Method for Extending Network Signal, Electronic Device, and Storage Medium

Abstract

A method for extending network signals, which uses a mobile device to obtain the backhaul access point (AP) information of the AP of the node to be extended from an EasyMesh wireless network. After establishing a backhaul link for the newly added AP with the backhaul AP of the node to be extended, without being restricted by power lines and sockets, the mobile device can be arbitrarily moved to find a location with good backhaul link signal and transmission quality. In addition, the mobile device remotely triggers the Software Button Configuration (PBC) function of the AP of the node to be extended through the EasyMesh wireless network to complete pairing with the newly added AP. The present invention also provides an electronic device and a storage medium, where the mobile device can be arbitrarily moved to find a location with good backhaul link signal and transmission quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a networking method, and more particularly to a method for extending a network signal, an electronic device and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Modern people have multiple mobile devices, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, and smart watches, and want to keep these devices connected to the Internet no matter where they are, including at home. The demand for wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) connections at home has increased, and with it, expectations for network connection quality have also increased. Traditionally, a Wi-Fi network consisting of a single wireless router is not enough to cover every corner of the home.

[0003] Wi-Fi EasyMesh is a certification proposed by the Wi-Fi Alliance, which proposes a standardized method for implementing multi-access point wireless networks. Wi-Fi EasyMesh provides an easy way to install and configure a multi-access point (AP) network, and enables devices from different manufacturers to connect to the network, configure and communicate with each other to establish an adaptive network that provides a wider range and unified coverage.

[0004] However, it is not easy to find a location with good signal quality to place the AP in a Wi-Fi EasyMesh wireless network. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the above, it is necessary to provide a method, an electronic device and a storage medium for extending a network signal, so that a mobile device can be moved arbitrarily to find a location with a good backhaul link signal and transmission quality.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for extending a network signal, which is applied to an electronic device. The method is characterized in that the method includes: connecting to an EasyMesh wireless network, obtaining a topology map of the EasyMesh wireless network; generating a link with a first network node AP; obtaining backhaul information of the first network node AP, and connecting to the first network node AP according to the backhaul information; moving within the range of the EasyMesh wireless network; determining whether a position where the connection signal quality with the first network node AP meets a default value is found; if a first position where the connection signal quality meets the default value is found, placing a second network node AP at the first position, and causing the second network node AP to enter a pairing state; and remotely triggering the push button configuration (PBC) function of the first network node AP, so that the first network node AP and the second network node AP automatically complete pairing.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention further provides an electronic device, including a connection module, a signal evaluation module, and a pairing module. The connection module is used to obtain a topology map of the EasyMesh wireless network when the electronic device connects to the EasyMesh wireless network, generate a link with a first network node AP, obtain backhaul information of the first network node AP, and connect to the first network node AP according to the backhaul information. The signal evaluation module is used to determine whether a position where the connection signal quality with the first network node AP meets a default value is found when the electronic device moves within the range of the EasyMesh wireless network. Among them, if a first position where the connection signal quality meets the default value is found, a second network node AP is placed at the first position, and the second network node AP is caused to enter a pairing state. The pairing module is used to remotely trigger the PBC function of the first network node AP, so that the first network node AP and the second network node AP automatically complete pairing.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a storage medium, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed, the steps of the method for extending a network signal as described above are implemented.

[0009] The method, electronic device, and storage medium for extending network signals in an embodiment of the present invention use a mobile device to obtain the Backhaul AP information of the AP to be extended from an EasyMesh wireless network. After establishing a Backhaul Link for the newly added AP with the Backhaul AP of the AP to be extended, it is not restricted by power cords and sockets, and the mobile device can be moved arbitrarily to find a location with good Backhaul Link signal and transmission quality. In addition, through the EasyMesh wireless network, the mobile device remotely triggers the Software PBC function of the AP to be extended to complete pairing with the newly added AP. Description of the Drawings

[0010] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of the steps of the method for extending network signals in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the hardware architecture of the electronic device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a functional block diagram of the electronic device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Description of the Main Element Symbols

[0014] Electronic device 200

[0015] Processor 210

[0016] Memory 220

[0017] System for extending network signals 230

[0018] Dedicated monitoring thread module 300

[0019] Connection module 310

[0020] Signal evaluation module 320

[0021] Pairing module 330

[0022] The following specific embodiments will further illustrate the present invention in conjunction with the above-mentioned drawings. Specific Embodiments

[0023] In order to more clearly understand the above objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments of the present application and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0024] In the following description, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. The terms used in the specification of the present invention herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0026] It should be noted that the descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the present invention are only for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the said features. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the fact that those of ordinary skill in the art can implement them. When the combination of technical solutions conflicts with each other or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0027] Figure 1 It is a step flowchart of a method for extending a network signal according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is applied to an electronic device, and the electronic device is a mobile phone or other connectable mobile device. According to different requirements, the order of the steps in the flowchart can be changed, and some steps can be omitted.

