Terminal roaming method, storage medium and electronic device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a terminal roaming method, a storage medium and an electronic device. A first terminal device communicates with a network by using a first PTK; sending a first request message for roaming preparation to the network, and receiving first response information for roaming response from the network; and communicating with the network by using the second PTK. The problems of large time delay and high packet loss rate of an FT roaming mode in related technologies are solved, and the effect of reducing the time delay and packet loss rate of terminal roaming is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a terminal roaming method, a storage medium, and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber to the Room (FTTR) technology connects wireless router access points (APs) in different rooms or locations in homes or small and medium-sized enterprises using fiber optic cables, thereby providing high-bandwidth and high-reliability connections between multiple APs. It can utilize point-to-multipoint optical distribution networks to achieve connections between master control APs and slave APs.

[0003] In related technologies, the Fast Basic Service Set Transition (FT) roaming method requires a terminal device to roam to the target AP. If there are still cached packets on the source AP, these packets must be discarded. For reliable Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) packets, if the Wi-Fi layer discards the packets, the TCP protocol will retransmit the discarded packets, resulting in latency issues. For unreliable User Datagram Protocol (UDP) packets, if the Wi-Fi layer discards the packets, packet loss will be displayed at the application layer.

[0004] In related technologies, the traditional FT method requires four frames of interaction to generate a pairwise transient key (PTK) before establishing a connection with the target AP. Since the interaction of four frames requires additional air interface time, it will cause latency issues in the currently transmitted data frames. This latency issue will be more serious when the terminal (Station, STA) frequently roams between two APs.

[0005] In related technologies, context switching requires the source AP to transfer encryption key information, including the PTK, to the target AP, which poses certain security risks. During context switching, the STA cannot send uplink data to the AP, causing uplink data latency. The sequence number (SN) and packet number (PN) in context switching need to be transferred to the target AP beforehand. After this, packets sent from the source AP and target AP to the STA must be sent in a strict order; otherwise, packets sent by the source AP will be discarded by the receiver. Implementing a strict synchronization mechanism is quite difficult.

[0006] In summary, the FT roaming method in related technologies suffers from high latency and high packet loss rate. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention provides a terminal roaming method, storage medium, and electronic device to at least solve the problems of high latency and high packet loss rate in the FT roaming method of related technologies.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a terminal roaming method is provided, applied to a first terminal device, comprising: communicating with a network using a first paired transmission key (PTK); sending a first request message for roaming preparation to the network and receiving first response information for roaming response from the network; and communicating with the network using a second PTK.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a terminal roaming method is provided, applied to a network, comprising: communicating with a first terminal device using a first paired transmission key (PTK); receiving a first request message from the first terminal device for roaming preparation, and sending first response information for roaming response to the first terminal device; and communicating with the first terminal device using a second PTK.

[0010] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, wherein a computer program is stored therein, wherein the computer program is configured to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments when it is run.

[0011] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device is also provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program and the processor is configured to run the computer program to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0012] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a computer program product is also provided, including a computer program / instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0013] This invention provides a terminal roaming method in which a first terminal device communicates with a network using a first PTK (Personal Time Key); sends a first request message for roaming preparation to the network and receives first response information from the network for roaming response; and communicates with the network using a second PTK. This solves the problems of high latency and high packet loss rate in the FT (Fixed Time Key) roaming method in related technologies, achieving the effect of reducing latency and packet loss rate in terminal roaming. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the multi-link connection establishment process in related technologies;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a hardware structure block diagram of a mobile terminal for the terminal roaming method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the terminal roaming method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 4 This is another flowchart of the terminal roaming method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the seamless roaming method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the memory information interaction process according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of another seamless roaming method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of another seamless roaming method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of another seamless roaming method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0024] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0025] Among related technologies, the 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) protocol introduces Multi-Link Operation (MLO) technology, which means that multi-link devices (MLDs), including network devices (AP MLDs) and terminal devices (non-AP MLDs), can transmit data simultaneously on multiple links, improving data transmission throughput and reducing latency.

[0026] After a four-way handshake, AP MLD and non-AP MLD generate an MLO-level Pairwise Transient Key (PTK) and a link-level Group Temporal Key (GTK), which are used to encrypt and decrypt unicast and broadcast data frames, respectively, ensuring the security of data transmission. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of multi-link connection establishment in related technologies, such as... Figure 1 As shown, both AP MLD and non-AP MLD contain three links operating at 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz. AP MLD and non-AP MLD complete the authentication, connection and four-way handshake process on the 2.4GHz link. After establishing a multi-link connection, data can be transmitted on the three links.

[0027] In related technologies, the Temporary Pair Transmission Key (PTK) is generated during the four-way handshake between the AP and STA. PTK is a set of keys, and the key information and functions it contains are as follows: 1) Temporal Key (TK): used for encryption and decryption of unicast data frames; 2) Key Confirmation Key (KCK): used to generate the Message Integrity Code (MIC) information of the key frame during the key generation process; 3) Key Encryption Key (KEK): used to encrypt and protect the key frame during the key generation process.

