Load balancing method and apparatus, storage medium, and electronic device

Abstract

This invention discloses a load balancing method and apparatus, a storage medium, and an electronic device. The method includes: in a target network composed of multiple wireless access points (APs), detecting whether the load of the current AP on a first communication frequency band does not meet a first preset condition. In the target network, the network is divided into multiple layers according to the connection relationship between the multiple APs. Each device connected to the current AP communicates with the current AP through one of multiple communication frequency bands, including the first communication frequency band. If the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition, determining a first target device from the devices connected to the current AP that communicates with the current AP using the first communication frequency band, and switching the communication frequency band for communication between the first target device and the current AP from the first communication frequency band to a second communication frequency band, wherein the multiple frequency bands include the second frequency band.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a load balancing method and apparatus, a storage medium, and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, Mesh networks have been widely used in various scenarios. In complex scenarios such as shopping malls and office buildings, due to the severely uneven distribution of user density in space, some wireless access points (APs) may have a large number of connected users, while others may have a small number of connected users, resulting in uneven AP load.

[0003] Currently, home network terminal devices with wireless network mesh functionality typically operate on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. Correspondingly, the backhaul band associated with upstream devices can also be selected from 2.4GHz or 5GHz. A small number of products also use the 6GHz band, but 6GHz wireless access points (APs) and mobile phones are not yet widespread. The 2.4GHz band, due to its low frequency, slow speed, and poor interference resistance, is generally not used as a backhaul band. Therefore, in existing networks, the 5GHz band is used for both backhaul and fronthaul. Once the backhaul band is configured, it cannot be changed, resulting in a relatively inflexible network structure.

[0004] However, in a star network topology (where one primary access point (AP) has multiple secondary APs connected to it), if a large number of wireless devices are also connected to the 5GHz band of one of the secondary APs, the 5GHz network card of the primary AP may become heavily overloaded. This can lead to issues such as stuttering, packet loss, increased latency due to disconnections, reduced speed, and difficulty in executing roaming control commands. If multiple secondary APs in the network experience overload, these issues will become even more severe, significantly impacting the user experience.

[0005] Furthermore, in existing technologies, if an AP is overloaded, no action will be taken for that AP; instead, some devices will have to leave the currently associated AP on their own, resulting in roaming or going offline.

[0006] There is currently no effective solution to the problem that when the load on a wireless access point is too high, the downstream devices of the wireless access point queue up to communicate with the wireless access point, resulting in low communication efficiency between the downstream devices and the wireless access point.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the relevant technology to overcome the aforementioned defects. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention provides a load balancing method, apparatus, storage medium, and electronic device to at least solve the problem that when the load on a wireless access point is too high, the downstream devices of the wireless access point queue up to communicate with the wireless access point, resulting in low communication efficiency between the downstream devices and the wireless access point.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a load balancing method is provided, comprising: in a target network composed of multiple wireless access points (APs), detecting whether the load of a current AP on a first communication frequency band does not meet a first preset condition, wherein, in the target network, the target network is divided into multiple layers according to the connection relationship between the multiple APs, each device connected to the current AP communicates with the current AP through one of multiple communication frequency bands, the multiple communication frequency bands including the first communication frequency band, and each device connected to the current AP is a terminal device or an AP on the next layer below the layer where the current AP is located; if the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition, determining a first target device from the devices connected to the current AP that communicates with the current AP using the first communication frequency band, and switching the communication frequency band for the first target device to communicate with the current AP from the first communication frequency band to a second communication frequency band, wherein the multiple frequency bands include the second communication frequency band.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a load balancing device is provided, comprising: a detection module, configured to detect, in a target network composed of multiple wireless access points (APs), whether the load of a current AP on a first communication frequency band does not meet a first preset condition, wherein, in the target network, according to the connection relationship between the multiple APs, the target network is divided into multiple layers, each device connected to the current AP communicates with the current AP through one of multiple communication frequency bands, the multiple communication frequency bands including the first communication frequency band, and each device connected to the current AP is a terminal device or an AP on the next layer below the layer where the current AP is located; and a processing module, configured to, when the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition, determine, from the devices connected to the current AP, a first target device that communicates with the current AP using the first communication frequency band, and switch the communication frequency band for the first target device to communicate with the current AP from the first communication frequency band to a second communication frequency band, wherein the multiple frequency bands include the second communication frequency band.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, wherein a computer program is stored in the computer program, wherein the computer program is configured to execute the above-described load balancing method at runtime.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is also provided, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the load balancing method described above through the computer program.

