Bluetooth multi-hop onboarding method, apparatus, and device

Abstract

The application discloses a Bluetooth multi-hop network entry method, device and equipment, to solve the problem that related technologies cannot realize fast and efficient network entry in a Bluetooth multi-hop network entry scene. In the application, each networked device in the multi-hop path is regarded as an intermediate node, a first operation code received is forwarded to the next hop, so that the networked device switches to a default network, and then a second operation code broadcast by the networked device through the default network is received to obtain device information of a to-be-networked device, so that the to-be-networked device in the multi-hop path completes network entry, that is, is configured into a specified network. Finally, a third operation code is broadcast through the default network, so that the networked device receiving the third operation code switches to the specified network, and switches to the specified network after the third operation code is sent. In the application, for the to-be-networked device in the Bluetooth multi-hop scene, network entry operation can be completed without the help of an additional network configuration device, and the network entry cost of the to-be-networked device is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of Bluetooth technology, and in particular to a Bluetooth multi-hop network access method, apparatus, and device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the standard SIG mesh (Bluetooth Special Interest Group's standard Bluetooth wireless mesh networking technology) only supports individual Bluetooth mesh devices joining the network. During the network joining phase, the network adapter (i.e., the central device) can only perform network joining operations for devices that have not yet joined the network within a one-hop range. It cannot perform network joining operations for devices beyond multiple hops after the deployment of devices that have not yet joined the network has been completed.

[0003] In Bluetooth multi-hop network access scenarios, the relevant technologies require multiple network adapters or continuous movement of network adapters to enable network access for devices other than multi-hop devices, which is inefficient.

[0004] Therefore, how to solve the problem of not being able to achieve fast and efficient network access in Bluetooth multi-hop network access scenarios is a concern of the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a Bluetooth multi-hop network access method, apparatus, and device to solve the problem in related technologies that it is impossible to achieve fast and efficient network access in Bluetooth multi-hop network access scenarios.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a Bluetooth multi-hop network access method, applied to a network adapter, the method comprising:

[0007] By specifying a network broadcast first opcode to indicate switching to the default network, each network-connected device in the multi-hop path forwards the received first opcode to the next hop;

[0008] After determining that at least one of the network-connected devices has switched to the default network, the device switches to the default network and broadcasts a second operation code through the default network to indicate the acquisition of device information of the device to be connected to the network, so that the network-connected device that receives the second operation code broadcasts the second operation code through the default network.

[0009] The specified network information is determined based on the device information returned by the already networked device received through the default network, and the specified network information is configured for the device to be networked by the already networked device that switches to the default network.

[0010] After confirming that the device to be added to the network has completed the network access process, the third operation code used to indicate switching back to the previous network is broadcast through the default network, so that the device already added to the network that receives the third operation code can switch networks.

[0011] After sending the third operation, switch to the designated network.

[0012] In one possible implementation, at least one of the network-connected devices is determined to switch to the default network in the following manner:

[0013] After a first duration following the broadcast of the first operation code, the at least one of the network-connected devices is determined to switch to the default network;

[0014] Alternatively, after receiving a response from a device already connected to the network through the default network, it can be determined that the device already connected to the network is switching to the default network.

[0015] Secondly, this application provides a Bluetooth multi-hop network access method, applied to a device already connected to the network, the method comprising:

[0016] Upon receiving a first opcode indicating a switch to the default network, the first opcode is broadcast via a specified network and the switch to the default network is initiated, so that the next hop in the multi-hop path forwards the first opcode, wherein the first opcode is broadcast by the network adapter or the network-connected device of the previous hop via the specified network.

[0017] After receiving a second operation code indicating the acquisition of device information of the device to be added to the network, the second operation code is broadcast through the default network, wherein the second operation code is sent by the network distribution device or the network-added device of the previous hop through the default network;

[0018] The device information of the device to be connected to the network is sent to the network distribution device or the network-connected device of the previous hop, and the specified network information sent by the network distribution device or the network-connected device of the previous hop is forwarded to the device to be connected to the network.

[0019] Upon receiving a third operation code indicating a switch back to the previous network, the third operation code is broadcast through the default network, and the user switches to the designated network, wherein the third operation code is sent by the network adapter or the previously connected device through the default network.

[0020] In one possible implementation, after switching to the default network, the method further includes:

[0021] The network adapter is notified of the completion of the switch via the default network.

[0022] In one possible implementation, sending the received device information of the device to be added to the network to the distribution unit or the previously added device includes:

[0023] After receiving the device information of the device to be connected to the network, there is a second delay before the received device information is sent to the distribution device or the device already connected to the network in the previous hop.

