Roaming method, apparatus, and device

Abstract

The application discloses a roaming method, device and equipment, and belongs to the communication field. The roaming method comprises the following steps: a first access point sends a first frame to a station; the first access point is a source access point of the station performing roaming; or the first access point is a target access point of the station performing roaming; wherein the first frame comprises a first field, and the first field is used for indicating whether a downlink empty transmission period is started.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of communication technology, and specifically relates to a roaming method, apparatus, and device. Background Technology

[0002] In seamless roaming technology, before a station (STA) decides to switch between an old and new access point (AP), the STA can first select a target AP based on information obtained from surrounding APs. Next, the STA interacts with the source AP (also called the current AP) using a roaming preparation frame, causing the source AP to request the selected target AP to establish a roaming preparation state with the STA through the Distributed System (DS). Then, the STA interacts with either the source AP or the target AP using a roaming execution frame, activating the previously established link with the target AP and disconnecting the link with the source AP.

[0003] To prevent downlink data in the source AP's buffer that has not yet been transmitted to the non-AP multi-link device (MLD) from being wasted during wireless roaming, the source AP will continue to send downlink data to the non-AP MLD on the original link after roaming is completed (e.g., after completing the roaming execution reply frame exchange).

[0004] However, if the source AP continues to send downlink buffered data to the Non-AP MLD after roaming is performed, it will increase the seamless roaming latency and thus reduce the seamless roaming performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a roaming method, apparatus, and device that can improve seamless roaming performance.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a roaming method, including:

[0007] The first access point sends a first frame to the site; the first access point is the source access point for the site to perform roaming; or the first access point is the target access point for the site to perform roaming.

[0008] The first frame includes a first field, which is used to indicate whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled.

[0009] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a roaming method, including:

[0010] The station receives a first frame from a first access point; the first access point is the source access point from which the station performs roaming; or the first access point is the target access point from which the station performs roaming.

[0011] The first frame includes a first field, which is used to indicate whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled.

[0012] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a roaming device, which is a first access point or is disposed in a first access point, the roaming device comprising:

[0013] A sending module is used to send a first frame to a site; the first access point is the source access point for the site to perform roaming; or the first access point is the target access point for the site to perform roaming.

[0014] The first frame includes a first field, which is used to indicate whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled.

[0015] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a roaming device, which is a station or installed in a station, and the roaming device includes:

[0016] A receiving module is configured to receive a first frame from a first access point; the first access point is the source access point where the site performs roaming; or the first access point is the target access point where the site performs roaming.

[0017] The first frame includes a first field, which is used to indicate whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled.

[0018] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a first access point for executing the methods described in the first aspect or its various implementations above. Specifically, the first access point includes a functional module for executing the methods described in the first aspect or its various implementations above.

[0019] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a site for executing the methods described in the second aspect or its various implementations above. Specifically, the site includes functional modules for executing the methods described in the second aspect or its various implementations above.

[0020] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a first access point, including a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to perform the methods described in the first aspect or its various implementations above.

[0021] In one implementation, there are one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0022] In one implementation, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be set separately from the processor.

[0023] In one implementation, the first access point also includes a transmitter and a receiver.

[0024] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a site including a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to invoke and run the computer program stored in the memory to perform the methods described in the second aspect or its various implementations above.

[0025] In one implementation, there are one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0026] In one implementation, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be set separately from the processor.

[0027] In one implementation, the site also includes a transmitter and a receiver.

[0028] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip for implementing the methods of any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations described above. Specifically, the chip includes a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, causing a device on which the chip is installed to perform the methods of any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations described above.

[0029] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations described above.

[0030] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product, including computer program instructions that cause a computer to perform the methods of any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations mentioned above.

[0031] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods of any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations mentioned above.

