Network distribution method and communication device

By introducing radar sensing functions into IoT devices, IoT devices can sense surrounding target objects and enter the distribution network state by themselves, solving the problem that users need to use additional operations to trigger the IoT device to enter the distribution network process, and achieving a simpler distribution network process and a better user experience.

CN119603745APending Publication Date: 2025-03-11HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202311163064.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-09-08
Publication Date
2025-03-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

During the wireless local area network (WLAN) distribution process of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, users need additional operations to trigger the IoT device to enter the distribution process, resulting in a poor user experience.

Method used

By introducing radar sensing functions into IoT devices, IoT devices can sense whether there are target objects that meet the conditions around by sending and receiving radar signals, and then enter the distribution network state by themselves, receive distribution network information of the access point AP in the wireless local area network, and send distribution network requests to the AP.

Benefits of technology

It reduces the difficulty of distribution network for IoT devices, simplifies distribution network process, improves user experience, and no longer requires users to participate in operations to trigger the IoT device to enter the distribution network state.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a network distribution method and a communication device, relates to the technical field of communication, and can reduce the network distribution difficulty of IoT (Internet of Things) equipment in a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) and improve the network distribution experience of a user on the IoT equipment in the WLAN. In a WLAN scene, a radar sensing mode is added to the STA, and if the STA senses that a target object satisfying a condition exists around the STA through a radar signal, the STA can enter a network distribution state and sends a network distribution request after receiving the network distribution information.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a network distribution method and a communication device. Background Art

[0002] The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network formed by combining various information sensing devices, such as radio frequency identification devices, infrared sensors, global positioning systems, laser scanners, etc., with the Internet. Its purpose is to connect all objects to the network for easy identification and management.

[0003] At present, in the scenario of applying wireless local area network (WLAN) to IoT, there are more and more IoT devices, and these IoT devices have the need for network configuration. For example, in the scenario where WLAN is Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity), the network configuration requirement is for the IoT device to connect to the router in Wi-Fi. However, since the IoT device does not know when the user wants to start the network configuration, the user often needs to perform additional operations to enable the IoT device to enter the network configuration process. For example, the user is required to use the "network configuration button" on the IoT device to trigger the IoT device to enter the network configuration process, which results in a poor user experience. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a network configuration method and a communication device, which can reduce the difficulty of network configuration of IoT devices in a WLAN and improve the user's network configuration experience of IoT devices in a WLAN.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the embodiment of the present application adopts the following technical solution.

[0006] In a first aspect, a network configuration method is provided, the method comprising: sending a radar signal; receiving an echo signal of the radar signal, the echo signal being used to sense whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around a station STA in a wireless local area network; receiving network configuration information of an access point AP in the wireless local area network when it is sensed that there is a target object that meets the conditions around the STA according to the echo signal; and sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP, the network configuration request being used by the STA to request to establish a connection with the AP.

[0007] This application can be executed by a STA in a WLAN. If the WLAN is applied in IoT, the STA can be an IoT device. In the case where the WLAN is WiFi, the network configuration information and network configuration request may include the WiFi name and WiFi password. The target object can be a person.

[0008] When WLAN is applied in IoT, compared with the prior art, users are required to participate in the operation to trigger the IoT device to enter the network configuration state, and the network configuration process is relatively complicated. In this application, the IoT device can determine whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around the IoT device through the radar sensing mode. Once it is determined that there is a first target object that meets the conditions around the IoT device, the network configuration information can be received, which is equivalent to the IoT device receiving the network configuration information when entering the network configuration state. In this way, the IoT device can send a network configuration request to the AP after receiving the network configuration information. This application does not require users to participate in the operation to trigger the IoT device to enter the network configuration state, and the network configuration process is relatively simple, which improves the user experience.

[0009] The following uses STA as an IoT device as an example.

[0010] In one possible design, the condition includes: the target object is within a first preset distance range of the STA; or, the condition includes: the duration of the target object's presence within the first preset distance range of the STA is greater than or equal to a first preset duration.

[0011] That is, if the IoT device determines that the first target object is within the first preset distance range of the IoT device based on the echo signal, or in other words, if the IoT device determines that the first target object exists within the first preset distance range of the IoT device based on the echo signal, the IoT device can enter the network configuration state to receive network configuration information. Alternatively, if the IoT device determines that the duration of the first target object's existence within the first preset distance range of the IoT device is greater than or equal to the first preset duration based on the echo signal, or in other words, if the IoT device determines that the first target object exists within the first preset distance range of the IoT device for the first preset duration based on the echo signal, the IoT device can enter the network configuration state to receive network configuration information. In this way, there is no need for the user to participate in triggering the IoT device to enter the network configuration state, the network configuration process is relatively simple, and the user experience is improved.

[0012] In one possible design, receiving network configuration information includes: when the STA turns on the promiscuous mode and cyclically scans the channel, receiving the network configuration information sent by the terminal device via broadcast or multicast, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP includes: when the promiscuous mode is turned off, sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP.

[0013] The network configuration method in this design can be called one-click network configuration. Once the IoT device determines the existence of the first target object that meets the conditions through the radar sensing mode, it can enter the network configuration state, that is, enter the promiscuous mode, and cyclically scan the channels. If the network configuration information is received during the cyclic scanning of the channel, the IoT device can perform network configuration after exiting the promiscuous mode. In this way, in this one-click network configuration method, the user does not need to participate in triggering the IoT device to enter the promiscuous mode, the network configuration process is relatively simple, and the user experience is improved.

[0014] In one possible design, receiving network configuration information includes: when the STA turns on the hotspot and the terminal device is connected to the hotspot, receiving the network configuration information sent by the terminal device, and the terminal device is connected to the AP before connecting to the hotspot; sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP includes: when the hotspot is turned off, sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP.

[0015] The network configuration method in this design can be called hotspot configuration. Once the IoT device determines the existence of a first target object that meets the conditions through the radar sensing mode, it can enter the network configuration state, that is, turn on the IoT device hotspot. If after the hotspot is turned on, a terminal device with a third-party APP installed on the IoT device is connected to the hotspot, the IoT device can receive the network configuration information sent by the terminal device, and the IoT device can turn off the hotspot and then perform network configuration. In this way, in this hotspot configuration method, users do not need to participate in triggering the IoT device to turn on the hotspot, and the network configuration process is relatively simple, which improves the user experience.

[0016] In one possible design, receiving network configuration information includes: when the STA turns on low-power Bluetooth and the terminal device establishes a Bluetooth connection with the STA, receiving the network configuration information sent by the terminal device, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP includes: when the low-power Bluetooth is turned off, sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP.

[0017] The network configuration method in this design can be called BLE network configuration. Once the IoT device determines the existence of the first target object that meets the conditions through the radar sensing mode, it can enter the network configuration state, that is, turn on the BLE of the IoT device. If BLE is turned on, the terminal device with a third-party APP installed on the IoT device establishes a Bluetooth connection with the IoT device, the IoT device can receive the network configuration information sent by the terminal device, and the IoT device can turn off BLE and then perform network configuration. In this way, in this BLE network configuration method, the user does not need to participate in triggering the IoT device to turn on BLE, the network configuration process is relatively simple, and the user experience is improved.

[0018] In one possible design, the method further includes: in a case where the network configuration information is not received, when the presence of a target object within a second preset distance range of the STA is continuously sensed within a second preset time period, monitoring whether the network configuration information is received.