[0024] Thirdly, this application provides a Bluetooth multi-hop network access method, applied to a device seeking to join a network, the method comprising:

[0025] After receiving a second operation code sent by an already connected device or a device to be connected to the network through the default network, indicating the need to obtain device information of the device to be connected to the network, the device information of the device to be connected to the network is sent to the already connected device or the device to be connected to the network, wherein the second operation code is sent by the network distribution device or the previous hop of the already connected device or the previous hop of the device to be connected to the network.

[0026] After receiving the specified network information through the default network, the device completes the network access operation and switches to the specified network based on the specified network information, wherein the specified network information is sent by the network adapter, the previous hop of the device already in the network, or the previous hop of the device to be accessed.

[0027] In one possible implementation, sending device information to the already networked device or the device to be networked includes:

[0028] After receiving the second operation code, a third time delay is applied before sending the device information to the already networked device or the device to be networked.

[0029] Fourthly, this application provides a Bluetooth multi-hop network access device for use in a network adapter, the device comprising:

[0030] The first opcode broadcast module is configured to broadcast a first opcode, which is used to indicate switching to the default network, through a specified network, so that each network-connected device in the multi-hop path forwards the received first opcode to the next hop.

[0031] The second operation code broadcasting module is configured to, after determining that at least one of the network-connected devices has switched to the default network, switch to the default network and broadcast a second operation code through the default network to indicate the acquisition of device information of the device to be connected to the network, so that the network-connected device that receives the second operation code broadcasts the second operation code through the default network.

[0032] The network information configuration module is configured to determine specified network information based on the device information returned by the already networked device received through the default network, and to configure the specified network information for the device to be networked by the already networked device that switches to the default network.

[0033] The third operation code broadcast module is configured to, after determining that the device to be joined to the network has completed the network access, broadcast a third operation code through the default network to indicate the switch back to the previous network, so that the device already joined to the network that receives the third operation code can switch networks.

[0034] The network switching module is configured to switch to the specified network after the third operation is sent.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the second opcode broadcast module determines that at least one of the network-connected devices has switched to the default network by:

[0036] After a first duration following the broadcast of the first operation code, the at least one of the network-connected devices is determined to switch to the default network;

[0037] Alternatively, after receiving a response from a device already connected to the network through the default network, it can be determined that the device already connected to the network is switching to the default network.

[0038] Fifthly, this application provides a Bluetooth multi-hop network access device for use with already network-connected devices, the device comprising:

[0039] The first operation code receiving module is configured to, upon receiving a first operation code indicating a switch to the default network, broadcast the first operation code through a specified network and switch to the default network, so that the next hop in the multi-hop path forwards the first operation code, wherein the first operation code is broadcast by the network distribution device or the network-connected device of the previous hop through the specified network.

[0040] The second operation code receiving module is configured to broadcast the second operation code through the default network after receiving a second operation code used to indicate the acquisition of device information of the device to be connected to the network. The second operation code is sent by the network distribution device or the network-connected device of the previous hop through the default network.

[0041] The network information receiving module is configured to send the received device information of the device to be connected to the network to the network distribution device or the network-connected device of the previous hop, and to forward the specified network information sent by the network distribution device or the network-connected device of the previous hop to the device to be connected to the network.

[0042] The third operation code receiving module is configured to broadcast the third operation code through the default network after receiving a third operation code indicating a switch back to the previous network, and switch to the designated network, wherein the third operation code is sent by the network distribution device or the previously connected device through the default network.

[0043] In one possible implementation, after switching to the default network, the method further includes:

[0044] The notification module is configured to notify the network adapter that the switchover is complete via the default network.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the network information receiving module is configured to send the received device information of the device to be connected to the network to the network distribution unit or the previously connected device in the previous hop, wherein the network information receiving module is configured to:

[0046] After receiving the device information of the device to be connected to the network, there is a second delay before the received device information is sent to the distribution device or the device already connected to the network in the previous hop.

[0047] Sixthly, this application provides a Bluetooth multi-hop network access device, applied to a device seeking to join a network, the device comprising:

[0048] The second operation code receiving module is configured to send the device information of the device to be connected to the network to the already connected device or the device to be connected to the network after receiving a second operation code sent by the already connected device or the device to be connected to the network through the default network, which is used to indicate the acquisition of the device information of the device to be connected to the network. The second operation code is sent by the network distribution device or the previous hop of the already connected device or the device to be connected to the network.

[0049] The network information sending module is configured to, after receiving the specified network information through the default network, complete the network access operation based on the specified network information and switch to the specified network, wherein the specified network information is sent by the network adapter received by the already networked device, or by the previous hop already networked device, or by the previous hop device waiting to join the network.

[0050] In one possible implementation, sending device information to the already networked device or the device to be networked includes configuring the network information sending module as follows:

[0051] After receiving the second operation code, a third time delay is applied before sending the device information to the already networked device or the device to be networked.

[0052] Seventhly, this application provides an electronic device, comprising:

[0053] Memory is used to store the processor's executable instructions;

[0054] A processor for executing the executable instructions to implement the Bluetooth multi-hop network access method as described in any one of the first to third aspects above.

