A method for dual-frequency switching, a dual-frequency access point, and a dual-frequency station

By sending specific management frames between the dual-band AP and the dual-band STA, it ensures that the dual-band STA does not interrupt services when performing band switching under the Band Steering guidance of the dual-band AP, the service interruption problem caused by frequency band switching in the prior art is solved and the user experience is improved.

CN116113002BActive Publication Date: 2025-06-24FIBERHOME TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES CO LTD
View PDF 2 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202310126747.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-02-10
Publication Date
2025-06-24
Estimated Expiration
2043-02-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The prior art under the guidance of Band Steering of dual-band AP, the dual-band STA band switching process can easily lead to service interruption and affect user experience.

Method used

The frequency band switching request action management frame is sent through the dual-frequency access point, and the wireless parameter information of the dual-frequency site switching frequency band is notified, and the frequency band switching confirm action management frame is sent after the dual-frequency site switching is completed, ensuring that the data and configuration are transferred to the new frequency band and avoiding the re-association process.

Benefits of technology

The service is not interrupted during the switching of dual-band AP and dual-band STA bands, reducing the switching steps, and improving the switching speed and user experience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN116113002B_ABST
    Figure CN116113002B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dual - frequency switching method, a dual - frequency access point and a dual - frequency station. The dual - frequency access point sends a band - switching request action management frame to notify the dual - frequency station of the wireless parameter information of the band to be switched. After receiving the band - switching response action management frame from the dual - frequency station, the dual - frequency access point switches the data and configuration to the new band, refreshes the wireless parameters of the dual - frequency station according to the negotiated wireless parameters of the new band, sends a band - switching confirmation action management frame to the dual - frequency station after transferring the data and configuration to the new band, and starts the data receiving function on the new band. After receiving the band - switching end action management frame from the dual - frequency station on the new band, the dual - frequency access point starts the data sending function on the new band. During the process of switching the band, there is no need for the device to re - associate. The switching process has fewer steps, is fast, and the service is not interrupted.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of wireless communications, and in particular to a dual-frequency switching method, a dual-frequency access point and a dual-frequency site. Background Art

[0002] As dual-band APs (Access Points) and STAs (Stations) supporting dual bands become more and more popular, AP manufacturers generally enable the Band Steering function, which is more commonly known as the "dual-band integration" function.

[0003] The dual-band AP supports simultaneous access to the 2.4G and 5G bands. When the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​of the two APs is set to the same, the wireless network card of the terminal (such as a mobile phone or laptop) may connect to different frequency bands when connecting to the specified SSID. Generally, the 5G band has less interference, so we will prioritize connecting to 5G (or vice versa, prioritize 2.4G). In this way, as long as the Band Steering function on the AP is used, the terminal can prioritize the specified frequency band when accessing.

[0004] When an AP supports both 2.4G and 5G, when the distance is short, STA will connect to 5G first, and use IEEE802.11AX protocol as much as possible to make space utilization higher; when the distance is long, since the connection distance of 2.4G is relatively long, STA can be migrated to 2.4G band to ensure wireless connection. If there are many STAs on the 5G band, some STAs can be migrated to 2.4G to ensure reasonable use of spectrum resources, which mainly depends on the busyness of CCA (Clear Channel Assessment). The two bands of the AP that implements the Band Steering function must use the same SSID and security policy.

[0005] The algorithm of Band Steering can be customized by the manufacturer and there is no unified standard. There are two basic technologies. One is to use the BTM (BSS Transition Management) frame in the 802.11V protocol to guide the STA that supports the 802.11KV protocol. The other is to force the dual-band STA to access either 2.4G or 5G by forcibly removing the STA and then temporarily adding the STA to the blacklist.

[0006] Band Steering can guide the STA to switch between 2.4G and 5G to achieve the optimal air interface utilization rate. However, according to the IEEE802.11AX standard, the WI-FI (Wireless Fidelity) connection process is divided into four stages: Probe, Authentication, Association, and EAPOL (Extensible Authentication Protocol Over LAN). The STA must establish an association with the AP to communicate with it. According to the IEEE802.11AX protocol standard, during the process of Band Steering guiding the dual-band STA to switch frequencies, there will inevitably be a process of disconnection and reconnection. If the user is engaged in services such as video calls, watching live broadcasts, gaming battles, or online meetings, they will clearly notice that the service is interrupted. That is to say, Band Steering does not guarantee that the service will not be interrupted during the frequency band switching process of the dual-band STA.

[0007] In view of this, how to overcome the defects existing in the prior art and solve the above technical problems is a difficult problem to be solved in this technical field. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In response to the defects or improvement requirements in the prior art, the present invention provides a dual-band switching method, a dual-band access point, and a dual-band station, which can solve the problem of service interruption between the dual-band AP and the dual-band STA caused by the re-association of the STA during the process of Band Steering of the dual-band AP guiding the dual-band STA to switch frequency bands.

[0009] The embodiments of the present invention adopt the following technical solutions:

[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a dual-band switching method, including:

[0011] The dual-band access point sends a frequency band switching request action management frame to notify the dual-band station of the wireless parameter information of the frequency band to be switched;

[0012] After receiving the frequency band switching response action management frame from the dual-band station, the dual-band access point switches the data and configuration to the new frequency band, refreshes the wireless parameters of the dual-band station according to the negotiated wireless parameters of the new frequency band, sends a frequency band switching confirmation action management frame to the dual-band station after transferring the data and configuration to the new frequency band, and starts the data receiving function of the new frequency band;

[0013] After receiving the frequency band switching end action management frame from the dual-band station on the new frequency band, the dual-band access point starts the data sending function of the new frequency band.

[0014] Further, the data and configuration include one or more of encryption configuration information, session information, data queue, and management information.

[0015] Further, after the dual - band access point transfers the data and configuration to the new frequency band, sending a band - switching confirmation action management frame to the dual - band station includes:

[0016] After the dual - band access point transfers the data and configuration to the new frequency band, the communication unit corresponding to the new frequency band sends feedback information indicating the completion of information transfer to the communication unit corresponding to the old frequency band;

[0017] After the communication unit corresponding to the old frequency band receives the feedback information, it sends a band - switching confirmation action management frame to the dual - band station through the old frequency band, and removes the information associated with the old frequency band on the communication unit corresponding to the old frequency band.

[0018] Further, the band - switching request action management frame, the band - switching response action management frame, the band - switching confirmation action management frame, and the band - switching end action management frame are all band - switching action management frames;

[0019] The band - switching action management frame includes a Category field, a Band Switch Management Action field, a Dialog Token field, and a Band Switch Field and Elements field;

[0020] Among them, the Category field represents the message type, and the value of the Category field is any value reserved in the protocol;

[0021] The Band Switch Management Action field corresponds to at least four different values, and each value corresponds to a type of management frame;

[0022] The value of the Dialog Token field is a random value, randomly generated by the requestor of the band - switching. In the same switching process, the values of the Dialog Token fields of different types of band - switching action management frames are the same;

[0023] The Band Switch Field and Elements field represents the message body, and the information contained in the message bodies of different types of band - switching action management frames is different.