[0019] Exemplarily, if the IoT device senses the existence of a target object that meets the conditions and enters the network configuration state, such as entering the promiscuous mode / turning on the hotspot / BLE, if the network configuration information has not been received from the terminal device of the third-party APP installed with the IoT device for a period of time, the IoT device can continue to send radar signals and receive echo radar signals to determine whether there is a target object within the second preset distance range of the STA continuously sensed within the second preset time. If the first target object is continuously sensed within the second preset distance range of the STA within the second preset time, the IoT device can continue to monitor whether the network configuration information is received. If the IoT device continuously senses the absence of a target object within the second preset distance range of the STA within the second preset time, the IoT device can exit the network configuration state, such as exiting the promiscuous mode / turning off the hotspot / BLE, to save power consumption of the IoT device.

[0020] In a second aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a first channel, used to send a radar signal through a first antenna; a second channel, used to receive an echo signal of the radar signal through a second antenna, the echo signal being used to sense whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around a station STA of a wireless local area network; the first channel or the second channel is also used to receive network configuration information of an access point AP in the wireless local area network through the first antenna when it is sensed that there is a first target object that meets the conditions around the STA according to the echo signal; the first channel is also used to send a network configuration request to the AP through the first antenna according to the network configuration information, and the network configuration request is used for the STA to request to establish a connection with the AP.

[0021] In one possible design, the condition includes: the target object is within a first preset distance range of the STA; or, the condition includes: the duration of the target object's presence within the first preset distance range of the STA is greater than or equal to a first preset duration.

[0022] In one possible design, the first channel or the second channel is used to receive the network configuration information sent by the terminal device through broadcast or multicast through the first antenna when the STA turns on the promiscuous mode and cyclically scans the channels, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; the first channel is used to: when the promiscuous mode is turned off, send a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP through the first antenna.

[0023] In one possible design, the first channel or the second channel is used for: when the STA turns on the hotspot and the terminal device is connected to the hotspot, the network configuration information sent by the terminal device is received through the first antenna, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; the first channel is used for: when the hotspot is turned off, sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP through the first antenna.

[0024] In one possible design, the first channel or the second channel is used for: when the STA turns on the low-power Bluetooth and the terminal device establishes a Bluetooth connection with the STA, the network configuration information sent by the terminal device is received through the first antenna, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; the first channel is used for: when the low-power Bluetooth is turned off, sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP through the first antenna.

[0025] In one possible design, the first channel or the second channel is also used to: when no network configuration information is received, when the presence of a target object within a second preset distance range of the STA is continuously sensed within a second preset time period, monitor whether the network configuration information is received.

[0026] In a third aspect, a chip is provided, which is coupled to a memory and is used to read and execute program instructions stored in the memory to implement the method described in the first aspect or any one of the first aspects.

[0027] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which is included in an electronic device, and has the function of implementing the behavior of the electronic device in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation methods. The function can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. For example, a receiving module or unit, a sending module or unit, etc.

[0028] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, including an antenna, one or more processors, and one or more memories. The one or more memories are coupled to the one or more processors, and the one or more memories are used to store computer program codes, and the computer program codes include computer instructions. When the one or more processors execute the computer instructions, the electronic device executes the network configuration method in the first aspect and any possible implementation.

[0029] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, comprising computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the network configuration method in the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible implementation method.

[0030] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product. When the computer program product runs on a communication device, the communication device executes the network configuration method in the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible implementation method.

[0031] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a system, which may include a STA in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects, and also includes an access point and a terminal device. The STA may execute the network configuration method in the above first aspect and any possible implementation.

[0032] It can be understood that any of the communication devices, STAs, chips, computer-readable storage media or computer program products provided above can be applied to the corresponding methods provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here.

[0033] These and other aspects of the present application will become more apparent from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network architecture for configuring a network for IoT devices when a WLAN communication system is applied to IoT according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a one-key network configuration process for an IoT device in a WLAN communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a process for performing device hotspot network configuration on an IoT device in a WLAN communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a process for performing BLE network configuration on an IoT device in a WLAN communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of a network distribution method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a process for an IoT device in a WLAN to enter a network configuration process provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a first chip and a second chip provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means or, for example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" in this article is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present application, "multiple" means two or more than two.

[0046] In the following, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0047] An embodiment of the present application provides a wireless local area network (WLNA) communication system, including an access point (AP) and a station (STA).

[0048] The AP may be a wireless hub or router for providing wireless network access services, and may serve as an access point for a STA to enter a wired Ethernet backbone.

[0049] STA is a device with wireless transceiver function. For example, STA can be a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. STA can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle to everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of things (IOT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, automatic driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wear, smart transportation, smart city, etc. STA can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, wearable device, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, ship, robot, robotic arm, smart home device, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by STA.

[0050] At present, WLAN communication systems can be applied in the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT, also known as the sensor network, is simply the extension of the Internet from people to things. Specifically, IoT refers to a huge network formed by combining various information sensor devices, such as radio frequency identification devices, infrared sensors, global positioning systems, laser scanners, etc. with the Internet. Its purpose is to connect all objects to the network for easy identification and management.

[0051] When the WLAN communication system is applied in IoT, the above STA can also be called IoT device. As more and more IoT devices are used in the WLAN communication system, these IoT devices have the need for network configuration. Figure 1 The figure shows a schematic diagram of a network architecture 10 for configuring a network for IoT devices when a WLAN communication system is applied in IoT. The network architecture includes an AP 101 and a terminal device 102 in the WLAN communication system, and also includes IoT devices that can access the AP after configuring the network, such as a printer 103 and a projector 104. An application (application, APP) for communicating with IoT devices can be installed on the terminal device. The terminal device and the IoT device are both STAs in the WLAN communication system. After accessing the AP, the terminal device can generate network configuration information for IoT device configuration. The terminal device can send network configuration information to the IoT device by broadcasting or establishing a connection with the IoT device.

[0052] Although IoT devices have the need for network configuration, because IoT devices do not know when users want to start network configuration, users of terminal devices are often required to perform additional operations to enter the network configuration process of IoT devices, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0053] Here are three current processes for configuring IoT devices in a WLAN communication system, including one-click configuration, device hotspot configuration, and Bluetooth low energy (BLE) configuration.

[0054] like Figure 2 The figure shows a schematic diagram of a one-key network configuration process for an IoT device in a WLAN communication system, including the following processes.

[0055] 21. The user triggers the IoT device to enter the network configuration process.

[0056] For example, when the user operates the IoT device to power on again, it is equivalent to triggering the "network configuration button" of the IoT device, and the IoT device enters the network configuration state. Alternatively, there is an actual network configuration button in the IoT device, and after the user operates the network configuration button, the IoT device is triggered to enter the network configuration state.

[0057] At this point, the IoT device can enter promiscuous mode. Promiscuous mode means that a device can receive all data streams passing through the device's network card, regardless of whether the destination address is the device's address. Promiscuous mode is relative to normal mode (also known as "non-promiscuous mode").

[0058] 22. After entering the promiscuous mode, the IoT device scans the channels in a loop.

[0059] 23. The user operates on the terminal device and, if you choose to connect to a router, enter the WLAN password on the terminal device to access the router.

[0060] 24. A third-party APP of the IoT device is installed on the terminal device. The APP can generate an encrypted message based on the key agreed upon in the network configuration. The message includes the WLAN name and WLAN password.

[0061] 25. When the user operates on the terminal device and triggers the terminal device to start configuring the IoT device, the terminal device sends the above message via broadcast or multicast.

[0062] 26. IoT devices can receive broadcast or multicast messages from terminal devices while cyclically scanning channels.

[0063] 27. The IoT device decrypts the message and obtains the WLAN name and WLAN password.

