Communication method and device, access control point and wireless controller

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication method and device, an access control point and a wireless controller, through the communication method, when a first terminal is located in a signal coverage area of an original AP, the original AP can provide network signals through different antennas; when a first terminal is located in a signal coverage area of a target AP, an AC or the target AP can send a first request to an original AP of the first terminal, the original AP sends device information of the first terminal to the target AP after receiving the first request, and the target AP sends the device information of the first terminal to the target AP after receiving the device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP. A communication connection can be established with the first terminal through the device information of the first terminal. According to the method, the first terminal can establish the communication connection with the target AP without being disconnected from the original AP, so that the problems of delay and packet loss of transmitted data due to disconnection between the first terminal and the original AP are avoided, and normal transmission of the data is ensured.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication information processing, in particular to a communication method, device, access point (AP) and access controller (AC). BACKGROUND

[0002] With the development of information technology, people have higher and higher requirements for network quality. Therefore, when a terminal device accesses an AP, if the AP signal received by the terminal device is getting smaller and smaller, the terminal device can enter roaming logic to find a better AP to access.

[0003] When the terminal device enters the roaming logic, it needs to disconnect with the previously connected AP and re-access another AP. However, some terminal devices with poor roaming performance may have problems such as data delay and packet loss during roaming, which affects the normal transmission of data. SUMMARY

[0004] In order to solve the above problems in the prior art, the present application provides a communication method, device, access point and access controller.

[0005] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method applied to an original access point (AP) of a first terminal; the first terminal connects to a network through the original AP; the method comprises:

[0006] receiving a first request; the first request is used to instruct the original AP to send device information of the first terminal to a target AP; the first terminal is currently in a signal coverage area of the target AP;

[0007] based on the first request, sending the device information of the first terminal to the target AP; the device information of the first terminal allows the target AP to establish a communication connection with the first terminal.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the first request is sent by an access controller (AC) to the original AP; or the first request is sent by the target AP to the original AP.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the disconnection of the communication connection with the first terminal comprises:

[0010] receiving a second request sent by a target AP or an AC, and disconnecting from the first terminal according to the second request; the second request is sent by the target AP after establishing a communication connection with the first terminal, or is sent by the AC after determining that the target AP establishes a communication connection with the first terminal.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0012] if the original AP and the target AP belong to different frequency networking, sending a first message to the first terminal; the first message is used to instruct the first terminal to switch to a channel corresponding to the target AP to connect to the network through the target AP.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the basic service set identifier (BSSID) of the original AP and the target AP is the same.

[0014] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method applied to a target access control point (AP) of a first terminal; the method includes:

[0015] receiving device information of the first terminal sent by an original AP of the first terminal; the device information of the first terminal is sent by the original AP to the target AP based on a first request; the first request is received by the original AP when the first terminal is in a signal coverage area of the target AP;

[0016] establishing a communication connection with the first terminal through the device information of the first terminal.

[0017] In a possible implementation, before the receiving the device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP of the first terminal, the method further includes:

[0018] if it is detected that the first terminal is in the signal coverage area of the target AP, sending a third request to an AC; the third request is used to instruct the AC to send the first request to the original AP; the first request is used to instruct the original AP to send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP.

[0019] In a possible implementation, before the receiving the device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP of the first terminal, the method further includes:

[0020] receiving a fourth request sent by an AC; the fourth request is sent by the AC to the target AP when it is determined that the first terminal is in the signal coverage area of the target AP;

[0021] send a first request to the original AP; the first request is used to instruct the original AP to send device information of the first terminal to a target AP.

[0022] In a possible implementation, before the receiving the device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP of the first terminal, the method further includes:

[0023] receiving a management packet sent by the first terminal, and ignoring a connection request included in the management packet; the management packet is sent by the first terminal when the first terminal is located in a signal coverage area of the target AP; the management packet is used to instruct to establish a communication connection with the first terminal;

[0024] sending a first request to the original AP; the first request is used to instruct the original AP to send device information of the first terminal to a target AP.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the establishing the communication connection with the first terminal by using the device information of the first terminal includes:

[0026] if a number of terminal devices accessing the target AP is less than or equal to a first threshold value, establishing the communication connection with the first terminal by using the device information of the first terminal.

[0027] In a possible implementation, after the receiving the device information of the first terminal, the method further includes:

[0028] sending a second request to the original AP; the second request is used to instruct the original AP to disconnect with the terminal device.

[0029] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network switching method applied to an access controller AC; the method includes:

[0030] when a first terminal is located in a signal coverage area of a target access point AP, sending a first request to an original AP of the first terminal; the first request is used to instruct the original AP to send device information of the first terminal to the target AP, so that the target AP establishes a communication connection with the first terminal by using the device information of the first terminal.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0032] if a third request sent by the target AP is received, or it is detected that a location of the first terminal is located in the signal coverage area of the target AP, it is determined that the first terminal is located in the signal coverage area of the target AP.

