Method and device for cross-AC mobility management of wifi access core network

Abstract

The invention discloses a method and device for cross-AC mobility management of a wifi access core network, and relates to the technical field of network communication, and the method comprises the following steps: a wifi user accesses the core network through a TWAN mode, and carries out data forwarding and management in a YWU interface between a TWIF network element of the core network and a lower layer network AC by using a virtual routing table; when a wifi user moves among a plurality of ACs of the same TWIF network element, the ACs notify the TWIF network element, and the TWIF network element checks whether session information related to the user exists in a virtual routing table or not: a) if yes, related entries in the virtual routing table are updated directly according to wifi user access information reported by the ACs so as to perform mobility management, and b) if not, a new user session is created firstly, and the session information related to the user exists in the virtual routing table. And related entries in the virtual routing table are updated according to wifi user access information reported by the AC so as to perform mobility management. According to the invention, the problem of cross-AC mobility management when a wifi user accesses a core network can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of network communication technology, and in particular to a method and device for managing inter-AC mobility of a wifi access core network. Background Art

[0002] In the current network architecture, there are multiple ways to achieve WiFi user registration, authentication (certification) and session management in the core network. Among them, registration refers to the process of providing the network with its own information to establish a connection when the user device connects to the network for the first time; authentication refers to the process of verifying the user's identity to ensure that only authorized users can access network resources; session management involves maintaining the communication status between the user and the network, including establishing, maintaining and terminating sessions.

[0003] Within the area managed by the same AC (Access Controller, which is a central management system that controls the operation of multiple access points), users can move between different access points (APs) without interrupting the connection. This is achieved through WiFi's own roaming mechanism, which allows user devices to automatically switch from one AP to another while maintaining a connection to the network.

[0004] However, when a user moves from a WiFi network managed by one AC to a WiFi network managed by another AC, the core network is required to assist in managing this mobility. In this case, the core network is responsible for handling the switching process of the user from one AC to another, including updating the user's location information, re-establishing the session, etc. This usually involves more complex signaling interactions and data synchronization. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the needs and shortcomings of current technological development, the present invention provides a method and device for cross-AC mobility management of wifi access to the core network, aiming to solve the cross-AC mobility management problem of wifi user access to the core network by using a virtual routing table in the YW_U interface between the TWIF network element and the lower layer network AC.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for managing inter-AC mobility of a wifi access core network. The technical solution adopted to solve the above technical problem is as follows:

[0007] A method for managing inter-AC mobility of a wifi access core network comprises the following steps:

[0008] Wi-Fi users access the core network through TWAN, and use a virtual routing table in the YW_U interface between the TWIF network element of the core network and the lower-layer network AC for data forwarding and management;

[0009] When a Wi-Fi user moves between multiple ACs of the same TWIF network element, the AC notifies the TWIF network element, and the TWIF network element checks whether the virtual routing table already has session information related to the user:

[0010] a) If yes, then directly update the relevant entries in the virtual routing table according to the wifi user access information reported by the AC to perform mobility management.

[0011] b) If not, a new user session is first created, and then the relevant entries in the virtual routing table are updated according to the wifi user access information reported by the AC to perform mobility management.

[0012] Optionally, when a wifi user moves between multiple ACs of the same TWIF network element, the AC of the current access point first detects the change, and then reports the relevant information to the TWIF network element; the relevant information refers to data related to the mobility of the wifi user, including: user identification information, information about the access point to which the user is currently connected, access information, service quality requirements, and authentication and authorization information.

[0013] Optionally, when the TWIF network element involved detects that there is no session information related to the user in the virtual routing table, a new user session is created. The creation process is as follows:

[0014] Receiving user connection requests: When a user device attempts to connect to the core network for the first time, the user device sends a connection request to the TWIF network element. This request contains the user's authentication information and necessary connection parameters.

