Seamless roaming for multi-radio stations

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for seamless roaming of a multi-radio station when transitioning from an initial access point to a target access point, wherein the method comprises activating a second communication link between the multi-radio station and the target access point while a first communication link between the multi-radio station and an initial access point is still active; and deactivating the first communication link between the multi-radio station and the initial access point after the activating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a method for seamless WiFi roaming of multiple radio stations when transitioning from an initial access point to a target access point. Furthermore, this disclosure relates to multiple radio stations, a WiFi network, a WiFi chip for the multiple radio stations, and one or more storage media. Background Technology

[0002] The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard is part of the IEEE 802 Local Area Network (LAN) protocol suite and specifies the Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) protocol suite for implementing wireless LAN (WLAN) and WiFi computer communications at various frequencies. The frequency bands of interest include (but are not limited to) the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and 60 GHz bands. IEEE 802.11be, or Extremely High Throughput (EHT), is the next potential revision of the 802.11 IEEE standard. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, this disclosure relates to a method for seamless WiFi roaming, comprising: activating a second communication link between the multiple radio stations and the target access point by one of the multiple radio stations and the target access point, while a first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point remains active; and after the activation, deactivating the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point by one of the multiple radio stations and the target access point.

[0004] In another aspect, this disclosure relates to a multi-radio station comprising: a communication interface; and a processing circuitry coupled to the communication interface and configured to: activate a second communication link between the multi-radio station and a target access point while a first communication link between the multi-radio station and an initial access point remains active; and, after the activation, deactivate the first communication link between the multi-radio station and the initial access point.

[0005] In a further aspect, this disclosure relates to a WiFi chip for multiple radio stations, configured to: activate a second communication link between the multiple radio stations and a target access point while a first communication link between the multiple radio stations and an initial access point remains active; and after the activation, deactivate the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point.

[0006] In a further aspect, this disclosure relates to a WiFi network comprising: multiple radio stations communicatively coupled to an initial access point and communicatively coupled to a target access point; wherein the multiple radio stations are configured to: activate a second communication link between the multiple radio stations and the target access point while a first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point remains active; and after the activation, deactivate the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point.

[0007] In a further aspect, this disclosure relates to one or more non-transitory storage media storing computer-usable instructions that, when used by one or more processing circuitry systems, cause the one or more processing circuitry systems to: activate a second communication link between multiple radio stations and a target access point, while a first communication link between the multiple radio stations and an initial access point remains active; and, after the activation, deactivate the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The various objects, aspects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent and better understood through a detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, similar reference numerals generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements.

[0009] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for seamless WiFi roaming with multiple radio stations when transitioning from an initial access point to a target access point, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0010] Figure 2 This describes a WiFi network according to an exemplary embodiment, including access points that are or will be communicatively coupled to multiple radio stations;

[0011] Figure 3 This describes a WiFi network according to another exemplary embodiment, including multiple radio stations, multiple radio access points, and another multiple radio access point;

[0012] Figure 4 This describes a WiFi network according to another exemplary embodiment, including multiple radio stations, multiple radio access points, and another single radio access point;

[0013] Figure 5 This describes a WiFi network according to another exemplary embodiment, including multiple radio stations, a single radio access point, and another multiple radio access point;

[0014] Figure 6This describes a WiFi network according to another exemplary embodiment, including multiple radio stations, a single radio access point, and another single radio access point;

[0015] Figure 7 This describes a WiFi network according to an exemplary embodiment, including multiple radio stations and multiple radio access points coupled for communication over three communication links;

[0016] Figure 8 This describes a WiFi network according to an exemplary embodiment, including multiple radio stations and multiple radio access points coupled for communication over two communication links;

[0017] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a wireless communication system in which some aspects of the subject matter technology can be implemented.

[0018] Details of various embodiments of the method and system are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The following is a detailed description of various concepts and embodiments thereof related to the technologies, methods, approaches, devices, and systems for seamless roaming of multiple radio stations operating according to IEEE 802.11. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in detail below can be implemented in any of a variety of ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular implementation. Specific embodiments and examples of applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0020] In one embodiment, a method is provided for seamless WiFi roaming of multiple radio stations when transitioning from an initial access point to a target access point, wherein the method includes activating (or connecting) a second communication link between the multiple radio stations and the target access point while a first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point remains valid (or healthy or connected), and after the activation, deactivating (or disconnecting) the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point.

[0021] In another embodiment, a multi-wireless station is provided configured to provide seamless WiFi roaming when transitioning from an initial access point to a target access point. The multi-wireless station includes a communication interface and a processing circuitry coupled to the communication interface and configured to activate a second communication link between the multi-wireless station and the target access point while a first communication link between the multi-wireless station and the initial access point remains active, and to deactivate the first communication link between the multi-wireless station and the initial access point after the activation.

[0022] In another embodiment, a WiFi chip for multiple radio stations is provided, the WiFi chip being configured to provide seamless WiFi roaming when the multiple radio stations transition from an initial access point to a target access point, wherein the WiFi chip is configured to activate a second communication link between the multiple radio stations and the target access point while a first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point remains active, and after the activation, to deactivate the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point.

[0023] In another embodiment, a WiFi network is provided, including an initial access point communicatively coupled to a plurality of radio stations, a target access point communicatively coupled to the plurality of radio stations, and a plurality of radio stations configured to provide seamless WiFi roaming when transitioning from the initial access point to the target access point, wherein the plurality of radio stations are configured to activate a second communication link between the plurality of radio stations and the target access point while a first communication link between the plurality of radio stations and the initial access point remains active, and to deactivate the first communication link between the plurality of radio stations and the initial access point after the activation.

[0024] In yet another exemplary embodiment, one or more storage media are provided storing computer-usable instructions that, when used by one or more processing circuitry systems, cause the one or more processing circuitry systems to perform a method for seamless WiFi roaming of multiple radio stations when transitioning from an initial access point to a target access point. The method includes activating a second communication link between the multiple radio stations and the target access point while a first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point remains active, and deactivating the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point after the activation.

[0025] In the context of this application, the term "WiFi" may specifically refer to a wireless network protocol, and more specifically, a wireless local area network (WLAN) protocol, which may be based on one or more IEEE 802.11 standards. Such wireless network protocols can be used for local area networking and Internet access of devices, thereby allowing nearby digital devices to exchange data via radio waves.

[0026] In the context of this application, the term "roaming" may specifically refer to a process in wireless communication that occurs when a mobile station is searching for new communication partner devices. Specifically, roaming may refer to the process by which a mobile station discovers one or more access points as potential communication partner devices when it moves from a spatial range around one access point to another spatial range around another access point. During roaming, stations and access points may be connected via, for example, automatically executed processes for forming a Base Station Service Set (BSS) network. Roaming may correspond to the transition from communication between multiple radio stations connected to an initial access point of an initial BSS to communication between multiple radio stations connected to another target access point of a different target BSS.

[0027] In the context of this application, the term "seamless roaming" may specifically refer to a process performed by or involving a mobile station that has previously connected to a prior or initial access point for wireless communication and intends to connect to a subsequent or target access point for wireless communication, wherein the process of disconnecting from the initial access point and reconnecting to the target access point can be performed without any time interval during which no wireless connection is established with any of the access points. Therefore, seamless roaming can mean roaming in which wireless data communication is not temporarily interrupted during time intervals during which the mobile station is not connected to any access point.

[0028] In the context of this application, the term "station" (which may be abbreviated as "STA") may specifically refer to a device capable of wireless communication using the IEEE 802.11 protocol. For example, a station may be a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a desktop personal computer (PC), a vehicle (specifically an automobile), traffic equipment (specifically a streetlight or traffic light), or a personal digital assistant (PDA). A station may be fixed, mobile, or portable. Based on its transmission characteristics, a station may be used as a transmitter and / or receiver. For example, a station may be any device containing IEEE 802.11 compliant Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) interfaces to wireless media.

[0029] In the context of this application, the term "access point" (which may be abbreviated as "AP") may specifically refer to a networked hardware device that allows other WiFi devices (specifically, stations) to connect to a wired network. As a standalone device, an access point may have a wired connection to a router, but specifically in a wireless router, it may also be an integral part of the router itself. For example, an access point may be static. For example, an access point may provide switching and / or routing functions. An access point may serve as a gateway to the Internet and may manage one or more wireless clients (e.g., TVs) in a particular network (e.g., a home network). For example, such access points may be implemented in vehicles (specifically, cars), transportation equipment (specifically, streetlights or traffic lights), etc.