[0033] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device applied to a primary access control point (AP), the device comprising:

[0034] A first request receiving unit is configured to receive a first request; the first request is configured to instruct the original AP to send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP; the first terminal is currently within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP;

[0035] The device information sending unit is used to send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP based on the first request; the device information of the first terminal allows the target AP to establish a communication connection with the first terminal.

[0036] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device applied to a target access control point (AP), the device comprising:

[0037] The device information receiving unit is used to receive device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP of the first terminal; the device information of the first terminal is sent by the original AP to the target AP based on a first request; the first request is received by the original AP when the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP;

[0038] A communication connection establishment unit is used to establish a communication connection with the first terminal through the device information of the first terminal.

[0039] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device applied to a wireless controller AC, the device comprising:

[0040] The first request sending unit is configured to send a first request to the original AP of the first terminal when the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target access control point (AP); the first request is configured to instruct the original AP to send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP, so that the target AP can establish a communication connection with the first terminal through the device information of the first terminal.

[0041] Seventhly, embodiments of this application provide an access control point, including:

[0042] Memory, used to store program instructions;

[0043] A processor is configured to invoke program instructions stored in the memory and execute the steps included in the method described in the first or second aspect according to the obtained program instructions.

[0044] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a wireless controller, including:

[0045] Memory, used to store program instructions;

[0046] A processor is configured to invoke program instructions stored in the memory and execute the steps included in the method described in the third aspect according to the obtained program instructions.

[0047] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system including multiple access control points (APs), each of the multiple APs being connected to at least one antenna, and each of the at least one antenna providing a network signal for a single space;

[0048] The first AP among the plurality of APs is used to perform the method described in the first aspect, and the second AP among the plurality of APs is used to perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the communication system further includes a wireless controller (AC) for sending control requests to each of the plurality of APs.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the third AP among the plurality of APs is connected to a first antenna and a second antenna;

[0051] When the first terminal is located in the first space, the third AP among the plurality of APs provides network signals to the first terminal through the first antenna;

[0052] When the first terminal moves from the first space to the second space, the third AP provides network signals to the first terminal through the second antenna.

[0053] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in the first aspect, or the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0054] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, access control point, and wireless controller. Using the communication method of this application, when a first terminal is located within the signal coverage area of ​​the original access point (AP), the original AP can provide network signals through different antennas. When the first terminal is located within the signal coverage area of ​​a target AP, the AC or the target AP can send a first request to the original AP of the first terminal. After receiving the first request, the original AP sends the device information of the first terminal to the target AP. After receiving the device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP, the target AP can establish a communication connection with the first terminal through the device information. Through this method, the first terminal can establish a communication connection with the target AP without disconnecting from the original AP, avoiding potential delays and packet loss in data transmission due to disconnection, thus ensuring normal data transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of a network switching method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0056] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between an AP and an antenna.

[0057] Figure 3 An interactive flowchart of a network handover method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 4 An interactive flowchart of another network handover method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 5 An interactive flowchart of another network handover method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 6 An interactive flowchart of another network handover method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 7 An interactive flowchart of another network handover method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 8 A structural block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 9 A structural block diagram of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figure 10 A structural block diagram of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 11 A structural block diagram of an access control point provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 12 This is a structural block diagram of a wireless controller provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0067] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other. Furthermore, although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be performed in a different order than that shown here.

[0068] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the term "comprising" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive protection. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. The term "multiple" in this application can mean at least two, for example, two, three, or more, and the embodiments of this application do not impose limitations.

[0069] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrates exemplary embodiments of this application, including various details to aid understanding. These embodiments should be considered merely exemplary. Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of this application. Similarly, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted in the following description. It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, certain existing industry solutions such as software, components, and models may be mentioned. These should be considered exemplary, intended only to illustrate the feasibility of implementing the technical solutions of this application, and do not imply that the applicant has already used or necessarily used such solutions.

[0070] The following is a brief introduction to the application scenarios to which the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are applicable. It should be noted that the application scenarios described below are only for illustrating the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope. In specific implementation, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application can be flexibly applied according to actual needs.

[0071] Figure 1 This illustration shows an application scenario diagram of a network handover method provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 1As shown in the diagram, this application scenario includes an access controller (AC1 100), two access control points (AP1 210 and AP2 220), and four terminal devices (terminal 310, terminal 320, terminal 330, and terminal 340). AC1 100, AP1 210, and AP2 220 can be connected via wired connections. An AP can be an actual device in the wireless network, enabling terminal devices to connect to the network via wireless signals. The AC can centrally manage and control multiple APs, simplifying wireless network management and configuration. Multiple APs connected to the same AC can receive centralized management and control from that AC. AC1 100 can send information to AP1 210 and AP2 220; similarly, AP1 210 can also send information to AC1 100 and AP2 220; and AP2 220 can also send information to AC1 100 and AP1 210.