[0024] Further, the values of the Band Switch Management Action field are 0, 1, 2, or 3;

[0025] When the value of the Band Switch Management Action field is 0, the management frame is a band switch request action management frame;

[0026] When the value of the Band Switch Management Action field is 1, the management frame is a band switch response action management frame;

[0027] When the value of the Band Switch Management Action field is 2, the management frame is a band switch confirmation action management frame;

[0028] When the value of the Band Switch Management Action field is 3, the management frame is a band switch end action management frame.

[0029] Further, the band switch of the WIFI dual-band device is switched between the 2.4G band and the 5G band. Before the dual-band access point sends a band switch request action management frame, it further includes:

[0030] Determine whether the band currently connected by the dual-band station is 5G. If not, determine whether to switch from 2.4G to 5G; if so, determine whether to switch from 5G to 2.4G;

[0031] The determination of whether to switch from 2.4G to 5G specifically includes: sequentially determining whether the current received signal strength indication is greater than the 2.4G received signal strength indication threshold and whether the time counter is greater than the wizard detection interval. If both judgment results are yes, the dual-band access point sends a band switch request action management frame to switch the band from 2.4G to 5G, otherwise the process ends;

[0032] The determination of whether to switch from 5G to 2.4G specifically includes: sequentially determining whether the current received signal strength indication is less than the 5G received signal strength indication threshold, whether the time counter is greater than the wizard detection interval, and whether the channel utilization rate is less than the 2.4G channel utilization rate threshold. If all judgment results are yes, the dual-band access point sends a band switch request action management frame to switch the band from 5G to 2.4G, otherwise the process ends.

[0033] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a dual-band access point, including at least one processor and a memory. The at least one processor and the memory are connected through a data bus. The memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor. After being executed by the processor, the instructions are used to complete the dual-band switching method described in the first aspect.

[0034] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a dual-band switching method, including:

[0035] After receiving the band switching request action management frame from the dual-band access point, the dual-band station feeds back the wireless parameters of the new band it supports to the dual-band access point through the band switching response action management frame;

[0036] After receiving the band switching confirmation action management frame from the dual-band access point, the dual-band station switches the data and configuration to the new band, reconfigures the wireless parameters of the dual-band station according to the negotiated wireless parameters of the new band, starts data transmission and reception on the new band after transferring the data and configuration to the new band, and sends a band switching end action management frame to the dual-band access point on the new band.

[0037] Further, the dual-band station starts data transmission and reception on the new band after transferring the data and configuration to the new band, and sending a band switching end action management frame to the dual-band access point on the new band includes:

[0038] After the dual-band station transfers the data and configuration to the new band, the communication unit corresponding to the new band sends feedback information indicating that the information transfer is completed to the communication unit corresponding to the old band;

[0039] After receiving the feedback information, the communication unit corresponding to the old band removes the information associated with the old band on the communication unit corresponding to the old band, and starts the data transmission and reception function of the new band;

[0040] Sends a band switching end action management frame to the dual-band access point through the new band.

[0041] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a dual-band station, including at least one processor and a memory, the at least one processor and the memory are connected through a data bus, the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, and after being executed by the processor, the instructions are used to complete the dual-band switching method described in the third aspect.

[0042] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effect of the present invention is that: in the process of the dual-band AP of the present invention technology guiding the dual-band STA to switch bands in Band Steering (spectrum wizard), there is no need for the device to re-associate, the switching process has fewer steps, faster speed, and the service is not interrupted, which greatly improves the user experience in the process of band switching of the dual-band AP and the dual-band STA. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required to be used in the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0044] Figure 1 Flow chart of a dual - frequency switching method provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention on the dual - frequency access point side;

[0045] Figure 2 Flow chart of a dual - frequency switching method provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention on the dual - frequency station side;

[0046] Figure 3 Block diagram of a dual - frequency switching system provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4 Timing diagram of frequency band switching of a dual - frequency device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 5 Flow chart for a spectrum wizard module to determine whether to perform frequency band switching provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 6 Schematic structural diagram of an action management frame for frequency band switching operation provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 7a Schematic structural diagram of an action management frame for frequency band switching request provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 7b Schematic structural diagram of an action management frame for frequency band switching response provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 7c Schematic structural diagram of an action management frame for frequency band switching confirmation provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 7d Schematic structural diagram of an action management frame for frequency band switching end provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 7e Schematic structural diagram of an Action management frame in a general format provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 8 Schematic structural diagram of a dual - frequency device provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0056] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clear and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0057] The present invention is an architecture of a specific function system. Therefore, in specific embodiments, the functional logic relationships of each structural module are mainly described, and the specific software and hardware implementation manners are not limited.

[0058] In addition, the technical features involved in each embodiment of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other, and the order of each step can also be adjusted before and after under the condition of being logical and non-conflicting. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings and embodiments.

[0059] Embodiment 1:

[0060] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the Band Steering module is used to monitor the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) of the dual-band STA, and CCA (Clear Channel Assessment) is used to evaluate the load information of the 2.4G and 5G frequency bands of the current dual-band AP. When a connected dual-band STA meets the frequency band switching condition, the dual-band device frequency band switching process is started. The switching processes on the dual-band access point side (i.e., the dual-band AP side) and the dual-band station side (i.e., the dual-band STA side) will be described separately below.

[0061] As Figure 1 shown, a method for dual-band switching provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes the following steps on the dual-band access point side (i.e., the dual-band AP side):

[0062] Step 110: The dual-band access point sends a frequency band switching request action management frame to notify the dual-band station of the wireless parameter information of the frequency band to be switched.

[0063] Among them, the dual-band access point is the dual-band AP, and the dual-band station is the dual-band STA.

[0064] For this step, the dual-band AP sends a Band Switch Request Action management frame to notify the dual-band STA of the wireless parameter information of the frequency band to be switched.

[0065] Among them, the wireless parameters include information such as encryption mode, password, SSID name, and radio frequency information.

[0066] Step 120: After the dual-band access point receives the frequency band switching response action management frame from the dual-band station, it switches the data and configuration to the new frequency band, refreshes the wireless parameters of the dual-band station according to the negotiated wireless parameters of the new frequency band, and after transferring the data and configuration to the new frequency band, the dual-band access point sends a frequency band switching confirmation action management frame to the dual-band station and starts data reception.

