Communication method, routing device, terminal and medium

Abstract

This application provides a communication method, routing device, terminal, and medium. The method is applied to a routing device comprising at least two frequency bands. The method includes: sending at least two messages for a terminal to discover the routing device. The at least two messages include a first message and a second message. The at least two frequency bands include a first frequency band and a second frequency band. The first message corresponds to the first frequency band, and the second message corresponds to the second frequency band. Each message includes a first field. The first field of the first message indicates that the number of terminals connected to access points on the first frequency band has not reached a first threshold, and the first field of the second message indicates that the number of terminals connected to access points on the second frequency band has reached a second threshold. The communication method, routing device, terminal, and medium of this application can guide the terminal to select an access point (AP) with an unsaturated frequency band, ensuring a good network experience for the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method, routing device, terminal, and medium. Background Technology

[0002] Terminals can transmit information by connecting to a router. Current routers support multi-band connections, but the number of terminals that can connect to each band is limited. When a band is fully occupied, the process of a terminal connecting to that band will fail, thus affecting the user's network experience.

[0003] Therefore, when a router's frequency band is fully connected, how to encourage terminals to connect to other frequency bands to ensure a good network experience for users is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, routing device, terminal, and medium. The method can guide the terminal to select a wireless access point (AP) that is not fully utilized in a given frequency band, ensuring a good user experience.

[0005] A first aspect provides a communication method applied to a routing device, the routing device including at least two frequency bands, the method comprising: sending at least two messages for terminals to discover the routing device, wherein the at least two messages include a first message and a second message, the at least two frequency bands include a first frequency band and a second frequency band, the first message corresponds to the first frequency band, the second message corresponds to the second frequency band, the at least two messages include a first field, the first field of the first message being used to indicate that the number of access points accessing terminals in the first frequency band has not reached a first threshold, and the first field of the second message being used to indicate that the number of access points accessing terminals in the second frequency band has reached a second threshold.

[0006] It should be noted that the number of access terminals in both the first and second frequency bands is limited. The maximum number of access terminals in the first frequency band is defined by a first threshold, and the maximum number of access terminals in the second frequency band is defined by a second threshold. The first and second thresholds can be the same or different. For example, both the first and second thresholds can be 32. It can be understood that when the number of access terminals in the first frequency band does not reach the first threshold, it indicates that the first frequency band is not fully utilized; when the number of access terminals in the second frequency band reaches the second threshold, it indicates that the second frequency band is fully utilized.

[0007] For example, the routing device can support a multi-band router with 5GHz band preference. The message can be a Beacon message sent by the routing device via broadcast, indicating that the number of access points in the second band has reached its maximum capacity (the second band is a fully populated 5GHz band), while the number of access points in the first band has not reached its maximum capacity (the first band is a partially populated 2.4GHz band). The first field is the information element (IE) field. The routing device can add an IE field to the Beacon message to indicate whether the AP sending the Beacon message can connect. When the first field of the first message indicates that the number of access points in the first band has not reached its maximum capacity, it means that the AP in the first band can connect; when the first field of the second message indicates that the number of access points in the second band has reached its maximum capacity, it means that the AP in the second band cannot connect.

[0008] It should be noted that multiple access points (APs) on multiple frequency bands of the routing device can send packets. The first packet is sent via an AP on the first frequency band of the routing device, and the second packet is sent via an AP on the second frequency band of the routing device. For example, an AP on the 2.4GHz band sends the first packet, and an AP on the 5GHz band sends the second packet.

[0009] Based on the above scheme, routing devices (routers) can add a field to the message to indicate whether the AP sending the message is available for connection. When the number of connected terminals on a certain frequency band of a multi-band router has reached its maximum, adding a field to the message guides the terminals to discover other frequency bands where the number of connected terminals has not reached its maximum, increasing the likelihood of the terminals successfully connecting to other frequency band APs and ensuring a good network experience for users.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes, before sending at least two messages, reducing the signal quality of the second message.

[0011] Based on the above scheme, when the number of terminals connected to an AP has reached its maximum, the signal quality of the AP's sent messages is reduced, thereby reducing the likelihood of terminals discovering the AP. At this time, the likelihood of terminals discovering other APs will increase relatively, thus guiding terminals to connect to other APs and ensuring the user's network experience.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, before sending at least two messages, the method further includes: increasing the sending period of the second message; wherein sending the at least two messages includes: sending the first message with a first period and sending the second message with a second period, the second period being greater than the first period.

[0013] Based on the above scheme, increasing the period of the second message sent by an AP with full coverage of the frequency band can reduce the possibility of the terminal discovering the AP. At this time, the possibility of the terminal discovering other APs will be relatively increased, thereby guiding the terminal to connect to other APs and ensuring the user's network experience.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the network name SSID of the first frequency band is the same as the network name SSID of the second frequency band.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the message is a Beacon message.

[0016] The second aspect provides a communication method applied to a routing device, the routing device including at least two frequency bands, the method including: receiving a request message from a terminal; sending a first message and not sending a second message; wherein the at least two frequency bands include a first frequency band and a second frequency band, the first message is a response message to the request message, the second message is a response message to the request message, the first message corresponds to the first frequency band, the second message corresponds to the second frequency band, the at least two frequency bands include the first frequency band and the second frequency band, the number of access terminals at the access point of the first frequency band has not reached a first threshold, and the number of access terminals at the access point of the second frequency band has reached a second threshold.

[0017] It should be noted that the first threshold is the maximum number of access terminals in the first frequency band, and the second threshold is the maximum number of access terminals in the second frequency band.

[0018] For example, the request message is a Probe Request message, and the first and second messages are Probe Response messages. The first message is sent by the routing device through the AP in the first frequency band, and the second message is sent by the routing device through the AP in the second frequency band.

[0019] For example, when the 5GHz band is fully occupied, the AP in the 5GHz band does not send a Probe Response message; when the 2.4GHz band is not fully occupied, the AP in the 2.4GHz band can send a Probe Response message.

[0020] Based on the above scheme, after receiving a request message from a terminal, the routing device does not send a Probe Response message through an AP that has reached its maximum number of connected terminals. Instead, it can send a Probe Response message through an AP that has not reached its maximum number of connected terminals. This allows the terminal to initiate a connection to the AP after receiving the Probe Response message, increasing the likelihood of the terminal successfully connecting to the routing device and ensuring a good network experience for the user.

[0021] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, before sending the first message, the method further includes: adding a first field to the first message, the first field in the first message being used to indicate that the number of access terminals in the first frequency band has not reached a first threshold.

[0022] For example, the first field is the IE field. Routing devices can add an IE field to the Probe Response message to indicate whether the AP sending the Probe Response message is connectable.

[0023] Based on the above solution, the routing device can add a field to the Probe Response message to indicate whether the AP sending the message can be connected, guiding the terminal to connect to APs where the number of access terminals has not reached the maximum, thus ensuring a good network experience for users.

[0024] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the request message is a broadcast message and the first message is a unicast message.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the network name SSID of the first frequency band is the same as the network name SSID of the second frequency band.

[0026] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the request message is a Probe Request message, and the first message is a Probe Response message.