[0032] Based on the above technical solution, the first access point sends a first frame to the site. Since the first frame includes a first field, which is used to indicate whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled, the first access point can flexibly control whether the site enables the downlink clear transmission period, which helps to reduce seamless roaming latency and thus improve seamless roaming performance. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the state between STA and AP provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a seamless roaming three-stage process provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a seamless roaming method with a downlink clear transmission period provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a roaming method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 6a This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another roaming method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0039] Figure 6b This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another roaming method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of a roaming device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of another roaming device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second," etc., used herein are used only to distinguish different objects and not to describe a specific order. In the embodiments of this application, "at least one item" refers to one or more items, "more than one item" refers to two or more items, and "at least two items" refers to two or more items. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions may refer to any combination of these items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c may mean: "a," "b," "c," "a and b," "a and c," "b and c," or "a and b and c." In the embodiments of this application, "and / or" indicates that the connected objects can have three relationships; for example, "A and / or B" may mean: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously. The character " / " generally indicates an "OR" relationship between the preceding and following objects. In the embodiments of this application, the term "instruction" can be either direct or indirect. For example, A instructing B can mean that A directly instructs B, meaning B can be obtained through A; or it can mean that A indirectly instructs B, for example, A instructing C, meaning B can be obtained through C, indicating a relationship between B and C.

[0046] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, and can be applied to any of the IEEE 802.11 series protocols used in WLANs, also known as WiFi protocols. These WiFi protocols may include, but are not limited to, the 802.11 series protocols, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, or next-generation protocols and any future generations. The methods provided in this application can be implemented by communication devices in a wireless communication system or by chips or processors within those devices. Accordingly, the communication device supports communication using the IEEE 802.11 series protocols. Although the embodiments in this application are primarily illustrated using a network deploying IEEE 802.11 as an example, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various aspects of this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth, high-performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to IEEE 802.11, primarily used in Europe), wide area network (WAN), WLAN, personal area network (PAN), ultra-wideband (UWB) based wireless PAN systems, sensing systems, or other networks now known or to be developed in the future. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0047] In the WiFi protocol, a station (STA) includes an access point station (APSTA) and a non-access point station (non-AP station). For simplicity, access point stations are usually called access points (AP), and non-access point stations are called stations (STA).

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the communication system 100 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 may include an access point (AP) 111, an access point 112, a station (STA) 121, and a station 122.

[0050] Either access point 111 or access point 112 can support communication or sensing based on WiFi protocols, such as 802.11a, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11b, 802.11be, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11bn, or next-generation protocols.

[0051] Either site 121 or site 122 can support communication or sensing based on WiFi protocols, such as 802.11a, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11b, 802.11be, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11bn, or next-generation protocols. Either site 121 or site 122 can also be referred to as a non-access point site (non-AP STA), or an access point site (AP STA). In other words, in a sense, either access point 111 or access point 112 is also a type of site.

[0052] As an example, any of access point 111, access point 112, site 121, and site 122 can be a device in the Internet of Vehicles, an Internet of Things (IoT) node, sensor, etc., in the Internet of Things (IoT), a smart camera, smart remote control, smart water meter, etc. in a smart home, and a sensor in a smart city.

[0053] As another example, either access point 111 or access point 112 can be a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) or a network device (such as a router) with a WiFi chip. Either site 121 or site 122 can be a mobile phone, tablet, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, wireless device in industrial control, set-top box, wireless device in self-driving, vehicle communication device, wireless device in remote medical care, wireless device in smart grid, wireless device in transportation safety, wireless device in smart city or smart home, vehicle communication device, wireless communication chip / application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) / system-on-chip (SOC), wearable device, etc. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday clothing, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories.

[0054] It should be noted that the communication in the communication system 100 may include communication between access point 111 and station 121, communication between access point 112 and station 121, communication between station 121 and station 122, and communication between access point 111 and access point 112. Either access point 111 or access point 112 acts as a bridge connecting the wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet.

[0055] Any one of access points 111, 112, 121, and 122 can support multi-band communication, for example, simultaneous communication on the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and 60 GHz bands, or simultaneous communication on different channels within the same (or different) bands, improving communication throughput and / or reliability between devices. In this case, any one of access points 111, 112, 121, and 122 is referred to as a multi-band device or multi-link device (MLD), sometimes also called a multi-link entity or multi-band entity. For example, any one of access points 111 and 112 is an access point multi-link device (AP Multi-Link Device, AP MLD), and any one of 121 and 122 is a non-access point multi-link device (non-AP MLD). Each STA attached to an AP MLD is an AP STA. Each STA attached to a non-AP MLD is a non-AP STA.

[0056] For example, a device with multi-link simultaneous transmission can be called a multi-link device (MLD). Similarly, an AP with multi-link functionality can be called an AP MLD, and a STA with multi-link functionality can be called a non-AP MLD.