[0067] For this step, after the dual-band AP receives the Band Switch Response Action management frame from the dual-band STA, it switches the encryption configuration information, session information, data queue, management information, etc. to the new frequency band, refreshes the wireless parameters of the dual-band STA according to the negotiated wireless parameters of the new frequency band. After the dual-band AP transfers the data and configuration to the new frequency band, it sends a Band Switch Confirm Action management frame to the dual-band STA and starts the data reception function on the new frequency band.

[0068] Among them, the Band Switch Confirm Action management frame is sent to the dual-band STA through the old frequency band, and at the same time, the data reception function on the new frequency band is started.

[0069] Specifically, after the dual-band access point transfers the data and configuration to the new frequency band, the communication unit corresponding to the new frequency band sends feedback information indicating that the information transfer is completed to the communication unit corresponding to the old frequency band; after receiving the feedback information, the communication unit corresponding to the old frequency band sends a Band Switch Confirm Action management frame to the dual-band station through the old frequency band and removes the information associated with the old frequency band on the communication unit corresponding to the old frequency band.

[0070] Step 130: After the dual-band access point receives the Band Switch End Action management frame from the dual-band station on the new frequency band, it starts the data transmission function. For this step, when the dual-band AP receives the Band Switch End Action management frame on the new frequency band, it starts the data transmission function on the new frequency band.

[0071] It should be noted that in step 120, it is the dual-band AP that starts data reception after receiving the Band Switch Response Action management frame sent by the dual-band STA. At this time, the dual-band STA itself has not completed the frequency band switching. If the dual-band AP sends data on the new frequency band, the dual-band STA cannot receive it, and all the data will be lost. Therefore, the dual-band AP does not temporarily enable the data transmission function, but needs to enable the data reception function to receive the switch end message sent by the dual-band STA after switching to the new frequency band. Among them, the switch end message carries the Band Switch End Action management frame, otherwise the dual-band AP cannot sense whether the dual-band STA has completed the switching. Therefore, the two functions of "starting the data reception function" in step 120 and "starting the data transmission function" in step 130 need to be enabled in sequence.

[0072] As Figure 2 shown, a method for dual-band switching provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes the following steps on the dual-band station side (i.e., the dual-band STA side):

[0073] Step 210: After receiving the band switch request action management frame from the dual-band access point, the dual-band station feeds back the wireless parameters of the new band it supports to the dual-band access point through the band switch response action management frame.

[0074] For this step, after the dual-band STA receives the Band Switch Request Action management frame from the dual-band AP, it feeds back the wireless parameters of the new band it supports to the dual-band AP through the Band Switch Response Action management frame.

[0075] Step 220: After receiving the band switch confirmation action management frame from the dual-band access point, the dual-band station switches the data and configuration to the new band, reconfigures the wireless parameters of the dual-band station according to the negotiated wireless parameters of the new band. After the dual-band station transfers the data and configuration to the new band, it starts data transmission and reception on the new band, and sends a band switch end action management frame to the dual-band access point on the new band.

[0076] Among them, after the dual-band station transfers the data and configuration to the new band, the communication unit corresponding to the new band sends feedback information indicating that the information transfer is completed to the communication unit corresponding to the old band; after receiving the feedback information, the communication unit corresponding to the old band removes the association information with the old band on the communication unit corresponding to the old band, and starts the data transmission and reception function of the new band; and sends a band switch end action management frame to the dual-band access point through the new band.

[0077] For this step, after the dual-band STA receives the Band Switch Confirm Action management frame from the dual-band AP, it switches the encrypted configuration information, session information, data queue, management information, etc. to the new band, and reconfigures the wireless parameters of the dual-band STA according to the negotiated wireless parameters of the new band. After the dual-band STA transfers the data and configuration to the new band, it starts data transmission and reception on the new band, and sends a Band Switch End Action management frame to the dual-band AP on the new band.

[0078] In this preferred embodiment, the data and configuration include one or more of encrypted configuration information, session information, data queue, and management information.

[0079] In this preferred embodiment, when switching the encryption configuration information to a new frequency band, it is necessary to ensure that the encryption configuration information is accurately transferred to the new frequency band. The encryption configuration information includes one or more of an encryption algorithm, a pre-shared key, a random value, additional authentication data, a packet sequence number, an initialization vector, a Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) key, a bandwidth signaling transmission address, a temporary key, a sequence counter, and a message integrity check code key.

[0080] In this preferred embodiment, when switching the session information to a new frequency band, it is necessary to ensure that the session information is accurately transferred to the new frequency band. The session information includes one or more of the current packet to be sorted, a session refresh time, a session timeout time information, a packet statistics repetition and packet loss statistics information.

[0081] In this preferred embodiment, when switching the data queue to a new frequency band, it is necessary to transfer the data of the corresponding dual-band station from the original data queue to the data queue corresponding to the new frequency band. The data queue includes one or more of a Quality of Service (QoS) software queue and a hardware queue.

[0082] In this preferred embodiment, when switching the management information to a new frequency band, it is necessary to ensure that the management information is accurately transferred to the new frequency band. The management information includes one or more of the power saving state of the dual-band station, multi-in multi-out information, a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), packet transmission and reception statistics information, a packet error rate, and a black and white list.

[0083] It should be noted that the above steps 110, 120, and 130 describe the frequency band switching process on the dual-band access point side (i.e., the dual-band AP side), and the above steps 210 and 220 describe the frequency band switching process on the dual-band station side (i.e., the dual-band STA side). In actual operation, the preferred order of each step is: step 110, step 210, step 120, step 220, step 130.

[0084] Based on the above steps, the following is an example of the specific working process during frequency band switching in this embodiment: When the spectrum wizard module determines that the dual-band STA meets the conditions for frequency band switching, here taking the process of the dual-band AP guiding the dual-band STA to switch to the 5G frequency band as an example, and vice versa for switching to the 2.4G frequency band:

[0085] 1. Set a Virtual Access Point (VAP) interface for frequency band switching on the 2.4G frequency band and the 5G frequency band on the dual-band AP side, do not broadcast a Beacon externally, and do not process STA authentication association packets.

[0086] This dual-band switching method is applied to dual-band devices, such as WIFI dual-band devices.

[0087] It should be noted that a WIFI chip generally supports multiple VAP interfaces, which are all virtual interfaces. These virtual interfaces can be configured with different encryption modes and different SSID names, etc., but they all use the same physical layer. In this embodiment, one VAP interface is selected from multiple VAP interfaces and used as the VAP interface for frequency band switching.

[0088] Among them, the VAP interface can be understood as a sub-SSID. A WIFI chip generally supports multiple VAP interfaces. For example, a WIFI chip that supports 8 wifi interfaces has SSID1, SSID2, SSID3, and SSID4 in the 2.4G frequency band; and SSID5, SSID6, SSID7, and SSID8 in the 5G frequency band. Among them, SSID1 and SSID5 can be understood as the main SSIDs, and SSID2, SSID3, SSID4, SSID6, SSID7, and SSID8 are VAP interfaces. The VAP interface and the main interface share frequency band configuration parameters (such as channel, frequency width, working mode, etc.), but each is configured with different SSID names, encryption modes, and password and other parameters.

