Heterogeneous wireless communication systems, heterogeneous wireless communication methods and controllers

Abstract

This disclosure proposes a heterogeneous wireless communication system, a heterogeneous wireless communication method, and a controller, relating to the field of communications. The heterogeneous wireless communication system includes a controller configured to collect network information from Wi-Fi and LiFi access points, and provide services based on the network information, which includes at least one of network topology information, network event information, and network status information. By uniformly managing and controlling the resources and services of both Wi-Fi and LiFi wireless networks, the system fully utilizes the abundant and free spectrum resources of visible light communication, improving network resource utilization. This allows users to benefit from the wide coverage of Wi-Fi radio frequency wireless systems while enjoying high-speed, secure, and green data communication in LiFi networks, further enhancing network service quality and user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a heterogeneous wireless communication system, a heterogeneous wireless communication method, and a controller. Background Technology

[0002] In indoor settings, users often use WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) technology to build wireless networks. WiFi networks can provide users with wireless and fast network services. However, in practice, WiFi networks also have drawbacks such as poor security and unstable signals, which affect the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Research has revealed that LiFi (Light Fidelity) technology is a novel wireless transmission technology that utilizes the visible light spectrum for data transmission; it is essentially a form of optical wireless communication technology. LiFi technology transmits information by embedding a tiny chip within a light-emitting diode (LED) and using electrical signals to control the LED to emit a high-speed flashing signal invisible to the naked eye.

[0004] This disclosure embodiment unifies the management and control of WiFi and LiFi wireless network resources and services, making full use of the abundant and free spectrum resources of Visible Light Communication (VLC) to improve network resource utilization. This allows users to benefit from the wide coverage of WiFi radio frequency (RF) wireless systems and enjoy high-speed, secure, and green data communication in VLC-based LiFi networks, further enhancing network service quality and user experience.

[0005] This disclosure provides a heterogeneous wireless communication system in some embodiments, including: a controller configured to: collect network information of Wi-Fi access points and LiFi access points, and provide services based on the network information, wherein the network information includes at least one of network topology information, network event information, and network status information.

[0006] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to:

[0007] Send network topology discovery control messages to all WiFi and LiFi access points to instruct the collection of network topology information;

[0008] Receive network topology discovery response messages from each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point, including the collected local network topology information;

[0009] The local network topology information collected from all WiFi and LiFi access points is aggregated to form the first global network topology information.

[0010] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to:

[0011] Receive echo messages returned by each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point to indicate the association status between the access point that sent the echo message and the controller;

[0012] If the echo message indicates that there is no association, add association information between the controller and the unassociated access point.

[0013] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to:

[0014] Receive network event messages sent by the access point where the network event occurred, wherein the access point where the network event occurred is a WiFi access point or a LiFi access point;

[0015] Send a network topology discovery control message to the access point where the network event occurred, to instruct the collection of network topology information;

[0016] Receive a network topology discovery response message returned by the access point where the network event occurred, which includes the collected updated local network topology information;

[0017] The updated local network topology information of the access point where the network event occurred is aggregated with the local network topology information of other access points to form a second global network topology information.

[0018] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to:

[0019] Receive network event messages sent by the access point where the network event occurred, wherein the access point where the network event occurred is a WiFi access point or a LiFi access point;

[0020] Based on the network event message, the new service access point of the first target terminal is determined, where the original service access point of the first target terminal is the access point where the network event occurred.

[0021] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to:

[0022] If the original service access point of the first target terminal is a LiFi access point and a network event occurs, the WiFi access point will be determined as the new service access point for the first target terminal; or,

[0023] If the original service access point of the first target terminal is a WiFi access point and a network event occurs, the LiFi access point will be determined as the new service access point of the first target terminal.

[0024] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to:

[0025] Regularly collect network status information from WiFi and LiFi access points;

[0026] Based on the network status information, the original service access point of the second target terminal whose network status information does not meet the requirements is adjusted to a new service access point whose network status information meets the requirements.

[0027] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0028] At least one WiFi access point and at least one LiFi access point;

[0029] The controller is provided with a first interface between itself and each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point.

[0030] In some embodiments, each LiFi access point or each WiFi access point includes a virtual switch and a network topology discovery agent.

[0031] The virtual switch is configured to transmit messages to the controller through the first interface;

[0032] The network topology discovery agent is configured to collect local network topology information, including the status and links of terminals within the coverage area of ​​the access point to which the network topology discovery agent belongs.

[0033] In some embodiments, the network topology discovery agent for each WiFi access point is configured to collect local network topology information via a radio frequency link.

[0034] In some embodiments, the network topology discovery agent for each LiFi access point is configured to collect local network topology information via a visible light communication link.

[0035] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to provide services to the application through a second interface between the controller and the application.