[0015] Verify user identity: TWIF network elements verify the user's identity by communicating with the authentication server in the core network to ensure that the credentials provided by the user are valid;

[0016] Create a user session: After the user passes the identity authentication, the TWIF network element creates a new user session for the user. This new user session includes a unique session ID assigned to the user, sets session parameters, and records the user's initial location and access point information.

[0017] Further optionally, after creating a new user session, the TWIF network element further performs the following operations:

[0018] Update virtual routing table: The TWIF network element adds or updates entries related to the user in the virtual routing table, including the user's identification information, the currently connected access point, and the signal strength, so that the data packet can be correctly routed to the user device;

[0019] Notify related components: The TWIF network element notifies the AC and core network about the creation of a new user session;

[0020] Start data transmission: After the new user session is created and all necessary information is configured, the TWIF network element interface starts processing data packets from the user and forwards them to the specified destination;

[0021] Monitor and maintain sessions: During the entire session, the TWIF network element continuously monitors the user's behavior and the network status of the core network. When it detects that the session information needs to be updated, the TWIF network element will update the virtual routing table and session status accordingly;

[0022] Session termination: When the user disconnects or the session times out, the TWIF network element terminates the session and removes the corresponding entry from the virtual routing table. At the same time, it notifies related components to release resources and update the network status of the core network.

[0023] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a device for inter-AC mobility management of wifi access to a core network, and the technical solution adopted to solve the above technical problems is as follows:

[0024] A device for inter-AC mobility management of a wifi access core network, comprising:

[0025] The connection module is used to assist Wi-Fi users to access the core network via TWAN;

[0026] The YW_U interface module is provided between the TWIF network element of the core network and the lower layer network AC, and is used to forward and manage data using the virtual routing table in the TWIF network element;

[0027] AC is used to detect whether there is a new Wi-Fi user access and notify the TWIF network element when a new Wi-Fi user access is detected;

[0028] The TWIF network element is used to check whether the virtual routing table already has session information related to the user. If so, the relevant entries in the virtual routing table are directly updated according to the wifi user access information reported by the AC for mobility management. If not, a new user session is first created, and then the relevant entries in the virtual routing table are updated according to the wifi user access information reported by the AC for mobility management.

[0029] Optionally, when a wifi user moves between multiple ACs of the same TWIF network element, the AC of the wifi user's current access point first detects the change, and then reports the relevant information to the TWIF network element; the relevant information refers to data related to the mobility of the wifi user, including: user identification information, information of the access point to which the user is currently connected, access information, service quality requirements, and authentication and authorization information.

[0030] Optionally, when the TWIF network element detects that there is no session information related to the user in the virtual routing table, it creates a new user session. The creation process is as follows:

[0031] Receiving user connection requests: When a user device attempts to connect to the core network for the first time, the user device sends a connection request to the TWIF network element. This request contains the user's authentication information and necessary connection parameters.

[0032] Verify user identity: TWIF network elements verify the user's identity by communicating with the authentication server in the core network to ensure that the credentials provided by the user are valid;

[0033] Create a user session: After the user passes the identity authentication, the TWIF network element creates a new user session for the user. This new user session includes a unique session ID assigned to the user, sets session parameters, and records the user's initial location and access point information.

[0034] Further optionally, after creating a new user session, the TWIF network element further performs the following operations:

[0035] Update virtual routing table: The TWIF network element adds or updates entries related to the user in the virtual routing table, including the user's identification information, the currently connected access point, and the signal strength, so that the data packet can be correctly routed to the user device;

[0036] Notify related components: The TWIF network element notifies the AC and core network about the creation of a new user session;

[0037] Start data transmission: After the new user session is created and all necessary information is configured, the TWIF network element interface starts processing data packets from the user and forwards them to the specified destination;

[0038] Monitor and maintain sessions: During the entire session, the TWIF network element continuously monitors the user's behavior and the network status of the core network. When it detects that the session information needs to be updated, the TWIF network element will update the virtual routing table and session status accordingly;

[0039] Session termination: When the user disconnects or the session times out, the TWIF network element terminates the session and removes the corresponding entry from the virtual routing table. At the same time, it notifies related components to release resources and update the network status of the core network.