[0089] For example, SSID6 can be used as the VAP interface for frequency band switching.

[0090] The spectrum wizard module is a WIFI driver software module. It determines whether a dual-band STA that meets certain conditions needs to be switched from one frequency band to another based on the load, signal strength, user configuration rules, etc. of the current frequency band. The algorithm process of this determination is not the focus of this embodiment. The focus of this embodiment is how to quickly and smoothly switch the dual-band STA from one frequency band to a new frequency band when this spectrum wizard module determines to guide the dual-band STA to switch. This switching process is reflected by the frequency band switching frame, the switching actions of the dual-band AP, and the switching actions of the dual-band STA.

[0091] 2. The dual-band AP sends a Band Switch Request Action (frequency band switching request action) frame to the dual-band STA. The message contains information such as the wireless parameters supported by the 5G frequency band of the dual-band AP, that is, the message body of this message (i.e., Figure 7a the Band Switch Request Frame Body field) contains information such as wireless parameters, specifically including the content in the corresponding table of Embodiment 4.

[0092] 3. After receiving the Band Switch Request Action frame, the dual-band STA sends a Band Switch Response Action to the dual-band AP, feeding back information such as the 5G band parameters it supports and the selected channel bandwidth. That is, the message body of this message (i.e., Figure 7b the Band Switch Response Action field) contains information such as the 5G band parameters supported by the dual-band STA and the selected channel bandwidth, specifically including the content in the corresponding table of Embodiment 4.

[0093] 4. After receiving the Band Switch Response Action frame from the dual-band STA, the dual-band AP configures the 2.4G encryption configuration information onto the VAP interface for band switching. Specifically, it configures the 2.4G SSID (Service Set Identifier), BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier), KEYID (Key Identifier), NONCE (in cryptography, Nonce is an arbitrary or non-repeating random value used only once), PMKID (pairwise master key identifier), and PN (packet number) and other encryption configuration information onto the VAP interface for band switching.

[0094] Furthermore, it switches the AID (Association ID) association information of the dual-band STA to be switched to the VAP interface for band switching, and switches the MSDU (MAC Service Data Unit) queued in the transmission queue on the 2.4G band to the transmission queue on the VAP interface for band switching. After the dual-band AP transfers the encryption configuration information, session information, data queue, and management information to the VAP interface for band switching, it sends a Band Switch Confirm Action to the dual-band STA.

[0095] Among them, the MSDU is responsible for transmitting data to the actual receiving end.

[0096] Among them, the connection identifier (AID) is in the PS-Poll frame. The Duration / ID bit is the connection identifier, rather than the value used for the virtual carrier sensing function. When a dual-band STA connects to a dual-band AP, the dual-band AP assigns a value from the range of 1 to 2007 as the connection identifier (AID).

[0097] The AID association information refers to the management information required for the dual-band AP to manage the dual-band STA, such as the power-saving state of the dual-band STA, MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) information, RSSI, message transmission and reception statistics, PER (Packet Error Rate), and black and white lists.

[0098] 5. After the dual-band STA receives the Band Switch Confirm Action frame from the dual-band AP, it switches to the selected 5G channel A, and transfers the encryption information, AID association information, and MSDU to the 5G band, and sends a Band Switch End Action to the dual-band AP on the 5G channel A.

[0099] 6. After the dual-band AP receives the Band Switch End Action from the dual-band STA, it starts to normally send and receive messages in the transmission queue. During this process, it is actually equivalent to the dual-band STA being connected to the VAP interface used for band switching.

[0100] During the above entire switching process, the dual-band STA and the dual-band AP always remain associated, and there is no need for re-authentication association. In the existing AP band Steering function to implement the process of guiding the dual-band STA to switch from 2.4G to 5G, the dual-band STA will first disconnect from the 2.4G band and then connect to the 5G band. Through the process of steps 1-6, it perfectly realizes that the dual-band STA and the dual-band AP always remain associated, and there is no need for re-authentication association.

[0101] In summary, a dual-band switching method proposed in an embodiment of the present invention, in which during the process of the dual-band AP guiding the dual-band STA to switch bands, it does not involve the re-association process of the device, the switching process has fewer steps, is fast, and the service is not interrupted, greatly improving the user experience during the band switching process of the dual-band AP and the dual-band STA.

[0102] Embodiment 2:

[0103] Based on the dual-band switching method provided in Embodiment 1, this Embodiment 2 also provides a dual-band switching system. As Figure 3As shown in the figure, the system provided in this embodiment includes a dual-band access point (dual-band AP) and a dual-band station (dual-band STA). In this embodiment, the dual-band refers to 2.4G and 5G, that is, as Figure 3 shown, the dual-band AP includes AP: 2.4G BSS and AP: 5G BSS, and the dual-band STA includes STA: 2.4G and STA: 5G.

[0104] A spectrum wizard module is set in the dual-band access point (dual-band AP). The spectrum wizard module is a WIFI driver program module that guides the station to switch between the 2.4G band BSS and the 5G band BSS. It is used to dynamically adjust which band the dual-band STA accesses to ensure that the dual-band STA obtains a relatively better experience. Among them, BSS: Basic Service Set, the coverage area of a hotspot is called a BSS.

[0105] In this preferred embodiment, the spectrum wizard module is used to monitor the received signal strength indication of the dual-band station, evaluate the load information of different bands of the current dual-band access point through idle channel assessment, and start the dual-band device band switching process when a certain attached dual-band station meets the band switching conditions. The dual-band device band switching process includes: the dual-band access point sends a band switching request action management frame to notify the dual-band station of the wireless parameter information of the band to be switched; after receiving the band switching request action management frame from the dual-band access point, the dual-band station feeds back the wireless parameters of the new band it supports to the dual-band access point through a band switching response action management frame; after receiving the band switching response action management frame from the dual-band station, the dual-band access point switches the data and configuration to the new band, refreshes the wireless parameters of the dual-band station according to the negotiated wireless parameters of the new band, and after transferring the data and configuration to the new band, the dual-band access point sends a band switching confirmation action management frame to the dual-band station and starts data reception; after receiving the band switching confirmation action management frame from the dual-band access point, the dual-band station switches the data and configuration to the new band, reconfigures the wireless parameters of the dual-band station according to the negotiated wireless parameters of the new band, starts data transmission and reception on the new band after transferring the data and configuration to the new band, and sends a band switching end action management frame to the dual-band access point on the new band; after receiving the band switching end action management frame on the new band, the dual-band access point starts the data transmission and reception function.

