Roaming control method, apparatus and system

Abstract

A roaming control method, device and system, the method comprising: after an OLT receiving an identity of a STA sent by a first network node in a routing mode based on the STA being in a roaming state, the OLT instructing the first network node to control the STA to switch from a subnet where the first network node is located to a subnet where a second network node is located based on the OLT configuring a first forwarding policy and the second network node configuring a second forwarding policy. The first forwarding policy is a forwarding policy for forwarding a message of the STA to the first network node, and the second forwarding policy is a forwarding policy for forwarding the message of the STA to the OLT. The first network node is configured to forward a service message of the STA based on a transmission path associated with a routing WAN address. The application can solve the problem of service lag on the STA, reduce the service lag of the STA, and the application is used for STA roaming related control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a roaming control method, apparatus and system. Background Technology

[0002] In wireless access scenarios, the coverage of a single network node is limited. In larger areas or areas with high network quality requirements, multiple network nodes are typically deployed to provide a unified wireless network access service. For example, within a building, multiple fiber-to-the-room (FTTR) systems can be deployed, with the FTTR devices in these systems providing a unified wireless network access service.

[0003] When multiple network nodes exist, a station (STA) moves and enters a roaming state. In this state, the STA can leave the coverage area of ​​its currently connected network node, disconnecting from that node and connecting to another, thus switching from its current network node to a different one. Furthermore, these multiple network nodes include routing mode and bridging mode nodes. Routing mode nodes can forward the STA's service packets based on the transmission path associated with the network node's routing wide area network (WAN) address. This transmission path must be established before forwarding the service packet.

[0004] Because different network nodes have different WAN addresses, when the STA switches between multiple network nodes in routing mode, the transmission path associated with the original network node's WAN address cannot be used anymore. Therefore, a new transmission path needs to be re-established, causing service interruptions on the STA. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a roaming control method, device, and system that can solve the problem of service lag on STAs. The solution provided in this application is as follows.

[0006] Firstly, a roaming control method is provided, which is executed by an optical line termination (OLT). The OLT connects a first network node and a second network node, both of which are network nodes in routing mode. The first network node is used to forward service packets of the STA based on the transmission path associated with the routing WAN address. The STA can access the first network node or a network node in the subnet of the first network node that is different from the first network node.

[0007] The roaming control method includes: after receiving the STA identifier sent by the first network node based on the STA being in roaming state, the OLT configures a first forwarding policy according to the STA identifier, and sends the STA identifier to the second network node to instruct the second network node to configure a second forwarding policy according to the STA identifier; finally, the OLT sends a first handover instruction to the first network node to instruct the first network node to control the STA to hand over from the subnet where the first network node is located to the subnet where the second network node is located. The first forwarding policy is a forwarding policy that forwards the STA's packets to the first network node, and the second forwarding policy is a forwarding policy that forwards the STA's packets to the OLT. Optionally, after configuring the second forwarding policy, the second network node can send a first configuration instruction to the OLT, which indicates that the second network node has configured the second forwarding policy according to the STA identifier; the OLT can send a first handover instruction to the first network node based on the first configuration instruction.

[0008] As can be seen, when the STA is in roaming mode, the OLT can instruct the first network node to control the STA to switch to the subnet where the second network node is located. Furthermore, before instructing the first network node to control the STA to switch to the subnet where the second network node is located, the OLT also configures a first forwarding policy in the OLT to forward the STA's packets to the first network node, and instructs the second network node to configure a second forwarding policy to forward the STA's packets to the OLT. In this way, after the STA switches to the subnet where the second network node is located, the first and second forwarding policies ensure that packets sent by the STA to the second network node are forwarded by the second network node to the first network node through the OLT. Thus, the STA's packets can still be forwarded from the transmission path associated with the first network node's routing WAN address; therefore, there is no need to create a new transmission path.

[0009] Optionally, after the OLT sends the first handover instruction to the first network node, the OLT can also receive the STA's service packets sent by the second network node according to the second forwarding policy, and forward the STA's service packets to the first network node according to the first forwarding policy. In this way, even though the STA is not connected to the subnet of the first network node, the service packets sent by the STA will be forwarded by the second network node to the first network node through the OLT, and the first network node will forward the service packets along a fixed transmission path. This fixed transmission path is the transmission path along which the first network node forwards the STA's service packets when the STA is connected to the subnet of the first network node. Therefore, regardless of whether the STA is connected to the subnet of the first network node, the STA's service packets are forwarded by the first network node along this fixed transmission path. Thus, after the STA roams to the subnet of the second network node, there is no need to re-establish the transmission path associated with the second network node's routing WAN address to forward the service packets. This avoids the problem of large network interruption latency caused by establishing a new transmission path for the STA, reduces service lag on the STA, and improves the user experience.

[0010] It is understandable that the STA may not have any service packets to send. In this case, the STA does not need to send service packets to the second network node. Correspondingly, the second network node does not need to forward the service packet to the OLT according to the second forwarding policy, and the OLT does not need to forward the service packet to the first network node according to the first forwarding policy.

[0011] Optionally, before the OLT receives the STA's service packets sent by the second network node according to the second forwarding policy, the STA can also send an IP renewal request packet to the second network node to request the allocation of an IP address. Upon receiving the IP renewal request packet, the second network node does not allocate an IP address to the STA according to the packet, but instead forwards the packet to the OLT according to the second forwarding policy. The OLT forwards the IP renewal request packet to the first network node according to the first forwarding policy. Therefore, similar to the above, service packets are forwarded by the second network node and the OLT to the first network node, and IP renewal request packets are also forwarded by the second network node and the OLT to the first network node.

[0012] Since the first network node has already assigned an IP address to the STA, upon receiving the IP renewal request packet, it can retrieve the previously assigned IP address. The first network node can then include this IP address in the response packet of the IP renewal request packet and send it to the OLT. The OLT then forwards this response packet to the second network node, which in turn forwards it to the STA. The STA can obtain the IP address carried in the response packet and use it as its own IP address. Thus, even though the STA is not connected to the subnet of the first network node, its IP renewal request packet is forwarded to the first network node by the second network node via the OLT. The first network node processes this packet and assigns an IP address to the STA. This eliminates the need for the second network node to reassign an IP address when the STA roams to the subnet of the second network node, avoiding the significant network interruption and latency issues associated with the second network node's IP address assignment, reducing service interruptions on the STA, and improving user experience.

[0013] Optionally, the identifier of the STA includes: the STA's media access control address (MAC address). It is understood that the identifier of the STA may also be different from the STA's MAC address, but other information that can uniquely identify the STA, such as the STA's serial number (SN). This application does not limit this.

[0014] Optionally, the method satisfies at least one of the following conditions: the OLT receives the STA identifier sent by the first network node via a roaming report message, the roaming report message also carrying an identifier of the roaming status; the OLT sends the STA identifier to the second network node via a configuration instruction message, the configuration instruction message also carrying an identifier of the roaming status; the OLT receives a first configuration instruction sent by the second network node via a configuration response message, the configuration response message also carrying an identifier of the roaming status; and the OLT sends a first handover instruction to the first network node via a handover message, the handover message also carrying an identifier of the roaming status. These messages carry the identifier of the roaming status, thereby enabling the synchronization of the STA's roaming status with the OLT and the second network node.

[0015] Optionally, the method satisfies at least one of the following conditions: the OLT receives the STA's identifier via a first optical network terminal management and control interface (OMCI) message; the OLT sends the STA's identifier to the second network node via a second OMCI message; the OLT receives a first configuration instruction sent by the second network node via a fourth OMCI message; and the OLT sends a first handover instruction to the first network node via a third OMCI message. It is evident that at least one of the aforementioned roaming reporting message, configuration instruction message, configuration response message, and handover message is an OMCI message. Sending information between the OLT and the network node via OMCI messages simplifies information transmission and eliminates the need to redesign new messages.

[0016] Optionally, the aforementioned first handover indication is used to instruct the STA to hand over from the first access point where the first network node is located to the second access point where the second network node is located. When the OLT receives the STA's identifier sent by the first network node, the signal strength between the first access point and the STA is less than a strength threshold, and the signal strength between the second access point and the STA is greater than or equal to the strength threshold.

[0017] Optionally, the method further includes: before receiving the STA identifier sent by the first network node, the OLT establishes a communication link with the first network node and the second network node. This eliminates the need to establish a communication link in subsequent operations, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0018] Optionally, before the OLT establishes a communication link with the first and second network nodes, either the first or second network node can send reporting information to the OLT (e.g., after the network node comes online at the OLT; this reporting information can also be called a large network capability set). This reporting information includes the identifier of the network node (e.g., MAC address or SN). The OLT can then determine whether the network node meets the verification conditions based on the reporting information. These verification conditions include: the network node identifier whitelist created by the OLT includes the identifier of the network node (this verification condition can also be changed to: the network node identifier blacklist created by the OLT does not include the identifier of the network node). Only when the verification conditions are met does the OLT establish a communication link with the network node, and then perform operations related to communication between the OLT and the first and second network nodes based on this communication link. Therefore, the OLT can set the identifiers in the network node identifier whitelist as needed to select network nodes participating in the roaming control method provided in this application.

[0019] In the above content, the reported information includes the identifier of any of the aforementioned network nodes as an example. Optionally, the reported information also includes capability information, which indicates whether the network node has roaming control functionality. It is understood that a network node having roaming control functionality means that the network node can support the operations performed by the network node in the roaming control method provided in this application. When the reported information also includes capability information, the above verification condition also includes: the capability information indicates that the network node has roaming control functionality. In some cases, although the network node identifier whitelist records the identifiers of certain network nodes, these network nodes may not have roaming control functionality. If the verification of such a network node passes, it will prevent the network node from performing the operations performed by the network node in the roaming control method, causing the roaming control method to fail. In this application, by verifying the capability information reported by the network node through the OLT, it can be ensured that all verified network nodes have roaming control functionality, thereby supporting the operations performed by the network node in the roaming control method provided in this application, enabling the roaming control method to be effectively executed.

[0020] In addition, both the first and second network nodes have roaming control functionality. After this roaming control function is enabled, the first and second network nodes can perform the operations required by the network node in the roaming control method provided in this application. The network node can default to enabling the roaming control function; alternatively, the network node can default to disabling the roaming control function and enable it under the control of other devices (such as the OLT). For example, before establishing a communication link between the OLT and the first and second network nodes, the OLT can send enable commands to the first and second network nodes respectively. These enable commands indicate that the roaming control function should be enabled; both the first and second network nodes can enable the roaming control function according to the enable commands. Optionally, after enabling the roaming control function, the first and second network nodes can also send an enable response to the OLT to indicate that the roaming control function has been enabled. Only then does the OLT establish a communication link with the first and second network nodes.