[0036] This disclosure provides a heterogeneous wireless communication method through several embodiments, including:

[0037] Collect network information from Wi-Fi and LiFi access points;

[0038] Provide services based on the network information;

[0039] The network information includes at least one of the following: network topology information, network event information, and network status information.

[0040] In some embodiments, providing services based on the network information includes:

[0041] Send network topology discovery control messages to all WiFi and LiFi access points to instruct the collection of network topology information;

[0042] Receive network topology discovery response messages from each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point, including the collected local network topology information;

[0043] The local network topology information collected from all WiFi and LiFi access points is aggregated to form the first global network topology information.

[0044] In some embodiments, providing services based on the network information further includes:

[0045] Receive echo messages returned by each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point to indicate the association status between the access point that sent the echo message and the controller;

[0046] If the echo message indicates that there is no association, add association information between the controller and the unassociated access point.

[0047] In some embodiments, providing services based on the network information includes:

[0048] Receive network event messages sent by the access point where the network event occurred, wherein the access point where the network event occurred is a WiFi access point or a LiFi access point;

[0049] Send a network topology discovery control message to the access point where the network event occurred, to instruct the collection of network topology information;

[0050] Receive a network topology discovery response message returned by the access point where the network event occurred, which includes the collected updated local network topology information;

[0051] The updated local network topology information of the access point where the network event occurred is aggregated with the local network topology information of other access points to form a second global network topology information.

[0052] In some embodiments, providing services based on the network information includes:

[0053] Receive network event messages sent by the access point where the network event occurred, wherein the access point where the network event occurred is a WiFi access point or a LiFi access point;

[0054] Based on the network event message, the new service access point of the first target terminal is determined, where the original service access point of the first target terminal is the access point where the network event occurred.

[0055] In some embodiments, determining the new service access point for the first target terminal includes:

[0056] If the original service access point of the first target terminal is a LiFi access point and a network event occurs, the WiFi access point will be determined as the new service access point for the first target terminal; or,

[0057] If the original service access point of the first target terminal is a WiFi access point and a network event occurs, the LiFi access point will be determined as the new service access point of the first target terminal.

[0058] In some embodiments, providing services based on the network information includes:

[0059] Regularly collect network status information from WiFi and LiFi access points;

[0060] Based on the network status information, the original service access point of the second target terminal whose network status information does not meet the requirements is adjusted to a new service access point whose network status information meets the requirements.

[0061] In some embodiments, network information of each WiFi access point and LiFi access point is collected through a first interface between the controller and each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point; based on the network information, services are provided to the application through a second interface between the controller and the application.

[0062] This disclosure provides a controller in some embodiments, including:

[0063] The collection unit is configured to collect network information from Wi-Fi access points and LiFi access points.

[0064] The service unit is configured to provide services based on the network information;

[0065] The network information includes at least one of the following: network topology information, network event information, and network status information.

[0066] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a controller including: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute a heterogeneous wireless communication method based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0067] In some embodiments, the controller is a software-defined network controller.

[0068] Some embodiments of this disclosure propose a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of a heterogeneous wireless communication method. Attached Figure Description

[0069] The accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. This disclosure can be more clearly understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0071] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating a heterogeneous wireless communication network architecture according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0072] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a heterogeneous wireless communication system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0073] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating a heterogeneous wireless communication method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0074] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the establishment of a global network topology according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0075] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating global network topology updates according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0076] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating access control according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0077] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a controller according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0078] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a controller according to other embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0079] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0080] Unless otherwise stated, the terms "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure are used to distinguish different objects and are not used to indicate size or sequence.

[0081] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating a heterogeneous wireless communication network architecture according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0082] Heterogeneous wireless communication networks mainly involve the convergence and application of WiFi and LiFi networks controlled by a controller in indoor scenarios. The controller is, for example, an SDN (Software-defined Networking) controller, and the heterogeneous wireless communication network in this case is also called an SDN-based indoor heterogeneous wireless communication network.

[0083] Heterogeneous wireless communication networks mainly consist of three layers: device layer, architecture layer, and application layer. Terminals at the device layer can access the internet via either WiFi or LiFi. Each access point (AP), such as a WiFi access point (WiFi_AP) or a LiFi access point (LiFi_AP), runs an Open vSwitch (OVS). Controllers at the control layer, such as SDN controllers, interact with each AP through the OpenFlow protocol, OVS, and related interfaces, enabling unified management of the WiFi and LiFi networks by controlling the WiFi_APs and LiFi_APs. Various applications at the application layer, such as SDN applications, manage the WiFi_APs and LiFi_APs through the SDN controller, providing services such as global network topology management, traffic engineering, access control, and network resilience.

