area has a need for network access, it can control the sub-router to move to a designated location to meet the user's network needs; it can also perform parameter testing on the designated location through the sub-router and adjust the position of the sub-router at any time to maximize the user's Internet access quality and realize the automation and intelligence of the network; in addition, the user can also customize the network mode and switch the network usage mode at any time to realize the intelligent satisfaction of network needs.

[0053] Another aspect of this application provides a networking device 2000 for a router. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a router networking apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 4 As shown, the router of this application includes a main router and at least one sub-router, which can be physically or wirelessly connected to the main router. For example, the main router and each sub-router include a Wi-Fi module, and the main router and each sub-router can connect to each other via a mesh network using the Wi-Fi module.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, the parent router may include a detection unit and a control unit. The detection unit is used to detect a user equipment (UE) network access request in an area outside the first area, and the control unit is used to locate the position of the UE and control at least one sub-router to move to a designated location. Outside the first area, the UE receives parameters from the parent router that are less than or equal to a first preset value; at the designated location, the UE receives parameters from the sub-router that are greater than a second preset value. The parameters may include at least one of the received signal strength, negotiation rate, and actual throughput. The first and second preset values ​​can be set according to the user's actual needs; they can be the same or different, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this. For example, taking the received signal strength as an example, the first preset value can be -70 dBm, meaning that within the first area, the UE receives a signal strength from the parent router that is greater than -70 dBm.

[0055] For example, if a user equipment needs to access the network in an area outside the first area, it can be configured using an area map or a sampling point distribution map. Taking the sampling point distribution map as an example, if the user wants to access the network in (x... nNetwork connection is established at point y1. Users can set the desired network connection point on the sampling point distribution map. When the parent router detects the desired network connection point, it can control the child router to move to that point. Users can also determine the area requiring network connection on the sampling point distribution map. When the parent router detects the area requiring network connection, it can control the child router to move to the center of the area or a user-specified location. Furthermore, the child router can adjust according to the user's location to provide better received signal strength values ​​for the user's network usage location.

[0056] For example, a user can configure the main router so that when it detects that the user's device parameters are lower than a first preset value, it sends a message to the user asking if the sub-router needs to extend the network range to ensure the user's internet quality. If the user agrees to use the sub-router, the main router can control the sub-router to move to a designated location based on the user's device location. At the designated location, the user device receives signals from the sub-router whose parameters are greater than a second preset value. These parameters can include at least one of the following: received signal strength, negotiated rate, and actual throughput. For example, taking received signal strength as the parameter, the first preset value can be -80 dBm, meaning that after the sub-router moves to the designated location, the user device receives a signal strength from the sub-router that is greater than -80 dBm. Furthermore, the sub-router can also adjust based on the user's location to provide better signal strength for the user's network usage location.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, after the parent router locates the user equipment's position based on the network access request and controls at least one sub-router to move to a designated position, the sub-router performs parameter testing at the designated position and sends the test results to the parent router. The parent router receives the test parameters from the sub-router at the designated position and determines the parameters. If the parameters received by the user equipment from the sub-router at the designated position are greater than a second preset value, the designated position is determined as the final position of the sub-router. If the parameters at the designated position are less than or equal to the second preset value, the designated position of the sub-router is changed until the parameters at the designated position are greater than the second preset value. For example, the parameters may include at least one of the received signal strength, negotiation rate, and actual throughput. Taking the received signal strength as an example, the sub-router's position is determined only when the signal strength at the designated position meets the user's internet access requirements. The sub-router's position can also be adjusted at any time according to user needs.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, before detecting a user's network access request in an area outside the coverage of the main router, the user can adjust the location of the main router according to their own network usage habits so that the network coverage of the main router matches the user's network usage habits.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, the parent router can also control at least one child router to probe the area to be covered by the network, and then draw an area map based on the probe information from the child routers. Each child router can move, first scanning and modeling the area to be covered by the network, and then sending the scanning and modeling information to the parent router. The parent router generates an area map based on the information collected by the child routers. During the measurement process, the parent router can use a single child router to probe the entire area to be covered by the network and receive the probe information from the child router; alternatively, the parent router can use multiple child routers to probe portions of the area to be covered by the network separately and receive the probe information from each child router. During the child router's probe process, the child router can move and autonomously determine whether there are obstacles in its direction of movement, braking or changing direction promptly upon encountering an obstacle. For example, if the area to be covered by the network is a residential area, the child router can first scan the entire residential area to generate a floor plan.

