Communication device and method for backhaul link optimization

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a communication device and method for backhaul link optimization. The communication device comprises: a memory; and one or more processors coupled to the memory and configured to: obtain channel measurement results of a second communication device on channels used by one or more third communication devices, wherein at least one third communication device uses at least two channels, and wherein the channel measurement results comprise measurement results of the at least two channels; determine, based on the obtained channel measurement results, a total channel quality score of a channel used by each third communication device; and determine, based on the determined total channel quality scores, a target communication device from the one or more third communication devices with which the second communication device establishes a backhaul link.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 19 / 050,949, filed February 11, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to wireless communication, and more specifically to communication devices and methods for backhaul link optimization. Background Technology

[0003] A wireless mesh network, also known as a multi-hop network, consists of control nodes (e.g., master routers) and proxy nodes (e.g., slave routers). These nodes can be interconnected via wired links, wireless links, or a hybrid of wired and wireless links to form a unified network. Links between control nodes and proxy nodes, as well as links between proxy nodes, are called backhaul links. When operating in the same frequency band, the same channel is used for the node's backhaul link. The control node manages the entire network, and all proxy nodes are directly or indirectly connected to it. Control nodes and proxy nodes can provide services to terminals (e.g., STAs), and the link between a control node or proxy node and a terminal is called a fronthaul link.

[0004] In wireless mesh networks, backhaul link optimization is performed due to the movement, addition, or removal of agent nodes, allowing agent nodes connected to agent nodes with poor signals to reconnect to agent nodes with good signals. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on the above, this disclosure provides a communication device, method, communication apparatus, non-transitory computer-readable medium, and computer program product for backhaul link optimization.

[0006] In one aspect of this disclosure, a first communication device is provided, comprising: a memory; and one or more processors coupled to the memory and configured to: obtain channel measurement results of a second communication device on channels used by one or more third communication devices, wherein at least one third communication device uses at least two channels, and wherein the channel measurement results include measurement results of the at least two channels; determine a total channel quality score for each channel used by the obtained channel measurement results; and determine, based on the determined total channel quality score, a target communication device from the one or more third communication devices with which the second communication device establishes a backhaul link.

[0007] In another aspect of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, comprising: obtaining channel measurement results of a second communication device on channels used by one or more third communication devices, wherein at least one third communication device uses at least two channels, and wherein the channel measurement results include measurement results of the at least two channels; determining a total channel quality score for each channel used by the obtained channel measurement results; and determining a target communication device from the one or more third communication devices with which the second communication device establishes a backhaul link, based on the determined total channel quality score.

[0008] This disclosure also provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: obtain channel measurement results of a second communication device on channels used by one or more third communication devices, wherein the at least one third communication device uses at least two channels, and wherein the channel measurement results include measurement results of the at least two channels; determine a total channel quality score for the channels used by each third communication device based on the obtained channel measurement results; and determine, based on the determined total channel quality score, a target communication device from the one or more third communication devices with which the second communication device establishes a backhaul link.

[0009] This disclosure also provides a first communication device including components for performing methods executed by a first communication device according to various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0010] This disclosure also provides a computer program product including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor and transceiver to perform the methods described according to various embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the more detailed description of embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to offer a further understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure and form part of the specification. The drawings, together with the embodiments of this disclosure, are used to explain this disclosure but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the same reference numerals denote the same components, steps, or elements. In the drawings,

[0012] Figure 1 An example communication system for which a method for backhaul link optimization according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied is shown;

[0013] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an example method for backhaul link optimization according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0014] Figure 3Further illustrations of embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 2 An example flowchart of step S220 for determining the total channel quality score based on the obtained channel measurement results;

[0015] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating another example method for backhaul link optimization according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0016] Figure 5 This is a view used to illustrate fork issues related to backhaul links;

[0017] Figure 6 This is a view used to illustrate an example interaction between a first communication device and a second communication device regarding backhaul link optimization according to embodiments of this disclosure;

[0018] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device (e.g., an access point) according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0019] Figure 8 An example configuration of a communication device 800 (e.g., an AP or non-AP STA device) according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of this disclosure will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of, and not all of, the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0021] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Similarly, words like "a" or "the" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Words such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word includes those elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Words like "connection" or "link" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0022] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly stated and limited, terms such as “installation,” “link,” and “connection” should be interpreted broadly. For example, such terms may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they may refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0023] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this disclosure described below can be combined with each other without conflict. In addition, the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and have been simplified for brevity, and therefore may not be entirely identical to actual implementations. For example, device processing delays may be omitted in the figures.

[0024] In this disclosure, an AP (which may be interchangeably referred to as a wireless access point (WAP)) is a communication device that can communicate with non-APs (e.g., STAs) in a WLAN via one or more links and allows non-APs to connect to a wired network. An AP is typically connected to a router as a standalone device (via a wired network), but it can also be integrated with or used within a router.

