Signal processing method and device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of wireless communication, in particular to the technical field of wireless access, and specifically relates to a signal processing method and device. The signal processing method is applied to a network device, and the method comprises the following steps: receiving a first detection request sent by a terminal device; and shielding the first detection request under the condition that the equipment information indicates that the terminal equipment supports the first frequency band and the second frequency band and a preset suppression condition is met. The first detection request is used for requesting the terminal equipment to access the first frequency band, and the first detection request carries equipment information of the terminal equipment. The preset suppression condition is related to at least one of access user information of a frequency band supported by the terminal equipment, channel information of the frequency band supported by the terminal equipment, a shielding threshold value of the detection request or link quality information of a second frequency band. According to the invention, the terminal equipment can be guided to access a frequency band with higher communication quality, and the user experience is improved.

Description

A signal processing method and apparatus Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and more particularly to the field of wireless access technology, specifically to a signal processing method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In wireless communication, terminal devices and network devices can communicate wirelessly using electromagnetic waves in specific frequency bands. For example, terminal devices such as mobile phones and smart home products can communicate wirelessly with routers using electromagnetic waves in specific frequency bands, thereby transmitting information such as sound, text, data, and images. This enables rapid information dissemination and improves communication efficiency.

[0003] Currently, in some cases, terminal devices and network devices support multi-band wireless communication. In order to obtain better communication quality, terminal devices and network devices need to select a certain frequency band from the multiple frequency bands for wireless communication. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a signal processing method, apparatus, and system for guiding terminal devices to access frequency bands with higher communication quality, thereby improving user experience.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, a signal processing method is provided, applied to a network device, the method comprising: receiving a first probe request sent by a terminal device; and blocking the first probe request when device information indicates that the terminal device supports a first frequency band and a second frequency band, and when a preset suppression condition is met.

[0007] The first probe request is used to request the terminal device to access the first frequency band, and the first probe request carries the device information of the terminal device.

[0008] The device information of the terminal device is used to uniquely identify the terminal device. The device information may also include the frequency bands supported by the terminal device and / or the frequency bands accessed by the terminal device. Blocking the first probe request can be understood as: the network device does not send a first probe response. The first probe response is used to indicate that the terminal device can access the first frequency band. Alternatively, blocking the first probe request can be understood as: the network device sends a response to the terminal device indicating that the terminal device does not access the first frequency band.

[0009] The preset suppression condition is related to at least one of the following: access user information of the frequency band supported by the terminal device, channel information of the frequency band supported by the terminal device, shielding threshold of the probe request, or link quality information of the second frequency band.

[0010] The network device determines whether to block the first probe request based on preset suppression conditions related to user access information in the frequency band supported by the terminal device. This can prevent too many terminal devices from accessing the first frequency band, reduce signal interference between the terminal device and the network device, and improve the communication quality between the terminal device and the network device.

[0011] The network device determines whether to block the first probe request based on preset suppression conditions related to channel information of the frequency band supported by the terminal device. This can prevent the terminal device from accessing frequency bands with poor channel quality, thereby improving the communication quality between the terminal device and the network device.

[0012] Network devices can block the first probe request, and there are also cases where network devices block the first probe request multiple times. If a network device continuously blocks the first probe request, the terminal device will be unable to communicate with the network device. Therefore, to avoid this situation and improve user experience, network devices can suppress terminal devices from accessing the first frequency band based on a probe request blocking threshold.

[0013] To improve communication quality between terminal devices and network devices, either by suppressing terminal devices from accessing the first frequency band or by guiding terminal devices to access the second frequency band, the second frequency band generally offers better link quality. However, in some cases, the link quality in the second frequency band is poor. In such situations, the network device does not need to suppress terminal devices from accessing the first frequency band; that is, the network device does not need to guide the terminal devices to access the second frequency band.

[0014] The signal processing method provided in this application embodiment allows the network device to pre-set preset suppression conditions. These preset suppression conditions are related to at least one of the following: access user information for the frequency bands supported by the terminal device, channel information for the frequency bands supported by the terminal device, a blocking threshold for probe requests, or link quality information for the second frequency band. Therefore, the network device can determine the communication quality of the frequency bands supported by the terminal device. The terminal device then sends a first probe request to the network device, carrying device information. Based on this device information, the network device determines whether the terminal device supports the first and second frequency bands, and whether it meets the preset suppression conditions. Thus, if the device information indicates that the user device supports both the first and second frequency bands, and that the device meets the preset suppression conditions, the network device can determine that the communication quality of the first frequency band is poor, or that the access efficiency of the first frequency band is low. Therefore, the network device can block the first probe request. This prevents the terminal device from accessing the first frequency band with poor communication quality or low access efficiency, and guides the terminal device to access the second frequency band with better communication quality or higher access efficiency, thereby improving communication quality and user experience. In one possible implementation, the preset suppression condition is related to a first preset time interval between two consecutive first probe requests within a first duration.

[0015] If a terminal device sends a first probe request and the network device does not respond, the terminal device will send another first probe request. The interval between these two first probe requests is relatively short, and the following scenarios are possible: The terminal device sends a first probe request, but the network device does not respond; or a longer interval is elapsed before another first probe request is sent. Reasons for this longer interval may include the terminal device moving away from the network device or restarting. In this case, either the terminal device or the network device needs to re-evaluate whether the first probe request meets the preset suppression conditions.

[0016] Therefore, to address this scenario and more accurately suppress terminal devices from accessing the first frequency band, this application also includes a preset suppression condition related to a first preset time interval between two consecutive first probe requests within a first duration, to determine whether the network device blocks the first probe request.

[0017] In one possible implementation, when the first probe request is blocked, the signal processing method further includes: saving the timestamp of the first probe request so that the network device can determine the time interval between any number of first probe requests based on the timestamp of the first probe request.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the signal processing method further includes: sending a first detection response to the terminal device when the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and the preset suppression conditions are not met.

[0019] The first detection response is used to indicate that the terminal device can access the first frequency band.

[0020] If the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band and the second frequency band and does not meet the preset suppression conditions, it means that there is no need to suppress the terminal device's access to the first frequency band. At this time, a first detection response can be sent to the terminal device to indicate that the terminal device can access the first frequency band and fulfill the terminal device's need to access a specific frequency band to transmit data.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the signal processing method further includes: blocking the first probe request when the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band but does not support the second frequency band, and the first time interval is less than the second preset time interval; or, sending a first probe response when the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band but does not support the second frequency band, and the first time interval is greater than the second preset time interval, wherein the first probe response is used to indicate that the terminal device can access the first frequency band.

[0022] The first time interval is the difference between the timestamp of the first probe request and the timestamp of the previous first probe request, and the second preset time interval is the time interval between two consecutive first probe requests within the second duration.

[0023] If the terminal device supports the first frequency band but not the second frequency band, the terminal device sends the first probe request to the network device in a non-periodic manner.

[0024] During the probing phase, when a terminal device requests access to the first frequency band, it typically sends multiple first probing requests consecutively according to a transmission period. These multiple transmissions of the first probing request are used to request the terminal device to access the first frequency band once. The time interval between two consecutive first probing requests within the transmission period can be, for example, a second duration.

[0025] Therefore, to avoid repeatedly allowing terminal devices to access the first frequency band, network devices can block the periodically sent first probe requests. That is, when device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band but not the second frequency band, and the first time interval is less than a second preset time interval, the network device blocks the first probe request. If the identifier for the first frequency band exists in the first data table but the identifier for the second frequency band does not exist, it indicates that the first probe request has been received for the first time. At this time, the network device can block the first probe request, and it can also save the identifier for the first frequency band. This is because after the network device receives the first probe request for the first time, the terminal device will still send the first probe request at a second time interval.

[0026] Additionally, the network device can look up the first data table based on the device information. If the first data table contains an identifier for the first frequency band but not for the second frequency band, it indicates that the terminal device only supports the first frequency band. In this case, the terminal device sends the first probe request without a regular sending period. Therefore, if the first time interval is greater than the second preset time interval, this indicates that the terminal device only supports the first frequency band. The network device can then send a first probe response to indicate that the terminal device can access the first frequency band.

[0027] Each probe request has a corresponding timestamp, which can be stored in a first data table. The time interval between two consecutive probe requests can be determined by the timestamps in the first data table. Therefore, if a sending period exists, the timestamps in the first data table can also be updated according to the sending period.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the signal processing method further includes: blocking the first detection request when the device information indicates that the terminal device does not support the first frequency band.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the access user information for the frequency bands supported by the terminal device includes at least one of the following:

[0030] The number of users accessing the first frequency band;

[0031] The number of users accessing the second frequency band;

[0032] The total number of users accessing the first and second frequency bands;

[0033] The difference between the number of access users in the first frequency band and the second frequency band;

[0034] The difference in the percentage of users accessing the first frequency band and the second frequency band.

[0035] The number of users accessing the first frequency band refers to the number of terminal devices (Num1) that have been connected to the first frequency band, provided that the terminal devices support the first frequency band.

[0036] The number of users accessing the second frequency band refers to the number of terminal devices (Num2) that have been connected to the second frequency band, provided that the terminal devices support the second frequency band.

[0037] The total number of users accessing the first and second frequency bands refers to the sum of Num1 and Num2 when the terminal device supports both the first and second frequency bands.

[0038] The difference between the number of access users in the first frequency band and the second frequency band refers to the difference between Num1 and Num2 when the terminal device supports both the first and second frequency bands.

[0039] The difference between the correlation values ​​of the first frequency band and the correlation values ​​of the second frequency band, and the correlation values ​​of the second frequency band and the correlation values ​​of the first frequency band, are opposites and can be converted to each other.

[0040] The difference between the correlation values ​​of the first frequency band and the correlation values ​​of the second frequency band can be either the correlation value of the first frequency band minus the difference of the correlation value of the second frequency band, or the correlation value of the second frequency band minus the difference of the correlation value of the first frequency band.

[0041] The difference in the percentage of access users between the first and second frequency bands refers to the difference between Num3 and Num4 when the terminal device supports both the first and second frequency bands. Num3 is the ratio of Num1 to (Num1 + Num2), and Num4 is the ratio of Num2 to (Num1 + Num2). In addition to the parameters mentioned above, the access user information for the frequency bands supported by the terminal device may also include other parameters.

[0042] Therefore, network devices can determine whether to block the first probe request based on preset suppression conditions related to user access information in the frequency bands supported by the terminal devices. This allows network devices to avoid too many terminal devices accessing the first frequency band, reducing signal interference between terminal devices and network devices, and improving communication quality between them.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the channel information for the frequency bands supported by the terminal device includes at least one of the following:

[0044] Channel utilization rate of the first frequency band;

[0045] Channel utilization rate of the second frequency band;

[0046] The sum of channel utilization in the first and second frequency bands;

[0047] The difference between the channel utilization rates of the first and second frequency bands.