[0021] Furthermore, the above example illustrates a scenario where a STA accesses the subnet of a first network node and then roams from that subnet to the subnet of a second network node (STA roaming and switching from the first subnet to the second subnet). It's understandable that after the STA roams from the first subnet to the second subnet, it may continue roaming to other subnets, and then continue roaming again. Therefore, after roaming to a subnet other than the first network node, the STA can roam from that subnet to another subnet other than the first network node. For example, the OLT also connects to a third network node in routing mode. The OLT can receive the STA's identifier from the second network node based on the STA's roaming state and send the STA's identifier to the third network node to instruct the third network node to configure the forwarding of the STA's packets to the OLT's third forwarding policy according to the STA's identifier. Then, the OLT sends a second handover instruction to the second network node to instruct the second network node to control the STA to switch from the second subnet to the third subnet. Optionally, after configuring the third forwarding policy, the third network node can send a second configuration indication to the OLT. The second configuration indication is used to indicate that the third network node has configured the third forwarding policy according to the STA's identifier. The OLT can send a second handover indication to the second network node based on the second configuration indication.

[0022] It can be seen that regardless of which subnet the STA roams to, the packets sent by the STA will ultimately be forwarded to the first network node, so that the service packets sent by the STA will be forwarded by the first network node based on the transmission path associated with the routing WAN address. In addition, when the STA roams for the first time (from the subnet where the first network node is located to the subnet where the second network node is located), the OLT is configured with the first forwarding policy. During the STA's subsequent roaming, the OLT does not need to configure the first forwarding policy again.

[0023] It is understandable that after roaming to a subnet that is not the first network node (such as the second or third network node mentioned above), the STA may also roam back to the subnet where the first network node is located. For example, if the STA is currently accessing a subnet of a fourth network node in the routing mode, and the fourth network node is different from the first network node, the method further includes: the OLT receiving the STA's identifier sent by the fourth network node based on the STA being in a roaming state; then, the OLT sending a third handover instruction to the fourth network node to instruct the fourth network node to control the STA to switch from the subnet where the fourth network node is located to the subnet where the first network node is located.

[0024] Secondly, a roaming control method is provided. This method is executed by a second network node in routing mode. Both the second network node and a first network node in routing mode are connected to an OLT. The first network node is used to forward service packets of a STA based on a transmission path associated with a routing WAN address. STAs can access the first network node or a network node in the subnet of the first network node that is different from the first network node. The method includes: after receiving an identifier of a roaming STA sent by the OLT, the second network node configures a second forwarding policy for the STA to be forwarded to the OLT according to the STA's identifier.

[0025] Optionally, after configuring the second forwarding policy according to the STA's identifier, after the STA accesses the subnet where the second network node is located, the second network node can also receive the STA's service packets sent by the STA, and forward the STA's service packets to the OLT according to the second forwarding policy.

[0026] Optionally, before receiving the STA's service messages sent by the STA, after the STA accesses the subnet where the second network node is located, the second network node also receives the Internet Protocol (IP) renewal request messages sent by the STA, and forwards the IP renewal request messages to the OLT according to the second forwarding policy; the second network node can also receive the response messages of the IP renewal request messages forwarded by the OLT, the response messages carrying the STA's IP address, and forward the response messages to the STA; the STA's service messages carry the STA's IP address.

[0027] Optionally, the identifier of the STA includes: the MAC address of the STA.

[0028] Optionally, the method satisfies at least one of the following conditions: the second network node receives the identifier of the STA sent by the OLT through a configuration instruction message, the configuration instruction message also carrying the identifier of the roaming status; and the second network node sends the first configuration indication to the OLT through a configuration response message, the first configuration indication also carrying the identifier of the roaming status.

[0029] Optionally, the method satisfies at least one of the following conditions: the second network node receives the identifier of the STA sent by the OLT via a second OMCI message; and the second network node sends the first configuration indication to the OLT via a fourth OMCI message.

[0030] Optionally, the method further includes: before receiving the identifier of the STA in roaming state sent by the OLT, the second network node establishes a communication link with the OLT.

[0031] Optionally, before establishing a communication link with the OLT, the second network node also sends reporting information to the OLT, the reporting information including the identifier of the second network node.

[0032] Optionally, the reported information may also include capability information, which is used to indicate whether any of the network nodes has roaming control functionality.

[0033] Optionally, before establishing a communication link with the OLT, the second network node also receives an enable command sent by the OLT, which is used to instruct the roaming control function to be enabled; then, the second network node enables the roaming control function based on the enable command.

[0034] Optionally, the OLT is also connected to a third network node in routing mode. The method further includes: the second network node sending the identifier of the STA to the OLT based on the STA being in the roaming state, then receiving the second handover instruction sent by the OLT based on the identifier of the STA, and controlling the STA to switch from the subnet where the second network node is located to the subnet where the third network node is located based on the second handover instruction.

[0035] Optionally, the method further includes: a second network node sending the identifier of the STA to the OLT based on the STA being in the roaming state; then, the second network node receiving the third handover instruction sent by the OLT based on the identifier of the STA, and controlling the STA to handover from the subnet where the second network node is located to the subnet where the first network node is located based on the third handover instruction.

[0036] Thirdly, a roaming control method is provided. This method is executed by a first network node in routing mode. Both the first network node and a second network node in routing mode are connected to an Optical Line Terminal (OLT). The first network node forwards service packets of a Standby Target (STA) based on a transmission path associated with a routing WAN address. The STA can access the first network node or a network node in the subnet of the first network node that is different from the first network node. The method includes: the first network node sending an identifier of the STA to the OLT based on the STA being in a roaming state; then receiving a first handover instruction sent by the OLT based on the STA's identifier; and controlling the STA to switch from the first network node to the second network node according to the first handover instruction; finally, the first network node receiving the service packets of the STA forwarded by the OLT and forwarding the STA's service packets based on the transmission path associated with the routing WAN address.

[0037] Optionally, before receiving the service message of the STA forwarded by the OLT, the first network node receives the IP renewal request message of the STA forwarded by the OLT, and sends a response message of the IP renewal request message to the OLT. Both the response message and the service message carry the IP address of the STA.

[0038] Optionally, the identifier of the STA includes: the MAC address of the STA.

[0039] Optionally, the method satisfies at least one of the following conditions: the first network node sends the identifier of the STA to the OLT via a roaming reporting message, the roaming reporting message also carrying an identifier of the roaming status; and the first network node receives the first handover instruction sent by the OLT via a handover message, the handover message also carrying the identifier of the roaming status.

[0040] Optionally, the method satisfies at least one of the following conditions: the first network node sends the identifier of the STA to the OLT via a first OMCI message; and the first network node receives the first handover indication sent by the OLT via a third OMCI message.

[0041] Optionally, the aforementioned first handover indication is used to instruct the STA to hand over from the first access point where the first network node is located to the second access point where the second network node is located. When sending the STA's identifier to the OLT, the signal strength between the first access point and the STA is less than a strength threshold, and the signal strength between the second access point and the STA is greater than or equal to the strength threshold.

[0042] Optionally, the method further includes: before the first network node sends the identifier of the STA to the OLT based on the STA being in a roaming state, the first network node establishes a communication link with the OLT.

[0043] Optionally, before establishing a communication link with the OLT, the method further includes: a first network node sending reporting information to the OLT, the reporting information including the identifier of the second network node.

[0044] Optionally, the reported information may also include capability information, which is used to indicate whether any of the network nodes has roaming control functionality.

[0045] Optionally, before establishing a communication link with the OLT, the method further includes: a first network node receiving an enable command sent by the OLT, the enable command being used to instruct the roaming control function to be enabled; then, the first network node enabling the roaming control function based on the enable command.

[0046] Fourthly, a roaming control device is provided, which belongs to an optical line terminal (OLT). The OLT connects a first network node in routing mode and a second network node in routing mode. The first network node is used to forward service packets of a STA based on a transmission path associated with a routing WAN address. The roaming control device includes modules for performing the methods provided in any of the designs in the first aspect.

[0047] Fifthly, a roaming control device is provided, wherein the roaming control device is a second network node in a routing mode, and both the second network node and a first network node in a routing mode are connected to an optical line terminal (OLT). The first network node is used to forward service packets of a STA based on a transmission path associated with a routing WAN address. The roaming control device includes modules for performing the methods provided in any of the designs in the second aspect.

[0048] Sixthly, a roaming control device is provided, wherein the roaming control device is a first network node in a routing mode, and both the first network node and a second network node in a routing mode are connected to an optical line terminal (OLT). The first network node is used to forward service packets of a STA based on a transmission path associated with a routing WAN address. The roaming control device includes modules for performing the methods provided in any of the designs in the third aspect.

[0049] In a seventh aspect, an OLT is provided, including a processor, a memory, and a communication interface; the processor is configured to execute program instructions in the memory to perform processing functions in the roaming control method as described in any of the designs in the first aspect; the communication interface is configured to communicate with network nodes.

[0050] In an eighth aspect, a network node is provided, including a processor, a memory, and a communication interface; the processor is configured to execute program instructions in the memory to perform processing functions in the roaming control method as described in any of the designs in the second aspect; the communication interface is configured to communicate with an OLT and a STA.

[0051] A ninth aspect provides a network node including a processor, a memory, and a communication interface; the processor is configured to execute program instructions in the memory to perform processing functions in the roaming control method as described in any of the designs in the third aspect; the communication interface is configured to communicate with an OLT and a STA.

[0052] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, including an OLT, a first network node, and a second network node; the OLT is configured to perform the method as described in any design of the first aspect; the second network node is configured to perform the method as described in any design of the second aspect; and the first network node is configured to perform the method as described in any design of the third aspect.

[0053] In one aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program instruction that is read by a processor to cause the OLT to perform the method provided by any of the designs in the first aspect above.

[0054] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program instruction that is read by a processor to cause a second network node to perform the method provided by any of the designs in the second aspect described above.

[0055] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program instruction that is read by a processor to cause a first network node to perform the method provided in any of the designs in the third aspect above.

[0056] In a fourteenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product including program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The processor of an OLT reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the program instructions, causing the OLT to perform the method provided in any of the designs described in the first aspect.

[0057] In a fifteenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product including program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a first network node reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the program instructions, causing the first network node to perform the method provided in any of the designs in the third aspect described above.

[0058] In a sixteenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product including program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a second network node reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the program instructions, causing the second network node to perform the method provided in any of the designs in the second aspect described above.

[0059] The effects of the second to sixteenth aspects mentioned above can be referred to the effects of the corresponding designs in the first aspect, and will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a second communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a third communication system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the transmission path of service messages before and after roaming, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a fourth communication system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a roaming control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an OMCI message provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating another roaming control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating yet another roaming control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a message transmission path before STA roaming, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 11 A schematic diagram illustrating the transmission path of an IP lease renewal request message after STA roaming, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 12 A schematic diagram illustrating the transmission path of service packets after STA roaming, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 13 A block diagram of a roaming control device belonging to an OLT provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 14 A block diagram of a roaming control device belonging to a second network node provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 15 A block diagram of a roaming control device belonging to a first network node provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0076] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] This application provides a communication system that can be located in scenarios such as homes, businesses, or schools. The communication system includes an OLT and multiple network nodes, with the OLT connected to each of the multiple network nodes via a passive optical network (PON).