[0064] 28. The IoT device exits promiscuous mode.

[0065] 29. The IoT device sends a network configuration request to the router in the WLAN, which includes the WLAN name and password. In this way, when the router successfully verifies, the IoT device is connected to the WLAN, and the IoT device network configuration is completed.

[0066] like Figure 3 The figure shows a process diagram of performing device hotspot network configuration on an IoT device in a WLAN communication system, including the following processes.

[0067] 31. The user triggers the IoT device to enter the network configuration process.

[0068] For example, when the user operates the IoT device to power on again, it is equivalent to triggering the "network configuration button" of the IoT device, and the IoT device enters the network configuration state. Alternatively, there is an actual network configuration button in the IoT device, and after the user operates the network configuration button, the IoT device is triggered to enter the network configuration state.

[0069] 32. IoT device turns on hotspot.

[0070] 33. The IoT device broadcasts hotspot information, and the terminal device receives the hotspot information broadcast by the IoT device.

[0071] 34. The user operates on the terminal device and, if you choose to connect to a router, enter the WLAN password on the terminal device to access the router.

[0072] 35. A third-party APP of the IoT device is installed on the terminal device. The APP can generate an encrypted message based on the key agreed upon in the network configuration. The message includes the WLAN name and WLAN password.

[0073] 36. The user operates on the terminal device, the terminal device disconnects from the router, and selects the hotspot to connect to the IoT device.

[0074] 37. When the user operates on the terminal device and triggers the terminal device to start assisting the IoT device in network configuration, the terminal device sends a message to the IoT device, and the message includes network configuration information, that is, the WLAN name and WLAN password.

[0075] 38. When the IoT device successfully decrypts the message, it sends a response to the terminal device.

[0076] 39. After the IoT device turns off the hotspot, it sends a network configuration request to the router in the WLAN. The network configuration request includes the WLAN name and password. In this way, when the router verifies successfully, the IoT device is connected to the WLAN, and the IoT device network configuration is completed.

[0077] like Figure 4 The figure shows a schematic diagram of a process of performing BLE network configuration on an IoT device in a WLAN communication system, including the following processes.

[0078] 41. The user triggers the IoT device to enter the network configuration process.

[0079] For example, when the user operates the IoT device to power on again, it is equivalent to triggering the "network configuration button" of the IoT device, and the IoT device enters the network configuration state. Alternatively, there is an actual network configuration button in the IoT device, and after the user operates the network configuration button, the IoT device is triggered to enter the network configuration state.

[0080] 42. The IoT device turns on BLE and starts trying to configure the network.

[0081] 43. IoT devices send broadcast messages through BLE. Broadcast messages are used to indicate that devices that have not been networked are ready for network configuration.

[0082] 44. When the terminal device receives the broadcast message sent via BLE, it determines that there is an IoT device that needs to be networked. The user can operate on the terminal device, and when choosing to connect to a router, enter the WLAN password on the terminal device to access the router.

[0083] 45. A third-party APP of the IoT device is installed on the terminal device. The APP can generate an encrypted message according to the key agreed upon in the network configuration. The message includes the WLAN name and WLAN password.

[0084] 46. ​​The user selects the IoT device as a BLE device on the terminal device, and the terminal device establishes a BLE connection with the IoT device.

[0085] 47. When the user operates on the terminal device and triggers the terminal device to start assisting the IoT device in network configuration, the terminal device sends the above message to the IoT device.

[0086] 48. When the IoT device successfully decrypts the message, it sends a response message to the terminal device.

[0087] 49. After the IoT device turns off BLE, it sends a network configuration request to the router in the WLAN. The network configuration request includes the WLAN name and password. In this way, when the router verifies successfully, the IoT device is connected to the WLAN, and the IoT device network configuration is completed.

[0088] The terminal device may be, for example, a mobile phone. Of course, the way of configuring the IoT device for networking is not limited to the above three ways, and other ways may also be used.

[0089] As can be seen from the above, the network configuration process of IoT devices mainly depends on the timing of turning on / off promiscuous mode, hotspot or BLE of IoT devices.

[0090] Usually, when an IoT device is powered on for the first time, it will remain in the network configuration state for a period of time. In the above three network configuration methods, the user can omit the operation of triggering the network configuration state through the "network configuration button". The IoT device will automatically turn on the promiscuous mode, hotspot or BLE to enter the network configuration state. However, after this period of time, if the IoT device turns off the promiscuous mode, hotspot or BLE when the user opens the APP corresponding to the IoT device, if the IoT device wants to re-enter the network configuration state, the user can either power off the IoT device and then power it on again, or the user can trigger the IoT device to enter the network configuration state through the "network configuration button" on the IoT device. In some scenarios, the installation location of the IoT device makes it difficult to execute this method of entering the network configuration state, and it requires user participation, making the network configuration process difficult to implement.

[0091] Therefore, an embodiment of the present application proposes a network configuration method, in which a radar sensing function can be added to the IoT device when the WLAN communication system and the IoT are combined. Considering that radar signals can be used for perception, the IoT device in the present application can sense through radar whether there are target objects that meet the conditions around the IoT device. If there are target objects that meet the conditions around the IoT device, the IoT device can enter the network configuration state by itself, such as turning on the promiscuous mode, hotspot or BLE to enter the network configuration state. In this way, there is no need for users to manually participate in triggering the IoT device to enter the network configuration state, and the network configuration process of the IoT device is relatively simple, which reduces the difficulty of network configuration of the IoT device.

[0092] Application Figure 1 When the WLNA communication system shown in the figure is used, the communication signal in the embodiment of the present application can be called a wireless fidelity (WiFi) service frame. In addition, the solution of the embodiment of the present application can also be applied to Bluetooth, radio frequency identification, Zigbee, high performance wireless local area network (local area network, LNA) (high performance radio LNA, HIPERLNA), personal area network (personal area network, PAN) or other networks known now or developed in the future, etc., without limitation. The communication signal here can be, for example, a network configuration request or network configuration information.

[0093] Some possible implementation methods of the present application are introduced below.

[0094] like Figure 5 The figure shows a flow chart of a network distribution method, which includes the following process.

[0095] 501. STA sends a radar signal.

[0096] The radar signal sent by the STA may be sent periodically when the STA is powered on but not configured with a network.

[0097] The following uses the scenario of WLAN combined with IoT, where STA is an IoT device, as an example.

[0098] For example, after the IoT device is powered on, it is in the network configuration state for a period of time, but no network configuration information is received during this period of time, and the IoT device exits the network configuration state. After the IoT device exits the network configuration state, the STA can sense the objects around the IoT device through the radar perception function.

[0099] The above network configuration status may be that the IoT device is in promiscuous mode, or the hotspot is turned on, or the BLE is turned on.

[0100] In some embodiments, the IoT device may include a communication device that can perform WiFi communication, BLE communication, and radar communication. The communication device may be a chip.

[0101] Among them, radar uses radio methods to detect targets and determine their spatial positions. Therefore, radar is also called "radio positioning". Radar is an electronic device that uses electromagnetic waves to detect targets. Radar emits electromagnetic waves to illuminate the target and receives its echo, thereby obtaining information such as the distance from the target to the electromagnetic wave emission point, the rate of change of distance (radial velocity), azimuth, and altitude. The typical frequency band occupied by radar signals is from 500 MHz to 18 GHz.

[0102] 502. The STA receives an echo signal of the radar signal. The echo signal is used to sense whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around the STA in the WLAN.