[0027] A third aspect provides a communication method applied to a terminal. The method includes: receiving at least two messages for the terminal to discover a routing device, the routing device including at least two frequency bands, wherein the at least two messages include a first message and a second message, the at least two frequency bands include a first frequency band and a second frequency band, the first message corresponds to the first frequency band, the second message corresponds to the second frequency band, the at least two messages include a first field, the first field of the first message is used to indicate that the number of terminals accessed by access points in the first frequency band has not reached a first threshold, and the first field of the second message is used to indicate that the number of terminals accessed by access points in the second frequency band has reached a second threshold; and initiating a connection to the access point in the first frequency band based on the at least two messages.

[0028] It should be noted that the first threshold is the maximum number of access terminals at the access point in the first frequency band; the second threshold is the maximum number of access terminals at the access point in the second frequency band.

[0029] For example, the terminal receives a Beacon message from the routing device. The Beacon message includes an IE field. The terminal receives a first message sent by an AP in the first frequency band of the routing device and a second message sent by an AP in the second frequency band of the routing device.

[0030] Based on the above scheme, the terminal receives packets sent by APs from multiple frequency bands of the routing device, determines the frequency band that can be used to initiate a connection based on the packets, and initiates a connection to that frequency band, ensuring that the terminal can successfully access the routing device and guaranteeing a good network experience for the user.

[0031] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the signal quality of the second message is lower than that of the first message.

[0032] Based on the above scheme, the signal quality of packets received by the terminal from different frequency bands of the routing device can also be different. The terminal can not only determine whether the AP that sent the packet can be connected based on the fields in the packet, but also determine whether to initiate a connection to the AP based on the signal quality of the packet.

[0033] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the sending period of the second message is longer than the sending period of the first message.

[0034] Based on the above scheme, the terminal can also determine whether to initiate a connection to the AP based on the message sending period. In other words, the terminal can select an AP whose number of access terminals has not reached the maximum number based on the fields in the message, the signal quality of the message, and / or the message sending period, and initiate a connection to that AP, thereby increasing the probability of successfully accessing the routing device and ensuring a good network experience for users.

[0035] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, when the terminal supports parsing the first field, before initiating a connection to the first frequency band based on the at least two messages, the method further includes: parsing the at least two messages to determine that the number of access point terminals in the first frequency band has not reached a first threshold, and the number of access point terminals in the second frequency band has reached a second threshold.

[0036] Based on the above scheme, when the terminal supports IE parsing, it can parse the packets received from the routing device and determine the AP that can be accessed based on the parsing result, thereby initiating a connection to the AP and improving the user's network experience.

[0037] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the network name SSID of the first frequency band is the same as the network name SSID of the second frequency band.

[0038] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the message is a Beacon message.

[0039] A fourth aspect provides a communication method applied to a terminal. The method includes: sending a request message to a routing device, the routing device including at least two frequency bands, the at least two frequency bands including a first frequency band and a second frequency band; receiving a first message from the routing device; wherein the first message is a response message to the request message, the first message corresponds to the first frequency band, the second message corresponds to the second frequency band, the at least two frequency bands include the first frequency band and the second frequency band, the number of terminals accessed by access points in the first frequency band has not reached a first threshold, and the number of terminals accessed by access points in the second frequency band has reached a second threshold; and initiating a connection to an access point in the first frequency band according to the first message.

[0040] It should be noted that the first threshold is the maximum number of access points and terminals in the first frequency band; the second threshold is the maximum number of access points and terminals in the second frequency band.

[0041] For example, the request message is a Probe Request message, and the first and second messages are Probe Response messages. The terminal receives the first message sent by the AP in the first frequency band of the routing device.

[0042] Based on the above scheme, after a terminal sends a request message to the routing device, it will only receive response messages from APs (Access Points) whose number of connected terminals has not reached the maximum limit. The terminal can then use these response messages to initiate a connection to an AP in the frequency band that sent the response message, increasing the likelihood of successful connection and ensuring a good user experience.

[0043] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first message includes a first field, which is used to indicate that the number of access terminals of the access point in the first frequency band has not reached a first threshold.

[0044] Based on the above scheme, the terminal can further determine the AP that sent the first message to initiate a connection based on the first field in the received first message, thus ensuring a good network experience for the user.

[0045] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the request message is a broadcast message and the first message is a unicast message.

[0046] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the network name SSID of the first frequency band is the same as the network name SSID of the second frequency band.

[0047] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the request message is a Probe Request message, and the first message is a Probe Response message.

[0048] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, the device including at least two frequency bands, the device including: a transceiver unit for transmitting at least two messages, the messages being used by terminals to discover the device, wherein the at least two messages include a first message and a second message, the at least two frequency bands include a first frequency band and a second frequency band, the first message corresponds to the first frequency band, the second message corresponds to the second frequency band, the at least two messages include a first field, the first field of the first message being used to indicate that the number of access terminals of the access point of the first frequency band has reached a first threshold, and the first field of the second message being used to indicate that the number of access terminals of the access point of the second frequency band has reached a second threshold.

[0049] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the apparatus further includes a processing unit for reducing the signal quality of the second message.

[0050] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the processing unit is further configured to increase the transmission period of the second message; the transceiver unit is specifically configured to transmit the first message in a first period and transmit the second message in a second period, wherein the second period is greater than the first period.

[0051] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the network name SSID of the first frequency band is the same as the network name SSID of the second frequency band.

[0052] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, this message is a Beacon message.

[0053] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the device is a routing device.

[0054] A sixth aspect provides a communication device comprising at least two frequency bands, the device comprising: a transceiver unit configured to receive a request message from a terminal; and configured to send a first message but not a second message; wherein the at least two frequency bands include a first frequency band and a second frequency band, the first message is a response message to the request message, the second message is a response message to the request message, the first message corresponds to the first frequency band, the second message corresponds to the second frequency band, the at least two frequency bands include the first frequency band and the second frequency band, the number of access points of the first frequency band accessing terminals has not reached a first threshold, and the number of access points of the second frequency band accessing terminals has reached a second threshold.

[0055] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the apparatus further includes: a processing unit for adding a first field to the first message, the first field in the first message being used to indicate that the number of access terminals in the first frequency band has not reached a first threshold.

[0056] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the request message is a broadcast message and the first message is a unicast message.

[0057] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the network name SSID of the first frequency band is the same as the network name SSID of the second frequency band.

[0058] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the request message is a Probe Request message, and the first message is a Probe Response message.

[0059] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the device is a routing device.

[0060] A seventh aspect provides a communication apparatus, comprising: a transceiver unit configured to receive at least two messages, the two messages being used by the apparatus to discover a routing device, the routing device including at least two frequency bands, wherein the at least two messages include a first message and a second message, the at least two frequency bands include a first frequency band and a second frequency band, the first message corresponding to the first frequency band, the second message corresponding to the second frequency band, the at least two messages including a first field, the first field of the first message being used to indicate that the number of terminals accessed by an access point on the first frequency band has not reached a first threshold, and the first field of the second message being used to indicate that the number of terminals accessed by an access point on the second frequency band has reached a second threshold; and a processing unit configured to initiate a connection to an access point on the first frequency band based on the at least two messages.

[0061] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the signal quality of the second message is lower than that of the first message.

[0062] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the transmission period of the second message is longer than the transmission period of the first message.

[0063] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, when the device supports parsing the first field, the processing unit is further configured to parse the at least two messages to determine that the number of access point terminals in the first frequency band has not reached the first threshold, and the number of access point terminals in the second frequency band has reached the second threshold.

[0064] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the network name SSID of the first frequency band is the same as the network name SSID of the second frequency band.

[0065] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the message is a Beacon message.

