A roaming method of a wireless network

Abstract

The application relates to a roaming method of a wireless network, which realizes roaming of STA equipment under the premise of flexible deployment of AP. The method comprises the following steps: deploying normal AP and parasitic detection AP according to signal coverage; when the STA equipment moves, the normal AP connected by the STA equipment detects signal strength change and reports the same to an AC; the AC controls all normal AP in the same channel to detect channel quality of the channel and signal strength of the STA equipment, and obtains normal AP detection information; the AC controls the parasitic detection AP to scan and detect channel quality of all channels and signal strength of the STA equipment in all channels, and obtains parasitic detection AP detection information; and the AC controls the normal AP to execute the best roaming strategy of the STA equipment according to the normal AP detection information and the parasitic detection AP detection information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wireless information transmission technology, and in particular to a roaming method for wireless networks. Background Technology

[0002] In existing wireless networks, in order to achieve smooth roaming of terminal devices (Stations, STAs), the Wireless Access Point Controller (AC) usually makes roaming decisions based on the spatial layout of wireless access points (APs), STA movement trends, channel quality, and the resource usage of each AP (such as CPU, memory, channel occupancy, bandwidth, etc.).

[0003] Existing technologies include two approaches: The first approach involves the AP periodically scanning different surrounding channels to obtain channel quality information. This approach has the following drawbacks: channel switching is required during scanning, causing communication interruptions or even outages for currently connected STAs; when detecting signals from STAs not connected to this AP, it also faces service interference caused by channel switching and scanning; and it is difficult to achieve real-time and accurate roaming decisions in dense internet environments. The second approach uses a multi-Wi-Fi chip design, with a dedicated chip responsible for channel scanning. While this approach reduces the impact on STA services, the equipment cost is high; and deployment flexibility is poor, requiring pre-planning of high-end AP locations, and the cabling between APs during deployment is complex and difficult to dynamically adjust according to network changes.

[0004] A search of existing technical literature revealed a patent application (CN202510952893.8) entitled "Dual-Wi-Fi Chip STA Device Single-Link Roaming Switching Device and Method." This patent's technical solution involves a first network interface card (NIC) establishing a communication link with an access point (AP), and a second NIC monitoring the link status data of the first NIC. The controller is configured to: evaluate the current channel quality based on the link status data of the first NIC obtained by the second NIC; predict the time it takes for the channel quality change rate to fall below a signal quality threshold based on the change rate; and if the predicted time is less than the threshold, roaming is required. When roaming is detected, the controller initiates the transmission of the same content as the first NIC, simultaneously scanning candidate APs in the network. Based on the calculated channel quality of the candidate APs, the controller adaptively selects a target AP and controls the first NIC to select the target AP and establish a connection. However, this patent suffers from problems such as high equipment cost, poor deployment flexibility, and complex cabling. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a roaming method for wireless networks to address the aforementioned technical issues and enable STA devices to roam under the premise of flexible AP deployment.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: This invention provides a roaming method for a wireless network, the method comprising: S1: Deploy ordinary APs and parasitic detection APs according to the signal coverage area. The ordinary APs are used to detect the channel quality of the channel they are in and the signal strength of the STA devices in the channel. The parasitic detection APs are connected to the ordinary APs in a non-wired manner and are used to scan and detect the channel quality of all channels and the signal strength of the STA devices in all channels. S2: When the STA device moves, the ordinary AP connected to the STA device detects the change in signal strength and reports it to the AC. The AC controls all ordinary APs in the same channel to detect the channel quality of the channel and the signal strength of the STA device, and obtain the ordinary AP detection information. The STA device and the connected ordinary AP are in the same channel. S3: The AC controls the parasitic detection AP to scan and detect the channel quality of all channels and the signal strength of STA devices in all channels, and obtains the parasitic detection AP detection information; S4: Based on the detection information of the ordinary AP and the detection information of the parasitic detection AP, the AC controls the ordinary AP to execute the optimal roaming strategy of the STA device.

[0007] Preferably, the non-wired method includes USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi.

[0008] Preferably, the parasitic detection AP uses a microcontroller as the main controller.