[0028] Step S11, the electronic device (for example, a mobile device) according to an embodiment of the present invention connects to an EasyMesh wireless network and obtains a topology map of the EasyMesh wireless network.

[0029] Step S12, the electronic device generates a link with an access point (AP) of a network node to be extended (for example, a first network node AP), and the ways of generating a link include the following two types.

[0030] Step S121, select the first network node AP from the topology map in the electronic device.

[0031] Step S122, determine whether the light-emitting diode (LED) bulb of the first network node AP responds.

[0032] Step S123, trigger the Push Button Configuration (PBC) function of the first network node AP.

[0033] Step S124, select the responding network node AP from the topology diagram, that is, the first network node AP in the topology diagram.

[0034] Step S13, if the LED bulb of the first network node AP responds, or after the first network node AP in the topology diagram is triggered, the electronic device obtains the backhaul information of the first network node AP and connects to the first network node AP according to the backhaul information.

[0035] Step S14, the electronic device moves within the range of the EasyMesh wireless network.

[0036] Step S15, the electronic device determines whether a position where the connection signal quality with the first network node AP meets the default value is found. If a position where the connection signal quality meets the default value is not found, go back to step S104, and the electronic device continues to move within the range of the EasyMesh wireless network.

[0037] Step S16, if a position where the connection signal quality meets the default value (for example, the first position) is found, place the AP (for example, the second network node AP) to be newly added to the EasyMesh wireless network at the first position and make the second network node AP enter the pairing state. At this time, the second network node appears in the topology diagram of the EasyMesh wireless network

[0038] Step S17, remotely trigger the PBC function of the first network node AP from the electronic device.

[0039] Step S18, the first network node AP and the second network node AP automatically complete the pairing.

[0040] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the hardware architecture of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device 200, for example, a mobile device, but not limited to, can communicate with each other through a system bus, a processor 210, a memory 220, and a system 230 for extending network signals. Figure 2 Only the electronic device 200 with components 210 - 230 is shown, but it should be understood that it is not required to implement all the shown components, and more or fewer components can be alternatively implemented.

[0041] The memory 220 includes at least one type of readable storage medium, which includes flash memory, hard disk, multimedia card, card-type memory (such as SD or DX memory, etc.), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc. In some embodiments, the memory 220 may be an internal storage unit of the electronic device 200, such as the hard disk or memory of the electronic device 200. In other embodiments, the memory may also be an external storage device of the electronic device 200, such as a plug-in hard disk equipped on the electronic device 200, a Smart Media Card (SMC), a Secure Digital (SD) card, a Flash Card, etc. Of course, the memory 220 may also include both the internal storage unit and the external storage device of the electronic device 200. In this embodiment, the memory 220 is generally used to store the operating system and various application software installed on the electronic device 200, such as the program code of the system 230 for extending network signals, etc. In addition, the memory 220 can also be used to temporarily store various data that have been output or will be output.

[0042] In some embodiments, the processor 210 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, or other data processing chips. The processor 210 is generally used to control the overall operation of the electronic device 200. In this embodiment, the processor 210 is used to run the program code stored in the memory 220 or process data, for example, to run the system 230 for extending network signals, etc.

[0043] It should be noted that Figure 2 This is only an example to illustrate the electronic device 200. In other embodiments, the electronic device 200 may also include more or fewer components, or have a different component configuration.

[0044] If the modules / units integrated in the electronic device 200 are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, to implement all or part of the processes in the above-described embodiment methods of the present invention, it can also be completed by a computer program instructing relevant hardware. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the above-described method embodiments can be implemented. Among them, the computer program includes computer program code, and the computer program code can be in the form of source code, object code, executable file, or some intermediate form, etc. The computer-readable medium can include: any entity or device capable of carrying the computer program code, recording medium, USB flash drive, mobile hard disk, magnetic disk, optical disk, computer memory, read-only memory, random access memory, electrical carrier signal, telecommunication signal, and software distribution medium, etc. It should be noted that the content included in the computer-readable medium can be appropriately increased or decreased according to the requirements of legislation and patent practice in the jurisdiction. For example, in some jurisdictions, according to legislation and patent practice, the computer-readable medium does not include electrical carrier signals and telecommunication signals.

[0045] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is used to execute a method for extending a network signal. The method for extending a network signal according to an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented by a computer program in a storage medium, for example, the memory 220 in the electronic device 200. When the computer program for implementing the method of the present invention is loaded into the memory 220 by the processor 210, it drives the processor 210 of the electronic device 200 to execute the method for extending a network signal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] The electronic device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a connection module 310, a signal evaluation module 320, and a pairing module 330.