[0072] Multiple terminal devices can connect to different access points (APs) via wireless networks. Terminal 310 and terminal 320 connect to the wireless network of AP1 210; terminal 330 and terminal 340 connect to the wireless network of AP2 220. If the signal of the wireless network connected to AP1 210 by terminal 320 is weak, according to the roaming method in related technical solutions, terminal 320 can enter roaming logic to find an AP with a better signal, such as AP2 220, for connection. During roaming, terminal 320 needs to disconnect from AP1 210 and reconnect to AP2 220. If the roaming performance of terminal 320 is poor and the roaming handover time is long, the transmitted data may experience delays and packet loss, affecting normal data transmission. Therefore, the network handover method provided in this application embodiment can be implemented to solve the above problems. Specific steps are described below.

[0073] It should be noted that this application does not limit the number of ACs, APs, and terminal devices. Typically, there is one AC, but the number of ACs can be multiple depending on the needs, which is not limited here. The number of APs is usually greater than or equal to 2 in order to apply the network switching method provided in the embodiments of this application. The number of terminal devices can also be one or more, and the terminal devices can be portable devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, etc.), or computers, smart screens, or personal computers (PCs).

[0074] The classification and extraction method provided by the exemplary embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and the application scenarios described above. It should be noted that the application scenarios described above are only shown to facilitate understanding of the spirit and principles of this application, and the embodiments of this application are not limited in any way in this respect.

[0075] In one possible embodiment, each AP may include an AP body and multiple antennas, with the AP body connected to the antennas via feed lines. The multiple antennas can be distributed across different spaces, each providing network signals to multiple terminals within those spaces. If a first terminal moves from one space to another, and these two spaces are provided with network signals by different antennas of the same AP, then hardware roaming can be determined. When the first terminal is in the first space, the AP (i.e., the third AP) provides network signals to the first terminal via the first antenna; when the first terminal is in the second space, the AP provides network signals to the first terminal via the second antenna. For example, Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between an AP and an antenna, as shown in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 As shown, AP1 can be connected to four antennas via a downfeed cable. Antenna 1, connected to AP1, provides network signals to room 1; antenna 2 provides network signals to room 2; antenna 3 provides network signals to room 3; and antenna 4 provides network signals to room 4. If the first terminal is in room 1, AP1 provides network signals to the first terminal through antenna 1. If the first terminal moves from room 1 to room 3, AP1 provides network signals to the first terminal through antenna 3. Although the first terminal moves across rooms, since the signals received by the first terminal are all released by the same AP, the first terminal will only experience hardware zero roaming and will not enter roaming logic.

[0076] In another possible embodiment, if the first terminal leaves the space where the third AP can provide network signals through its connected antennas—for example, AP1 is connected to four antennas via a downfeed cable, and these four antennas can provide network signals to rooms 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively—but the first terminal is located in room 5, and AP1 cannot provide network signals to the first terminal through the four antennas, then the embodiments provided in this application can achieve the process of establishing a communication connection between the first terminal and the target AP without entering roaming logic. The application scenario of this application embodiment is that two APs are connected under the AC, namely the original AP and the target AP, and the first terminal needs to establish a communication connection with the target AP from the original AP with zero roaming.

[0077] In one possible embodiment, Figure 3 The diagram illustrates an interactive flowchart of a communication method provided in Embodiment 1 of this application, as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0078] Step S301: The AC determines that the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP and generates a first request.

[0079] In one possible embodiment, the AC can estimate the location of the first terminal based on the signal strength indications received by the original AP and the target AP from the first terminal. If the AC detects that the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP, it can generate a first request. This first request can instruct the original AP to send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP. The device information of the first terminal may include the MAC address, channel, bandwidth, encrypted data, rate set, serial number, negotiation capability, etc. It should be noted that the device information of each terminal accessing the AP is different. Some device information, such as MAC address and serial number, is determined by hardware such as the chip when each terminal is manufactured. Since the corresponding terminal can be determined by any combination of one or more pieces of information, this application does not limit which specific information is used to determine the corresponding terminal device. For example, the AC can generate a first request based on the device identifier of the first terminal, instructing the original AP to send the device information of the terminal device corresponding to the name or MAC address of the first terminal to the target AP. The device identifier of the first terminal may include the name of the first terminal. Besides determining the location of the first terminal based on signal strength indications, the AC can also determine the location of the first terminal by generating heatmaps, etc., which this application does not limit.

[0080] In step S302, the AC sends the first request to the original AP.