[0048] The channel utilization rate of the first frequency band refers to the channel utilization rate of the first frequency band when the terminal device supports the first frequency band.

[0049] The channel utilization rate of the second frequency band refers to the channel utilization rate of the second frequency band when the terminal device supports the second frequency band.

[0050] The sum of channel utilization rates of the first and second frequency bands refers to the sum of the channel utilization rates of the first and second frequency bands when the terminal device supports both frequency bands.

[0051] The difference between the channel utilization of the first frequency band and the second frequency band refers to the difference between the channel utilization of the first frequency band and the channel utilization of the second frequency band when the terminal device supports both the first and second frequency bands.

[0052] Therefore, the network device determines whether to block the first probe request based on preset suppression conditions related to the channel information of the frequency band supported by the terminal device. The network device can prevent the terminal device from accessing frequency bands with poor channel quality, thereby guiding the terminal device to access frequency bands with higher channel quality and improving the communication quality between the terminal device and the network device. In one possible implementation, the signal processing method specifically includes: sending a first probe response when the first number of probes is greater than or equal to the blocking threshold of the probe request; or, blocking the first probe request and updating the first number by one when the first number of probes is less than the blocking threshold of the probe request.

[0053] The first count represents the cumulative number of times the network device has blocked terminal devices from requesting access to the first frequency band.

[0054] If the updated first probe count exceeds the blocking threshold for probe requests, it indicates that the current first probe request has reached the threshold for blocking first probe requests. In this case, the network device can stop blocking the first probe request, meaning the network device can send a first probe response. Conversely, if the updated first probe count is less than the blocking threshold for probe requests, the network device can continue to block the first probe request.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the signal processing method specifically includes: receiving a second probe request sent by a terminal device; sending a second probe response to the terminal device; receiving a first probe request sent by the terminal device when the terminal device has already accessed the second frequency band; and sending a first probe response to the terminal device when the device information indicates that the terminal device supports both the first and second frequency bands, and the link quality information of the second frequency band indicated by the device information does not meet the preset suppression conditions.

[0056] The second probe request is used to request the terminal device to access the second frequency band.

[0057] The second detection response is used to indicate that the terminal device can access the second frequency band.

[0058] After the device information indicates that the terminal device supports both the first and second frequency bands, and the terminal device sends a second probe request to the network device, the network device sends a second probe response to the terminal device. At this point, the terminal device can access the second frequency band to communicate with the network device. If the communication quality of the second frequency band is low during communication between the terminal device and the network device, the terminal device can send a first probe request to the network device to request a switch to the first frequency band for communication. The network device can then allow the terminal device to access the first frequency band, thereby ensuring the communication quality between the terminal device and the network device.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the signal processing method further includes: blocking the first probe request when the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and the link quality information of the second frequency band indicated by the device information meets the preset suppression conditions.

[0060] In this embodiment, the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band and the second frequency band. If the link quality information of the second frequency band does not meet the preset suppression conditions, the network device can allow the terminal device to access the first frequency band to ensure the communication quality between the terminal device and the network device.

[0061] If the link quality information of the second frequency band meets the preset suppression conditions, it indicates that the communication quality of the first frequency band is poor. In this case, the network device can refuse the terminal device's access to the first frequency band, that is, block the first probe request, so as to guide the terminal device to access the second frequency band and ensure the communication quality between the terminal device and the network device.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the link quality information of the second frequency band is related to at least one of the signal strength of the second frequency band, the negotiation rate of the second frequency band, or the retransmission rate of the second frequency band.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the signal processing method further includes: when the switch function is activated, the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and a preset suppression condition is met, blocking the first probe request terminal device; or, when the switch function is not activated, the terminal device supports the first frequency band, and the frequency band supported by the terminal device includes the first frequency band, sending a first probe response to the terminal device; or, when the switch function is not activated, and the frequency band of the terminal device does not include the first frequency band, blocking the first probe request.

[0064] When this switch is enabled, it can accommodate scenarios where communication quality in the first frequency band is poor, requiring suppression of terminal devices accessing the first frequency band. When this switch is disabled, the terminal device can independently determine the access frequency band.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the signal processing method further includes: searching for the frequency band supported by the terminal device in a first data table based on device information; and determining that the terminal device supports the third frequency band when an identifier for the third frequency band exists in the first data table.

[0066] The first data table includes association information for one or more terminal devices. The association information includes device information of the terminal devices and identifiers of one or more frequency bands supported by the terminal devices.

[0067] The third frequency band includes the first frequency band and / or the second frequency band.

[0068] Therefore, network devices can quickly and efficiently determine the frequency bands supported by terminal devices by querying the first data table, and can also determine whether the terminal device supports a single frequency band or dual frequency bands.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the signal processing method further includes updating the associated information of the terminal device in the first data table if the identifier of the third frequency band is not present in the first data table.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the signal processing method further includes: determining the number of nodes of the terminal device based on device information and a first data table; and deleting the association information of one or more terminal devices from the first data table when the number of nodes of the terminal device is greater than a first threshold.

[0071] In the signal processing methods of some of the above embodiments, the network device can look up the frequency bands supported by the terminal device through a first data table. Therefore, the network device needs to maintain the first data table. For example, every time a new terminal device sends a probe request, the network device can save the device information of the terminal device in the first data table. This will cause the number of terminal device nodes maintained in the first data table to continuously increase, requiring increasingly larger storage space.

[0072] By deleting the association information of one or more terminal devices from the first data table when the number of terminal device nodes exceeds a first threshold, the network device can control the storage space of the first data table to remain within a certain range.

[0073] In a second aspect, a signal processing apparatus is provided, comprising: a module for performing the method in any of the possible embodiments of the first aspect described above.

[0074] Thirdly, a signal processing system is provided, comprising: a terminal device and a network device for performing the methods described in the first aspect and any possible embodiments thereof.

[0075] Fourthly, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a transceiver, a processor, and a memory. The memory stores computer programs or instructions, and the processor controls the transceiver to transmit and receive signals. The processor also calls and executes the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, causing the processor to implement the methods described in any of the possible embodiments of the first aspect.

[0076] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor; the processor being configured to invoke a computer program or instructions in a memory, causing the communication device to perform the method in any of the possible embodiments of the first aspect described above.

[0077] Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory for storing program instructions. The processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0078] In a sixth aspect, a chip device is provided, including a processor for invoking a computer program or instructions in the memory to cause the processor to perform the method in any of the possible embodiments of the first aspect described above.

[0079] Alternatively, the processor may be coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0080] In a seventh aspect, a chip is provided, comprising: an interface circuit and a logic circuit, wherein the interface circuit is configured to receive signals from other chips outside the chip and transmit them to the logic circuit, or to send signals from the logic circuit to other chips outside the chip, and the logic circuit is configured to implement the method in any possible embodiment of the first aspect described above.

[0081] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program or instructions configured to perform the method in any of the possible embodiments of the first aspect described above.

[0082] Ninthly, a computer program product is provided that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method in any of the possible embodiments of the first aspect described above. Attached Figure Description

[0083] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a signal processing system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 2 is a signaling interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 3 is a signaling interaction diagram of a signal processing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a signal processing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a signal processing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a signal processing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 7 is a signaling interaction diagram of a signal processing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a signal processing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a signal processing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0092] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a signal processing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0093] Figure 11 is a flowchart of a signal processing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0094] Figure 12 is a flowchart of a signal processing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0095] Figure 13 is a flowchart of a signal processing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0096] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the signal processing device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0097] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terminology used in the following embodiments is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions "a," "the," "the," "the," and "this" are intended to also include expressions such as "one or more," unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that in the following embodiments of this application, "at least one" and "one or more" refer to one or more (including two). The term "and / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist; for example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0098] For example, this application provides a signal processing method applied to a signal processing system.

[0099] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the signal processing system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0100] As shown in Figure 1, the signal processing system may include, for example, a network device 10 and a terminal device 20.

[0101] Network device 10 can be understood as a hardware device used to connect different device nodes in a communication network to achieve functions such as data transmission, switching, and routing. Network devices may include, for example, routers and switches.

[0102] Routers are network devices used for network connectivity and data forwarding, path selection, network address translation (NAT), and wireless access.

[0103] A switch can provide a dedicated electrical signal path for any two device nodes connected to the switch. Switches can forward data frames based on the media access control address (MAC address), improving the data transmission performance of network devices.

[0104] Terminal device 20 can be understood as a device used to implement wireless communication functions. Terminal devices may include, for example, smartphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smart cameras, smart home products, etc. It should be noted that the system architecture and related descriptions shown in Figure 1 are merely examples. For instance, the number and architecture of the network devices and terminal devices shown in Figure 1 can be configured according to requirements, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0105] Figure 2 is a signaling interaction diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0106] As shown in Figure 2, this communication method is applied to a signal processing system containing terminal devices and network devices with the structure shown in Figure 1. The communication method may include: a detection phase S1, an authentication phase S2, an association phase S3, a secure handshake phase S4, an Internet Protocol (IP) address acquisition phase S5, and a data transmission phase S6.

[0107] The probing phase S1 refers to the process by which the terminal device actively scans and selects a frequency band to request access. In some embodiments, during this probing phase, the terminal device sends a probe request frame to the network device. This probe request frame indicates that the terminal device requests access to a specific frequency band. If the network device allows the terminal device to access the specific frequency band, the network device sends a probe response frame to the terminal device. Thus, the terminal device can select the specific frequency band and begin establishing a connection with the network device.

[0108] Authentication phase S2 refers to the process by which a terminal device verifies its own legitimate access rights. This authentication phase can be open system authentication or shared key authentication. In some embodiments, during this authentication phase, the terminal device sends an authentication request frame to the network device. The network device then sends an authentication response frame to the terminal device. This ensures network security and privacy.

[0109] The association phase S3 refers to the process of establishing a logical connection between the terminal device and the network device after successful authentication. In some embodiments, during this authentication phase, the terminal device sends an association request frame to the network device. The network device then sends an association response frame to the terminal device. After successful association, a logical connection is established between the terminal device and the network device, and the terminal device obtains an association identifier (AID).

[0110] The secure handshake phase S4 refers to a series of encryption and key negotiation processes conducted after a logical connection is established between the terminal device and the network device to ensure the security of data transmission. In some embodiments, during this secure handshake phase, the network provided by the network device uses a security protocol (such as Wi-Fi Protected Access, WPA / WPA2), and the terminal device and the network device perform a four-way handshake to generate an encryption key. This prevents data from being stolen or tampered with during transmission, ensuring network security.