[0078] In a communication system, multiple network nodes belong to multiple subnets, and each subnet can include at least one network node. When a subnet includes multiple network nodes, each of these network nodes can be an access point for a STA (Station). Furthermore, each subnet includes network nodes in routing mode. Service packets from STAs connected to this subnet can be transmitted to these routing mode network nodes and forwarded by them based on the transmission path associated with the routing WAN address. The routing WAN address refers to the address of the WAN interface used by the routing mode network node to forward service packets from the STA.

[0079] These multiple network nodes can be implemented in various ways, as shown in the following examples.

[0080] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, each network node in this communication system is an optical network terminal (ONT). Figure 1 Taking the Sino-Israeli communication system as an example, which includes two ONTs. An ONT, also known as an optical network unit (ONU), is connected to an OLT via optical fiber. Each ONT belongs to a subnet, and a STA accessing the subnet of an ONT means that the STA is accessing that ONT.

[0081] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the communication system includes multiple FTTR systems, each of which includes a main fiber unit (MFU) and at least one sub-fiber unit (SFU). Figure 2The example uses two FTTR systems, each containing two SFUs. Each SFU in the FTTR system is connected to the MFU in that system via fiber optic cable, and each MFU is connected to the OLT via fiber optic cable. Both SFUs and MFUs can be access points for STAs. Here, MFU can also refer to the FTTR master unit, and SFU can refer to the FTTR slave unit or FTTR sub-unit. An MFU can also be called a main gateway, and an SFU can be called a sub-gateway. Each FTTR system is a subnet. A STA accessing the subnet containing an MFU means that the STA accesses either the MFU or any SFU within that subnet.

[0082] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the communication system includes at least one ONT and at least one FTTR system. Figure 3 Taking one ONT and one FTTR system as an example. Each ONT is connected to the OLT via optical fiber, and each SFU in the FTTR system is connected to the MFU in the same FTTR system via optical fiber. Each MFU is also connected to the OLT via optical fiber. Each ONT is a subnet, and each FTTR system is also a subnet.

[0083] Furthermore, after a STA connects to a subnet, it can roam (move), disconnect from the current subnet while roaming, and connect to other subnets, thus achieving subnet switching. For example, multiple FTTR systems are deployed uniformly in student dormitories. When a student's terminal (such as a mobile phone, tablet, etc.) moves between multiple FTTR systems, the terminal's wireless network connection will be disconnected from the access point in the original FTTR system and then reconnected to the access point in the new FTTR system.

[0084] MFU and ONT are network nodes with routing and bridging modes. A network node in routing mode (also called a routing-mode network node) has a routing WAN address. This network node can forward service packets from STAs accessing its subnet based on the transmission path associated with that routing WAN address. However, when an STA switches between subnets of multiple routing-mode network nodes, the network interruption latency of the STA is significant, causing service lag and a poor user experience. The following will explain the reasons for the significant network interruption latency of the STA from two aspects.

[0085] On the one hand, the STA needs to use the STA's Internet Protocol (IP) address to transmit service messages. This IP address is assigned by the routing mode network node (such as ONT or MFU) in the subnet where the network node the STA accesses is located. When the STA switches between subnets where the routing mode network node is located, the reallocation of the IP address will cause the STA's network interruption delay to be large.

[0086] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, when a STA accesses SFU 1 in the subnet of MFU 1 in routing mode, the STA and the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) module 1 in MFU 1 will perform DHCP negotiation so that MFU 1 can assign a private network address 1 to the STA as its IP address from its private network address set. When the STA roams from SFU 1 to SFU 2 in the subnet of MFU 2 in routing mode, the STA also needs to perform DHCP negotiation with the DHCP module 2 in MFU 2 so that MFU 2 can assign a private network address 2 to the STA as its new IP address from its private network address set. The DHCP negotiation between the STA and DHCP module 2 will result in a significant network outage delay for the STA.

[0087] On the other hand, different network nodes have different routing WAN addresses. When the STA switches between the subnets where multiple network nodes are located in the routing mode, the transmission path associated with the original network node's routing WAN address can no longer be used. Therefore, a new transmission path needs to be re-established, resulting in a large network interruption delay for the STA.

[0088] For example, in routing mode, the WAN address of a network node is assigned by the Broadband Remote Access Server (BRAS), and the BRAS assigns different WAN addresses to different network nodes in the communication system. Please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 4When a STA accesses MFU 1 in routing mode, MFU 1 establishes a transmission path 1 associated with its routing WAN address 1 and forwards the STA's service packets on this path. At this time, the service packets are output from the routing WAN interface 1 of MFU 1, where the routing WAN address 1 is located. When a STA roams to SFU 2 in the subnet where MFU 2 is located, MFU 2 cannot connect to transmission path 1 associated with MFU 1's routing WAN address 1. Therefore, it needs to re-establish a transmission path 2 associated with MFU 2's routing WAN address 2. MFU 2 then forwards the STA's service packets on this path 2, and the service packets are output from the routing WAN interface 2 of MFU 2, where the routing WAN address 2 is located. The process of establishing transmission path 2 results in a significant network interruption delay for the STA.

[0089] Therefore, when a STA roams between subnets containing network nodes in multiple routing modes, how to reduce network interruption latency, minimize service lag on the STA, and improve user experience is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0090] Based on this, this application provides a roaming control method that centrally manages the wireless network through an OLT, enabling STAs to roam seamlessly between subnets where network nodes in multiple routing modes reside, thereby shortening network interruption time caused by site roaming and improving the user's network experience.

[0091] Before describing the roaming control method provided in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application will first briefly describe the application scenarios of this method. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, this application scenario includes an OLT, a first network node, and a second network node in a communication system. Both the first and second network nodes are routing-mode network nodes. The first network node can be an MFU, SFU, or ONT, and the second network node can also be an MFU, SFU, or ONT. Both the first and second network nodes are connected (e.g., via PON) to the OLT. The STA accesses subnet 1 where the first network node is located (e.g., accessing the first network node or a node in that subnet that is different from the first network node), and transmits service packets through the first network node. Afterward, the STA roams from subnet 1 where the first network node is located to subnet 2 where the second network node is located. Under the control of the OLT, the second network node and the OLT forward the STA's service packets to the first network node, where the first network node continues to transmit the STA's service packets.

[0092] Next, the embodiments of this application will be combined with Figure 5 The application scenarios will be described in detail below, illustrating the roaming control method provided in the embodiments of this application. For example, Figure 6A flowchart of a roaming control method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown below. Figure 6 As shown, the roaming control method includes the following:

[0093] S101, The first network node sends the STA's identifier to the OLT based on the STA being in roaming state.

[0094] When a STA first accesses a large network consisting of the OLT and multiple network nodes' subnets, it can access the first access point in the subnet where the first network node is located. The first access point can be the first network node, or it can be different from the first network node. It is understood that the subnet where the first network node is located may not be the subnet that the STA accesses when it first accesses the large network, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0095] The first network node is a routing-mode network node, which can be an MFU or an ONT. After the STA accesses the subnet where the first network node is located, the first network node is used to forward the STA's service packets based on the transmission path associated with the routing WAN address of the first network node.

[0096] After the STA accesses the subnet where the first network node is located, the first network node can detect whether the STA is in roaming state in real time or periodically. When it is determined that the STA is in roaming state, the first network node sends the STA's identifier to the OLT to instruct the OLT to perform control related to roaming control (such as the OLT's control operations in subsequent S102 to S106).

[0097] The first network node can use any method to detect whether the STA is in a roaming state.

[0098] For example, the first network node can detect the signal strength between the first access point and the STA, and determine that the STA is in a roaming state based on the signal strength being less than a strength threshold; alternatively, the first network node can determine that the STA is not in a roaming state based on the signal strength being greater than or equal to the strength threshold. The signal strength between the first access point and the STA can be the strength of the STA's wireless signal detected by the first network node or the first access point, or it can be the strength of the first access point's wireless signal detected by the STA (in which case the STA needs to send this strength to the first network node).

[0099] For example, the first network node can detect the distance between the first access point and the STA, and determine that the STA is in a roaming state based on the distance being greater than a distance threshold, and determine that the STA is not in a roaming state based on the distance being less than or equal to the distance threshold. The distance between the first access point and the STA can be determined using any method such as Global Positioning System (GPS) or radar.

[0100] Optionally, the identifier of the STA includes the MAC address of the STA. It is understood that the identifier of the STA may also be different from the MAC address of the STA, but other information that can uniquely identify the STA, such as the SN of the STA. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0101] The first network node can send the STA's identifier to the OLT via a roaming report message. Optionally, the roaming report message can also carry an identifier of the roaming status, thereby synchronizing the roaming status with the OLT. In this way, the roaming report message is used to indicate that the STA is in a roaming state.

[0102] S102, OLT forwards the STA's packets to the first forwarding policy of the first network node according to the STA's identifier configuration.

[0103] S103, OLT sends the STA identifier to the second network node.

[0104] After receiving the STA identifier from the first network node, the OLT can determine that the STA is currently in a roaming state. The OLT and other network nodes then need to forward packets sent by the roaming STA to the first network node. Therefore, to achieve this forwarding effect, the OLT needs to configure a first forwarding policy and send the STA identifier to the second network node to instruct it to configure a second forwarding policy.

[0105] The first forwarding strategy is to forward the STA's packets to the first network node. The OLT can configure this first forwarding strategy by configuring the forwarding table entries in the OLT. After configuring this first forwarding strategy, if the OLT subsequently receives packets from the STA (as in S108), it can forward the STA's packets to the first network node based on this first forwarding strategy (as in S109).

[0106] The second forwarding strategy is to forward the STA's packets to the OLT. The second network node can configure this second forwarding strategy by configuring the forwarding table entries in the second network node. After configuring the second forwarding strategy, if the second network node subsequently receives packets from the STA (as in subsequent S107), then the second network node can forward the STA's packets to the OLT based on the second forwarding strategy (as in subsequent S108).

[0107] As can be seen, after the OLT is configured with the first forwarding policy and the second network node is configured with the second forwarding policy, the packets sent by the STA to the second network node can be forwarded to the first network node under the action of the first and second forwarding policies.

[0108] In addition, the OLT needs to determine the second network node before sending the STA identifier to the second network node. The second network node can be an MFU or an ONT.

[0109] For example, the OLT can determine the second network node based on the signal strength between each network node and the STA, where the signal strength between the second access point in the subnet where the second network node is located and the STA is greater than or equal to a strength threshold. For instance, when the first network node sends the STA's identifier to the OLT, the signal strength between the first access point and the STA is less than the strength threshold, while the signal strength between the second access point and the STA is greater than or equal to the strength threshold. This indicates that the STA is gradually roaming from the subnet where the first network node is located to the subnet where the second network node is located. The method by which the OLT obtains the signal strength between the second access point and the STA can be similar to the method by which the first network node obtains the signal strength between the first access point and the STA.