[0057] For example, an AP MLD can contain one or more AP logical entities; a non-AP MLD can contain one or more STA logical entities (e.g., multiple non-AP STA logical entities). Alternatively, an MLD containing one or more AP logical entities can be called an AP MLD, and an MLD containing one or more STA logical entities can be called a non-AP MLD. Multiple links can be formed between the AP logical entities in an AP MLD and the corresponding STA logical entities in a non-AP MLD, allowing data communication between them via these links.

[0058] Either site 121 or site 122 can support seamless roaming.

[0059] Seamless roaming is a new WiFi 8 feature proposed during the 802.11bn protocol discussions. When a site 121 needs to switch between access point 111 and access point 112 (e.g., the new access point is access point 111 and the old access point is access point 112), this technology uses information exchange between access point 111 and access point 112 to keep site 121 in state 4 during the switching process, that is, to maintain association and authentication. This avoids the time-consuming re-association and re-authentication between site 121 and the new access point 111, thereby reducing the latency problem caused by site 121 switching between access points 111.

[0060] It should be understood that Figure 1 These are merely examples in this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. For example, Figure 1 The example illustrates two access points and two sites, but this application is not limited thereto. For instance, the communication system 100 may include multiple access points or other numbers of sites. Furthermore, the communication system 100 may also include other devices, such as network controllers, gateways, and other network entities.

[0061] To facilitate understanding of the solutions provided in this application, the relevant technologies and terms are explained below.

[0062] (1) Seamless roaming.

[0063] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the state between STA and AP, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the states between the STA and AP can include states 1 to 4. State 4 indicates that the STA and AP have completed authentication, association, and key generation, and at this time, the AP and STA can directly transmit data frames. In a normal roaming scenario, the STA and the new AP will revert to state 2 or state 1, requiring authentication, association, and key generation to be performed again. This process will significantly increase the data interruption time when the STA switches between APs.

[0064] (2) Seamless roaming in three stages.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, the implementation of seamless roaming technology can be roughly divided into three phases: discovery phase, preparation phase, and execution phase.

[0066] Discovery Phase: Before the STA decides to switch between old and new APs, it can obtain information about neighboring APs through various methods. This information includes the AP's power strength to the STA (e.g., Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)), AP capability information, and the AP's initial access channel information. After obtaining this AP information, the STA can ultimately select one (or more) APs as target APs for seamless roaming based on its own roaming needs. This process of the STA collecting neighboring AP information is called the discovery phase.

[0067] Preparation Phase: The STA interacts with the source AP (also known as the current AP) through roaming preparation frames. The source AP requests the selected candidate AP to establish a roaming preparation state with the STA through the Distributed System (DS).

[0068] The source AP and the candidate AP interact with each other to obtain some context information about the roaming STA. The candidate AP reserves link resources for the STA.

[0069] Note: When only one candidate AP establishes a preparation relationship with the STA, this AP is referred to as the target AP below. If there are multiple candidate APs during the preparation phase, the AP that the STA selects to roam during the execution phase is called the target AP.

[0070] Execution Phase: The STA interacts with the source AP or target AP to roam the execution frame, activates the link previously prepared with the candidate AP, and disconnects the link with the source AP.

[0071] During the execution phase, the source AP and the target AP exchange the remaining context information and perform a data forwarding operation.

[0072] During the execution phase, the addressing routing path for the STA by the upper-layer network (such as the Internet Protocol (IP) network) is changed from the source AP to the target AP. That is, the data that the upper-layer network needs to send to the STA will be sent to the target AP, and then sent to the STA by the target AP.

[0073] Optionally, a downlink buffer clearing phase may be included after the execution phase. The duration of the downlink buffer clearing phase is the downlink draining period, and the maximum duration of the downlink draining period is the nominal maximum draining period duration carried in the roaming execution response frame.

[0074] During the downlink buffer clearing phase, in order to prevent downlink data in the source AP buffer that has not yet been transmitted to the Non-AP MLD from being discarded and wasted, the source AP can continue to send downlink data to the Non-AP MLD on the original link after performing a reply frame interaction during roaming.

[0075] (3) Distributed System (DS).

[0076] DS refers to a network system composed of multiple APs. In this network, multiple access points (APs) can exchange information via wired means, and this information can be used for multi-AP collaboration.

[0077] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a seamless roaming method with a downlink clear transmission period provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, the seamless roaming method includes the following stages.

[0079] S1-1: STA sends a roaming execution request frame to AP 1 (source AP).