[0030] In the context of this application, the term "initial access point" may specifically refer to an access point to which a station has previously connected and can still connect during the transition period of roaming. Therefore, the initial access point may have been communicatively coupled to the station before and during roaming. The initial access point may be decoupled or disconnected from the station after roaming.

[0031] In the context of this application, the term "target access point" may specifically refer to an access point to which a station has not previously connected but will subsequently connect, wherein the connection may be established during roaming. Thus, a target access point may be a communication target for a station during roaming, such that after roaming, the station can connect to the target access point for data communication.

[0032] In the context of this application, the term "multiple radio stations" may specifically refer to a station having the capability to transmit and / or receive data at different frequencies (e.g., simultaneously and / or using time multiplexing across multiple frequency bands). More specifically, a multiple radio station may be a station configured for communication via radio waves having multiple different attributes, specifically multiple different frequencies. Specifically, each of the multiple radios of a multiple radio station may be configured for radio communication.

[0033] In the context of this application, the term "communication link" may specifically refer to a communication path or connection between a station and an access point, on which messages, signals, and / or other data can be transmitted between the station and the access point. Different communication links may be used independently of each other for communication. For example, a link may use a channel of a band. Such a band may correspond to a frequency range (e.g., approximately 2.4 GHz, approximately 5 GHz, or approximately 6 GHz), and the channel may be associated with a sub-band of the band's frequency.

[0034] In the context of this application, the term "link activation" may refer to, for example, a process of successful authentication and association (specifically, port authentication, if any) that enables the entities involved to exchange data frames effectively.

[0035] In the context of this application, the term "link deactivation" may mean, for example, deauthentication and deassociation, where no valid data frame exchange should occur between the entities involved after the deactivation process.

[0036] Typically, embodiments allow WiFi station roaming during the process of disconnecting from an initial access point and reconnecting to a target access point, ensuring a connection to at least one of the access points is always present at any time during roaming. This prevents temporary interruptions to the station when moving between different access points. Such seamless roaming is possible when the station is configured as a multi-radio station, allowing the connection to the initial access point to be maintained until a connection to the target access point is established at a secure time interval with dual connections to both access points. In short, exemplary embodiments ensure that there is an overlap between the effective communication interval between the station and the initial access point and another effective communication interval between the station and the target access point during roaming. As a result, seamless roaming between the station and any connectable access point can be achieved without losing a valid data path.

[0037] For example, a station can be a mobile station that moves between different locations or positions and thus between different ranges of an access point (e.g., located in different rooms of a building). For example, a mobile station can be a mobile communication device such as a smartphone. When a user changes location while using a mobile station, the communication architecture described above ensures seamless roaming of the mobile multi-station by guaranteeing at least one valid communication channel with the access point involved in the roaming at any time during roaming. This prevents the loss of a valid data path with the access point (e.g., providing an Internet connection) in a WiFi-based communication system. Furthermore, this reliably avoids unintended temporary outages / interruptions to the communication connection of the mobile multi-station when moving between different access points.

[0038] More specifically, exemplary embodiments provide systems, methods, and configurations for seamless roaming across multiple radio entities. As part of multi-link operation in the IEEE 802.11 protocol (e.g., the IEEE 802.11be protocol), all auxiliary stations (STAs) in a STA MLD (Multi-Link Device) can establish connections with all auxiliary access points (APs) in an AP MLD on different links. For example, an MLD STA can independently manage power for each of the links.

[0039] For example, exemplary embodiments can be used in automotive applications. For instance, a vehicle may be equipped with a station configured according to an exemplary embodiment. Such a vehicle-related station may be communicatively coupled to traffic equipment, such as streetlights or traffic lights. The traffic equipment may have an access point configured according to an exemplary embodiment. Wireless communication may occur between the vehicle and the traffic equipment as the vehicle passes by, as described herein. For example, the embodiments can be applied to vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and more generally to vehicle-to-everything communication. For example, AP-STA communication for automotive applications may be performed according to the IEEE 802.11p standard. Therefore, exemplary embodiments can be used in wireless access (WAVE) configurations within a vehicle environment.

[0040] The following will explain further exemplary embodiments of the method, multiple radio stations, WiFi network, WiFi chip, and one or more storage media:

[0041] For example, embodiments may be based on any IEEE 802.11 compliant device that uses multiple radios to operate on multiple frequency bands.

[0042] In this embodiment, the multiple radio stations are multi-link stations. A multi-link station can be a station configured to operate with multiple individual communication links. When a station is a multi-link station, one communication link can be used to maintain a connection with the initial access point during roaming, while another communication link can be used to establish a new connection with the target access point during roaming. Therefore, the multi-link operation of a multi-link station can ensure seamless roaming by ensuring overlap between the previous communication connection with the initial access point and the subsequent communication connection with the target access point.

[0043] In an embodiment, the method includes at least one of multiple radio stations, a WiFi network, a WiFi chip, and one or more storage media, and / or at least one of multiple radio stations, a WiFi network, a WiFi chip, and one or more storage media configured to transmit communication messages between the multiple radio stations on one side and at least one of an initial access point and a target access point on the other side on a first communication link and a second communication link. Therefore, any of the communication links can be used by multiple radio stations to communicate with one or more access points. For example, multiple communication links of a multi-link station can be used to communicate with one access point (specifically simultaneously). It is also possible that the first communication link can be used to communicate with a first access point, and the second communication link can be used to communicate with another second access point (specifically simultaneously).

[0044] In an embodiment, the method includes at least one of multiple radio stations, a WiFi network, a WiFi chip, and one or more storage media, and / or at least one of multiple radio stations, a WiFi network, a WiFi chip, and one or more storage media configured to transmit communication messages on a first communication link and a second communication link using at least one of a group including common communication frequency bands and different frequency channels of different communication frequency bands. In an embodiment, different communication links may correspond to different communication frequencies of different frequency bands and / or different channels of the same frequency band.

[0045] In an embodiment, the method includes at least one of multiple radio stations, a WiFi network, a WiFi chip, and one or more storage media, and / or at least one of multiple radio stations, a WiFi network, a WiFi chip, and one or more storage media configured to transmit communication messages simultaneously or via time multiplexing on a first communication link and a second communication link. Therefore, different communication links can be used simultaneously, wherein different communication links can be distinguished by the frequency of the transmitted signals. However, it is also possible to apply time multiplexing to transmit on various communication links in different time slots (e.g., according to time division multiplexing (TDM)).

[0046] In embodiments, the method includes at least one of multiple radio stations, a WiFi network, a WiFi chip, and one or more storage media, and / or at least one of multiple radio stations, a WiFi network, a WiFi chip, and one or more storage media configured to transmit communication messages between multiple radio stations on one side and at least one of an initial access point and a target access point on the other side, based on the IEEE 802.11 protocol. For example, an IEEE 802.11 protocol existing at the priority or filing date of this application may be used. However, it is also possible, in view of exemplary embodiments (e.g., IEEE 802.11be), to use an IEEE 802.11 protocol that is being developed or is in effect after the priority or filing date of this application.

[0047] In this embodiment, the initial access point is a multi-radio access point (specifically a multi-link access point), and the target access point is also a multi-radio access point (specifically a multi-link access point). Such embodiments are... Figure 3 As illustrated in the diagram. Therefore, each of the access points facilitating the roaming process can be a multi-radio access point, for example, an access point having the capability to simultaneously and / or use time-multiplexed transmission and / or reception on multiple frequency bands. Specifically, communication between the multi-radio access point and the multi-radio station may be used to support seamless roaming. Advantageously, according to an exemplary embodiment, communication between the multi-link access point and the multi-link station can be implemented.

[0048] In this embodiment, the initial access point is a multi-radio access point (specifically a multi-link access point), and the target access point is a single-radio access point (specifically a single-link access point). Such embodiments are... Figure 4 The example is shown in the image. Therefore, even when the target access point does not support multiple radio communications, exemplary embodiments can be implemented.

[0049] In this embodiment, the initial access point is a single radio access point (specifically, a single-link access point), and the target access point is a multi-radio access point (specifically, a multi-link access point). The corresponding embodiment is in... Figure 5 As demonstrated in the example, the exemplary embodiment can even ensure seamless roaming when a single radio initial access point is present.