[0028] In related technologies, to address the latency issue caused by client devices switching connections to access points (APs) during mobility, a fast BSS (Browser Switched Service) technology has been defined. Its core idea is that while maintaining a connection with the current AP, the client pre-negotiates a key with the target AP. This entire process does not require disconnecting from the current AP, thus maintaining service continuity. The client then quickly switches to the target AP through a reconnection process, achieving the goal of fast AP switching. Depending on the application scenario, FT (Fixed Service Switching) is divided into two modes: over-the-air interaction and over-the-DS (Distribution System) interaction.

[0029] The Over-the-Air method completes authentication (Authentication-Request / Response / Confirm / Ack frame interaction process) by exchanging authentication information with the target AP over the air interface and generating key information. It then completes the entire roaming process (i.e., it is associated with the target AP) by exchanging reassociation request and response frames with the target AP.

[0030] The Over-the-DS method utilizes the current AP (Access Point) to relay authentication and key exchange messages between the client and the target AP (both connected to the same DS system). Specifically, the client encapsulates authentication information into an action frame and sends it to the current AP. The current AP then forwards the message to the target AP via a wired or wireless link for processing. Simultaneously, the current AP encapsulates the authentication and key messages generated by the target AP into action frames and sends them to the client. After four frames (FTRequest / Response / Confirm / ACK), authentication with the target AP is completed, and key information is generated. Then, through the interaction of reassociation request and response frames, the entire roaming process (i.e., associating with the target AP) is completed.

[0031] In related technologies, based on the connection status between the STA and AP, 802.11 defines four states: State 1, State 2, State 3, and State 4. The characteristics of each state are described as follows: State 1: Not connected, not authenticated; only class 1 frames are allowed to be transmitted. State 2: Authenticated, but not connected; class 1 and class 2 frames are allowed to be transmitted. State 3: Authenticated and connected, but the IEEE 802.1X control port is blocked. Class 1, class 2, and some class 3 frames are allowed to be transmitted. State 4: Authenticated and connected, but the IEEE 802.1X control port is open. Class 1, class 2, and class 3 frames are allowed to be transmitted.

[0032] In related technologies, IEEE established the Ultra High Reliability (UHR) Study Group (SG). The SG's mission is to study the evolution direction of next-generation (Wi-Fi 8) technology, and in November 2023, it established the 802.11bn working group and drafted the Wi-Fi 8 protocol definition. Seamless roaming technology, as an alternative technology for Wi-Fi 8, aims to solve the latency problem that occurs during device roaming. The relevant proposals include: 24 / 52 (Seamless Roamingdetails) proposes a roaming scheme based on context transfer, the general process of which is as follows: (1) Before the terminal device roams from AP1 to AP2, it sends a roaming instruction to AP1; (2) AP1 transfers the context of the terminal device to AP2; (3) AP2 receives downlink data from the terminal device sent by the protocol stack; (4) The terminal device can interact with AP2 for uplink and downlink data; (5) The terminal device can then receive the remaining cached data from AP1; (6) After AP1 sends the remaining cached data, it sends a link disable instruction to the terminal device; (7) The terminal only transmits uplink and downlink data with AP2 to complete the roaming process.

[0033] Among related technologies, 24 / 349r1 (Enhanced Fast BSS Transition) proposes a method to modify the existing FT protocol. In the FT process, roaming information interaction (implemented through Roaming Request / Response message interaction) and context transfer process (implemented through Context Transfer Request / Response message interaction) are added to reduce the additional resource overhead caused by context reconstruction.

[0034] The methods and embodiments provided in this application can be executed on a mobile terminal, computer terminal, or similar computing device. Taking running on a mobile terminal as an example, Figure 2 This is a hardware structure block diagram of a mobile terminal for the terminal roaming method according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example... Figure 2 As shown, a mobile terminal may include one or more ( Figure 2 Only one is shown in the diagram. A processor 202 (which may include, but is not limited to, a microprocessor MCU or a programmable logic device FPGA, etc.) and a memory 204 for storing data are also shown. The mobile terminal may further include a transmission device 206 for communication functions and an input / output device 208. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 2 The structure shown is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the structure of the mobile terminal described above. For example, the mobile terminal may also include components that are more... Figure 2 The more or fewer components shown, or having the same Figure 2 The different configurations shown.

[0035] The memory 204 can be used to store computer programs, such as application software programs and modules, like the computer program corresponding to the terminal roaming method in this embodiment of the invention. The processor 202 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the computer program stored in the memory 204, thereby implementing the above-described method. The memory 204 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or other non-volatile solid-state memory. In some instances, the memory 204 may further include memory remotely located relative to the processor 202, and these remote memories can be connected to the mobile terminal via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, corporate intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0036] The transmission device 206 is used to receive or send data via a network. Specific examples of the network described above may include a wireless network provided by the mobile terminal's communication provider. In one example, the transmission device 206 includes a Network Interface Controller (NIC), which can connect to other network devices via a base station to communicate with the Internet. In another example, the transmission device 206 may be a Radio Frequency (RF) module, used for wireless communication with the Internet.