[0047] The connection module 310 connects the electronic device 200 to the EasyMesh wireless network, obtains the topology map of the EasyMesh wireless network, and generates a link with the network node AP to be extended (for example, the first network node AP). The ways to generate a link include the following two types:

[0048] (1) Select the first network node AP from the topology map in the electronic device 200 and determine whether the LED bulb of the first network node AP responds; and

[0049] (2) Trigger the button configuration PBC function of the first network node AP and click on the network node AP that sends a response from the topology map, that is, the first network node AP in the topology map.

[0050] If the LED bulb of the first network node AP responds, or after the first network node AP in the topology diagram is triggered, the connection module 310 obtains the Backhaul information of the first network node AP, and connects the electronic device 200 to the first network node AP according to the Backhaul information.

[0051] The electronic device 200 moves within the range of the EasyMesh wireless network. The signal evaluation module 320 obtains connection signals at different positions and determines whether a position with a connection signal quality meeting the default value with the first network node AP is found. If a position with a connection signal quality meeting the default value is not found, the electronic device 200 continues to move within the range of the EasyMesh wireless network.

[0052] If a position with a connection signal quality meeting the default value (for example, the first position) is found, place the AP (for example, the second network node AP) to be newly added to the EasyMesh wireless network at the first position, and make the second network node AP enter the pairing state. At this time, the second network node appears in the topology diagram of the EasyMesh wireless network.

[0053] The pairing module 330 remotely triggers the PBC function of the first network node AP, so that the first network node AP and the second network node AP are automatically paired.

[0054] The method for extending network signals in the embodiments of the present invention has the following features:

[0055] a. Use a smart phone to establish a Backhaul link with the Backhaul AP of the network node AP to be extended instead of the newly added AP, which is not restricted by power lines and sockets, and can move arbitrarily to find a position with good Backhaul link signal and transmission quality;

[0056] b. When selecting the network node AP to be extended from the topology diagram of the EasyMesh wireless network on the smart phone, the corresponding physical node AP will respond by flashing the LED. When there are many node APs in the EasyMesh wireless network, it can help users quickly and easily identify and select the network node AP to be extended; and

[0057] c. Can directly remotely trigger the Soft PBC function of any network node AP on the smart phone using the topology diagram of the EasyMesh wireless network, so that the remote network node AP enters the automatic pairing mode and is ready to be paired with the newly added AP, which is simple and fast.

[0058] It can be understood that the above-described module division is only a logical function division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. In addition, in each embodiment of the present application, each functional module may be integrated in the same processing unit, may exist separately as individual physical modules, or two or more modules may be integrated in the same unit. The above integrated modules may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a combination of hardware and software functional modules.

[0059] For those of ordinary skill in the art, other corresponding changes or adjustments can be made according to the actual needs generated by combining the technical solutions and technical concepts provided by the embodiments of the present invention, and these changes and adjustments should fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for extending a network signal, applied to an electronic device, characterized in that, The method includes: Connect to an EasyMesh wireless network and obtain a topology map of the EasyMesh wireless network; Establish a link with a first network node AP; Obtain the backhaul information of the first network node AP and connect to the first network node AP according to the backhaul information; Move within the range of the EasyMesh wireless network; Determine whether a position where the connection signal quality with the first network node AP meets a default value is found; If a first position where the connection signal quality meets the default value is found, place a second network node AP at the first position and make the second network node AP enter a pairing state; and Remotely trigger the Push Button Configuration (PBC) function of the first network node AP so that the first network node AP and the second network node AP are automatically paired.

2. The method for extending a network signal as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The step of establishing a link with the first network node AP further includes: Select the first network node AP from the topology map; and Determine whether the Light-Emitting Diode (LED) bulb of the first network node AP responds.

3. The method for extending a network signal as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The step of establishing a link with the first network node AP further includes: Trigger the PBC function of the first network node AP; and Select the network node AP that responds from the topology map.

4. The method for extending network signals as claimed in claim 1, wherein, It further includes: If a position where the connection signal quality meets the default value is not found, the electronic device continues to move within the range of the EasyMesh wireless network.

5. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes: A connection module for obtaining a topology map of the EasyMesh wireless network when the electronic device connects to the EasyMesh wireless network, establishing a link with a first network node AP, obtaining the backhaul information of the first network node AP, and connecting to the first network node AP according to the backhaul information; A signal evaluation module for determining whether a position where the connection signal quality with the first network node AP meets a default value is found when the electronic device moves within the range of the EasyMesh wireless network. If a first position where the connection signal quality meets the default value is found, place a second network node AP at the first position and make the second network node AP enter a pairing state; And A pairing module for remotely triggering the PBC function of the first network node AP so that the first network node AP and the second network node AP are automatically paired.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein The connection module selects the first network node AP from the topology map and determines whether the LED bulb of the first network node AP responds.

7. The electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connection module triggers the PBC function of the first network node AP and selects the network node AP that responds from the topology map.

8. A storage medium, on which at least one computer instruction is stored, characterized in that, The instruction is executed by a processor after being loaded to perform the method for extending a network signal as described in any one of claims 1-4.

Images