[0040] The method and device for managing inter-AC mobility of a wifi access core network of the present invention have the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0041] The present invention aims to improve the mobility management efficiency of WiFi users in the core network by combining TWAN technology and virtual routing tables; by reducing the need for repeated creation of user sessions in the core network and using virtual routing tables to flexibly manage routing information, it can provide more stable and efficient network services. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Attached Figure 1 is a flow chart of a method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0043] Attached Figure 2 This is a module connection block diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In order to make the technical solution, the technical problem solved and the technical effect of the present invention more clearly understood, the technical solution of the present invention is clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0045] The English words involved in the embodiments are explained as follows:

[0046] TWAN, the full name of which is Time-Wave Division Multiplexing Access, means time-division wavelength-division multiple access in Chinese. TWAN technology allows multiple users to share the same frequency band but communicate at different times or wavelengths.

[0047] TWIF network element refers to a network functional unit in the core network, which is used to process WiFi-related data flows.

[0048] YW_U is the abbreviation of YunWan-U, which is an interface protocol used for communication between TWIF network elements and AC. It defines the data transmission format and rules between the two. Through the YW_U interface, TWIF network elements and AC can achieve efficient data exchange and collaborative work, thereby ensuring the mobility management and business continuity of WiFi users across core network ACs.

[0049] AC, the full name of which is Access Controller, means access controller in Chinese. It is a central management system that controls the work of multiple APs. AP (Access Point) stands for access point, which is an important device in a wireless network and is mainly responsible for sending and receiving wireless signals. In the network communication architecture, access point AP is the core component of wireless local area network (WLAN), allowing wireless devices (such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.) to connect to the local network or the Internet through wireless signals.

[0050] Cross-AC means that when a client switches from an AP controlled by a different AC to another, session continuity can be maintained without interruption of service. Mobility management refers to a series of mechanisms and technologies that ensure that users can still seamlessly access network resources and services during mobility, such as fast re-authentication and context information transfer.

[0051] Embodiment 1:

[0052] Combined with Figure 1 This embodiment proposes a method for managing inter-AC mobility of a wifi access core network, which includes the following steps:

[0053] (I) Wi-Fi users access the core network through TWAN, and use a virtual routing table to forward and manage data in the YW_U interface between the TWIF network element of the core network and the lower-layer network AC.

[0054] (ii) When a wifi user moves between multiple ACs of the same TWIF network element, the AC of the current access point first detects this change and then reports the relevant information to the TWIF network element; the relevant information refers to data related to the mobility of the wifi user, including user identification information, information about the access point to which the user is currently connected, access information, service quality requirements, authentication and authorization information, and other information, including: ① User identification information: such as MAC address, IP address or other credentials that uniquely identify the user, which is used to identify the mobile user device; ② Information about the access point to which the user is currently connected: including the AP's identification, signal strength, location coordinates, etc., which helps the TWIF network element understand the user's specific ③ Access information: including the identification of the AC (access controller) to which the user is connected, access time, session status, etc., which reflects the user's access status and session status; ④ Service quality requirements: user or application requirements for network performance, such as bandwidth, latency, packet loss rate, etc., which help TWIF network elements provide users with appropriate network resources and service quality assurance; ⑤ Authentication and authorization information: user authentication status, permission level, etc., which ensure that only authorized users can access network resources; ⑥ Other related parameters: may also include the user's device type, operating system version, application information, etc., which help TWIF network elements better understand user behavior and needs.

[0055] (III) The TWIF network element checks whether the virtual routing table already contains session information related to the user:

[0056] a) If yes, then directly update the relevant entries in the virtual routing table according to the wifi user access information reported by the AC to perform mobility management.

