Method and device for managing inter-AC mobility of Wi-Fi access core network

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for managing inter-AC mobility when Wi-Fi accesses a core network, relating to the field of network communications technology. The method comprises: a Wi-Fi user accesses the core network via a TWAN, and a virtual routing table is used in the YW_U interface between the core network's TWIF network element and the underlying network AC for data forwarding and management; when the Wi-Fi user moves between multiple ACs of the same TWIF network element, the AC notifies the TWIF network element, which then checks whether the virtual routing table already contains session information related to the user: a) if so, directly updating the relevant entries in the virtual routing table based on the Wi-Fi user access information reported by the AC for mobility management; b) if not, first creating a new user session, and then updating the relevant entries in the virtual routing table based on the Wi-Fi user access information reported by the AC for mobility management. The present invention can solve the problem of inter-AC mobility management when Wi-Fi users access the core network.

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 Wi-Fi access core network. Background Art

[0002] In current network architectures, there are multiple methods for registering, authenticating, and managing Wi-Fi users within the core network. Registration refers to the process by which a user device provides information to the network when it first connects to the network to establish a connection. Authentication verifies the user's identity, ensuring only authorized users can access network resources. Session management involves maintaining the communication state between the user and the network, including establishing, maintaining, and terminating sessions.

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

[0004] However, when a user moves from one WiFi network managed by an AC to another, the core network is required to assist in managing this mobility. In this case, the core network is responsible for handling the user's handover from one AC to another, including updating the user's location information and reestablishing the session. This typically involves more complex signaling interactions and data synchronization. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In response to the needs and shortcomings of current technological development, the present invention provides a method and device for managing inter-AC mobility of Wi-Fi access to the core network. The method aims to solve the problem of inter-AC mobility management of Wi-Fi 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.

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

[0007] A method for managing inter-AC mobility of Wi-Fi access to a core network includes the following steps:

[0008] Wi-Fi users access the core network through TWAN. A virtual routing table is used in the YW_U interface between the TWIF network element in the core network and the AC in the lower layer network for data forwarding and management.

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

[0010] a) If yes, then update the relevant entries in the virtual routing table directly according to the Wi-Fi user access information reported by 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 Wi-Fi 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 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, quality of service requirements, and authentication and authorization information.

[0013] Optionally, when the TWIF network element detects that the virtual routing table does not contain session information related to the user, it creates a new user session. 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, it 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: The TWIF network element verifies 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 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, set session parameters, and records the user's initial location and access point information.

[0017] 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 data packets 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 forwarding them to the designated destination;

[0021] Monitor and maintain sessions: During the entire session, the TWIF network element continuously monitors user behavior and the core network status. When it detects the need to update session information, 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 managing inter-AC mobility of Wi-Fi access core networks. The technical solution adopted to solve the above technical problems is as follows:

[0024] A device for managing inter-AC mobility of Wi-Fi access core networks, comprising:

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

[0026] The YW_U interface module is set 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;

[0027] AC is used to detect whether there are new Wi-Fi users accessing 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 Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi 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 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 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, it 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: The TWIF network element verifies 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 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, set session parameters, and records the user's initial location and access point information.

[0034] 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 data packets 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 forwarding them to the designated destination;

[0038] Monitor and maintain sessions: During the entire session, the TWIF network element continuously monitors user behavior and the core network status. When it detects the need to update session information, 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 Wi-Fi access core networks of the present invention have the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0041] By combining TWAN technology and virtual routing tables, the present invention aims to improve the efficiency of mobility management for WiFi users in the core network. By reducing the need to repeatedly create 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] Attachment Figure 1 is a flow chart of a method according to embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0043] Attachment 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 problems solved and the technical effects of the present invention more clear, 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 now 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] A TWIF network element is a network functional unit in the core network that processes Wi-Fi-related data flows.

[0048] YW_U, short for YunWan-U, is an interface protocol for communication between TWIF network elements (NEs) and ACs. It defines the data transmission format and rules between the two. Through the YW_U interface, TWIF NEs and ACs can achieve efficient data exchange and collaboration, ensuring mobility management and service continuity for Wi-Fi users across core network ACs.

[0049] AC, short for Access Controller, is a central management system that controls the operation of multiple APs. AP (Access Point) is a key device in a wireless network, primarily responsible for sending and receiving wireless signals. In network communication architecture, APs are core components of wireless local area networks (WLANs), allowing wireless devices (such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets) to connect to the local network or the internet via wireless signals.

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

[0051] Example 1:

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

[0053] (1) Wi-Fi users access the core network through TWAN. A virtual routing table is used in the YW_U interface between the TWIF network element in the core network and the lower-layer network AC for data forwarding and management.

[0054] (2) When a Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi user, including user identification information, information about the access point to which the user is currently connected, access information, quality of service 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 AP identification, signal strength, location coordinates, etc., which helps the TWIF network element understand the user's specific location. Location and movement direction; ③ Access information: including the identification of the AC (access controller) to which the user is connected, access time, session status, etc. This information reflects the user's access status and session status; ④ Quality of service requirements: user or application requirements for network performance, such as bandwidth, latency, packet loss rate, etc. This information helps the TWIF network element provide users with appropriate network resources and service quality assurance; ⑤ Authentication and authorization information: user authentication status, permission level, etc. This information ensures 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. This information helps the TWIF network element better understand user behavior and needs.