[0103] When the STA receives the echo of the radar signal from multiple objects around the STA, i.e., the echo signal, it analyzes the echo signal to determine whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around the STA. The type of the object in the target object here is a person, that is, it determines whether there is a person that meets the conditions around the STA.

[0104] In some embodiments, the condition includes the target object being within a first preset distance range of the STA. That is, the STA senses whether there is a person within the first preset distance range of the STA based on the echo signal. For example, the first preset distance range is 1 meter, 1.5 meters, or 2 meters, etc., or other values, which are not limited in this application. For example, the STA senses that there is a person within 1 meter of the IoT device based on the echo signal, and determines that there is a person who meets the condition around the STA.

[0105] Alternatively, the condition includes: the duration of the target object's presence within the first preset distance range of the STA is greater than or equal to the first preset duration. That is, the STA senses whether there is a person within the first preset distance range of the STA based on the echo signal, and the duration of the person's presence within the first preset distance range is greater than or equal to the first preset duration. For example, the first preset duration is 8 seconds, 9 seconds, or 10 seconds, etc., or other values, which are not limited in this application. For example, the STA senses that there is a person within 1 meter of the IoT device for 8 seconds based on the echo signal, and determines that there are people who meet the conditions around the STA.

[0106] 503. When it is sensed according to the echo signal that there is a first target object satisfying the condition around the STA, the STA receives network configuration information of an AP in the wireless local area network.

[0107] In some embodiments, if the IoT device senses that there is a first target object that meets the conditions around the STA according to the echo signal, the IoT device may enter a network configuration state so that the IoT device receives network configuration information of the AP in the WLAN.

[0108] In some embodiments, receiving the network configuration information includes: when the STA turns on the promiscuous mode and cyclically scans the channels, receiving the network configuration information sent by the terminal device through broadcast or multicast, and the terminal device is connected to the AP.

[0109] For example, taking the AP as a router in a WLAN, when the IoT device senses the existence of a first target object that meets the conditions around the IoT device based on the echo signal, the IoT device enters the promiscuous mode and cyclically scans the channel. If the terminal device and the IoT device are both within the WiFi coverage of the router, and a third-party APP of the IoT device is installed on the terminal device, after the terminal device is connected to the router under the user's operation, the terminal device can broadcast / multicast the network configuration information of the router. At this time, the IoT device can receive the network configuration information sent by the terminal device through broadcast / multicast.

[0110] In some embodiments, receiving the network configuration information includes: when the STA turns on the hotspot and the terminal device is connected to the hotspot, receiving the network configuration information sent by the terminal device, and the terminal device is connected to the AP before connecting to the hotspot.

[0111] Exemplarily, taking the AP as a router in a WLAN, when the IoT device senses the existence of a first target object that meets the conditions around the IoT device based on the echo signal, the IoT device turns on the hotspot. If the terminal device and the IoT device are both within the WiFi coverage of the router, and a third-party APP of the IoT device is installed on the terminal device, after the terminal device is connected to the router under the operation of the user, an encrypted message can be generated, and the message includes the WiFi name and WiFi password of the router. Then, the terminal device disconnects the WiFi connection with the router and chooses to connect to the hotspot of the IoT device. At this time, the user can operate on the APP of the terminal device to trigger the terminal device to send the above message to the IoT device. The message includes network configuration information, that is, the WiFi name and WiFi password.

[0112] In some embodiments, receiving the network configuration information includes: when the STA turns on low-power Bluetooth and the terminal device establishes a Bluetooth connection with the STA, receiving the network configuration information sent by the terminal device, and the terminal device is connected to the AP.

[0113] Exemplarily, taking the AP as a router in a WLAN, when the IoT device senses the existence of a first target object that meets the conditions around the IoT device based on the echo signal, the IoT device turns on BLE, and the IoT device can broadcast BLE information for Bluetooth connection. If the terminal device and the IoT device are both within the WiFi coverage of the router, and a third-party APP of the IoT device is installed on the terminal device, after the terminal device is connected to the router under the operation of the user, an encrypted message can be generated, and the message includes the WiFi name and WiFi password of the router. Then, the terminal device can establish a Bluetooth connection with the IoT device based on the BLE information broadcast by the IoT device, and send the message to the IoT device via Bluetooth. The message includes network configuration information, that is, the WiFi name and WiFi password.

[0114] Of course, the present application does not limit the IoT device to enter the network configuration state in the above three ways, and it can also be other network configuration states.

[0115] 504. The STA sends a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP. The network configuration request is used by the STA to request to establish a connection with the AP.

[0116] In some embodiments, if the IoT device receives the network configuration information in the promiscuous mode, when the IoT device successfully decrypts the message to obtain the network configuration information, sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP includes: when the promiscuous mode is turned off, sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP.

[0117] In this way, for users, no additional actions are required to trigger the IoT device to enter the network configuration state. The entire network configuration process of the IoT device is to enter the promiscuous mode autonomously with the appearance of the user and when the conditions are met, and start the network configuration process. The network configuration process of IoT devices in WLAN is simpler.

[0118] In some embodiments, if the IoT device receives the network configuration information when the hotspot is turned on, when the IoT device successfully decrypts the message to obtain the network configuration information, sending a network configuration request determined based on the network configuration information to the AP includes: when the hotspot is turned off, sending a network configuration request determined based on the network configuration information to the AP.

[0119] Similarly, for users, no additional actions are required to trigger the IoT device to enter the network configuration state. The entire network configuration process of the IoT device starts with the appearance of the user and the autonomous opening of the IoT device's hotspot when the conditions are met. The network configuration process of IoT devices in WLAN is simpler.

[0120] In some embodiments, if the IoT device receives the network configuration information when BLE is turned on, when the IoT device successfully decrypts the message to obtain the network configuration information, sending a network configuration request determined based on the network configuration information to the AP includes: when BLE is turned off, sending a network configuration request determined based on the network configuration information to the AP.

[0121] Similarly, for users, no additional actions are required to trigger the IoT device to enter the network configuration state. The entire network configuration process of the IoT device starts with the appearance of the user and the autonomous turning on of the BLE of the IoT device when the conditions are met. The network configuration process of IoT devices in WLAN is simpler.

[0122] In some embodiments, if the IoT device is in a network configuration state, when the network configuration information is not received, when the first target object is continuously sensed to exist within the second preset distance range of the IoT device within the second preset time period, it is monitored whether the network configuration information is received. That is, if the IoT device is in a network configuration state and attempts to receive network configuration information, if the network configuration information is not received for a period of time, it can continue to send radar signals and receive echo signals, and determine whether the existence of a person within the second preset distance range of the STA is continuously sensed within the second preset time period according to the echo signals. If it is determined that there is a person within the second preset distance range of the STA within the second preset time period, it continues to determine whether the network configuration information is received. If it is determined that there is no person within the second preset distance range of the STA within the second preset time period, the network configuration state can be exited, for example, the promiscuous mode can be exited or the hotspot can be turned off or the BLE can be turned off to save power consumption of the IoT device.

[0123] The following is an example of the process of IoT devices entering the network configuration process.

[0124] like Figure 6 The figure shows a flow chart of an IoT device in a WLAN entering a network configuration process, which includes the following processes.

[0125] 601. If the IoT device does not receive network configuration information within a period of time after being powered on, the radar sensing mode is started.

[0126] 602. The IoT device sends a radar signal and receives an echo signal of the radar signal, and determines whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around the IoT device according to the echo signal. If it is determined that there is, step 603 is executed, and if it is determined that there is no target object, step 602 is continued.