[0084] Heterogeneous wireless communication networks are used to address the challenges of integrating and applying WiFi and LiFi networks in indoor environments. By unifying the management and control of both WiFi and LiFi wireless network resources and services, and fully utilizing the abundant and free spectrum resources of Visible Light Communication (VLC), network resource utilization is improved. This allows users to benefit from the wide coverage of WiFi radio frequency wireless systems while enjoying high-speed, secure, and environmentally friendly data communication within the Visible Light Communication-based LiFi network, further enhancing network service quality and user experience.

[0085] like Figure 1 As shown, heterogeneous wireless communication networks, such as SDN-based indoor heterogeneous wireless communication networks, are divided into three layers: the device layer, the control layer, and the application layer.

[0086] The device layer mainly involves three types of devices: WiFi APs, LiFi APs, and terminals. Terminals can access the internet via either WiFi or LiFi wireless access. Each WiFi AP or LiFi AP can cover multiple terminals within its range. In indoor environments, the coverage area of ​​a WiFi AP can be larger than that of a LiFi AP. Terminals and WiFi APs communicate bidirectionally via an RF link, while terminals and LiFi APs communicate bidirectionally via a VLC link.

[0087] Each WiFi AP / LiFi AP runs an Open vSwitch (OVS) that supports the OpenFlow protocol. The OVS is primarily responsible for receiving instructions from the SDN controller and forwarding data via the first interface and the OpenFlow protocol, enabling information exchange between the AP and the SDN controller. The first interface, also known as the southbound API (application programming interface), is designated RYU.

[0088] Each WiFi / LiFi AP has a network topology discovery agent installed. This agent is primarily responsible for collecting and analyzing network topology information such as the status and links of the AP and its coverage area. The network topology discovery agent needs to periodically collect and analyze network topology information and detect network events. The frequency of collecting and analyzing network topology information needs to be comprehensively considered based on network type (WiFi / LiFi), network occupancy (congested / idle), and terminal application requirements (high-speed / medium-speed / low-speed communication), and is dynamically adjusted by the controller.

[0089] By using a network topology discovery agent, network events can be detected in a timely manner and network topology information can be updated. This can also reduce the burden on the SDN controller and solve problems such as bandwidth waste and high overhead in traditional SDN topology discovery.

[0090] In indoor environments, terminals such as mobile phones, computers, VR (Virtual Reality) devices, and AR (Augmented Reality) devices, if simultaneously covered by both WiFi radio frequency signals and LiFi visible light signals, can freely choose either WiFi or LiFi to access the internet. For example, a terminal can access the internet by connecting to a WiFi access point (AP) to download music and high-definition videos; it can also access the internet by connecting to a LiFi access point (AP) for higher performance and more secure real-time interaction.

[0091] Terminals can communicate with WiFi APs via RF bidirectional links or with LiFi APs via VLC bidirectional links. Terminals primarily communicate with each other through WiFi APs / LiFi APs, while WiFi APs and LiFi APs primarily communicate through an SDN controller, thus achieving a converged network of indoor WiFi and LiFi networks.

[0092] The control layer primarily involves controllers, such as SDN controllers. On one hand, the controller sends commands to the OVS of each AP via the first interface RYU and the OpenFlow protocol, collecting information such as network events (e.g., device failures or service interruptions), network topology, and network status information of the indoor heterogeneous network composed of WiFi and LiFi convergence. This enables functions such as network topology discovery, routing control, traffic statistics, and load analysis. On the other hand, the controller periodically publishes this information to the application layer via a second interface, while simultaneously receiving request commands from the application layer and sending them to the WiFi_AP and LiFi_AP. By controlling each AP, unified management of the WiFi and LiFi networks is ultimately achieved. The second interface, also known as the northbound API, is designated REST.

[0093] The SDN controller centrally manages all WiFi APs and LiFi APs. It can receive application-layer commands such as network topology discovery and route management, and issue further control commands based on specific needs, thus achieving device-level management and control. The SDN controller can periodically collect network event information, network status information, and network topology information from the device layer by sending control messages to each WiFi AP / LiFi AP.

[0094] The application layer mainly involves various applications, such as SDN applications. These applications interact with the SDN controller through the second interface REST, and control and manage WiFi APs and LiFi APs through the SDN controller to provide services such as global network topology management, traffic engineering, access control, and network resilience.

[0095] SDN-based indoor heterogeneous wireless networks can provide application-layer services such as global network topology management, traffic engineering, access control, and network resilience. For example, the SDN controller can discover the network topology for the entire network, thereby achieving global network topology management; the SDN controller can also formulate corresponding routing policies based on network status information to route traffic from faulty, congested, or underutilized APs to other APs, thereby improving network resource utilization.

[0096] Based on the heterogeneous wireless communication network architecture, the heterogeneous wireless communication system is described below.