[0013] This invention addresses the issue of low communication efficiency between connected devices and access points (APs) in a target network composed of multiple APs. It detects whether the load on the current AP and its connected devices on a first communication frequency band does not meet a first preset condition. If the load on the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition, a first target device is identified from the connected devices of the current AP that communicates with the current AP using the first communication frequency band. The communication frequency band for communication between the first target device and the current AP is then switched from the first communication frequency band to the second communication frequency band. In other words, when the load on the current AP in the first communication frequency band is too high, a first target device is identified from the connected devices of the current AP, and the communication frequency band for communication between the first target device and the current AP is switched from the first communication frequency band to the second communication frequency band. This solves the problem of low communication efficiency between connected devices and the wireless access point when the load on the wireless access point is too high. Furthermore, this technical solution improves the communication efficiency between connected devices and the wireless access point, and avoids issues such as lag, packet loss, and disconnection. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a hardware structure block diagram of a computer terminal for a load balancing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a load balancing method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a network topology diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a framework diagram of a load balancing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0021] The methods and embodiments provided in this application can be executed on a computer terminal or similar computing device. Taking running on a computer terminal as an example, Figure 1 This is a hardware structure block diagram of a computer terminal for a load balancing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, a computer terminal may include one or more ( Figure 1 Only one is shown in the diagram. A processor 102 (which may include, but is not limited to, a microprocessor unit (MPU) or a programmable logic device (PLD)) and a memory 104 for storing data are also shown. In one exemplary embodiment, the computer terminal may further include a transmission device 106 for communication functions and an input / output device 108. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 1 The structure shown is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the structure of the computer terminal described above. For example, the computer terminal may also include components that are more complex than those described above. Figure 1 The more or fewer components shown, or having the same Figure 1 Equivalent functions or ratios shown Figure 1 The functions shown have more different configurations.

[0022] The memory 104 can be used to store computer programs, such as application software programs and modules, like the computer program corresponding to the load balancing method in this embodiment of the invention. The processor 102 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the computer programs stored in the memory 104, thereby implementing the aforementioned method. The memory 104 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or other non-volatile solid-state memory. In some instances, the memory 104 may further include memory remotely located relative to the processor 102, and these remote memories can be connected to a computer terminal via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, corporate intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0023] The transmission device 106 is used to receive or send data via a network. Specific examples of the network described above may include a wireless network provided by a communication provider for the computer terminal. In one example, the transmission device 106 includes a Network Interface Controller (NIC), which can connect to other network devices via a base station to communicate with the Internet. In another example, the transmission device 106 may be a Radio Frequency (RF) module used for wireless communication with the Internet.

[0024] It should be noted that the application environment of this application embodiment is a multi-AP network. The APs establish one or more wired or wireless links through IEEE 802.3 Ethernet or IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi, and communicate with each other through IEEE 1905 and Multi-AP protocol, so that the entire network can be configured for synchronization, topology display and roaming.

[0025] This embodiment provides a load balancing method. Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a load balancing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the process including the following steps:

[0026] Step S202: In a target network composed of multiple wireless access points (APs), detect whether the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition. In the target network, according to the connection relationship between the multiple APs, the target network is divided into multiple layers. Each device connected to the current AP communicates with the current AP through one of the multiple communication frequency bands, including the first communication frequency band. Each device connected to the current AP is a terminal device or an AP on the layer below the current AP.

[0027] In one exemplary embodiment, the execution entity of this application embodiment is a logical control unit (Controller) in the target network. The Controller sends an AP information measurement request to any AP within the target network every 5 seconds. After receiving the measurement request message from the Controller, the AP performs a series of processes and responds with its own key information to the Controller. After obtaining the key information of each AP, the Controller determines the load of each AP. It should be noted that in determining the load of each AP among multiple APs, each AP refers to the current AP.

[0028] It should be noted that the terminal device is not an AP device, such as a mobile phone or computer. The aforementioned AP includes, but is not limited to, a router. The first communication frequency band and the second communication frequency band are the backhaul frequency bands between the AP and its uplink AP. In an exemplary embodiment, the first communication frequency band is 5GHz and the second communication frequency band is 6GHz.

[0029] It should be noted that if the current AP's load on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition, it also indicates that the current AP's load on the first communication frequency band is too high.

[0030] Step S204: If the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition, determine a first target device from the devices connected to the current AP that communicates with the current AP using the first communication frequency band, and switch the communication frequency band for the first target device to communicate with the current AP from the first communication frequency band to the second communication frequency band, wherein the plurality of communication frequency bands includes the second communication frequency band.