[0127] Here, the IoT device may periodically send radar signals and receive echo signals, so that the IoT device may determine whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around the IoT device based on the echo signals received multiple times.

[0128] 603. The IoT device enters the network configuration state.

[0129] Exemplarily, entering the network configuration state may be that the IoT device turns on the promiscuous mode, turns on the hotspot, or turns on BLE.

[0130] 604. The IoT device determines whether the network configuration information is received. If the network configuration information is received, execute step 605; if the network configuration information is not received, execute step 606.

[0131] 605. The IoT device exits the network configuration state and sends a network configuration request to the router.

[0132] Exemplarily, exiting the network configuration state may be that the IoT device turns off the promiscuous mode, or turns off the hotspot, or turns off BLE.

[0133] 606. The IoT device determines whether the target object is continuously sensed within the second preset distance range of the IoT device within the second preset time. If it is determined that the first target object is continuously sensed within the second preset distance range of the IoT device within the second preset time, execute step 604. If it is determined that the target object is continuously sensed within the second preset distance range of the IoT device within the second preset time, execute step 607.

[0134] Exemplarily, if when executing step 604, it is determined that the network configuration information has not been received when the time for executing the cyclic channel scan reaches the third preset time, the IoT device continues to periodically send radar signals and receive echo signals. It is determined based on the echo signal whether the presence of a target object within the second preset distance range of the IoT device is continuously sensed within the second preset time length. The second preset time length may be the same as or different from the above-mentioned first preset time length. The second preset distance range may be the same as or different from the above-mentioned first preset distance range.

[0135] 607. The IoT device exits the network configuration state. The IoT device continues to execute step 602.

[0136] That is, when the IoT device determines that there is no one within the second preset distance range of the STA for a second preset time period, the IoT device may consider that network configuration is not required at this time and exit the network configuration state to save power consumption of the IoT device.

[0137] Exemplarily, exiting the network configuration state may be that the IoT device turns off the promiscuous mode, turns off the hotspot, or turns off BLE.

[0138] In this way, IoT devices can enter or exit the network configuration state in radar sensing mode, avoiding user participation in triggering the IoT device to enter the network configuration state, and the network configuration process of IoT devices is relatively simple to implement.

[0139] By applying the above-mentioned network configuration method, the embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which can be applied to communication equipment. Taking the scheme in the embodiment of the present application, applied to the WLNA communication system as an example, the communication device can be a STA, or in the scenario of WLAN combined with IoT, the communication device can be an IoT device. The communication device in the embodiment of the present application can be a circuit system, a circuit board, or a chip, etc., which is not limited by the present application. Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 70, wherein the communication device 70 includes:

[0140] The first channel is used to send radar signals through the first antenna 701.

[0141] For example, the first channel may be connected to the first antenna 701, and the first channel may send a communication signal or a radar signal through the first antenna 701. The radar signal may be referred to as a radar frame, and the communication signal may be referred to as a communication service frame, and the communication signal may be a network configuration request in the present application.

[0142] The second channel is used to receive the echo signal of the radar signal through the second antenna 702, and the echo signal is used to sense whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around the STA of the WLAN.

[0143] For example, the second channel is connected to the second antenna 702, and the second channel can receive the echo signal through the second antenna 702. The echo signal is used to sense whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around the IoT device of the WLAN.

[0144] The first channel or the second channel is also used to receive the network configuration information of the AP of the WLAN through the first antenna 701 when it is sensed that there is a first target object that meets the conditions around the STA according to the echo signal.

[0145] For example, when the IoT device of the WLAN senses that there is a first target object that meets the conditions around the IoT device based on the echo signal, the IoT device receives the network configuration information of the AP in the WLAN sent by the terminal device in the WLAN through the first antenna 701.

[0146] The first channel is also used to send a network configuration request to the AP through the first antenna 701 according to the network configuration information. The network configuration request is used by the STA to request to establish a connection with the AP.

[0147] In some embodiments, the communication device 70 further includes a clock circuit, which is connected to the first channel and the second channel, and is used to provide a reference clock for the first channel and the second channel.

[0148] In one implementation, the clock circuit may be a crystal oscillator, which provides reference clocks for both the first channel and the second channel, thereby ensuring that the clocks of the two channels are consistent.

[0149] In the embodiment of the present application, the first channel or the second channel can receive the communication signal. For example, when the communication signal is network configuration information, the first channel can receive the network configuration information through the first antenna 701, as described in the following embodiment 1. Alternatively, the second channel can receive the network configuration information through the first antenna 701, as described in the following embodiment 2.

[0150] In one design, the first channel and the second channel can communicate with each other. For example, the first channel and the second channel can be connected through at least one general-purpose input / output (GPIO) port, which can be referred to as an input / output (I / O) port. The first channel and the second channel can communicate with each other through the GPIO port. In one implementation, when the first channel sends a radar signal through the first antenna 701, it can send an indication message to the second channel, and the indication message can indicate that the second channel receives an echo signal of the radar signal. When the second channel receives the indication message, it can start receiving the echo signal. In one implementation, the second channel can be in a dormant state when the indication message is not received. When the indication message is received, it can wake itself up and receive the echo signal, thereby saving energy consumption of the second channel.

[0151] In the embodiment of the present application, when the second channel receives the echo signal, it can analyze and / or process the received echo signal, obtain and output the perception result, that is, whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around the IoT device. Alternatively, the second channel can report the received echo signal to other devices, and the other devices can analyze and / or process the echo signal, obtain and output the perception result.

[0152] From the above description, it can be seen that: the first channel is used to send a network configuration request and a radar signal. Optionally, the first channel can also be used to receive a communication signal, such as receiving network configuration information. The second channel is used to receive an echo signal. In an embodiment of the present application, the first channel can work in a communication state and a sensing state in a time-division manner.

[0153] When the first channel is in the communication state, the first channel can send a network configuration request. Furthermore, the first channel can also receive a communication signal. When the first channel is in the sensing state, the first channel can send a radar signal.

[0154] Optionally, before sending the network configuration request, the first channel also includes: the first channel sends a control signal, and the control signal is used to notify other communication devices that the first channel occupies the wireless channel. Taking the solution in the embodiment of the present application applied to the WLNA communication system as an example, the control signal can be a self-clear to send (Self-CTS) frame in the standard 802.11. The Self-CTS frame is a control signal specified by the 802.11 protocol, and the control signal can be used to clear the channel. In the embodiment of the present application, the first channel and the second channel can operate in an unlicensed frequency band, and different communication devices can occupy the wireless channel through air interface competition. If the first channel directly sends a radar signal, it may not be recognized by other communication devices, which may cause conflicts between signals and affect the radar perception performance. In the embodiment of the present application, before sending the radar signal, the first channel can first send a control signal to notify other communication devices of the wireless channel it wants to occupy. Optionally, the first channel can also notify other communication devices of the time it occupies the wireless channel through a control signal, and this time can be called the first time. For example, in one implementation, the control signal may include a first field, and the first field includes indication information of the first time. The first field may be a network allocation vector (NAV) field, etc.

[0155] Through the above design, the communication device 70 can realize the communication function and the perception function at the same time, realizing the integration of the communication function and the perception function. At the same time, in the relevant design of the communication device 70, the perception result is obtained by analyzing and / or processing the echo signal to determine whether to enter the network configuration state, avoiding the user's participation in triggering the IoT device to enter the network configuration state, and the network configuration process of the IoT device is relatively simple.

[0156] Implementation Method 1

[0157] In one design, the first channel includes a first chip, and the second channel includes a second chip. In one description, the description of "first channel" in the foregoing text can be replaced by "first chip", and the description of "second channel" in the foregoing text can be replaced by "second chip".