[0097] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a heterogeneous wireless communication system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0098] like Figure 2 As shown, the heterogeneous wireless communication system includes a controller, and may also include at least one WiFi access point, at least one LiFi access point, and various applications. The controller has a first interface with each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point. The controller has a second interface with the application. The controller is, for example, an SDN controller.

[0099] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to:

[0100] Send network topology discovery control messages to all WiFi and LiFi access points to instruct the collection of network topology information;

[0101] Receive network topology discovery response messages from each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point, including the collected local network topology information;

[0102] The local network topology information collected from all WiFi and LiFi access points is aggregated to form the first global network topology information.

[0103] This allows for the establishment of a global network topology.

[0104] It should be noted that the network topology information collected by a single access point is called local network topology information, and the aggregated local network topology information collected by all access points is called global network topology information. Furthermore, the first global network topology information and subsequent second global network topology information are named to distinguish the global network topology information at different stages.

[0105] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to:

[0106] After sending the network topology discovery control message, it receives echo messages returned by each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point to indicate the association status between the access point that sent the echo message and the controller.

[0107] If the echo message indicates that there is no association, add association information between the controller and the unassociated access point.

[0108] This enables the association between the access point and the controller.

[0109] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to:

[0110] Receive network event messages sent by the access point where the network event occurred. The network event information includes network event information. The access point where the network event occurred is a WiFi access point or a LiFi access point. The network event is, for example, a link failure or service interruption. The network event information is a description of the network event.

[0111] Send a network topology discovery control message to the access point where the network event occurred, instructing the collection of network topology information;

[0112] Receive network topology discovery response messages from access points where network events have occurred, including the collected updated local network topology information;

[0113] The updated local network topology information of the access point where the network event occurred is aggregated with the local network topology information of other access points to form a second global network topology information.

[0114] This enables the updating of the global network topology.

[0115] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to:

[0116] Receive network event messages sent by the access point where the network event occurred. The network event information includes network event information. The access point where the network event occurred is a WiFi access point or a LiFi access point. The network event is, for example, a link failure or service interruption. The network event information is a description of the network event.

[0117] Based on the network event message, the new service access point of the first target terminal is determined. The original service access point of the first target terminal is the access point where the network event occurred.

[0118] For example, if the original service access point of the first target terminal is a LiFi access point and a network event occurs, the WiFi access point or another LiFi access point will be determined as the new service access point of the first target terminal; or, if the original service access point of the first target terminal is a WiFi access point and a network event occurs, the LiFi access point will be determined as the new service access point of the first target terminal.

[0119] Therefore, by updating network events and adjusting access control policies accordingly, network resilience can be improved.

[0120] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to:

[0121] Regularly collect network status information from WiFi and LiFi access points, including information such as speed, congestion, and stability.

[0122] Based on the network status information, the original service access point of the second target terminal whose network status information does not meet the requirements is adjusted to a new service access point whose network status information meets the requirements.

[0123] For example, if the original service access point of the second target terminal is a LiFi access point and its network status information does not meet the requirements, a WiFi access point or other LiFi access point with compliant network status information will be identified as the new service access point of the second target terminal; or, if the original service access point of the second target terminal is a WiFi access point and its network status information does not meet the requirements, a LiFi access point with compliant network status information will be identified as the new service access point of the second target terminal.

[0124] Therefore, by updating network events based on network status information and adjusting access control policies, network resilience can be improved.

[0125] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: allocate data traffic with certain security requirements (such as financial application data traffic) to LiFi access points and allocate high-volume data traffic (such as music, high-definition video, etc.) to WiFi access points, depending on the type of user traffic.

[0126] Therefore, different data traffic from the same user can simultaneously access the services of both LiFi and WiFi access points, improving the user experience.

[0127] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to provide services to the application through a second interface between the controller and the application.

[0128] Each LiFi access point or each WiFi access point includes a virtual switch and a network topology discovery agent; the virtual switch is configured to communicate with the controller via a first interface; the network topology discovery agent is configured to collect local network topology information, including the status and links of terminals within the coverage area of ​​the access point to which the network topology discovery agent belongs. The network topology discovery agent for each WiFi access point is configured to collect local network topology information via a radio frequency link. The network topology discovery agent for each LiFi access point is configured to collect local network topology information via a visible light communication link.

[0129] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating a heterogeneous wireless communication method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0130] like Figure 3 As shown, the heterogeneous wireless communication method of this embodiment can be executed by a controller (such as an SDN controller), including steps 310-320.

[0131] In step 310, network information of the Wi-Fi access point and the LiFi access point is collected; wherein, the network information includes at least one of network topology information, network event information, and network status information.

[0132] In step 320, various services are provided based on the network information of each access point, including but not limited to global network topology management, traffic engineering, access control, and network resilience, which will be described in detail in later embodiments. Network resilience refers to the network's ability to quickly respond to disasters and recover to a normal state.