[0066] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the device is a terminal.

[0067] Eighthly, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a transceiver unit configured to send a request message to a routing device, the routing device including at least two frequency bands, the at least two frequency bands including a first frequency band and a second frequency band; and further configured to receive a first message from the routing device; wherein the first message is a response message to the request message, the first message corresponds to the first frequency band, the second message corresponds to the second frequency band, the at least two frequency bands include the first frequency band and the second frequency band, the number of access terminals at access points in the first frequency band has not reached a first threshold, and the number of access terminals at access points in the second frequency band has reached a second threshold; and a processing unit configured to initiate a connection to an access point in the first frequency band based on the first message.

[0068] In conjunction with the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the first message includes a first field, which is used to indicate that the number of access points for the first frequency band has not reached a first threshold.

[0069] In conjunction with aspect eight, in some implementations of aspect eight, the request message is a broadcast message and the first message is a unicast message.

[0070] In conjunction with the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the network name SSID of the first frequency band is the same as the network name SSID of the second frequency band.

[0071] In conjunction with aspect eight, in some implementations of aspect eight, the request message is a Probe Request message and the first message is a Probe Response message.

[0072] In conjunction with the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the device is a terminal.

[0073] A ninth aspect provides a routing device, comprising: a transceiver for receiving and sending messages; a memory for storing a program; and a processor for executing the program stored in the memory, such that the routing device performs a method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or performs a method as described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0074] A tenth aspect provides a terminal, comprising: a transceiver for receiving and sending messages; a memory for storing one or more programs; and a processor for executing the one or more programs stored in the memory, such that the terminal performs the method as described in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or performs the method as described in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0075] Eleventhly, a readable storage medium is provided having stored thereon one or more programs that, when executed by a device, cause the device to implement the method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or the method as described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or the method as described in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or the method as described in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0076] In a twelfth aspect, a program product is provided, characterized in that, when the program product is run on a device, the device executes the method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or executes the method as described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or executes the method as described in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or executes the method as described in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0077] In a thirteenth aspect, a chip system is provided, the chip system including a processor and a data interface, the processor reading instructions stored in a memory through the data interface to execute the method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or to execute the method as described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or to execute the method as described in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or to execute the method as described in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0078] In one possible implementation, taking into account the thirteen aspects, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0079] In conjunction with aspect thirteen, in one possible implementation, the chip system also includes a memory in which programs or instructions are stored. Attached Figure Description

[0080] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device.

[0081] Figure 2 It is a software structure diagram of a device.

[0082] Figure 3 This is a scenario diagram provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0083] Figure 4 This is a set of GUIs provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0084] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0085] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0086] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0087] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of a routing device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0088] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0089] The terminology used in the following embodiments is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” “the,” and “this” are intended to also include expressions such as “one or more,” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that in the following embodiments of this application, “at least one” and “one or more” refer to one, two, or more than two. The term “and / or” is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist; for example, A and / or B can indicate: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character “ / ” generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an “or” relationship.

[0090] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0091] The following describes a terminal, a user interface for such a terminal, and embodiments for using such a terminal. In some embodiments, the terminal may be a portable device that also includes other functions such as a personal digital assistant and / or music player, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, wearable device with wireless communication capabilities (such as a smartwatch), etc. Exemplary embodiments of the terminal include, but are not limited to, devices equipped with... Alternatively, it can be a portable device running another operating system. The aforementioned portable device can also be other portable devices, such as laptops. It should also be understood that in some other embodiments, the terminal may not be a portable device, but rather a desktop computer, smart screen, smart host, smart speaker, smart refrigerator, or other smart home device. In some other embodiments, the terminal can be a measurement instrument, such as an oscilloscope.

[0092] For example, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the terminal 100 is shown. The terminal 100 may include a processor 110, internal memory 121, power management module 141, battery 142, antenna 1, antenna 2, mobile communication module 150, wireless communication module 160, audio module 170, speaker 170A, microphone 170C, sensor module 180, camera 193, and display screen 194. The sensor module 180 may include an accelerometer 180E, a touch sensor 180K, etc.

[0093] It is understood that the structures illustrated in the embodiments of this application do not constitute a specific limitation on the terminal 100. In other embodiments of this application, the terminal 100 may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0094] Processor 110 may include one or more processing units, such as: application processor (AP), modem processor, graphics processing unit (GPU), image signal processor (ISP), controller, memory, video codec, digital signal processor (DSP), baseband processor, and / or neural network processing unit (NPU), etc. Different processing units may be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors.

[0095] The controller can serve as the central nervous system and command center of the device 100. The controller can generate operation control signals based on instruction opcodes and timing signals to control the fetching and execution of instructions.

[0096] The processor 110 may also include a memory for storing instructions and data. In some embodiments, the memory in the processor 110 is a cache memory. This memory can store instructions or data that the processor 110 has just used or that are used repeatedly. If the processor 110 needs to use the instruction or data again, it can retrieve it directly from the memory. This avoids repeated accesses, reduces the waiting time of the processor 110, and thus improves the efficiency of the system.

[0097] In some embodiments, the processor 110 may include one or more interfaces. Interfaces may include an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface, an inter-integrated circuit sound (I2S) interface, a pulse code modulation (PCM) interface, a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) interface, a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI), a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) interface, a subscriber identity module (SIM) interface, and / or a universal serial bus (USB) interface, etc.

[0098] The wireless communication function of device 100 can be implemented through antenna 1, antenna 2, mobile communication module 150, wireless communication module 160, modem processor and baseband processor, etc.

[0099] Antennas 1 and 2 are used to transmit and receive electromagnetic wave signals. Each antenna in device 100 can be used to cover one or more communication frequency bands. Different antennas can also be multiplexed to improve antenna utilization. For example, antenna 1 can be multiplexed as a diversity antenna for a wireless local area network. In some other embodiments, the antennas can be used in conjunction with tuning switches.

[0100] The mobile communication module 150 can provide solutions for wireless communication, including 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G, applied to the device 100. The mobile communication module 150 may include at least one filter, switch, power amplifier, low-noise amplifier (LNA), etc. The mobile communication module 150 can receive electromagnetic waves via the antenna 1, and perform filtering, amplification, and other processing on the received electromagnetic waves before transmitting them to the modem processor for demodulation. The mobile communication module 150 can also amplify the signal modulated by the modem processor and convert it into electromagnetic waves for radiation via the antenna 1. In some embodiments, at least some functional modules of the mobile communication module 150 may be housed in the processor 110. In some embodiments, at least some functional modules of the mobile communication module 150 and at least some modules of the processor 110 may be housed in the same device.

[0101] The modem processor may include a modulator and a demodulator. The modulator modulates the low-frequency baseband signal to be transmitted into a mid-to-high frequency signal. The demodulator demodulates the received electromagnetic wave signal into a low-frequency baseband signal. The demodulator then transmits the demodulated low-frequency baseband signal to the baseband processor for processing. After processing by the baseband processor, the low-frequency baseband signal is transmitted to the application processor. The application processor outputs sound signals through an audio device (not limited to speaker 170A, microphone 170C, etc.) or displays images or videos through the display screen 194. In some embodiments, the modem processor may be a separate device. In other embodiments, the modem processor may be independent of the processor 110 and may be housed in the same device as the mobile communication module 150 or other functional modules.