[0025] Similarly, in this disclosure, a non-AP (e.g., a station or terminal, which is interchangeably referred to as a STA) is a communication device capable of communicating with an AP via one or more links. An STA can be any device that includes IEEE 802.11 compliant Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) interfaces to a wireless medium (WM). For example, an STA can be a laptop computer, desktop personal computer (PC), personal digital assistant (PDA), access point, or Wi-Fi phone in a WLAN environment. STAs can be fixed or mobile. In a WLAN environment, the terms “STA,” “terminal,” “wireless terminal,” “user,” “user equipment,” and “node” are generally used interchangeably.

[0026] In this disclosure, a STA in a WLAN can operate as an AP at different times, and vice versa. Furthermore, a device (e.g., a STA or AP) can have both STA and AP modes, and therefore can operate in both modes simultaneously. This is because communication devices in the context of IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) technology can include both STA hardware components and AP hardware components. In the various embodiments described below, a non-AP STA can refer to a STA or terminal in the WLAN that is not implemented as an AP.

[0027] In current backhaul link optimization in wireless mesh networks, the control node determines the target node for proxy nodes based on the link quality information of a single link (i.e., channel) within a frequency band, so that it can connect to the target node via a single backhaul link. This current backhaul link optimization may be unfavorable for communication devices in mesh networks that simultaneously support multiple backhaul links (which may be referred to as multi-backhaul link devices), because this optimization results in the high throughput advantage of multi-backhaul links not being utilized, which may lead to a poor user experience.

[0028] Based on the foregoing, this disclosure provides a communication device, method, apparatus, non-transitory computer-readable medium, and computer program product for backhaul link optimization (i.e., determining a multi-backhaul link device and a target communication device to establish a backhaul link). The technology disclosed in this application (i.e., the method, communication device, etc.) can determine a multi-backhaul link device and a target communication device to establish one or more backhaul links based on the total channel quality score of more than one channel rather than the channel quality of only one channel. This allows multiple backhaul link devices to connect to the target communication device via more than one backhaul link, enabling the utilization of the high throughput advantage of multiple backhaul links, thereby improving the user experience. The technology disclosed in this application is particularly suitable for mesh networks in which communication devices (e.g., APs) simultaneously support multiple backhaul links.

[0029] Note that although the above disclosure is described with reference to wireless mesh networks, this is not a limitation. The methods provided in this disclosure can be applied to any communication system in which some or all of the communication devices are multi-backhaul link communication devices.

[0030] Figure 1 An example communication system 100 is shown to which methods for backhaul link optimization according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 may include several communication devices (e.g., access points and terminals). Communication devices 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d can be interconnected via wireless links to form a unified communication network. For example, communication devices 110a and 110c simultaneously support two backhaul links, and communication device 110c can be connected to communication device 110a via backhaul links 130b and 130c. One of communication devices 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d can be connected to an external network 150 (e.g., the Internet), enabling the formed unified communication network to connect to the external network. Each of communication devices 110a-110d can connect to one or more terminal devices and provide services to the terminal devices. For example, as... Figure 1As shown, terminal devices 120a and 120b are connected to communication device 110a via fronthaul links 140a and 140b, respectively. Terminal devices 120c and 120d are connected to communication device 110b via fronthaul links 140c and 140d, respectively. Terminal devices 120e, 120f, and 120g are connected to communication device 110c via fronthaul links 140e, 140f, and 140g, respectively. Terminal devices 120h and 120i are connected to communication device 110d via fronthaul links 140h and 140i, respectively.

[0031] Notice, Figure 1 The communication system 100 shown is merely an example, not a limitation. For example, although Figure 1 Four communication devices are shown, but a communication system to which the methods of this disclosure can be applied may include more or fewer communication devices.

[0032] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an example method 200 for backhaul link optimization according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This method can be performed by any communication device (i.e., a first communication device) capable of establishing a backhaul link with another communication device in a communication system. Exemplarily, method 200 can be performed by a communication device for controlling the communication system (e.g., a control node in a mesh network). Alternatively, method 200 can be performed by a communication device controlled by a control device in the communication system (e.g., a proxy node controlled by a control node in a mesh network). Method 200 can be performed when the network environment of the communication system changes, for example, when a new communication device joins the communication system, or when a communication device requests backhaul link optimization due to channel quality degradation.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, method 200 begins at block S210. At block S210, channel measurement results are obtained by the second communication device on channels used by one or more third communication devices. In this disclosure, the first communication device and the second communication device can be different devices or the same device. When the first communication device is different from the second communication device (e.g., the first communication device is a control node and the second communication device is a proxy node in the network), obtaining the channel measurement results may include receiving channel measurement results from the second communication device. When the first communication device and the second communication device are the same device (e.g., both the first and second communication devices are proxy nodes in the network), obtaining the channel measurement results may include performing channel measurements on each of the one or more third communication devices for the channel(s).