[0057] b) If not, a new user session is first created, and then the relevant entries in the virtual routing table are updated according to the wifi user access information reported by the AC to perform mobility management.

[0058] The process of creating a new user session by a TWIF network element is as follows:

[0059] Receiving user connection requests: When a user device attempts to connect to the core network for the first time, the user device sends a connection request to the TWIF network element. This request contains the user's authentication information and necessary connection parameters.

[0060] Verify user identity: TWIF network elements verify the user's identity by communicating with the authentication server in the core network to ensure that the credentials provided by the user are valid;

[0061] Create a user session: After the user passes the identity authentication, the TWIF network element creates a new user session for the user. This new user session includes a unique session ID assigned to the user, sets session parameters, and records the user's initial location and access point information.

[0062] After creating a new user session, the TWIF network element also performs the following operations:

[0063] Update virtual routing table: The TWIF network element adds or updates entries related to the user in the virtual routing table, including the user's identification information, the currently connected access point, and the signal strength, so that the data packet can be correctly routed to the user device;

[0064] Notify related components: The TWIF network element notifies the AC and core network about the creation of a new user session;

[0065] Start data transmission: After the new user session is created and all necessary information is configured, the TWIF network element interface starts processing data packets from the user and forwards them to the specified destination;

[0066] Monitor and maintain sessions: During the entire session, the TWIF network element continuously monitors the user's behavior and the network status of the core network. When it detects that the session information needs to be updated, the TWIF network element will update the virtual routing table and session status accordingly;

[0067] Session termination: When the user disconnects or the session times out, the TWIF network element terminates the session and removes the corresponding entry from the virtual routing table. At the same time, it notifies related components to release resources and update the network status of the core network.

[0068] Embodiment 2:

[0069] Combined with Figure 2This embodiment proposes a device for inter-AC mobility management of wifi access to a core network, which includes:

[0070] The connection module is used to assist Wi-Fi users to access the core network via TWAN;

[0071] The YW_U interface module is provided between the TWIF network element of the core network and the lower layer network AC, and is used to forward and manage data using the virtual routing table in the TWIF network element;

[0072] AC is used to detect whether there is a new Wi-Fi user access and notify the TWIF network element when a new Wi-Fi user access is detected;

[0073] The TWIF network element is used to check whether the virtual routing table already has session information related to the user. If so, the relevant entries in the virtual routing table are directly updated according to the wifi user access information reported by the AC for mobility management. If not, a new user session is first created, and then the relevant entries in the virtual routing table are updated according to the wifi user access information reported by the AC for mobility management.

[0074] In this embodiment, when a wifi user moves between multiple ACs of the same TWIF network element, the AC of the wifi user's current access point first detects this change, and then reports the relevant information to the TWIF network element; the relevant information refers to data related to the mobility of the wifi user, including user identification information, information about the access point to which the user is currently connected, access information, service quality requirements, authentication and authorization information, and other information, including: ① user identification information: such as MAC address, IP address or other credentials that uniquely identify the user, which are used to identify the mobile user device; ② information about the access point to which the user is currently connected: including AP identification, signal strength, location coordinates, etc., which help the TWIF network element understand The specific location and movement direction of the user; ③ Access information: including the identification of the AC (access controller) to which the user is connected, access time, session status, etc., which reflects the user's access status and session status; ④ Service quality requirements: user or application requirements for network performance, such as bandwidth, latency, packet loss rate, etc., which help TWIF network elements provide users with appropriate network resources and service quality assurance; ⑤ Authentication and authorization information: user authentication status, permission level, etc., which ensure that only authorized users can access network resources; ⑥ Other related parameters: may also include the user's device type, operating system version, application information, etc., which help TWIF network elements better understand user behavior and needs.