[0081] In one possible implementation, the AC can send the first request to the original AP after generating the first request.

[0082] In step S303, the original AP receives the first request and determines the device information of the first terminal based on the first request.

[0083] In one possible embodiment, after receiving the first request from the AC, the primary AP can determine the device information of the first terminal based on the device information of the first terminal contained in the first request. For example, if the first request contains the name of the first terminal, the primary AP can obtain the device information of the first terminal from a first file based on the device identifier of the first terminal contained in the first request. The first file can be stored in the primary AP, and it stores the correspondence between the device identifier of each terminal device among the multiple terminal devices connected to the primary AP and the device information of each terminal. Therefore, after the primary AP obtains the device identifier of the first terminal contained in the first request, it can determine the corresponding device information of the first terminal based on the device identifier.

[0084] Step S304: The original AP sends the device information of the first terminal to the target AP.

[0085] In one possible embodiment, after determining the device information of the first terminal, the original AP can send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP.

[0086] In step S305, the target AP receives the device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP, and establishes a communication connection with the first terminal through the device information of the first terminal.

[0087] In one possible embodiment, the target AP can receive device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP. The original AP can establish a connection with the first terminal based on the device information of the first terminal. For example, the connection established between the original AP and the first terminal can be determined based on the device information of the first terminal, such as the bandwidth, transmission rate, and encryption method of the first terminal. After the target AP receives the device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP, it can also establish a communication connection with the first terminal based on the device information of the first terminal. For example, the connection established between the target AP and the first terminal can be determined based on the device information of the first terminal, such as the bandwidth, transmission rate, and encryption method of the first terminal.

[0088] During the process of the target AP establishing a communication connection with the first terminal via MAC address, the first terminal does not need to disconnect from the original AP. However, if the first terminal disconnects from the original AP before establishing a communication connection with the target AP, packet loss will occur during the brief period between disconnection and connection establishment. Therefore, establishing a communication connection with the first terminal via MAC address avoids the possibility of data delays and packet loss caused by premature disconnection from the original AP, thus ensuring normal data transmission.

[0089] In one possible embodiment, if the number of terminals connected to the target AP is less than or equal to a first threshold, the target AP can directly execute step S305, receive the device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP, and establish a communication connection with the first terminal through the device information of the first terminal.

[0090] In another possible embodiment, if the number of devices connected to the target AP exceeds a first threshold, the target AP can obtain the autonomous roaming duration of the first terminal. For example, if the first terminal has previously entered the roaming logic and completed one roaming session, the target AP can obtain the duration of the first terminal's roaming session in the roaming logic by reading the log file in the first terminal, and use this duration as the autonomous roaming duration of the first terminal; if the first terminal has not previously completed roaming, the duration of the first terminal's roaming session can be determined by a WIFI testing tool such as Wireshark, or a network monitoring system, and this duration can be used as the autonomous roaming duration of the first terminal.

[0091] After the target AP obtains the autonomous roaming duration of the first terminal, the roaming performance of the first terminal can be judged by comparing the relationship between the autonomous roaming duration of the first terminal and the roaming threshold.

[0092] If the duration of a roaming session for the first terminal is less than or equal to the roaming threshold, then the first terminal's roaming performance is considered good. The first terminal can complete the roaming process itself, thus enabling network switching. In other words, the target AP establishes a communication connection with the first terminal through management messages sent by the first terminal. For example, if the duration of a roaming session for the first terminal is 50ms and the roaming threshold is 250ms, then the duration of a roaming session for the first terminal is less than the threshold, allowing the target AP to respond to the association request contained in the management message sent by the first terminal, thereby establishing a communication connection.

[0093] If the duration of a single roaming session for the first terminal exceeds the roaming threshold, then the terminal corresponding to the minimum of the multiple autonomous roaming durations among the multiple terminals accessing the target AP is identified. This terminal is then instructed to access the target AP via a non-zero roaming method, i.e., via a different frequency band. Simultaneously, the target AP can establish a communication connection with the first terminal using its device information. For example, if the first terminal's autonomous network handover duration is 150ms and the first threshold is 130ms, the first terminal's autonomous network handover duration exceeds the roaming threshold, meaning its roaming performance is worse than that of the other terminals accessing the target AP. If the terminal corresponding to the minimum of the multiple autonomous roaming durations is the second terminal, and the second terminal's maximum autonomous network handover duration is 100ms, then the second terminal is instructed to access the target AP via a non-zero roaming method, i.e., via a different frequency band. Simultaneously, the target AP can establish a communication connection with the first terminal using its device information via a zero roaming method.

[0094] It should be noted that the roaming threshold can usually be set as the maximum value among the multiple autonomous roaming durations corresponding to multiple terminals accessing the target AP. Different values ​​can also be set as needed, such as any value less than the maximum value among the multiple autonomous roaming durations corresponding to multiple terminals. This application does not limit this.