[0110] For example, the OLT can determine the second network node based on the distance between each network node and the STA, where the distance between the second access point in the subnet where the second network node is located and the STA is less than or equal to a distance threshold. For instance, when the first network node sends the STA's identifier to the OLT, if the distance between the first access point and the STA is greater than the distance threshold, and the distance between the second access point and the STA is less than or equal to the distance threshold, it indicates that the STA is gradually roaming from the subnet where the first network node is located to the subnet where the second network node is located. The method by which the OLT obtains the distance between the second access point and the STA can be similar to the method by which the first network node obtains the distance between the first access point and the STA.

[0111] In S103, the OLT can send the STA identifier to the second network node through a configuration command message. Optionally, the configuration command message also carries the roaming status identifier, thereby synchronizing the roaming status to the second network node. In this way, the configuration command message is used to instruct the second network node to configure a second forwarding policy to forward packets of STAs in roaming status to the OLT.

[0112] The above-mentioned S102 and S103 can be executed simultaneously, or S102 can be executed first and then S103, or S103 can be executed first and then S102. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0113] S104. The second network node sends a first configuration instruction to the OLT. The first configuration instruction is used to indicate that the second network node has configured a second forwarding policy to forward the STA's packets to the OLT according to the STA's identifier.

[0114] After receiving the STA identifier sent by the OLT, the second network node can configure a second forwarding policy based on that STA identifier. Then, the second network node can send a first configuration instruction to the OLT to indicate that the second network node has completed configuring the second forwarding policy.

[0115] For example, the second network node can send a first configuration indication to the OLT via a configuration response message. Optionally, the configuration response message also carries an identifier of the roaming status. In this way, the configuration response message is used to indicate that the second network node has configured a second forwarding policy to forward packets of roaming STAs to the OLT.

[0116] S105, the OLT sends a first handover instruction to the first network node based on the first configuration instruction, so as to instruct the first network node to control the STA to hand over from the subnet where the first network node is located to the subnet where the second network node is located.

[0117] Before S105, the OLT configures the first forwarding policy, and the second network node configures the second forwarding policy. In S105, the OLT can complete the configuration of both the first and second forwarding policies, thus preparing to forward the STA's packets. Subsequently, the OLT can send a first handover instruction to the first network node, instructing the first network node to control the STA to hand over from the subnet where the first network node is located to the subnet where the second network node is located.

[0118] If the second forwarding policy is configured later than the first forwarding policy is configured by the OLT, the OLT can determine that both the first and second forwarding policies are configured after receiving the first configuration instruction sent by the second network node.

[0119] If the second network node configures the second forwarding policy before the OLT configures the first forwarding policy, the OLT can determine that the second forwarding policy is configured after receiving the first configuration instruction from the second network node. The OLT can also detect whether its own first forwarding policy is configured. When it determines that both the first and second forwarding policies are configured, the OLT can send a first handover instruction to the first network node.

[0120] For example, the OLT can send a first handover instruction to the first network node via a handover message. Optionally, the handover message may also carry an identifier of the roaming status. Optionally, the handover message may also carry an identifier of the STA. In this way, the handover message is used to instruct the first access node to control the roaming STA to hand over from the subnet where the first network node is located to the subnet where the second network node is located.

[0121] The first handover instruction may include the identifier of the second access point in the subnet where the second network node resides. The first handover instruction instructs the first network node to control the STA to switch from the subnet where the first network node resides to the second access point in the subnet where the second network node resides. The second access point can be the second network node itself, or another network node connected to the second network node in its subnet. The identifier of the second access point may be its basic service set identifier (BSSID) or other information that uniquely identifies the second access point, such as its MAC address.

[0122] Of course, the first handover instruction may not include the identifier of the second access point. For example, the first handover instruction may include the identifier of the subnet where the second network node is located. The STA can access any access point in the subnet based on the identifier of the subnet.

[0123] The STA identifier sent by the OLT to the second network node in S103 above can be used to instruct the second network node to configure the second forwarding policy. Optionally, after configuring the second forwarding policy, the second network node may not need to send the first configuration instruction to the OLT. In this case, in S105 above, the OLT may not send the first handover instruction to the first network node based on the first configuration instruction. For example, the OLT may send the first handover instruction to the first network node after a target duration following the execution of S103, where the target duration is the estimated duration for the second network node to configure the second forwarding policy.

[0124] S106, The first network node controls the STA to switch from the subnet where the first network node is located to the subnet where the second network node is located.

[0125] The first network node can send the identifier of the second access point in the first handover instruction to the STA according to the instruction of the OLT, so that the STA can disconnect from the first access point in the subnet where the first network node is located and connect to the second access point according to the identifier of the second access point.

[0126] S107 and STA send service messages to the second network node.

[0127] After the STA accesses the subnet where the second network node is located, if there is a service message that needs to be sent, it can send the service message to the second access point in the subnet where the second network node is located, and then the service message will be transmitted to the second network node.

[0128] S108. The second network node forwards the STA's service packets to the OLT according to the second forwarding policy.

[0129] After receiving a service packet sent by the STA, the second network node can forward the service packet to the OLT according to the second forwarding policy configured in the aforementioned operation. For example, the second forwarding policy records the STA's identifier, and the service packet sent by the STA also carries the STA's identifier. The second network node can look up the second forwarding policy that records the STA's identifier based on the STA's identifier carried in the service packet, and then forward the service packet to the OLT according to the second forwarding policy.

[0130] S109, OLT forwards the STA's service packets to the first network node according to the first forwarding policy.

[0131] After receiving a service packet from a STA sent by a second network node, the OLT can forward the service packet to the first network node according to the first forwarding policy configured in the aforementioned operation. For example, the first forwarding policy records the STA's identifier, and the service packet sent by the STA also carries the STA's identifier. The OLT can look up the first forwarding policy that records the STA's identifier based on the STA's identifier carried in the service packet, and then forward the service packet to the OLT according to the first forwarding policy.

[0132] S110, the first network node forwards the STA's service packets based on the transmission path associated with the routing WAN address.

[0133] After receiving a service packet from the STA, the first network node can forward the packet along the transmission path associated with its WAN address. In this way, even though the STA is not connected to the subnet of the first network node, its service packets will still be forwarded to the first network node via the OLT by the second network node. The first network node will then forward the packet along a fixed transmission path. This fixed transmission path is the same path the first network node used when forwarding the STA's service packets if the STA is connected to the first network node's subnet. Therefore, regardless of whether the STA is connected to the first network node's subnet, its service packets are always forwarded along this fixed transmission path. Thus, even when the STA roams to the second network node's subnet, there is no need to re-establish the transmission path associated with the second network node's WAN address to forward the packet. This avoids the network interruption and latency issues caused by establishing a new transmission path, reduces service lag on the STA, and improves the user experience.

[0134] It is understandable that after S106, the STA may not have any service messages to send. In this case, the STA does not need to execute S107. Correspondingly, the second network node does not need to execute S108, the OLT does not need to execute S109, and the first network node does not need to execute S110.

[0135] In summary, in the roaming control method provided in this application embodiment, when the STA is in roaming mode, the OLT can instruct the first network node to control the STA to switch to the subnet where the second network node is located. Furthermore, before instructing the first network node to control the STA to switch to the subnet where the second network node is located, the OLT also configures a first forwarding policy in the OLT to forward the STA's packets to the first network node, and instructs the second network node to configure a second forwarding policy to forward the STA's packets to the OLT. In this way, after the STA switches to the subnet where the second network node is located, the first and second forwarding policies enable the packets sent by the STA to the second network node to be forwarded by the second network node to the first network node through the OLT. Thus, the STA's packets can still be forwarded from the transmission path associated with the first network node's routing WAN address; therefore, there is no need to create a new transmission path.

[0136] Optionally, prior to S107, the STA can also send an IP renewal request message to the second network node to request an IP address to be allocated to the STA. Upon receiving the IP renewal request message, the second network node does not allocate an IP address to the STA based on the message; instead, it forwards the message to the OLT according to the second forwarding policy. The OLT then forwards the IP renewal request message to the first network node according to the first forwarding policy. Therefore, similar to the above-mentioned service messages being forwarded to the first network node by the second network node and the OLT, IP renewal request messages are also forwarded to the first network node by the second network node and the OLT.

[0137] Since the first network node had already assigned an IP address to the STA before step S101, upon receiving the IP renewal request message, the first network node can retrieve the previously assigned IP address. At this point, the first network node can include this IP address in the response message of the IP renewal request message and send it to the OLT. The OLT then forwards this response message to the second network node, which in turn forwards it to the STA. The STA can obtain the IP address carried in the response message and use it as its IP address. The IP address carried in the service message sent by the STA to the second network node in step S107 is also the same as the IP address carried in this response message.

[0138] As can be seen, although the STA is not connected to the subnet of the first network node, the IP renewal request packets sent by the STA will be forwarded to the first network node by the second network node through the OLT. The first network node will then process the IP renewal request packets and assign an IP address to the STA. In this way, after the STA roams to the subnet of the second network node, it does not need to be reassigned an IP address by the second network node. Therefore, this avoids the significant network interruption and latency issues caused by the second network node reassigning IP addresses to the STA, reduces service interruptions on the STA, and improves the user experience.

[0139] In this embodiment, an OLT manages a large network composed of subnets containing multiple network nodes, constructing a wireless (Wi-Fi) trunked network. This ensures that when a STA switches from the subnet of a first network node to the subnet of a second network node, the STA's service packets are still forwarded along the transmission path associated with the WAN address of the first network node. This enables seamless IP lease renewal and zero-interruption service forwarding for sites roaming across Layer 3 subnets, supporting seamless roaming of STAs within the Wi-Fi trunked network and improving the user's network experience.

[0140] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the OLT receives the STA identifier sent by the first network node through a roaming report message, sends the STA identifier to the second network node through a configuration instruction message, receives the first configuration instruction sent by the second network node through a configuration response message, and sends the first handover instruction to the first network node through a handover message. Moreover, the roaming report message, configuration instruction message, configuration response message, and handover message all also carry a roaming status identifier. Optionally, the roaming report message, configuration instruction message, configuration response message, and handover message may not all carry a roaming status identifier; for example, none of these messages may carry a roaming status identifier, or some of these messages may carry a roaming status identifier.