[0111] The IP address acquisition phase S5 refers to the phase after the terminal device and the network device complete a secure handshake, where the user device requests a unique identifier in order to communicate with other devices. In some embodiments, during this IP address acquisition phase, the terminal device requests an IP address from the network device via the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

[0112] In the data transmission phase S6, the terminal device has been connected to the network device and can start data transmission, that is, the terminal device and the network device can communicate with each other.

[0113] During the detection phase S1 described above, the terminal device can select a specific frequency band and request access to that band. Here, a frequency band refers to the range of radio wave frequencies. By communicating using radio waves within a specific frequency band, the terminal device can reduce interference.

[0114] For example, terminal devices can access either the 2.4GHz band or the 5GHz band, which are two common frequency bands. The 2.4GHz band refers to the radio frequency range between 2.4GHz and 2.4835GHz. The 5GHz band refers to the radio frequency range between 5.150GHz and 5.825GHz. The 5GHz band has a higher frequency than the 2.4GHz band.

[0115] The 2.4 GHz band contains 14 channels. While the 2.4 GHz band offers wide coverage and strong penetration, the large number of terminal devices using this band may make them susceptible to interference.

[0116] The 5GHz band offers more than 14 more channel options, making channel overlap and interference less likely. It also supports higher bandwidth modes, such as 80MHz or 160MHz. While offering faster data transmission speeds and less interference, the 5GHz band has a relatively smaller coverage area and weaker wall penetration.

[0117] These differences make the 2.4GHz band suitable for home environments where a large coverage area is needed, while the 5GHz band is more suitable for scenarios requiring high-speed data transmission and less interference, such as online games and high-definition video streaming.

[0118] In some cases, the terminal device only supports the 2.4 GHz band. In some cases, the terminal device only supports the 5 GHz band. In some cases, the terminal device supports both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

[0119] In some embodiments, the signal processing system may include N terminal devices. Some of the N terminal devices support the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, or other frequency bands, while the remaining N terminal devices support both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band. In the aforementioned case, M1 terminal devices can access the 2.4 GHz band, and M2 terminal devices can access the 5 GHz band. N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and the sum of M1 and M2 is an integer less than or equal to N.

[0120] The following explanation will be based on the example of a terminal device that simultaneously supports the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands.

[0121] In some related technologies, terminal devices request access to the 2.4GHz band. Because the 5GHz band is more prone to signal attenuation, the signal strength in the 2.4GHz band is higher at the same location. Network devices may allow terminal devices to access the 2.4GHz band where the signal strength is higher. This increases the number of terminal devices accessing the 2.4GHz band, making it more susceptible to interference.

[0122] For example, terminal devices 11, 12, and 14 all support both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, while terminal device 13 only supports the 2.4GHz band.

[0123] Based on actual needs such as signal strength, the network equipment allows terminal device 11 to access the 2.4GHz band, terminal device 12 to access the 2.4GHz band, terminal device 13 to access the 2.4GHz band, and terminal device 14 to access the 5GHz band. That is, a total of 3 terminal devices can access the 2.4GHz band, and 1 terminal device can access the 5GHz band.

[0124] In view of the above problems, this application provides a signal processing method. When a terminal device supports multiple frequency bands and requests access to one of the frequency bands, the network device can comprehensively determine whether to allow the terminal device to access the frequency band based on relevant information such as the communication quality of that frequency band, thereby ensuring the communication quality between the terminal device and the network device. This avoids problems such as an excessive number of users accessing a single frequency band and severe interference caused by a concentration of terminal devices accessing that frequency band.

[0125] The signal processing method of this application embodiment will be described below with reference to the system architecture shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a signaling interaction diagram of a signal processing method of this application embodiment.

[0126] As shown in Figure 3, the signal processing method according to the embodiment of this application may include steps S101 and S102.

[0127] S101, the terminal device sends the first probe request to the network device.

[0128] Correspondingly, the network device receives the first probe request sent by the terminal device.

[0129] The first probe request is used to request the terminal device to access the first frequency band, and the first probe request carries the device information of the terminal device.

[0130] Device information of a terminal device is used to uniquely identify the terminal device. For example, device information may include a device identifier, which may be, for example, a Media Access Control Address (MAC address). Furthermore, device information may also include the frequency bands supported by the terminal device and / or the frequency bands accessed by the terminal device.

[0131] If a terminal device is currently connected to a certain frequency band, and the signal quality of that frequency band is poor or the network is unstable, the terminal device may send a first probe request to the network device to request the network device to allow the terminal device to access the first frequency band.

[0132] This frequency band can be different from both the first and second frequency bands. Alternatively, this frequency can be the second frequency band, which is different from the first frequency band. If the terminal device is not connected to any frequency band, it may need to communicate with the network device. The terminal device can send a first probe request to the network device to request permission to access the first frequency band.

[0133] For ease of description, a scenario where the terminal device is currently accessing a frequency band different from both the first and second frequency bands, or is currently accessing the second frequency band and requests access to the first frequency band, can be referred to as a frequency band switching scenario. A scenario where the terminal device is currently accessing the first frequency band and requests access to the first frequency band can be referred to as a re-access scenario. A scenario where the terminal device is not accessing any frequency band and requests access to the first frequency band can be referred to as an initial access scenario.

[0134] Both the first and second frequency bands can be understood as a specific frequency range of radio waves. The second frequency band is a different frequency band from the first. That is, the frequency ranges of the first and second frequency bands do not overlap. For example, the first frequency band is the radio frequency band between 2.4 GHz and 2.4835 GHz, and the second frequency band is the radio frequency band between 5.150 GHz and 5.825 GHz.

[0135] S102, when the network device indicates in the device information that the terminal device supports the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and meets the preset suppression conditions, the network device blocks the first detection request.

[0136] Among them, the preset suppression condition is related to at least one of the following: access user information of the frequency band supported by the terminal device, channel information of the frequency band supported by the terminal device, the shielding threshold of the probe request, or the link quality information of the second frequency band.

[0137] Preset suppression conditions refer to the conditions under which network devices determine whether to block the first probe request; these conditions can be set in advance.

[0138] As a feasible implementation method, preset suppression conditions can be used to determine the communication quality of a frequency band. Therefore, based on the preset suppression conditions, the network device determines whether to block the first probe request, enabling the terminal device and the network device to communicate on a frequency band with higher communication quality.

[0139] In some embodiments, the preset suppression condition is related to the access user information of the frequency bands supported by the terminal device. The access user information of the frequency bands supported by the terminal device refers to the relevant information of the terminal device accessing the supported frequency bands. Supported frequency bands refer to the frequency bands supported by the terminal device. In some embodiments, the terminal device supports a first frequency band, or the terminal device supports a second frequency band, or the terminal device supports both a first and a second frequency band. Alternatively, the terminal device supports a first frequency band, a second frequency band, and other frequency bands.

[0140] The preset suppression conditions are related to the access user information of the frequency bands supported by the terminal device. This can be understood as the access user information of the frequency bands supported by the terminal device serving as a parameter for the preset suppression conditions. Therefore, the preset suppression conditions can use the access user information of the frequency bands supported by the terminal device as a dimension for judging the communication quality of the frequency bands.

[0141] For example, the access user information for the frequency bands supported by the terminal device may include at least one of the following:

[0142] The number of users accessing the first frequency band;

[0143] The number of users accessing the second frequency band;

[0144] The total number of users accessing the first and second frequency bands;

[0145] The difference between the number of access users in the first frequency band and the second frequency band;

[0146] The difference in the percentage of users accessing the first frequency band and the second frequency band.

[0147] The number of users accessing the first frequency band refers to the number of terminal devices (Num1) that have been connected to the first frequency band, provided that the terminal devices support the first frequency band.

[0148] The number of users accessing the second frequency band refers to the number of terminal devices (Num2) that have been connected to the second frequency band, provided that the terminal devices support the second frequency band.

[0149] The total number of users accessing the first and second frequency bands refers to the sum of Num1 and Num2 when the terminal device supports both the first and second frequency bands.

[0150] The difference between the number of access users in the first frequency band and the second frequency band refers to the difference between Num1 and Num2 when the terminal device supports both the first and second frequency bands.

[0151] The difference between the correlation values ​​of the first frequency band and the correlation values ​​of the second frequency band, and the correlation values ​​of the second frequency band and the correlation values ​​of the first frequency band, are opposites and can be converted to each other.

[0152] The difference between the correlation values ​​of the first frequency band and the correlation values ​​of the second frequency band can be either the correlation value of the first frequency band minus the difference of the correlation value of the second frequency band, or the correlation value of the second frequency band minus the difference of the correlation value of the first frequency band.

[0153] The difference in the percentage of access users between the first and second frequency bands refers to the difference between Num3 and Num4 when the terminal device supports both the first and second frequency bands. Num3 is the ratio of Num1 to (Num1 + Num2), and Num4 is the ratio of Num2 to (Num1 + Num2). In addition to the parameters mentioned above, the access user information for the frequency bands supported by the terminal device may also include other parameters.

[0154] Therefore, network devices can determine whether to block the first probe request based on preset suppression conditions related to user access information in the frequency bands supported by the terminal devices. This allows network devices to avoid too many terminal devices accessing the first frequency band, reducing signal interference between terminal devices and network devices, and improving communication quality between them.

[0155] In other embodiments, the preset suppression conditions are related to channel information of the frequency bands supported by the terminal device.

[0156] The preset suppression conditions are related to the access user information of the frequency bands supported by the access terminal equipment. This can be understood as the channel information of the frequency bands supported by the terminal equipment serving as a parameter for the preset suppression conditions. Therefore, the preset suppression conditions can use the channel information of the frequency bands supported by the terminal equipment as a dimension for judging the communication quality of the frequency bands.

[0157] For example, the channel information for the frequency bands supported by the terminal device may include at least one of the following:

[0158] Channel utilization rate of the first frequency band;

[0159] Channel utilization rate of the second frequency band;

[0160] The sum of channel utilization in the first and second frequency bands;

[0161] The difference between the channel utilization rates of the first and second frequency bands.

[0162] The channel utilization rate of the first frequency band refers to the channel utilization rate of the first frequency band when the terminal device supports the first frequency band.

[0163] The channel utilization rate of the second frequency band refers to the channel utilization rate of the second frequency band when the terminal device supports the second frequency band.

[0164] The sum of channel utilization rates of the first and second frequency bands refers to the sum of the channel utilization rates of the first and second frequency bands when the terminal device supports both frequency bands.