[0031] Through the above steps, in a target network composed of multiple wireless access points (APs), it is detected whether the load of the current AP and its connected devices on the first communication frequency band does not meet a first preset condition. If the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition, a first target device that communicates with the current AP using the first communication frequency band is determined from among the devices connected to the current AP, and the communication frequency band for communication between the first target device and the current AP is switched from the first communication frequency band to the second communication frequency band. In other words, when the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band is too high, a first target device is determined from among the devices connected to the current AP, and the communication frequency band for communication between the first target device and the current AP is switched from the first communication frequency band to the second communication frequency band. This solves the problem of low communication efficiency between the wireless access point and its connected devices when the wireless access point is overloaded, causing them to queue for communication. At the same time, this technical solution improves the communication efficiency between the wireless access point and its connected devices, and also avoids lag, packet loss, and disconnection.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the detection of whether the load of the current AP on the first communication band does not meet the first preset condition can be achieved by: obtaining the uplink and downlink rates of the current AP and the devices connected to the current AP on the first communication band; obtaining the air interface utilization of the backhaul basic service set (BSS) of the current AP on the first communication band based on the downlink rate and the downlink rate and the first preset threshold; and detecting whether the load of the current AP on the first communication band does not meet the first preset condition based on the air interface utilization of the current AP on the first communication band.

[0033] In other words, after the Controller sends an information measurement request to the current AP, the current AP will send the uplink and downlink rates of its downstream devices on the first communication band to the Controller. The Controller can then determine the air interface utilization of the current AP's backhaul basic service set (BSS) on the first communication band based on the uplink and downlink rates. Specifically, it is calculated using the following formula:

[0034] Air interface utilization rate = (uplink rate + downlink rate) * 10000 / 70 / weight (Formula 1);

[0035] It should be noted that the result of 10000 / 70 / weight is the first preset threshold, and the weight is preset. Therefore, it can be determined whether the current AP's load on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition based on the air interface utilization rate.

[0036] Specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, detecting whether the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition based on the air interface utilization rate of the current AP on the first communication frequency band can be achieved in the following ways: when the air interface utilization rate includes multiple air interface utilization rates obtained within a first preset time period, determine the number of air interface utilization rates among the multiple air interface utilization rates that are greater than or equal to a second preset threshold; when the number is greater than or equal to a third preset threshold, determine that the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition; or when the air interface utilization rate includes multiple air interface utilization rates obtained within a first preset time period, determine the average value of the multiple air interface utilization rates; when the average value of the multiple air interface utilization rates is greater than or equal to a fourth preset threshold, determine that the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition; or when the air interface utilization rate is greater than or equal to a second preset threshold, determine that the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition.

[0037] It should be noted that the first preset time period can be customized, for example, T0. Then, assuming the current AP is AP... α AP α The backhaul BSS on the 5GHz band has multiple downstream access points (APs). If, within a certain period T0, the air interface utilization of the 5GHz backhaul BSS exceeds a certain threshold θ several times consecutively, it indicates that the AP... α The load on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, determining a first target device from the devices connected to the current AP that communicates with the current AP using the first communication frequency band can be achieved in the following ways: determining a first target device from the devices connected to the current AP whose transmission rate on the first communication frequency band meets a second preset condition, wherein the transmission rate on the first communication frequency band includes the uplink rate and / or downlink rate on the first communication frequency band; or determining a first target device from the devices connected to the current AP whose transmission rate and signal strength on the first communication frequency band meet a third preset condition.

[0039] Specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, determining the first target device from the devices currently connected to the AP that has a transmission rate on the first communication frequency band that meets the second preset condition includes one of the following:

[0040] Determine the first target device with the lowest transmission rate on the first communication frequency band from the devices currently connected to the AP;

[0041] From the devices currently connected to the AP, determine the first target device that has the lowest average transmission rate on the first communication frequency band during the second preset time period;

[0042] It should be noted that the second preset time period can be customized; specifically, it can be 5 seconds.

[0043] The first target device is determined from the devices connected to the current AP, and the first target device has a transmission rate on the first communication frequency band that is greater than or equal to a fifth preset threshold. The load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band generated by the devices other than the first target device connected to the current AP satisfies the first preset condition.