[0106] Refer to Figure 4 shown, the timing diagram of the dual-band device band switching with the example of switching from 2.4G to 5G is as follows:

[0107] After the spectrum wizard module of AP: 2.4G BSS determines that the band switching condition is met, it starts the switching process;

[0108] AP: 2.4G BSS sends a Band Switch Request Action to STA: 2.4G;

[0109] STA: 2.4G returns a Band Switch Response Action to AP: 2.4G BSS;

[0110] AP: 2.4G BSS sequentially sends encryption configuration information, session information, data queues, and management information, etc. to AP: 5G BSS, adjusts the 2.4G radio frequency information to 5G radio frequency information, and after the STA information transfer and adjustment are completed, AP: 5G BSS notifies AP: 2.4G BSS; among them, the radio frequency information includes information such as channels, bandwidths, and working modes.

[0111] AP: 2.4G BSS sends a Band Switch Confirm Action to STA: 2.4G;

[0112] AP: 2.4G BSS removes the STA 2.4G association information, and STA: 2.4G then sequentially sends encryption configuration information, session information, data queues, and management information to STA: 5G, adjusts the 2.4G radio frequency information to 5G radio frequency information, and after the STA information transfer and adjustment are completed, STA: 5G notifies STA: 2.4G;

[0113] After STA: 2.4G removes the STA 2.4G association information, it starts 5G band communication to STA: 5G;

[0114] STA: 5G sends a Band Switch End Action to AP: 5G BSS;

[0115] Normal packet data transmission and reception start between AP: 5G BSS and STA: 5G.

[0116] In this preferred embodiment, the spectrum wizard module is used to monitor the received signal strength indication of dual-band stations, evaluate the load information of different frequency bands of the current dual-band access point through idle channel assessment, and start the dual-band device frequency band switching process when a certain attached dual-band station meets the frequency band switching conditions. The specific steps are as follows: Determine whether the frequency band connected by the current dual-band station is 5G. If not, then determine whether to switch from 2.4G to 5G; if so, then determine whether to switch from 5G to 2.4G;

[0117] The judgment on whether to switch from 2.4G to 5G specifically includes: sequentially judging whether the current received signal strength indication is greater than the 2.4G received signal strength indication threshold and whether the time counter is greater than the wizard detection interval. If the judgment results are both yes, the dual-band access point sends a band switching request action management frame to switch the band from 2.4G to 5G; otherwise, the process ends.

[0118] The judgment on whether to switch from 5G to 2.4G specifically includes: sequentially judging whether the current received signal strength indication is less than the 5G received signal strength indication threshold, whether the time counter is greater than the wizard detection interval, and whether the channel utilization rate is less than the 2.4G channel utilization rate threshold. If the judgment results are all yes, the dual-band access point sends a band switching request action management frame to switch the band from 5G to 2.4G; otherwise, the process ends.

[0119] See Figure 5 , the specific implementation manner of the foregoing process is as follows:

[0120] Step 401: Judge whether the band currently connected by the dual-band STA is 5G;

[0121] If the band currently connected by the dual-band STA is not 5G, judge whether to switch from 2.4G to 5G (Steps 402 to 404). If the band currently connected by the dual-band station is 5G, judge whether to switch from 5G to 2.4G (Steps 405 to 408).

[0122] The judgment on whether to switch from 2.4G to 5G specifically includes:

[0123] Step 402: Judge whether the current received signal strength indication is greater than the received signal strength indication threshold;

[0124] If the current received signal strength indication is greater than the 2.4G received signal strength indication threshold, it indicates that the current signal is strong and the distance between the dual-band STA and the dual-band AP is relatively close. The STA at close range can be switched to 5G to obtain better performance, and then Step 403 is executed; otherwise, the process ends and the band switching is not performed.

[0125] Dual-band preference is to try to switch the STA with strong signal to 5GHz as much as possible because when the signal is strong at close range, the negotiation rate of 5GHz is larger, the interference is less, and the throughput is also larger. Switching the STA at close range to 5GHz can obtain better performance.

[0126] Step 403: Judge whether the time counter is greater than the wizard detection interval;

[0127] To avoid incorrect handover caused by sudden changes in signal strength, in this embodiment, it is also necessary to ensure that within a preset wizard detection interval, the current received signal strength indication is greater than the received signal strength indication threshold. Specifically, when it is detected that the current received signal strength indication is greater than the 5G received signal strength indication, the counter starts counting; when it is detected that the current received signal strength indication is not greater than the 5G received signal strength indication, the counter is cleared. If the value of the time counter is greater than the wizard detection interval, step 404 is executed; otherwise, the process ends without performing frequency band handover. The time counter increments by one every second in the code. For example, after 30 seconds, the time counter is 30 seconds.

[0128] Step 404: Switch to the 5G frequency band.

[0129] It should be noted that in step 402, the received signal strength indication threshold is the threshold set for the frequency band to which the dual-band STA is currently connected. For example, if the dual-band STA is currently associated with 2.4G, then if the signal strength is greater than the threshold set for this frequency band, it will trigger the start of the next handover judgment to confirm whether to switch this STA to the 5G frequency band. For example, the 2.4G received signal strength indication threshold is -20dB to -40dB.

[0130] The judgment on whether to switch from 5G to 2.4G specifically includes:

[0131] Step 405: Judge whether the current received signal strength indication is less than the 5G received signal strength indication threshold;

[0132] If the current received signal strength indication is less than the 5G received signal strength indication threshold, it means that the current signal is weak and the distance between the dual-band STA and the dual-band AP is far. It is necessary to switch the long-distance STA to 2.4G to obtain better performance, and then step 406 is executed; otherwise, the process ends without performing frequency band handover. The 5G received signal strength indication threshold is -70dB to -80dB.

[0133] Step 406: Judge whether the time counter is greater than the wizard detection interval;

[0134] To ensure that within a preset time, the signal strength is always less than the set threshold to avoid false switching caused by sudden changes in signal strength, in this embodiment, it is also necessary to ensure that within a preset wizard detection interval, the current received signal strength indication (RSSI) is less than the RSSI threshold. Specifically, when it is detected that the current RSSI is less than the 5G RSSI, the counter starts counting; when it is detected that the current RSSI is not less than the 5G RSSI, the counter is cleared. If the value of the time counter is greater than the wizard detection interval, step 407 is executed; otherwise, the process ends without performing frequency band switching. Among them, the time counter increments by one per second in the code. For example, after 30 seconds, the time counter is 30 seconds.

[0135] Step 407: Whether the current channel utilization rate is less than the 2.4G channel utilization rate;

[0136] If the current channel utilization rate is less than the 2.4G channel utilization rate, step 408 is executed; otherwise, the process ends.