[0037] This invention provides a terminal roaming method, applied to a first terminal device. Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the terminal roaming method according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0038] Step S302: Communicate with the network using the first PTK.

[0039] In one exemplary embodiment, the network includes a first network device and a second network device.

[0040] In one exemplary embodiment, communicating with a network using a first PTK includes: communicating with a first network device in the network using the first PTK.

[0041] Step S304: Send a first request message for roaming preparation to the network and receive a first response message for roaming response from the network.

[0042] In one exemplary embodiment, the first request information includes at least one of the following: identification information of a second network device in the network; retrieval information of a second PTK; generation information of a second PTK; request to establish a link; identification information of a first terminal device; information on a preset threshold for cached packets; statistical information on requesting downlink cached packets; expected transmission completion time information; information on service flows; configuration information on the sequence number (SN) and / or frame number (PN) of uplink / downlink data flows; and configuration information on the SN and / or PN of management frames.

[0043] In one exemplary embodiment, the first response information includes at least one of the following: identification information of a second network device of the network; identification information of a first terminal device; request to establish a link response information; retrieval response information of a second PTK; generation information of a second PTK; information on a preset threshold for cached packets; configuration information of the SN and / or PN of uplink / downlink data streams; configuration information of the SN and / or PN of management frames; link configuration information; and feedback information of the first request information.

[0044] In one exemplary embodiment, the first request information and / or the first response information are encrypted and / or authenticated using a first PTK or a second PTK.

[0045] In one exemplary embodiment, the first response information is further used to indicate whether a second network device of the network has stored a second PTK.

[0046] In this embodiment of the invention, after the first response message indicates that AP MLD2 (the second network device) has not saved PTK2 (the second PTK) information, PTK2 is subsequently regenerated in the traditional manner.

[0047] In one exemplary embodiment, after receiving first response information for roaming response from the network, the method further includes: sending uplink data to a first network device of the network, and receiving a cached message from the first network device, the cached message carrying cached message information.

[0048] In this embodiment of the invention, AP MLD1 (first network device) acts as a temporary serving AP MLD. While sending downlink buffered data to non-AP MLD (first terminal device), it can still receive uplink data from non-AP MLD and forward it to the controller.

[0049] In one exemplary embodiment, after receiving a cached message from the first network device, the method further includes: sending a second request message to the network when the cached message information of the first terminal device reaches a preset threshold, wherein the second request message includes roaming configuration information; and receiving a second response message from the network.

[0050] In one exemplary embodiment, the roaming configuration information includes at least one of the following: configuration information of the SN and / or PN of the uplink / downlink data stream; configuration information of the SN and / or PN of the management frame; and link configuration information.

[0051] In one exemplary embodiment, after receiving the second response information from the network, the method further includes: switching the uplink and downlink data paths from the first network device to the second network device.

[0052] In this embodiment of the invention, after the network completes the second request response message interaction with the non-AP MLD, it switches all uplink and downlink data paths of the non-AP MLD to AP MLD2.

[0053] Step S306: Communicate with the network using the second PTK.

[0054] In one exemplary embodiment, communicating with a network using a second PTK includes: communicating with a second network device in the network using a second PTK.

[0055] In one exemplary embodiment, communicating with the network using a second PTK includes: when the cached message information of the first terminal device reaches a preset threshold, stopping communication with the first network device of the network and switching from the first PTK to the second PTK; and communicating with the second network device of the network through the second PTK.

[0056] In this embodiment of the invention, when the message received by the non-AP MLD meets the threshold value, the non-AP MLD no longer uses PTK1 to receive data from AP MLD1, but switches from PTK1 to PTK2 to prepare to interact with AP MLD2 for uplink and downlink data packets.

[0057] In one exemplary embodiment, after communicating with a second network device of the network via the second PTK, the method further includes: sending a memory release request to the first network device and receiving a memory release response from the first network device.

[0058] In this embodiment of the invention, non-AP MLD (or AP MLD1) sends a release request message to AP MLD1 (or non-AP MLD), and AP MLD1 (or non-AP MLD) sends a memory release response message to non-AP MLD (AP MLD). Non-AP MLD and AP MLD1 release context information other than PTK1 and non-AP MLD identifier information.

[0059] In one exemplary embodiment, the method further includes: after the second network device interacts with the network via request / response messages, the 802.11 state machine of the first terminal device and / or the second network device is in state 4.

[0060] Through the above steps, the first terminal device communicates with the network using a first PTK; sends a first request message for roaming preparation to the network and receives a first response message for roaming response from the network; and communicates with the network using a second PTK. This solves the problems of high latency and high packet loss rate in the FT roaming method of related technologies, and achieves the effect of reducing the latency and packet loss rate of terminal roaming.

[0061] This invention also provides a terminal roaming method applied to a network. Figure 4 This is another flowchart of the terminal roaming method according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0062] Step S402: Communicate with the first terminal device using the first PTK.

[0063] In one exemplary embodiment, the network includes a first network device and a second network device.

[0064] In one exemplary embodiment, communicating with a first terminal device using a first PTK includes: a first network device communicating with a first terminal device using a first PTK.