[0102] The wireless communication module 160 can provide solutions for wireless communication applications on device 100, including wireless local area networks (WLAN) (such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks), Bluetooth (BT), global navigation satellite system (GNSS), frequency modulation (FM), near field communication (NFC), and infrared (IR) technologies. The wireless communication module 160 can be one or more devices integrating at least one communication processing module. The wireless communication module 160 receives electromagnetic waves via antenna 2, performs frequency modulation and filtering of the electromagnetic wave signals, and sends the processed signal to processor 110. The wireless communication module 160 can also receive signals to be transmitted from processor 110, perform frequency modulation and amplification, and convert them into electromagnetic waves for radiation via antenna 2.

[0103] In some embodiments, antenna 1 of device 100 is coupled to mobile communication module 150, and antenna 2 is coupled to wireless communication module 160, enabling device 100 to communicate with networks and other devices via wireless communication technology.

[0104] Device 100 implements display functions through a GPU, a display screen 194, and an application processor. The GPU is a microprocessor for image processing, connected to the display screen 194 and the application processor. The GPU is used to perform mathematical and geometric calculations for graphics rendering. Processor 110 may include one or more GPUs, which execute program instructions to generate or modify display information.

[0105] Display screen 194 is used to display images, videos, etc. Display screen 194 includes a display panel. In some embodiments, device 100 may include one or N displays screens 194, where N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0106] The ISP is used to process the data fed back by the camera 193. In some embodiments, the ISP may be located in the camera 193.

[0107] Camera 193 is used to capture still images or videos. An object passes through the lens to generate an optical image that is projected onto a photosensitive element. The photosensitive element converts the light signal into an electrical signal, which is then passed to an ISP (Internet Service Provider) for conversion into a digital image signal. The ISP outputs the digital image signal to a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) for processing. The DSP converts the digital image signal into image signals in standard formats such as RGB and YUV. In some embodiments, device 100 may include one or N cameras 193, where N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0108] A digital signal processor (DSP) is used to process digital signals. Besides digital image signals, it can also process other digital signals. For example, when device 100 selects a frequency, the DSP can perform Fourier transforms on the frequency energy.

[0109] Video codecs are used to compress or decompress digital video. Device 100 may support one or more video codecs. Thus, device 100 can play or record video in various encoded formats.

[0110] NPU stands for Neural Network (NN) Computing Processor. By borrowing the structure of biological neural networks, such as the transmission patterns between neurons in the human brain, it can rapidly process input information and continuously learn on its own. NPUs can enable applications such as intelligent cognition in devices.

[0111] Internal memory 121 can be used to store program code, which includes instructions. Processor 110 executes various functional applications and data processing of device 100 by running the instructions stored in internal memory 121. Internal memory 121 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system, at least one application program required for a function (such as a sound playback function), etc. The data storage area may store data created during the use of device 100 (such as audio data, etc.). In addition, internal memory 121 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, etc.

[0112] Device 100 can implement audio functions, such as music playback, through audio module 170, speaker 170A, microphone 170C, and application processor.

[0113] The audio module 170 is used to convert digital audio information into analog audio signals for output, and also to convert analog audio input into digital audio signals. The audio module 170 can also be used for encoding and decoding audio signals. In some embodiments, the audio module 170 may be located in the processor 110, or some functional modules of the audio module 170 may be located in the processor 110.

[0114] The loudspeaker 170A, also known as a "loudspeaker", is used to convert audio electrical signals into sound signals.

[0115] The microphone 170C, also known as a "microphone" or "voice transducer," is used to convert sound signals into electrical signals.

[0116] Touch sensor 180K, also known as a "touch panel," can be located on display screen 194. The touch sensor 180K and display screen 194 together form a touchscreen, also known as a "touchscreen." Touch sensor 180K detects touch operations applied to or near it. The touch sensor can transmit the detected touch operation to the application processor to determine the type of touch event. Visual output related to the touch operation can be provided through display screen 194. In other embodiments, touch sensor 180K may also be located on the surface of device 100, in a different position than display screen 194.

[0117] Figure 2 This is a software structure block diagram of terminal 100 according to an embodiment of this application. The layered architecture divides the software into several layers, each with a clear role and function. Layers communicate with each other through software interfaces. In some embodiments, the Android system is divided into four layers, from top to bottom: the application layer, the application framework layer, the Android runtime and system libraries, and the kernel layer. The application layer may include a series of application packages.

[0118] like Figure 2 As shown, the application layer can include a camera, a user interface (UI), and third-party applications. Third-party applications can include, for example, photo galleries, calendars, and maps.

[0119] The application framework layer provides application programming interfaces (APIs) and programming frameworks for applications in the application layer. The application framework layer may include some predefined functions.

[0120] like Figure 2 As shown, the application framework layer may include a window manager, content provider, view system, phone manager, resource manager, notification manager, etc.

[0121] The window manager is used to manage windowed applications. It can obtain the screen size, determine if a status bar is present, lock the screen, and capture screenshots. The content provider stores and retrieves data, making this data accessible to applications. This data may include videos, images, audio, made and received phone calls, browsing history and bookmarks, phone books, etc.

[0122] A view system includes visual controls, such as controls for displaying text and controls for displaying images. View systems can be used to build applications. A display interface can consist of one or more views.

[0123] The notification manager allows applications to display notifications in the status bar. These notifications can be used to deliver informational messages and can disappear automatically after a short pause, requiring no user interaction. For example, the notification manager can be used to notify users of download completion or message alerts. The notification manager can also display notifications as icons or scrolling text in the top status bar, such as notifications from background applications, or as dialog boxes on the screen. Examples include displaying text messages in the status bar, emitting sounds, vibrating the device, and flashing indicator lights.

[0124] The Android runtime consists of core libraries and a virtual machine. The Android runtime is responsible for scheduling and managing the Android system.

[0125] The core library consists of two parts: one part is the functionalities that need to be called by the Java language, and the other part is the Android core library.

[0126] System libraries can include multiple functional modules. For example: surface manager, media libraries, 3D graphics processing libraries (e.g., OpenGL ES), 2D graphics engines (e.g., SGL), etc.

[0127] The Surface Manager is used to manage the display subsystem and provides the blending of two-dimensional and three-dimensional layers for multiple applications.

[0128] The media library supports playback and recording of various common audio and video formats, as well as still image files. It also supports multiple audio and video encoding formats.

[0129] The 3D graphics processing library is used to implement 3D graphics drawing, image rendering, compositing, and layer processing.

[0130] A 2D graphics engine is a drawing engine for 2D drawing.

[0131] The kernel layer is the layer between hardware and software. The kernel layer contains at least the display driver, camera driver, audio driver, and sensor driver.

[0132] The hardware layer can include various types of sensors, such as Figure 1 The various sensors introduced in the text.

[0133] Before introducing the technical solution of this application, let me first briefly introduce some technical terms that may be involved in this application.

[0134] Routing devices

[0135] Hardware devices used to perform "routing." "Routing" refers to the action or behavior of data transmission. Routing devices act as gateways between networks, determining the optimal path for network communication. Routing devices can understand different protocols, such as Ethernet and Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP). Routing devices can store, forward, and process data packets between different networks. It should be understood that in this article, routing devices include routers (e.g., home routers, enterprise routers) and Customer Premise Equipment (CPE). The following description uses a router as the routing device and a mobile phone as the terminal.