[0141] Furthermore, at least one of the aforementioned roaming reporting message, configuration instruction message, configuration response message, and handover message is an OMCI message. For example, the roaming reporting message can be a first OMCI message, the configuration instruction message can be a second OMCI message, the configuration response message can be a fourth OMCI message, and the handover message can be a third OMCI message. Of course, the roaming reporting message, configuration instruction message, configuration response message, and handover message may not be OMCI messages, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0142] For example, the structure of an OMCI message can be as follows: Figure 7 As shown, an OMCI message includes a frame header, a transaction correlation identifier field, a message type field, a device identifier field, a managed entity identifier field, a message contents field, and a message trailer (i.e., the OMCI trailer).

[0143] The content carried in an OMCI message can be included in the message content field. For example, the message content fields of the first, second, and fourth OMCI messages all carry the STA identifier and the roaming status identifier; the message content field of the third OMCI message carries the STA identifier, the roaming status identifier, and the first handover indication.

[0144] The management entity identifier field in the OMCI message is used to indicate the management entity and instances of the management entity. In this embodiment, the management entity refers to the roaming control method provided in this application, and an instance of the management entity refers to executing the roaming control method provided in this embodiment once for the aforementioned STA. The roaming control method executed for different STAs are different instances of the management entity. The management entity identifier field can indicate the management entity by its number (such as 65512, 65513, etc.) and by the identifier (identity document, ID) of the management entity instance.

[0145] Optionally, when sending the content carried in an OMCI message via an OMCI message, it is equivalent to adding a management entity to the OMCI message. The content of the management entity can be found in Table 1. Specifically, the management entity added in the first, second, and fourth OMCI messages does not include the roaming target BSSID listed in Table 1. The management entity added in the third OMCI message includes the MAC address, online status, and roaming target BSSID.

[0146] Table 1

[0147]

[0148] In addition, Figure 6 Before the operations shown are performed, the OLT can also establish communication links with the first and second network nodes. This eliminates the need for... Figure 6 Establishing a communication link during the illustrated operation can improve communication efficiency. Of course, the OLT can also be omitted. Figure 6 Before the operation shown, a communication link is established with the first network node and the second network node. For example, the OLT establishes a communication link with the second network node before S103.

[0149] Optionally, before the OLT establishes a communication link with the first and second network nodes, either the first or second network node can send reporting information to the OLT (e.g., after the network node comes online at the OLT; this reporting information can also be called a large network capability set). This reporting information includes the identifier of the network node (e.g., MAC address or SN). The OLT can then determine whether the network node meets the verification conditions based on the reporting information sent by that network node. The verification conditions include: the whitelist of network node identifiers created by the OLT includes the identifier of that network node (this verification condition can also be changed to: the blacklist of network node identifiers created by the OLT does not include the identifier of that network node). Only when the OLT determines that the network node meets the verification conditions will it establish a communication link with that network node and then execute [operations] based on this communication link. Figure 6 The OLT communicates with the first and second network nodes. It is evident that the OLT can select network nodes to participate in the roaming control method provided in this application by setting identifiers in the network node identifier whitelist as needed.

[0150] OLT can create the aforementioned whitelist (or blacklist) of network node identifiers before the network node comes online.

[0151] The OLT can create a whitelist (or blacklist) of network node identifiers based on information input by the user, or based on information sent by other devices. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0152] Of course, before the OLT establishes a communication link with the first and second network nodes, the network nodes do not need to send reporting information to the OLT, and the OLT does not need to verify the network nodes.

[0153] In the above content, the reported information includes the identifier of any of the aforementioned network nodes as an example. Optionally, the reported information also includes capability information, which indicates whether the network node has roaming control functionality. It is understood that a network node having roaming control functionality means that the network node can support the operations performed by the network node in the roaming control method provided in this application embodiment. When the reported information also includes capability information, the above verification condition further includes: the capability information indicates that the network node has roaming control functionality. In some cases, although the network node identifier whitelist records the identifiers of certain network nodes, the network node may not have roaming control functionality. If the network node passes verification, it will prevent the network node from performing the operations performed by the network node in the roaming control method, causing the roaming control method to fail. In this application embodiment, by verifying the capability information reported by the network node through the OLT, it can be ensured that all verified network nodes have roaming control functionality, thereby supporting the operations performed by the network node in the roaming control method provided in this application embodiment, enabling the roaming control method to be effectively executed.

[0154] Furthermore, both the first and second network nodes have roaming control functionality. After this roaming control function is activated, the first and second network nodes can execute the operations performed by the network node in the roaming control method provided in this application embodiment. For example, the first network node can execute S101, S106, and S110 as described above after the roaming control function is activated. The second network node can execute S104 and S108 as described above after the roaming control function is activated.

[0155] Network nodes can either default to having the roaming control function enabled, or disable it by default and enable it under the control of other devices (such as the OLT). For example, before establishing a communication link between the OLT and the first and second network nodes, the OLT can send enable commands to both network nodes, indicating that the roaming control function is enabled; both network nodes can then enable the roaming control function according to these commands. Optionally, after enabling the roaming control function, the first and second network nodes can send an enable response to the OLT to indicate that the roaming control function is enabled. Only then will the OLT establish a communication link with the first and second network nodes.

[0156] Optionally, for either the first or second network node, the OLT may send an enable command to the network node only after the network node has passed verification. Alternatively, the OLT may simultaneously verify the network node and send an enable command to the network node.

[0157] In the roaming control method provided in this application embodiment, all information transmitted between the OLT and each network node can be sent via OMCI messages. For example, the aforementioned reporting message and the aforementioned enable instruction can be sent via OMCI messages, which will not be elaborated further in this application embodiment. Sending information between the OLT and network nodes via OMCI messages simplifies information transmission and eliminates the need to redesign new messages.

[0158] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example is taken where the STA first accesses the subnet where the first network node is located, and then roams from the subnet where the first network node is located to the subnet where the second network node is located (STA roams and switches from the subnet where the first network node is located to the subnet where the second network node is located). It can be understood that after the STA roams from the subnet where the first network node is located to the subnet where the second network node is located, the STA may continue to roam to other subnets, and then the STA can continue to roam again; it can be seen that after roaming to a subnet where the first network node is located, the STA can roam from that subnet to another subnet where the first network node is located.

[0159] The following example illustrates the process of a STA roaming from one subnet to another that is not the first network node, taking as an example the STA roams from the subnet of the first network node to the subnet of the second network node, and then continues to roam to the subnet of the third network node in the OLT connection routing mode.

[0160] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, after S106 (e.g., after S110), the roaming control method provided in this application embodiment further includes:

[0161] S201, The second network node sends the STA's identifier to the OLT based on the STA being in roaming state.

[0162] S201 can be referred to S101, and the embodiments of this application will not be described in detail here.

[0163] S202, OLT sends the STA identifier to the third network node.

[0164] S202 can be referred to S103, and the embodiments of this application will not be described in detail here.

[0165] S203. The third network node sends a second configuration instruction to the OLT. The second configuration instruction is used to indicate that the third network node has configured the third forwarding policy of the STA to forward the STA's packets to the OLT according to the STA's identifier.

[0166] S203 can be referred to S104, and the embodiments of this application will not be described in detail here.

[0167] S204, the OLT sends a second handover instruction to the second network node based on the second configuration instruction, instructing the second network node to control the STA to hand over from the subnet where the second network node is located to the subnet where the third network node is located.

[0168] S204 can be referred to S105, and the embodiments of this application will not be described in detail here.

[0169] The STA identifier sent by the OLT to the third network node in S202 above can be used to instruct the third network node to configure the third forwarding policy. Optionally, after configuring the third forwarding policy, the third network node may not need to send the second configuration instruction to the OLT. In this case, in S204 above, the OLT may not send the second handover instruction to the second network node based on the second configuration instruction. For example, the OLT may send the second handover instruction to the second network node after a target duration following the execution of S202, where the target duration is the estimated duration for the third network node to configure the third forwarding policy.

[0170] S205, the second network node controls the STA to switch from the subnet where the second network node is located to the subnet where the third network node is located based on the second handover instruction.

[0171] S205 can be referred to S106, and the embodiments of this application will not be described in detail here.

[0172] S206, STA sends service messages to the third network node.

[0173] S206 can be referred to S107, and the embodiments of this application will not be described in detail here.

[0174] S207. The third network node forwards the STA's service packets to the OLT according to the third forwarding policy.

[0175] S207 can be referred to S108, and the embodiments of this application will not be described in detail here.

[0176] S208, the OLT forwards the STA's service packets to the first network node according to the first forwarding policy. Execute S110.

[0177] S208 can be referred to S109, and the embodiments of this application will not be described in detail here.

[0178] It is understandable that after S205, the STA may not have any service messages to send. In this case, the STA does not need to execute S206. Correspondingly, the second network node does not need to execute S207, the OLT does not need to execute S208, and the first network node does not need to execute S110.

[0179] from Figure 8It can be seen that regardless of which subnet the STA roams to, the packets sent by the STA will ultimately be forwarded to the first network node, so that the service packets sent by the STA will be forwarded by the first network node based on the transmission path associated with the routing WAN address. In addition, when the STA roams for the first time (from the subnet where the first network node is located to the subnet where the second network node is located), the OLT is configured with the first forwarding policy. During the STA's subsequent roaming, the OLT does not need to configure the first forwarding policy again.

[0180] Optionally, before S206, the STA sends an IP renewal request message to the access point in the subnet where the third network node resides. This IP renewal request message is then transmitted to the third network node. The third network node can forward the IP renewal request message to the OLT according to a third forwarding policy. Then, the OLT forwards the IP renewal request message to the first network node according to a first forwarding policy. The first network node can send a response message to the OLT containing the STA's IP address. The OLT can forward the response message to the third network node, causing the third network node to forward the response message to the STA. The service message sent by the STA in S205 carries the STA's IP address in the response message. This process can be referred to the description related to the STA sending an IP renewal request message to the second network node in the previous embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0181] It is understandable that after roaming to a subnet that is not the first network node (such as the second or third network node mentioned above), the STA may also roam back to the subnet where the first network node is located from the subnet where the non-first network node is located.

[0182] The following example illustrates the process of a STA roaming back to the subnet where the first network node is located, using the scenario where the STA roams to the subnet of a fourth network node with a different routing mode than the first network node. The fourth network node can be either the second or third network node mentioned above, or it can be different from the second and third network nodes.

[0183] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, after S106, the roaming control method provided in this application embodiment further includes:

[0184] S301, the fourth network node sends the STA's identifier to the OLT based on the STA being in roaming state.

[0185] S301 can be referred to S101, and the embodiments of this application will not be described in detail here.

[0186] S302, OLT sends a third handover instruction to the fourth network node, instructing the fourth network node to control the STA to hand over from the subnet where the fourth network node is located to the subnet where the first network node is located.

[0187] S302 can be referred to S105, and the embodiments of this application will not be described in detail here.

[0188] Understandably, since the OLT in S302 determines that the STA needs to roam to the subnet where the first network node is located, there is no need to instruct the first network node to configure a forwarding policy to forward the STA's packets to the first network node.

[0189] S303, the fourth network node controls the STA to switch from the subnet where the fourth network node is located to the subnet where the first network node is located based on the third handover instruction.