[0065] Step S404: Receive a first request message for roaming preparation from the first terminal device, and send first response information for roaming response to the first terminal device.

[0066] In one exemplary embodiment, after sending first response information for roaming response to the first terminal device, the method further includes: receiving uplink data from the first terminal device and sending a cached message to the first terminal device, the cached message carrying cached message information.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, after sending a cached message to the first terminal device, the method further includes: when the cached message information of the first terminal device reaches a preset threshold, receiving second request information from the first terminal device, wherein the second request information includes roaming configuration information; and sending second response information to the first terminal device.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, after sending a cached message to the first terminal device, the method further includes: when the cached message information of the first terminal device reaches a preset threshold, copying the remaining cached messages in the first network device to the second network device, and having the second network device send the cached messages to the first terminal device.

[0069] In this embodiment of the invention, when the network senses that the received packet meets the threshold value (for example, by sensing the received information through the block ack information fed back by the non-AP MLD), AP MLD1 stops sending subsequent buffered packets to the non-AP MLD, and the buffered packets that are not sent on AP MLD1 (such as buffered packets in MPDU or MSDU format) are copied to AP MLD2 and sent to the non-AP MLD through AP MLD2.

[0070] In this embodiment of the invention, during roaming, AP MLD2 (the second network device) temporarily uses PTK1 (the first PTK) to communicate with non-AP MLD (the first terminal device). After a period of time, AP MLD2 and non-AP MLD use a method to regenerate PTK, such as using the rekey method to generate PTK2 (the second PTK). Then AP MLD2 and non-AP MLD switch to PTK2 to conduct subsequent communication, such as exchanging uplink and downlink data.

[0071] In one exemplary embodiment, after receiving a first request message for roaming preparation from a first terminal device, the method further includes: switching downlink data from the first terminal device to a second network device of the network for caching.

[0072] In this embodiment of the invention, when the Controller receives the first request message forwarded by AP MLD1 or AP MLD2, it switches the non-AP MLD downlink data received by the network side to AP MLD2 for caching.

[0073] In one exemplary embodiment, after receiving a first request message for roaming preparation from a first terminal device, the method further includes: extracting or copying downlink cache data from the first terminal device to a second network device of the network for caching.

[0074] In this embodiment of the invention, when the Controller receives the first request message forwarded by AP MLD1 or AP MLD2, it extracts or copies the non-AP MLD downlink cache data located on AP MLD1 and transfers it to AP MLD2 for caching.

[0075] Step S406: Communicate with the first terminal device using the second PTK.

[0076] In one exemplary embodiment, communicating with a first terminal device using a second PTK includes: a second network device communicating with the first terminal device using a second PTK.

[0077] In one exemplary embodiment, communicating with the first terminal device using a second PTK includes: when the cached message information of the first terminal device reaches a preset threshold, the first network device of the network stops communicating with the first terminal device, and the second network device of the network communicates with the first terminal device through the second PTK.

[0078] In one exemplary embodiment, after communicating with the first terminal device via the second PTK, the method further includes: the first network device receiving memory release request information from the first terminal device and sending memory release response information to the first terminal device.

[0079] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods according to the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes several instructions to cause a terminal device (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0080] This embodiment also provides a terminal roaming device for implementing the above embodiments and preferred embodiments; details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can refer to a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the device described in the following embodiments is preferably implemented in software, hardware implementation, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0081] The terminal roaming device provided in this embodiment of the invention can be applied to a first terminal device, including: a first communication module for communicating with a network using a first PTK; a first transmission module for sending a first request message for roaming preparation to the network and receiving first response information for roaming response from the network; and a second communication module for communicating with the network using a second PTK.

[0082] The terminal roaming device provided in this embodiment of the invention can be applied to a network and includes: a third communication module for communicating with a first terminal device using a first PTK; a second transmission module for receiving a first request message for roaming preparation from the first terminal device and sending first response information for roaming response to the first terminal device; and a fourth communication module for communicating with the first terminal device using a second PTK.

[0083] It should be noted that the above modules can be implemented by software or hardware. For the latter, implementation can be achieved in the following ways, but is not limited to: all modules are located in the same processor; or, the modules are located in different processors in any combination. The terminal roaming device provided in this embodiment is not limited to the aforementioned terminal devices and networks, but can also be installed on other network devices, or independently of the terminal and network devices. It can also include different functional modules, and the naming methods and functional limitations of these modules are not limited to the methods described above; different naming methods and functional division methods can be selected according to the actual situation.

[0084] Embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program is configured to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments when executed.

[0085] In one exemplary embodiment, the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, various media capable of storing computer programs, such as a USB flash drive, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), portable hard disk, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0086] Embodiments of the present invention also provide an electronic device including a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program and the processor being configured to run the computer program to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0087] In one exemplary embodiment, the electronic device may further include a transmission device and an input / output device, wherein the transmission device is connected to the processor and the input / output device is connected to the processor.

[0088] This invention also provides a computer program product, including a computer program / instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0089] Specific examples in this embodiment can be found in the examples described in the above embodiments and exemplary implementations, and will not be repeated here.