[0060] According to an exemplary embodiment of this application, by probing the area to be covered by the network through at least one sub-router and drawing an area map, the parent router can better understand the size and characteristics of the area to be covered by the network, which is beneficial for determining the location of the parent router in the future.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, the parent router can further divide the area map into multiple grid-like sampling points and control the child routers to collect information from these sampling points. A schematic diagram illustrating the division of the area map into multiple grid-like sampling points is shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the intersections of the grid can be used as sampling points. The coordinate information of the sampling points can be set according to the region map. For example, the coordinates of the sampling points can be (x1, y1)...(x n y n The number and coordinates of sampling points can be adjusted based on the area map. The parent router and child routers can be wirelessly connected. The parent router controls the child router to test the information of each sampling point. The information of the sampling point may include the Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), the negotiated rate, and at least one of the following: actual throughput. For example, the received signal strength value is used as the information of the sampling point. Based on the RSSI values ​​of different sampling points, the signal strength of the parent router at the sampling point's location can be clearly understood. This application's exemplary implementation uses the intersection of grid points as an example; however, the sampling points can also be located at the center of each grid point, and this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, the parent router can divide the sampling points based on a region map. For example, during the process of the sub-router sending probe information and generating a region map, the location and size of obstacles within the area to be covered by the network can be marked to avoid situations where obstacles prevent information collection at designated sampling points. For example, a floor plan can be divided into multiple grid-like sampling points, with the locations of furniture and appliances marked on the floor plan. During the sampling point division process, the locations of furniture and appliances are avoided, facilitating information collection at designated sampling points by the sub-router.

[0063] In another exemplary embodiment of this application, the parent router can divide the sampling points based on a region map. For example, during the process of the sub-router sending probe information and generating the region map, the location and size of obstacles within the area to be covered by the network are not marked. If the sub-router encounters an obstacle at a sampling point, it can send the information to the parent router. The parent router, based on the feedback from the sub-router, resets the sampling points near the obstacle-affected sampling point and controls the sub-router to collect information at the new sampling points. For example, the floor plan can be divided into multiple grid-like sampling points. The sub-router collects information at designated sampling points and uploads the collected information to the parent router. The parent router can obtain the information of the corresponding sampling point, which may include at least one of the received signal strength value, negotiation rate, and actual throughput. If an obstacle, such as furniture or appliances, is encountered at a sampling point, the sub-router can feed the information back to the parent router, which can then reset the sampling points around the furniture or appliances.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, when the parent router detects a user accessing the network, it uses a sub-router to collect the user's internet access information. This information may include data usage, location, and time spent online. Based on the area map, sampling point information, and the user's internet access information, the user's location can be determined. Taking the received signal strength (RSSI) value of the sampling point as an example, different sampling points correspond to different RSSI values. The location of the sampling point where the user is located can be determined based on the RSSI value returned when the user accesses the network. The user's specific location can be confirmed based on the coordinate information of the sampling point.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, the main router can also generate a network usage heatmap based on the user's internet access information. This information may include data usage, location, and time. By analyzing user behavior based on this information, the heatmap can be generated. For example, the heatmap can be used to analyze the user's frequent network usage times, locations, and required network traffic, thus determining the user's typical network usage range. The placement of the main router can then be determined based on this range, making its location more aligned with the user's network usage habits.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, after confirming the placement location of the parent router based on the network usage heatmap, the network usage heatmap and the placement location of the parent router can be sent to the user for confirmation. If the user confirms the current placement location of the parent router, the placement location of the parent router can be the final placement location of the parent router. If the user believes that the current placement location of the parent router needs to be adjusted, the user can adjust the placement location of the parent router, and then the parent router controls the sub-routers to redetermine the network usage heatmap to obtain an updated network usage heatmap. Then, the parent router sends the updated network usage heatmap and the updated location of the parent router to the user for confirmation and obtains the user's feedback information. For example, during the process of determining the location of the parent router, the user can intuitively see the RSSI value distribution and the RSSI value of each sampling point based on the network usage heatmap. The user can change the RSSI value corresponding to the sampling point by adjusting the placement location of the parent router until it meets the customer's needs.

[0067] According to the exemplary embodiments of this application, determining the placement of the main router based on a network usage heatmap can ensure that the main router's wireless signal covers the area of ​​the user's normally used network, making the coverage area of ​​the main router's wireless signal more aligned with the user's network usage habits. Furthermore, users can adjust the placement of the main router according to their personal network usage habits, providing better signal strength values ​​for frequently used network locations, thus providing users with a better internet browsing experience.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment of this application, the sub-router includes a power module, so the sub-router can work independently of the main router for several hours or longer. When the main router detects that the sub-router's power is below a safe threshold, it can control another sub-router to take over the work of the sub-router with insufficient power and recall the sub-router with insufficient power for charging so that it can be used later.

[0069] In the exemplary embodiments of this application, users can also set different network usage modes according to their personal network usage habits, such as weekday mode and weekend mode, to guide the router to adjust the network deployment.