[0165] The difference between the channel utilization of the first frequency band and the second frequency band refers to the difference between the channel utilization of the first frequency band and the channel utilization of the second frequency band when the terminal device supports both the first and second frequency bands.

[0166] Therefore, the network device determines whether to block the first probe request based on preset suppression conditions related to the channel information of the frequency band supported by the terminal device. This allows the network device to prevent the terminal device from accessing frequency bands with poor channel quality, guiding it to access frequency bands with higher channel quality and improving the communication quality between the terminal device and the network device.

[0167] In other embodiments, the preset suppression conditions are related to the link quality information of the second frequency band.

[0168] The preset suppression conditions are related to the link quality information of the second frequency band; these conditions can be understood as the link quality information of the second frequency band serving as a parameter for the preset suppression conditions. Therefore, the preset suppression conditions can use the link quality information of the second frequency band as a dimension for judging the communication quality of the frequency band.

[0169] For example, the link quality information of the second frequency band is related to at least one of the signal strength of the second frequency band, the negotiation rate of the second frequency band, or the retransmission rate of the second frequency band.

[0170] The signal strength of the second frequency band refers to the energy of the signal transmitted between the terminal device and the network device in the second frequency band. The signal strength of the second frequency band is positively correlated with the link quality of the second frequency band.

[0171] The negotiated rate for the second frequency band refers to the data transmission rate of the second frequency band determined through negotiation between network devices and terminal devices. The negotiated rate is determined based on various factors, including the communication standards supported by the network and terminal devices, device performance, and network environment. The negotiated rate for the second frequency band is positively correlated with the link quality of the second frequency band.

[0172] The retransmission rate of the second frequency band refers to the proportion of data that needs to be retransmitted due to transmission errors, data loss, or incorrect reception during communication between network devices and terminal devices in the second frequency band. The retransmission rate of the second frequency band is negatively correlated with the link quality of the second frequency band.

[0173] When the link quality of the second frequency band is better, network devices can improve the communication quality between terminal devices and network devices by suppressing terminal devices from accessing the first frequency band, or by guiding terminal devices to access the second frequency band.

[0174] When the link quality of the second frequency band is poor, the network device does not need to suppress the terminal device from accessing the first frequency band. That is, the network device does not need to guide the terminal device to access the second frequency band, which can ensure the communication quality between the terminal device and the network device.

[0175] If the signal strength of the second frequency band is less than -80dBm, the negotiation rate of the second frequency band is less than 39bps, and the retransmission rate of the second frequency band is greater than 80%, the network device can determine that the link quality of the second frequency band is poor. If the signal strength of the second frequency band is greater than or equal to -80dBm, the negotiation rate of the second frequency band is greater than or equal to 39bps, and the retransmission rate of the second frequency band is less than or equal to 80%, the network device can determine that the link quality of the second frequency band is good.

[0176] Therefore, network devices can determine whether to suppress terminal devices from accessing the first frequency band based on preset suppression conditions related to the link quality information of the second frequency band, which can improve the communication quality between terminal devices and network devices and enhance the user experience.

[0177] In one specific embodiment, the link quality information of the second frequency band is related to the signal strength of the second frequency band, the negotiation rate of the second frequency band, and the retransmission rate of the second frequency band.

[0178] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a signal processing method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the signal processing method provided in this embodiment may include steps S201 to S208.

[0179] S201, the network device obtains the signal strength of the second frequency band.

[0180] S202, the network device determines whether the signal strength of the second frequency band is less than the corresponding preset threshold.

[0181] If the network device determines that the signal strength of the second frequency band is less than the corresponding preset threshold, the network device executes steps S203-S204.

[0182] If the network device determines that the signal strength of the second frequency band is greater than or equal to the corresponding preset threshold, the network device executes step S208.

[0183] S203, Network devices acquire the negotiated rate for the second frequency band.

[0184] S204, the network device determines whether the negotiation rate of the second frequency band is less than the corresponding preset threshold.

[0185] If the network device determines that the negotiation rate of the second frequency band is less than the corresponding preset threshold, the network device executes step S205.

[0186] If the network device determines that the negotiation rate of the second frequency band is greater than or equal to the corresponding preset threshold, the network device executes step S208.

[0187] S205, the network device obtains the retransmission rate of the second frequency band.

[0188] S206, the network device determines whether the retransmission rate of the second frequency band is greater than the corresponding preset threshold.

[0189] If the network device determines that the retransmission rate of the second frequency band is less than the corresponding preset threshold, the network device executes step S208.

[0190] In this embodiment, if the signal strength of the second frequency band is less than a corresponding preset threshold, the negotiation rate of the second frequency band is less than a corresponding preset threshold, and the retransmission rate of the second frequency band is greater than a corresponding preset threshold, the network device can determine that the link quality information of the second frequency band does not meet the preset suppression conditions. The network device can then execute S207.

[0191] In this embodiment, if the signal strength of the second frequency band is greater than or equal to the corresponding preset threshold, or the negotiation rate of the second frequency band is greater than or equal to the corresponding preset threshold, or the retransmission rate of the second frequency band is less than or equal to the corresponding preset threshold, the network device can determine that the link quality information of the second frequency band meets the preset suppression conditions. The network device can then execute S208.

[0192] S207, the network is set to send the first probe response.

[0193] S208, the network device blocks the first probe request.

[0194] Of course, the embodiment shown in Figure 4 is only one example. For example, the link quality information of the second frequency band can also be obtained by weighting the signal strength of the second frequency band, the negotiation rate of the second frequency band, and the retransmission rate of the second frequency band.

[0195] In this embodiment, the network device can, for example, compare the link quality information of the second frequency band with a corresponding preset threshold to determine whether the link quality information of the second frequency band meets the access conditions. The weights of the signal strength, negotiation rate, and retransmission rate of the second frequency band can be configured, or obtained intelligently, such as through a machine learning model.

[0196] As another feasible implementation, preset suppression conditions can be used to determine the access efficiency of a frequency band. Therefore, based on the preset suppression conditions, the network device determines whether to block the first probe request, allowing the terminal device and the network device to communicate on a frequency band with higher access efficiency.

[0197] In some embodiments, the network device may block the first probe request, and there are also cases where the network device blocks the first probe request multiple times. If the network device continuously blocks the first probe request, the terminal device will be unable to access the first frequency band and will also be unable to communicate with the network device. Therefore, the preset suppression condition is related to the blocking threshold of the probe request.

[0198] The preset suppression condition is related to the shielding threshold of the probe request; it can be understood that the shielding threshold of the probe request serves as a parameter for the preset suppression condition. Therefore, the preset suppression condition can use the shielding threshold of the probe request as a dimension for judging the access efficiency of the frequency band.

[0199] The blocking threshold for probe requests may include the blocking threshold for the first probe request, which represents the maximum number of times the network device blocks the same terminal device from requesting access to the first frequency band. Alternatively, it can be understood as the blocking threshold for the first probe request representing the number of times the network device blocks the first probe request sent by the same terminal device.

[0200] The threshold for blocking probe requests can be set.

[0201] To avoid situations where network devices continuously block the first probe request, preventing terminal devices from accessing the first frequency band and communicating with the network devices, the network devices can determine whether to suppress terminal devices from accessing the first frequency band based on the blocking threshold of the probe request.

[0202] In other embodiments, the preset suppression condition is related to any combination of the following: access user information of the frequency band supported by the terminal device, channel information of the frequency band supported by the terminal device, the shielding threshold of the probe request, or the link quality information of the second frequency band. The aforementioned related descriptions can be found in the preceding descriptions and will not be repeated here.

[0203] Based on the above description, the network device can determine whether a terminal device meets the preset suppression conditions according to the blocking threshold of the probe request. In some embodiments, the network device can record the cumulative number of times any terminal device requests access to any frequency band. Of course, the network device can also obtain the aforementioned information from other devices. In this way, the network device can determine the cumulative number of times the same terminal device requests access to a certain frequency band.

[0204] Therefore, the network device can obtain the first count, which is the cumulative number of times the network device has blocked the terminal device's request to access the first frequency band. In this way, the network device can determine the cumulative number of times the terminal device has requested the network device to allow it to access the first frequency band.

[0205] When the number of times the first probe request is greater than or equal to the blocking threshold, the network device can determine that the number of times the network device has blocked the first probe request exceeds the blocking threshold. The network device sends a first probe response to allow the terminal device to access the first frequency band, and the network device can then re-accumulate the number of times the first probe request has been blocked.

[0206] If the number of first probe requests is less than the blocking threshold, the network device can determine that the number of times the network device has blocked the first probe request has not exceeded the blocking threshold. The network device can continue to block the first probe request to suppress terminal devices from accessing the first frequency band, and the network device can continue to accumulate the number of times the first probe request has been blocked.

[0207] In some embodiments, if the network device does not respond to a first probe request after the terminal device sends one, the terminal device will continue to send another first probe request. The interval between these two first probe requests may be relatively long. Reasons for this long interval include: the terminal device moving away from the network device or the terminal device restarting. In this case, the network device re-determines whether to suppress the terminal device's access to the first frequency band. Therefore, the preset suppression condition is related to the first preset time interval between two consecutive first probe requests within a first duration.

[0208] The preset suppression condition is related to the first preset time interval between two consecutive first probe requests within a first duration. This can be understood as the first preset time interval between two consecutive first probe requests within a first duration serving as a parameter for the preset suppression condition. Therefore, the preset suppression condition can use the first preset time interval between two consecutive first probe requests within a first duration as a dimension for judging the access efficiency of the frequency band.

[0209] The first duration can be set in advance, and the specific size of the first duration is not limited in this embodiment.

[0210] The preset suppression condition is also related to the first preset time interval between two consecutive first probe requests within the first duration. The network device can redetermine whether to suppress terminal device access to the first frequency band based on the preset suppression condition. In other words, the network device can determine whether to block the first probe request based on the preset suppression condition to improve the access efficiency of the terminal device.

[0211] For example, when a network device blocks a first probe request, it can also save the timestamp of the first probe request, so that the network device can determine the time interval between any number of first probe requests based on the timestamp of the first probe request. The network device can determine whether a first probe request meets a preset suppression condition based on any number of first probe requests and the time interval between them.

[0212] In other embodiments, the preset suppression condition is related to any combination of the following: access user information of the frequency band supported by the terminal device, channel information of the frequency band supported by the terminal device, shielding threshold of the probe request, or link quality information of the second frequency band. The preset suppression condition may also be related to the first preset time interval of two consecutive first probe requests within the first duration. The foregoing descriptions are as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0213] In one specific embodiment, the preset suppression condition is related to the shielding threshold of the detection request and the first preset time interval between two consecutive first detection requests within a first duration.