[0050] In this embodiment, the initial access point is a single-radio access point (specifically, a single-link access point), and the target access point is also a single-radio access point (specifically, a single-link access point). For the corresponding embodiment, refer to... Figure 6 Even the two access points involved in a seamless roaming process can be single-radio type access points. However, multiple radio stations can ensure a seamless roaming process.

[0051] Advantageously, exemplary embodiments require only an adaptation station to provide multi-radio capabilities and a corresponding configuration of its control capabilities to support seamless roaming. The access point involved in such seamless roaming can be a legacy access point that does not require specific adaptation. The access point does not even need to be aware of specific adaptations for the multiple radio stations used to support seamless roaming. This reduces the workload of implementing seamless roaming in legacy access point systems. In other embodiments, when the adaptation station is configured to provide multi-radio capabilities, the station's software and / or hardware can be correspondingly configured to control the seamless roaming process described above.

[0052] In an embodiment, the method includes at least one of multiple radio stations, a WiFi network, a WiFi chip, and one or more storage media, and / or at least one of multiple radio stations, a WiFi network, a WiFi chip, and one or more storage media configured to switch the second communication link with the initial access point to a sleep mode before activating the second communication link between the multiple radio stations and the target access point. In the context of this application, the term "sleep mode" may specifically refer to a power-saving mode in which the corresponding communication link operates with low power or even no power. During such sleep or idle or low-power modes, the power consumption of the station (which may be a battery-powered station) can be advantageously reduced. The sleep mode or active mode of the communication link can be adjusted by corresponding communication signals transmitted between the station and the access point. Such communication signals may be power management (PM) signals and may have a logic value "1" (PM = 1) when the sleep mode is activated, or a logic value "0" (PM = 0) when the sleep mode is deactivated. When the second communication link is switched to sleep mode before the second communication link between the activating station and the initial access point to communicate between the station and the target access point, it can be guaranteed that communication on the second communication link used to ensure seamless roaming is not interfered with by communication on the same link as the initial access point.

[0053] In an embodiment, the method includes at least one of multiple radio stations, a WiFi network, a WiFi chip, and one or more storage media, and / or at least one of these components is configured to perform an authentication and association process between the multiple radio stations and the target access point before activating a second communication link between the multiple radio stations and the target access point. During communication between the originating station and the access point, an authentication process may be performed, followed by an association process. During authentication, an authentication frame may be sent from the station to the access point, followed by a response sent from the access point to the station, or vice versa. During association, an association request frame may be sent from the station to the access point, followed by an association response frame sent from the access point back to the station, or vice versa. After the authentication and association process, a communication connection for data transfer between the access point and the station may be established.

[0054] In an embodiment, deactivating the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point includes performing a deauthentication process between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point. In short, the deauthentication process can be the reverse of the authentication process described above. One of the radio stations and the access point can send a deauthentication message to the other, which can be acknowledged through a response.

[0055] In an embodiment, the method includes at least one of multiple radio stations, a WiFi network, a WiFi chip, and one or more storage media, and / or at least one of these multiple radio stations, WiFi network, WiFi chip, and one or more storage media configured to activate a first communication link between multiple radio stations and a target access point after deactivating a first communication link between the multiple radio stations and an initial access point. Thereafter, communication between the multiple radio or multi-link stations and the target access point can occur on two (or more) communication links (specifically simultaneously).

[0056] In an embodiment, the method includes transmitting communication messages between multiple radio stations on one side and at least one of an initial access point and a target access point on the other side, on a first communication link, a second communication link, and at least one other communication link. Therefore, exemplary embodiments can use two, three, or even more than three communication links to communicate between multiple radio or multi-link stations and access points. This allows for efficient communication with high data throughput.

[0057] In an embodiment, the method includes transmitting communication messages over a first communication link and a second communication link for at least one of a group including Internet applications, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications, peer-to-peer (P2P) applications, and gaming applications. Therefore, exemplary embodiments can enable seamless roaming on handheld devices (e.g., smartphones) for video streaming or gaming applications. However, the applications described are merely exemplary, and many other applications are possible based on the exemplary embodiments.

[0058] According to exemplary embodiments, a system and method are provided for seamless roaming of multiple radio entities in the form of WiFi stations.

[0059] WiFi on smartphones is now ubiquitous, extending to internet or cellular (VoIP) access and various other applications such as peer-to-peer (P2P) and gaming. Handheld and mobile smartphones inevitably roam from one connected Base Station Service Set (BSS) to another in many scenarios. In some WiFi solutions that do not utilize the seamless roaming systems and methods discussed herein, a WiFi station moving from one BSS to another may experience loss of data communication with its local BSS during roaming. This loss of data communication may persist for a period of time while the station is far from its associated BSS AP. Even with Fast BSS Transition (FBT), there is still a finite duration during which communication with the associated AP may be lost.

[0060] To overcome the aforementioned and / or other drawbacks, exemplary embodiments enable seamless roaming between APs without loss of data connectivity (specifically, with the Internet). This is particularly useful in mobile scenarios. In such embodiments, a WiFi chip can be implemented that supports multi-link operation (MLO). Using MLO, exemplary embodiments overcome the connection loss experience experienced by legacy devices during roaming. Advantageously, exemplary embodiments can use multi-link operation to associate on a single link. Preferably, power management (PM) signals can be transmitted on each of the communication links, specifically separately or independently of each other.

[0061] In an advantageous embodiment, seamless inter-BSS roaming of stations with multi-radio capabilities can be implemented. When an MLD (Multi-Link Device) non-AP STA (e.g., a WiFi station without an access point and providing multi-link capability) roams from one MLD AP (e.g., an access point with multi-link capability) or a non-MLD AP (e.g., an access point without multi-link capability) to another non-MLD AP (e.g., an access point without multi-link capability) or another MLD AP (e.g., an access point with multi-link capability), it can do so without losing data connectivity:

[0062] 1. Maintain at least one valid link with the associated AP (e.g., the initial access point), while implementing power management (PM) on one or more other links (e.g., executing an energy-saving mode based on PM=1 on said one or more other links).

[0063] 2. Use the link of the STA in power-saving mode (PM=1) to initiate association with a new AP (e.g., target access point) (multi-link (ML) or non-multi-link (non-ML)).

[0064] 3. Once the association is successful, the connection will be moved to the new AP.

[0065] Various embodiments are possible for achieving seamless roaming across multiple radio stations. In one embodiment, a station with multi-radio station capability can be used to provide a method for seamless inter-BSS roaming from an MLD AP to another MLD AP. In a further embodiment, a method for seamless inter-BSS roaming from an MLD AP to another non-MLDAP using a station with multi-radio capability can be provided. In a further embodiment, a method for seamless inter-BSS roaming from a non-MLD AP to another MLD AP using a station with multi-radio capability becomes possible. In yet another embodiment, a method for seamless inter-BSS roaming from a non-MLD AP to another non-MLD access point is provided using a device with multi-radio capability.

[0066] Figure 1A flowchart 200 illustrates a method for seamless WiFi roaming of multiple radio stations 100 when transitioning from an initial access point 102 to a target access point 104, according to an exemplary embodiment. Regarding the use of... Figure 1 The reference symbol for the description, specific reference Figures 2 to 6 .

[0067] Referring to reference numeral 201, multiple radio stations 100 may communicate with an initial access point 102 via a first communication link 106 (e.g., using link-associated hardware). In many embodiments, multiple radio stations 100 may maintain a second link and / or link-associated hardware (e.g., transmitters, oscillators, amplifiers, processors, etc.) in a power-saving mode (e.g., sleep mode).

[0068] Referring to reference symbol 202, multiple radio stations 100, initial access point 102, and / or target access point 104 can determine that multiple radio stations 100 should transition from initial access point 104 to target access point 102. In some embodiments, this determination may be based on a comparison of the relative received signal strengths of the multiple radio stations to the initial and target access points, or a comparison of the signal strength with a threshold. In other embodiments, this determination may be based on time-of-flight or delay measurements. In still other embodiments, this determination may be based on location information (e.g., based on triangulation from a known source location, via GPS, etc.). Combinations of these and / or other transition triggers can be utilized in various embodiments. Steps 201 to 202 can be repeated periodically based on signal strength measurements or any other such iterative triggers.