[0190] S303 can be referred to S106, and the embodiments of this application will not be described in detail here.

[0191] S304, STA sends a service message to the first network node. Execute S110.

[0192] S304 can be referred to S107, and the embodiments of this application will not be described in detail here.

[0193] It is understandable that after S303, the STA may not have any service messages to send. In this case, the STA does not need to execute S304, and correspondingly, the first network node does not need to execute S110.

[0194] Optionally, prior to S304, the STA may also send an IP renewal request message to the subnet where the first network node resides. The first network node may send a response message to the STA, which carries the STA's IP address. In S304, the service message sent by the STA carries the STA's IP address. This process can be referred to the description related to the STA sending an IP renewal request message to the second network node in the previous embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0195] It is understandable that any network node in any routing mode connected by the OLT could be the first network node mentioned above, and any network node connected by the OLT could be the second, third, or fourth network node mentioned above. Therefore, any network node connected by the OLT can have the functions of the first, second, third, and fourth network nodes mentioned above.

[0196] The following will combine Figure 10The roaming control method provided in the embodiments of this application will be illustrated by example.

[0197] Please refer to Figure 10 The communication system includes an OLT and n network nodes in routing modes, where n > 2. Each network node includes, in addition to, Figure 4 In addition to the routing WAN interface and DHCP module, the OLT also includes a bridged WAN interface and a roaming forwarding control module. The OLT includes a Layer 2 interconnect module and a control plane roaming management module.

[0198] The bridging WAN interface in the network node is used to establish a communication link with the OLT's Layer 2 interconnection module. A virtual Layer 2 network is established between the bridging WAN interface in the network node and the OLT's Layer 2 interconnection module. Information transmitted between the network node and the OLT passes through the bridging WAN interface of the network node and the OLT's Layer 2 interconnection module. Network nodes form a virtual master-slave Layer 2 network through the OLT's Layer 2 interconnection module. The network node that the STA initially connects to is the master node, and other network nodes that the STA switches to after roaming are slave nodes.

[0199] The roaming forwarding control module in the network node is used to process packets sent by STAs. For example, the roaming forwarding control module in the network node is used to transmit packets sent by STAs in roaming status to the OLT through the bridged WAN interface, and to transmit service packets sent by STAs in non-roaming status through the transmission path associated with the local routing WAN interface. It also controls the local DHCP module to process IP lease renewal request packets sent by STAs in non-roaming status.

[0200] The roaming management module in the OLT is used to perform operations other than sending and receiving in the roaming control method provided in this application embodiment. The roaming management module is also used to communicate with the bridged WAN interface of the network node through the Layer 2 interconnection module in the OLT.

[0201] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 10 Assume that STA first accesses the subnet where network node 1 is located among n network nodes, and after STA sends an IP renewal request message to network node 1, the roaming forwarding control module in network node 1 transmits the IP renewal request message to the DHCP module in network node 1 so that the DHCP module can process the IP renewal request message.

[0202] After the STA sends a service message to network node 1, the roaming forwarding control module in network node 1 transmits the service message to the routing WAN port in network node 1, so that the service message can be transmitted along transmission path 1 through the routing WAN port (layer 3 exit).

[0203] Afterwards, the STA enters roaming state. Network Node 1 sends the STA's identifier to the OLT based on this roaming state, so that the OLT can configure the first forwarding policy, control network Node 2 to configure the second forwarding policy, and instruct network Node 1 to control the STA to switch from the subnet of network Node 1 to the subnet of network Node 2. Then, as... Figure 11 As shown, STA sends an IP renewal request message to network node 2. The roaming forwarding control module in network node 2 transmits the IP renewal request message to the OLT's Layer 2 interconnection module through its local bridged WAN interface. The OLT's Layer 2 interconnection module then forwards the IP renewal request message to the bridged WAN interface of network node 1. Network node 1 then transmits the IP renewal request message received from the bridged WAN interface to its DHCP module, so that the DHCP module can process the IP renewal request message.

[0204] like Figure 12 As shown, after the STA sends a service packet to network node 2, the roaming forwarding control module in network node 2 transmits the service packet to the OLT's Layer 2 interconnection module through the local bridged WAN interface. The OLT's Layer 2 interconnection module then forwards the service packet to the bridged WAN interface of network node 1. Network node 1 then transmits the service packet received from the bridged WAN interface to the routing WAN interface in network node 1, so that the service packet is transmitted along transmission path 1 through the routing WAN port.

[0205] This application embodiment also provides a roaming control device, which belongs to an OLT. The OLT connects a first network node and a second network node. The first network node in routing mode is used to forward service packets of the STA based on the transmission path associated with the routing WAN address. Figure 13 As shown, the roaming control device includes: a first receiving module 1301, a first configuration module 1302, a first transmitting module 1303, and a second transmitting module 1304.

[0206] The first receiving module 1301 is used to receive the STA identifier sent by the first network node based on the STA being in roaming state; the first configuration module 1302 is used to configure a first forwarding policy for forwarding STA packets to the first network node according to the STA identifier; the first sending module 1303 is used to send the STA identifier to the second network node to instruct the second network node to configure a second forwarding policy for forwarding STA packets to the OLT according to the STA identifier; the second sending module 1304 is used to send a first handover instruction to the first network node to instruct the first network node to control the STA to handover from the subnet where the first network node is located to the subnet where the second network node is located.

[0207] Optionally, the roaming control device may also include a second receiving module. Figure 13 (Not shown in the image) is used to receive a first configuration indication sent by a second network node. The first configuration indication is used to indicate that the second network node has configured a second forwarding policy to forward the STA's packets to the OLT according to the STA's identifier. The second sending module 1304 can send a first handover indication to the first network node based on the first configuration indication.

[0208] The operations performed by the first receiving module 1301 can refer to the OLT-related content in S101 of the aforementioned embodiment. The operations performed by the first configuration module 1302 can refer to the OLT-related content in S102 of the aforementioned embodiment. The operations performed by the first sending module 1303 can refer to the OLT-related content in S103 of the aforementioned embodiment. The operations performed by the second receiving module can refer to the OLT-related content in S104 of the aforementioned embodiment. The operations performed by the second sending module 1304 can refer to the OLT-related content in S105 of the aforementioned embodiment.

[0209] Optionally, the roaming control device further includes: a third receiving module ( Figure 13 (not shown in the image), used to receive service packets from the STA sent by the second network node according to the second forwarding policy; and, a first forwarding module ( Figure 13 (Not shown in the image), used to forward STA service packets to the first network node according to the first forwarding policy.

[0210] Optionally, the roaming control device further includes: a fourth receiving module ( Figure 13 (Not shown in the image), used to receive the IP lease renewal request message of the STA sent by the second network node according to the second forwarding policy; the second forwarding module ( Figure 13 (Not shown in the image), used to forward the STA's IP renewal request message to the first network node according to the first forwarding strategy; the fifth receiving module ( Figure 13 (Not shown in the image), used to receive a response message to the IP renewal request message sent by the first network node, the response message carrying the IP address of the STA; the third forwarding module ( Figure 13 (Not shown in the image) is used to forward response messages to the second network node; the second network node is used to forward the response messages to the STA, and the STA's service messages carry the STA's IP address.

[0211] Optionally, the STA's identifier includes: the STA's MAC address.

[0212] Optionally, the roaming control device satisfies at least one of the following conditions: the OLT receives the STA identifier sent by the first network node via a roaming reporting message, the roaming reporting message also carrying an identifier of the roaming status; the OLT sends the STA identifier to the second network node via a configuration instruction message, the configuration instruction message also carrying an identifier of the roaming status; the OLT receives a first configuration instruction sent by the second network node via a configuration response message, the configuration response message also carrying an identifier of the roaming status; and the OLT sends a first handover instruction to the first network node via a handover message, the handover message also carrying an identifier of the roaming status.

[0213] Optionally, the roaming control device satisfies at least one of the following conditions: the OLT receives the STA's identifier through a first optical network unit management control interface (OMCI) message; the OLT sends the STA's identifier to a second network node through a second OMCI message; the OLT receives a first configuration instruction sent by the second network node through a fourth OMCI message; and the OLT sends a first handover instruction to the first network node through a third OMCI message.

[0214] Optionally, the aforementioned first handover indication is used to instruct the STA to hand over from the first access point where the first network node is located to the second access point where the second network node is located. When receiving the STA's identifier sent by the first network node, the signal strength between the first access point and the STA is less than a strength threshold, and the signal strength between the second access point and the STA is greater than or equal to the strength threshold.

[0215] Optionally, the roaming control device also includes: a setup module ( Figure 13 (Not shown in the image), used to establish a communication link with the first network node and the second network node before receiving the STA identifier sent by the first network node.

[0216] Optionally, the roaming control device further includes: a sixth receiving module ( Figure 13 (Not shown in the image), used to receive reporting information sent by either the first network node or the second network node, the reporting information including the identifier of the network node; determination module ( Figure 13 (Not shown in the image) is used to determine whether any network node meets the verification conditions based on the information reported by any network node. The verification conditions include: the network node identifier whitelist created by the OLT includes the identifier of any network node.

[0217] Optionally, the reported information may also include capability information, which indicates whether any network node has roaming control functionality; the verification condition may also include: the capability information indicates that any network node has roaming control functionality.

[0218] Optionally, the roaming control device further includes: a third transmitting module ( Figure 13(Not shown in the image), used to send enable commands to the first network node and the second network node. The enable commands are used to indicate that the roaming control function is enabled.

[0219] Optionally, the OLT also connects to a third network node in routing mode, and the roaming control device further includes: a seventh receiving module ( Figure 13 (Not shown in the image), used to receive the STA identifier sent by the second network node based on the STA being in roaming status; the fourth sending module ( Figure 13 (Not shown in the image), used to send the STA's identifier to the third network node, instructing the third network node to configure the STA's packets to be forwarded to the OLT's third forwarding policy based on the STA's identifier; the fifth sending module ( Figure 13 (Not shown in the image), used to send a second handover instruction to the second network node, instructing the second network node to control the STA to hand over from the subnet where the second network node is located to the subnet where the third network node is located.

[0220] Optionally, the OLT connects to the fourth network node of the routing mode currently accessed by the STA. The fourth network node is different from the first network node. The roaming control device also includes: a ninth receiving module ( Figure 13 (Not shown in the image), used to receive the STA identifier sent by the fourth network node based on the STA being in roaming status; the sixth transmitting module ( Figure 13 (Not shown in the image), used to send a third handover instruction to the fourth network node, instructing the fourth network node to control the STA to handover from the subnet where the fourth network node is located to the subnet where the first network node is located.

[0221] This application embodiment also provides a roaming control device, which belongs to a second network node. Both the second network node and the first network node in routing mode are connected to the OLT. The first network node is used to forward service packets of the STA based on the transmission path associated with the routing WAN address. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the roaming control device includes: a first receiving module 1401, used to receive the identifier of a STA in roaming state sent by the OLT; and a first configuration module 1402, used to configure a second forwarding strategy for forwarding STA packets to the OLT according to the STA identifier.