[0090] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the modules or steps of the present invention described above can be implemented using general-purpose computing devices. They can be centralized on a single computing device or distributed across a network of multiple computing devices. They can be implemented using computer-executable program code, and thus can be stored in a storage device for execution by a computing device. In some cases, the steps shown or described can be performed in a different order than those described herein, or they can be fabricated as separate integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps can be fabricated as a single integrated circuit module. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software.

[0091] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the technical solution of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0092] Example 1

[0093] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the seamless roaming method according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the first network device (APMLD1), the second network device (AP MLD2), and the controller together form a network. The first terminal device (non-AP MLD) accesses the network through the connected AP MLD1. The specific steps are as follows:

[0094] In step S501, Non-AP MLD and AP MLD1 communicate using the first key (PTK1).

[0095] In step S502, the Non-AP MLD sends the first request information (preparing for roaming request) to the network.

[0096] In one embodiment, the first request information includes one of the following: AP MLD2 identification information; PTK2 retrieval information; PTK2 generation information, such as key generation algorithm information, first public key information, etc.; request to establish link information; Non-APMLD identification information; threshold value information for receiving remaining packets; i.e., the countdown and countdown threshold value configured on the non-AP MLD end; statistical information, expected transmission completion time information, and service flow information for requesting downlink buffered packets; SN and / or PN configuration messages related to uplink or downlink data flows; and SN and / or PN configuration information for management frames.

[0097] Step S503: Based on the above request information, the network sends a first response message (preparing for roaming response) to the non-AP MLD.

[0098] In one embodiment, the first response information includes one of the following: AP MLD2 identification information; Non-AP MLD identification information; Link establishment request response information, i.e., whether each requested link can be established; PTK2 retrieval response, such as feedback on whether AP MLD2 contains PTK2; PTK2 generation information, such as key generation algorithm information, second public key information, etc.; Threshold value information for receiving remaining packets, i.e., countdown threshold value configured on the network side; SN and / or PN configuration messages related to uplink or downlink data streams; SN and / or PN configuration information for management frames; Link configuration information, such as control frame key generation or configuration information for each link, link identifier information, link quantity information, multicast key information such as Group Temporal Key (GTK), Integrity Group Temporal Key (IGTK), Beacon Integrity Group Temporal Key (BIGTK), etc. It includes feedback information related to the request, such as cache statistics, expected completion time, and response information from the business flow.

[0099] In one embodiment, the first request / response message is transmitted after being encrypted and / or authenticated (i.e., containing MIC information) using PTK1 or PTK2.

[0100] In one embodiment, when the first request / response information includes identification information for non-AP MLD and AP MLD2, the identification information is encrypted or authenticated using PTK1 or PTK2 before transmission. For example, the identification information is encrypted or authenticated using KCK in PTK1 or PTK2 to generate a MIC for transmission.

[0101] In one embodiment, when the controller receives a first request message forwarded by AP MLD1 or AP MLD2, it switches the non-AP MLD downlink data received by the network side to AP MLD2 for caching.

[0102] In one embodiment, when the Controller receives the first request message forwarded by AP MLD1 or AP MLD2, it extracts or copies the non-AP MLD downlink cache data located on AP MLD1 and transfers it to AP MLD2 for caching, skipping step S504.

[0103] In step S504, AP MLD1 sends the remaining buffered messages to the non-AP MLD, and the messages carry the information of the remaining buffered messages.

[0104] In one embodiment, the remaining amount of cached data (countdown) or the remaining transmission time (countdown) information is carried in the A-control (i.e. HT-control) field of the MPDU.

[0105] In this embodiment of the invention, the sending of the cached message in step S504 can be determined according to the actual situation.

[0106] Step S505: When the remaining cached message information meets a certain threshold, the non-AP MLD sends a second request message (roaming request) containing configuration information to the network.

[0107] In step S506, the network sends a second response message (roaming response) containing configuration information to the non-AP MLD.

[0108] In this embodiment of the invention, the sending and receiving of the second request information and the second response information in steps S505 to S506 can be determined according to the actual situation.

[0109] In one embodiment, the first and second request and response information are interactions between a non-AP MLD and a first or second network device.

[0110] In one embodiment, in steps S502 to S506, AP MLD1, acting as a temporary serving AP MLD, can send downlink buffered data to non-AP MLD while still receiving uplink data from non-AP MLD and forwarding it to the controller.

[0111] In one embodiment, when the network detects that the received packet meets the threshold value (for example, by detecting the received information through the block ack information fed back by non-APMLD), it notifies AP MLD2 to encrypt the data using PTK2 and then continues to send the packet. Steps S505 to S506 are skipped.

[0112] In one embodiment, when the message received by the non-AP MLD meets the threshold value, the non-AP MLD no longer uses PTK1 to receive data from AP MLD1, but switches from PTK1 to PTK2 to prepare to exchange uplink and downlink data messages with AP MLD2.