[0069] Referring to reference symbol 203, after determining that a transition is required, multiple radio stations 100 may activate a second communication link 108 between multiple radio stations 100 and the target access point 104, while the first communication link 106 between multiple radio stations 100 and the initial access point 102 remains valid. Activating the link may involve transitioning the link and / or the associated hardware from a low-power or reduced-power mode (e.g., sleep mode) to a high-power or full-power mode. Activating the link may include transmitting an activation signal, a power management signal indicating that the link will transition to high power, or any other such process, including synchronization and / or handover processes, resource unit reservation processes, link configuration processes, etc.

[0070] Referring to reference numeral 204, multiple radio stations 100 and / or target access point 104 can determine whether the second communication link 108 has been established or activated (e.g., whether synchronization, handshake, or other configuration processes have been completed) and whether the link is available for further communication. If not, then in various embodiments, at reference numeral 205, multiple radio stations 100 can wait, continue performing the configuration process, and / or attempt to reactivate the second communication link 108.

[0071] Once the second communication link 108 is established, referring to reference numeral 206, the method includes deactivating the first communication link 106 between the multiple radio stations 100 and the initial access point 102. Deactivating the link may include transmitting power management indicators or commands (e.g., indicating low power or sleep mode) on the first communication link, disconnecting or terminating the link (e.g., transmitting a shutdown or disconnect command to the initial access point), deactivating or reducing the power to the hardware associated with the link, or other such actions.

[0072] Figure 2 The description, according to an exemplary embodiment, includes a WiFi network 116 comprising access points 102, 104 that are communicatively coupled to multiple radio stations 100.

[0073] according to Figure 2 The WiFi network 116 includes an initial access point 102, which is currently communicatively coupled and therefore associated with the multiple radio stations 100. Wireless communication between the initial access point 104 and the multiple radio stations 100... Figure 2 Reference numeral 154 is used to indicate this. The multiple radio station 100 can be configured to communicate on different radio channels operating at specific frequencies. More specifically, the multiple radio station 100 can be configured as a mobile multi-link station, which can communicate on a first communication link 106 and a second communication link 108 (…). Figure 2 Not shown in the text, see example Figures 3 to 6 Communication is conducted over the network. For example, the multiple radio station 100 may be embodied as a portable device such as a mobile phone. As schematically indicated by reference numeral 152, a user (not shown) operating the multiple radio station 100 may move during the use. For example, a user carrying the multiple radio station 100 may move from one room in a building to another room in the building while using the multiple radio station 100 to perform Internet applications. More specifically, a user may move from a first room in the building where the initial access point 102 is located to a second room in the building where the target access point 104 is located.

[0074] Therefore, target access point 104 can also form part of WiFi network 116 and can be configured to communicate with multiple radio stations 100. Wireless communication between target access point 104 and multiple radio stations 100... Figure 2 Reference numeral 156 is used to indicate this. When a user carrying the multiple radio station 100 moves to a second room, the multiple radio station 100 can be automatically disconnected from the initial access point 102 and connected to the target access point 104 during the roaming process.

[0075] Advantageously, the multi-radio station 100 is configured to provide seamless WiFi roaming when transitioning from a first room with an initial access point 102 to a second room with a target access point 104. For this purpose, the multi-radio station 100 may be equipped with a monolithically integrated WiFi chip 150 (e.g., manufactured using silicon technology) configured to control the activation of the aforementioned second communication link 108 between the multi-radio station 100 and the target access point 104, while the aforementioned first communication link 106 between the multi-radio station 100 and the initial access point 102 remains active. Following activation, the process performed or controlled by the WiFi chip 150 may include deactivating the first communication link 106 between the multi-radio station 100 and the initial access point 102. In short, the described process ensures that at any time during roaming, the multi-radio station 100 has at least one active connection with at least one of the access points 102 and 104. Therefore, at each point in time during roaming, the multi-radio station 100 is continuously connected to at least one of the initial access point 102 and the target access point 104. Specifically, this ensures a temporary overlap between a valid connection between the multiple radio stations 100 on the first communication link 106 and the initial access point 102, and a valid connection between the multiple radio stations 100 on the second communication link 108 and the target access point 104. Therefore, the multiple radio stations 100 with their WiFi chip 150 can achieve seamless WiFi roaming when transitioning from the initial access point 102 to the target access point 104, avoiding brief outages / interruptions of data communication (e.g., via the Internet) during roaming.

[0076] Although the seamless roaming function has been described as being implemented in WiFi chip 150, other exemplary embodiments may provide the seamless roaming function in multiple cooperating chips. It is also possible that the seamless roaming function is implemented at least partially via hard-wired circuitry and / or at least partially via software.

[0077] like Figure 2As shown, the multi-radio station 100 may include a communication interface 112, such as at least one antenna (e.g., a transmit antenna and / or a receive antenna, or a transmit and receive antenna) for wireless communication with access points 102, 104. Furthermore, the multi-radio station 100 may include a processing circuitry system 114 coupled to the communication interface 112 and configured to control the execution of the processes described above. For example, the processing circuitry system 114 may form part of the WiFi chip 150. The processing circuitry system 114 may, for example, include one or more processors or cores. In addition, the multi-radio station 100 may include an input / output unit 158 ​​(e.g., a touchscreen) that enables a user to input data and / or instructions and / or enables information to be displayed to the user. One or more storage media 118 (e.g., at least one hard disk and / or at least one memory chip) may be provided in the multi-radio station 100 for storing computer-usable instructions that, when used by the processing circuitry system 114, cause the processing circuitry system 114 to perform the seamless roaming process described above.

[0078] Similarly, Figure 2 As shown, the initial access point 102 may include a communication interface 160, which includes, for example, at least one antenna (e.g., a transmit antenna and / or a receive antenna, or a transmit and receive antenna) for wireless communication with multiple radio stations 100. Furthermore, the initial access point 102 may include a processing circuitry 162 for performing processing tasks and one or more storage media 164 for storing data. Correspondingly, the target access point 104 may include a communication interface 166 (e.g., including at least one antenna) for wireless communication with multiple radio stations 100, a processing circuitry 168 for performing processing tasks, and one or more storage media 170 for storing data. As indicated by reference numerals 172 and 174, each of the access points 102 and 104 may be wirelessly or wiredly coupled to other devices, see, for example... Figure 9 .

[0079] Figure 3 This describes a WiFi network 116 according to another exemplary embodiment, comprising multiple radio stations 100, multiple radio initial access points 102, and another multiple radio target access point 104. The time series of communication messages transmitted between the multiple radio stations 100, multiple radio initial access points 102, and another multiple radio target access point 104 is plotted along the time (t) axis 188 (for clarity, the physical endpoints 100, 102, and 104 of the communication messages are shown, but they should not be assumed to exist or not exist at different times, and the time axis should be considered to apply to the time series of messages).

[0080] according to Figure 3The multi-link station 100 is a multi-link station (which may also be represented as a multi-link device station MLD STA) configured to communicate on first communication links 106A, 106B (e.g., with an initial access point and a target access point, respectively) and second communication links 108A, 108B (e.g., with an initial access point and a target access point, respectively). For communication on the first communication links 106A, 106B (which may be represented as LINK0), the multi-link station 100 includes a first station unit 176 (sometimes referred to as "STA"), which may include hardware and / or software for providing communication, including transmitters, receivers, amplifiers, filters, antennas, signal processors, analog-to-digital and / or digital-to-analog converters, or other such circuitry systems. For communication on the second communication links 108A, 108B (which may be denoted as LINK1), the multi-radio station 100 includes a second station unit 178 (which may similarly include hardware and / or software for providing communication, including transmitters, receivers, amplifiers, filters, antennas, signal processors, analog-to-digital and / or digital-to-analog converters or other such circuit systems).

[0081] Refer again Figure 3 The initial access point 102 can be configured as a multiple radio access point, configured to communicate on a first communication link 106A via a first initial access point unit 180 and on a second communication link 108A via a second initial access point unit 182. Access point units 108 and 182 may include hardware and / or software for providing communication, including transmitters, receivers, amplifiers, filters, antennas, signal processors, analog-to-digital and / or digital-to-analog converters, or other such circuitry. The initial access point 102 may also be referred to as a multi-link device access point (MLD AP).

[0082] Correspondingly, Figure 3 The target access point 104 can be configured as a multiple radio access point, configured to communicate via a first target access point unit 184 on a first communication link 106B and via a second target access point unit 186 on a second communication link 108B. The target access point 104 can also be referred to as a multiple link device access point (MLD AP). As mentioned above, to distinguish between the link to the initial access point and the link to the target access point, these links are labeled 106A and 108A, and 106B and 108B, respectively. Links 106A and 106B can utilize the same hardware, channels, or bandwidth at multiple radio stations 100 (e.g., station unit 176). Similarly, links 108A and 108B can utilize the same hardware, channels, or bandwidth at multiple radio stations 100 (e.g., station unit 178).