[0055] Eighthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium that, when the instructions in the computer-readable storage medium are executed by a processor of an electronic device, enables the electronic device to perform the Bluetooth multi-hop network access method as described in any one of the first to third aspects above.

[0056] Ninthly, this application provides a computer program product, including a computer program:

[0057] When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the Bluetooth multi-hop network access method as described in any one of the first to third aspects above.

[0058] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application bring at least the following beneficial effects:

[0059] In this embodiment of the application, for devices seeking to join the network in a multi-hop scenario within a Bluetooth mesh network, this embodiment can complete the network entry operation without the aid of additional network configuration equipment. Furthermore, for cases involving both already-joined nodes and non-joined nodes, already-joined nodes can be used as relay nodes to forward data packets and operation codes, saving the network entry cost for the devices seeking to join the network and improving the network entry efficiency. This embodiment of the application also designs a private scanning function for the devices seeking to join the network, enabling the network configuration device to scan for devices in a multi-hop environment, thereby obtaining the device information of the devices seeking to join the network, facilitating the network entry operation of the devices seeking to join the network using the network configuration device.

[0060] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the application. The objectives and other advantages of this application may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the written description, claims, and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0061] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0062] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall process of the Bluetooth multi-hop network access method applied to a network adapter provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a two-hop network topology provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the overall process of the Bluetooth multi-hop network access method for devices already in the network provided in this application embodiment;

[0065] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the overall process of the Bluetooth multi-hop network access method applied to a device to be networked, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 5 This is a complete flowchart illustrating the Bluetooth multi-hop network access method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0067] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Bluetooth multi-hop network access device applied to a network adapter, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0068] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Bluetooth multi-hop network access device applied to a network-connected device, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0069] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Bluetooth multi-hop network access device applied to a device seeking network access, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0070] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0071] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0072] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or". For example, A / B can mean A or B. The "and / or" in the text is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more.

[0073] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as implying or suggesting relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature, and in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0074] 1. Devices to be added to the network: Bluetooth mesh devices that have not yet been added to the network;

[0075] 2. Bluetooth devices that have already joined the network are called mesh nodes or network-connected devices;

[0076] 3. Network configuration / provision: The process of adding devices to the mesh network and turning them into mesh nodes through configuration;

[0077] 4. Short address: In a Bluetooth mesh network, communication between nodes requires the use of a 2-byte address, which is unique within the Bluetooth mesh network;

[0078] 5. Network Configurator: It can perform network access operations for devices to be added to the network. Network information in the mesh network is distributed by the network configuration device.

[0079] 6. Default mesh network: After initialization, the network adapter and the device to be connected to the network will save the same mesh network data, including AppKey, NetKey and other information;

[0080] 7. opcode: Operation code, used to represent the relevant instructions issued by the network distribution device. The network distribution device and the node keep the same opcode table, and will perform relevant operations and realize corresponding functions according to different opcodes.

[0081] In related technologies, in Bluetooth multi-hop network access scenarios, it is necessary to use multiple network adapters or constantly move network adapters to enable network access for devices other than multi-hop devices, which is inefficient.

[0082] In view of this, this application provides a Bluetooth multi-hop network access method, apparatus, and device to solve the problem in related technologies that it is impossible to achieve fast and efficient network access in Bluetooth multi-hop network access scenarios.

[0083] The inventive concept of this application can be summarized as follows: each network-connected device in the multi-hop path is used as an intermediate node to forward the received first operation code to the next hop, causing the network-connected device to switch to the default network. Then, a second operation code is broadcast to the network-connected device through the default network to obtain the network access of the device to be connected, so that the device to be connected in the multi-hop path completes the network access and switches to the designated network. Finally, a third operation code is broadcast through the default network, so that the network-connected device that receives the third operation code switches to the designated network, and switches to the designated network after sending the third operation code. In this embodiment of the application, for devices seeking to join the network in a multi-hop scenario within a Bluetooth network, the network entry operation can be completed without the aid of additional network configuration equipment. Furthermore, in cases where both already-joined nodes and non-joined nodes are included, already-joined nodes can be used as relay nodes to forward data packets and operation codes, saving the network entry cost for the devices seeking to join the network and improving the network entry efficiency. This embodiment of the application also designs a private scanning function for devices seeking to join the network, enabling the network configuration device to scan for devices in a multi-hop environment, thereby obtaining device information of the devices seeking to join the network, facilitating the network entry operation of the devices seeking to join the network using the network configuration device.

[0084] After introducing the main inventive concepts of the embodiments of this application, the following is a brief description of the application scenarios to which the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are applicable. It should be noted that the application scenarios described below are only for illustrating the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope. In specific implementation, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application can be flexibly applied according to actual needs.