[0009] Preferably, step S1 includes: Based on the signal coverage area, determine the deployment method and deploy the ordinary AP; Based on the signal coverage area and the deployment location of the ordinary AP, the parasitic detection AP is connected to the ordinary AP.

[0010] Preferably, all ordinary APs are connected to the AC. Before step S2, the following steps are also included: Enter the network topology, location information of ordinary APs, and location information of parasitic probe APs in the AC; AC initiates an initial scan and optimizes the configuration of both regular APs and parasitic detection APs.

[0011] Preferably, the parasitic detection AP detection information includes the movement trajectory of the STA device.

[0012] Preferably, the STA device's movement trajectory is calculated and generated based on the signal strength changes detected by the parasitic detection AP when the STA device moves.

[0013] Preferably, the optimal roaming strategy for the STA device includes: If other regular APs on the same channel meet the internet access requirements, the STA device connects to other regular APs on the same channel.

[0014] Preferably, the optimal roaming strategy for the STA device further includes: If other ordinary APs in the same channel do not meet the Internet access requirements, the STA device connects to other ordinary APs in a different channel. The other ordinary APs in the different channels are determined based on the movement trajectory of the STA device.

[0015] Preferably, step S4 further includes: Based on the load conditions of all regular APs, the AC controls the regular APs to execute the optimal roaming strategy for the STA devices.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: This invention provides a roaming method for wireless networks, which introduces parasitic probe APs to replace ordinary APs for scanning different channels. Ordinary APs are only responsible for detecting the channel quality and signal strength of STA devices within their own channel, without needing to switch channels. This method can be flexibly deployed according to the needs of WiFi coverage. Furthermore, parasitic probe APs can be connected to ordinary APs in suitable locations without wiring, and can be flexibly increased or decreased based on the scanning results. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the roaming method for a wireless network in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a detailed flowchart illustrating the roaming method for a wireless network in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the wireless network deployment architecture in an industrial workshop, illustrating the wireless network roaming method in this embodiment of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0019] Example 1 like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment proposes a roaming method for a wireless network, the method comprising: S1: Deploy ordinary APs and parasitic detection APs according to the signal coverage area. The ordinary APs are used to detect the channel quality of the channel they are in and the signal strength of the STA devices in the channel. The parasitic detection APs are connected to the ordinary APs in a non-wired manner and are used to scan and detect the channel quality of all channels and the signal strength of the STA devices in all channels. S2: When the STA device moves, the ordinary AP connected to the STA device detects the change in signal strength and reports it to the AC. The AC controls all ordinary APs in the same channel to detect the channel quality of the channel and the signal strength of the STA device, and obtain the ordinary AP detection information. The STA device and the connected ordinary AP are in the same channel. S3: The AC controls the parasitic detection AP to scan and detect the channel quality of all channels and the signal strength of STA devices in all channels, and obtains the parasitic detection AP detection information; S4: Based on the detection information of the ordinary AP and the detection information of the parasitic detection AP, the AC controls the ordinary AP to execute the optimal roaming strategy of the STA device.

[0020] In the specific implementation process, this embodiment proposes a parasitic detection AP. This device does not have the function of providing Internet access services for STA devices. It is only used to perform auxiliary detection tasks such as channel scanning and signal strength detection, and accesses the existing network through various non-wired methods. The ordinary AP is responsible for providing normal Internet access services for STA devices, and only detects the status of the channel and the signal of the STA devices in the channel. The AC receives detection data from the ordinary AP and the parasitic detection AP, calculates the optimal roaming strategy, and controls the AP to perform roaming operations.

[0021] To achieve optimal roaming for STA devices, several regular APs and parasitic probe APs are first flexibly deployed in the network to ensure coverage of the target area. The parasitic probe APs continuously monitor the quality of each channel and the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) information of the STA devices and report it to the AC. After the AC, regular APs, and parasitic probe APs form a wireless network system and complete the relevant parameter configuration and initialization, when the STA devices move, the AC combines the local channel information reported by the regular APs and the cross-channel information reported by the parasitic probe APs to dynamically calculate the movement trend of the STA devices and the load of each channel. Based on the comprehensive information, the AC decides on the optimal roaming target AP and controls the relevant APs to complete the roaming of the STA devices.