[0137] In an actual application scenario, when switching from 2.4G to 5G, since the signal strength reaches the switching threshold, when switching to 5G, 5G has sufficient bandwidth and the channel utilization rate does not need to be considered.

[0138] When switching from 5G to 2.4G, the signal strength is already relatively weak, and the bandwidth of 2.4G is relatively low. If the channel utilization rate of 2.4G itself is relatively high, the load of 2.4G will be higher after switching, affecting the communication effect, and it may even be worse than the communication effect in the 5G frequency band. Therefore, when switching from 5G to 2.4G, the channel utilization rate needs to be considered.

[0139] Step 408: Switch from 5G to 2.4G.

[0140] The above was explained by taking the frequency band switching of a WIFI dual-band device between the 2.4G frequency band and the 5G frequency band as an example. In other embodiments, when switching between other frequency bands, the method of judging the frequency band switching conditions is similar and will not be elaborated here.

[0141] In summary, the system for frequency band switching of a WIFI dual-band device proposed in the embodiment of the present invention. During the process of the dual-band AP guiding the dual-band STA to switch the frequency band, it does not involve the process of re-associating the device. The switching process has fewer steps, is fast, and the service is not interrupted, greatly improving the user experience during the frequency band switching process of the dual-band AP and the dual-band STA.

[0142] Embodiment 3:

[0143] Based on the foregoing embodiments, this embodiment mainly introduces the frame structure. The frequency band switching request action management frame, the frequency band switching response action management frame, the frequency band switching confirmation action management frame, and the frequency band switching end action management frame are all frequency band switching action management frames;

[0144] Referring to Figure 6 , the frequency band switching action management frame includes a Category field, a Band Switch Management Action field, a Dialog Token field, and a Band Switch Field and Elements field;

[0145] Among them, the Category field represents the message type. For the Category field, the uses of values 0–21 are already specified by the protocol, values 21-125 are reserved by the protocol, values 126 and 127 are reserved for manufacturers to use, and values 128–255 represent Error in the protocol. Therefore, the value of the Category field is any value reserved in the protocol. For example, it can be any value in 21-125, or it can be 126 or 127. However, since 126 and 127 are public, that is, both chip manufacturers and terminal manufacturers can use them. If 126 or 127 is used as the value of the Category field, conflicts may occur. In actual use, it can be adaptively selected according to needs. The following takes the value of the Category field being 100 as an example for explanation

[0146] The Band Switch Management Action field corresponds to at least four different values, and each value corresponds to a type of management frame;

[0147] The Dialog Token is a session flag code, and the value of the Dialog Token field is a random value randomly generated by the requestor of the frequency band switching. In the same switching process, the values of the Dialog Token fields of different types of frequency band switching action management frames are the same;

[0148] The Band Switch Field and Elements field represents the message body. The information contained in the message bodies of different types of frequency band switching action management frames is different. The content contained in the message body will be specifically introduced below. Specifically, please refer to the following description.

[0149] In an alternative embodiment, the value of the Band Switch Management Action field is 0, 1, 2, or 3; the value of the Band Switch Management Action field may also be other values, as long as different types of management frames can be distinguished.

[0150] As Figure 7a shown, when the value of the Band Switch Management Action field is 0, this management frame is a band switch request action management frame;

[0151] As Figure 7b shown, when the value of the Band Switch Management Action field is 1, this management frame is a band switch response action management frame;

[0152] As Figure 7c shown, when the value of the Band Switch Management Action field is 2, this management frame is a band switch confirmation action management frame;

[0153] As Figure 7d shown, when the value of the Band Switch Management Action field is 3, this management frame is a band switch end action management frame.

[0154] Generally speaking, the band switch action management frame of this embodiment is a frame structure redefined based on the Action management frame in the general format. The structure of the Action management frame in the general format is as Figure 7e shown, and the specific differential improvements are as follows:

[0155] 1. For the Category field, since it is reserved in the 21 - 125 protocol, corresponding values are selected from it to define a new frame structure;

[0156] 2. Band Switch Management Action and Dialog Token are added. Dialog Token is a random number generated by the requestor, and the random number needs to remain the same throughout a whole switching process.

[0157] 3. The values of Band Switch Management Action are 0, 1, 2, and 3 respectively, representing 4 different frames. Other numerical values can also be taken as long as different frames can be distinguished;

[0158] 4. For different frames, the content of the message body (Band Switch Field and Elements) is different. For specific content, see the table in Embodiment 4.

[0159] Embodiment 4:

[0160] Based on the dual-band switching method provided in the above Embodiment 1, this embodiment describes the above method in more detail through a specific example.

[0161] 1. Set a VAP interface for band switching in the 2.4G band and 5G band respectively, do not broadcast Beacon externally, and do not process STA authentication association messages.

[0162] 2. The dual-band AP sends a Band Switch Request Action (handover request action management frame) to the dual-band STA. The wireless parameters supported by the AP 5G band included in the handover request action management frame are as follows (the content of the Band Switch ManagementAction message is as follows). Band Swith adopts the Action management frame control process, and its basic format is as follows (for reference, see Section 9.3.3.14 of 《IEEE Std 802.11 TM -2016》):

[0163] Category Action Details Octets: 1 variable

[0164] For the Category field, the uses of protocols 0–21 are already specified, protocols 21-125 are reserved, protocols 126 and 127 are left for manufacturers to use, and protocols 128–255 are for Error.

[0165] Action Details specifically reflects the Action use and related data.

[0166] The basic format of the Band Switch Management Action message is as follows, corresponding to Figure 6 the frame structure:

[0167]

[0168] In an alternative embodiment, the Category field takes the value 100.

[0169] Band Switch Action field values (the following table explains the value range of the fields of the Band SwitchManagement Action, that is, the handover management action frame, and the message type corresponding to each value):

[0170]

[0171] Band Switch Request Action Frame (Band Switch Management RequestAction, which is the corresponding message format of the band switch request frame), corresponding to Figure 7a The frame structure is:

[0172]

[0173] Band Switch Request Frame body (Band Switch Request Action Frame, that is, the band switch request frame message body contains an explanation of the wireless parameters and other information, and which IE (Information Element) fields need to be filled in the message in order of sequence number (the subsequent other lists also follow this rule). This information comes from IEEEStd 802.11 TM -2016》Standard and Extended Fields):

[0174]

[0175]

[0176]

[0177] 3. After receiving the Band Switch Request Action frame, the dual-band STA sends a BandSwitchResponse Action (the message content is as follows) to the dual-band AP. Figure 7b The frame structure is:

[0178]

[0179] Band Switch Response Frame body (Band Switch Response Action Frame, which is the explanation of the 5G frequency band parameters supported by the dual-band STA and the selected channel bandwidth contained in the body of the frequency band switch response frame message. This information comes from the IEEE Std 802.11TM-2016 standard and extended fields):

[0180]

[0181]

[0182]

[0183] 4. The dual-band STA feeds back information such as the 5G band parameters it supports and the selected channel bandwidth to the dual-band AP.