[0070] According to the exemplary implementation of this application, when the parent router detects that a user outside the first area has a need for network access, it can control the sub-router to move to a designated location to meet the user's network needs; it can also perform parameter testing on the designated location through the sub-router and adjust the position of the sub-router at any time to maximize the user's Internet access quality and realize the automation and intelligence of the network; in addition, the user can also customize the network mode and switch the network usage mode at any time to realize the intelligent satisfaction of network needs.

[0071] This application also provides a router networking system, which includes a parent router and at least one child router connected to the parent router. The parent router includes a processing module and a power supply module, and is used to send mobility control commands to at least one child router. Each child router includes a power supply module and a mobility module, and is used to receive the mobility control commands and move to a designated location according to the commands.

[0072] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A router networking method, characterized in that, The router includes a parent router and at least one child router, and the networking method includes: A user equipment (UE) network access request is detected in an area outside the first area, wherein, outside the first area, the UE receives parameters from the parent router that are less than or equal to a first preset value; and The location of the user equipment is determined, and at least one of the sub-routers is controlled to move to a designated location, wherein the user equipment receives parameters from the sub-routers at the designated location that are greater than a second preset value; Before a user equipment network access request is detected in an area outside the first area, the following steps are also included: The placement location of the main router is determined so that the parameters of the main router meet the user's requirements in the first area; Determining the placement location of the mother router includes: Control at least one of the sub-routers to probe the area to be covered by the network; Receive the probe information from the sub-router and draw an area map based on the probe information; The region map is divided into multiple sampling points, and at least one of the sub-routers is controlled to collect information from the sampling points; Upon detecting a user's network access, the system collects the user's internet access information and locates the user's position based on the area map, the information from the sampling points, and the user's internet access information; and Based on the internet access information, a network usage heatmap of the user is drawn, and the location of the main router is provided.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After locating the user equipment and controlling at least one of the sub-routers to move to the designated location, the method further includes: Receive the parameters from the sub-router at the specified location; The parameters are determined, and if the parameter at the specified location is greater than the second preset value, the specified location is determined as the final location of the sub-router; or If the parameter at the specified location is less than or equal to the second set value, the specified location of the sub-router is changed until the parameter at the specified location is greater than the second set value.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After drawing the user's network usage heatmap based on the internet access information and confirming the location of the main router, the process further includes: The network usage heatmap and the location of the mother router are sent to the user for confirmation, and feedback information is obtained. When the feedback information is confirmation, the placement location of the parent router is determined as the final placement location of the parent router; or When the feedback information is "unconfirmed", the position of the parent router is adjusted, the child router is controlled to re-determine the network usage heatmap, an updated network usage heatmap is obtained, the updated network usage heatmap and the placement position of the parent router are sent to the user for confirmation, and updated feedback information is obtained. Then, based on the updated feedback information, the final placement position of the parent router is determined.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The battery level of the sub-router is detected; as well as If the battery level of a sub-router is below a safety threshold, the parent router controls the remaining sub-routers to take over the operation of the current sub-router.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: The sub-routers with battery levels below the safety threshold are recalled and recharged.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of dividing the region map into multiple sampling points and controlling at least one sub-router to collect information from the sampling points includes: The region map is divided into multiple grid-like sampling points, and the coordinate information of the sampling points is set; and The parameters at different sampling points were tested using a wireless connection.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The internet access information includes the user's internet traffic, internet location, and internet access time.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The parameters include at least one of the received signal strength, negotiation rate, and actual throughput.

9. A networking device for a router, characterized in that, The router includes a parent router and at least one child router, and the networking device includes: A detection unit is configured to detect a user equipment network access request in an area outside the first area, wherein, outside the first area, the parameters received by the user equipment from the parent router are less than or equal to a first preset value; and A control unit is configured to locate the position of the user equipment and control at least one of the sub-routers to move to a designated location, wherein the user equipment receives parameters from the sub-routers at the designated location that are greater than a second preset value; Before a user equipment network access request is detected in an area outside the first area, the following steps are also included: The placement location of the main router is determined so that the parameters of the main router meet the user's requirements in the first area; Determining the placement location of the mother router includes: Control at least one of the sub-routers to probe the area to be covered by the network; Receive the probe information from the sub-router and draw an area map based on the probe information; The region map is divided into multiple sampling points, and at least one of the sub-routers is controlled to collect information from the sampling points; Upon detecting a user's network access, the system collects the user's internet access information and locates the user's position based on the area map, the information from the sampling points, and the user's internet access information; and Based on the internet access information, a network usage heatmap of the user is drawn, and the location of the main router is provided.

10. A router networking system, characterized in that, The networking device includes the router as described in claim 9; The parent router includes a processing module and a power supply module, and is used to send mobility control commands to at least one of the child routers; and The sub-router includes a power module and a mobility module. The power module provides power to the sub-router, and the sub-router is used to receive the mobility control command and move to a designated location according to the mobility control command.

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