[0022] Example 2 This embodiment further illustrates the roaming method for a wireless network proposed in Embodiment 1.

[0023] In one optional embodiment, the parasitic detection AP uses a microcontroller as the main controller and connects to the ordinary AP in a non-wired manner, including USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi.

[0024] In practical implementation, a parasitic detection AP is a simplified AP with only channel scanning and RSSI detection functions for STA devices. Its performance requirements are very low, and it does not need to provide high-speed network communication services. In this embodiment, the parasitic detection AP uses a microcontroller as the main controller to connect to and drive the WiFi chip. Because it does not use the high-performance CPU commonly found in ordinary APs as the main controller, its cost is low. It also has the advantages of small size, low power consumption, and support for multiple power supply methods (USB power, PoE power, or independent power module power). Unlike ordinary APs, the parasitic detection AP does not provide an external network port. It can only connect to an ordinary AP through non-wired methods such as USB, Ethernet, or wireless Wi-Fi to provide detection services in conjunction with the AC-AP network, helping to achieve efficient roaming, but it cannot provide services independently.

[0025] In an optional embodiment, step S1 includes: Based on the signal coverage area, determine the deployment method and deploy the ordinary AP; Based on the signal coverage area and the deployment location of the ordinary AP, the parasitic detection AP is connected to the ordinary AP.

[0026] In an optional embodiment, all ordinary APs are connected to the AC, and before step S2, the method further includes: Enter the network topology, location information of ordinary APs, and location information of parasitic probe APs in the AC; AC initiates an initial scan and optimizes the configuration of both regular APs and parasitic detection APs.

[0027] In one optional embodiment, the parasitic detection AP detection information includes the STA device movement trajectory, which is calculated and generated based on the signal strength changes detected by the parasitic detection AP when the STA device moves.

[0028] The detailed process of the wireless network roaming method proposed in this embodiment, combined with Embodiment 1, is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, taking the deployment of a wireless network in an industrial workshop as an example, such as... Figure 3As shown, this embodiment deploys ordinary APs in an equilateral triangle layout to ensure basic coverage. Parasitic detection APs (parasitic detection AP1, parasitic detection AP2, and parasitic detection AP3) are connected to the USB ports of three ordinary APs (AP2, AP8, and AP10), ensuring that the parasitic detection APs cover the entire workshop. For better multi-sided positioning, ideally, parasitic detection AP1, AP2, and AP3 should be located at the three vertices of an equilateral triangle. If this is not possible due to site limitations, they can be positioned as close as possible to the three vertices of an equilateral triangle. After the ordinary APs and parasitic detection APs are deployed, the network topology and the location information of each ordinary AP and parasitic detection AP are entered into the AC. The AC initiates a full-network initialization scan and optimization configuration, and the configured ordinary APs are deployed on staggered working channels. Ordinary APs only monitor their own channel and the status of connected STA devices. Parasitic detection APs perform cross-channel scanning, detecting the quality of each channel and all STA devices within the area. Backup signal; when STA1 moves, AP5 connected to the STA device detects a change in the STA device's RSSI and reports it to the AC; the AC triggers other APs (AP7) on the same channel (channel 52) to detect changes in STA1's signal (when the STA device moves away from a regular AP, the regular AP will detect a weakening of the STA device's RSSI, and conversely, when the STA device moves closer to a regular AP, the regular AP will detect a strengthening of the STA device's RSSI; the RSSI changes detected by multiple regular APs on the same channel at different physical locations for the same STA device will be different. In this embodiment, AP5 will detect a gradual weakening of STA1's signal, while AP7 will detect a gradual strengthening of STA1's signal); the AC controls the three parasitic probe APs to scan the RSSI and channel quality of the STA devices on each channel; the AC calculates its trajectory based on the trend of multi-source signal changes, determines the optimal roaming path based on channel quality, and executes it, ultimately controlling STA1 to roam from AP5 to AP6.

[0029] Throughout the detection and roaming process, since ordinary APs do not need to switch channels, the internet access service of STA devices is not affected. Furthermore, the combined operation of ordinary APs and detection APs effectively ensures smooth and efficient roaming.