[0085] To facilitate understanding of the Bluetooth multi-hop network access method provided in the embodiments of this application, further explanation will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] In one possible implementation, this application provides a Bluetooth multi-hop network access method applied to a network adapter, the overall process of which is shown in the following diagram. Figure 1 As shown, it includes the following:

[0087] In step 101, a first opcode is specified by a network broadcast to indicate switching to the default network, so that each network-connected device in the multi-hop path forwards the received first opcode to the next hop.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the network topology diagram of this application is as follows: Figure 2 As shown:

[0089] like Figure 2 As shown, this structure is simplified to a Bluetooth network with a two-hop distance deployed around the network adapter. Devices within the first hop range (dark area in the diagram) have already joined the network (solid circle), i.e., are already networked devices. Devices in the second hop (light-colored ring area in the diagram) have not yet joined the network (dashed circle), i.e., are devices waiting to join the network. The multi-hop network entry described in this application refers to all nodes (devices) within and outside the second hop joining the network. The hop count is used to describe the distance between the device and the network adapter. One hop refers to the distance that the device's electromagnetic waves can directly reach. The multi-hops described in this application all refer to the fact that, within the same network, data sent by any device can reach another device in the network after one or more hops.

[0090] Based on the above Figure 2 Taking the network topology as an example, step 101 can be implemented as follows: The network distribution device starts to join the network. Regardless of whether the network distribution device has previously joined the network, that is, regardless of whether the network distribution device is in a designated network or a default network, in this embodiment of the application, the network distribution device will broadcast an opcode indicating a switch to the default network, that is, the first opcode, so that each network-joined device in the multi-hop path forwards the received first opcode to the next hop, such as... Figure 2 The nodes that have already joined the network forward the first operation code to the nodes that are about to join the network.

[0091] It should be noted that for devices waiting to join the network, since they are currently in the default network, which is not the same network as the network adapter's designated network, the opcode will not be processed according to the Bluetooth mesh protocol stack rules. For all devices already in the network, they will receive and respond to the first opcode. Since the destination address of the first opcode is broadcast, the Bluetooth mesh protocol stack of the devices already in the network will first forward the data packet containing the first opcode, and then perform the network switching operation, that is, switch back to the default network.

[0092] In step 102, after determining that at least one network-connected device has switched to the default network, the device switches to the default network and broadcasts a second operation code through the default network to indicate the acquisition of device information of the device to be connected to the network, so that the network-connected device that receives the second operation code broadcasts the second operation code through the default network.

[0093] Based on the above Figure 2 Taking the network topology as an example, step 102 can be implemented as follows: if the network controller determines that at least one device already connected to the network has switched to the default network, such as... Figure 2 The seven devices already connected to the network within a one-hop range switch to the default network. After broadcasting the first operation code for switching networks, the network adapter itself also switches back to the default network. After switching to the default network, the network adapter, the device to be connected, and the devices already connected are all in the default network, so these three types of devices can communicate with each other. Then, the network adapter will proactively send the second operation code to obtain the device information of the device to be connected, that is, start scanning (scan request) for the device to be connected.

[0094] It should be added that if the device to be connected to the network is within the Bluetooth transmission range of the network adapter, it can directly receive the second operation code. If the device to be connected to the network is outside the Bluetooth transmission range of the network adapter, it can also receive the second operation code through forwarding from other devices to be connected to the network or devices already connected to the network.

[0095] In one possible implementation, embodiments of this application determine that at least one already connected device switches to the default network in the following manner:

[0096] 1. After the first operation code is broadcast, at least one network-connected device is switched to the default network after the first duration. That is, after the network adapter waits for the first duration, at least one network-connected device is switched to the default network by default.

[0097] 2. After receiving a response from a device already connected to the network through the default network, the network controller determines that the device has switched to the default network. That is, after receiving a response from a device already connected to the network, the network controller determines that at least one device has switched to the default network.

[0098] In step 103, the specified network information is determined based on the device information returned by the already networked device received through the default network, and the specified network information is configured for the device to be networked by the already networked device that has switched to the default network.

[0099] Based on the above Figure 2 Taking the network topology as an example, step 103 can be implemented as follows: the network distribution device determines the specified network information (scan response) based on the device information returned by the network-connected devices received through the default network, that is, it obtains the network information. Figure 2 The device information of 12 devices to be connected to the network within the two-hop range includes short address, MAC address, device type, etc. The network adapter determines the designated network information based on the device information and configures the designated network information for the devices to be connected to the network to complete the network access.

[0100] In step 104, after determining that the device to be added to the network has completed the network access process, a third operation code is broadcast via default network to indicate the switch back to the previous network, so that the device already added to the network that receives the third operation code can switch networks.

[0101] Based on the above Figure 2 Taking the network topology as an example, step 104 can be implemented as follows: After determining that the device to be connected to the network has completed the connection, the network distribution device will send a third operation code containing the switch back to the previous network. At this time, the device that has already connected to the network will complete the forwarding of the data packet and then switch back to the specified network when it was previously connected to the network.