[0214] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a signal processing method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0215] As shown in Figure 5, the signal processing method provided in this application embodiment may include steps S301 to S312.

[0216] S301, the network device receives the first probe request.

[0217] S302, The network device obtains the time interval between two consecutive first probe requests within a first time period.

[0218] S303, the network device determines whether the time interval between two consecutive first probe requests within a first time period is greater than a first preset time interval.

[0219] If the network device determines that the time interval between two consecutive first probe requests within a first time period is greater than a first preset time interval, the network device executes S304, S309 to S312.

[0220] If the network device determines that the time interval between two consecutive first probe requests within a first time period is less than or equal to a first preset time interval, the network device executes S305 and S306.

[0221] S304, Network devices save aging tags.

[0222] The aging flag is used to mark that the time interval between two consecutive first probe requests within a first time period is greater than a first preset time. Saving the aging flag can be done by setting it to 1, for example.

[0223] S305, the network device obtains the first data.

[0224] S306, the network device determines whether the first count is greater than the shielding threshold.

[0225] If the first count is greater than the shielding threshold, the network device executes S307.

[0226] If the first count is less than or equal to the shielding threshold, the network device executes steps S308 to S310.

[0227] S307, the network device sends the first probe response.

[0228] S308, the first update count for network devices is incremented by one.

[0229] S309, the network device blocks the first probe request.

[0230] S310, the network device saves the timestamp of the first probe request.

[0231] S311, the network device determines whether the aging flag is set to 1.

[0232] Setting the aging flag to 1 can be understood as the time interval between two consecutive first detection requests within the first duration being greater than the first preset time interval.

[0233] If the network device determines that the aging flag is set to 1, the network device executes S312.

[0234] S312, network device reset first count.

[0235] In some cases, the terminal device supports the first frequency band but not the second frequency band. In order to enable communication between the terminal device and the network device, if the terminal device requests access to the first frequency band from the network device, the network device may allow the terminal device to access the first frequency band.

[0236] If the terminal device supports the first frequency band but not the second frequency band, the terminal device sends the first probe request to the network device in a non-periodic manner.

[0237] During the probing phase, when a terminal device requests access to the first frequency band, it typically sends multiple first probing requests consecutively according to a transmission period. These multiple transmissions of the first probing request are used to request the terminal device to access the first frequency band once. The time interval between two consecutive first probing requests within the transmission period can be, for example, a second duration.

[0238] Therefore, to avoid repeatedly allowing terminal devices to access the first frequency band, network devices can block the periodically sent first probe requests. That is, when device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band but not the second frequency band, and the first time interval is less than the second preset time interval, the network device blocks the first probe request.

[0239] The first time interval is the difference between the timestamp of the first probe request and the timestamp of the previous first probe request.

[0240] The second preset time interval is the time interval between two consecutive first detection requests within the second duration.

[0241] For example, the second duration can be shorter than the first duration, and the second duration can be, for example, 1 second.

[0242] If the first time interval is less than the second preset time interval, it indicates that the terminal device is sending two first probe requests consecutively according to the sending period. In this case, the network device can block the periodically sent first probe requests.

[0243] If the first time interval is greater than the second preset time interval, it indicates that the terminal device is sending two first probe requests consecutively, exhibiting a non-periodic characteristic. Based on this, if the terminal device supports the first frequency band but not the second frequency band, it indicates that the terminal device only supports the first frequency band.

[0244] When a terminal device requests access to the first frequency band from a network device, the network device may allow the terminal device to access the first frequency band. That is, if the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band but does not support the second frequency band, and the first time interval is greater than the second preset time interval, the network device sends a first probe response to the terminal device.

[0245] In summary, when a terminal device supports the first frequency band but not the second frequency band, the network device can determine whether to block the first probe request based on the magnitude of the first time interval and the second preset time interval. Therefore, the network device can adapt to scenarios where the terminal device sends the first probe request periodically or non-periodically.

[0246] In one possible embodiment, blocking the first probe request can be understood as the network device not sending a first probe response. The first probe response is used to indicate that the terminal device can access the first frequency band.

[0247] In one possible embodiment, blocking the first probe request can be understood as: the network device sending a response to the terminal device to instruct the terminal device not to access the first frequency band.

[0248] The following example uses a 2.4GHz band as the first frequency band and a 5GHz band as the second frequency band. Because the 2.4GHz band has a lower access barrier, terminal devices often connect to it in large numbers, leading to severe signal interference between these devices. The 5GHz band, on the other hand, offers faster communication speeds and more selectable channels. Therefore, the signal processing method in this embodiment can block the first detection request based on preset suppression conditions to suppress terminal devices from accessing the 2.4GHz band. This avoids the problem of too many users accessing the 2.4GHz band and causing severe interference. It can also be understood as encouraging more terminal devices to access the 5GHz band, thereby improving the communication quality between terminal devices and network devices and enhancing the user experience.

[0249] Furthermore, besides the first frequency band being the 2.4 GHz band and the second frequency band being the 5 GHz band, the first frequency band can be the 5 GHz band, and the second frequency band can be the 2.4 GHz band. Thus, network devices can guide some terminal devices that do not require guaranteed high communication quality to access the 2.4 GHz band. Additionally, the first and second frequency bands can also be other frequency bands; this application does not limit this.

[0250] The signal processing method provided in this application embodiment allows the network device to pre-set preset suppression conditions. These preset suppression conditions are related to at least one of the following: access user information for the frequency bands supported by the terminal device, channel information for the frequency bands supported by the terminal device, a blocking threshold for probe requests, or link quality information for the second frequency band. Therefore, the network device can determine the communication quality of the frequency bands supported by the terminal device. The terminal device then sends a first probe request to the network device, carrying device information about the terminal device. Based on this device information, the network device determines whether the terminal device supports the first and second frequency bands, and whether it meets the preset suppression conditions. Thus, if the device information indicates that the user device supports both the first and second frequency bands, and that the device information also indicates that the user device meets the preset suppression conditions, the network device can determine that the communication quality of the first frequency band is poor, or that the access efficiency of the first frequency band is low. Therefore, the network device can block the first probe request. This prevents the terminal device from accessing the first frequency band with poor communication quality or low access efficiency, meaning the network device can guide the terminal device to access the second frequency band with better communication quality or higher access efficiency, thereby improving communication quality and user experience.

[0251] In addition, referring to Figure 4, the signal processing method of this application embodiment further includes steps S103 and S104.

[0252] S103, if the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and the preset suppression conditions are not met, the network device sends a first probe response to the terminal device.

[0253] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first probe response sent by the network device.

[0254] The first detection response is used to indicate that the terminal device can access the first frequency band.

[0255] If the device information indicates that the terminal device supports both the first and second frequency bands and does not meet the preset suppression conditions, it means that the communication quality of the first frequency band is better, or that the access efficiency of the first frequency band is higher. Therefore, the network device can send a first probe response. Thus, the network device can allow the terminal device to access the first frequency band, which has better communication quality or higher access efficiency, to improve communication quality and user experience.

[0256] S104, if the device information indicates that the terminal device does not support the first frequency band, the network device blocks the first probe request.

[0257] If the device information indicates that the terminal device does not support the first frequency band, then the terminal device cannot communicate with the network device on the first frequency band. In this case, if the terminal device sends a first probe request to request access to the first frequency band, the network device can block the first probe request.

[0258] It should be noted that S102, S103, and S104 are steps performed by the network device under different circumstances. The network device executes one of S102, S103, and S104.

[0259] In summary, in the embodiments of this application, for the scenario where a terminal device requests access to the first frequency band, the network device can determine whether to block the first detection request based on whether the terminal device supports the first frequency band, whether the terminal device supports both the first and second frequency bands, and whether the terminal device meets the preset suppression conditions. Thus, the network device can prevent the terminal device from accessing frequency bands with poor communication quality or low access efficiency. In other words, the network device can guide the terminal device to access frequency bands with better communication quality or higher access efficiency, thereby improving communication quality and user experience.

[0260] Based on the above description, in one possible embodiment, the network device may be configured with a switch function. This switch function is used to enable or disable the function of suppressing terminal devices from accessing the first frequency band. Suppressing terminal devices from accessing the first frequency band can be performed using preset suppression conditions according to embodiments of this application.

[0261] When this switch is enabled, network devices can adapt to scenarios where communication quality in the first frequency band is poor, requiring suppression of terminal devices accessing the first frequency band. When this switch is disabled, terminal devices can independently determine the access frequency band.

[0262] The following will describe the specific implementation process of the signal processing method of this application embodiment when the network device has its switch function enabled or disabled.

[0263] In one possible embodiment, when the switching function is activated, and device information indicates that the terminal device supports both a first and a second frequency band, and that the device information also indicates that the terminal device meets preset suppression conditions, the network device can determine that the terminal device can access either the first or the second frequency band. The network device supports enabling the function to suppress the terminal device's access to the first frequency band, and the first probe request meets the conditions for suppressing the first probe request. In the aforementioned situation, the network device can block the first probe request, guiding the terminal device to access the second frequency band, which offers higher communication quality, instead of the first frequency band.

[0264] In another possible embodiment, if the switch function is not activated and the terminal device supports frequency bands including the first frequency band, the network device can determine that the terminal device can access the first frequency band, and the network device does not support enabling the function to suppress the terminal device's access to the first frequency band. In the aforementioned case, the network device can send a first probe response to enable the terminal device to access the first frequency band, and the terminal device can communicate with the network device in the first frequency band.

[0265] In another possible embodiment, if the switch function is not activated and the frequency bands supported by the terminal device do not include the first frequency band, the network device can determine that the terminal device cannot access the first frequency band, and the network device does not support enabling the function to suppress the terminal device's access to the first frequency band. In the aforementioned case, the network device can block the first probe request to guide the terminal device to access other frequency bands different from the first frequency band.

[0266] Unless otherwise specified, the switch function is assumed to be enabled.

[0267] In one specific embodiment, the preset suppression condition is related to the total number of access users in the first frequency band and the second frequency band, as well as the ratio between the number of access users in the first frequency band and the second frequency band.

[0268] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a signal processing method according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 also schematically illustrates two scenarios: the switch function is enabled and the switch function is disabled. Furthermore, in the example of Figure 6, the terminal device supports the first frequency band by default. Therefore, when the switch function is not enabled, the network device can send a first probe response, enabling the terminal device to communicate with the network device by accessing the first frequency band.

[0269] As shown in Figure 6, the signal processing method provided in this application embodiment may include steps S401 to S409.

[0270] S401, the network device receives the first probe request.

[0271] S402, the network device determines whether to enable the switch function.