[0113] In one embodiment, when the network detects that the received packet meets the threshold value (for example, by detecting the received information through the block ack information fed back by non-APMLD), AP MLD1 stops sending subsequent buffered packets to non-AP MLD, and the buffered packets that are not sent on AP MLD1 (such as buffered packets in MPDU or MSDU format) are copied to AP MLD2 and sent to non-AP MLD through AP MLD2.

[0114] In this embodiment of the invention, during roaming, AP MLD2 temporarily uses PTK1 to communicate with non-AP MLD. After a period of time, AP MLD2 and non-AP MLD regenerate PTK, for example, by using the rekey method to generate PTK2. Then, AP MLD2 and non-AP MLD switch to PTK2 to conduct subsequent communication, such as exchanging uplink and downlink data.

[0115] In one embodiment, in steps S505-S506, the roaming configuration information includes one of the following: (a) SN and / or PN configuration messages related to uplink or downlink data streams; (b) SN and / or PN configuration information of management frames; (c) link configuration information, such as control frame key generation or configuration information for each link, link identifier information, link quantity information, multicast key information such as link GTK, IGTK, and BIGTK.

[0116] In one embodiment, when the roaming configuration message does not carry SN and / or PN configuration messages related to the uplink or downlink data stream, Non-AP MLD and AP MLD2 set the SN and / or PN values ​​of the corresponding data stream to 0 before exchanging data.

[0117] In one embodiment, after the network completes the second request-response message interaction with the non-AP MLD, it switches all uplink and downlink data paths of the non-AP MLD to AP MLD2.

[0118] Step S507: After the above roaming request and response information exchange, both the non-AP MLD and AP MLD2 install PTK2.

[0119] In one embodiment, when the non-AP MLD and AP MLD2 have never established a connection, a PTK is generated with AP MLD2 in advance via over-the-air or over-the-DS method before initiating a roaming request message.

[0120] In one embodiment, after the first response message indicates that AP MLD2 has not saved PTK2 information, PTK2 is subsequently regenerated in the traditional manner.

[0121] In one embodiment, PTK1 and PTK2 are the same PTK.

[0122] In step S508, the Non-AP MLD uses PTK2 to exchange uplink and downlink data with AP MLD2.

[0123] In one embodiment, Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the memory information interaction process according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 6 As shown, non-APMLD (or AP MLD1) sends a release request message to AP MLD1 (or non-AP MLD), and AP MLD1 (or non-APMLD) sends a memory release response message to non-AP MLD (AP MLD). Non-AP MLD and AP MLD1 release context information other than PTK1 and non-AP MLD identifier information.

[0124] In one embodiment, the Controller in the network acts as an independent physical carrier, responsible for the data path switching function, and is connected to AP MLD1 and AP MLD2 via wired or wireless means. In other application instances, the Controller acts as a software function with data switching capabilities, attached to AP MLD1 or AP MLD2, and AP MLD1 and AP MLD2 are connected via wired or wireless means.

[0125] In one embodiment, after the non-AP MLD and the network interact via a first request / response frame or a second request / response frame, the non-AP MLD and / or AP MLD2 state machine is in state 4.

[0126] Example 2

[0127] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of another seamless roaming method according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 7 As shown, AP MLD1 and APMLD2 are connected to the Controller via wired or wireless means, and the Controller is responsible for ultimately accessing the network. Based on the enhanced FT architecture, the roaming operation steps are as follows:

[0128] In step S701, the first terminal device (non-AP MLD) and the first network device (AP MLD1) communicate using the first key (PTK1).

[0129] In step S702, when certain roaming conditions are met, the non-AP MLD sends a roaming preparation request to the second network device (AP MLD2). This includes PTK2 retrieval information and cached message request information on AP MLD1.

[0130] In step S703, after receiving the roaming request, AP MLD2 forwards the information to the Controller. The Controller retrieves the downlink buffer packet information from AP MLD1 and sends it to AP MLD2. Furthermore, the Controller switches subsequent downlink data received from the network side to AP MLD2.

[0131] In step S704, AP MLD2 sends roaming response information to the non-AP MLD. This includes PTK2 retrieval response information and cached message response information on APMLD1.

[0132] In step S705, AP MLD1 sends a buffered downlink data packet to the non-AP MLD, the header of which carries information about the number of remaining packets.

[0133] In step S706, the Non-AP MLD sends a roaming configuration request to AP MLD2, carrying non-AP MLD capability set configuration information and requesting link establishment information.

[0134] In step S707, AP MLD2 converts the above request information into a switching service AP MLD service request information and sends it to the Controller.

[0135] In step S708, the Controller sends a switching service AP MLD response message to AP MLD2.

[0136] In step S709, AP MLD2 sends roaming configuration response information to the non-AP MLD, including AP MLD capability set configuration information, response information requesting link establishment, and multicast key configuration information for each link. At this point, the non-AP MLD is officially connected to AP MLD2.

[0137] In step S710, after PTK2 is installed on the Non-AP MLD and AP MLD2, subsequent uplink and downlink data interaction is carried out.

[0138] In step S711, Non-AP MLD sends a request message to AP MLD1 to release the context.

[0139] In step S712, AP MLD1 sends a release context response message to Non-AP MLD, and both parties complete the release of memory space other than PTK.