[0102] In step 105, the system switches to the specified network after sending the third operation.

[0103] Based on the above Figure 2 Taking the network topology in the example, step 105 can be implemented as follows: the network distribution device itself also switches back to the designated network, and the network distribution device and all devices in the network are in the designated network, thereby completing the entire multi-hop network access operation.

[0104] In one possible implementation, this application also provides a Bluetooth multi-hop network access method, applied to devices already connected to the network, the overall process of which is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, it includes the following:

[0105] In step 301, after receiving the first opcode indicating a switch to the default network, the first opcode is broadcast through the specified network and the switch to the default network is initiated, so that the next hop in the multi-hop path forwards the first opcode, wherein the first opcode is broadcast by the network distribution device or the network-connected device of the previous hop through the specified network.

[0106] In step 302, after receiving the second operation code for indicating the acquisition of device information of the device to be added to the network, the second operation code is broadcast through the default network, wherein the second operation code is sent by the network distribution device or the network-added device of the previous hop through the default network.

[0107] In step 303, the received device information of the device to be connected to the network is sent to the network distribution device or the network-connected device of the previous hop, and the specified network information sent by the network distribution device or the network-connected device of the previous hop is forwarded to the device to be connected to the network.

[0108] In step 304, after receiving the third operation code indicating a switch back to the previous network, the third operation code is broadcast through the default network, and the system switches to the specified network. The third operation code is sent by the network adapter or the previously connected device through the default network.

[0109] In this embodiment, the already networked device acts as an intermediate node. When it receives the first operation code, the second operation code, the third operation code, and the device information of the device to be networked, it forwards the three operation codes or device information. This allows the operation code issued by the network adapter to be broadcast beyond a range of more than one hop, and the device information replied by the device to be networked is sent to the network adapter, thus realizing the network access operation in the Bluetooth multi-hop scenario.

[0110] In one possible implementation, in step 302, after switching to the default network, the already connected device will notify the network distributor that the switch is complete through the default network. That is, after the network distributor receives the response from the already connected device through the default network, it determines that the already connected device has switched to the default network.

[0111] In one possible implementation, step 303, sending the received device information of the device to be added to the network to the distribution unit or the already-added device in the previous hop, can be implemented as follows: after receiving the device information of the device to be added to the network, delay for a second time period before sending the received device information of the device to the distribution unit or the already-added device in the previous hop. The already-added device forwards the received device information of the device to be added to the network after a short random delay, i.e., the second time period, for example, 10-100ms. This can prevent too many devices from responding at the same time, causing the distribution unit to be unable to receive simultaneously, resulting in packet loss and affecting the efficiency of obtaining device information, thereby reducing the number of devices that can be added to the network.

[0112] In one possible implementation, this application also provides a Bluetooth multi-hop network access method, applied to a device seeking to join a network, the overall process of which is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, it includes the following:

[0113] In step 401, after receiving a second operation code sent by an already connected device or a device to be connected to the network through the default network, indicating the need to obtain device information of the device to be connected to the network, the device information of the device to be connected to the network is sent to the already connected device or the device to be connected to the network. The second operation code is sent by the network distribution device or the previous hop of the already connected device or the device to be connected to the network.

[0114] In step 402, after receiving the specified network information through the default network, the network access operation is completed based on the specified network information and the device switches to the specified network. The specified network information is sent by the network adapter received by the device already in the network, or by the device already in the network at the previous hop, or by the device to be accessed by the device at the previous hop.

[0115] In this embodiment of the application, the device to be networked can also act as an intermediate node. When it receives the first operation code, the second operation code, and the specified network information configured by the network adapter, it responds to the second operation code and sends its own device information to the device already networked. This allows the network adapter to receive the device information replied by the device to be networked and, after receiving the specified network information sent by the device already networked, realize the network entry operation in the Bluetooth multi-hop scenario based on the specified network information.

[0116] It should be added that for newly added devices waiting to join the network, they will not respond to the third operation code sent by the network distribution device. That is, after the network access operation is completed, the specified network information set by the network distribution device during the network access process will automatically take effect and switch to the designated network.

[0117] In one possible implementation, sending device information to a device already connected to the network or a device awaiting network access can be done as follows:

[0118] After receiving the second operation code, a third time delay is applied before sending device information to either already connected devices or devices awaiting network access. This embodiment of the application, by delaying the third time, also prevents too many devices from responding simultaneously, which could cause packet loss due to the network adapter's inability to receive simultaneously, affecting the efficiency of obtaining device information and thus reducing the number of devices awaiting network access.

[0119] In one possible implementation, the complete process of the Bluetooth multi-hop network entry method provided in this application is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, it includes the following:

[0120] In step 501, the network distributor broadcasts a first opcode via a designated network to indicate switching to the default network, so that each network-connected device in the multi-hop path forwards the received first opcode to the next hop.