[0272] If the network device determines that the switch function is enabled, the network device executes steps S403 to S404.

[0273] If the network device determines that the switch function is not enabled, the network device executes step S408.

[0274] S403, the network device determines the frequency bands supported by the terminal device based on the device information.

[0275] S404, the network device obtains the total number of access users in the first frequency band and the second frequency band.

[0276] S405, the network device determines whether the total number of access users in the first frequency band and the second frequency band has reached the corresponding preset threshold.

[0277] When the network device determines that the total number of access users in the first frequency band and the second frequency band has reached the corresponding preset threshold, the network device executes steps S406 to S407.

[0278] If the network device determines that the total number of access users in the first frequency band and the second frequency band has not reached the corresponding preset threshold, the network device executes step S409.

[0279] S406, the network device determines the percentage difference between the number of access users in the first frequency band and the second frequency band.

[0280] S407, determine whether the network device's percentage difference has reached the corresponding preset threshold.

[0281] When the network device determines that the difference in the percentage of access users between the first frequency band and the second frequency band reaches the corresponding preset threshold, the network device executes step S408.

[0282] If the network device determines that the difference in the percentage of access users between the first frequency band and the second frequency band does not reach the corresponding preset threshold, the network device executes step S409.

[0283] S408, the network device sends the first probe response.

[0284] S409, the network device blocks the first probe request.

[0285] Therefore, upon receiving a first probe request, the network device can determine whether to block the first probe request based on whether the switch function is enabled, the total number of users accessing the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and the ratio difference between the number of users accessing the first frequency band and the second frequency band.

[0286] The following is a specific example of how a network device determines whether to block the first probe request based on preset suppression conditions.

[0287] In this example, the preset suppression condition is related to the total number of users accessing the first and second frequency bands, as well as the percentage difference between the number of users accessing the second and first frequency bands. The preset threshold for the total number of users accessing the first and second frequency bands is 2, and the preset threshold for the percentage difference between the number of users accessing the second and first frequency bands is 0.25. Terminal devices 21, 22, and 24 all support the first and second frequency bands. Terminal device 23 supports the first frequency band but does not support the second frequency band.

[0288] When terminal device 21 sends a first probe request to the network device to request permission for terminal device 21 to access the first frequency band, the network device determines that the total number of users accessing the first and second frequency bands is 0, which is less than a corresponding preset threshold. The network device may block the first probe request to guide terminal device 21 to access the second frequency band. When terminal device 21 accesses the second frequency band, the total number of users accessing the first and second frequency bands is updated from 0 to 1. When terminal device 22 sends a first probe request to the network device to request permission for terminal device 22 to access the first frequency band, the network device determines that the total number of users accessing the first and second frequency bands is 1, which is less than a corresponding preset threshold. The network device may block the first probe request to guide terminal device 22 to access the second frequency band. When terminal device 22 accesses the second frequency band, the total number of users accessing the first and second frequency bands is updated from 1 to 2.

[0289] Since terminal device 23 supports the first frequency band but not the second frequency band, when terminal device 23 sends a first probe request to the network device to request permission for terminal device 23 to access the first frequency band, the network device can send a first probe response to terminal device 23 to allow terminal device 23 to access the first frequency band. When terminal device 23 accesses the first frequency band, the total number of users accessing the first and second frequency bands is updated from 2 to 3.

[0290] When terminal device 24 sends a first probe request to network device to request permission for terminal device 24 to access the first frequency band, the network device determines that the total number of users accessing the first and second frequency bands is 3, the total number of users accessing the first and second frequency bands is greater than a corresponding preset threshold, and the difference in the percentage of users accessing the second frequency band compared to the first frequency band is greater than a corresponding preset threshold. The network device may then send a first probe response to terminal device 24 to allow terminal device 24 to access the first frequency band.

[0291] Compared to the example above where three out of four terminal devices were connected to the first frequency band and one to the second frequency band, in this example, two out of four terminal devices are connected to the first frequency band and two to the second frequency band. That is, in this example, the network device suppresses terminal devices from accessing the first frequency band and guides them to access the second frequency band. Therefore, the network device can avoid the situation where too many terminal devices access the first frequency band, resulting in poor communication quality in the first frequency band, and thus ensure the communication quality between the terminal devices and the network device.

[0292] In one specific embodiment, the terminal device requests access to the first frequency band via frequency band switching, and the preset suppression conditions for the terminal device accessing the second frequency band are related to the link quality information of the second frequency band.

[0293] As shown in Figure 7, the signal processing method may include steps S501 to S505.

[0294] S501, the terminal device sends a second probe request to the network device.

[0295] Correspondingly, the network device receives the second probe request sent by the terminal device.

[0296] The second probe request is used to request the terminal device to access the second frequency band.

[0297] For example, the second probe request carries device information of the terminal device. Device information refers to relevant information about the terminal device sending the second probe request. Device information may include a device identifier, which may be a MAC address.

[0298] S502, the network device sends a second probe response to the terminal device.

[0299] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives a second probe response sent by the network device. The second probe response is used to indicate that the terminal device can access the second frequency band.

[0300] Network devices can allow terminal devices to access the second probe request via S501 and S502, thereby enabling the terminal devices to access the second frequency band.

[0301] S503: When the terminal device has already accessed the second frequency band, the terminal device sends a first probe request to the network device.

[0302] Correspondingly, when the terminal device has already accessed the second frequency band, the network device receives the first probe request sent by the terminal device.

[0303] S504, if the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and the link quality information of the second frequency band indicated by the device information does not meet the preset suppression conditions, a first probe response is sent to the terminal device.

[0304] The preset suppression conditions are mainly related to the link quality information of the second frequency band. When the link quality information of the second frequency band indicates poor link quality, the link quality information of the second frequency band does not meet the preset suppression conditions, and the communication quality between the terminal device and the network device in the first frequency band will be higher.

[0305] S505, if the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and the link quality information of the second frequency band indicated by the device information meets the preset suppression conditions, the first detection request is blocked.

[0306] If the link quality information of the second frequency band indicates that the link quality of the second frequency band is good, and the link quality information of the second frequency band meets the preset suppression conditions, the terminal device will have higher communication quality when switching to the first frequency band to communicate with the network device through frequency band switching.

[0307] Therefore, after the device information indicates that the terminal device supports both the first and second frequency bands, and the terminal device sends a second probe request to the network device, the network device sends a second probe response to the terminal device. At this point, the terminal device can access the second frequency band and communicate with the network device.

[0308] When a terminal device communicates with a network device via a second frequency band, if the link quality of the second frequency band is low, the terminal device can send a first probe request to the network device to request a switch to the first frequency band for communication. The network device can then allow the terminal device to access the first frequency band, thereby ensuring the communication quality between the terminal device and the network device. Conversely, if the link quality of the second frequency band is good, and the terminal device sends a first probe request to the network device to request a switch to the first frequency band, the network device can prevent the terminal device from accessing the first frequency band and guide it to access the second frequency band. The terminal device can then communicate with the network device via the second frequency band with better link quality, thus ensuring the communication quality between the terminal device and the network device.

[0309] In one specific embodiment, the preset suppression condition is related to the link quality information of the second frequency band.

[0310] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a signal processing method.

[0311] As shown in Figure 8, the signal processing method provided in this application embodiment may include steps S601 to S613.

[0312] S601, the network device receives a probe request.

[0313] The detection request includes a first detection request and a second detection request.

[0314] S602, Network devices obtain device information.

[0315] S603, the network device determines whether the probe request indicates access to the first frequency band. That is, the network device determines whether the probe request is the first probe request.

[0316] If the network device determines that the probe request does not indicate access to the first frequency band, the network device executes S604.

[0317] If the network device determines that the probe request indicates access to the first frequency band, the network device executes S605 and S606.

[0318] S604, the network device sends a second probe response.

[0319] S605: The network device determines the frequency bands supported by the terminal device based on the device information.

[0320] S606, the network device determines whether the terminal device supports the first frequency band and the second frequency band.

[0321] If the network device determines that the terminal device supports the first frequency band and the second frequency band, the network device executes S607 and S608.

[0322] If the network device determines that the terminal device does not support the first and second frequency bands, the terminal device supports a single frequency band. If the terminal device only supports the first frequency band, the network device executes S611.

[0323] S607, network devices determine the access method of terminal devices based on device information.

[0324] One access method for terminal devices is frequency band switching (also known as roaming access or roaming handover). Another access method for terminal devices is initial access or repeated access.

[0325] S608, the network device determines whether the access method is frequency band switching.

[0326] If the network device determines that the access method is frequency band switching, the network device executes S609 and S610.

[0327] If the network device determines that the access method is not frequency band switching, the network device executes S612.

[0328] S609, network devices obtain link quality information for the second frequency band.

[0329] S610, the network device determines whether the link quality information of the second frequency band meets the access conditions.

[0330] If the network device determines that the link quality information of the second frequency band meets the access conditions, the network device executes S611.

[0331] If the network device determines that the link quality information of the second frequency band does not meet the access conditions, the network device executes S612.

[0332] S611, the network device sends the first probe response.

[0333] S612, the network device determines whether the preset suppression conditions are met.

[0334] If the network device determines that the preset suppression conditions are met, the network device executes S613.

[0335] If the network device determines that the preset suppression conditions are not met, the network device executes S611.

[0336] S613, the network device blocks the first probe request.

[0337] The example in Figure 8 also schematically illustrates the access method by which the network device determines the access request of the terminal device to access the first frequency band.

[0338] In summary, during frequency band switching scenarios, network devices primarily consider the relevant parameters of the frequency band before the switch, namely, parameters such as the link quality information of the second frequency band. The link quality information of the second frequency band can be used to determine the communication quality of the second frequency band. Therefore, the network device can determine whether the terminal device can switch to access the first frequency band. That is, if the network device allows the terminal device to switch to the second frequency band, the terminal device and the network device can achieve higher communication quality on the second frequency band. Conversely, if the network device inhibits the terminal device from switching to the second frequency band, the terminal device and the network device can achieve higher communication quality on the first frequency band.

[0339] In the above embodiments, the device information indicates the frequency bands supported by the terminal device. For example, the network device can determine the frequency bands supported by the terminal device based on the device information.

[0340] In one specific embodiment, upon receiving a probe request, the network device can determine device information based on the probe request. This probe request may include a first probe request and / or a second probe request. The network device can then look up the frequency bands supported by the terminal device in a first data table based on the device information. If an identifier for a third frequency band exists in the first data table, the network device can determine that the terminal device supports the third frequency band.

[0341] The first data table may include association information for one or more terminal devices. This association information includes device information for the terminal devices and identifiers of one or more frequency bands supported by the terminal devices.