[0034] At least one third communication device may use at least two channels, therefore channel measurement results may include measurements of those at least two channels. Alternatively, some third communication devices may use only one channel, therefore channel measurement results may include measurements of that single channel. In some cases, one or more third communication devices may include a first communication device. Measurement results for the channel used by each third communication device can be obtained by measuring the signal (e.g., a beacon frame) transmitted by the third communication device on that channel. Therefore, the measurement results associated with a channel may be a collection of results measuring the individual signals transmitted by the various third communication devices through that channel. Measurement results for each channel may include information indicating channel quality (e.g., Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI)) and information indicating channel occupancy, etc.

[0035] Channel measurement results may include other information, such as information identifying which communication device the measurement results belong to. Examples of this information could be an identifier of the communication device or a link interface identifier of the communication device (e.g., a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID)). In this disclosure, the link interface identifier indicates the link interface used to establish the backhaul link.

[0036] In one embodiment, the first communication device can determine which third communication device each measurement result included in the channel measurement results belongs to based on the communication device's identifier. In another embodiment, the first communication device can determine which third communication device each measurement result included in the channel measurement results belongs to based on the communication device's link interface identifier, which will be referred to below. Figure 3 Detailed description.

[0037] The second communication device can be a multi-backhaul link device, where each link can correspond to a channel, thus using multiple channels. These multiple channels can be located in multiple frequency bands. Alternatively, some or all of the multiple channels can be located in the same frequency band. For example, if the multi-backhaul link device supports three backhaul links and supports frequency bands 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, the three channels corresponding to the three backhaul links can be located in frequency bands 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, respectively. Alternatively, the three channels can be located in one or both of frequency bands 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. For example, two channels are located in frequency band 2.4 GHz, and one channel is located in frequency band 5 GHz.

[0038] When receiving channel measurement results from a second communication device, the channel measurement results can be received via a single message (e.g., a packet). Alternatively, the channel measurement results can be received via multiple messages, each message including a packet containing all measurement results associated with a corresponding channel among multiple channels (e.g., at least two channels). Additionally and optionally, the first communication device can send a measurement request to the second communication device before receiving the channel measurement results. For example, when a new communication device joins the communication system, the first communication device can send a channel measurement request to the second communication device (which may be near the new communication device). In this case, the first communication device can send a single channel measurement request for all channels that need to be measured. Alternatively, the first communication device can send a channel measurement request for each of all channels.

[0039] return Figure 2 At box S220, based on the obtained channel measurements, the total channel quality score for each channel used by the third communication device is determined. For a third communication device using at least two channels, the total channel quality score can be the sum of the respective channel quality scores for each channel. For a third communication device using only one channel, the total channel quality score can be the channel quality score of that single channel. The following will refer to... Figure 3 Describe in detail how the channel quality score is determined.

[0040] At block S230, based on the determined total channel quality score, a target communication device for establishing a backhaul link with the second communication device is determined from the one or more third communication devices. For example, the third communication device with the highest total channel quality score can be determined as the target communication device.

[0041] refer to Figure 2 The described method determines the target communication device with which a multi-backlink device establishes a backlink based on the total channel quality score of more than one channel. This allows the multi-backlink device to connect to the target communication device via more than one backlink, thereby taking advantage of the high throughput of the multi-backlink and improving the user experience.

[0042] Figure 3 Further illustrations of embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 2 An example flowchart of step S220 for determining the total channel quality score based on the obtained channel measurement results is provided. In this method, the channel measurement results include a corresponding link interface identifier associated with each measurement result.

[0043] At block S222, the corresponding link interface identifier is compared with a predetermined link interface identifier associated with each third communication device. The corresponding link interface identifier can be obtained by the second communication device from a measurement signal (e.g., a beacon frame) sent by the third communication device. The first communication device can predetermine the link interface identifier associated with each third communication device through message interaction. Specifically, the first communication device can send a topology query to each third communication device. Each third communication device can respond with a topology response. The topology response may include the BSS information of the third communication device (e.g., (Radio 1, BSSID 1, SSID 1), (Radio 2, BSSID 2, SSID 2), etc.). One or more BSSIDs may be one or more link interface identifiers of the third communication device.

[0044] Furthermore, when different channels corresponding to different backhaul links are located in different frequency bands, the first communication device can obtain the specific frequency band of (one or more) Radios through further message interaction. Specifically, the first communication device can send an AP capability query to the third communication device. The third communication device can reply with an AP capability report. The AP capability report message includes Radio frequency band information, indicating whether the Radio is 2.4GHz, 5GHz, or 6GHz, etc., enabling the first communication device to obtain the specific frequency band corresponding to the Radio.