[0121] In step 502, after receiving the first opcode indicating a switch to the default network, the network-connected device broadcasts the first opcode through the specified network and switches to the default network, so that the next hop in the multi-hop path forwards the first opcode.

[0122] In step 503, after determining that at least one network-connected device has switched to the default network, the network distribution device switches to the default network and broadcasts a second operation code through the default network to indicate the acquisition of device information of the device to be connected to the network, so that the network-connected device that receives the second operation code broadcasts the second operation code through the default network.

[0123] In step 504, after receiving the second operation code used to instruct the network-connected device to obtain the device information of the device to be connected, the network-connected device broadcasts the second operation code via the default network.

[0124] In step 505, after receiving a second operation code sent by an already-connected device or a device to be connected to the network through the default network, indicating that the device information of the device to be connected to the network is to be obtained, the device to be connected to the network sends its own device information to the already-connected device or the device to be connected to the network.

[0125] In step 506, the already networked device sends the received device information of the device to be networked to the network distribution device or the networked device of the previous hop, and forwards the specified network information sent by the network distribution device or the networked device of the previous hop to the device to be networked.

[0126] In step 507, the network distribution device determines the specified network information based on the device information returned by the network-connected devices received through the default network, and configures the specified network information for the devices to be connected by the network-connected devices that have switched to the default network.

[0127] In step 508, after receiving the specified network information sent by the already networked device or the device to be networked through the default network, the device to be networked completes the network access operation based on the specified network information and switches to the specified network.

[0128] In step 509, after determining that the device to be added to the network has completed the network access, the network distribution device uses a third operation code, which is used to indicate switching back to the previous network, through the default network broadcast, so that the device already added to the network that receives the third operation code can switch networks.

[0129] In step 510, after receiving the third operation code indicating a switch back to the previous network, the already networked device broadcasts the third operation code through the default network and switches to the specified network.

[0130] In step 511, the network distributor switches to the designated network after sending the third operation code.

[0131] In summary, in Bluetooth mesh networks, for devices seeking to join the network in multi-hop scenarios, this application embodiment can complete the network entry operation without the aid of additional network configuration equipment. Furthermore, for cases involving both already-joined nodes and non-joined nodes, already-joined nodes can be used as relay nodes to forward data packets, saving network entry costs and improving network entry efficiency for the devices seeking to join the network. This application embodiment also designs a private scanning function for the devices seeking to join the network, enabling the network configuration device to scan for devices in multi-hop environments, thereby obtaining device information of the devices seeking to join the network, facilitating the network entry operation of the devices seeking to join the network using the network configuration device.

[0132] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a Bluetooth multi-hop network access device, applied to a network adapter, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the device 600 includes:

[0133] The first opcode broadcast module 601 is configured to broadcast a first opcode indicating a switch to the default network via a specified network, so that each network-connected device in the multi-hop path forwards the received first opcode to the next hop.

[0134] The second operation code broadcasting module 602 is configured to, after determining that at least one of the network-connected devices has switched to the default network, switch to the default network and broadcast a second operation code through the default network to indicate the acquisition of device information of the device to be connected to the network, so that the network-connected device that receives the second operation code broadcasts the second operation code through the default network.

[0135] The network information configuration module 603 is configured to determine specified network information based on the device information returned by the already networked device received through the default network, and to configure the specified network information for the device to be networked by the already networked device that switches to the default network.

[0136] The third operation code broadcast module 604 is configured to, after determining that the device to be joined to the network has completed the network access, broadcast a third operation code through the default network to indicate switching back to the previous network, so that the device already joined to the network that receives the third operation code can switch networks.

[0137] The network switching module 605 is configured to switch to the designated network after the third operation is sent.

[0138] In one possible implementation, the second opcode broadcast module determines that at least one of the network-connected devices has switched to the default network by:

[0139] After a first duration following the broadcast of the first operation code, the at least one of the network-connected devices is determined to switch to the default network;

[0140] Alternatively, after receiving a response from an already connected device via the default network, the already connected device can be determined to switch to the default network.

[0141] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a Bluetooth multi-hop network access device, applicable to devices already connected to the network, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the device 700 includes:

[0142] The first operation code receiving module 701 is configured to, upon receiving a first operation code indicating a switch to the default network, broadcast the first operation code through a designated network and switch to the default network, so that the next hop in the multi-hop path forwards the first operation code, wherein the first operation code is broadcast by the network distribution device or the network-connected device of the previous hop through the designated network.

[0143] The second operation code receiving module 702 is configured to broadcast the second operation code through the default network after receiving a second operation code used to indicate obtaining device information of the device to be joined to the network, wherein the second operation code is sent by the network adapter or the network-joined device of the previous hop through the default network;

[0144] The network information receiving module 703 is configured to send the received device information of the device to be connected to the network to the network distribution device or the network-connected device of the previous hop, and to forward the specified network information sent by the network distribution device or the network-connected device of the previous hop to the device to be connected to the network.