[0136] Service set identifier (SSID)

[0137] The router's SSID is the network name of the wireless network. SSID technology can divide a wireless local area network into multiple subnets that require different authentication methods. Each subnet requires independent authentication, and only authenticated users can enter the corresponding subnet, preventing unauthorized users from entering the network.

[0138] Beacon message

[0139] Routers can broadcast Beacon messages at regular intervals. These Beacon messages include the SSID, which can be discovered by terminals. A terminal can be understood as having... Figure 1 As shown or as Figure 2 Devices with the structure shown, such as mobile phones and smartwatches.

[0140] like Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a scenario in which a communication method provided by an embodiment of this application is applicable. This method is suitable for the access process between a terminal and a router.

[0141] Routers currently include 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and even more frequency bands. 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signals have strong wall-penetrating capabilities but are susceptible to interference, leading to unstable internet experiences. This makes them suitable for devices like mobile phones and tablets that frequently move between rooms. These devices can leverage the strong wall-penetrating ability of the 2.4GHz band to ensure stable internet access in every room. 5GHz Wi-Fi signals offer fast transmission speeds and are less prone to interference, but their wall-penetrating ability is weaker; the signal typically weakens after passing through a single wall. This makes them suitable for devices located in the same room as the router that don't require strong wall-penetrating capabilities. Utilizing the high speed and strong anti-interference capabilities of the 5GHz band can help ensure a faster and more stable user experience.

[0142] The router supports 5GHz band preference. In this scenario, the SSIDs of the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands are the same by default, and connections are prioritized to routers on the 5GHz band. Generally, the number of devices that can be connected to each band of a router is limited. For example, a 2.4GHz access point (AP) has a maximum of 32 connected devices, and a 5GHz AP has a maximum of 32 connected devices. For a dual-band router that supports 5GHz band preference, the maximum number of connected devices is 64, and the SSIDs of the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands are the same in the device's Wi-Fi configuration interface. When a user establishes a connection to a router on a specific band through the Wi-Fi configuration interface, connection failures may occur because it is unclear whether the number of connected devices on that band's AP has reached the maximum, thus affecting the user experience.

[0143] For ease of understanding, such as Figure 4 As shown, a set of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) is illustrated. Taking a mobile phone as an example, it introduces the main process of a user sending an access request to a router through the user interface.

[0144] like Figure 4 As shown in (a), the phone's settings interface is displayed. The settings interface displays several options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, display, and sound options. In response to the user's action on the Wi-Fi option 401, the phone displays as shown... Figure 4 The GUI is shown in (b) above.

[0145] like Figure 4As shown in (b), in response to the user's operation on the Wi-Fi option 401, the mobile phone displays a Wi-Fi interface. The Wi-Fi interface includes a Wi-Fi control 402. A control is a visual graphical interface element presented to the user; it is a software component contained within an application, controlling the data processed by the application and interactive operations related to that data. The user can interact with the control through touch, swipe, and other operations to read and edit information related to the application. Generally, controls can include visual interface elements such as icons, buttons, menus, tabs, text boxes, and status bars. In response to different user operations on the controls (e.g., touch or click), different interfaces can be displayed on the device screen or different functions can be triggered. In response to the user clicking the Wi-Fi control 402, the mobile phone's ability to connect to a Wi-Fi network is enabled. The Wi-Fi interface also includes the network names of various Wi-Fi networks within the mobile phone's communication range. Figure 4 The Wi-Fi interface shown in (b) also includes a network name option, which includes option 403, "ID123". It can be seen that mobile phone users cannot determine the specific frequency band of the router corresponding to the network name displayed on the Wi-Fi interface. In other words, from the user's perspective, multiple access points corresponding to different frequency bands of a router supporting 5GHz band optimization only display the same network name on the user interface, making it impossible for the user to distinguish them. In response to the user's operation on option 403, the mobile phone displays something like... Figure 4 The GUI shown in (c) is shown in the image.

[0146] like Figure 4 As shown in (c), in response to the user's operation on option 403 ("ID123"), the phone's Wi-Fi interface displays a prompt message 404. This prompt message 404 prompts the user to enter the password for "ID123". After the user completes the input of the "ID123" password, the phone may display the following: Figure 4 The GUI shown in (d) is shown in the image.

[0147] like Figure 4 As shown in (d), in response to the user completing the input of the "ID123" password, the phone's Wi-Fi interface displays message 405. Message 405 indicates that the phone's connection to the "ID123" Wi-Fi network has failed.

[0148] It should be noted that the mobile phone's Wi-Fi interface can be understood as the Wi-Fi configuration interface.

[0149] For example, option 403, "ID123," corresponds to multiple frequency bands of a router that supports 5GHz band preference. These multiple frequency bands can be either 5GHz or 2.4GHz. Users cannot distinguish which frequency band they are about to access through the user interface. However, because the router supports 5GHz band preference, the number of AP access terminals on the router's 5GHz band has reached the second threshold. Even if the user enters the correct password, it is obvious that the terminal may fail to connect to the router. Alternatively, if the mobile phone has previously successfully connected to both the 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands of the router, it can connect to the router again without entering a password. The router is configured to prioritize 5GHz band access; when the number of 5GHz AP access terminals reaches the second threshold, connection failure may also occur. User connection failures will affect the user's subsequent network experience. The second threshold can be understood as the maximum number of AP access terminals allowed on the router's 5GHz band.

[0150] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, a routing device, a terminal, and a medium. This method is applicable to routing devices that support multiple frequency bands. When the number of access terminals on a certain frequency band of the routing device has reached its maximum, the routing device can guide the terminal to connect to other access points where the number of access terminals has not yet reached its maximum, enabling the terminal to successfully establish a communication connection with the router and facilitating network access for users.

[0151] It should be noted that during the process of establishing a communication connection via Wi-Fi, the terminal needs to discover the existence of Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (or a router). The process of the terminal discovering the router can be understood as scanning, which can include both active and passive scanning. It is understood that the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to the scanning phase between the terminal and the router.

[0152] For example, during passive scanning, the terminal is in a receiving state, scanning for available wireless channels. The terminal can receive Beacon messages sent by different Access Points (APs). It is understood that a router can include multiple APs; for example, one AP per frequency band, and each AP has an identifier for user identification, such as an SSID. For a multi-band router supporting the preferred 5GHz band, the AP identifiers for multiple frequency bands are the same, and the Beacon message can carry the SSID.

[0153] For example, during active scanning, the terminal actively sends a Probe Request message and waits for a Probe Response message from an AP within the terminal's communication range.

[0154] Based on this, the following describes the communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application under passive scanning and active scanning scenarios, respectively.

[0155] like Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a communication method provided by an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to a communication system in a passive scanning scenario. The following description uses a communication system including a router and a mobile phone as an example to illustrate the communication method provided by this application.

[0156] S501, the router identifies the Beacon message.

[0157] It should be noted that the Beacon message can include the SSIDs of multiple access points (APs) corresponding to the router's various frequency bands. It's understood that the SSIDs of these APs are the same across all of the router's frequency bands.

[0158] In one implementation, an information element (IE) field can be added to the Beacon message. The IE field is used to indicate whether the AP sending the Beacon message is available for connection.

[0159] For example, a multi-band router includes both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The access point (AP) corresponding to the 2.4GHz band sends Beacon message 1, which can include an IE field to indicate whether the 2.4GHz band is accessible. Similarly, the AP corresponding to the 5GHz band sends Beacon message 2, which can also include an IE field to indicate whether the 5GHz band is accessible.