[0075] In this embodiment, when the TWIF network element detects that there is no session information related to the user in the virtual routing table, the TWIF network element will create a new user session to ensure that data can be correctly forwarded to the user device and to ensure the continuity and stability of communication. The specific creation process is as follows:

[0076] Receiving user connection requests: When a user device attempts to connect to the core network for the first time, the user device sends a connection request to the TWIF network element. This request contains the user's authentication information and necessary connection parameters.

[0077] Verify user identity: TWIF network elements verify the user's identity by communicating with the authentication server in the core network to ensure that the credentials provided by the user are valid;

[0078] Create a user session: After the user passes the identity authentication, the TWIF network element creates a new user session for the user. This new user session includes a unique session ID assigned to the user, sets session parameters, and records the user's initial location and access point information.

[0079] After creating a new user session, the TWIF network element also performs the following operations:

[0080] Update virtual routing table: The TWIF network element adds or updates entries related to the user in the virtual routing table, including the user's identification information, the currently connected access point, and the signal strength, so that the data packet can be correctly routed to the user device;

[0081] Notify related components: The TWIF network element notifies the AC and core network about the creation of a new user session;

[0082] Start data transmission: After the new user session is created and all necessary information is configured, the TWIF network element interface starts processing data packets from the user and forwards them to the specified destination;

[0083] Monitor and maintain sessions: During the entire session, the TWIF network element continuously monitors the user's behavior and the network status of the core network. When it detects that the session information needs to be updated, the TWIF network element will update the virtual routing table and session status accordingly;

[0084] Session termination: When the user disconnects or the session times out, the TWIF network element terminates the session and removes the corresponding entry from the virtual routing table. At the same time, it notifies related components to release resources and update the network status of the core network.

[0085] In summary, the method and device for managing mobility across ACs of wifi access to the core network of the present invention can solve the problem of mobility management across ACs of wifi users accessing the core network by using a virtual routing table in the YW_U interface between the TWIF network element and the lower layer network AC.

[0086] The above specific examples are used to explain the principles and implementation methods of the present invention in detail. These examples are only used to help understand the core technical content of the present invention. Based on the above specific embodiments of the present invention, any improvements and modifications made by technicians in this technical field without departing from the principles of the present invention should fall within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for managing inter-AC mobility of a wifi access core network, characterized in that: The steps include: Wi-Fi users access the core network through TWAN, and use a virtual routing table in the YW_U interface between the TWIF network element of the core network and the lower-layer network AC for data forwarding and management; When a Wi-Fi user moves between multiple ACs of the same TWIF network element, the AC notifies the TWIF network element, and the TWIF network element checks whether the virtual routing table already has session information related to the user: a) If yes, then directly update the relevant entries in the virtual routing table according to the wifi user access information reported by AC to perform mobility management. b) If not, a new user session is first created, and then the relevant entries in the virtual routing table are updated according to the wifi user access information reported by the AC to perform mobility management.

2. According to claim 1, a method for managing inter-AC mobility of wifi access core network is characterized in that: When a Wi-Fi user moves between multiple ACs of the same TWIF network element, the AC of the Wi-Fi user's current access point first detects the change and then reports the relevant information to the TWIF network element.

3. A method for managing inter-AC mobility of wifi access core network according to claim 2, characterized in that: The related information refers to data related to the mobility of wifi users, including: user identification information, information of the access point to which the user is currently connected, access information, service quality requirements, and authentication and authorization information.

4. The method for managing inter-AC mobility of a wifi access core network according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the TWIF network element detects that there is no session information related to the user in the virtual routing table, it creates a new user session. The creation process is as follows: Receiving user connection requests: When a user device attempts to connect to the core network for the first time, the user device sends a connection request to the TWIF network element. This request contains the user's authentication information and necessary connection parameters. Verify user identity: TWIF network elements verify the user's identity by communicating with the authentication server in the core network to ensure that the credentials provided by the user are valid; Create a user session: After the user passes the identity authentication, the TWIF network element creates a new user session for the user. This new user session includes a unique session ID assigned to the user, sets session parameters, and records the user's initial location and access point information.