[0045] In step S224, based on the comparison in step S222, the correspondence between each measurement result included in the channel measurement results and each third communication device is determined, thereby determining which third communication devices each measurement result included in the channel measurement results belongs to. Compared to determining which third communication device each measurement result belongs to based on the communication device identifier, determining which third communication device each measurement result belongs to based on the link interface identifier can fully utilize the existing signaling structure. This is because, in the current signaling structure, the communication device identifier is not included in the signal used for channel measurement (e.g., beacon frame).

[0046] For example, assuming the channel measurement results include (BSSID 1, measurement result 1), (BSSID 2, measurement result 2), (BSSID 3, measurement result 3), (BSSID 4, measurement result 4), (BSSID 5, measurement result 5), (BSSID 6, measurement result 6), (BSSID 7, measurement result 7), (BSSID 8, measurement result 8), (BSSID 9, measurement result 9), (BSSID 10, measurement result 10), and the predetermined link interface identifier associated with each third communication device is (Device 1, BSSID 1, BSSID 3), (Device 2, BSSID 5), (Device 3, BSSID 2, BSSID 6), (Device 4, BSSID 4, BSSID 9), (Device 5, BSSID 7, BSSID 10), (Device 6, BSSID 10 ...3), (Device 4, BSSID 5), (Device 6, BSSID 10), (Device 7, BSSID 10), (Device 2, BSSID 3), (Device 4, BSSID 5), (Device 6, BSSID 10), (Device 7, BSSID 10), (Device 2, BSSID 3), (Device 4, BSSID 5), (Device 6, BSSID 10), (Device 7, BSSID 10), (Device 2, BSSID 10), ( 8), then based on the comparison at step S222, it can be determined that measurement results 1 and 3 correspond to device 1, measurement result 5 corresponds to device 2, measurement results 2 and 6 correspond to device 3, measurement results 4 and 9 correspond to device 4, measurement results 7 and 10 correspond to device 5, and measurement result 8 corresponds to device 6.

[0047] At block S226, the total channel quality score is determined based on the determined correspondence. That is, the total channel quality score of the channels used by the third communication device is determined based on the measurement results belonging to the third communication device included in the channel measurement results. For example, in one embodiment, where the measurement results include information indicating channel quality (e.g., RSSI) and information indicating channel occupancy, the determination may include determining the channel quality score for each channel based on the information indicating channel quality and the information indicating channel occupancy using the following equation:

[0048] (Equation 1)

[0049] in, , i=1… N indicates the channel quality score of channel i, where N is the total number of channels associated with a third communication device whose measurements are included in the channel measurement results (N=1 for the third communication device using one channel as described above). Indicates the RSSI of channel i. yes functions (e.g., = ), Indicates the channel occupancy rate of channel i.

[0050] In another embodiment, in addition to considering channel quality (e.g., RSSI) and channel occupancy to determine the channel quality score for each channel using the above equation (1) (which is similar to the currently used method for determining the channel quality score of a channel), the basic channel rate of the third communication device can also be considered. The basic channel rate can be determined based on at least one of the number of antennas of the third communication device, channel bandwidth, and wireless mode (i.e., mode a / b / g / n / ac / ax, etc.). A more accurate channel quality score can be determined by further considering the basic channel rate, which can indicate the theoretical rate of the wireless link. In this case, exemplarily, the channel quality score for each channel can be determined by the following equation:

[0051] (Equation 2)

[0052] in , i, , and Same as in equation (1), Indicates the basic channel rate.

[0053] As an example, not a limitation, It can be based on at least one of the following: number of antennas, channel bandwidth, and wireless mode. The predefined mapping is used to determine this. The predefined mapping can be determined experimentally.

[0054] At box S226, the sum of the channel quality scores for each channel is determined by equation (3), and this sum is taken as the total channel quality score.

[0055] (Equation 3)

[0056] in, Indicates the total channel quality score. The channel quality score indicates the channel i, and N is the total number of relevant channels as described above. Then, the channel with the maximum... The third communication device was identified as the target communication device.

[0057] Additionally and optionally, the method of this disclosure may further include determining which communication device in the communication system is a multi-backhaul link device. Exemplarily, and by way of example and not limitation, for a communication device in a communication system based on the EasyMesh protocol stack, this determination may include: determining (e.g., secondly) that the communication device simultaneously supports at least two backhaul links by identifying messages received from the communication device indicating at least two neighboring devices and that the media access control (MAC) addresses of at least two neighboring devices are identical. Furthermore, specific multiple frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz) supported by the communication device may be determined based on the MAC addresses of the communication device included in the messages.