[0158] In the first embodiment, a communication device 70 is provided, and the communication device 70 can be applied to a circuit board. For example, the communication device 70 can be a part of the circuit board, that is, the circuit board includes Figure 8 In addition to the communication device 70 shown, other components may also be included. Alternatively, the communication device 70 may be equivalent to a circuit board, etc., that is, Figure 8The communication device 70 shown may be a specific implementation of a circuit board. The circuit board in the embodiment of the present application includes but is not limited to a printed circuit board (PCB). Figure 8 It is a circuit diagram of a communication device 70, which includes a first chip, a second chip and a clock circuit.

[0159] The first chip can send communication signals, receive communication signals, send radar signals, etc. through the first antenna 701. Optionally, the first chip can be called a chip for wireless communication and sending radar signals.

[0160] In one implementation, the first chip may be connected to the first antenna 701. The first chip may send a network configuration request or a radar signal to the first antenna 701, and the first antenna 701 may send the network configuration request or the radar signal to the outside through the air interface. The first antenna 701 may receive network configuration information through the air interface, and the first antenna 701 may send the received network configuration information to the first chip, etc.

[0161] The second chip may receive the echo signal through the second antenna 702. Optionally, the second chip may be referred to as a chip for receiving the echo signal.

[0162] The clock circuit is connected to the first chip and the second chip respectively, and is used to provide a reference clock signal for the first chip and the second chip so that the clocks of the first chip and the second chip are kept synchronized.

[0163] In one implementation, the clock circuit may be a crystal oscillator.

[0164] Optionally, the first chip may be connected to the second chip, and the first chip and the second chip may communicate with each other. For example, when the first chip sends a radar signal through the first antenna 701, it may send an indication message to the second chip, and the indication message may instruct the second chip to receive an echo signal of the radar signal. After receiving the indication message, the second chip may start receiving the echo signal. In one implementation, the first chip and the second chip are connected via at least one GPIO port.

[0165] In an embodiment of the present application, the first chip may first work in a sensing state. When a qualified target object is sensed, it may work in a communication state. When the first chip works in a communication state, the first chip may send a communication signal and / or receive a communication signal. When the first chip works in a sensing state, the first chip may send a radar signal. The communication signal sent may be a network configuration request, and the received communication signal may be network configuration information received when working in a promiscuous mode or when a hotspot or BLE is turned on.

[0166] It can be understood that the principle of perception can be: the first chip sends a radar signal, the radar signal reaches the target object, the radar signal is reflected by the target object, the second chip receives the reflected echo signal, and the second chip or other devices analyze and / or process the received echo signal to determine the perception result. The perception result includes but is not limited to: identifying the target object and / or locating the target object, etc. The positioning of the target object includes at least one of the following: determining the distance to the target object, the moving speed of the target object, or the moving angle of the target object. In the embodiment of the present application, a radar perception process can be defined as: a radar process that can obtain a perception result.

[0167] In an embodiment of the present application, the first chip sends a radar signal. At this time, the first chip sends an instruction message to the second chip to instruct the second chip to start receiving the echo signal of the radar signal. The second chip receives the echo signal. The second chip or other devices usually need to perform comprehensive processing and / or analysis on the echo signals received multiple times to obtain the perception result. For example, the second chip or other devices need to perform comprehensive processing and / or processing on 10 received echo signals to obtain the perception result.

[0168] In an embodiment of the present application, when the first chip works in a communication state, the first chip needs to support sending or receiving communication signals. When the first chip works in a sensing state, the first chip needs to support sending radar signals. Therefore, in an embodiment of the present application, the first chip needs to support both sending and receiving. That is, the first chip can be configured as a transmitting path, or can be configured as a receiving path. The first chip supports switching between the transmitting path and the receiving path.

[0169] In one design, Fig. 9 (a) is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first chip, which includes at least one of the following components: a transmitter (TX) baseband processor, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a low pass filter (LPF), a first mixer, a power amplifier (PA), a switch 91 (SW), a low noise amplifier (LNA), a second mixer, a radio frequency (RF) phase locking loop (PLL), an analog to digital converter (ADC), or a receiver (RX) baseband processor, etc.

[0170] It can be understood that the switch 91 in the first chip includes three terminals, the first terminal a is connected to the first antenna 701, the second terminal b is connected to the PA in the transmission path, and the third terminal c is connected to the LNA in the reception path. When the first terminal a is connected to the second terminal b, it means that the first chip is configured as a transmission path, and a communication signal or a radar signal can be sent through the first antenna. When the first terminal a is connected to the third terminal c, it means that the first chip is configured as a reception path, and a communication signal can be received through the first antenna 701.

[0171] Among them, when the first chip is configured as a transmission path, the transmission path includes: a TX baseband processor, a DAC, an LPF, a first mixer, an RF RLL, and a PA. Among them, the PA is connected to the first antenna 701 through a switch 91. The first chip can use the transmission path to send a communication signal or a radar signal. In this application, the arrival signal is sent first, and then when the first target object that meets the conditions is sensed according to the echo signal, the first chip can be configured to send a network configuration request when receiving the network configuration information.

[0172] In one design, the transmission path of the first chip can perform the following processing on the signal to be transmitted, and the signal to be transmitted can be a communication signal, such as a network configuration request, or a radar signal, etc., without limitation. The TX baseband processor performs baseband processing on the signal to be transmitted and outputs it to the DAC. The DAC performs digital-to-analog conversion on the signal to be transmitted and outputs it to the LPF. The LPF performs low-pass filtering on the signal to be transmitted and outputs it to the first mixer. The RF RLL is used to generate a signal, which can be a radio frequency signal. The first mixer is used to mix the signal to be transmitted with the signal generated by the RF RLL to generate a radio frequency signal, and output the radio frequency signal to the PA. It can be understood that the signal to be transmitted in the foregoing is a baseband signal. The PA is used to amplify the power of the radio frequency signal and output it to the first antenna 701 through the switch 91, and the first antenna 701 transmits the radio frequency signal through the air interface. It can be understood that if the signal to be transmitted is a communication signal, the radio frequency signal is a communication signal. Alternatively, if the signal to be transmitted is a radar signal, the radio frequency signal is a radar signal.

[0173] When the path of the first chip is configured as a receiving path, the receiving path includes: LNA, a second mixer, LPF, ADC and an RX baseband processor. Among them, LNA is connected to the first antenna 701 through a switch 91. The first chip can receive the echo signal using the receiving path. Optionally, a variable gain amplifier (VGA) can also be included between the second mixer and the LPF.

[0174] In one design, the receiving path of the second chip can perform the following processing on the received echo signal. It can be understood that the received echo signal is a radio frequency signal. The LNA is used to perform low-noise power amplification on the received echo signal and output it to the second mixer. The RF RLL is used to generate a signal, which may be a radio frequency signal. The second mixer is used to mix the echo signal and the radio frequency signal generated by the RF RLL to generate a baseband signal, and output the baseband signal to the LPF. The LPF is used to perform low-pass filtering on the baseband signal and output it to the ADC. The ADC is used to perform analog-to-digital conversion on the baseband signal and output it to the RX baseband processor. The RX baseband processor is used to perform baseband processing on the baseband signal.

[0175] like Fig. 9 As shown, it can be seen that the transmitting path and the receiving path in the first chip share one RF RLL and one LPF, which reduces the number of RF RLLs and LPFs in the first chip, thereby reducing the area of ​​the first chip and reducing the cost of the first chip.