[0140] Example 3

[0141] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of another seamless roaming method according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 8 As shown, AP MLD1 and APMLD2 are connected to the Controller via wired or wireless means, and the Controller is responsible for ultimately accessing the network. The roaming operation steps are as follows:

[0142] In step S801, the first terminal device (non-AP MLD) and the first network device (AP MLD1) communicate using the first key (PTK1).

[0143] In step S802, when certain roaming conditions are met, the non-AP MLD sends a roaming preparation request information to the first network device (AP MLD1), which includes: PTK2 retrieval information, the capability set of the non-AP MLD, the link establishment request information on AP MLD2, the cached packet request information on AP MLD1, and the cached packet threshold setting information.

[0144] In step S803, AP MLD1 forwards the roaming request message to the Controller.

[0145] In step S804, the Controller generates link request information, which includes the link request and PTK2 retrieval information, and sends it to AP MLD2.

[0146] In step S805, the Controller obtains the request link response information from AP MLD2, which includes the link request response information, the retrieval response information of PTK2, and the multicast key information of each link that allows the establishment of a connection, and then forwards it to APMLD1.

[0147] In step S806, the Controller will switch to AP MLD2 from the new downlink packets received from the network.

[0148] In step S807, AP MLD1 sends roaming response information to the non-AP MLD, including PTK2 retrieval response information, APMLD2 request link establishment response information and multicast key information for each link, and AP MLD1 cached packet request response information.

[0149] In step S808, AP MLD1 sends the remaining buffered messages to the non-AP MLD, and the messages carry information about the number of remaining buffered messages and the estimated time of transmission completion.

[0150] Step S809: When the remaining number of messages, remaining time, and other values ​​meet certain threshold values:

[0151] a) The non-AP MLD locally deletes the context associated with AP MLD1 (except PTK1), frees up memory space, switches to each working channel that AP MLD2 allows to establish multiple links, installs PTK2, waits to receive new downlink data packets from AP MLD2, and sends uplink data packets after encryption using PTK2.

[0152] b) AP MLD1 sends a message to start transmission on the link connected to AP MLD2 and locally deletes the context associated with non-AP MLD (except PTK1) to free up memory space.

[0153] c) If AP MLD2 has the ability to collect and monitor data sent by AP MLD1 to non-AP MLD, APMLD2 can send downlink data directly to non-APMLD without waiting for the instruction in step b).

[0154] In step S810, AP MLD2 sends a request to the Controller to switch the non-AP MLD service.

[0155] In step S811, the Controller sends a response to switch the service AP MLD to both AP MLD2 and AP MLD1. AP MLD2 uses PTK2-encrypted uplink and downlink data to interact with the non-AP MLD.

[0156] Example 4

[0157] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of another seamless roaming method according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the AP MLD is immediately adjusted using a cached packet replication method. AP MLD1 and AP MLD2 are connected to the Controller via wired or wireless means, and the Controller is responsible for ultimately accessing the network. The roaming operation steps are as follows:

[0158] In step S901, the first terminal device (non-AP MLD) and the first network device (AP MLD1) communicate using the first key (PTK1).

[0159] Step S902: When certain roaming conditions are met, the non-AP MLD sends a roaming preparation request to the first network device (AP MLD1), including: the non-AP MLD's capability set, PTK2 retrieval information, link establishment request information on AP MLD2, and the SN and / or PN information of the current uplink and downlink data frames. It also includes the SN and / or PN information of the management frames.

[0160] In step S903, after receiving the roaming request, AP MLD2 forwards the information to the Controller. The Controller retrieves the downlink cache data from AP MLD1, copies it, and sends it to AP MLD2. The SN and / or PN information is then reset for each downlink data based on the SN and / or PN information in the request information.

[0161] In step S904, the Controller switches subsequent downlink data received from the network side to AP MLD2.

[0162] In step S905, AP MLD2 sends roaming response information to the non-AP MLD, including AP MLD2's capability set, PTK2 retrieval response information, response information for the requested link, and multicast key information for each link, and instructs the non-AP MLD to immediately begin data communication with AP MLD2. At this point, AP MLD2 officially becomes the serving AP MLD for the non-AP MLD.

[0163] In step S906, Non-AP MLD and AP MLD2 use PTK2 to exchange uplink and downlink data.

[0164] In summary, this invention provides a terminal roaming method to achieve seamless roaming. Based on traditional FT, it further enhances the roaming process, reducing packet loss rate, latency, and improving security and reliability, thus achieving seamless roaming. The terminal roaming method provided by this invention is client-driven throughout the roaming process, including the following aspects: (1) Reducing latency caused by cached data loss by adding query signals and data reception processes for downlink cached data at the source access point before roaming. (2) Reducing latency caused by cached data loss through downlink cached data transfer. (3) Reducing frame interaction during key generation during roaming through PTK caching. (4) Solving uplink data packet loss and delayed transmission problems through a two-level service AP MLD handover process (i.e., preparation handover and formal handover). (5) Reducing implementation complexity through seamless roaming implemented without context transfer.