[0058] In this disclosure, since the first communication device and the second communication device can be different devices or the same devices as described above, after determining the target communication device, different operations can be performed depending on whether the first communication device and the second communication device are the same devices.

[0059] Specifically, when the first communication device and the second communication device are the same device, after the target communication device is determined in step S230, the first communication device can connect to the link interface associated with the determined target communication device.

[0060] When the first communication differs from the second communication, after determining the target communication device at block S230, the first communication device can send a request to the second communication device to establish a backhaul link with the target communication device. This request may include information identifying the target communication device, such as an identifier of the target communication device or a link interface identifier of the target communication device. In one embodiment, the request may be a single request, including the identifier of the target communication device or a link interface identifier associated with all backhaul links to be established between the second communication device and the target communication device. In another embodiment, the request may be multiple requests, each corresponding to all backhaul links to be established. Each request may include a link interface identifier associated with a corresponding link. The first communication device can send multiple requests within a predefined time period. Both the first and second communication devices can be aware of this predefined time period through presets or message interactions. In this way, the current request for establishing a single backhaul link can be reused. After receiving a request, the second communication device can perform a connection to the link interface associated with the determined target communication device.

[0061] Figure 4A flowchart illustrating another example method 400 for backhaul link optimization according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Method 400 is a method that can be performed by a second communication device when the first communication is different from the second communication. The second communication device can support at least two backhaul links simultaneously (i.e., a multi-backhaul link device).

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, at block S410, for each of one or more third communication devices, channel measurement is performed on one or more channels used between the second and third communication devices. These channels are used by the second communication device to establish a backhaul link, and at least two channels are used between the second and at least one third communication device. The channel measurement can be passive, where the second communication device measures signals (such as beacon frames) periodically transmitted by the third communication device through the channels. Alternatively, the channel measurement can be active, where the second communication device sends a request to the third communication device to transmit a signal for channel measurement; and the second communication device performs the channel measurement based on that signal. In this case, the request can indicate the specific signal to be requested (e.g., the type of signal), making the channel measurement specific to that request. Compared to passive measurement, active measurement allows the second communication device to request the third communication device to transmit a specific signal for measurement, which can facilitate backhaul link optimization for the second communication device.

[0063] For example, to better understand step S410, this application provides the following specific example: In this specific example, the following assumptions are made: Figure 1Communication device 110c is a second communication device requiring backhaul link optimization and supports two frequency bands for the backhaul link: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Communication device 110a supports the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands for the backhaul link and uses three channels located in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands respectively for the backhaul link (e.g., for transmitting beacon frames). Communication device 110b supports the 2.4 GHz frequency band for the backhaul link and uses one channel located in the 2.4 GHz frequency band for the backhaul link. Communication device 110d supports the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands for the backhaul link and uses two channels located in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands respectively for the backhaul link. Communication device 110c measures the channels (i.e., the signals transmitted on them) located in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands used by communication device 110a, but does not measure the channel located in the 6 GHz frequency band because the channel in the 6 GHz frequency band cannot be used by communication device 110c, which does not support the 6 GHz frequency band. Similarly, communication device 110c measures the channel used by communication device 110b in the 2.4 GHz band, and the channels used by communication device 110d in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, respectively.

[0064] At box S420, the channel measurement results are transmitted. The content of the channel measurement results is the same as that described above, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity. As mentioned above, the channel measurement results can be transmitted via a single message or multiple messages. In the case of multiple messages, each of the multiple messages corresponds to a set of all measurement results associated with a channel.

[0065] At block S430, a request is received for the second communication device to establish a backhaul link with a target communication device among one or more third communication devices. As described above, this request may be a single request including an identifier of the target communication device or all link interface identifiers associated with all backhaul links to be established. Alternatively, the request may be more than one request, each request including a link interface identifier associated with a corresponding backhaul link among all backhaul links to be established. In one embodiment, the request can be received via a timeout period. Specifically, the receiving may include: starting a timer after receiving a first request; and continuing to receive subsequent requests until the timer expires. The timer may be set based on a predefined time period for sending the request as described above. Thereafter, the second communication device may simultaneously perform a connection with the link interface identified by the link interface identifier included in the received request (i.e., the target link interface). In addition, the execution of the connection may also include (if any) disconnecting all previous backhaul link connections. Thus, since all previous backhaul link connections are disconnected upon connecting to the target communication device, and then all target link interfaces are connected simultaneously, this avoids Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the fork problem in the backhaul link from the second communication device to the control communication device (e.g., the first communication device).