[0044] It should be noted that the first target device with the lowest traffic on the first communication frequency band during the second preset time period can also be determined from the devices currently connected to the AP.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, determining the first target device from the devices currently connected to the AP that meets the third preset condition in terms of transmission rate and signal strength on the first communication frequency band can be achieved in the following way:

[0046] A first device is determined from the devices connected to the current AP, wherein the first device has the lowest transmission rate on the first communication frequency band, or the first device has the lowest average transmission rate on the first communication frequency band during a second preset time period, or the first device has a transmission rate on the first communication frequency band that is greater than or equal to a fifth preset threshold, and the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band generated by the devices other than the first device connected to the current AP satisfies the first preset condition.

[0047] If the signal strength of the communication between the first device and the current AP is greater than or equal to a sixth preset threshold, the first device is identified as the first target device.

[0048] It should be noted that after determining the first device through one of the above methods, if the signal strength of the communication between the first device and the current AP is less than the sixth preset threshold, that is, the signal strength of the communication between the first device and the current AP is low, the first device can be determined through the other method mentioned above.

[0049] It should be noted that if the signal strength of the first device determined by the above method communicating with the current AP is less than a preset threshold, a second device with the second lowest transmission rate on the first communication frequency band can also be determined from the devices connected to the current AP. If the signal strength of the second device communicating with the current AP is greater than or equal to a sixth preset threshold, then the second device is determined as the first target device.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, if the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition in step S204, a first target AP can be determined in the layer where the current AP is located. The first target AP and the current AP are downstream devices of the second target AP. The second target AP is an AP in the layer above the layer where the current AP is located. The number of downstream devices of the first target AP is less than a seventh preset threshold. Both the current AP and the first target AP communicate with the second target AP using the first communication frequency band. The uplink frequency band for communication between the first target AP and the second target AP is switched from the first communication frequency band to the second communication frequency band.

[0051] In other words, by using the above method, APs that meet the corresponding conditions and are on the same layer as the current AP can switch from the first communication frequency band to the second communication frequency band, thereby allowing the current AP to exclusively use the first communication frequency band, which can improve the load capacity of the current AP in the first communication frequency band.

[0052] It should be noted that if there is a second target device in the target network that needs to be connected to the current AP, the target number of devices that use the first communication frequency band to communicate with the current AP is determined among the devices connected to the current AP; if the target number is greater than or equal to an eighth preset threshold, the communication frequency band for the second target device to communicate with the current AP is set to the second communication frequency band; or if the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition and there is a third target device that needs to be connected to the current AP, the communication frequency band for the third target device to communicate with the current AP is set to the second communication frequency band.

[0053] In other words, the controller will calculate the number of devices connected to each AP. If the number of connected devices exceeds a certain threshold τ, the APs that come online afterward will be directed to 6GHz (the second communication band mentioned above) to avoid potential overload issues.

[0054] Obviously, the embodiments described above are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. To better understand the above load balancing method, the process is described below with reference to embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention. Specifically:

[0055] This embodiment proposes a networking method and control mechanism that dynamically selects the backhaul frequency band in real time based on network topology and load conditions. Based on information such as the air interface utilization of the APs and the number of connected devices on the corresponding frequency band, if the APs have a high load or are likely to have a high load on the 5GHz band, some APs with lower traffic are added to the 6GHz band to reduce the network load on the 5GHz band, thereby reducing the occurrence of abnormal situations such as lag, packet loss, and disconnection, and improving the user experience.

[0056] It should be noted that this invention is applicable to multi-AP networks, wireless star topology, and scenarios with multiple APs connected to them. Figure 3 This is a network topology diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the specific network topology is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, specifically:

[0057] Controller: The logical control unit of the entire network, used to control the front-end network and back-end links in a multi-AP network. It collects capability data from APs and STAs in the network, controls roaming policies, and distributes wireless configurations to the agent. There is one and only one controller per network.

[0058] Agent: A logical entity in a multi-AP network, primarily receiving commands from multiple APs and performing corresponding operations, including receiving configuration synchronization commands from the controller. A network can have one or more agents.

[0059] One or more wired or wireless links are established between the Controller and the Agent, and between Agents, via IEEE 802.3 Ethernet or IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi.

[0060] This embodiment obtains the entire network topology and backhaul link information through the IEEE 1905 protocol and the Multi-AP protocol, and the Controller extracts the following key information:

[0061] (1) The number of devices connected to any AP;

[0062] (2) Air interface utilization of any AP in the BSS backhaul;

[0063] (3) Uplink mode of any AP (Ethernet, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, 5GHz Wi-Fi, 6GHz Wi-Fi, etc.);

[0064] (4) Signal strength between any AP and its uplink AP;

[0065] Specifically, the Controller sends an AP information measurement request to any AP in the MESH network every 5 seconds. After receiving the measurement request message from the Controller, the AP processes it and responds with its key information to the Controller. After obtaining the key information of each AP, the Controller dynamically adjusts the network frequency band based on the actual application scenario and user needs.