[0160] It is understandable that if an AP can connect, it means the number of connected terminals on the frequency band corresponding to that AP has not reached the maximum number of connected terminals; if an AP cannot connect, it means the number of connected terminals on the frequency band corresponding to that AP has reached the maximum number of connected terminals. For example, when the number of connected terminals on a 5GHz AP has reached the second threshold, the IE field in Beacon message 2 indicates that the AP corresponding to the 5GHz frequency band cannot connect; when the number of connected terminals on a 2.4GHz AP has not reached the first threshold, the IE field in Beacon message 1 indicates that the AP corresponding to the 2.4GHz frequency band can connect. It should be understood that the first threshold and the second threshold can be the same or different. The first threshold is the maximum number of connected terminals on a 2.4GHz frequency band AP, and the second threshold is the maximum number of connected terminals on a 5GHz frequency band AP. It should be noted that when the number of connected terminals on an AP has reached the maximum number, it means that the frequency band corresponding to that AP is fully connected; when the number of connected terminals on an AP has not yet reached the maximum number, it means that the frequency band corresponding to that AP is not fully connected.

[0161] In one implementation, when the number of connected terminals on an AP has reached its maximum, the signal quality of the AP's Beacon messages can be reduced. Lower signal quality Beacon messages decrease the likelihood of terminals scanning (or discovering) the AP. At this point, the probability of terminals initiating connections to other APs (with the same SSID as the current AP) increases.

[0162] In one implementation, Beacon messages are sent via broadcast. Therefore, when the number of connected terminals on an AP has reached its maximum, the sending interval of the AP's Beacon messages can be increased. Increasing the sending interval reduces the likelihood of terminals scanning (or discovering) the AP. At this point, the likelihood of terminals initiating connections to other APs (with the same SSID as the current AP) increases.

[0163] In S502, the router sends Beacon messages, and the mobile phone receives the Beacon messages accordingly.

[0164] For example, the router sends Beacon messages periodically, and the Beacon messages can be sent via broadcast. The mobile phone can be one of multiple terminals within the router's communication range.

[0165] As described in step S501 above, the router can adjust the Beacon message sending period based on whether the number of access terminals to the AP has reached the maximum access limit. When the number of access terminals to the current AP has reached the maximum access limit, the period of the AP's broadcast messages can be increased to reduce the possibility of terminals scanning for the AP. At this time, the probability of terminals initiating connections to other APs, especially to APs with the same SSID as the current AP, increases.

[0166] For example, if the number of AP access terminals in the 5GHz band has reached the second threshold, the period of the AP broadcasting Beacon message 2 can be increased. Similarly, if the number of AP access terminals in the 2.4GHz band has reached the first threshold, the period of the AP broadcasting Beacon message 1 can be increased.

[0167] It is understood that in step S501 above, an IE field can be added to the router's Beacon broadcast message. Terminals can determine whether the AP sending the Beacon broadcast message can be connected through the IE field in the Beacon broadcast message, but not all terminals support IE resolution. Based on this, the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to the following scenarios:

[0168] Scenario 1: The mobile phone supports IE parsing.

[0169] S503, mobile phone parses Beacon messages.

[0170] It should be noted that mobile phones can receive Beacon messages broadcast from multiple frequency band access points (APs) of the router. When the mobile phone supports Internet Explorer (IE) parsing, it can parse the IE field in the Beacon message to determine whether the AP sending the message can be connected.

[0171] For example, a router that supports multiple frequencies, including the 2.4GHz band and the 5GHz band. A mobile phone can determine, by parsing Beacon message 2 broadcast by a 5GHz band AP, that the number of connected terminals on the 5GHz band AP has reached the second threshold, indicating that the 5GHz band AP cannot connect; or, by parsing Beacon message 1 broadcast by a 2.4GHz band AP, the mobile phone can determine that the 2.4GHz band is not fully connected, indicating that the 2.4GHz band AP can connect.

[0172] S504: The mobile phone initiates a connection based on the parsed Beacon message.

[0173] For example, when the mobile phone determines, by parsing the IE field in the message, that the number of AP access terminals in the 5GHz band has reached the second threshold and the number of AP access terminals in the 2.4GHz band has not reached the first threshold, the mobile phone can initiate a connection to the AP in the 2.4GHz band.

[0174] It should be noted that once a mobile phone determines that a particular access point (AP) is connectable by parsing the Beacon message, it will then initiate a connection with that AP. The mobile phone can complete the access process through authentication and association with the AP.

[0175] For example, when a mobile phone parses a Beacon message and determines that an AP in the 2.4GHz band can be connected, the mobile phone can send authentication requests, association requests, etc. to the AP corresponding to the 2.4GHz band to complete the access process between the mobile phone and the AP.

[0176] Scenario 2: The mobile phone does not support IE parsing.

[0177] S505: The mobile phone initiates a connection based on the Beacon message.

[0178] It should be noted that for mobile phones that do not support Internet Explorer, it is impossible to determine whether the number of access terminals connected to an AP on a certain frequency band has reached the maximum number of connections based on the Beacon message broadcast by the router. However, the mobile phone can initiate a connection based on other information in the Beacon message.

[0179] In one implementation, the mobile phone initiates a connection based on the Beacon message sending cycle.

[0180] For example, if the router increases the transmission period of Beacon messages sent by the 5GHz band AP, the likelihood of the mobile phone discovering or scanning the Beacon messages sent by the 5GHz band AP decreases. Correspondingly, the likelihood of the mobile phone discovering or scanning the Beacon messages sent by the 2.4GHz band AP increases. Therefore, the mobile phone selects the 2.4GHz band AP to initiate a connection.

[0181] In one implementation, the mobile phone initiates a connection based on the signal quality of the Beacon message.

[0182] For example, if the router reduces the signal quality of Beacon messages sent by an AP in the 5GHz band, the likelihood of a mobile phone discovering or scanning Beacon messages sent by an AP in the 5GHz band decreases. Correspondingly, the likelihood of a mobile phone discovering or scanning Beacon messages sent by an AP in the 2.4GHz band increases. Therefore, the mobile phone selects the AP in the 2.4GHz band to initiate a connection.

[0183] It should be noted that mobile phones can initiate connections by combining the Beacon message sending cycle and signal quality.

[0184] In other words, the Beacon message sending period and signal quality affect the likelihood of a mobile phone discovering or scanning an AP. By adjusting the Beacon message sending period and signal quality, the mobile phone is guided to select an AP where the number of connected terminals has not reached the maximum, thereby guiding the mobile phone to connect to that AP.

[0185] like Figure 6 The illustration shows a communication method provided by an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to a communication system in an active scanning scenario. The following description uses a communication system including a router and a mobile phone as an example to illustrate the communication method provided by this application.

[0186] S601: The mobile phone sends a Probe Request message, and the router receives the Probe Request message accordingly.

[0187] It should be noted that mobile phones can send Probe Request messages via broadcast.

[0188] S602, the router confirms the Probe Response message.

[0189] In one implementation, an IE field can be added to the Probe Response message. The IE field is used to indicate whether the AP that sent the Beacon message can connect.

[0190] For example, a multi-band router includes both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The access point (AP) corresponding to the 2.4GHz band sends a ProbeResponse message 1, which can include an IE field to indicate whether the 2.4GHz band is accessible. Similarly, the AP corresponding to the 5GHz band sends a ProbeResponse message 2, which can also include an IE field to indicate whether the 5GHz band is accessible.