[0083] because Figure 3In a multi-link configuration, communication messages between multiple radio stations 100 on one side and an initial access point 102 or a target access point 104 on the other side can be transmitted simultaneously (or via time multiplexing) on ​​the first communication link 106A and the second communication link 108A (or 106B and 108B). For example, different communication frequencies or different communication bands can be used to transmit communication messages on the first communication link 106A and the second communication link 108A (or 106B and 108B). The transmission of WiFi communication messages between multiple radio stations 100 on one side and the initial access point 102 or the target access point 104 on the other side can occur according to the IEEE 802.11 protocol.

[0084] Below, the explanation will be based on Figure 3 The exemplary embodiment describes the process of seamless roaming of the multiple radio station 100 during the disconnection from the previously connected initial access point 102 and connection to the target access point 104. This roaming can be initiated, as shown by reference numeral 152, when a user carrying and using the portable multiple radio station 100 moves from a first location with the initial access point 102 to another second location with the target access point 104.

[0085] exist Figure 3 During the process marked by dashed lines (1), the multi-radio station 100, still communicating with the initial access point 102 on the first communication link 106A, switches the second communication link 108A with the initial access point 102 to sleep or low-power mode. To this end, the multi-radio station 100 sends a power management signal 192 to the initial access point 102 on the second communication link 108A to cause the second communication link 108A to enter energy-saving mode (PM=1). Figure 3 The initial active communication connection between the multiple radio stations 100 and the initial access point 102, indicated by reference symbol 198, remains active while power management signal 192 is transmitted. After the transmission of power management signal 192, the second communication link 108A is placed in power-saving mode (e.g., reducing transmission power and / or disabling transmission hardware or amplifiers, etc.).

[0086] exist Figure 3 In the subsequent process marked (2), the multi-radio station 100, which is still connected to the initial access point 102 on the first communication link 106A and has not yet activated the second communication link 108B between the multi-radio station 100 and the target access point 104, can perform an authentication and association process between the multi-radio station 100 and the target access point 104 to initiate or trigger a connection between the target access point 104 and the multi-radio station 100 on the second communication link 108B. The corresponding communication message is in Figure 3Reference numeral 194 indicates this. During authentication, an authentication frame can be sent from the multiple radio station 100 to the target access point 104, followed by a response sent from the target access point 104 back to the multiple radio station 100. During subsequent association, an association request frame can be sent from the multiple radio station 100 to the target access point 104, followed by an association response frame sent from the target access point 104 back to the multiple radio station 100. Through this authentication and association process, subsequent communication between the multiple radio station 100 and the target access point 104 can be prepared. After the authentication and association process is completed on the second communication link 108, the second communication link 108B is activated between the multiple radio station 100 and the target access point 104, see reference numeral 191.

[0087] However, when the second communication link 108B between the multiple radio station 100 and the target access point 104 is activated according to reference numeral 191, the first communication link 106A between the multiple radio station 100 and the initial access point 102 remains active and has not yet been deactivated (or in other words, remains healthy and not disconnected), as shown at reference numeral 198. Therefore, a deactivation overlap time interval 193 occurs, during which the first communication link 106A is active between the initial access point 102 and the multiple radio station 100, and simultaneously the second communication link 108B is active between the target access point 104 and the multiple radio station 100. The presence of the overlap time interval 193 (which may be on the order of milliseconds, seconds, or any other such time) ensures seamless roaming for the multiple radio station 100 as it transitions from communication coupling with the initial access point 102 to communication coupling with the target access point 104. For example, in some embodiments, the overlap time interval 193 may be several seconds, and data may be transmitted simultaneously on both the first communication link 106A and the second communication link 108B. Because the multiple radio station 100 maintains a continuous connection with at least one of the initial access point 102 and the target access point 104 during roaming, temporary interruptions or loss of data communication with the multiple radio station can be reliably prevented. Therefore, users operating the multiple radio station 100 during roaming can experience continuous, uninterrupted data communication, such as data transmissions from the public Internet.

[0088] exist Figure 3 In the subsequent process marked (3), the multiple radio station 100 may deactivate the previously existing first communication link 106A between the multiple radio station 100 and the initial access point 102. As shown by reference numeral 196, the deactivation may include performing a deauthentication process between the multiple radio station 100 and the initial access point 102. The deauthentication process may be the reverse of a previously performed authentication process. One of the multiple radio station 100 and the target access point 104 may send a deauthentication message to the other, which may be acknowledged by a response.

[0089] exist Figure 3 In the subsequent process marked (4), after deactivating the first communication link 106A between the multi-radio station 100 and the initial access point 102, the multi-radio station 100 can trigger the activation of the first communication link 106B between the multi-radio station 100 and the target access point 104. To this end, the multi-radio station 100 transmits a power management signal 195 on the first communication link 106B to put the first communication link 106B into active mode without energy-saving operation (PM = 0). As can be seen from reference symbols 192 and 195, the transmission of the power management signal on the first communication links 106A and 106B and the second communication links 108A and 108B can be performed independently of each other. After the power management signal 195, the first communication link 106B is ready to communicate between the multi-radio station 100 and the target access point 104. Therefore, after the power management information 195, communication between the multi-radio station 100 and the target access point 104 on the first communication link 106B is valid, see reference symbol 197. Therefore, roaming is complete, and the multiple radio station 100 can communicate with the target access point 104 on the first communication link 106B and the second communication link 108B. Previous communication between the initial access point 102 on either communication link 106A or 108A and the multiple radio station 100 is now terminated.

[0090] In summary, Figure 3 This describes the process of roaming from an MLD AP (e.g., initial access point 102) to another MLD AP (e.g., target access point 104). In summary, the process involved in a lossless roaming from initial access point 104 to another target access point 102 is as follows:

[0091] Process (1): A non-AP MLD STA, such as a multi-radio station 100 that is not an access point, initiates a power management signal PM=1 on the second communication link 108A (link-1) with the initial access point 102;

[0092] Process (2): Multiple radio stations 100 use the radio (and associated hardware) of the second communication link 108B to initiate association with a new MLD AP (e.g., target access point 104);

[0093] Process (3): After completing the association with the target access point 104 on the second communication link 108B, start the deauthentication on the first communication link 106A (link-0) with the previous or initial access point 102;

[0094] Process (4): Send a power management signal to disable power saving mode (PM=0) on the first communication link 106A to enable multi-link operation with the target access point 104.

[0095] according to Figure 3 The communication architecture is also applicable and scalable in other embodiments as follows:

[0096] - In multi-link operations, any number of N links is possible, for example, N=2 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (middle), 3, 4, 5, ...

[0097] -Roaming from one MLD AP to another can be controlled (e.g., Figure 3 middle)

[0098] It can also correspondingly control roaming from an MLD AP to another non-MLD AP (e.g. Figure 4 middle)

[0099] It can also correspondingly control roaming from a non-MLD AP to another MLD AP (e.g. Figure 5 middle)

[0100] It can also correspondingly control roaming from one non-MLD AP to another non-MLD AP (e.g. Figure 6 middle)

[0101] Figure 4 This describes a WiFi network 116 according to another exemplary embodiment, which includes multiple radio stations 100, multiple radio initial access points 102, and another single radio target access point 104.

[0102] according to Figure 4 The initial access point 102 is a multi-radio access point, and the target access point 104 is a single-radio access point. Therefore, the described embodiment demonstrates roaming from an MLD AP in the form of the initial access point 102 to another non-MLD AP in the form of the target access point 104, such as... Figure 4 As explained in [the document]. In short, Figure 4 The implementation of the embodiment is in response to Figure 3 The process of (1), (2) and (3) of the embodiment.

[0103] exist Figure 4 During the process marked by the dashed line (1), the multi-radio station 100, which is still communicating with the initial access point 102 on the first communication link 106A, switches the second communication link 108A to sleep mode. To this end, the multi-radio station 100 sends a power management signal 192 to the second communication link 108A to put the second communication link 108A into power-saving mode (PM=1). The initial effective communication connection between the multi-radio station 100 and the initial access point 102 is determined by... Figure 4 Reference symbol 198 indicates and remains valid. Following power management signal 192, the second communication link 108A is placed in power-saving mode.