[0133] By unifying the management and control of WiFi and LiFi wireless network resources and services, and making full use of the abundant and free spectrum resources of Visible Light Communication (VLC), the network resource utilization rate can be improved. This allows users to benefit from the wide coverage of WiFi radio frequency (RF) wireless systems, and enjoy high-speed, secure, and green data communication in VLC-based LiFi networks, further enhancing network service quality and user experience.

[0134] The network topology discovery mechanism based on heterogeneous wireless communication networks mainly involves the SDN controller, WiFi AP, and LiFi AP. The SDN controller is responsible for analyzing network topology status and aggregating network topology information from all APs. Each AP needs to integrate both an OVS (Optical View Server) and a network topology discovery agent. The network topology discovery agent is primarily responsible for collecting and analyzing network topology information such as the status and links of the AP and its covered terminals, while the OVS is mainly responsible for message passing between the AP and the SDN controller.

[0135] The complete network topology discovery process is mainly completed by the SDN controller and APs (including WiFi APs and LiFi APs) in collaboration, and is divided into two stages: global network topology establishment and global network topology update.

[0136] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the establishment of a global network topology according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0137] During the global network topology establishment phase, the controller controls the collection and aggregation of all AP network topology information and uploads it to the application layer to complete the initial establishment of the global network topology.

[0138] like Figure 4 As shown, the global network topology establishment process includes the following steps, wherein step 420 can be executed or not as needed.

[0139] In step 410, the controller (such as the SDN controller) sends a network topology discovery control message to all WiFi access points and LiFi access points to instruct the collection of network topology information;

[0140] In step 420, after receiving the network topology discovery control message from the controller, each AP automatically replies with an echo message to confirm the association status between the AP and the controller. The controller receives the echo messages returned by each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point to indicate the association status between the access point that sent the echo message and the controller; if the echo message indicates no association, the controller adds association information between the controller and the unassociated access point.

[0141] In step 430, each AP receives the network topology discovery control message from the controller via OVS and collects the network topology information (i.e., local network topology information) that it can collect through its respective network topology discovery agent. Among them, WiFi_AP collects network topology information through RF link, and LiFi_AP collects network topology information through VLC link.

[0142] In step 440, each AP packages the collected local network topology information into a network topology response message and sends it to the controller via OVS. The controller receives network topology discovery response messages from each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point, which include the collected local network topology information.

[0143] In step 450, the controller aggregates the local network topology information collected by all APs (all WiFi access points and LiFi access points) to form the first global network topology information. This information can also be uploaded to relevant application layer applications, such as global network topology management. The first global network topology information can be stored in a network topology database to create a view of the global network topology.

[0144] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating global network topology updates according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0145] During the global network topology update phase, the network topology discovery agent analyzes and determines whether there are network events. It then sends network event messages to the controller through the event AP, which instructs the event AP to recollect network topology information, re-aggregate the network topology information, and upload it to the application layer to complete the global network topology update.

[0146] like Figure 5 As shown, the global network topology update process includes the following steps, wherein step 520 may also be performed separately, but not during the global network topology update process.

[0147] In step 510, the network topology discovery agent of each AP periodically collects and analyzes network topology information. When network events such as link failures or service interruptions occur, the AP where the network event occurred (hereinafter referred to as the "event AP") will proactively send a network event message to the controller. The access point where the network event occurs can be a WiFi access point or a LiFi access point.

[0148] In step 520, the controller receives network event messages and analyzes them. Based on the analysis results, the controller generates access control policies.

[0149] The controller determines the new service access point of the first target terminal based on the network event message. The original service access point of the first target terminal is the access point where the network event occurred.

[0150] For example, if the original service access point of the first target terminal is a LiFi access point and a network event occurs, the WiFi access point or other LiFi access point is determined as the new service access point of the first target terminal; or, if the original service access point of the first target terminal is a WiFi access point and a network event occurs, the LiFi access point is determined as the new service access point of the first target terminal.

[0151] In step 530, after receiving the network event message, the controller actively sends a network topology discovery control message to all event APs again in order to collect the updated network topology information of the event APs.

[0152] In step 540, after receiving the network topology discovery control message, the event AP will re-collect the network topology information (i.e., the updated local network topology information), package it into a new network topology response message, and send it to the controller. The network topology response message includes the collected updated local network topology information.

[0153] In step 550, the controller receives the network topology response message from the event AP, re-aggregates the network topology information of all APs, and combines the updated local network topology information of the event AP with the local network topology information of other access points to form a second global network topology information. This information can also be uploaded to relevant applications at the application layer, such as global network topology management. At the application layer, the network topology database and the global network topology are updated based on the second global network topology information.

[0154] from Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen from the embodiments, the network topology discovery mechanism based on heterogeneous wireless communication networks includes four types of messages: network topology discovery control message, echo message, network topology discovery response message, and network event message.