[0222] Optionally, the roaming control device may also include a first transmitting module ( Figure 14 (Not shown in the image) is used to send a first configuration indication to the OLT. The first configuration indication is used to indicate that the second network node has configured a second forwarding policy to forward the STA's packets to the OLT according to the STA's identifier.

[0223] The operations performed by the first receiving module 1401 can refer to the content related to the second network node in S103 of the aforementioned embodiment. The operations performed by the first configuration module 1402 and the first sending module can refer to the content related to the second network node in S104 of the aforementioned embodiment.

[0224] Optionally, the roaming control device further includes: a second receiving module ( Figure 14 (Not shown in the image), used to receive service packets sent by the STA after the STA accesses the subnet where the second network node is located; the first forwarding module ( Figure 14 (Not shown in the image), used to forward STA service packets to the OLT according to the second forwarding policy.

[0225] Optionally, the roaming control device further includes: a third receiving module ( Figure 14 (Not shown in the image), used to receive Internet Protocol (IP) lease renewal request messages sent by the STA after the STA accesses the subnet where the second network node is located; the second forwarding module ( Figure 14 (not shown in the image), used to forward IP lease renewal request messages to the OLT according to the second forwarding strategy; the fourth receiving module ( Figure 14 (Not shown in the image), used to receive response messages from IP lease renewal request messages forwarded by the OLT, the response messages carrying the IP address of the STA; the third forwarding module ( Figure 14 (Not shown in the image), used to forward response messages to the STA; the STA's service messages carry the STA's IP address.

[0226] Optionally, the STA's identifier includes: the STA's MAC address.

[0227] Optionally, the roaming control device satisfies at least one of the following conditions: the second network node receives the STA identifier sent by the OLT through a configuration instruction message, the configuration instruction message also carrying an identifier of the roaming status; and the second network node sends a first configuration indication to the OLT through a configuration response message, the first configuration indication also carrying an identifier of the roaming status.

[0228] Optionally, the roaming control device satisfies at least one of the following conditions: the second network node receives the STA identifier sent by the OLT through the second optical network unit management control interface (OMCI) message; and the second network node sends a first configuration instruction to the OLT through a fourth OMCI message.

[0229] Optionally, the roaming control device also includes: a setup module ( Figure 14 (Not shown in the image), used to establish a communication link with the OLT before receiving the identifier of the STA in roaming status sent by the OLT.

[0230] Optionally, the roaming control device further includes: a second transmitting module ( Figure 14 (Not shown in the image), used to send reporting information to the OLT, which includes the identifier of the second network node.

[0231] Optionally, the reported information may also include capability information, which indicates whether any network node has roaming control functionality.

[0232] Optionally, the roaming control device further includes: a fifth receiving module ( Figure 14 (Not shown in the image) is used to receive the enable command sent by the OLT, which is used to indicate that the roaming control function is enabled; the enable module is used to enable the roaming control function based on the enable command.

[0233] Optionally, the OLT also connects to a third network node in routing mode, and the roaming control device further includes: a third transmitting module ( Figure 14 (Not shown in the image), used to send the STA's identifier to the OLT based on the STA being in roaming state; the sixth receiving module ( Figure 14 (Not shown in the image), used to receive a second handover indication sent by the OLT based on the STA's identifier; the first control module ( Figure 14 (Not shown in the image), used to control the STA to switch from the subnet where the second network node is located to the subnet where the third network node is located based on the second switching instruction.

[0234] Optionally, the roaming control device further includes: a fourth transmitting module ( Figure 14 (Not shown in the image), used to send the STA's identifier to the OLT based on the STA being in roaming state; the seventh receiving module ( Figure 14 (Not shown in the image), used to receive a third handover indication sent by the OLT based on the STA's identifier; second control module ( Figure 14 (Not shown in the image), used to control the STA to switch from the subnet where the second network node is located to the subnet where the first network node is located based on the third switching instruction.

[0235] This application embodiment also provides a roaming control device, which is a first network node in a routing mode. Both the first and second network nodes are connected to the OLT. The first network node is used to forward service packets of the STA based on the transmission path associated with the routing WAN address. Figure 15As shown, the roaming control device includes: a first transmitting module 1501, used to transmit the STA's identifier to the OLT based on the STA being in roaming state; a first receiving module 1502, used to receive a first handover instruction transmitted by the OLT based on the STA's identifier; a control module 1503, used to control the STA to switch from the subnet where the first network node is located to the subnet where the second network node is located according to the first handover instruction; a second receiving module 1504, used to receive the STA's service packets forwarded by the OLT; and a first forwarding module 1505, used to forward the STA's service packets based on the transmission path associated with the routing WAN address.

[0236] The operations performed by the first sending module 1501 can refer to the content related to the first network node in S101 of the aforementioned embodiment. The operations performed by the first receiving module 1502 can refer to the content related to the first network node in S105 of the aforementioned embodiment. The operations performed by the control module 1504 can refer to the content related to the first network node in S106 of the aforementioned embodiment. The operations performed by the second receiving module 1504 can refer to the content related to the first network node in S109 of the aforementioned embodiment. The operations performed by the first forwarding module 1505 can refer to the content related to the first network node in S110 of the aforementioned embodiment.

[0237] Optionally, the roaming control device further includes: a third receiving module ( Figure 15 (Not shown in the image), used to receive IP lease renewal request messages from STAs forwarded by the OLT; second sending module ( Figure 15 (Not shown in the image), is a response message used to send an IP lease renewal request message to the OLT. Both the response message and the aforementioned service message carry the IP address of the STA.

[0238] Optionally, the STA's identifier includes: the STA's media access control MAC address.

[0239] Optionally, the roaming control device satisfies at least one of the following conditions: the first network node sends the STA identifier to the OLT via a roaming reporting message, the roaming reporting message also carrying an identifier of the roaming status; and the first network node receives a first handover instruction sent by the OLT via a handover message, the handover message also carrying an identifier of the roaming status.

[0240] Optionally, the roaming control device satisfies at least one of the following conditions: the first network node sends the STA identifier to the OLT via a first OMCI message; and the first network node receives a first handover instruction sent by the OLT via a third OMCI message.

[0241] Optionally, the aforementioned first handover indication is used to instruct the STA to hand over from the first access point where the first network node is located to the second access point where the second network node is located. When sending the STA's identifier to the OLT, the signal strength between the first access point and the STA is less than a strength threshold, and the signal strength between the second access point and the STA is greater than or equal to the strength threshold.

[0242] Optionally, the roaming control device also includes: a setup module ( Figure 15 (Not shown in the image), used to establish a communication link with the OLT before the STA sends the STA's identifier to the OLT based on the STA being in roaming status.

[0243] Optionally, the roaming control device further includes: a third transmitting module ( Figure 15 (Not shown in the image), used to send reporting information to the OLT, which includes the identifier of the second network node.

[0244] Optionally, the reported information may also include capability information, which indicates whether any network node has roaming control functionality.

[0245] Optionally, the roaming control device further includes: a fourth receiving module ( Figure 15 (Not shown in the image), used to receive enable commands sent by the OLT, which indicate that the roaming control function is enabled; enable module ( Figure 15 (Not shown in the image), used to enable roaming control function based on enable command.

[0246] Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 For detailed descriptions of the roaming control device shown, please refer to the preceding embodiments; they will not be repeated here.

[0247] This application also provides an OLT, including a processor, a memory, and a communication interface; the processor is used to execute program instructions in the memory to perform processing functions in the portion of any roaming control method provided in this application that is executed by the OLT; the communication interface is used to communicate with network nodes.

[0248] This application also provides a network node, including a processor, a memory, and a communication interface; the processor is used to execute program instructions in the memory to perform the processing functions in the portion of any roaming control method provided in this application that is executed by the second network node; the communication interface is used to communicate with the OLT and STA.

[0249] This application also provides a network node, including a processor, a memory, and a communication interface; the processor is used to execute program instructions in the memory to perform the processing functions in the portion executed by the first network node in any of the roaming control methods provided in this application; the communication interface is used to communicate with the OLT and STA.

[0250] For example, the OLT and network node mentioned above are communication devices provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 16 As shown, the communication device 100 includes a bus 1002, a processor 1004, a memory 1006, and a communication interface 1008. The processor 1004, the memory 1006, and the communication interface 1008 communicate with each other via the bus 1002. The communication device 100 can be a server or a terminal device. It should be understood that this application does not limit the number of processors and memories in the communication device 100.

[0251] Bus 1002 can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 9 The bus 104 may be represented by a single line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The bus 104 may include a path for transmitting information between various components of the communication device 100 (e.g., memory 1006, processor 1004, communication interface 1008).

[0252] The processor 1004 may include any one or more processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor (MP), or a digital signal processor (DSP).

[0253] The memory 1006 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM). The memory 1006 may also include non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid state drive (SSD).

[0254] The memory 1006 stores executable program code, and the processor 1004 executes the executable program code to implement the roaming management method. That is, the memory 1006 stores program instructions for executing the roaming management method.

[0255] The communication interface 1008 uses an optical module to enable communication between the communication device 100 and other devices or communication networks.

[0256] This application also provides a communication system, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the communication system includes an OLT, a first network node, and a second network node; the OLT is used to execute the method executed by the OLT in any of the roaming control methods provided in the embodiments of this application; the second network node is used to execute the method executed by the second network node in any of the roaming control methods provided in the embodiments of this application; and the first network node is used to execute the method executed by the first network node in any of the roaming control methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0257] For example, a first network node sends the STA's identifier to the OLT based on the STA being in roaming status; the OLT configures a first forwarding policy to forward the STA's packets to the first network node based on the STA's identifier; the OLT also sends the STA's identifier to a second network node based on the STA's identifier, instructing the second network node to configure a second forwarding policy to forward the STA's packets to the OLT based on the STA's identifier; the second network node configures the second forwarding policy based on the STA's identifier; the OLT further sends a first handover instruction to the first network node, instructing the first network node to control the STA to handover from the subnet where the first network node is located to the subnet where the second network node is located. The first network node controls the STA to handover from the subnet where the first network node is located to the subnet where the second network node is located based on the first handover instruction.

[0258] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program instruction, which is read by a processor to cause the OLT to execute the method performed by the OLT in any of the roaming control methods provided in this application.

[0259] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program instruction, which is read by a processor to cause a first network node to execute the method executed by the first network node in any of the roaming control methods provided in this application.

[0260] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program instruction, which is read by a processor to cause a second network node to execute any of the roaming control methods provided in this application.

[0261] This application also provides a computer program product including program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The OLT's processor reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the program instructions, causing the OLT to perform the method executed by the OLT in any of the roaming control methods provided in this application.