[0095] In one possible embodiment, when the first terminal enters the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP, the first terminal can generate a management message and send it to the target AP. Therefore, before the target AP receives the device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP, the target AP will also receive the management message sent by the first terminal. The management message is sent by the first terminal to the target AP when it is located in the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP. The management message includes: a probe request, which can be used to discover and locate available wireless networks; an authentication request, which can be used for authentication between the terminal device and the AP and to detect the link status; an association request, which can be used for the terminal device to establish a connection with the AP; and a reassociation request, which can be used for the device to migrate between different access points in the same network. Therefore, the key to achieving zero roaming is that the target AP needs to ignore the association request contained in the management message sent by the first terminal, so as to continue to execute step S305.

[0096] In one possible embodiment, in a zero-roaming scenario, since the Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) of the target AP is bound to the terminal, the number of terminals that the target AP can access is limited. The maximum number of terminals that the target AP can access can be set as a first threshold. It's important to note that since the BSSID of the target AP and the original AP are the same, the first terminal itself does not perceive the AP switch after switching from the original AP to the target AP, thus achieving zero roaming. After the target AP receives the device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP, the target AP can determine whether the number of terminals accessing the target AP is less than or equal to the first threshold. If the number of terminals accessing the target AP is less than or equal to the first threshold, a communication connection can be established with the first terminal using its device information.

[0097] In one possible embodiment, after the target AP completes step S305, the target AP or AC may send a second request to the original AP. The second request may be used to instruct the original AP to disconnect from the first terminal. After receiving the second request, the original AP may disconnect from the first terminal.

[0098] It should be noted that the above steps describe the network switching method of this application when the original AP and the target AP are in a co-frequency network. When the original AP and the target AP are in a co-frequency network, they can use the same channel for data transmission.

[0099] In one possible embodiment, inter-frequency networking is a technology derived from co-frequency networking. When a terminal device roams in a co-frequency network, it is equivalent to roaming within the same channel. However, when a terminal device roams in an inter-frequency network, it can use a Channel Switch Announcement (CSA) message (i.e., the first message) based on 802.11h to treat different channels as the same channel for roaming. If the original AP and the target AP belong to an inter-frequency network, the original AP can send a CSA message to the first terminal. The CSA message can be used to instruct the terminal device to switch to the channel corresponding to the target AP to connect to the network through the target AP. Using the CSA message for switching signals does not require re-association and authentication, thus avoiding the latency and packet loss problems caused by the terminal device losing connection with the original AP and reconnecting to the target AP after entering roaming logic.

[0100] In another possible embodiment, Figure 4 This application provides an embodiment of another communication method, which includes an interactive flowchart. Figure 4 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0101] In step S401, the AC determines that the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP and generates a fourth request.

[0102] In one possible embodiment, the specific process by which the AC determines that the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP can be referred to step S301, and will not be repeated here. Unlike step S301, the fourth request in step S401 is generated by the AC after determining that the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP, and can be used to instruct the target AP to send the first request to the original AP.

[0103] In step S402, the AC sends a fourth request to the target AP.

[0104] In step S403, the target AP receives the fourth request sent by the AC and generates the first request based on the fourth request.

[0105] In one possible embodiment, the fourth request may include specific information about the original AP, and the target AP may generate a first request based on the information about the original AP included in the fourth request.

[0106] Step S404: The target AP sends a first request to the original AP.

[0107] In step S405, the original AP receives the first request and determines the device information of the first terminal based on the first request.

[0108] For a detailed explanation of the implementation of this step, please refer to step S303. It will not be repeated here.

[0109] Step S406: The original AP sends the device information of the first terminal to the target AP.

[0110] For a detailed implementation of this step, please refer to step S304, which will not be repeated here.

[0111] In step S407, the target AP receives the device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP, and establishes a communication connection with the first terminal through the device information of the first terminal.

[0112] For a detailed implementation of this step, please refer to step S305, which will not be repeated here.

[0113] In another possible embodiment, Figure 5 This application provides an embodiment of another communication method, which includes an interactive flowchart. Figure 5 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0114] Step S501: The target AP determines that the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP and generates a third request.

[0115] In one possible embodiment, the target AP can estimate the location of the first terminal by receiving a signal strength indication sent by the first terminal. If the first terminal is detected to be within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP, a third request can be generated. This third request can be used to instruct the AC to send the first request to the original AP. Besides determining the location of the first terminal based on the signal strength indication, the target AP can also determine the location of the first terminal by generating a heatmap, etc., and this application does not limit this method. It should be noted that the third request is not necessarily generated by the target AP; it can also be generated by the original AP after determining that the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP.

[0116] In step S502, the target AP sends a third request to the AC.