[0080] S1-2: Context information transfer. That is, AP 1 (source AP) and AP 2 (destination AP) perform context information transfer.

[0081] S1-3: AP 1 (source AP) replies to STA with a roaming execution reply frame (nominal maximum downlink clear period duration).

[0082] After transmitting context information according to the roaming execution procedure, AP 1 (the source AP) normally replies to the STA with a roaming execution reply frame and allocates the nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration, preparing to send downlink data to the STA. The nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration is the maximum duration for which the source AP sends downlink data to the STA, i.e., the maximum duration of the downlink clearing transmission period (DL Draining Period).

[0083] S1-4: STA sends a notification frame (early interruption indication) to AP 1 (source AP).

[0084] The STA can prematurely interrupt the downlink clear transmission process by sending a notification frame to AP 1 (the source AP) requesting early interruption. After agreeing to the early interruption, the source AP deletes the link with the STA and prepares to forward the unsent data to the target AP.

[0085] S1-5: STA sends a notification frame (early interruption indication) to AP 2 (target AP).

[0086] The STA sends a notification frame to the target AP, informing it that the downlink clearing period (DL Draining Period) has ended. The target AP then reactivates the link with the STA.

[0087] As can be seen from the above, the proposed solution lacks the process of the STA actively choosing not to perform downlink buffer data transmission. This results in the source AP being unable to determine the Non-AP MLD's intent when receiving the STA's roaming execution request frame.

[0088] The STA only requests early termination according to the early termination procedure after the downlink clear transmission period has begun. This increases the latency of switching to the target AP to some extent. If the STA has uplink data transmission at this time or the link between the STA and the source AP is poor, it will lead to increased seamless roaming latency and data error rate, thus reducing seamless roaming performance. At the same time, for AP 1 (the source AP), it will only prepare to forward unsent data to the target AP after agreeing to early termination, which will increase the latency of data forwarding.

[0089] This application provides a roaming method. Through a frame interaction process, the first access point can indicate whether to enable or disable the downlink clear transmission period after roaming (e.g., directly switch to the target AP) during seamless roaming. This allows the first access point to flexibly control whether the site enables the downlink clear transmission period, which helps reduce seamless roaming latency and improves seamless roaming performance.

[0090] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a roaming method 200 provided in an embodiment of this application. The roaming method 200 can be executed interactively by a first access point and a site. Figure 5 The first access point shown can be as follows: Figure 1 The access point 111 or access point 112 shown is shown. Figure 5 The site shown can be as follows Figure 1 The site shown is either 121 or 122. Figure 5 The first access point shown can be the source access point where the site performs roaming; or Figure 5The first access point shown can be the target access point for the site to perform roaming.

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown, the method 200 may include some or all of the following contents.

[0092] S201, the first access point sends a first frame to the site; wherein, the first frame includes a first field, the first field being used to indicate whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled.

[0093] In this embodiment, the first access point sends a first frame to the site. Since the first frame includes a first field, which is used to indicate whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled, the first access point can flexibly control whether the site enables the downlink clear transmission period, which helps to reduce seamless roaming latency and thus improve seamless roaming performance.

[0094] In some implementations, the first access point may be a source access point (AP) for which the site performs roaming, or the first access point may be a target access point (AP) for which the site performs roaming. Optionally, the link between the source access point and the site is a source link, and the link between the target access point and the site is a target link.

[0095] In some implementations, the first access point may be an Access Point Multi-Link Device (AP MLD).

[0096] In some implementations, the site is a Station Multi-Link Device (STA MLD) or a Non-Access Point Multi-Link Device (Non-AP MLD).

[0097] In some implementations, the first frame is a roaming execution response frame.

[0098] In the roaming execution response frame, the first access point can indicate to the station whether to enable the downlink clear transmission period without adding new frame interaction procedures. This allows the first access point to flexibly control whether the station enables the downlink clear transmission period, which helps reduce seamless roaming latency and thus improves seamless roaming performance.