[0342] Hereinafter, the identifier for the first frequency band will be referred to as the first identifier, and the identifier for the second frequency band will be referred to as the second identifier.

[0343] For example, network devices can use device information as an index to look up the identifier of the third frequency band corresponding to that index in the first data table. Thus, the network device can determine the frequency bands supported by the terminal device.

[0344] Of course, after receiving a probe request, the network device can look up the frequency bands supported by the terminal device in the first data table based on the device information. If the identifier for the third frequency band is not found in the first data table, it indicates that the network device is receiving the probe request from the terminal device for the first time. At this time, the network device can update the associated information of the terminal device in the first data table.

[0345] For example, a network device can store the device information of the terminal device and the identifiers of one or more frequency bands supported by the terminal device in the first data table.

[0346] Based on the above description, when receiving a probe request sent by a terminal device, the network device can look up the first data table using the device information carried in the probe request to quickly determine the frequency band supported by the terminal device and improve the communication efficiency between the terminal device and the network device.

[0347] In addition to using the first data table, network devices can also use matrices, sequences, or other methods to record the associated information of one or more terminal devices.

[0348] In one specific embodiment, upon receiving a second probe request, the network device searches a first data table based on device information to determine whether the terminal device supports the second frequency band.

[0349] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a signal processing method.

[0350] As shown in Figure 9, the signal processing method provided in this application embodiment includes steps S701 to S706.

[0351] S701, the network device receives the second probe request.

[0352] S702, network devices obtain device information.

[0353] S703: Network devices use device information as an index to look up the first data table.

[0354] S704, the network device determines whether the second identifier corresponding to the device information has been found.

[0355] If the network device determines that it has found the second identifier corresponding to the device information, the network device executes S705.

[0356] If the network device determines that it cannot find the second identifier corresponding to the device information, the network device executes S706.

[0357] In S705, the network device sends a second probe response. After executing S705, the network device can execute S706.

[0358] S706, network devices store a second identifier in the first data table.

[0359] Therefore, network devices can quickly and efficiently determine the frequency bands supported by terminal devices by looking up the first data table.

[0360] In one specific embodiment, the network device searches a second data table and a third data table based on the device information to determine the access method of the terminal device.

[0361] The second data table may include device information of one or more terminal devices that have accessed the first frequency band. The third data table may include device information of one or more terminal devices that have accessed the second frequency band. That is, the second data table and the third data table may be two different data tables. Of course, in some embodiments, the second data table and the third data table may also be the same data table.

[0362] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a signal processing method.

[0363] As shown in Figure 10, the signal processing method provided in this application embodiment includes steps S801 to S805.

[0364] S801, the network device receives a probe request.

[0365] S802, the network device determines whether the probe request requests access to the first frequency band. That is, the network device determines whether the probe request is the first probe request.

[0366] In this embodiment, the example of a terminal device requesting access to the first frequency band is used for illustration. If the network device determines that the probe request is for access to the first frequency band, the network device executes step S803.

[0367] S803, network devices obtain device information.

[0368] S804, the network device determines whether device information exists in the third data table.

[0369] If the network device determines that device information exists in the second data table, the network device executes S805.

[0370] If the network device determines that there is no device information in the second data table, the network device executes S805.

[0371] S805, the network device determines whether device information exists in the second data table.

[0372] If the network device determines that there is no device information in the third data table and no device information in the second data table, the network device can determine that the terminal device has not accessed the first frequency band and the second frequency band before, and that the terminal device is requesting access to the first frequency band for the first time.

[0373] If the network device determines that device information exists in the third data table and device information does not exist in the second data table, the network device can determine that the terminal device is accessing the second frequency band, and the terminal device switches to the first frequency band.

[0374] Therefore, network devices can quickly and efficiently determine the access method of terminal devices by looking up the second and third data tables.

[0375] In one specific embodiment, upon receiving a first probe request, the network device searches a first data table based on device information to determine the frequency bands supported by the terminal device. Based on the frequency bands supported by the terminal device, the network device determines whether the terminal device meets preset suppression conditions.

[0376] Figure 11 is a flowchart of a signal processing method.

[0377] As shown in Figure 11, the signal processing method of this application embodiment includes steps S901 to S911.

[0378] S901, the network device receives the first probe request.

[0379] S902, network devices obtain device information.

[0380] S903, network devices use device information as an index to look up the first data table.

[0381] S904, the network device determines whether the identifier is found in the first data table.

[0382] The identification includes a first identification and a second identification.

[0383] If the network device does not find the identifier in the first data table, the network device executes S905.

[0384] When the network device finds an identifier in the first data table, and the first identifier exists in the first data table but the second identifier does not exist, the network device executes S906.

[0385] When the network device finds an identifier in the first data table, and finds that the first identifier does not exist in the first data table but the second identifier does, the network device executes S907.

[0386] If the network device finds an identifier in the first data table, and if both the first identifier and the second identifier exist in the first data table, the network device executes S908.

[0387] S905, the network device stores the first identifier and the timestamp of the first probe request in the first data table.

[0388] After executing S905, the network device can execute S908.

[0389] S906, network devices save the timestamp of the latest first probe request.

[0390] S907, the network device determines whether the terminal device meets the preset suppression conditions.

[0391] If the network device determines that the terminal device meets the preset suppression conditions, the network device executes S911.

[0392] If the network device determines that the terminal device does not meet the preset suppression conditions, the network device executes S910.

[0393] S908, the network device determines whether the first time interval is greater than the second preset time interval.

[0394] When the network device determines that the first time interval is greater than the second preset time interval, the network device executes S909 and S911.

[0395] When the network device determines that the first time interval is less than or equal to the second preset time interval, the network device executes S910.

[0396] S909, network devices save the timestamp of the latest first probe request.

[0397] After executing S909, the network device can execute S911.

[0398] S910, the network device sends the first probe response.

[0399] S911, network devices block the first probe request.

[0400] Therefore, network devices can quickly and efficiently determine the frequency bands supported by terminal devices by consulting the first data table. Based on the frequency bands supported by the terminal device and whether preset suppression conditions are met, the network device can determine whether to block the first probe request, thereby improving the communication quality between the terminal device and the network device.

[0401] In the signal processing methods of some of the above embodiments, the network device can look up the frequency bands supported by the terminal device through a first data table, therefore the network device needs to update the first data table. For example, every time a new terminal device sends a probe request, the network device can save the device information of that terminal device in the first data table. This will cause the number of terminal device nodes stored in the first data table to continuously increase, requiring increasingly larger storage space.

[0402] To avoid storing too many nodes in the first data table, which would increase the storage space of the first data table, the network device can also determine the number of nodes for the terminal device based on the device information and the first data table. Furthermore, if the number of nodes for a terminal device exceeds a first threshold, the device can delete the associated information of one or more terminal devices from the first data table.

[0403] In one specific embodiment, when the number of nodes of a terminal device is greater than a first threshold, the network device can delete the association information of the first terminal device in the first data table.

[0404] Figure 12 is a flowchart of a signal processing method.

[0405] As shown in Figure 12, the signal processing method of this application embodiment may include steps S1001 to S1006.

[0406] S1001, the network device receives a probe request.

[0407] S1002, Network device obtains device information.

[0408] S1003, the network device determines the number of nodes of the terminal device based on the device information and the association table.

[0409] S1004, the network device determines whether the number of nodes of the terminal device is greater than the first threshold.

[0410] If the network device determines that the number of terminal device nodes is greater than the first threshold, the network device executes S1005 and S1006.

[0411] If the network device determines that the number of nodes of the terminal device is less than or equal to the first threshold, the network device executes S1006.

[0412] S1005, the network device deletes the association information of the first terminal device in the first data table.

[0413] S1006, the network device stores the association information of the current terminal device in the first data table.

[0414] Therefore, network devices can control the number of nodes stored in the first data table, thus preventing the storage space of the first data table from becoming too large.

[0415] In some embodiments, when the number of nodes of the terminal device exceeds a first threshold, the network device can delete the association information of the terminal device with the shortest access duration to the frequency band from the first data table. The association information of the terminal device to be deleted is selected from the first data table.

[0416] In one specific embodiment, the probe request can be transmitted in the form of a message, that is, the probe request can be understood as a probe message.

[0417] Figure 13 is a flowchart of a signal processing method.

[0418] As shown in Figure 13, the signal processing method provided in this application embodiment includes steps S1101 to S1106.

[0419] S1101 receives probe messages sent by the terminal device.

[0420] S1102, the network device parses the probe packet and obtains the parsed data.

[0421] Network devices can obtain device information of terminal devices, for example, by parsing probe packets.

[0422] S1103, the network device determines the frequency band, access method, and link quality information of the second frequency band supported by the terminal device based on the parsed data.

[0423] The parsed data includes device information, which indicates the frequency bands supported by the terminal device. Therefore, the network device can determine the frequency bands supported by the terminal device based on the parsed data.

[0424] Network devices can look up the first data table based on device information to determine the access method of terminal devices.

[0425] Network devices can also determine the link quality information for the second frequency band based on device information.

[0426] S1104, The network device determines whether to block probe requests.

[0427] S1105, Network device blocking detection request.

[0428] S1106, the network device sends a probe request response.

[0429] The relevant steps in this embodiment have been described in detail above and will not be repeated here.

[0430] In summary, network devices can adapt to various scenarios where terminal devices support single or multiple frequency bands. Furthermore, network devices can use preset suppression conditions to prevent terminal devices from accessing frequency bands with poor communication quality or low access efficiency. In other words, network devices can guide terminal devices to access frequency bands with better communication quality or higher access efficiency, thereby improving communication quality and user experience.

[0431] By way of example, embodiments of this application also provide a signal processing apparatus.

[0432] Please refer to Figure 14, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a signal processing device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0433] As shown in Figure 14, the signal processing device 1200 can exist independently or be integrated into other devices to implement the operation corresponding to the network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0434] The signal processing device 1200 may include a transceiver unit 1201.

[0435] The signal processing device 1200 may further include a processing unit 1202. The transceiver unit 1201 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing unit 1202 is used for data processing. The transceiver unit 1201 may also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0436] Optionally, the signal processing apparatus 1200 may further include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the signal processing apparatus 1200 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0437] The signal processing device 1200 can be used to perform the actions performed by the network device in the preceding method embodiments. The signal processing device 1200 can be a network device or a component configurable on a network device. The transceiver unit 101 is used to perform reception-related operations of the network device in the preceding method embodiments, and the processing unit 1202 is used to perform processing-related operations of the network device in the preceding method embodiments.

[0438] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1201 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving unit is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments.