[0066] 1) The controller calculates how many downstream devices each AP has in the 5GHz and 6GHz bands of the backhaul BSS. If the number of downstream devices in the 5GHz band of an AP is greater than a certain threshold, the APs that are subsequently associated with its upstream AP will be redirected to the 6GHz band for association.

[0067] 2) The controller calculates the air interface utilization of each AP in its backhaul frequency band, assuming there are AP devices. α If the air interface utilization of its 5GHz band backhaul BSS exceeds the threshold θ for a period of time (assuming a duration of T0), the Controller may initiate an attack against the AP. α The guide for switching the backhaul frequency band of the connected device enables the AP to... α Among all the connected APs, the AP with the lowest traffic (denoted as AP) β ), guiding to AP α The 6GHz backhaul band is associated with it.

[0068] The formula for calculating air interface utilization is as follows:

[0069] Air interface utilization rate = (equipment uplink rate + equipment downlink rate) * 10000 / 70 / weight.

[0070] 3) Calculate the signal strength of each AP in the 5GHz band, specifically:

[0071] Calculate the signal strength in the 5GHz band between the AP and the uplink AP. If the AP meets the above conditions 1) and 2), but the signal strength is below a certain threshold, then the handover will not be performed for the time being.

[0072] To better understand the above process, the following is a detailed explanation:

[0073] First, during the network setup phase, appropriate network frequency bands are selected based on the device hierarchy. Let's denote the controller device's level as Level 1, and the directly associated AP devices as Level 2. Once the network is stable, Level 2 devices will use 6GHz as their backhaul band. Similarly, Level 3 devices, associated with Level 2 devices, will use 5GHz as their backhaul band. Subsequent levels of devices will use different backhaul bands than their superiors, using them intermittently to reduce the overall network load.

[0074] Secondly, in the assembled network, the Controller sends an AP information measurement request to any AP in the MESH network every 5 seconds. After receiving the measurement request message from the Controller, the AP processes the data and responds with its key information to the Controller. The measurements include: the air interface utilization of all APs' backhaul BSS, the number of devices connected to each AP, and the signal strength between each AP and its uplink AP.

[0075] If there is AP α Its backhaul BSS has multiple downstream APs. Within a period T0, if the air interface utilization of the 5GHz band backhaul BSS exceeds a certain threshold θ several times consecutively, then the AP with the lowest traffic and below the traffic threshold λ during this period (denoted as AP) will be selected. β If a candidate AP to be bootstrapped does not meet the threshold condition for signal strength with the 5GHz backhaul BSS, then the AP with the second smallest traffic and below the traffic threshold λ is added to the 6GHz backhaul BSS. If no AP meets the condition, then the switch to the 6GHz backhaul BSS is not booted.

[0076] Simultaneously, the number of connected devices for each AP is calculated. If the number of connected devices exceeds a certain threshold τ, then subsequent APs will be redirected to 6GHz to avoid potential overload issues. However, if the signal strength between a candidate AP requiring redirection and the 5GHz bsckhaulBSS does not meet a certain threshold, the Controller will not redirect it to the 6GHz bsckhaulBSS.

[0077] It should be noted that this embodiment focuses on a dynamic and flexible networking approach, not limited to using 6GHz as the other backhaul frequency band, but also including 5.8GHz and other 5GHz high-frequency bands. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the default backhaul frequency band for the device is 5GHz, switching to the 6GHz band for networking under certain conditions. However, this invention is not limited to scenarios where the default backhaul frequency band is 5GHz. The method proposed in this invention is also applicable to cases where the default associated frequency band is 6GHz, switching to the 5GHz band for networking under certain conditions.

[0078] Furthermore, this embodiment monitors the load and topology changes of the multi-AP network in real time, and realizes dynamic and flexible networking based on the air interface occupancy rate and possible load changes, thereby reducing the network card load and minimizing the impact on user experience.

[0079] Furthermore, this embodiment allows for local or remote control of certain network card parameters in a home multi-AP network via different media (web page or network management system), including load thresholds, load device number thresholds, and other information.