[0099] In some implementations, whether to enable the downlink clear transmission period can be understood as at least one of the following: whether to enable downlink buffer data transmission, or whether to disconnect the link with the source access point. Alternatively, enabling the downlink clear transmission period can be understood as enabling downlink buffer data transmission or not disconnecting the link with the source access point. Disabling the downlink clear transmission period can be understood as not enabling downlink buffer data transmission or disconnecting the link with the source access point.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first field is used to indicate whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled, which can be understood as at least one of the following: the first field is used by the site to confirm whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled, and the first field is used by the first access point to reply to the site whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first frame is an Ultra High Reliability (UHR) Link Reconfiguration Response frame. The Seamless Mobile Domain (SMD) Basic Service Set (BSS) Transition Parameters element carried by the UHR Link Reconfiguration Response frame includes a first Seamless Mobile Domain Basic Service Set Transition (SMD BSSTransition, ST) information field. The nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field carried in the first ST information field is used as the first field. When the duration indicated by the nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field is 0, it is regarded as indicating that the downlink clearing transmission period is not enabled.

[0102] In this embodiment, the nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field carried in the first ST information field is used as the first field. When the duration indicated by the nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field is 0, it is regarded as indicating that the downlink clearing transmission period is not enabled, which can reduce the transmission overhead of the first field.

[0103] In some embodiments, the first frame is a UHR link reconfiguration response frame, and the SMD BSS switching parameter elements carried by the UHR link reconfiguration response frame include a first ST information field; wherein, the first ST information field carries an existence bit map field, and the nominal maximum DL clear period duration existence field carried in the existence bit map field is the first field, and when the nominal maximum DL clear period duration existence field indicates that the nominal maximum downlink clear period duration field does not exist in the first ST information field, it is regarded as indicating that the downlink clear transmission period is not enabled.

[0104] In this embodiment, the first ST information field carries an existence bitmap field, and the nominal maximum DL clearing period duration existence field carried in the existence bitmap field is the first field. When the nominal maximum DL clearing period duration existence field indicates that the nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field does not exist in the first ST information field, it is regarded as indicating that the downlink clearing transmission period is not started, which can reduce the transmission overhead of the first field.

[0105] In some embodiments, prior to S201, the method 200 further includes:

[0106] The first access point receives the second frame from the site;

[0107] The second frame includes a second field, which indicates whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled, and / or indicates the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period.

[0108] In this embodiment, the station indicates the second field to the first access point, so that the first access point can indicate to the station to enable or disable the downlink clear transmission period based on the second field, which helps to reduce seamless roaming latency and thus improve seamless roaming performance.

[0109] In addition, the second field can assist the first access point in roaming scheduling, thereby improving the flexibility of the first access point in roaming scheduling.

[0110] In some implementations, the second field includes a field indicating whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled and the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period.

[0111] In some implementations, the second field includes at least one of the following: a field for indicating whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled, and a field for indicating the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period.

[0112] In some implementations and scenarios (e.g., the site has uplink data to be transmitted and does not want the downlink clearing transmission period to cause delays in uplink data transmission; or the link quality between the site and the source access point where the site is roaming is poor, and it is believed that continuing link transmission between the site and the source access point where the site is roaming will result in data loss; or the site and / or access point is about to enter an unavailable period, and the remaining active time is insufficient for buffered transmission), the site does not want to continue performing buffered data transmission operations after roaming frame interaction and wants to roam to the target access point as soon as possible. Therefore, the site needs to inform the first access point of the instruction "Do not enable downlink clearing transmission period" during roaming. The first access point can reply to the site that the downlink clearing transmission period will not be enabled after roaming execution, based on the site's instruction.

[0113] In some implementations, the second frame is a roaming execution request frame.

[0114] In the roaming execution request frame, indicating to the station whether to enable the downlink clear transmission period and / or indicating the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period can, without adding new frame interaction procedures, indicate to the first access point whether to enable the downlink clear transmission period and / or indicate the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period during seamless roaming. This allows the first access point to flexibly control whether the station enables the downlink clear transmission period based on the information indicated in the roaming execution request frame, which helps reduce seamless roaming latency and thus improves seamless roaming performance.

[0115] In some implementations, the second field is used to indicate whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled, which can be understood as at least one of the following: the second field is used by the site to request the first access point whether to enable the downlink clear transmission period, and the second field is used to indicate by the site to the first access point whether it expects to enable the downlink clear transmission period.

[0116] In some embodiments, the second field indicates at least one of the following reasons for not enabling the downlink clear transmission period:

[0117] The site contains uplink data awaiting transmission;

[0118] The link quality between the site and the source access point where the site performs roaming does not meet the quality requirements;

[0119] The site and / or the source access point for which the site performs roaming is unavailable.