[0117] In one possible implementation, if the third request is generated by the original AP, the original AP can send the third request to the AC.

[0118] Step S503: The AC sends the first request to the original AP.

[0119] In one possible embodiment, after receiving the third request, the AC can send the first request to the original AP based on the third request.

[0120] In step S504, the original AP receives the first request and determines the device information of the first terminal based on the first request.

[0121] For a detailed explanation of the implementation of this step, please refer to step S303. It will not be repeated here.

[0122] Step S505: The original AP sends the device information of the first terminal to the target AP.

[0123] For a detailed implementation of this step, please refer to step S304, which will not be repeated here.

[0124] In step S506, the target AP receives the device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP, and establishes a communication connection with the first terminal through the device information of the first terminal.

[0125] For a detailed implementation of this step, please refer to step S305, which will not be repeated here.

[0126] In another possible embodiment, Figure 6 This application provides an embodiment of another communication method, which includes an interactive flowchart. Figure 6 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0127] Step S601: The target AP determines that the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP and generates a first request.

[0128] The process by which the target AP determines that the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP can be referred to in step S501, and will not be repeated here.

[0129] Step S602: The target AP sends a first request to the original AP.

[0130] In step S603, the original AP receives the first request and determines the device information of the first terminal based on the first request.

[0131] For a detailed explanation of the implementation of this step, please refer to step S303. It will not be repeated here.

[0132] In step S604, the original AP sends the device information of the first terminal to the target AP.

[0133] For a detailed implementation of this step, please refer to step S304, which will not be repeated here.

[0134] In step S605, the target AP receives the device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP, and establishes a communication connection with the first terminal through the device information of the first terminal.

[0135] For a detailed implementation of this step, please refer to step S305, which will not be repeated here.

[0136] In another possible embodiment, Figure 7 This application provides an embodiment of another communication method, which includes an interactive flowchart. Figure 7 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0137] Step S701: The target AP receives the management message sent by the first terminal and obtains the original AP accessed by the first terminal from the management message.

[0138] In one possible embodiment, the management message sent by the first terminal includes an association request, and the target AP can obtain relevant information about the original AP from the association request in the management message.

[0139] Step S702: The target AP generates a first request based on the determined original AP.

[0140] Step S703: The target AP sends a first request to the original AP.

[0141] In step S704, the original AP receives the first request and determines the device information of the first terminal based on the first request.

[0142] For a detailed explanation of the implementation of this step, please refer to step S303. It will not be repeated here.

[0143] In step S705, the original AP sends the device information of the first terminal to the target AP.

[0144] For a detailed implementation of this step, please refer to step S304, which will not be repeated here.

[0145] In step S706, the target AP receives the device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP, and establishes a communication connection with the first terminal through the device information of the first terminal.

[0146] For a detailed implementation of this step, please refer to step S305, which will not be repeated here.

[0147] In related technologies, after receiving the management message sent by the first terminal, the target AP establishes a communication connection with the first terminal by responding to the association request in the management message. The first terminal needs to disconnect the original AP's communication connection before establishing a communication connection with the target AP. In the short period of time between disconnecting the communication connection and establishing a new communication connection, if the roaming performance of the first terminal is poor, the transmitted data may experience delays and packet loss during roaming, affecting the normal transmission of data.

[0148] If the communication method provided by the above embodiments is used, the target AP does not need to respond to the connection request of the first terminal, and the first terminal does not need to enter the roaming logic. The target AP can directly establish a communication connection with the first terminal through the device information. After the communication connection is established, the first terminal will disconnect from the target AP. This avoids the problem of data delay and packet loss that may occur during the process of the target AP responding to the connection request of the first terminal, and ensures the normal transmission of data.

[0149] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application provide a network switching device that can be applied to the original AP, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the network switching device 800 includes:

[0150] The first request receiving unit 801 is used to receive a first request; the first request is used to instruct the original AP to send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP; the first terminal is currently within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP;

[0151] The device information sending unit 802 is used to send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP based on the first request; the device information of the first terminal allows the target AP to establish a communication connection with the first terminal.

[0152] In one possible implementation, the device information sending unit 802 is further configured to receive a second request sent by the target AP or AC, and disconnect from the first terminal according to the second request; the second request is sent by the target AP after establishing a communication connection with the first terminal, or by the AC after determining that the target AP has established a communication connection with the first terminal.

[0153] In one possible implementation, the device information sending unit 802 is further configured to send a first message to the first terminal if the original AP and the target AP belong to a different frequency network; the first message is used to instruct the first terminal to switch to the channel corresponding to the target AP in order to connect to the network through the target AP.