[0191] Understandably, if an AP can connect, it means the number of terminals accessing the frequency band corresponding to the current AP has not reached the maximum access limit; if an AP cannot connect, it means the number of terminals accessing the frequency band corresponding to the current AP has reached the maximum access limit. For example, when the number of terminals accessing the 5GHz band AP has reached the second threshold, the IE field in Probe Response message 2 indicates that the AP corresponding to the 5GHz band cannot connect; when the number of terminals accessing the 2.4GHz band AP has not reached the first threshold, the IE field in Probe Response message 1 indicates that the AP corresponding to the 2.4GHz band can connect.

[0192] S603: The router sends a Probe Response message, and the mobile phone receives the Probe Response message accordingly.

[0193] It is understandable that APs on frequency bands where the number of connected devices has reached the maximum number of connected devices do not send Probe Response messages, while APs on frequency bands where the number of connected devices has not reached the maximum number of connected devices can send Probe Response messages.

[0194] For example, when the number of access terminals of the 5GHz band AP has reached the second threshold, the 5GHz band AP does not send a Probe Response message; when the number of access terminals of the 2.4GHz band AP has not reached the first threshold, the 2.4GHz band AP can send a Probe Response message.

[0195] Similar to method 500 above, method 600 can also be applied to the following scenarios:

[0196] Scenario 1: The mobile phone supports IE parsing.

[0197] S604, the mobile phone parses the Probe Response message.

[0198] It should be noted that when a mobile phone receives a Probe Response message from an AP in a frequency band where the number of access terminals has not reached the maximum access limit, the mobile phone further parses the IE field in the Probe Response message to determine that the AP that sent the message can be connected.

[0199] Understandably, step S604 is optional for mobile phones that support IE parsing.

[0200] For example, a router supports multiple frequencies, including the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The number of access points (APs) on the 5GHz band has reached the second threshold, while the number of access points on the 2.4GHz band has not reached the first threshold. The mobile phone only receives Probe Response messages from the 2.4GHz AP; based on this, the phone determines that the 2.4GHz AP can be connected. Alternatively, upon receiving a Probe Response message from a 2.4GHz AP, the phone can further parse the message to confirm that the 2.4GHz AP can be connected, for added security.

[0201] S605: The mobile phone initiates a connection based on the parsed Probe Response message.

[0202] It should be noted that once a mobile phone determines that a particular access point (AP) is connectable by parsing the Probe Response message, it will then initiate a connection with that AP. The mobile phone can complete the access process through authentication and association with the AP.

[0203] It is understandable that when the mobile phone does not perform the above step S604, it can directly initiate a connection to the AP that sent the Probe Response message.

[0204] Scenario 2: The mobile phone does not support IE parsing.

[0205] S606: The mobile phone initiates a connection based on the Probe Response message.

[0206] It should be noted that for mobile phones that do not support IE parsing, a connection can be directly initiated to the AP that sent the Probe Response message.

[0207] Based on the above scheme, the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to scenarios where terminals access multi-band routers that support 5GHz frequency band preference. When the number of AP access terminals on a certain frequency band of the router has reached the maximum access limit, by modifying the router broadcast message (e.g., adding an IE field, adjusting the signal quality of the broadcast message, or modifying the broadcast period of the message), or by providing feedback on the router end based on whether the number of access terminals on a certain frequency band has reached the maximum access limit, the terminal can successfully access other frequency bands even when the number of access terminals on a certain frequency band of the router has reached the maximum access limit, thereby improving the user's network experience.

[0208] like Figure 7 The illustration shows a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, which can be applied to, for example... Figure 3 In the scenario shown, the method will be described in detail below. It should be noted that the execution order of the steps in the communication method provided in this application embodiment is not affected by... Figure 7 The order shown is limited.

[0209] It should be noted that the message sent by the routing device to the terminal can be a Beacon message or a ProbeResponse message. The communication method 700 provided in this application embodiment will differ depending on the message type.

[0210] It should be noted that the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to routing devices including at least two frequency bands, the at least two frequency bands including a first frequency band and a second frequency band, and the routing device supports the terminal to prefer a certain frequency band.

[0211] For example, the routing device is a multi-band router that preferably supports the 5GHz band. The first band is the 2.4GHz band, and the second band is the 5GHz band.

[0212] In one implementation, when the routing device sends a Beacon message to the terminal, method 700 may include steps S702 and S704.

[0213] S702: The routing device sends at least two messages, and correspondingly, the terminal receives at least two messages.

[0214] Specifically, at least two messages are used for the terminal to discover the routing device. The at least two messages include a first message and a second message, where the first message corresponds to the first frequency band and the second message corresponds to the second frequency band.

[0215] It should be noted that multiple frequency bands of the routing device's access points (APs) can send messages. The first message is sent via an AP on the first frequency band of the routing device, and the second message is sent via an AP on the second frequency band. For example, an AP on the 2.4GHz band sends the first message, and an AP on the 5GHz band sends the second message. Both the first and second messages can be sent via broadcast.

[0216] In one implementation, at least two messages include a first field, wherein the first field of the first message is used to indicate that the number of access terminals of the access point in the first frequency band has not reached a first threshold, and the first field of the second message is used to indicate that the number of access terminals of the access point in the second frequency band has reached a second threshold.

[0217] In other words, the first frequency band is a partially connected band, while the second frequency band is a fully connected band. It should be understood that the first threshold and the second threshold can be the same or different. The first threshold represents the maximum number of terminals that can access the first frequency band, and the second threshold represents the maximum number of terminals that can access the second frequency band.

[0218] For example, the first field is the IE field. Routing devices can add an IE field to the Beacon message to indicate whether the AP sending the Beacon message is connectable.

[0219] In one implementation, the routing device may degrade the signal quality of the second message before sending at least two messages.

[0220] It should be noted that the number of access points in the second frequency band corresponding to the second message has reached the second threshold. Reducing the signal quality of the second message can reduce the likelihood of the terminal discovering the AP in the second frequency band.

[0221] In one implementation, the routing device may increase the period of the second message before sending at least two messages. The routing device sends the first message with a first period and sends the second message with a second period longer than the first period.

[0222] It should be noted that increasing the sending period of the second message by APs that have reached their maximum number of access terminals can reduce the likelihood of terminals discovering APs in the second frequency band, while increasing the likelihood of terminals discovering APs in the first frequency band, which helps guide terminals to access APs in the first frequency band.

[0223] It should be noted that the SSID of the first frequency band is the same as the SSID of the second frequency band. For example, as shown below... Figure 4 As shown in (b), in the user interface, the SSID of multiple frequency band APs that support 5GHz band preference is displayed as only one "ID123".

[0224] S704, the terminal initiates a connection to the access point of the first frequency band.

[0225] It should be noted that when the terminal supports parsing the first field, before the terminal initiates a connection, it can first parse at least two received messages. Based on the first field in the at least two messages, it can determine that the number of access points for the first frequency band has not reached the first threshold, and the number of access points for the second frequency band has reached the second threshold.

[0226] When the terminal supports parsing the first field, the terminal can determine to initiate a connection to the access point of the first frequency band by parsing the first field. Of course, the terminal can also determine to initiate a connection to the access point of the first frequency band by combining the message sending period and / or the message signal quality.