[0176] In the embodiment of the present application, the second chip does not participate in any communication service, the second chip only receives the echo signal for sensing, and the path in the second chip can always be configured as a receiving path. Fig. 9 (b) in FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second chip, wherein the second chip includes at least one of the following components: LNA, a third mixer, RF RLL, LPF, ADC, or RX base station. Optionally, a VGA may be included between the third mixer and the LPF.

[0177] Wherein, the LNA may be connected to the second antenna 702, and the second antenna 702 may receive an echo signal and send the received echo signal to the LNA. The LNA performs low-frequency amplification on the echo signal and outputs it to the third mixer. The RF RLL is used to generate a signal, which may be a radio frequency signal. It can be understood that the echo signal received by the second antenna 702 in the foregoing text is a radio frequency signal. The third mixer is used to mix the echo signal and the signal generated by the RF RLL to generate a baseband signal, and output it to the LPF. The LPF is used to perform low-pass filtering on the baseband signal and output it to the ADC. The ADC is used to perform analog-to-digital conversion on the baseband signal and output it to the RX baseband processor. The RX baseband processor is used to perform baseband processing on the baseband signal.

[0178] Optionally, the second chip may further include at least one of the following elements: a TX baseband processor, a DAC, a fourth mixer, a PA, or a switch 93. That is, in one design, the second chip and the first chip may adopt the same design. The difference is that since the second chip only involves receiving an echo signal, the second chip may always be configured as a receiving path. It should be noted that when the second chip includes a switch, since the second chip is always configured as a receiving path, the switch 93 always connects the second antenna 702 and the LNA, that is, the second antenna 702 and the LNA are always in a connected state.

[0179] Through the above design, the communication device 70 includes a first chip and a second chip. Among them, the first chip is used to perform communication services and send radar signals, and the second chip is used to receive echo signals. By analyzing and / or processing the received echo signals, a perception result can be obtained to determine whether to enter the distribution network state. Further, in the original communication device for realizing communication, the original communication device includes a first chip, and an additional second chip for realizing perception is added, which has little impact on the original communication device. The solution of the embodiment of the present application is compatible with the original communication device.

[0180] Implementation Method 2

[0181] In one design, the first channel includes a first circuit, the second channel includes a second circuit, and the first circuit and the second circuit belong to the same chip. In this second embodiment, the "first channel" in the foregoing text can be replaced by "first circuit", and the "second channel" can be replaced by "second circuit".

[0182] like Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 70 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 70 may be a part of a circuit board, that is, the circuit board includes Fig.10 In addition to the communication device 70 shown, other components may also be included. Alternatively, the communication device 70 may be the entire circuit board, i.e. Fig.10 The circuit arrangement shown may be a specific implementation of a circuit board. Fig.10 As shown, the communication device 70 includes:

[0183] The first circuit can send a radar signal through the first antenna 701.

[0184] For example, the first circuit may be connected to the first antenna 701, and the first circuit may send a communication signal or a radar signal through the first antenna 701. The first circuit may be a transmitting circuit.

[0185] The second circuit, the first circuit may receive a communication signal through the first antenna 701 or receive an echo signal of a radar signal through the second antenna 702 .

[0186] Optionally, at a certain moment, the second circuit may be connected to the first antenna 701, and the echo signal may be received through the first antenna 701. Alternatively, the second circuit may be connected to the second antenna 702, and the echo signal may be received through the second antenna 702.

[0187] In some embodiments, the communication device 70 further includes a clock circuit, which is connected to the first circuit and the second circuit respectively, and is used to provide a reference clock for the first circuit and the second circuit, thereby ensuring that the clocks of the first circuit and the second circuit are consistent.

[0188] It can be understood that the clock circuit is connected to the first circuit and the second circuit, and the connection can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, etc., without limitation.

[0189] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the first circuit and the second circuit can be integrated together, for example, the first circuit and the second circuit can be integrated into one chip, etc., without limitation.

[0190] In one design, Fig.11 The figure is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device. The first circuit includes a first switch 111, a first end d of the first switch 111 is connected to the first antenna 701, a second end e is connected to the PA in the first circuit, and a third end f is connected to the second circuit. For example, the second circuit includes a second switch 113, and the third end f of the first switch 111 can be connected to the first end g of the second switch 113. Alternatively, when the second circuit includes a front-stage LNA0, the third end f of the first switch 111 can be connected to the first end g of the second switch 113 through the front-stage LNA0.

[0191] In one implementation, the first circuit is a transmitting circuit and includes at least one of the following elements: a TX baseband processor, a DAC, a first LPF, a fifth mixer, an RF RLL, a PA, or a first switch 111 .

[0192] Regarding the processing process of the signal to be sent by each component in the first circuit, please refer to the description in the previous text. It is understandable that the signal to be sent can be a communication signal (such as a network distribution request) or a radar signal. That is, the first circuit can be used to send a communication signal or a radar signal. It is understandable that when the first circuit is used to send a communication signal or a radar signal, the first switch 111 needs to connect the PA and the first antenna 701, that is, the PA and the first switch 111 are in a connected state.

[0193] In one design, the second circuit includes a second switch 113, a first end g of the second switch 113 is connected to a third end f of the first switch 111, a second end h is connected to the second antenna 702, and a third end i is connected to a first LNA in the second circuit. Optionally, the first LNA may be referred to as a post-stage LNA.

[0194] In one implementation, the second circuit may be a receiving circuit. The second circuit includes at least one of the following elements: an RX baseband processor, an ADC, a second LPF, a sixth mixer, a post-stage LNA, an RF PLL, or a second switch 113. Optionally, a VGA may be included between the sixth mixer and the second LPF.

[0195] For the processing of the received signals by the various components in the second circuit, please refer to the description in the previous text. Different from the first embodiment, the second circuit can receive a communication signal (such as network distribution information) through the first antenna 701, or receive an echo signal through the second antenna 702. The second switch 113 can switch between receiving a communication signal or a radar signal by switching. For example, in one implementation, when the first switch 111 is connected to the second switch 113, the second circuit can receive a communication signal through the first antenna 701. Alternatively, when the second switch 113 is connected to the second antenna 702, the second circuit can receive an echo signal through the second antenna 702.

[0196] Optionally, the second circuit may further include: a second LNA and a third LNA, the second LNA being located between the first end g of the second switch 113 and the third end f of the first switch 111, and the third LNA being located between the second end h of the second switch 113 and the second antenna 702. The second LNA may be referred to as a front-stage LNA0, and the third LNA may be referred to as a front-stage LNA1.

[0197] The second chip in the first embodiment includes one LNA. Different from the first embodiment, the second circuit in the second embodiment includes three LNAs, which are respectively called the post-stage LNA, the pre-stage LNA0, and the pre-stage LNA1. For the positions of the three LNAs, see Fig.11 In one design, the front-stage LNA0 and the rear-stage LNA cooperate to perform low-noise amplification on the received communication signal. The front-stage LNA1 and the rear-stage LNA cooperate to perform low-noise amplification on the received echo signal. In one design, in the solution of the second embodiment, compared with the design of the original chip, the addition of the second switch may cause the deterioration of the noise coefficient of the entire chip. Through the solution of the front-stage LNA and the rear-stage LNA cooperating, the system noise of the received communication signal or radar signal can be reduced, and the signal-to-noise ratio of the received signal can be improved.