[0080] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods according to the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes several instructions to cause a terminal device (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods of the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0081] This embodiment also provides a load balancing device for implementing the above embodiments and preferred embodiments; details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can refer to a combination of software and / or hardware that performs a predetermined function. Although the devices described in the following embodiments are preferably implemented in software, hardware implementations, or a combination of software and hardware, are also possible and contemplated.

[0082] Figure 4 This is a framework diagram of a load balancing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the device comprising:

[0083] Detection module 42 is used to detect whether the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition in a target network composed of multiple wireless access points (APs). In the target network, the target network is divided into multiple layers according to the connection relationship between the multiple APs. Each device connected to the current AP communicates with the current AP through one of the multiple communication frequency bands, including the first communication frequency band. Each device connected to the current AP is a terminal device or an AP on the layer below the current AP.

[0084] Processing module 44 is configured to, when the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition, determine a first target device from the devices connected to the current AP that communicates with the current AP using the first communication frequency band, and switch the communication frequency band for the first target device to communicate with the current AP from the first communication frequency band to a second communication frequency band, wherein the plurality of communication frequency bands includes the second communication frequency band.

[0085] Using the aforementioned device, in a target network composed of multiple wireless access points (APs), it detects whether the load of the current AP and its connected devices on the first communication frequency band does not meet a first preset condition. If the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition, a first target device that communicates with the current AP using the first communication frequency band is determined from among the devices connected to the current AP, and the communication frequency band for communication between the first target device and the current AP is switched from the first communication frequency band to the second communication frequency band. In other words, when the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band is too high, a first target device is determined from among the devices connected to the current AP, and the communication frequency band for communication between the first target device and the current AP is switched from the first communication frequency band to the second communication frequency band. This solves the problem of low communication efficiency between the connected devices and the wireless access point when the wireless access point is overloaded, causing them to queue for communication. Simultaneously, this technical solution improves the communication efficiency between the connected devices and the wireless access point, and also avoids lag, packet loss, and disconnection.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the detection module 42 is further configured to acquire the uplink and downlink rates of the current AP and the devices connected to the current AP on the first communication frequency band; obtain the air interface utilization of the backhaul basic service set (BSS) of the current AP on the first communication frequency band based on the downlink rate and the downlink rate and a first preset threshold; and detect whether the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition based on the air interface utilization of the current AP on the first communication frequency band.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the detection module 42 is further configured to: determine the number of air interface utilization rates greater than or equal to a second preset threshold when the air interface utilization rate includes multiple air interface utilization rates obtained within a first preset time period; determine that the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition when the number is greater than or equal to a third preset threshold; or determine the average value of the multiple air interface utilization rates when the air interface utilization rate includes multiple air interface utilization rates obtained within a first preset time period; determine that the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition when the average value of the multiple air interface utilization rates is greater than or equal to a fourth preset threshold; or determine that the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition when the air interface utilization rate is greater than or equal to a second preset threshold.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing module 44 is further configured to determine from the devices connected to the current AP the first target device whose transmission rate on the first communication band meets a second preset condition, wherein the transmission rate on the first communication band includes the uplink rate and / or downlink rate on the first communication band; or to determine from the devices connected to the current AP the first target device whose transmission rate and signal strength on the first communication band meet a third preset condition.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing module 44 is further configured to determine, from the devices connected to the current AP, the first target device whose transmission rate on the first communication band satisfies a second preset condition by one of the following methods: determining, from the devices connected to the current AP, the first target device with the smallest transmission rate on the first communication band; determining, from the devices connected to the current AP, the first target device with the smallest average transmission rate on the first communication band within a second preset time period; or determining, from the devices connected to the current AP, the first target device whose transmission rate on the first communication band is greater than or equal to a fifth preset threshold, wherein the load of the current AP on the first communication band generated by the devices other than the first target device connected to the current AP satisfies the first preset condition.