[0184] 5. The dual-band AP transfers the encryption configuration information of the dual-band STA to the 5G band interface.

[0185] The 802.11 protocol supports multiple encryption and authentication modes, and there are significant differences in the corresponding encryption configuration information. When transferring its encryption configuration information, the existing state of the encryption module needs to be kept unchanged. The main information involved in the 8021.11 encryption algorithm: Encryption algorithm (WEP, TKIP, CCMP, GCMP, BIP), PSK (Pre-shared Key), Nonce (Number used once), AAD (Additional authentication data), PN (packet number), IV (Initialization Vector), WEP Key (Wired equivalent privacy key), TA (bandwidth signaling transmitter address), TK (Temporal Key), TSC (TKIP sequence counter), MIC Key (message integrity code key). This information must be accurately transferred to the 5G band. Any deviation will result in the inability to encrypt and decrypt data.

[0186] Terms appearing in this paragraph:

[0187] Encryption algorithm: Encryption algorithm

[0188] WEP: Wired equivalent privacy

[0189] TKIP: Temporal key integrity protocol

[0190] PSK: Pre-shared Key

[0191] Nonce: Abbreviation of Number used once. In cryptography, Nonce is an arbitrary or non-repeating random value that is used only once.

[0192] AAD: Additional authentication data Additional authentication data

[0193] PN: Packet number Packet sequence number

[0194] IV: Initialization Vector Initialization vector

[0195] WEP Key: Wired equivalent privacy key Wired Equivalent Privacy Key

[0196] TA: Bandwidth signaling transmitter address Bandwidth signaling transmitter address

[0197] TK: Temporal Key Temporal key

[0198] TSC: TKIP sequence counter TKIP sequence counter

[0199] MIC Key: Message integrity code key Message Integrity Check Code Key

[0200] 6. The dual - band AP transfers the BA (Block Ack, Block Acknowledgment) session information of the dual - band STA to the 5G band interface.

[0201] The Block Ack session mainly re - orders the received packets and reports the sorted packets to the protocol stack. Information such as the packets currently waiting to be sorted in the Block Ack session, the session refresh time, the session timeout time, the packet statistics for duplicates, and the packet loss statistics all need to be accurately transferred to the 5G band.

[0202] 7. The dual - band AP transfers the data queue of the dual - band STA to the 5G band interface.

[0203] The communication data between the dual - band AP and the dual - band STA involves QOS (Quality of Service) software queues and hardware queues. Among them, the QOS software queues and hardware queues cache the data packets to be sent to the dual - band STA. During the process of switching the band, the data of the corresponding dual - band STA needs to be transferred from the original QOS software queue and hardware queue to the corresponding QOS queue and hardware queue of the 5G band.

[0204] 8. The dual - band AP transfers the management information of the dual - band STA to the 5G band interface.

[0205] The dual-band AP manages the management information required by the dual-band STA, such as the power-saving status of the dual-band STA, MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) information, RSSI, message transmission and reception statistics, PER (Packet Error Rate), and black and white lists. These are the key information for the dual-band AP to monitor the behavior of the dual-band STA, which have an important impact on the normal communication and service functions between the dual-band AP and the dual-band STA, and also require accurate professionals on the new frequency band.

[0206] 9. The dual-band AP adjusts the 2.4G radio frequency information of the dual-band STA to 5G radio frequency information.

[0207] The key to frequency band switching is that the physical layer transmission has changed. The corresponding radio frequency information cannot use the radio frequency information of the previous 2.4G frequency band and needs to be adjusted to the radio frequency information of the new frequency band according to the negotiation information.

[0208] 10. The dual-band AP completes the transfer of the dual-band STA information from 2.4G to 5G.

[0209] 11. The dual-band AP sends Band Switch Confirm Action to the dual-band STA (the message content is as follows):

[0210] Band Switch Confirm Frame body (Band Switch Confirm Action Frame, that is, an explanation of what information is included in the message body of the frequency band switching confirmation frame. This information comes from the 《IEEE Std 802.11 TM -2016》 standard and extended fields), corresponding to Figure 7c the frame structure:

[0211]

[0212] 12. The dual-band AP removes the STA 2.4G association information.

[0213] 13. After receiving the Band Switch Confirm Action frame from the AP, the dual-band STA transfers the encryption configuration information to the 5G frequency band interface.

[0214] 14. The dual-band STA transfers the Block Ack session information to the 5G frequency band interface.

[0215] 15. The dual-band STA transfers the data queue to the 5G frequency band interface.

[0216] 16. The dual-band STA transfers other key information (management information) to the 5G frequency band interface.

[0217] 17. The 2.4G RF information of the dual-band STA is adjusted to 5G RF information.

[0218] 18. The dual-band STA completes the transfer of STA information from 2.4G to 5G.

[0219] 19. The dual-band STA removes the 2.4G band association information.

[0220] 20. The dual-band STA starts data transceiver on the 5G band.

[0221] 21. The dual-band STA sends a Band Switch End Action to the dual-band AP (the message content is as follows):

[0222] Band Switch End Frame body (Band Switch Confirm Action Frame, that is, an explanation of what information is included in the message body of the band switch end frame. This information comes from the IEEE Std 802.11 TM -2016》 standard and extended fields), corresponding to Figure 7d the frame structure:

[0223]

[0224] 22. The dual-band AP normally sends the cached data to the dual-band STA.

[0225] 23. The dual-band STA normally sends the cached data to the dual-band AP.

[0226] 24. The dual-band AP and the dual-band STA communicate normally.

[0227] In summary, in the process of guiding the dual-band STA to switch bands in the embodiments of the present invention, there is no need for the device to re-associate. The switching process has fewer steps, is fast, and the service is not interrupted, greatly improving the user experience during the band switching process of the dual-band AP and the dual-band STA.

[0228] In addition, the present invention is also applicable to the band switching between multi-band APs, such as APs that support 2.4G, 5G, and 6G at the same time, or APs that support 2.4G, 5G low band, and 5G high band at the same time and multi-band STAs.

[0229] Embodiment 4:

[0230] Based on the dual-band switching methods and systems provided in the above Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the present invention also provides a dual-band device that can be used to implement the above methods and systems, such as Figure 8As shown, it is a schematic architecture diagram of a dual - band device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The dual - band device of this embodiment includes one or more processors 21 and a memory 22. Among them, Figure 8 Take one processor 21 as an example.

[0231] The processor 21 and the memory 22 can be connected through a bus or other means. Figure 8 Take connection through a bus as an example.