[0030] Example 3 This embodiment further provides supplementary explanation of the roaming method for a wireless network proposed in Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment, the optimal roaming strategy for the STA device includes: If other regular APs on the same channel meet the internet access requirements, the STA device connects to other regular APs on the same channel; If other ordinary APs in the same channel do not meet the Internet access requirements, the STA device connects to other ordinary APs in a different channel. The other ordinary APs in the different channels are determined based on the movement trajectory of the STA device.

[0032] In specific implementation, such as the industrial workshop wireless network deployment example in Example 2, the AC calculates the movement trajectory based on the changing trends of multi-source signals, determines the optimal roaming path based on channel quality, and executes it. If the working channel of STA1 does not need to change during roaming, the roaming speed will be faster, so roaming on the same channel is prioritized. If the AC finds that the RSSI from STA1 to AP7 is good enough to meet its normal use, it can prioritize roaming to AP7. If the signal from STA1 to AP7 is also weak and cannot meet the normal Internet access requirements, but AP6 is very close to the location where STA1 has moved, it can be allowed to roam across channels to AP6 according to STA1's movement trajectory.

[0033] In one alternative embodiment, the AC calculates the trajectory of the multi-source signal based on the changing trend, and, in combination with the channel quality and the load of each AP, determines and executes the optimal roaming path.

Claims

1. A roaming method for a wireless network, characterized in that, include: S1: Deploy ordinary APs and parasitic detection APs according to the signal coverage area. The ordinary APs are used to detect the channel quality of the channel they are in and the signal strength of the STA devices in the channel. The parasitic detection APs are connected to the ordinary APs in a non-wired manner and are used to scan and detect the channel quality of all channels and the signal strength of the STA devices in all channels. S2: When the STA device moves, the ordinary AP connected to the STA device detects the change in signal strength and reports it to the AC. The AC controls all ordinary APs in the same channel to detect the channel quality of the channel and the signal strength of the STA device, and obtain the ordinary AP detection information. The STA device and the connected ordinary AP are in the same channel. S3: The AC controls the parasitic detection AP to scan and detect the channel quality of all channels and the signal strength of STA devices in all channels, and obtains the parasitic detection AP detection information; S4: Based on the detection information of the ordinary AP and the detection information of the parasitic detection AP, the AC controls the ordinary AP to execute the optimal roaming strategy of the STA device.

2. The roaming method for a wireless network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The non-wired methods include USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi.

3. The roaming method for a wireless network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The parasitic detection AP uses a microcontroller as the main controller.

4. The roaming method for a wireless network according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S1 includes: Based on the signal coverage area, determine the deployment method and deploy the ordinary AP; Based on the signal coverage area and the deployment location of the ordinary AP, the parasitic detection AP is connected to the ordinary AP.

5. The roaming method for a wireless network according to claim 4, characterized in that, All ordinary APs are connected to the AC. Before step S2, the following steps are also included: Enter the network topology, location information of ordinary APs, and location information of parasitic probe APs in the AC; AC initiates an initial scan and optimizes the configuration of both regular APs and parasitic detection APs.

6. The roaming method for a wireless network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The parasitic detection AP detection information includes the movement trajectory of the STA device.

7. The roaming method for a wireless network according to claim 6, characterized in that, The STA device's movement trajectory is calculated and generated based on the changes in signal strength detected by the parasitic detection AP when the STA device moves.

8. The roaming method for a wireless network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optimal roaming strategy for the STA device includes: If other regular APs on the same channel meet the internet access requirements, the STA device connects to other regular APs on the same channel.

9. The roaming method for a wireless network according to claim 6 or 8, characterized in that, The optimal roaming strategy for the STA device also includes: If other ordinary APs in the same channel do not meet the Internet access requirements, the STA device connects to other ordinary APs in a different channel. The other ordinary APs in the different channels are determined based on the movement trajectory of the STA device.

10. The roaming method for a wireless network according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S4 also includes: Based on the load conditions of all regular APs, the AC controls the regular APs to execute the optimal roaming strategy for the STA devices.

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