[0104] exist Figure 4 In the subsequent process marked (2), the multi-radio station 100, which is still connected to the initial access point 102 on the first communication link 106A and has not yet activated the second communication link 108B between the multi-radio station 100 and the target access point 104, can perform the authentication and association process between the multi-radio station 100 and the target access point 104. The corresponding communication message is in Figure 4 Reference numeral 194 indicates this. During authentication, an authentication frame can be sent from the multiple radio station 100 to the target access point 104, followed by a response sent from the target access point 104 to the multiple radio station 100. During association, an association request frame can be sent from the multiple radio station 100 to the target access point 104, followed by an association response frame sent from the target access point 104 back to the multiple radio station 100. Through the authentication and association process, subsequent communication between the multiple radio station 100 and the target access point 104 can be prepared. After the authentication and association process on the second communication link 108B, the second communication link 108B is immediately activated between the multiple radio station 100 and the target access point 104, see reference numeral 191. However, when the activation of the second communication link 108B between the multiple radio station 100 and the target access point 104 begins, the first communication link 106A between the multiple radio station 100 and the initial access point 102 remains valid and has not yet been deactivated (or in other words, it remains healthy and has not yet been disconnected). Therefore, there exists a deactivation overlap time interval 193, during which the first communication link 106A is active between the initial access point 102 and the multiple radio station 100, and simultaneously the second communication link 108B is active between the target access point 104 and the multiple radio station 100. The existence of the overlap time interval 193 ensures seamless roaming for the multiple radio station 100, transitioning from communication coupling with the initial access point 102 to communication coupling with the target access point 104. Since the multiple radio station 100 maintains a connection with at least one of the initial access point 102 and the target access point 104 during roaming, temporary loss of data communication with the multiple radio station is reliably prevented. For example, users operating the multiple radio station 100 during roaming can continuously enjoy uninterrupted data communication, such as data transmission from the public Internet.

[0105] exist Figure 4 In the subsequent process marked (3), the multiple radio station 100 may deactivate the previously existing valid first communication link 106A between the multiple radio station 100 and the initial access point 102. As shown by reference numeral 196, the deactivation may include performing a deauthentication process between the multiple radio station 100 and the initial access point 102. The deauthentication process may be the reverse of a previously performed authentication process. One of the multiple radio station 100 and the target access point 104 may send a deauthentication message to the other, which can be acknowledged by a response.

[0106] Figure 5 This describes a WiFi network 116 according to another exemplary embodiment, which includes multiple radio stations 100, a single radio initial access point 102, and another multiple radio target access point 104.

[0107] according to Figure 5 The initial access point 102 is a single radio access point, and the target access point 104 is a multi-radio access point. Therefore, roaming from the initial access point 102, which is a non-MLD AP, to the target access point 104, which is another MLD AP, is as follows: Figure 5 As explained in [the document]. In short, Figure 5 The implementation of the embodiments corresponds to Figure 3 The processes of (2), (3) and (4) in the embodiments.

[0108] exist Figure 5 During the process marked (1), the multi-radio station 100, which is still connected to the initial access point 102 on the first communication link 106A and has not yet activated the second communication link 108B between the multi-radio station 100 and the target access point 104, can perform the authentication and association process between the multi-radio station 100 and the target access point 104. The corresponding communication message is in Figure 5Reference numeral 194 indicates this. During authentication, an authentication frame can be sent from the multiple radio station 100 to the target access point 104, followed by a response sent from the target access point 104 to the multiple radio station 100. During association, an association request frame can be sent from the multiple radio station 100 to the target access point 104, followed by an association response frame sent from the target access point 104 back to the multiple radio station 100. Through the authentication and association process, subsequent communication between the multiple radio station 100 and the target access point 104 can be prepared. After the authentication and association process on the second communication link 108B, the second communication link 108B is immediately activated between the multiple radio station 100 and the target access point 104, see reference numeral 191. However, when the activation of the second communication link 108B between the multiple radio station 100 and the target access point 104 begins, the first communication link 106A between the multiple radio station 100 and the initial access point 102 remains valid and has not yet been deactivated (or in other words, it remains healthy and has not yet been disconnected). Therefore, there exists a deactivation overlap time interval 193, during which the first communication link 106A is active between the initial access point 102 and the multiple radio station 100, and simultaneously the second communication link 108B is active between the target access point 104 and the multiple radio station 100. The existence of the overlap time interval 193 ensures seamless roaming for the multiple radio station 100, transitioning from communication coupling with the initial access point 102 to communication coupling with the target access point 104. Since the multiple radio station 100 maintains a connection with at least one of the initial access point 102 and the target access point 104 during roaming, temporary loss of data communication with the multiple radio station is reliably prevented. For example, a user operating the multiple radio station 100 during roaming can continuously use uninterrupted data communication, such as data transmission from the public Internet.

[0109] exist Figure 5 In the subsequent process marked (2), the multiple radio station 100 may deactivate the previously existing first communication link 106A between the multiple radio station 100 and the initial access point 102. As shown by reference numeral 196, the deactivation may include performing a deauthentication process between the multiple radio station 100 and the initial access point 102. The deauthentication process may be the reverse of a previously performed authentication process. One of the multiple radio station 100 and the target access point 104 may send a deauthentication message to the other, which can be acknowledged by a response.

[0110] exist Figure 5In the subsequent process marked (3), after deactivating the first communication link 106A between the multi-radio station 100 and the initial access point 102, the multi-radio station 100 can trigger the activation of the first communication link 106B between the multi-radio station 100 and the target access point 104. To this end, the multi-radio station 100 sends a power management signal 195 on the first communication link 106B to put the first communication link 106B in active mode without saving power (PM=0). After the power management signal 195, the first communication link 106B is ready to communicate between the multi-radio station 100 and the target access point 104. After the power management signal 195, communication between the multi-radio station 100 and the target access point 104 on the first communication link 106B is valid, see reference numeral 197. Therefore, roaming is completed, and the multi-radio station 100 can communicate with the target access point 104 on both the first communication link 106B and the second communication link 108B. Previous communication between the initial access point 102 on communication link 106A and the multiple radio stations 100 is now terminated.

[0111] Figure 6 This describes a WiFi network 116 according to another exemplary embodiment, which includes multiple radio stations 100, a single radio initial access point 102, and another single radio target access point 104.

[0112] according to Figure 6 Initial access point 102 is a single radio access point, and target access point 104 is a single radio access point. Therefore, Figure 6 This describes roaming from a non-MLD AP in the form of an initial access point 102 to another non-MLD AP in the form of a target access point 104, such as... Figure 6 As explained in [the document]. In short, Figure 6 The implementation of the embodiments corresponds to Figure 3 The process of (2) and (3) in the embodiment.

[0113] exist Figure 6 During the process marked (1), the multi-radio station 100, which is still connected to the initial access point 102 on the first communication link 106 and has not yet activated the second communication link 108 between the multi-radio station 100 and the target access point 104, can perform the authentication and association process between the multi-radio station 100 and the target access point 104. The corresponding communication message is in Figure 3Reference numeral 194 indicates this. During authentication, an authentication frame can be sent from the multiple radio station 100 to the target access point 104, followed by a response sent from the target access point 104 to the multiple radio station 100. During association, an association request frame can be sent from the multiple radio station 100 to the target access point 104, followed by an association response frame sent from the target access point 104 back to the multiple radio station 100. Through the authentication and association process, subsequent communication between the multiple radio station 100 and the target access point 104 can be prepared. After the authentication and association process on the second communication link 108, the second communication link 108 is immediately activated between the multiple radio station 100 and the target access point 104, see reference numeral 191. However, when the second communication link 108 between the multiple radio station 100 and the target access point 104 is activated, the first communication link 106 between the multiple radio station 100 and the initial access point 102 remains valid and has not been deactivated (or in other words, it remains healthy and has not been disconnected). Therefore, there exists a deactivation overlap time interval 193, during which the first communication link 106 is active between the initial access point 102 and the multiple radio station 100, and simultaneously the second communication link 108 is active between the target access point 104 and the multiple radio station 100. The existence of the overlap time interval 193 ensures seamless roaming for the multiple radio station 100, transitioning from communication coupling with the initial access point 102 to communication coupling with the target access point 104. Since the multiple radio station 100 maintains a connection with at least one of the initial access point 102 and the target access point 104 during roaming, temporary loss of data communication with the multiple radio station is reliably prevented. For example, a user operating the multiple radio station 100 during roaming can continuously use uninterrupted data communication, such as data transmission from the public Internet.