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, since communication device A3 is connected to control communication device C via more than one communication device A1 and A2, a forking problem exists for communication device A3. This forking problem can lead to data transmission issues for communication device A3 because in a mesh network, data typically needs to be transmitted to the network (e.g., the Internet) via control communication devices. Specifically, for Figure 5 If communication device A3 transmits different redundant versions of data via backhaul links 530 and 540, then communication devices A1 and A2 will only receive partial data, which will cause communication devices A1 and A2 to be unable to decode the data correctly.

[0067] Note the reference above. Figure 4 The steps of the method described and performed by a second communication device different from the first communication device can also be applied to the first communication device, as long as there is no contradiction between them.

[0068] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example interaction between a first communication device and a second communication device regarding backhaul link optimization according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 6 In the example interaction, the first communication device is different from the second communication device. Figure 6 In this context, it is assumed that the second communication device 620 simultaneously supports two backhaul links located in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, respectively.

[0069] like Figure 6 As shown, when the first communication device determines that the second communication device needs to perform backhaul link optimization, the first communication device 610 can send channel measurement requests 1 and 2, which can indicate channels 1 and 2 located in frequency bands 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, respectively (steps 630a and 630b). After receiving requests 1 and 2, the second communication device can perform channel measurements (step 630c). This channel measurement can be performed by the second communication device measuring beacon frames transmitted by one or more third communication devices (not shown) on channels 1 and / or 2. Then, the second communication device can send channel measurement results 1 and 2, including packets of all measurement results associated with channels 1 and 2, respectively (steps 630d and 630e). After receiving channel measurement results 1 and 2, the first communication device 610 can determine the target communication device based on channel measurement results 1 and 2 according to the method described above (step 630f). Then, the first communication device 610 can send backhaul link connection requests 1 and 2, which can identify the backhaul link interfaces of links 1 and 2 (steps 630g and 630h). Then, the second communication device can establish a connection to the target communication device (step 630i). After connecting to the target communication device, the second communication device can send backhaul link connection responses 1 and 2 to the first communication device 610 (steps 630j and 630k). This completes the backhaul link optimization for the second communication device 620.

[0070] Notice, Figure 6 The example interaction between the first communication device 610 and the second communication device 620 shown is merely an example and not a limitation. For example, although in Figure 6 In this process, the first communication device may send two channel measurement requests 1 and 2 respectively indicating channels 1 and 2, but the first communication device may send only one channel measurement request indicating both channels 1 and 2.

[0071] In the above disclosure, reference Figure 2-6A method for backhaul link optimization performed by first and second communication devices is described. The provided method can determine the target communication device with which a multi-backhaul link device should establish a backhaul link based on the total channel quality score of more than one channel. This allows the multi-backhaul link device to connect to the target communication device via more than one backhaul link, leveraging the high throughput advantage of multi-backhaul links to improve user experience. In calculating the channel quality score, in addition to channel quality (e.g., RSSI) and channel occupancy, the provided method also considers at least one determined base channel rate based on the number of antennas, channel bandwidth, and radio mode, thereby determining a more accurate channel quality score and thus helping to identify a more suitable target communication device. Furthermore, in the provided method, when connecting to the target communication device, all previous backhaul link connections (if any) are disconnected, and then connections to all target link interfaces are performed simultaneously, which avoids the backhaul link forking problem described above.

[0072] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 7-8 Describes communication devices and apparatuses used for backhaul link optimization.

[0073] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device 700 (e.g., an access point) according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7 As shown, the communication device 700 may include a memory 710 and a processor 720. The processor 720 may be operatively coupled to the memory 710. Exemplarily, the memory 710 may store instructions and data (e.g., instructions and data generated during the processor's execution of methods described according to embodiments of this disclosure, such as methods 200 and / or 400). For example, when the communication device 700 is a first communication device, the processor 720 may be configured to: obtain channel measurement results of a second communication device on channels used by one or more third communication devices, wherein the at least one third communication device uses at least two channels, and wherein the channel measurement results include measurement results of the at least two channels; determine a total channel quality score for the channels used by each third communication device based on the obtained channel measurement results; and determine, based on the determined total channel quality score, a target communication device from the one or more third communication devices with which the second communication device establishes a backhaul link.

[0074] When communication device 700 is a second communication device, different from the first communication device and simultaneously supporting at least two backhaul links, processor 720 can be configured to: perform channel measurement on a channel used between the second and third communication devices for each of one or more third communication devices, wherein the channel can be used by the second communication device to establish a backhaul link, and wherein at least two channels are used between the second communication device and at least one third communication device; transmit the channel measurement results; and receive a request to establish a backhaul link between the second communication device and a target communication device among the one or more third communication devices. Furthermore, memory 710 and / or processor can also be configured to perform the above-mentioned... Figures 2-6 Other operations described are acceptable as long as there are no contradictions between them.

[0075] In addition, the communication device 700 may also include a receiver and a transmitter (not shown). The receiver and transmitter may be communicatively coupled to the processor 710. The receiver and transmitter may be separate components or may be integrated into the transceiver.