[0154] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application provide a network switching device that can be applied to a target AP, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the network switching device 900 includes:

[0155] The device information receiving unit 901 is used to receive device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP of the first terminal; the device information of the first terminal is sent by the original AP to the target AP based on a first request; the first request is received by the original AP when the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP;

[0156] The communication connection establishment unit 902 is used to establish a communication connection with the first terminal through the device information of the first terminal.

[0157] In one possible implementation, the device information receiving unit 901 is further configured to send a third request to the wireless controller AC if the first terminal is detected to be within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP; the third request is configured to instruct the AC to send the first request to the original AP; the first request is configured to instruct the original AP to send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP.

[0158] In one possible implementation, the device information receiving unit 901 is further configured to receive a fourth request sent by the AC; the fourth request is sent by the AC to the target AP when it determines that the first terminal is in the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP;

[0159] Based on the fourth request, a first request is sent to the original AP; the first request is used to instruct the original AP to send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP.

[0160] In one possible implementation, the device information receiving unit 901 is further configured to receive a management message sent by the first terminal and ignore the connection request contained in the management message; the management message is sent by the first terminal to the target AP when it is located in the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP; the management message is used to indicate the establishment of a communication connection with the first terminal;

[0161] Send a first request to the original AP; the first request is used to instruct the original AP to send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP.

[0162] In one possible implementation, the communication connection establishment unit 902 is further configured to establish a communication connection with the first terminal through the device information of the first terminal if the number of terminals accessing the target AP is less than or equal to a first threshold.

[0163] In one possible implementation, the communication connection establishment unit 902 is further configured to send a second request to the original AP; the second request is configured to instruct the original AP to disconnect from the first terminal.

[0164] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application provide a network switching device that can be applied to a wireless controller AC, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the network switching device 1000 includes:

[0165] The first request sending unit 1001 is used to send a first request to the original AP of the first terminal when the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target access control point AP; the first request is used to instruct the original AP to send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP, so that the target AP can establish a communication connection with the first terminal through the device information of the first terminal.

[0166] In one possible implementation, the first request sending unit 1001 is further configured to determine that the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP if it receives a third request sent by the target AP or detects that the location of the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP.

[0167] Based on the same inventive concept, this application provides an access control point 1100, which can implement the network handover method described above. Please refer to... Figure 11 The access control point 1100 includes a memory 1101, a processor 1102, and a bus 1103.

[0168] The memory 1101 is used to store computer programs executed by the processor 1102. The memory 1101 may mainly include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and programs required to run instant messaging functions, etc.; the data storage area may store various instant messaging information and operation instruction sets, etc.

[0169] Memory 1101 may be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM); memory 1101 may also be non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory, flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD); or memory 1101 may be any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. Memory 1101 may be a combination of the above-mentioned memories.

[0170] The processor 1102 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) or digital processing units, etc. The processor 1102 is used to implement the network switching method described in the above embodiments when it calls the computer program stored in the memory 1101.

[0171] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the memory 1101 and the processor 1102 described above. This application embodiment... Figure 11 The memory 1101 and the processor 1102 are connected via a bus 1103, and the bus 1103 is in Figure 11 The connections between other components are shown in bold lines only and are not intended to be limiting. Bus 1103 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 11 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0172] Based on the same inventive concept, this application provides a wireless controller 1200, which can implement the network switching method described above. Please refer to... Figure 12 The access control point 1200 includes a memory 1201, a processor 1202, and a bus 1203.

[0173] The memory 1201 is used to store computer programs executed by the processor 1202. The memory 1201 may mainly include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and programs required to run instant messaging functions, etc.; the data storage area may store various instant messaging information and operation instruction sets, etc.

[0174] Memory 1201 may be volatile memory, such as random access memory; memory 1201 may also be non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory, flash memory, hard disk or solid-state drive; or memory 1201 may be any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. Memory 1201 may be a combination of the above-described memories.

[0175] The processor 1202 may include one or more central processing units or digital processing units, etc. The processor 1202 is used to implement the network switching method described in the above embodiments when it invokes a computer program stored in the memory 1201.

[0176] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the memory 1201 and the processor 1202 described above. This application embodiment... Figure 12 The memory 1201 and the processor 1202 are connected via a bus 1203, and the bus 1203 is in Figure 12 The connections between other components are shown in thick lines only and are not intended to be limiting. Bus 1203 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 12 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0177] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer program code, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the network switching methods discussed above. Since the principle by which the above-described computer-readable storage medium solves the problem is similar to that of the communication method, the implementation of the above-described computer-readable storage medium can be referred to the implementation of the method, and repeated details will not be elaborated further.