[0232] The memory 22, as a non - volatile computer - readable storage medium, can be used to store non - volatile software programs, non - volatile computer - executable programs, and modules, such as the dual - band switching method in Embodiment 1. The processor 21 executes various functional applications and data processing of the device for switching the frequency bands of the WIFI dual - band device by running the non - volatile software programs, instructions, and modules stored in the memory 22, that is, implementing the dual - band switching method of Embodiment 1.

[0233] The memory 22 may include high - speed random - access memory, and may also include non - volatile memory, such as at least one magnetic disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other non - volatile solid - state storage devices. In some embodiments, the memory 22 may optionally include a memory remotely set relative to the processor 21, and these remote memories can be connected to the processor 21 through a network. Examples of the above - mentioned network include but are not limited to the Internet, an enterprise intranet, a local area network, a mobile communication network, and their combinations.

[0234] The program instructions / modules are stored in the memory 22 and, when executed by one or more processors 21, execute the dual - band switching method in the above - mentioned Embodiment 1. For example, execute each of the Figure 1 - Figure 2 steps shown above. When executing Figure 1 each of the steps described, the device can be a dual - band access point; when executing Figure 2 each of the steps described, the device can be a dual - band station.

[0235] Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that all or part of the steps in the various methods of the embodiments can be completed by instructing relevant hardware through a program. The program can be stored in a computer - readable storage medium, and the storage medium can include: Read Only Memory (ROM for short), Random Access Memory (RAM for short), magnetic disks, optical discs, etc.

[0236] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention. The content not described in detail in this specification belongs to the prior art well known to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method for dual-frequency switching, characterized in that, Including: The dual - band access point sends a band - switching request action management frame to notify the dual - band station of the wireless parameter information for the band to be switched; After the dual - band access point receives the band - switching response action management frame from the dual - band station, it switches the data and configuration to the new band, refreshes the wireless parameters of the dual - band station according to the negotiated wireless parameters of the new band, sends a band - switching confirmation action management frame to the dual - band station after transferring the data and configuration to the new band, and starts the data reception function on the new band; The dual - band access point sending the band - switching confirmation action management frame to the dual - band station after transferring the data and configuration to the new band includes: after the dual - band access point transfers the data and configuration to the new band, the communication unit corresponding to the new band sends feedback information of information transfer completion to the communication unit corresponding to the old band; after the communication unit corresponding to the old band receives the feedback information, it sends a band - switching confirmation action management frame to the dual - band station through the old band and removes the association information related to the old band on the communication unit corresponding to the old band; After the dual - band access point receives the band - switching end action management frame from the dual - band station on the new band, it starts the data sending function on the new band.

2. The method for dual-frequency switching according to claim 1, wherein The data and configuration include one or more of encryption configuration information, session information, data queue, and management information.

3. The method for dual-frequency switching according to claim 1, wherein The band - switching request action management frame, the band - switching response action management frame, the band - switching confirmation action management frame, and the band - switching end action management frame are all band - switching action management frames; The band - switching action management frame includes a Category field, a Band Switch Management Action field, a Dialog Token field, and a Band Switch Field and Elements field; Among them, the Category field represents the message type, and the value of the Category field is any value reserved in the protocol; The Band Switch Management Action field corresponds to at least four different values, and each value corresponds to a management frame type; The value of the Dialog Token field is a random value randomly generated by the requestor of the band - switching. In the same switching process, the values of the Dialog Token fields of different types of band - switching action management frames are the same; The Band Switch Field and Elements field represents the message body, and the information contained in the message bodies of different types of band - switching action management frames is different.

4. The method for dual-frequency switching according to claim 3, wherein, The value of the Band Switch ManagementAction field is 0, 1, 2, or 3; When the value of the Band Switch Management Action field is 0, this management frame is a band - switching request action management frame; When the value of the Band Switch Management Action field is 1, the management frame is a band switch response action management frame; When the value of the Band Switch Management Action field is 2, the management frame is a band switch confirmation action management frame; When the value of the Band Switch Management Action field is 3, the management frame is a band switch end action management frame.

5. The method for dual-frequency switching according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The band switch of the WIFI dual-band device is switched between the 2.4G band and the 5G band. Before the dual-band access point sends a band switch request action management frame, it further includes: Judging whether the currently connected band of the dual-band station is 5G. If not, judge whether to switch from 2.4G to 5G; if so, judge whether to switch from 5G to 2.4G; The judgment of whether to switch from 2.4G to 5G specifically includes: sequentially judging whether the current received signal strength indication is greater than the 2.4G received signal strength indication threshold and whether the time counter is greater than the wizard detection interval. If the judgment results are both yes, the dual-band access point sends a band switch request action management frame to switch the band from 2.4G to 5G, otherwise the process ends; The judgment of whether to switch from 5G to 2.4G specifically includes: sequentially judging whether the current received signal strength indication is less than the 5G received signal strength indication threshold, whether the time counter is greater than the wizard detection interval, and whether the channel utilization rate is less than the 2.4G channel utilization rate threshold. If the judgment results are all yes, the dual-band access point sends a band switch request action management frame to switch the band from 5G to 2.4G, otherwise the process ends.

6. A dual-band access point, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor and a memory. The at least one processor and the memory are connected through a data bus. The memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor. After the instructions are executed by the processor, they are used to complete the dual-band switching method according to any one of claims 1-5.

7. A method for dual-frequency switching, characterized in that, It includes: After receiving the band switch request action management frame from the dual-band access point, the dual-band station feeds back the wireless parameters of the new band it supports to the dual-band access point through a band switch response action management frame; After receiving the band switch confirmation action management frame from the dual-band access point, the dual-band station switches the data and configuration to the new band, reconfigures the wireless parameters of the dual-band station according to the negotiated wireless parameters of the new band, starts data transmission and reception on the new band after the dual-band station transfers the data and configuration to the new band, and sends a band switch end action management frame to the dual-band access point on the new band; After the dual-band station transfers data and configurations to the new frequency band, it starts data transceiver operations on the new frequency band and sends a band-switching completion action management frame to the dual-band access point on the new frequency band, which includes: after the dual-band station transfers data and configurations to the new frequency band, the communication unit corresponding to the new frequency band sends feedback information indicating the completion of information transfer to the communication unit corresponding to the old frequency band; after receiving the feedback information, the communication unit corresponding to the old frequency band removes the information associated with the old frequency band on the communication unit corresponding to the old frequency band and starts the data transceiver function on the new frequency band; and sends a band-switching completion action management frame to the dual-band access point via the new frequency band.

8. A dual-band site, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor and a memory, which are connected via a data bus. The memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, and after being executed by the processor, the instructions are used to implement the dual-band switching method described in claim 7.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Frequency band transfer control method and radio communication apparatus

    CN104067678A

  • Multi-user frequency point linkage method in point-to-multipoint microwave communication system and system

    CN105072590A