[0155] Network topology discovery control messages are sent from the controller (such as the SDN controller) to the AP, which is responsible for controlling the WiFi_AP / LiFi_AP to complete the collection of network topology information.

[0156] Echo messages are sent by the AP to the controller (such as the SDN controller) so that the SDN controller can determine whether the sending AP is in an associated state. If not associated, the SDN controller will add the association information of the unassociated AP.

[0157] The network topology discovery response message is packaged by the AP and sent to the controller (such as the SDN controller). It mainly contains the network topology information collected by the network topology discovery agent and is used by the AP to pass the network topology information collected by the AP to the SDN controller.

[0158] Network event messages are generated by the AP and sent to the controller (such as the SDN controller). They mainly contain network event information, such as link failures and service interruptions, which are used by the SDN controller to analyze and determine whether access control policies need to be updated and network topology information needs to be reacquired.

[0159] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating access control according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0160] In step 610, when a network event such as a link failure or service interruption occurs, the AP that caused the network event (hereinafter referred to as the event AP) will actively send a network event message to the controller, which carries network event information. The access point that caused the network event is a WiFi access point or a LiFi access point. The network event is, for example, a link failure or service interruption. The network event information is a description of the network event.

[0161] In step 620, the controller receives a network event message sent by the access point where the network event occurred, and determines the new service access point of the first target terminal based on the network event message. The original service access point of the first target terminal is the access point where the network event occurred.

[0162] For example, if the original service access point of the first target terminal is a LiFi access point and a network event occurs, the WiFi access point or another LiFi access point will be determined as the new service access point of the first target terminal; or, if the original service access point of the first target terminal is a WiFi access point and a network event occurs, the LiFi access point will be determined as the new service access point of the first target terminal.

[0163] Therefore, by updating network events and adjusting access control policies accordingly, network resilience can be improved.

[0164] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a controller according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0165] like Figure 7 As shown, the controller 700 in this embodiment includes:

[0166] The collection unit 710 is configured to collect network information from Wi-Fi access points and LiFi access points.

[0167] Service unit 720 is configured to provide services based on the network information;

[0168] The network information includes at least one of the following: network topology information, network event information, and network status information.

[0169] In some embodiments, service unit 720 is configured as follows:

[0170] Send network topology discovery control messages to all WiFi and LiFi access points to instruct the collection of network topology information;

[0171] Receive network topology discovery response messages from each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point, including the collected local network topology information;

[0172] The local network topology information collected from all WiFi and LiFi access points is aggregated to form the first global network topology information.

[0173] In some embodiments, service unit 720 is configured as follows:

[0174] Receive echo messages returned by each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point to indicate the association status between the access point that sent the echo message and the controller;

[0175] If the echo message indicates that there is no association, add association information between the controller and the unassociated access point.

[0176] In some embodiments, service unit 720 is configured as follows:

[0177] Receive network event messages sent by the access point where the network event occurred, wherein the access point where the network event occurred is a WiFi access point or a LiFi access point;

[0178] Send a network topology discovery control message to the access point where the network event occurred, to instruct the collection of network topology information;

[0179] Receive a network topology discovery response message returned by the access point where the network event occurred, which includes the collected updated local network topology information;

[0180] The updated local network topology information of the access point where the network event occurred is aggregated with the local network topology information of other access points to form a second global network topology information.

[0181] In some embodiments, service unit 720 is configured as follows:

[0182] Receive network event messages sent by the access point where the network event occurred, wherein the access point where the network event occurred is a WiFi access point or a LiFi access point;

[0183] Based on the network event message, the new service access point of the first target terminal is determined, where the original service access point of the first target terminal is the access point where the network event occurred.

[0184] For example, if the original service access point of the first target terminal is a LiFi access point and a network event occurs, the WiFi access point or other LiFi access point is determined as the new service access point of the first target terminal; or, if the original service access point of the first target terminal is a WiFi access point and a network event occurs, the LiFi access point is determined as the new service access point of the first target terminal.

[0185] In some embodiments, service unit 720 is configured as follows:

[0186] Regularly collect network status information from WiFi and LiFi access points;

[0187] Based on the network status information, the original service access point of the second target terminal whose network status information does not meet the requirements is adjusted to a new service access point whose network status information meets the requirements.

[0188] In some embodiments, the collection unit 710 is configured to collect network information of each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point through a first interface between the controller and each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point; the service unit 720 is configured to provide services to the application through a second interface between the controller and the application based on the network information.

[0189] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a controller according to other embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0190] like Figure 8 As shown, the controller 800 of this embodiment includes a memory 810 and a processor 820 coupled to the memory 810. The processor 820 is configured to execute the heterogeneous wireless communication method in each embodiment based on instructions stored in the memory 810.