5. A method for managing inter-AC mobility of wifi access core network according to claim 4, characterized in that: After creating a new user session, the TWIF network element also performs the following operations: Update virtual routing table: The TWIF network element adds or updates entries related to the user in the virtual routing table, including the user's identification information, the currently connected access point, and the signal strength, so that the data packet can be correctly routed to the user device; Notify related components: The TWIF network element notifies the AC and core network about the creation of a new user session; Start data transmission: After the new user session is created and all necessary information is configured, the TWIF network element interface starts processing data packets from the user and forwards them to the specified destination; Monitor and maintain sessions: During the entire session, the TWIF network element continuously monitors the user's behavior and the network status of the core network. When it detects that the session information needs to be updated, the TWIF network element will update the virtual routing table and session status accordingly; Session termination: When the user disconnects or the session times out, the TWIF network element terminates the session and removes the corresponding entry from the virtual routing table. At the same time, it notifies related components to release resources and update the network status of the core network.

6. A device for inter-AC mobility management of wifi access core network, characterized in that: It includes: The connection module is used to assist Wi-Fi users to access the core network via TWAN; The YW_U interface module is provided between the TWIF network element of the core network and the lower layer network AC, and is used to use the virtual routing table in the TWIF network element for data forwarding and management; AC is used to detect whether there is a new Wi-Fi user access and notify the TWIF network element when a new Wi-Fi user access is detected; The TWIF network element is used to check whether the virtual routing table already has session information related to the user. If so, the relevant entries in the virtual routing table are directly updated according to the wifi user access information reported by the AC for mobility management. If not, a new user session is first created, and then the relevant entries in the virtual routing table are updated according to the wifi user access information reported by the AC for mobility management.

7. The device for managing inter-AC mobility of wifi access to a core network according to claim 6, characterized in that: When a Wi-Fi user moves between multiple ACs of the same TWIF network element, the AC of the Wi-Fi user's current access point first detects the change and then reports the relevant information to the TWIF network element.

8. The device for managing inter-AC mobility of a wifi access core network according to claim 7, characterized in that: The related information refers to data related to the mobility of wifi users, including: user identification information, information of the access point to which the user is currently connected, access information, service quality requirements, and authentication and authorization information.

9. The device for managing inter-AC mobility of wifi access to a core network according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the TWIF network element detects that there is no session information related to the user in the virtual routing table, it creates a new user session. The creation process is as follows: Receiving user connection requests: When a user device attempts to connect to the core network for the first time, the user device sends a connection request to the TWIF network element. This request contains the user's authentication information and necessary connection parameters. Verify user identity: TWIF network elements verify the user's identity by communicating with the authentication server in the core network to ensure that the credentials provided by the user are valid; Create a user session: After the user passes the identity authentication, the TWIF network element creates a new user session for the user. This new user session includes a unique session ID assigned to the user, sets session parameters, and records the user's initial location and access point information.

10. The device for managing inter-AC mobility of wifi access to a core network according to claim 9, characterized in that: After creating a new user session, the TWIF network element also performs the following operations: Update virtual routing table: The TWIF network element adds or updates entries related to the user in the virtual routing table, including the user's identification information, the currently connected access point, and the signal strength, so that the data packet can be correctly routed to the user device; Notify related components: The TWIF network element notifies the AC and core network about the creation of a new user session; Start data transmission: After the new user session is created and all necessary information is configured, the TWIF network element interface starts processing data packets from the user and forwards them to the specified destination; Monitor and maintain sessions: During the entire session, the TWIF network element continuously monitors the user's behavior and the network status of the core network. When it detects that the session information needs to be updated, the TWIF network element will update the virtual routing table and session status accordingly; Session termination: When the user disconnects or the session times out, the TWIF network element terminates the session and removes the corresponding entry from the virtual routing table. At the same time, it notifies related components to release resources and update the network status of the core network.

Images