[0198] It should be noted that in the above description, it is emphasized that the second circuit may include a post-stage LNA, and may further include a pre-stage LNA0 and a pre-stage LNA1. That is, when the second circuit only includes a post-stage LNA, it is within the protection scope of the embodiment of the present application. Alternatively, when the second circuit includes a post-stage LNA, a pre-stage LNA0 and a pre-stage LNA1 at the same time, it is also within the protection scope of the embodiment of the present application. Alternatively, in the embodiment of the present application, the second circuit may only include a pre-stage LNA0 and a pre-stage LNA1. Further, the second circuit may also include a post-stage LNA. That is, when the second circuit only includes a pre-stage LNA0 and a pre-stage LNA1, it is also within the protection scope of the embodiment of the present application.

[0199] It should be noted that in the solution of the second implementation mode, the first circuit and the second circuit may work at the same time. Therefore, corresponding LPFs need to be respectively set in the first circuit and the second circuit to ensure that when the first circuit and the second circuit work at the same time, corresponding LPFs are available. Among them, the LPF included in the first circuit is called the first LPF. The LPF included in the second circuit is called the second LPF. For example, the first circuit is used to send communication signals and radar signals. The second circuit is used to receive communication signals or echo signals.

[0200] Optionally, in this second embodiment, the first circuit is used to send a communication signal (e.g., a network configuration request) and a radar signal through the first antenna 701. The second circuit is used to receive a communication signal (e.g., network configuration information) through the first antenna 701 and receive an echo signal through the second antenna 702. In the second embodiment of the present application, a communication device (e.g., a chip) including the first circuit and the second circuit can first work in a sensing state, and then work in a communication state when the sensing result indicates that there is a target object that meets the conditions. If the communication device is powered off and then powered on again, it also first works in a sensing state, and then works in a communication state when the sensing result indicates that there is a first target object that meets the conditions. Among them, when the communication device works in a communication state, the first circuit can send a communication signal through the first antenna 701, and the second circuit can receive a communication signal through the first antenna 701. When the communication device works in a sensing state, the second circuit can send a radar signal through the first antenna 701, and send an indication information to the second circuit to instruct the second circuit to start receiving the radar signal. When the second circuit receives the indication information, the second circuit can receive the echo signal through the second antenna 702.

[0201] In the second embodiment, the communication device 70 includes a first circuit and a second circuit, the first circuit is used to send communication signals and radar signals through the first antenna 701, and the second circuit is used to receive communication signals through the first antenna 701 and receive echo signals through the second antenna 702. The second circuit or other devices can obtain a perception result by analyzing and / or processing the received echo signals. The scheme of the embodiment of the present application can realize the integration of communication function and radar perception function.

[0202] In an embodiment of the present application, it can still be used for STAs that support 2.4G / 5G / 6GHz frequency bands (Wi-Fi 6E standard).

[0203] The embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device, which includes the communication device described above. In one design, the communication device may be a WLAN device, such as a STA, etc. In a scenario combining WLAN and IoT, the communication device may be an IoT device.

[0204] The embodiment of the present application also provides an electronic device, including one or more processors and one or more memories. The one or more memories are coupled to the one or more processors, and the one or more memories are used to store computer program codes, and the computer program codes include computer instructions. When the one or more processors execute the computer instructions, the electronic device executes the above-mentioned related method steps to implement the network configuration method in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0205] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer storage medium, in which computer instructions are stored. When the computer instructions are executed on an electronic device, the electronic device executes the above-mentioned related method steps to implement the network configuration method in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0206] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the above-mentioned related steps to implement the network configuration method executed by the electronic device in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0207] Among them, the communication device, electronic device, computer storage medium, computer program product or chip provided in this embodiment is used to execute the corresponding method provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0208] Another embodiment of the present application provides a system, which may include the above-mentioned STA / IoT device and AP, and can be used to implement the above-mentioned network configuration method.

[0209] Through the description of the above implementation methods, technical personnel in the relevant field can understand that for the convenience and simplicity of description, only the division of the above-mentioned functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above-mentioned functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0210] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the modules or units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0211] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may be one physical unit or multiple physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed in multiple different places. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the present embodiment.

[0212] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0213] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium, including several instructions to enable a device (which can be a single-chip microcomputer, chip, etc.) or a processor (processor) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program code.

[0214] The above contents are only specific implementation methods of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A network distribution method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Send radar signals; Receiving an echo signal of the radar signal, where the echo signal is used to sense whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around a station STA in the wireless local area network; In a case where a first target object that meets the conditions exists around the STA is sensed according to the echo signal, receiving network configuration information of an access point AP in the wireless local area network; A network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information is sent to the AP, where the network configuration request is used by the STA to request to establish a connection with the AP.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The conditions include: the target object is within a first preset distance range of the STA; Alternatively, the condition includes: the duration of the target object existing within a first preset distance range of the STA is greater than or equal to a first preset duration.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The receiving the network configuration information of the access point AP in the wireless local area network includes: When the STA turns on the promiscuous mode and cyclically scans the channels, the network configuration information is received by the terminal device through broadcast or multicast, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; The sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP includes: When the promiscuous mode is turned off, a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information is sent to the AP.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The receiving the network configuration information of the access point AP in the wireless local area network includes: When the STA turns on the hotspot and the terminal device is connected to the hotspot, receiving the network configuration information sent by the terminal device, the terminal device being connected to the AP before connecting to the hotspot; The sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP includes: When the hotspot is turned off, a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information is sent to the AP.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The receiving the network configuration information of the access point AP in the wireless local area network includes: When the STA turns on low-power Bluetooth and the terminal device establishes a Bluetooth connection with the STA, receiving the network configuration information sent by the terminal device, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; The sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP includes: When the low-power Bluetooth is turned off, a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information is sent to the AP.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The method further comprises: In the case where the network configuration information is not received, when the target object is continuously sensed to exist within the second preset distance range of the STA within a second preset time period, it is monitored whether the network configuration information is received.

7. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises: A first channel, used for sending a radar signal through a first antenna; A second channel is used to receive an echo signal of the radar signal through a second antenna, where the echo signal is used to sense whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around a station STA of the wireless local area network; The first channel or the second channel is further used to receive the network configuration information of the access point AP in the wireless local area network through the first antenna when a first target object that meets the conditions exists around the STA is sensed according to the echo signal; The first channel is further used to send a network configuration request to the AP through the first antenna according to the network configuration information, and the network configuration request is used by the STA to request to establish a connection with the AP.

8. The communication device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The conditions include: the target object is within a first preset distance range of the STA; Alternatively, the condition includes: the duration of the target object existing within a first preset distance range of the STA is greater than or equal to a first preset duration.

9. The communication device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The first channel or the second channel is used to receive the network configuration information sent by the terminal device through broadcast or multicast through the first antenna when the STA turns on the promiscuous mode and cyclically scans the channel, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; The first channel is used to: when the promiscuous mode is turned off, send a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP through the first antenna.

10. The communication device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The first channel or the second channel is used for: When the STA turns on the hotspot and the terminal device is connected to the hotspot, the network configuration information sent by the terminal device is received through the first antenna, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; The first channel is used for: When the hotspot is turned off, a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information is sent to the AP via the first antenna.

11. The communication device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The first channel or the second channel is used for: When the STA turns on Bluetooth low energy consumption and the terminal device establishes a Bluetooth connection with the STA, the network configuration information sent by the terminal device is received through the first antenna, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; The first channel is used for: When the low-power Bluetooth is turned off, a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information is sent to the AP via the first antenna.

12. The communication device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that: The first channel or the second channel is further used for: In the case where the network configuration information is not received, when the target object is continuously sensed to exist within the second preset distance range of the STA within a second preset time period, it is monitored whether the network configuration information is received.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the computer instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.