[0090] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing module 44 is further configured to determine a first device from the devices connected to the current AP, wherein the first device has the lowest transmission rate on the first communication frequency band, or the first device has the lowest average transmission rate on the first communication frequency band during a second preset time period, or the first device has a transmission rate on the first communication frequency band greater than or equal to a fifth preset threshold, and the load on the current AP on the first communication frequency band generated by the devices other than the first device connected to the current AP satisfies the first preset condition; if the signal strength of the communication between the first device and the current AP is greater than or equal to a sixth preset threshold, the first device is determined as the first target device.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing module 44 is further configured to determine a first target AP in the layer where the current AP is located, wherein the first target AP and the current AP are downstream devices of a second target AP, the second target AP is an AP in the layer above the layer where the current AP is located, the number of downstream devices of the first target AP is less than a seventh preset threshold, and both the current AP and the first target AP communicate with the second target AP using the first communication frequency band; and switch the uplink frequency band for communication between the first target AP and the second target AP from the first communication frequency band to the second communication frequency band.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing module 44 is further configured to, when there is a second target device to be connected to the current AP, determine a target number of devices communicating with the current AP using the first communication frequency band among the devices connected to the current AP; when the target number is greater than or equal to an eighth preset threshold, set the communication frequency band for the second target device to communicate with the current AP to the second communication frequency band; or when the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition and there is a third target device to be connected to the current AP, set the communication frequency band for the third target device to communicate with the current AP to the second communication frequency band.

[0093] Embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program is configured to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments when executed.

[0094] Optionally, in this embodiment, the storage medium may be configured to store a computer program for performing the following steps:

[0095] S1, in a target network composed of multiple wireless access points (APs), detect whether the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition. In the target network, according to the connection relationship between the multiple APs, the target network is divided into multiple layers. Each device connected to the current AP communicates with the current AP through one of the multiple communication frequency bands, including the first frequency band. Each device connected to the current AP is a terminal device or an AP on the next layer below the layer where the current AP is located.

[0096] S2, if the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition, a first target device that communicates with the current AP using the first communication frequency band is determined from the devices connected to the current AP, and the communication frequency band for the first target device to communicate with the current AP is switched from the first communication frequency band to the second communication frequency band, wherein the plurality of communication frequency bands includes the second communication frequency band.

[0097] In one exemplary embodiment, the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, various media capable of storing computer programs, such as a USB flash drive, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), portable hard disk, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0098] Specific examples in this embodiment can be found in the examples described in the above embodiments and exemplary implementations, and will not be repeated here.

[0099] Embodiments of the present invention also provide an electronic device including a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program and the processor being configured to run the computer program to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0100] Optionally, in this embodiment, the processor can be configured to perform the following steps via a computer program:

[0101] S1, in a target network composed of multiple wireless access points (APs), detect whether the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition. In the target network, according to the connection relationship between the multiple APs, the target network is divided into multiple layers. Each device connected to the current AP communicates with the current AP through one of the multiple communication frequency bands, including the first frequency band. Each device connected to the current AP is a terminal device or an AP on the next layer below the layer where the current AP is located.

[0102] S2, if the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition, a first target device that communicates with the current AP using the first communication frequency band is determined from the devices connected to the current AP, and the communication frequency band for the first target device to communicate with the current AP is switched from the first communication frequency band to the second communication frequency band, wherein the plurality of communication frequency bands includes the second communication frequency band.

[0103] In one exemplary embodiment, the electronic device may further include a transmission device and an input / output device, wherein the transmission device is connected to the processor and the input / output device is connected to the processor.

[0104] Specific examples in this embodiment can be found in the examples described in the above embodiments and exemplary implementations, and will not be repeated here.

[0105] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the modules or steps of the present invention described above can be implemented using general-purpose computing devices. They can be centralized on a single computing device or distributed across a network of multiple computing devices. They can be implemented using computer-executable program code, and thus can be stored in a storage device for execution by a computing device. In some cases, the steps shown or described can be performed in a different order than those described herein, or they can be fabricated as separate integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps can be fabricated as a single integrated circuit module. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software.