[0145] The third operation code receiving module 704 is configured to broadcast the third operation code through the default network after receiving a third operation code indicating a switch back to the previous network, and switch to the designated network, wherein the third operation code is sent by the network distribution device or the previously connected device through the default network.

[0146] In one possible implementation, after switching to the default network, the method further includes:

[0147] The notification module is configured to notify the network adapter that the switchover is complete via the default network.

[0148] In one possible implementation, the network information receiving module is configured to send the received device information of the device to be connected to the network to the network distribution unit or the previously connected device in the previous hop, wherein the network information receiving module is configured to:

[0149] After receiving the device information of the device to be connected to the network, there is a second delay before the received device information is sent to the distribution device or the device already connected to the network in the previous hop.

[0150] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application also provide a Bluetooth multi-hop network access device, applied to a device seeking to join a network, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the device 800 includes:

[0151] The second operation code receiving module 801 is configured to send the device information of the device to be connected to the network to the already connected device or the device to be connected to the network after receiving a second operation code sent by the already connected device or the device to be connected to the network through the default network, which is used to indicate the acquisition of device information of the device to be connected to the network. The second operation code is sent by the network distribution device or the previous hop of the already connected device or the device to be connected to the network.

[0152] The network information sending module 802 is configured to, after receiving the specified network information through the default network, complete the network access operation based on the specified network information and switch to the specified network, wherein the specified network information is sent by the network adapter received by the already networked device, or by the previous hop already networked device, or by the previous hop device waiting to join the network.

[0153] In one possible implementation, sending device information to the already networked device or the device to be networked includes configuring the network information sending module as follows:

[0154] After receiving the second operation code, a third time delay is applied before sending the device information to the already networked device or the device to be networked.

[0155] The following reference Figure 9 To describe an electronic device 130 according to this embodiment of the present application. Figure 9 The electronic device 130 shown is merely an example and should not impose any limitations on the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments of this application.

[0156] like Figure 9 As shown, the electronic device 130 is presented in the form of a general-purpose electronic device. The components of the electronic device 130 may include, but are not limited to: at least one processor 131, at least one memory 132, and a bus 133 connecting different system components (including memory 132 and processor 131).

[0157] Bus 133 represents one or more of several bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, peripheral bus, processor, or local bus using any of the various bus structures.

[0158] The memory 132 may include a readable medium in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 1321 and / or cache memory 1322, and may further include read-only memory (ROM) 1323.

[0159] The memory 132 may also include a program / utility 1325 having a set (at least one) of program modules 1324, including but not limited to: an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data, each or some combination of these examples may include an implementation of a network environment.

[0160] Electronic device 130 can also communicate with one or more external devices 134 (e.g., keyboard, pointing device, etc.), and with one or more devices that enable a user to interact with electronic device 130, and / or with any device that enables electronic device 130 to communicate with one or more other electronic devices (e.g., router, modem, etc.). This communication can be performed via input / output (I / O) interface 135. Furthermore, electronic device 130 can also communicate with one or more networks (e.g., local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and / or public networks, such as the Internet) via network adapter 136. As shown, network adapter 136 communicates with other modules used in electronic device 130 via bus 133. It should be understood that, although not shown in the figures, other hardware and / or software modules can be used in conjunction with electronic device 130, including but not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processors, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data backup storage systems.

[0161] In an exemplary embodiment, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium including instructions, such as a memory 132 including instructions, which can be executed by a processor 131 of an electronic device 130 to complete the Bluetooth multi-hop network access method described above. Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as a ROM, random access memory (RAM), CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device.

[0162] In an exemplary embodiment, a computer program product is also provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor 131, implements the Bluetooth multi-hop network access method as provided in this application.

[0163] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0164] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0165] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0166] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0167] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A Bluetooth multi-hop network access method, characterized in that, Applied to a distribution network device, the method includes: By specifying a network broadcast first opcode to indicate switching to the default network, each network-connected device in the multi-hop path forwards the received first opcode to the next hop; After determining that at least one of the network-connected devices has switched to the default network, the device switches to the default network and broadcasts a second operation code through the default network to indicate the acquisition of device information of the device to be connected to the network, so that the network-connected device that receives the second operation code broadcasts the second operation code through the default network. The specified network information is determined based on the device information returned by the already networked device received through the default network, and the specified network information is configured for the device to be networked by the already networked device that switches to the default network. After confirming that the device to be added to the network has completed the network access process, the third operation code used to indicate switching back to the previous network is broadcast through the default network, so that the device already added to the network that receives the third operation code can switch networks. After sending the third operation, switch to the designated network.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the network-connected devices is switched to the default network using the following methods: After a first duration following the broadcast of the first operation code, the at least one of the network-connected devices is determined to switch to the default network; Alternatively, after receiving a response from an already connected device through the default network, it can be determined that the already connected device is switching to the default network.