[0165] The terminal roaming method provided in this invention reduces air interface resource overhead during roaming based on PTK caching and retrieval. It reduces latency caused by cached data loss by using a cached data information indication method. The client-driven roaming process eliminates the need for context transfer, reducing implementation complexity. The two-level transfer process of the service AP MLD (temporary service AP MLD and formal service AP MLD) reduces uplink data transmission latency. The release context request and response method ensures timely memory space release, reducing memory overhead.

[0166] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A terminal roaming method, characterized in that, Applied to the first terminal device, including: Communicating with the network uses the first paired transport key PTK; Send a first request message for roaming preparation to the network, and receive first response information for roaming response from the network; The network communicates using a second PTK.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The network includes a first network device and a second network device.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The communication with the network using a first paired transmission key PTK includes: The first network device in the network communicates with the first network device using a first PTK.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The communication with the network using a second PTK includes: The second network device in the network communicates with the second PTK.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The first request information includes at least one of the following: The network includes: identification information of the second network device; retrieval information of the second PTK; generation information of the second PTK; link establishment request information; identification information of the first terminal device; information on the preset threshold of cached packets; statistical information on requesting downlink cached packets; expected transmission completion time information; service flow information; configuration information of the sequence number SN and / or frame number PN of uplink / downlink data flows; and configuration information of the SN and / or PN of management frames.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The first response information includes at least one of the following: The network includes: identification information of the second network device; identification information of the first terminal device; link establishment request response information; retrieval response information of the second PTK; and generation information of the second PTK. Information on preset thresholds for cached messages; Configuration information of SN and / or PN for uplink / downlink data streams; configuration information of SN and / or PN for management frames; link configuration information; feedback information of the first request information.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The first request information and / or the first response information are encrypted and / or authenticated using a first PTK or a second PTK.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The first response information is also used to indicate whether the second network device of the network stores the second PTK.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After receiving first response information from the network for roaming response, the method further includes: Uplink data is sent to a first network device in the network, and cached packets are received from the first network device, wherein the cached packets carry cached packet information.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The communication with the network using a second PTK includes: When the cached message information of the first terminal device reaches a preset threshold, communication with the first network device of the network is stopped, and the first PTK is switched to the second PTK. The second PTK communicates with the second network device of the network.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, After communicating with a second network device of the network via the second PTK, the method further includes: Send a memory release request to the first network device and receive a memory release response from the first network device.

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, After receiving the cached message from the first network device, the method further includes: When the cached message information of the first terminal device reaches a preset threshold, a second request message is sent to the network, wherein the second request message includes roaming configuration information; Receive a second response message from the network.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, in, The roaming configuration information includes at least one of the following: Configuration information of SN and / or PN for uplink / downlink data streams; configuration information of SN and / or PN for management frames; link configuration information.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, After receiving the second response information from the network, the method further includes: The uplink and downlink data paths are switched from the first network device in the network to the second network device in the network.

15. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: After the second network device interacts with the network via request / response messages, the 802.11 state machine of the first terminal device and / or the second network device is in state 4.

16. A terminal roaming method, characterized in that, Applied to networks, including: The device communicates with the first terminal device using a first paired transmission key PTK. Receive a first request message for roaming preparation from the first terminal device, and send first response information for roaming response to the first terminal device; The device communicates with the first terminal device using a second PTK.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, in, The network includes a first network device and a second network device.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The communication with the first terminal device using a first paired transmission key PTK includes: The first network device and the first terminal device communicate using a first PTK.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, Communicating with the first terminal device using a second PTK includes: The second network device communicates with the first terminal device using the second PTK.

20. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, After sending first response information for roaming response to the first terminal device, the method further includes: The system receives uplink data from the first terminal device and sends a cached message to the first terminal device, the cached message carrying cached message information.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, Communicating with the first terminal device using a second PTK includes: When the cached message information of the first terminal device reaches a preset threshold, the first network device of the network stops communicating with the first terminal device, and the second network device of the network communicates with the first terminal device through the second PTK.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, After communicating with the first terminal device via the second PTK, the method further includes: The first network device receives a memory release request from the first terminal device and sends a memory release response to the first terminal device.

23. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, After sending the buffered message to the first terminal device, the method further includes: When the cached message information of the first terminal device reaches a preset threshold, a second request message is received from the first terminal device, wherein the second request message includes roaming configuration information; Send a second response message to the first terminal device.

24. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, After sending the buffered message to the first terminal device, the method further includes: When the cached message information of the first terminal device reaches a preset threshold, the remaining cached messages in the first network device are copied to the second network device, and the second network device sends the cached messages to the first terminal device.

25. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, After receiving a first request message for roaming preparation from the first terminal device, the method further includes: Downlink data from the first terminal device is switched to a second network device in the network for caching.

26. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, After receiving a first request message for roaming preparation from the first terminal device, the method further includes: The downlink cache data from the first terminal device is extracted or copied to the second network device of the network for caching.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in any one of claims 1 to 26.

28. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the method described in any one of claims 1 to 26.

29. A computer program product comprising a computer program / instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program / instructions are executed by the processor, they implement the method described in any one of claims 1 to 26.

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