[0106] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A load balancing method, characterized by, include: In a target network composed of multiple wireless access points (APs), it is detected whether the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition. In the target network, according to the connection relationship between the multiple APs, the target network is divided into multiple layers. Each device connected to the current AP communicates with the current AP through one of the multiple communication frequency bands, including the first frequency band. Each device connected to the current AP is a terminal device or an AP on the next layer below the layer where the current AP is located. If the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition, a first target device that communicates with the current AP using the first communication frequency band is determined from the devices connected to the current AP, and the communication frequency band for the first target device to communicate with the current AP is switched from the first communication frequency band to the second communication frequency band, wherein the plurality of communication frequency bands includes the second communication frequency band; The step of determining the first target device from the devices connected to the current AP that communicates with the current AP using the first communication frequency band includes: determining the first target device from the devices connected to the current AP whose transmission rate on the first communication frequency band meets a second preset condition, wherein the transmission rate on the first communication frequency band includes the uplink rate and / or downlink rate on the first communication frequency band; or determining the first target device from the devices connected to the current AP whose transmission rate and signal strength on the first communication frequency band meet a third preset condition.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of detecting whether the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition includes: Obtain the uplink and downlink rates of the current AP and the devices connected to the current AP on the first communication frequency band; Based on the uplink rate, the downlink rate, and the first preset threshold, the air interface utilization rate of the current AP in the first communication frequency band backhaul basic service set (BSS) is obtained. Based on the air interface utilization rate of the current AP in the first communication frequency band, detect whether the load of the current AP in the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of detecting whether the load of the current AP in the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition based on the air interface utilization rate of the current AP in the first communication frequency band includes: If the air interface utilization rate includes multiple air interface utilization rates obtained within a first preset time period, determine the number of air interface utilization rates among the multiple air interface utilization rates that are greater than or equal to a second preset threshold; if the number is greater than or equal to a third preset threshold, determine that the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition; or If the air interface utilization rate includes multiple air interface utilization rates obtained within a first preset time period, determine the average value of the multiple air interface utilization rates; if the average value of the multiple air interface utilization rates is greater than or equal to a fourth preset threshold, determine that the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition; or If the air interface utilization rate is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold, it is determined that the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first target device determined from the devices currently connected to the AP whose transmission rate on the first communication frequency band meets the second preset condition includes one of the following: Determine the first target device with the lowest transmission rate on the first communication frequency band from the devices currently connected to the AP; From the devices currently connected to the AP, determine the first target device that has the lowest average transmission rate on the first communication frequency band during the second preset time period; The first target device is determined from the devices connected to the current AP, and the transmission rate on the first communication band is greater than or equal to a fifth preset threshold. The load of the current AP on the first communication band generated by the devices other than the first target device connected to the current AP satisfies the first preset condition.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the first target device from the devices currently connected to the AP that meets the third preset condition in terms of transmission rate and signal strength on the first communication frequency band includes: A first device is determined from the devices connected to the current AP, wherein the first device has the lowest transmission rate on the first communication frequency band, or the first device has the lowest average transmission rate on the first communication frequency band during a second preset time period, or the first device has a transmission rate on the first communication frequency band that is greater than or equal to a fifth preset threshold, and the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band generated by the devices other than the first device connected to the current AP satisfies the first preset condition. If the signal strength of the communication between the first device and the current AP is greater than or equal to a sixth preset threshold, the first device is identified as the first target device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, If the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition, the method further includes: In the layer where the current AP is located, a first target AP is determined, wherein the first target AP and the current AP are downstream devices of the second target AP, the second target AP is an AP in the layer above the layer where the current AP is located, the number of downstream devices of the first target AP is less than a seventh preset threshold, and both the current AP and the first target AP use the first communication frequency band to communicate with the second target AP; Switch the uplink frequency band for communication between the first target AP and the second target AP from the first communication frequency band to the second communication frequency band.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: If there is a second target device to be connected to the current AP, determine the target number of devices among the devices connected to the current AP that communicate with the current AP using the first communication frequency band; if the target number is greater than or equal to an eighth preset threshold, set the communication frequency band for communication between the second target device and the current AP to the second frequency band; or If the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition, and there is a third target device to be connected to the current AP, the communication frequency band for communication between the third target device and the current AP is set to the second communication frequency band.

8. A load balancing device, characterized in that, include: The detection module is used to detect whether the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition in a target network composed of multiple wireless access points (APs). In the target network, the target network is divided into multiple layers according to the connection relationship between the multiple APs. Each device connected to the current AP communicates with the current AP through one of the multiple communication frequency bands, including the first frequency band. Each device connected to the current AP is a terminal device or an AP on the layer below the current AP. The processing module is configured to, when the load of the current AP on the first communication frequency band does not meet the first preset condition, determine from the devices connected to the current AP a first target device that communicates with the current AP using the first communication frequency band, and switch the communication frequency band for the first target device to communicate with the current AP from the first communication frequency band to a second communication frequency band, wherein the plurality of communication frequency bands includes the second communication frequency band; The processing module is further configured to determine, from the devices connected to the current AP, the first target device whose transmission rate on the first communication band meets a second preset condition, wherein the transmission rate on the first communication band includes the uplink rate and / or downlink rate on the first communication band; or to determine, from the devices connected to the current AP, the first target device whose transmission rate and signal strength on the first communication band meet a third preset condition.

9. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program, wherein the computer program is configured to execute the method described in any one of claims 1 to 7 when it is run.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The device includes a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program and the processor is configured to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 7 via the computer program.

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