[0055] (3) The TWIF network element checks whether the virtual routing table already contains session information related to the user:

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

[0058] The process for a TWIF network element to create a new user session is as follows:

[0059] Receiving user connection requests: When a user device attempts to connect to the core network for the first time, it 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: The TWIF network element verifies 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 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, set 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 data packets 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 forwarding them to the designated destination;

[0066] Monitor and maintain sessions: During the entire session, the TWIF network element continuously monitors user behavior and the core network status. When it detects the need to update session information, 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] Example 2:

[0069] Combined with attachment Figure 2This embodiment provides a device for managing inter-AC mobility of Wi-Fi access core network, which includes:

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

[0071] The YW_U interface module is set 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;

[0072] AC is used to detect whether there are new Wi-Fi users accessing 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 Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi user access information reported by the AC for mobility management.

[0074] In this embodiment, 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 this change and then reports the relevant information to the TWIF network element; the relevant information refers to data related to the Wi-Fi user's mobility, including user identification information, information about the access point to which the user is currently connected, access information, quality of service 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 AP identification, signal strength, location coordinates, etc., which helps the TWIF network element understand The user's specific location and movement direction; ③ Access information: including the identification of the AC (access controller) to which the user is connected, access time, session status, etc. This information 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. This information helps the TWIF network element provide users with appropriate network resources and service quality assurance; ⑤ Authentication and authorization information: User authentication status, permission level, etc. This information ensures that only authorized users can access network resources; ⑥ Other related parameters: This may also include the user's device type, operating system version, application information, etc. This information helps the TWIF network element better understand user behavior and needs.

[0075] In this embodiment, when the TWIF network element detects that the session information related to the user does not exist 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, it 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: The TWIF network element verifies 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 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, set 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 data packets 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 forwarding them to the designated destination;

[0083] Monitor and maintain sessions: During the entire session, the TWIF network element continuously monitors user behavior and the core network status. When it detects the need to update session information, 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 apparatus for managing inter-AC mobility of Wi-Fi access to the core network of the present invention can solve the problem of inter-AC mobility management of Wi-Fi 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 illustrate 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 those skilled in the art 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 Wi-Fi access core network, characterized in that: The steps include: Wi-Fi users access the core network through TWAN. A virtual routing table is used in the YW_U interface between the TWIF network element in the core network and the AC in the lower layer network for data forwarding and management. When a Wi-Fi user moves between multiple ACs in the same TWIF network element, the AC notifies the TWIF network element, which then checks whether the virtual routing table already contains session information related to the user: a) If yes, then update the relevant entries in the virtual routing table directly according to the Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi user access information reported by the AC to perform mobility management.

2. The method for managing inter-AC mobility of Wi-Fi access to a core network according to claim 1, wherein: When a Wi-Fi user moves between multiple ACs in 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. The method for managing inter-AC mobility of Wi-Fi access to a core network according to claim 2, wherein: The relevant information refers to data related to Wi-Fi user mobility, including: user identification information, information about the access point to which the user is currently connected, access information, quality of service requirements, and authentication and authorization information.

4. The method for managing inter-AC mobility of Wi-Fi access to a core network according to claim 1, wherein: 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, it sends a connection request to the TWIF network element. This request contains the user's authentication information and necessary connection parameters. Verify user identity: The TWIF network element verifies 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 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, set session parameters, and records the user's initial location and access point information.

5. The method for managing inter-AC mobility of Wi-Fi access to a 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 data packets 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 forwarding them to the designated destination; Monitor and maintain sessions: During the entire session, the TWIF network element continuously monitors user behavior and the core network status. When it detects the need to update session information, 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 managing inter-AC mobility of Wi-Fi access core network, characterized in that: It includes: The connection module is used to assist Wi-Fi users in accessing the core network via TWAN; The YW_U interface module is set 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 are new Wi-Fi users accessing 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 Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi user access information reported by the AC for mobility management.

7. The device for managing inter-AC mobility of Wi-Fi access to a core network according to claim 6, characterized in that: When a Wi-Fi user moves between multiple ACs in 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 Wi-Fi access to a core network according to claim 7, characterized in that: The relevant information refers to data related to Wi-Fi user mobility, including: user identification information, information about the access point to which the user is currently connected, access information, quality of service requirements, and authentication and authorization information.

9. The device for managing inter-AC mobility of Wi-Fi access to a core network according to claim 6, wherein: 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, it sends a connection request to the TWIF network element. This request contains the user's authentication information and necessary connection parameters. Verify user identity: The TWIF network element verifies 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 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, set session parameters, and records the user's initial location and access point information.

10. The device for managing inter-AC mobility of Wi-Fi 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 data packets 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 forwarding them to the designated destination; Monitor and maintain sessions: During the entire session, the TWIF network element continuously monitors user behavior and the core network status. When it detects the need to update session information, 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.

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