[0076] Figure 8 An example configuration of a communication device 800 (e.g., an AP or non-AP STA device) according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. The communication device 800 may include a transceiver 810, at least one antenna 820 (for simplicity...), Figure 8 Only one antenna is shown, along with a central processing unit (CPU) 830 and at least one memory 840. The transceiver 810 can be used to establish a link (backhaul link or fronthaul link) and transmit / receive signals on the channel of that link via the antenna 820. The transceiver 810 and CPU 830 can together serve as circuitry for a communication device 800 configured to perform the methods described in this disclosure (e.g., methods 200 and 400). It should be understood that... Figure 8 The configuration of the communication device shown is merely an example and not a limitation. The configuration of the communication device in this disclosure may include more than Figure 8 The number of components in the component may be more or less.

[0077] Additionally, this disclosure provides a first communication device including components for a method (e.g., method 200) for backhaul link optimization performed by the first communication device according to any embodiment of this disclosure. Exemplarily, the first communication device may include: components for obtaining channel measurement results of a second communication device on channels used by one or more third communication devices, wherein at least one third communication device uses at least two channels, and wherein the channel measurement results include measurement results of the at least two channels; components for determining a total channel quality score for each channel used by the third communication device based on the obtained channel measurement results; and components for determining, based on the determined total channel quality score, a target communication device from the one or more third communication devices with which the second communication device establishes a backhaul link. Furthermore, the first communication device may include components for performing the above-mentioned references... Figures 2-4 and Figure 6 Other components of other operations described are acceptable, as long as there are no contradictions between these components.

[0078] Additionally, this disclosure provides a second communication device including means for performing a method (e.g., method 400) for backhaul link optimization performed by a second communication device according to any embodiment of this disclosure. Exemplarily, the second communication device may include: components for performing channel measurements for each of one or more third communication devices on a channel used between the second communication device and the third communication device, wherein the channel can be used by the second communication device to establish a backhaul link, and wherein at least two channels are used between the second communication device and at least one third communication device; components for transmitting channel measurement results of the channel measurements; and components for receiving a request for the second communication device to establish a backhaul link with a target communication device among the one or more third communication devices. Furthermore, the second communication device may include means for performing the above-referenced... Figures 2-4 and Figure 6 Other components of other operations described are acceptable, as long as there are no contradictions between these components.

[0079] In addition, this disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, implements a method for backhaul link optimization according to any embodiment of this disclosure (e.g., method 200 and / or 400).

[0080] In addition, this disclosure also provides a computer program product containing stored instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement a method for backhaul link optimization according to any embodiment of this disclosure (e.g., method 200 and / or 400).

[0081] Thus far, this disclosure has disclosed a method for backhaul link optimization, a communication device (e.g., an AP) for using the method, a communication apparatus, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product. The provided method, communication device, and communication apparatus can determine the target communication device with which a multi-backhaul link device establishes a backhaul link based on the total channel quality score of more than one channel. This allows multiple backhaul link devices to connect to the target communication device via more than one backhaul link, enabling the utilization of the high throughput advantage of multiple backhaul links, thereby improving the user experience. In calculating the channel quality score, in addition to channel quality (e.g., RSSI) and channel occupancy, the provided method also considers at least one determined base channel rate based on the number of antennas, channel bandwidth, and wireless mode, thereby determining a more accurate channel quality score and thus helping to identify a more suitable target communication device. Furthermore, in the provided method, when connecting to the target communication device, all previous backhaul link connections (if existing) are disconnected, and then connections to all target link interfaces are performed simultaneously, which avoids the backhaul link forking problem described above.

[0082] It should be noted that the above descriptions are merely some embodiments of this disclosure and are illustrative examples of the applied technical principles. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to technical solutions arising from specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but also covers other technical solutions arising from any combination of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the disclosed concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above-described features with technical features having similar functions disclosed in this disclosure (but not limited thereto).

[0083] Furthermore, although operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring these operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in sequential order. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be beneficial. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Some features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0084] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to the structural features and / or logical actions of the method, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are merely exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first communication device, comprising: Memory; and One or more processors, said one or more processors coupled to said memory, and configured to: Obtain channel measurement results of a second communication device on channels used by one or more third communication devices, wherein at least one third communication device uses at least two channels, and wherein the channel measurement results include measurement results of the at least two channels; Based on the obtained channel measurement results, determine the total channel quality score of the channel used by each third communication device; as well as Based on the determined total channel quality score, the target communication device for establishing a backhaul link between the second communication device and the one or more third communication devices is determined from among the third communication devices.