[0114] exist Figure 6 In the subsequent process marked (2), the multiple radio station 100 may deactivate the previously existing first communication link 106 between the multiple radio station 100 and the initial access point 102. As shown by reference numeral 196, the deactivation may include performing a deauthentication process between the multiple radio station 100 and the initial access point 102. The deauthentication process may be the reverse of a previously performed authentication process. One of the multiple radio station 100 and the target access point 104 may send a deauthentication message to the other, which can be acknowledged by a response.

[0115] Figure 7 The illustration describes a WiFi network 116, according to an exemplary embodiment, including a multi-radio station 100 and a multi-radio access point 102 coupled for communication over three communication links 106, 108, and 110. The multi-radio station 100 can be configured for seamless roaming involving the multi-radio access point 102, as described with respect to the previously mentioned embodiments.

[0116] Figure 7 Examples of multiple radio access points 102, which can be represented as an AP MLD, and multiple radio stations 100, which can be represented as a non-AP MLD, are shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the multiple radio station 100 includes a first station unit 176, a second station unit 178, and a third station unit 179. Correspondingly, Figure 7 The multiple radio access point 102 includes a first initial access point unit 180, a second initial access point unit 182, and a third initial access point unit 183. For example, the first initial access point unit 180 is configured to communicate on a first frequency band, such as 2.4 GHz. For example, the second initial access point unit 182 may be configured to communicate on a second frequency band, such as 5 GHz. For example, the third initial access point unit 183 is configured to communicate on a third frequency band, such as 6 GHz. To initiate communication coupling between the multiple radio station 100 and the multiple radio access point 102, an authentication and association process can be implemented. In this context, communication messages and corresponding responses (both denoted by reference numeral 189) can be exchanged between the multiple radio station 100 and the multiple radio access point 102 for authentication. Furthermore, an association request frame 185 and an association response frame 187 can be exchanged for association. Thereafter, communication messages can be exchanged, see reference numeral 177. After authentication and association, the multiple radio stations 100 and multiple radio access points 102 can communicate on three communication links, such as a first communication link 106 corresponding to a first frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz), a second communication link 108 corresponding to a second frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz), and a third communication link 110 corresponding to a third frequency band (e.g., 6 GHz). Therefore, the seamless roaming process described above can also be performed in scenarios where three or more communication links are established between the multiple radio stations 100 and access points 102 and 104 involved in the roaming process.

[0117] Figure 7 This describes the multi-link association between multiple radio stations 100 and multiple radio access points 102. As part of the ML operation in the IEEE 802.11 standard, all affiliated STAs in the STAMLD (Multi-Link Device) can establish connections with all affiliated APs in the AP MLD on different links. Figure 7 Explain ML association and link establishment.

[0118] In the corresponding link (e.g., Figure 7 After association is completed on the 2.4 GHz band, non-AP MLD STAs can connect to the associated link ( Figure 7 The power management signal PM=0 is explicitly sent on each of the 5GHz and 6GHz bands to enable ML operation on all associated links 106, 108, and 110.

[0119] Figure 8 The illustration describes a WiFi network 116 according to an exemplary embodiment, comprising a multi-radio station 100 and a multi-radio access point 102 coupled for communication over two communication links 106, 108. The multi-radio station 100 may be configured for seamless roaming involving the multi-radio access point 102, as described with respect to the previously mentioned embodiments.

[0120] Figure 8 This describes the communication between the multiple radio stations 100 and the multiple radio access points 102 on the first communication link 106 and the second communication link 108. Figure 8 The active mode 151 and sleep mode 153 for each of communication links 106 and 108 are shown, and data frame exchange 155 is illustrated. Reference numeral 157 indicates a power management (PM) signal with a logic value PM = 0, for example, deactivating the power saving mode in the corresponding communication link 106 or 108. Correspondingly, reference numeral 159 indicates a power management signal with a logic value PM = 1, for example, activating the power saving mode in the corresponding communication link 106 or 108. A polling signal 161 is also shown in the first communication link 106. Reference numeral 165 indicates a wake-up state.

[0121] Exemplary embodiments can be used according to Figure 8 A power management architecture is implemented to provide multi-link energy-saving configurations. Specifically, for example, the MLD STA of multiple radio stations 100 can be configured to perform power management independently for each of the communication links 106, 108, ...

[0122] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates an embodiment of a wireless communication system (e.g., WiFi network 116) in which some aspects of the subject matter can be implemented. WiFi network 116 includes access points 102, 103, 104; wireless communication devices embodied as wireless station 100 (STA); and network hardware components 234. Wireless station 100 may be a laptop or tablet computer, a personal digital assistant, a personal computer, and / or a cellular phone. Other examples of such stations 100 may also, or alternatively, include other types of devices with wireless communication capabilities.

[0123] Examples of station 100 that can be implemented to operate according to any of the various instances, embodiments, options and / or equivalents described herein may include (but are not limited to) household and business appliances such as refrigerators, microwave ovens, heaters, heating systems, air conditioners, air conditioning systems, lighting control systems and / or any other type of appliances; meters for natural gas services, electricity services, water services, internet services, cable and / or satellite television services and / or any other type of metering purposes; and devices that can be worn by a user or person, including watches and monitors such as those monitoring activity levels and bodily functions (e.g., heart rate, respiration). Monitors of physical activity, movement, or lack of movement; medical devices, including intravenous drug delivery monitoring and / or control devices, blood monitoring devices (e.g., glucose monitoring devices), and / or any other type of medical device; home monitoring devices, such as motion detection / monitoring devices, door closure / slight opening detection / monitoring devices, security / alarm system monitoring devices, and / or any other type of home monitoring device; multimedia devices, including televisions, computers, audio playback devices, video playback devices, and / or any other type of multimedia device; and / or substantially any other type of device including wireless communication capabilities, functions, circuitry, etc. Generally, any device implemented to support wireless communication can be implemented as station 100 to operate according to any of the various examples, embodiments, options, and / or equivalents described herein.

[0124] Access points (APs) 102, 103, and 104 are operatively coupled to network hardware 234 via local area network (LAN) connections 236, 238, and 240. Network hardware 234, such as routers, switches, bridges, modems, and system controllers, is... Figure 9The communication system provides a wide area network (WAN) connection 242. Each of the access points 102, 103, and 104 may have an associated antenna or antenna array to communicate with wireless communication devices in its area. Typically, wireless communication devices register with a specific access point 102, 103, or 104 to receive services from the communication system. For direct connections (e.g., point-to-point communication), wireless communication devices communicate directly via an assigned channel. Each of the various wireless communication devices or stations 100 and APs 102, 103, and 104 may include a processing circuitry and / or a communication interface to support communication with any of the other wireless communication devices or stations 100 and APs 102, 103, and 104. In an operational example, a processing circuitry and / or communication interface implemented in one of the devices (e.g., any one of station 100 and APs 102, 103, 104) is configured to process at least one signal received from the other of the devices (e.g., any other one of station 100 and APs 102, 103, 104) and / or generate at least one signal to be transmitted to said other.

[0125] The processing circuitry and / or communication interfaces of any of the stations 100 and APs 102, 103, and 104 can be configured to support communication with any other device, station 100, or AP 102, 103, and 104. Such communication can be unidirectional or bidirectional between devices. Furthermore, such communication can be unidirectional between devices at one time and bidirectional between those devices at another time.

[0126] In examples, the apparatus (e.g., any of station 100 and APs 102, 103, 104) includes a communication interface and / or processing circuitry (and possibly other possible circuitry, components, elements, etc.) to support communication with other apparatuses and to generate and process signals for such communication. The communication interface and / or processing circuitry operates to perform various operations and functions to enable such communication (e.g., the communication interface and processing circuitry may be configured to perform certain operations in a cooperative and interdependent manner, and to perform other operations independently and separately). In some examples, such processing circuitry includes all the capabilities, functions, and / or circuitry for performing the operations described herein. In some other examples, such communication interface includes all the capabilities, functions, and / or circuitry for performing the operations described herein. In even more numerous examples, such processing circuitry and communication interface include all the capabilities, functions, and / or circuitry for performing the operations described herein, at least partially in cooperation with each other.

[0127] The embodiments within the scope of this disclosure may be implemented in whole or in part using tangible computer-readable storage media (or multiple tangible computer-readable storage media of one or more types) encoding one or more instructions. The tangible computer-readable storage media may also be non-transitory in nature.