[0227] When the terminal does not support parsing the first field, it cannot directly determine whether to initiate a connection to the access point of the first frequency band by parsing the first field. In this case, the terminal needs to determine whether to initiate a connection to the access point of the first frequency band by the message transmission period and / or the message signal quality.

[0228] In one implementation, when the routing device sends a Probe Response message to the terminal, method 700 may include steps S701, S703, and S704.

[0229] S701, the terminal sends a request message, and the routing device receives the request message accordingly.

[0230] It should be noted that request messages can be sent via broadcast.

[0231] S703: The routing device sends the first message, and the terminal receives the first message accordingly.

[0232] It should be noted that the routing device sends the first packet but does not send the second packet. The routing device sends the first packet via unicast.

[0233] It should be noted that when the request message is a Probe Request message, the first and second messages are response messages to the request message; the first and second messages are Probe Response messages. The first message is sent by the routing device through the AP in the first frequency band, and the second message is sent by the routing device through the AP in the second frequency band.

[0234] In other words, after receiving a request message from a terminal, the routing device may send a Probe Response message through an AP that has reached its maximum number of access terminals, but it may also send a Probe Response message through an AP that has not reached its maximum number of access terminals.

[0235] For example, when the 5GHz band is fully occupied, the AP in the 5GHz band does not send a Probe Response message; when the 2.4GHz band is not fully occupied, the AP in the 2.4GHz band can send a Probe Response message.

[0236] In one implementation, before sending the first message, the routing device may add a first field to the first message. The first field in the first message is used to indicate that the number of access terminals in the first frequency band has not reached a first threshold.

[0237] S704, the terminal initiates a connection to the access point of the first frequency band.

[0238] Based on step S703, the routing device sends the first message through the first frequency band and the second message without using the second frequency band. The terminal will also receive the first message but will not receive the second message. The terminal can initiate a connection to the access point of the first frequency band based on the received first message.

[0239] The communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to multi-band routers that support the preferred 5GHz band. When the 5GHz band of the router is fully connected, by increasing the transmission period of the 5GHz band AP's transmission message, reducing the signal quality of the 5GHz band AP's transmission message, or adding a field to the router's transmission message to indicate whether the AP can be connected, the possibility of the terminal discovering (or scanning) the 5GHz band AP is reduced, and the terminal is guided to select other APs whose number of access terminals has not reached the maximum number, thus ensuring a good network experience for the user.

[0240] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of a routing device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 The routing device 800 shown may include a processor 810, a transceiver 820, and a memory 830. The processor 810, transceiver 820, and memory 830 are connected via internal interconnection. The memory 830 stores one or more programs, the processor 810 executes the one or more programs stored in the memory 830, and the transceiver 820 receives / sends messages. Optionally, the memory 830 may be coupled to the processor 810 via an interface or integrated with the processor 810.

[0241] It should be noted that the transceiver 820 mentioned above may include, but is not limited to, transceiver devices such as input / output interfaces, to realize communication between the routing device 800 and the terminal.

[0242] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuits in the hardware of the processor 810 or by instructions in software. The method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by the hardware processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory 830, and the processor 810 reads the information in memory 830 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are not provided here.

[0243] It should also be understood that, in embodiments of this application, the memory may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provides instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the processor may also include non-volatile random access memory.

[0244] This application provides a program product that, when run on a device, causes the device to execute the technical solutions described in the above embodiments. Its implementation principle and technical effects are similar to those of the related embodiments described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0245] This application provides a readable storage medium containing one or more programs. When these programs are run on a device, they cause the device to execute the technical solutions described in the above embodiments. The implementation principle and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0246] This application provides a chip for executing instructions. When the chip is running, it executes the technical solutions described in the above embodiments. Its implementation principle and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0247] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0248] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the above-described apparatus and unit (module) can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0249] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a routing device, the routing device comprising at least two frequency bands, the method comprising: Send at least two messages, which are used by the terminal to discover the routing device. The at least two messages include a first message and a second message, the at least two frequency bands include a first frequency band and a second frequency band, the first message corresponds to the first frequency band, the second message corresponds to the second frequency band, and the at least two messages include a first field. The first field of the first message is used to indicate that the number of access point terminals in the first frequency band has not reached a first threshold, and the first field of the second message is used to indicate that the number of access point terminals in the second frequency band has reached a second threshold. Before sending at least two messages, the method further includes: Reduce the signal quality of the second message.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, Before sending at least two messages, the method further includes: Increase the sending period of the second message; The sending of the at least two messages includes: The first message is sent in the first cycle, and The second message is sent in a second period, which is longer than the first period.

3. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a routing device, the routing device comprising at least two frequency bands, the method comprising: Receive request messages from the terminal; Send the first message, but do not send the second message; Wherein, the at least two frequency bands include a first frequency band and a second frequency band, the first message is a response message to the request message, the second message is a response message to the request message, the first message corresponds to the first frequency band, the second message corresponds to the second frequency band, the number of access point access terminals in the first frequency band has not reached a first threshold, and the number of access point access terminals in the second frequency band has reached a second threshold. Before sending the first message, the method further includes: A first field is added to the first message, which is used to indicate that the number of access terminals in the first frequency band has not reached the first threshold.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The request message is a broadcast message, and the first message is a unicast message.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The network name SSID of the first frequency band is the same as that of the network name SSID of the second frequency band.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal, and the method includes: The terminal receives at least two messages, which are used to discover routing devices, and the routing devices include at least two frequency bands. The at least two messages include a first message and a second message, the at least two frequency bands include a first frequency band and a second frequency band, the first message corresponds to the first frequency band, the second message corresponds to the second frequency band, the at least two messages include a first field, the first field of the first message is used to indicate that the number of access point terminals in the first frequency band has not reached a first threshold, the first field of the second message is used to indicate that the number of access point terminals in the second frequency band has reached a second threshold, wherein the signal quality of the second message is lower than the signal quality of the first message; A connection is initiated to the access point of the first frequency band based on the at least two messages.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission period of the second message is longer than that of the first message.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, When the terminal supports parsing the first field, before initiating a connection to the first frequency band based on the at least two messages, the method further includes: By parsing the at least two messages, it is determined that the number of access terminals in the first frequency band has not reached the first threshold, while the number of access terminals in the second frequency band has reached the second threshold.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal, and the method includes: Send a request message to a routing device, the routing device including at least two frequency bands, the at least two frequency bands including a first frequency band and a second frequency band; Receive a first message from the routing device, wherein a first field in the first message is used to indicate that the number of access terminals at the access point of the first frequency band has not reached a first threshold; Wherein, the first message is a response message to the request message, the first message corresponds to the first frequency band, the number of access point access terminals in the first frequency band has not reached the first threshold, and the number of access point access terminals in the second frequency band has reached the second threshold. Initiate a connection to the access point of the first frequency band based on the first message.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The request message is a broadcast message, and the first message is a unicast message.

11. The method according to any one of claims 6, 7, 9, or 10, characterized in that, The network name SSID of the first frequency band is the same as that of the network name SSID of the second frequency band.

12. A routing device, characterized in that, include: A transceiver is used to receive and send messages; Memory, used to store one or more programs; A processor for executing one or more programs stored in the memory to cause the routing device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

13. A terminal, characterized in that, include: A transceiver is used to receive and send messages; Memory, used to store programs; A processor for executing a program stored in memory to cause the terminal to perform the method as described in any one of claims 6 to 11.

14. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores one or more programs thereon, which, when executed by the device, cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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