[0178] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-readable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0179] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0180] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0181] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0182] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The original access control point (AP) applied to the first terminal; The first terminal connects to the network through the original AP; the method includes: Receive a first request; the first request is used to instruct the original AP to send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP; the first terminal is currently within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP; Based on the first request, the device information of the first terminal is sent to the target AP; the device information of the first terminal allows the target AP to establish a communication connection with the first terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first request is sent by the wireless controller AC to the original AP; or, the first request is sent by the target AP to the original AP.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives a second request from the target AP or AC and disconnects from the first terminal according to the second request; the second request is sent by the target AP after establishing a communication connection with the first terminal, or by the AC after determining that the target AP has established a communication connection with the first terminal.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the original AP and the target AP are in a different frequency network, a first message is sent to the first terminal; the first message is used to instruct the first terminal to switch to the channel corresponding to the target AP in order to connect to the network through the target AP.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The original AP and the target AP have the same Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID).

6. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to the target access control point (AP) of the first terminal; the method includes: The device information of the first terminal is sent by the original AP to the target AP; the device information of the first terminal is sent by the original AP to the target AP based on a first request; the first request is received by the original AP when the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP. A communication connection is established with the first terminal using the device information of the first terminal.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Before receiving the device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP of the first terminal, the method further includes: If the first terminal is detected to be within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP, a third request is sent to the wireless controller AC; the third request is used to instruct the AC to send the first request to the original AP; the first request is used to instruct the original AP to send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Before receiving the device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP of the first terminal, the method further includes: Receive a fourth request sent by the AC; the fourth request is sent by the AC to the target AP when it determines that the first terminal is in the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP; Based on the fourth request, a first request is sent to the original AP; the first request is used to instruct the original AP to send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Before receiving the device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP of the first terminal, the method further includes: The system receives a management message sent by the first terminal and ignores the connection request contained in the management message; the management message is sent by the first terminal to the target AP when it is located in the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP; the management message is used to indicate the establishment of a communication connection with the first terminal. Send a first request to the original AP; the first request is used to instruct the original AP to send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The step of establishing a communication connection with the first terminal through the device information of the first terminal includes: If the number of terminals connected to the target AP is less than or equal to a first threshold, a communication connection is established with the first terminal through the device information of the first terminal.

11. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, After establishing a communication connection with the first terminal through the device information of the first terminal, the method further includes: A second request is sent to the original AP; the second request is used to instruct the original AP to disconnect from the first terminal.

12. A network handover method, characterized in that, Applied to a wireless controller AC; the method includes: When the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target access control point (AP), a first request is sent to the original AP of the first terminal; the first request is used to instruct the original AP to send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP, so that the target AP can establish a communication connection with the first terminal through the device information of the first terminal.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: If a third request is received from the target AP, or if the location of the first terminal is detected to be within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP, then it is determined that the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, The device, applied to the original access control point (AP), includes: A first request receiving unit is configured to receive a first request; the first request is configured to instruct the original AP to send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP; the first terminal is currently within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP; The device information sending unit is used to send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP based on the first request; the device information of the first terminal allows the target AP to establish a communication connection with the first terminal.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, The device, applied to a target access control point (AP), includes: The device information receiving unit is used to receive device information of the first terminal sent by the original AP of the first terminal; the device information of the first terminal is sent by the original AP to the target AP based on a first request; the first request is received by the original AP when the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target AP; A communication connection establishment unit is used to establish a communication connection with the first terminal through the device information of the first terminal.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, The device, applied to a wireless controller AC, includes: The first request sending unit is configured to send a first request to the original AP of the first terminal when the first terminal is within the signal coverage area of ​​the target access control point (AP); the first request is configured to instruct the original AP to send the device information of the first terminal to the target AP, so that the target AP can establish a communication connection with the first terminal through the device information of the first terminal.

17. An access control point, characterized in that, include: Memory, used to store program instructions; A processor is configured to invoke program instructions stored in the memory and execute the steps of any one of claims 1 to 5, or any one of claims 6 to 11, according to the obtained program instructions.

18. A wireless controller, characterized in that, include: Memory, used to store program instructions; A processor is configured to invoke program instructions stored in the memory and execute the steps of the method according to any one of claims 12 to 13 in accordance with the obtained program instructions.

19. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes multiple access control points (APs), each of which is connected to at least one antenna, and each of the at least one antenna provides network signal for a single space; The first AP among the plurality of APs is used to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 5, and the second AP among the plurality of APs is used to perform the method of any one of claims 6 to 11.

20. The communication system according to claim 19, characterized in that, The communication system also includes a wireless controller (AC), which is used to send control requests to each of the plurality of APs.

21. The communication system according to claim 19, characterized in that, The third AP among the plurality of APs is connected to the first antenna and the second antenna; When the first terminal is located in the first space, the third AP among the plurality of APs provides network signals to the first terminal through the first antenna; When the first terminal moves from the first space to the second space, the third AP provides network signals to the first terminal through the second antenna.

22. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program therein, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 5, or any one of claims 6 to 11, or any one of claims 12 to 13.

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