2. The first communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The channel measurement results include a corresponding link interface identifier associated with each measurement result, and wherein, in order to determine the total channel quality score, the one or more processors are configured to: The corresponding link interface identifier is compared with the predetermined link interface identifier associated with each third communication device; Based on the comparison, the correspondence between each measurement result included in the channel measurement results and each third communication device is determined, and The total channel quality score is determined based on the established correspondence.

3. The first communication device according to claim 2, wherein, The link interface identifier is the Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID).

4. The first communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The channel measurement results include information indicating channel quality and information indicating channel occupancy, and wherein, in order to determine the total channel quality score, the one or more processors are configured to: The channel quality score for each channel is determined based on information indicating channel quality, information indicating channel occupancy, and the basic channel rate; and The total channel quality score is determined by summing the channel quality scores of each channel. The basic channel rate is based on at least one of the number of antennas, channel bandwidth, and wireless mode of the third communication device.

5. The first communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first communication device is different from the second communication device, and wherein obtaining the channel measurement result includes receiving the channel measurement result from the second communication device.

6. The first communication device according to claim 5, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to: The second communication device is determined to support at least two backhaul links simultaneously by identifying messages received from the second communication device indicating at least two neighboring devices and the at least two neighboring devices having the same Media Access Control (MAC) address. as well as Based on the MAC address of the second communication device included in the message, frequency bands corresponding to the at least two backhaul links are determined.

7. The first communication device according to claim 5, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to send a request to the second communication device to establish the backhaul link with the target communication device.

8. The first communication device according to claim 7, wherein, The backhaul link includes at least two backhaul links, and wherein, in order to send the request, the one or more processors are configured to: Send at least two requests, each corresponding to one of the at least two backhaul links, within a predefined time period.

9. The first communication device according to claim 8, wherein, The second communication device is configured as follows: Start the timer after receiving the first request; Continue to receive subsequent requests until the timer expires; as well as Simultaneously, a connection is established with the link interface identified by the link interface identifier included in the received request.

10. The first communication device according to claim 5, wherein, The one or more processors are also configured to send channel measurement requests for each of the channels.

11. The first communication device according to claim 5, wherein, In order to receive the channel measurement results, the one or more processors are configured to receive packets of all measurement results associated with each channel.

12. The first communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two channels are located in at least two frequency bands.

13. The first communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first communication device and the second communication device are the same communication device, and wherein obtaining the channel measurement result includes: Channel measurement of the channel is performed for each of the one or more third communication devices.

14. The first communication device according to claim 13, wherein, In order to perform the channel measurement, the one or more processors are configured to: Sending a request to the third communication device to send a signal for the channel measurement; and The channel measurement is performed based on the signal.

15. The first communication device according to claim 13, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to: perform a connection to the link interface of the determined target communication device.

16. A communication method, comprising: Obtain channel measurement results of a second communication device on channels used by one or more third communication devices, wherein at least one third communication device uses at least two channels, and wherein the channel measurement results include measurement results of the at least two channels; Based on the obtained channel measurement results, determine the total channel quality score of the channel used by each third communication device; as well as Based on the determined total channel quality score, the target communication device for establishing a backhaul link between the second communication device and the one or more third communication devices is determined from among the third communication devices.

17. The communication method according to claim 16, wherein, The channel measurement results include a corresponding link interface identifier associated with each measurement result, and wherein determining the total channel quality score includes: The corresponding link interface identifier is compared with the predetermined link interface identifier associated with each third communication device; Based on the comparison, the correspondence between each measurement result included in the channel measurement results and each third communication device is determined, and The total channel quality score is determined based on the established correspondence.

18. The communication method according to claim 16, wherein, The channel measurement results include information indicating channel quality and information indicating channel occupancy, wherein determining the total channel quality score includes: The channel quality score for each channel is determined based on information indicating channel quality, information indicating channel occupancy, and the basic channel rate; and The sum of the channel quality scores of each channel is determined as the total channel quality score. The basic channel rate is based on at least one of the number of antennas, channel bandwidth, and wireless mode of the third communication device.

19. The communication method according to claim 16, wherein, The first communication device is different from the second communication device, and the method further includes: The second communication device determines that it simultaneously supports at least two backhaul links by identifying messages received from it indicating at least two neighboring devices and that the media access control (MAC) addresses of the at least two neighboring devices are identical; and Based on the MAC address of the second communication device included in the message, frequency bands corresponding to the at least two backhaul links are determined.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: Obtain channel measurement results of a second communication device on channels used by one or more third communication devices, wherein at least one third communication device uses at least two channels, and wherein the channel measurement results include measurement results of the at least two channels; Based on the obtained channel measurement results, determine the total channel quality score of the channel used by each third communication device; as well as Based on the determined total channel quality score, the target communication device for establishing a backhaul link between the second communication device and the one or more third communication devices is determined from among the third communication devices.

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