[0191] The controller 800 may also include an input / output interface 830, a network interface 840, a storage interface 850, etc. These interfaces 830, 840, 850, as well as the memory 810 and the processor 820, can be connected, for example, via a bus 860.

[0192] The memory 810 may include, for example, system memory, fixed non-volatile storage media, etc. The system memory may store, for example, the operating system, application programs, boot loader, and other programs.

[0193] The processor 820 can be implemented using a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates, or transistors, or other discrete hardware components.

[0194] The input / output interface 830 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as monitors, mice, keyboards, and touchscreens. The network interface 840 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. The storage interface 850 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as SD cards and USB flash drives. The bus 860 can use any bus architecture from a variety of bus structures. For example, bus architectures include, but are not limited to, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0195] (1) A heterogeneous wireless communication method, comprising:

[0196] Collect network information from Wi-Fi and LiFi access points;

[0197] Provide services based on the network information;

[0198] The network information includes at least one of the following: network topology information, network event information, and network status information.

[0199] (2) According to (1), providing services based on the network information includes:

[0200] Send network topology discovery control messages to all WiFi and LiFi access points to instruct the collection of network topology information;

[0201] Receive network topology discovery response messages from each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point, including the collected local network topology information;

[0202] The local network topology information collected from all WiFi and LiFi access points is aggregated to form the first global network topology information.

[0203] (3) According to any one of (1)-(2), providing services based on the network information further includes:

[0204] Receive echo messages returned by each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point to indicate the association status between the access point that sent the echo message and the controller;

[0205] If the echo message indicates that there is no association, add association information between the controller and the unassociated access point.

[0206] (4) Providing services based on the network information according to any one of (1)-(3) includes:

[0207] Receive network event messages sent by the access point where the network event occurred, wherein the access point where the network event occurred is a WiFi access point or a LiFi access point;

[0208] Send a network topology discovery control message to the access point where the network event occurred, to instruct the collection of network topology information;

[0209] Receive a network topology discovery response message returned by the access point where the network event occurred, which includes the collected updated local network topology information;

[0210] The updated local network topology information of the access point where the network event occurred is aggregated with the local network topology information of other access points to form a second global network topology information.

[0211] (5) Providing services based on the network information according to any one of (1)-(4) includes:

[0212] Receive network event messages sent by the access point where the network event occurred, wherein the access point where the network event occurred is a WiFi access point or a LiFi access point;

[0213] Based on the network event message, the new service access point of the first target terminal is determined, where the original service access point of the first target terminal is the access point where the network event occurred.

[0214] (6) Based on (5), the new service access point for the first target terminal is determined to include:

[0215] If the original service access point of the first target terminal is a LiFi access point and a network event occurs, the WiFi access point will be determined as the new service access point for the first target terminal; or,

[0216] If the original service access point of the first target terminal is a WiFi access point and a network event occurs, the LiFi access point will be determined as the new service access point of the first target terminal.

[0217] (7) Providing services based on the network information according to any one of (1)-(6) includes:

[0218] Regularly collect network status information from WiFi and LiFi access points;

[0219] Based on the network status information, the original service access point of the second target terminal whose network status information does not meet the requirements is adjusted to a new service access point whose network status information meets the requirements.

[0220] (8) According to any one of (1)-(7), collect network information of each WiFi access point and LiFi access point through the first interface between the controller and each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point; and provide services to the application through the second interface between the controller and the application based on the network information.

[0221] (1) Using AP agents to collect and analyze topology information regularly can not only detect network events in a timely manner and update topology information, but also reduce the burden on the SDN controller and solve the problems of bandwidth waste and high overhead in existing SDN topology discovery.

[0222] (2) Through the aforementioned mechanism, topology discovery is completed, and a global view management service for an indoor heterogeneous wireless network composed of WiFi and LiFi is finally realized.

[0223] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this disclosure can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this disclosure can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this disclosure can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer program code.