[0262] This application also provides a computer program product including program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a first network node reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the program instructions, causing the first network node to perform any of the roaming control methods provided in this application.

[0263] This application also provides a computer program product including program instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a second network node reads the program instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the program instructions, causing the second network node to perform any of the roaming control methods provided in this application.

[0264] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented entirely or partially as a computer program product, which includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium, or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state drive), etc.

[0265] This application also provides a chip for implementing the operations performed by the OLT, the first network node, or the second network node in any of the roaming control methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0266] The method embodiments and device embodiments provided in this application can be referenced interchangeably, and this application does not limit them. The order of operations in the method embodiments provided in this application can be appropriately adjusted, and operations can be added or removed as appropriate. Any variations that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the protection scope of this application, and therefore will not be elaborated further.

[0267] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed system architecture, apparatus, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices, or modules, or may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms of connection.

[0268] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of the embodiments of this application, depending on actual needs.

[0269] Furthermore, the modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or in software.

[0270] If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. 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 steps of the methods in 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, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0271] In this application, the terms "first" and "second," etc., are used to distinguish identical or similar items that have substantially the same function and purpose. It should be understood that there is no logical or temporal dependency between "first" and "second," nor does it limit the quantity or execution order. It should also be understood that although the following description uses the terms "first" and "second," etc., to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by the terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the various examples, a first network node can be referred to as a second network node, and similarly, a second network node can be referred to as a first network node.

[0272] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and such modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A roaming control method, characterized in that, The method is executed by an optical line terminal (OLT), which connects a first network node in routing mode and a second network node in routing mode. The first network node is used to forward service packets of a station (STA) based on the transmission path associated with the routing WAN address. The method includes: Receive the identifier of the STA sent by the first network node based on the fact that the STA is in a roaming state; The first forwarding policy configures the STA's packets to be forwarded to the first network node according to the STA's identifier. Send the identifier of the STA to the second network node to instruct the second network node to configure the STA's packets to be forwarded to the second forwarding policy of the OLT according to the identifier of the STA; Send a first handover instruction to the first network node to instruct the first network node to control the STA to handover from the subnet where the first network node is located to the subnet where the second network node is located.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After sending the first handover instruction to the first network node, the method further includes: Receive the service message of the STA sent by the second network node according to the second forwarding policy; The STA's service packets are forwarded to the first network node according to the first forwarding policy.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before receiving the service message of the STA sent by the second network node according to the second forwarding policy, the method further includes: Receive the IP lease renewal request message of the STA sent by the second network node according to the second forwarding policy; The STA's IP lease renewal request message is forwarded to the first network node according to the first forwarding strategy; The system receives a response message to the IP lease renewal request message sent by the first network node, the response message carrying the IP address of the STA; The response message is forwarded to the second network node; the second network node is used to forward the response message to the STA, and the STA's service message carries the STA's IP address.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The identifier of the STA includes: the STA's Media Access Control (MAC) address.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method satisfies at least one of the following conditions: The OLT receives the identifier of the STA sent by the first network node through a roaming reporting message, and the roaming reporting message also carries an identifier of the roaming status. The OLT sends the STA's identifier to the second network node via a configuration command message, and the configuration command message also carries the identifier of the roaming status; Furthermore, the OLT sends the first handover instruction to the first network node via a handover message, the handover message also carrying an identifier of the roaming status.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method satisfies at least one of the following conditions: The OLT receives the STA's identifier via the OMCI (Optical Network Unit Management and Control Interface) message. The OLT sends the STA's identifier to the second network node via a second OMCI message; In addition, the OLT sends the first handover instruction to the first network node via a third OMCI message.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first handover instruction is used to instruct the first network node to control the STA to switch from the first access point in the subnet where the first network node is located to the second access point in the subnet where the second network node is located; When receiving the identifier of the STA sent by the first network node, the signal strength between the first access point and the STA is less than a strength threshold, and the signal strength between the second access point and the STA is greater than or equal to the strength threshold.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Before receiving the STA identifier sent by the first network node, a communication link is established with the first network node and the second network node.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Before establishing communication links with the first network node and the second network node, the method further includes: For any one of the first network node and the second network node, receive the reporting information sent by the any one network node, the reporting information including the identifier of the any one network node; Based on the reported information sent by any of the network nodes, it is determined that any of the network nodes meets the verification conditions, the verification conditions including: the network node identifier whitelist created by the OLT includes the identifier of any of the network nodes.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The reported information also includes capability information, which indicates whether any network node has roaming control functionality; the verification condition further includes: the capability information indicates that any network node has the roaming control functionality.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, Before establishing communication links with the first network node and the second network node, the method further includes: An enable command is sent to the first network node and the second network node, the enable command being used to instruct the roaming control function to be enabled.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The OLT is also connected to a third network node in routing mode, and the method further includes: Receive the identifier of the STA sent by the second network node based on the STA being in the roaming state; Send the identifier of the STA to the third network node to instruct the third network node to forward the STA's packets to the third forwarding policy of the OLT according to the identifier of the STA; Send the second handover instruction to the second network node to instruct the second network node to control the STA to hand over from the subnet where the second network node is located to the subnet where the third network node is located.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The OLT connects to the fourth network node in the routing mode, the STA is currently connected to the subnet of the fourth network node, the fourth network node is different from the first network node, and the method further includes: Receive the identifier of the STA sent by the fourth network node based on the STA being in the roaming state; The third handover instruction is sent to the fourth network node to instruct the fourth network node to control the STA to handover from the subnet where the fourth network node is located to the subnet where the first network node is located.

14. A roaming control method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a second network node in routing mode. Both the second network node and the first network node in routing mode are connected to an optical line terminal (OLT). The first network node is used to forward service packets of a station (STA) based on the transmission path associated with the routing WAN address. The method includes: Receive the identifier of the STA in roaming state sent by the OLT; The second forwarding policy of the OLT is used to forward the packets of the STA to the STA according to the STA's identifier configuration.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, After forwarding the STA's packets to the OLT's second forwarding policy according to the STA's identifier configuration, the method further includes: After the STA accesses the subnet where the second network node is located, it receives the service messages sent by the STA. The service packets of the STA are forwarded to the OLT according to the second forwarding policy.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, Before receiving the service message sent by the STA, the method further includes: After the STA accesses the subnet where the second network node is located, it receives the Internet Protocol (IP) lease renewal request message sent by the STA; The IP lease renewal request message is forwarded to the OLT according to the second forwarding strategy; The response message received by the OLT forwards the IP lease renewal request message, the response message carrying the IP address of the STA; The response message is forwarded to the STA; the STA's service message carries the STA's IP address.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, The OLT is also connected to a third network node in routing mode, and the method further includes: The STA's identifier is sent to the OLT based on the STA being in the roaming state; Receive the second handover instruction sent by the OLT based on the identifier of the STA; Based on the second handover instruction, the STA is controlled to switch from the subnet where the second network node is located to the subnet where the third network node is located.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: The STA's identifier is sent to the OLT based on the STA being in the roaming state; Receive the third handover instruction sent by the OLT based on the identifier of the STA; Based on the third handover instruction, the STA is controlled to switch from the subnet where the second network node is located to the first network node.

19. A roaming control method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a first network node in routing mode. Both the first network node and the second network node in routing mode are connected to an optical line terminal (OLT). The first network node is used to forward service packets of a station (STA) based on the transmission path associated with the routing WAN address. The method includes: The STA's identifier is sent to the OLT based on the STA being in roaming status; Receive the first handover instruction sent by the OLT based on the identifier of the STA; According to the first handover instruction, control the STA to switch from the subnet where the first network node is located to the subnet where the second network node is located; Receive the service packets forwarded by the OLT from the STA; The STA's service packets are forwarded based on the transmission path associated with the WAN address of the route.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, Before receiving the service message forwarded by the OLT from the STA, the method further includes: Receive the IP lease renewal request message of the STA forwarded by the OLT; A response message to the IP renewal request message is sent to the OLT. Both the response message and the service message carry the IP address of the STA.

21. A roaming control device, characterized in that, The roaming control device is an optical line terminal (OLT). The OLT connects a first network node in routing mode and a second network node in routing mode. The first network node is used to forward service packets of station STAs based on the transmission path associated with the routing WAN address. The roaming control device includes: The first receiving module is configured to receive the identifier of the STA sent by the first network node based on the fact that the STA is in a roaming state; The first configuration module is used to configure a first forwarding strategy for forwarding packets of the STA to the first network node according to the identifier of the STA; The first sending module is used to send the identifier of the STA to the second network node, so as to instruct the second network node to configure the STA's packets to the second forwarding policy of the OLT according to the identifier of the STA; The second sending module is used to send the first handover instruction to the first network node, so as to instruct the first network node to control the STA to handover from the subnet where the first network node is located to the subnet where the second network node is located.

22. A roaming control device, characterized in that, The roaming control device is a second network node in routing mode. Both the second network node and the first network node in routing mode are connected to an optical line terminal (OLT). The first network node is used to forward service packets of a station (STA) based on the transmission path associated with the routing WAN address. The roaming control device includes: The first receiving module is used to receive the identifier of the STA in roaming state sent by the OLT; The first configuration module is used to configure a second forwarding strategy for forwarding packets from the STA to the OLT based on the STA's identifier.

23. A roaming control device, characterized in that, The roaming control device is a first network node in routing mode. Both the first network node and the second network node in routing mode are connected to an optical line terminal (OLT). The first network node is used to forward service packets of STAs accessing the first network node based on the transmission path associated with the routing WAN address. The roaming control device includes: The first sending module is used to send the identifier of the STA to the OLT based on the fact that the STA is in a roaming state; The first receiving module is configured to receive the first handover instruction sent by the OLT based on the identifier of the STA; The control module is configured to control the STA to switch from the first network node to the second network node according to the first switching instruction; The second receiving module is used to receive the service packets of the STA forwarded by the OLT; The first forwarding module is used to forward the service packets of the STA based on the transmission path associated with the routing WAN address.

24. An optical line terminal (OLT), characterized in that, Includes processor, memory, and communication interface; The processor is used to execute program instructions in the memory to perform the processing functions in the roaming control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13; The communication interface is used to communicate with network nodes.

25. A network node, characterized in that, Includes processor, memory, and communication interface; The processor is configured to execute program instructions in the memory to perform the processing functions in the roaming control method as described in any one of claims 14 to 18; The communication interface is used to communicate with the optical line terminal (OLT) and the station (STA).

26. A network node, characterized in that, Includes processor, memory, and communication interface; The processor is used to execute program instructions in the memory to perform the processing functions in the roaming control method as described in claim 19 or 20; The communication interface is used to communicate with the optical line terminal (OLT) and the station (STA).

27. A communication system, characterized in that, This includes the optical line terminal (OLT), the first network node, and the second network node. The OLT is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13; The second network node is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 18; The first network node is used to perform the method as described in claim 19 or 20.

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