3. A Bluetooth multi-hop network access method, characterized in that, Applied to devices already connected to the network, the method includes: Upon receiving a first opcode indicating a switch to the default network, the first opcode is broadcast via a specified network and the switch to the default network is initiated, so that the next hop in the multi-hop path forwards the first opcode, wherein the first opcode is broadcast by the network adapter or the network-connected device of the previous hop via the specified network. After receiving a second operation code indicating the acquisition of device information of the device to be added to the network, the second operation code is broadcast through the default network, wherein the second operation code is sent by the network distribution device or the network-added device of the previous hop through the default network; The device information of the device to be connected to the network is sent to the network distribution device or the network-connected device of the previous hop, and the specified network information sent by the network distribution device or the network-connected device of the previous hop is forwarded to the device to be connected to the network. Upon receiving a third operation code indicating a switch back to the previous network, the third operation code is broadcast through the default network, and the user switches to the designated network, wherein the third operation code is sent by the network adapter or the previously connected device through the default network.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, After switching to the default network, the following is also included: The network adapter is notified of the completion of the switch via the default network.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of sending the received device information of the device to be added to the network to the distribution device or the device already added to the network in the previous hop includes: After receiving the device information of the device to be connected to the network, there is a second delay before the received device information is sent to the distribution device or the device already connected to the network in the previous hop.

6. A Bluetooth multi-hop network access method, characterized in that, Applied to devices seeking network access, the method includes: After receiving a second operation code sent by an already networked device through the default network, which indicates the acquisition of device information of the device to be networked, the device information of the device to be networked is sent to the already networked device, wherein the second operation code is sent by the network distribution device or the previous hop already networked device received by the already networked device. After receiving a third operation code sent by an already-connected device through the default network, instructing the already-connected device to switch back to the previous network, the third operation code is forwarded to the already-connected device; wherein the third operation code is received by the already-connected device from the network distribution unit or the already-connected device of the previous hop. After receiving the specified network information through the default network, the device completes the network access operation and switches to the specified network based on the specified network information. The specified network information is received by the device already in the network from the network adapter or the device already in the network at the previous hop. The specified network is the network that the device already in the network or the network adapter was in before switching to the default network.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Sending the device information of the device to be added to the network to the already networked device includes: After receiving the second operation code, a third time delay is applied, and the device information of the device to be added to the network is sent to the already networked device.

8. A Bluetooth multi-hop network access device, characterized in that, Applied to a distribution network device, the device includes: The first opcode broadcast module is configured to broadcast a first opcode, which is used to indicate switching to the default network, through a specified network, so that each network-connected device in the multi-hop path forwards the received first opcode to the next hop. The second operation code broadcasting module is configured to, after determining that at least one of the network-connected devices has switched to the default network, switch to the default network and broadcast a second operation code through the default network to indicate the acquisition of device information of the device to be connected to the network, so that the network-connected device that receives the second operation code broadcasts the second operation code through the default network. The network information configuration module is configured to determine specified network information based on the device information returned by the already networked device received through the default network, and to configure the specified network information for the device to be networked by the already networked device that switches to the default network. The third operation code broadcast module is configured to, after determining that the device to be joined to the network has completed the network access, broadcast a third operation code through the default network to indicate the switch back to the previous network, so that the device already joined to the network that receives the third operation code can switch networks. The network switching module is configured to switch to the specified network after the third operation is sent.

9. A Bluetooth multi-hop network access device, characterized in that, Applied to network-connected devices, the device includes: The first operation code receiving module is configured to, upon receiving a first operation code indicating a switch to the default network, broadcast the first operation code through a specified network and switch to the default network, so that the next hop in the multi-hop path forwards the first operation code, wherein the first operation code is broadcast by the network distribution device or the network-connected device of the previous hop through the specified network. The second operation code receiving module is configured to broadcast the second operation code through the default network after receiving a second operation code used to indicate the acquisition of device information of the device to be connected to the network. The second operation code is sent by the network distribution device or the network-connected device of the previous hop through the default network. The network information receiving module is configured to send the received device information of the device to be connected to the network to the network distribution device or the network-connected device of the previous hop, and to forward the specified network information sent by the network distribution device or the network-connected device of the previous hop to the device to be connected to the network. The third operation code receiving module is configured to broadcast the third operation code through the default network after receiving a third operation code indicating a switch back to the previous network, and switch to the designated network, wherein the third operation code is sent by the network distribution device or the previously connected device through the default network.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: Memory is used to store the processor's executable instructions; A processor for executing the executable instructions to implement the Bluetooth multi-hop network access method as described in any one of claims 1-2, 3-5, 6-7.

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