[0128] Computer-readable storage media can be any storage medium that can be read, written, or otherwise accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computing device, including any processing electronic device and / or processing circuitry capable of executing instructions. For example (but not limited to), computer-readable media can include any volatile semiconductor memory, such as RAM, DRAM, SRAM, T-RAM, Z-RAM, and TTRAM. Computer-readable media can also include any non-volatile semiconductor memory, such as ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, NVRAM, flash memory, nvSRAM, FeRAM, FeTRAM, MRAM, PRAM, CBRAM, SONOS, RRAM, NRAM, racetrack memory, FJG, and millipede memory.

[0129] Furthermore, the computer-readable storage medium may comprise any non-semiconductor memory, such as optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage, magnetic tape, other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of storing one or more instructions. In one or more embodiments, the tangible computer-readable storage medium may be directly coupled to a computing device, while in other embodiments, the tangible computer-readable storage medium may be indirectly coupled to a computing device via one or more wired connections, one or more wireless connections, or any combination thereof.

[0130] Instructions can be directly executable or can be used to develop executable instructions. For example, instructions can be implemented as executable or non-executable machine code, or as instructions in a high-level language that can be compiled to produce executable or non-executable machine code. Furthermore, instructions can also be implemented as data or can contain data. Computer executable instructions can also be organized in any format, including routines, subroutines, programs, data structures, objects, modules, application programs, applets, and functions. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the details of the number, structure, order, and organization of instructions (including, but not limited to, instructions) can vary significantly without altering the underlying logic, functionality, processing, and output.

[0131] It should be noted that, for the purpose of identifying or distinguishing one from another or others, certain paragraphs of this disclosure may use terms such as “first” and “second” in connection with apparatus, mode of operation, transmission chain, etc. These terms are not intended to associate entities (e.g., first apparatus and second apparatus) solely in time or according to sequence, although in some cases such a relationship may exist. These terms also do not limit the number of possible entities (e.g., apparatuses) that can operate in the system or environment.

[0132] While the foregoing written description of the methods and systems enables those skilled in the art to create and use content currently considered to be the best model, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that variations, combinations, and equivalents exist of the specific embodiments, methods, and examples described herein. Therefore, the methods and systems of this disclosure should not be limited to the embodiments, methods, and examples described above, but should be limited to all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0133] Some illustrative embodiments have now been described, and it should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, and has been presented by way of example. Specifically, while many of the examples presented herein relate to specific combinations of method actions or system elements, these actions and elements can be combined in other ways to achieve the same objective. Actions, elements, and features discussed in connection with only one embodiment are not intended to exclude similar roles from other embodiments or embodiments.

[0134] The phrases and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. The use of “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “characterized by,” and variations thereof is intended to cover items listed herein, their equivalents, and additional items, as well as alternative embodiments that include only items listed herein. In one embodiment, the systems and methods described herein consist of one of the described elements, actions, or components, a combination of more than one of the described elements, actions, or components, or all of the described elements, actions, or components.

[0135] Any reference to an embodiment, element, or action of a system or method mentioned in the singular may also cover embodiments that include multiple such elements, and any reference to any embodiment, element, or action mentioned herein may also cover embodiments that include only a single element. References in either the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the currently disclosed systems or methods, their components, actions, or elements to a single or multiple configuration. References to any action or element based on any information, action, or element may include embodiments in which the action or element is at least partially based on any information, action, or element.

[0136] Any embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with any other embodiment, and references to “implementation,” “some embodiments,” “alternative embodiments,” “various embodiments,” “an embodiment,” etc., are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. As used herein, these terms do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Any embodiment may be combined inclusively or exclusively with any other embodiment in any manner consistent with the aspects and embodiments disclosed herein.

[0137] A reference to "or" can be interpreted as inclusive, such that any term described using "or" can refer to a single, more than one, or any of the terms described.

[0138] If a reference numeral follows a technical feature in the drawings, detailed description, or any claim, it is included solely to improve the understandability of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Therefore, the reference numeral, and its absence, does not limit the scope of any claim element.

[0139] The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from their characteristics. The foregoing embodiments are illustrative and not limiting of the systems and methods described. Therefore, the scope of the systems and methods described herein is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and variations within the meaning and scope of the equivalence of the claims are included therein.

Claims

1. A method for seamless WiFi roaming, comprising: One of the multiple radio stations or the target access point activates the second communication link between the multiple radio stations and the target access point from a reduced power mode to a high power mode, while the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point remains valid, wherein the activation of the second communication link includes successful authentication and association via physical layer media and wherein the valid first communication link has been successfully authenticated and associated. as well as In response to activating the second communication link to the high-power mode, the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point is deactivated by one of the multiple radio stations or the target access point, wherein both the first communication link and the second communication link remain valid and successfully authenticated and associated at least during the overlapping time interval.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the multiple radio stations are multiple link stations.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting communication messages between the plurality of radio stations and at least one of the initial access point and the target access point on the first communication link and the second communication link.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising transmitting communication messages on the first communication link and the second communication link using a common communication frequency band or different communication frequency channels of different communication frequency bands.

5. The method according to claim 3, further comprising transmitting communication messages simultaneously or via time multiplexing on the first communication link and the second communication link.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein deactivation further includes a transmission power management command to place the first communication link in the reduced power mode.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the initial access point is a multiple radio access point and the target access point is a multiple radio access point.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the initial access point is a multiple radio access point and the target access point is a single radio access point.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the initial access point is a single radio access point and the target access point is a multi-radio access point.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the initial access point is a single radio access point and the target access point is a single radio access point.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising deactivating the first communication link with the initial access point to the reduced power mode before activating the second communication link between the multiple radio stations and the target access point.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein activation further includes a transmission power management command to place the second communication link in the high-power mode.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein deactivating the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point comprises performing a deauthentication process between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising, after deactivating the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point to the reduced power mode, activating the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the target access point from the reduced power mode to the high power mode.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting communication messages between the multiple radio stations on one side and at least one of the initial access point and the target access point on the other side, on the first communication link, on the second communication link, and on at least one other communication link.

16. A multi-radio station comprising: Communication interface; and Processing circuitry system, coupled to the communication interface and configured for: The second communication link between the multiple radio stations and the target access point, which is to be authenticated, associated and in high-power mode, is activated from the low-power mode via physical layer media, while the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point remains valid, wherein the valid first communication link has been successfully authenticated and associated. as well as In response to activating the second communication link to the high-power mode, the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point is deactivated and de-authenticated, wherein both the first and second communication links remain valid, authenticated, and associated at least during an overlapping time interval.

17. The multiple radio stations of claim 16, configured to include one of the group consisting of mobile devices, smartphones, laptop computers, personal digital assistants, tablet computers, television devices, and desktop computers.

18. A WiFi chip for multiple wireless stations, comprising: Processing circuitry system, configured for: The second communication link between the multiple radio stations and the target access point, which is to be authenticated, associated, and in high-power mode, is activated from the reduced-power mode via the physical layer media, while the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point remains valid. as well as In response to activating the second communication link to the high-power mode, the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point, which will be deauthenticated and deassociated, is deactivated, wherein both the first communication link and the second communication link remain authenticated and associated at least during the overlapping time interval.

19. A WiFi network comprising: Multiple radio stations, which are communicatively coupled to the initial access point and will be communicatively coupled to the target access point; and The multiple radio stations are configured to: The second communication link between the multiple radio stations and the target access point, which is to be authenticated, associated and in high-power mode, is activated from low-power mode via physical layer media, while the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point remains valid, wherein the valid first communication link has been authenticated and associated via the physical layer media. as well as In response to activating the second communication link to the high-power mode, the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point is deactivated, wherein both the first communication link and the second communication link remain active via physical layer media at least during the overlapping time interval.

20. A non-transitory storage medium storing computer-usable instructions, said computer-usable instructions, when used by a plurality of processing circuitry systems, causing the plurality of processing circuitry systems to: Activate the second communication link between the multiple radio stations and the target access point, which is currently authenticated, associated, and in high-power mode, from the reduced-power mode, while the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point remains authenticated and associated; and In response to activating the second communication link to the high-power mode, the first communication link between the multiple radio stations and the initial access point is deactivated, wherein both the first and second communication links remain active and enabled via physical layer media for effective data frame exchange at least during the overlapping time interval.

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