[0224] This disclosure is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create a machine for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0225] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0226] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0227] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A heterogeneous wireless communication system, comprising: The controller is configured to: collect network information of Wi-Fi access points and LiFi access points, and provide services based on the network information, wherein the network information includes at least one of network topology information, network event information, and network status information. Send network topology discovery control messages to WiFi access points and LiFi access points to instruct the collection of network topology information; Receive echo messages returned by each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point to indicate the association status between the access point that sent the echo message and the controller; If the echo message indicates that there is no association, add association information between the controller and the unassociated access point.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: Receive network topology discovery response messages from each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point, including the collected local network topology information; The local network topology information collected from all WiFi and LiFi access points is aggregated to form the first global network topology information.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: Receive network event messages sent by the access point where the network event occurred, wherein the access point where the network event occurred is a WiFi access point or a LiFi access point; Send a network topology discovery control message to the access point where the network event occurred, to instruct the collection of network topology information; Receive a network topology discovery response message returned by the access point where the network event occurred, which includes the collected updated local network topology information; The updated local network topology information of the access point where the network event occurred is aggregated with the local network topology information of other access points to form a second global network topology information.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: Receive a network event message sent by the access point where the network event occurred, which carries network event information. The access point where the network event occurred is a WiFi access point or a LiFi access point. Based on the network event message, the new service access point of the first target terminal is determined, where the original service access point of the first target terminal is the access point where the network event occurred.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to: If the original service access point of the first target terminal is a LiFi access point and a network event occurs, the WiFi access point will be determined as the new service access point for the first target terminal; or, If the original service access point of the first target terminal is a WiFi access point and a network event occurs, the LiFi access point will be determined as the new service access point of the first target terminal.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: Regularly collect network status information from WiFi and LiFi access points; Based on the network status information, the original service access point of the second target terminal whose network status information does not meet the requirements is adjusted to a new service access point whose network status information meets the requirements.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising: At least one WiFi access point and at least one LiFi access point; The controller is provided with a first interface between itself and each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein each LiFi access point or each WiFi access point includes a virtual switch and a network topology discovery agent. The virtual switch is configured to transmit messages to the controller through the first interface; The network topology discovery agent is configured to collect local network topology information, including the status and links of terminals within the coverage area of ​​the access point to which the network topology discovery agent belongs.

9. The system according to claim 7, Each WiFi access point's network topology discovery agent is configured to: collect local network topology information via radio frequency links; or... The network topology discovery agent for each LiFi access point is configured to collect local network topology information via a visible light communication link.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to provide services to the application through a second interface between the controller and the application.

11. A heterogeneous wireless communication method, comprising: Collect network information from Wi-Fi and LiFi access points; Providing services based on the network information includes: Send network topology discovery control messages to WiFi access points and LiFi access points to instruct the collection of network topology information; Receive echo messages returned by each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point to indicate the association status between the access point that sent the echo message and the controller; If the echo message indicates that there is no association, add the association information between the controller and the unassociated access point; The network information includes at least one of the following: network topology information, network event information, and network status information.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein providing the service based on the network information comprises: Receive network topology discovery response messages from each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point, including the collected local network topology information; The local network topology information collected from all WiFi and LiFi access points is aggregated to form the first global network topology information.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein providing the service based on the network information comprises: Receive network event messages sent by the access point where the network event occurred, wherein the access point where the network event occurred is a WiFi access point or a LiFi access point; Send a network topology discovery control message to the access point where the network event occurred, to instruct the collection of network topology information; Receive a network topology discovery response message returned by the access point where the network event occurred, which includes the collected updated local network topology information; The updated local network topology information of the access point where the network event occurred is aggregated with the local network topology information of other access points to form a second global network topology information.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein providing the service based on the network information comprises: Receive network event messages sent by the access point where the network event occurred, wherein the access point where the network event occurred is a WiFi access point or a LiFi access point; Based on the network event message, the new service access point of the first target terminal is determined, where the original service access point of the first target terminal is the access point where the network event occurred.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein determining the new service access point of the first target terminal comprises: If the original service access point of the first target terminal is a LiFi access point and a network event occurs, the WiFi access point will be determined as the new service access point of the first target terminal. or, If the original service access point of the first target terminal is a WiFi access point and a network event occurs, the LiFi access point will be determined as the new service access point of the first target terminal.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein providing the service based on the network information comprises: Regularly collect network status information from WiFi and LiFi access points; Based on the network status information, the original service access point of the second target terminal whose network status information does not meet the requirements is adjusted to a new service access point whose network status information meets the requirements.

17. The method according to claim 11, The network information of each WiFi access point and LiFi access point is collected through the first interface between the controller and each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point. Based on the network information, services are provided to the application through a second interface between the controller and the application.

18. A controller, comprising: The collection unit is configured to collect network information from Wi-Fi access points and LiFi access points. The service unit, configured to provide services based on the network information, includes: Send network topology discovery control messages to WiFi access points and LiFi access points to instruct the collection of network topology information; Receive echo messages returned by each WiFi access point and each LiFi access point to indicate the association status between the access point that sent the echo message and the controller; If the echo message indicates that there is no association, add the association information between the controller and the unassociated access point; The network information includes at least one of the following: network topology information, network event information, and network status information.

19. The controller according to claim 18, wherein the controller is a software-defined network controller.

20. A controller, comprising: Memory; as well as A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the heterogeneous wireless communication method of any one of claims 11-17 based on instructions stored in the memory.

21. The controller according to claim 20, wherein the controller is a software-defined network controller.

22. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the heterogeneous wireless communication method according to any one of claims 11-17.

Images