[0439] It should be noted that the signal processing device 1200 may include a transmitting unit but not a receiving unit. Alternatively, the signal processing device 1200 may include a receiving unit but not a transmitting unit. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the signal processing device 1200 includes both transmitting and receiving actions.

[0440] As an example, the signal processing device 1200 is used to perform the actions performed by the network device in the above embodiments.

[0441] The signal processing device 1200 may include a transceiver unit 1201.

[0442] The transceiver unit 1201 is used to receive a first probe request sent by the terminal device, and to block the first probe request when the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band and the second frequency band and meets the preset suppression conditions.

[0443] The first probe request is used to request the terminal device to access the first frequency band. The first probe request carries the device information of the terminal device. The preset suppression condition is related to at least one of the following: access user information of the frequency band supported by the terminal device, channel information of the frequency band supported by the terminal device, the shielding threshold of the probe request, or the link quality information of the second frequency band.

[0444] In some embodiments, the preset suppression condition is related to a first preset time interval between two consecutive first detection requests within a first duration.

[0445] In some embodiments, the processing unit is used to save the timestamp of the first probe request.

[0446] In some embodiments, the transceiver unit is further configured to send a first detection response to the terminal device when the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and the preset suppression condition is not met. The first detection response is used to indicate that the terminal device can access the first frequency band.

[0447] In some embodiments, the transceiver unit is further configured to block the first probe request when the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band but does not support the second frequency band, and the first time interval is less than the second preset time interval; or, when the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band but does not support the second frequency band, and the first time interval is greater than the second preset time interval, send a first probe response, the first probe response being used to indicate that the terminal device can access the first frequency band.

[0448] The first time interval is the difference between the timestamp of the first probe request and the timestamp of the previous first probe request, and the second preset time interval is the time interval between two consecutive first probe requests within the second duration.

[0449] In some embodiments, the transceiver unit is further configured to block the first probe request when the device information indicates that the terminal device does not support the first frequency band.

[0450] In some embodiments, the access user information for the frequency bands supported by the terminal device includes at least one of the following: the number of access users in the first frequency band; the number of access users in the second frequency band; the total number of access users in the first frequency band and the second frequency band; the difference between the number of access users in the first frequency band and the second frequency band; and the percentage difference between the number of access users in the first frequency band and the second frequency band.

[0451] In some embodiments, the channel information of the frequency bands supported by the terminal device includes at least one of the following: the channel utilization of a first frequency band; the channel utilization of a second frequency band; the sum of the channel utilization of the first frequency band and the second frequency band; and the difference between the channel utilization of the first frequency band and the second frequency band.

[0452] In some embodiments, the processing unit is specifically configured to: send a first probe response when the first number of times is greater than or equal to the blocking threshold of the probe request; or, when the first number of times is less than the blocking threshold of the probe request, block the first probe request and update the first number by one; wherein the first number is the cumulative number of times the network device has blocked the terminal device's request to access the first frequency band.

[0453] In some embodiments, the transceiver unit is specifically configured to: receive a second probe request sent by a terminal device, the second probe request being used to request the terminal device to access a second frequency band; send a second probe response to the terminal device, the second probe response being used to indicate that the terminal device can access the second frequency band; if the terminal device has already accessed the second frequency band, receive a first probe request sent by the terminal device; and if device information indicates that the terminal device supports both the first and second frequency bands, and the link quality information of the second frequency band indicated by the device information does not meet preset suppression conditions, send a first probe response to the terminal device.

[0454] In some embodiments, the transceiver unit is further configured to: block the first probe request when the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and the link quality information of the second frequency band indicated by the device information meets the preset suppression conditions.

[0455] In some embodiments, the link quality information of the second frequency band is related to at least one of the signal strength of the second frequency band, the negotiation rate of the second frequency band, or the retransmission rate of the second frequency band.

[0456] In some embodiments, the processing unit is further configured to: when the switch function is activated, the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and a preset suppression condition is met, block the first probe request terminal device; or, when the switch function is not activated, the terminal device supports the first frequency band, and the frequency band supported by the terminal device includes the first frequency band, send a first probe response to the terminal device; or, when the switch function is not activated, and the frequency band of the terminal device does not include the first frequency band, block the first probe request.

[0457] In some embodiments, the processing unit is further configured to: search for frequency bands supported by the terminal device in a first data table based on the device information, the first data table indicating the association between the device information of the terminal device and the frequency bands supported by the terminal device, the first data table including association information of one or more terminal devices, the association information including the device information of the terminal device and the identifiers of one or more frequency bands supported by the terminal device; when the identifier of a third frequency band exists in the table, determine that the terminal device supports a third frequency band, the third frequency band including the first frequency band and / or the second frequency band.

[0458] In some embodiments, the processing unit is further configured to: update the first data table of associated information of the terminal device if the identifier of the third frequency band does not exist in the first data table.

[0459] In some embodiments, the processing unit is further configured to: determine the number of nodes of the terminal device based on the device information and the first data table; and delete the association information of one or more terminal devices in the first data table when the number of nodes of the terminal device is greater than a first threshold.

[0460] It should be understood that the corresponding processes performed by each unit have been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0461] The processing unit in the preceding embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. The storage unit can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0462] By way of example, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the network device in the above method embodiments.

[0463] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the method executed by the network device in the above method embodiments.

[0464] For example, this application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the method executed by the network device in the above method embodiments.

[0465] For example, this application also provides a signal processing system, which includes a terminal device and a network device.

[0466] For example, this application also provides a chip device including a processor for calling computer programs or computer instructions stored in the memory to cause the processor to perform the methods of the above embodiments.

[0467] In one possible implementation, the input of the chip device corresponds to the receiving operation in the above embodiments, and the output of the chip device corresponds to the sending operation in the above embodiments.

[0468] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0469] Optionally, the chip device may also include a memory that stores computer programs or computer instructions.

[0470] The processor mentioned above can be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of a program that controls the reference signal processing method of the preceding embodiments. The memory mentioned above can be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access memory (RAM).

[0471] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the signal processing devices provided above can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0472] In this application, the terminal device or network device may include a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on top of the operating system layer. The hardware layer may include hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also known as main memory). The operating system layer may be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as Linux, Unix, Android, iOS, or Windows. The application layer may include applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software.

[0473] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0474] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, or indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0475] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0476] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0477] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the essential contribution of the technical solution of this application, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the processes of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0478] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A signal processing method, characterized in that, The method, applied to network devices, includes: receiving a first probe request sent by a terminal device, the first probe request requesting the terminal device to access a first frequency band, the first probe request carrying device information of the terminal device; and blocking the first probe request when the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band and a second frequency band, and a preset suppression condition is met; wherein the preset suppression condition is related to at least one of the following: access user information of the frequency band supported by the terminal device, channel information of the frequency band supported by the terminal device, a blocking threshold for the probe request, or link quality information of the second frequency band.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset suppression condition is related to the first preset time interval between two consecutive first detection requests within a first duration.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the first probe request is blocked, the method further includes: saving the timestamp of the first probe request.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: when the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and does not meet the preset suppression conditions, sending a first detection response to the terminal device, wherein the first detection response is used to indicate that the terminal device can access the first frequency band.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: when the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band but does not support the second frequency band, and the first time interval is less than the second preset time interval, blocking the first detection request; or, when the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band but does not support the second frequency band, and the first time interval is greater than the second preset time interval, sending a first detection response, the first detection response being used to indicate that the terminal device can access the first frequency band; wherein, the first time interval is the difference between the timestamp of the first detection request and the timestamp of the previous first detection request, and the second preset time interval is the time interval between two consecutive first detection requests within a second duration.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: blocking the first detection request when the device information indicates that the terminal device does not support the first frequency band.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The access user information for the frequency bands supported by the terminal device includes at least one of the following: the number of access users in the first frequency band; the number of access users in the second frequency band; the total number of access users in the first frequency band and the second frequency band; the difference between the number of access users in the first frequency band and the second frequency band; and the percentage difference between the number of access users in the first frequency band and the second frequency band.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The channel information of the frequency bands supported by the terminal device includes at least one of the following: the channel utilization rate of the first frequency band; the channel utilization rate of the second frequency band; the sum of the channel utilization rates of the first frequency band and the second frequency band; and the difference between the channel utilization rates of the first frequency band and the second frequency band.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The method specifically includes: sending the first probe response when the first number of times is greater than or equal to the blocking threshold of the probe request; or, blocking the first probe request when the first number of times is less than the blocking threshold of the probe request, and updating the first number by one; wherein, the first number of times is the cumulative number of times the network device has blocked the terminal device's request to access the first frequency band.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The method specifically includes: receiving a second probe request sent by the terminal device, the second probe request being used to request the terminal device to access the second frequency band; sending a second probe response to the terminal device, the second probe response being used to indicate that the terminal device can access the second frequency band; if the terminal device has already accessed the second frequency band, receiving the first probe request sent by the terminal device; if the device information indicates that the terminal device supports both the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and the link quality information of the second frequency band indicated by the device information does not meet the preset suppression condition, sending a first probe response to the terminal device.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: when the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and the link quality information of the second frequency band indicated by the device information meets the preset suppression conditions, blocking the first detection request.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The link quality information of the second frequency band is related to at least one of the signal strength of the second frequency band, the negotiation rate of the second frequency band, or the retransmission rate of the second frequency band.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The method further includes: when the switch function is activated, the device information indicates that the terminal device supports the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and a preset suppression condition is met, blocking the first detection request terminal device; or, when the switch function is not activated, the terminal device supports the first frequency band, sending the first detection response to the terminal device; or, when the switch function is not activated, and the frequency band of the terminal device does not include the first frequency band, blocking the first detection request.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The method further includes: searching for the frequency bands supported by the terminal device in a first data table based on the device information, wherein the first data table includes association information of one or more terminal devices, the association information including device information of the terminal device and identifiers of one or more frequency bands supported by the terminal device; and determining that the terminal device supports the third frequency band when an identifier of a third frequency band exists in the first data table, wherein the third frequency band includes the first frequency band and / or the second frequency band.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: updating the association information of the terminal device in the first data table if the identifier of the third frequency band does not exist in the first data table.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: determining the number of nodes of the terminal device based on the device information and the first data table; and deleting the association information of one or more terminal devices from the first data table when the number of nodes of the terminal device is greater than a first threshold.

17. A signal processing apparatus, characterized in that, include: A module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-16.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-16.

19. A chip, characterized in that, include: An interface circuit and a logic circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other chips besides the chip and transmit them to the logic circuit, or to send signals from the logic circuit to other chips besides the chip, and the logic circuit is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-16.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-16.

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