[0120] In this embodiment, the reason for not enabling the downlink clearing transmission period in the second field includes when the site has uplink data to be transmitted. This can assist the source access point of the site performing roaming to send indication information to the target access point of the site performing roaming, instructing the target access point to trigger the site to perform uplink data transmission, and / or assist the target access point to trigger the site to perform uplink data transmission, thereby improving uplink data transmission efficiency. The reason for not enabling the downlink clearing transmission period in the second field also includes when the link quality between the site and the source access point of the site performing roaming does not meet quality requirements, or when the site and / or the source access point of the site performing roaming are unavailable. This can assist the first access point in instructing the site not to enable the downlink clearing transmission period, helping to reduce seamless roaming latency and thus improve seamless roaming performance.

[0121] Since the downlink clear transmission period is carried out on the link between the station and the source access point, regardless of whether the second frame is sent by the station to the target access point or to the source access point, the reason can be that the link quality between the station and the source access point where the station is roaming does not meet the quality requirements.

[0122] In some implementations, the station has uplink data to be transmitted, including at least one of the following: the station is currently transmitting uplink data and has uplink data to be transmitted, or the station is about to transmit uplink data and has uplink data to be transmitted.

[0123] In some implementations, the link quality between the site and the source access point where the site is roaming does not meet the quality requirements, including at least one of the following: the link quality between the site and the source access point is less than a preset quality threshold; the link quality between the site and the source access point is less than the link quality between the site and the target access point where the site is roaming; the ratio between the link quality between the site and the source access point and the link quality between the site and the target access point where the site is roaming is less than a preset ratio.

[0124] In some implementations, the site and / or the source access point for which the site is roaming is in an unavailable state, including at least one of the following: the site and / or the source access point for which the site is roaming is about to become unavailable, or the site and / or the source access point for which the site is roaming is currently unavailable. Optionally, the unavailable state may include a non-operating state, a power-off state, or a low-power state.

[0125] In some embodiments, after the first access point receives the second frame from the site, the method 200 further includes:

[0126] When the second field is used to indicate the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period, the first access point performs a first operation corresponding to the reason indicated by the second field.

[0127] In this embodiment, the first access point performs a first operation corresponding to the reason indicated by the second field, so that the first access point can perform different operations based on different reasons, thereby improving the operational flexibility of the first access point.

[0128] In some embodiments, where the reason for not enabling downlink clear transmission in the second field includes the presence of uplink data to be transmitted at the site, the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0129] The system instructs the target access point performing roaming to trigger uplink data transmission at the site; for example, it sends a first indication message to the target access point performing roaming, the first indication message being used to instruct the target access point to trigger uplink data transmission at the site; or...

[0130] This triggers the site to transmit upstream data.

[0131] In this embodiment, when the reason for not enabling downlink clear transmission in the second field includes the presence of uplink data to be transmitted at the site, the first access point instructs the target access point to trigger the site to perform uplink data transmission, and / or the first access point triggers the site to perform uplink data transmission, which can improve the efficiency of uplink data transmission.

[0132] In some implementations, the first access point is the source access point for the site to perform roaming, and the first operation includes instructing the target access point for the site to perform roaming to trigger the site to perform uplink data transmission.

[0133] That is, when the source access point performing the roaming at the site receives the second frame from the site, and the reason for not enabling downlink clear transmission in the second field includes the presence of uplink data to be transmitted at the site, the source access point instructs the target access point performing the roaming at the site to trigger the site to perform uplink data transmission.

[0134] In some implementations, the first access point is the target access point for the site to perform roaming, and the first operation includes triggering the site to perform uplink data transmission.

[0135] That is, when the target access point of the station performing roaming receives the second frame from the station, and the reason for not enabling downlink clear transmission in the second field includes the presence of uplink data to be transmitted at the station, the target access point triggers the station to perform uplink data transmission.

[0136] In some embodiments, the second frame is a UHR Link Reconfiguration Request frame, and the SMD BSS handover parameter element carried by the UHR Link Reconfiguration Request frame includes a second ST information field; wherein, the common information field carried by the second ST information field includes the second field; or, the second ST information field includes the second field.

[0137] In this embodiment, the public information field carried by the second ST information field includes the second field; or, the second ST information field includes the second field, so that the first access point can indicate to the station to enable or disable the downlink clear transmission period based on the second field, which helps to reduce seamless roaming latency and thus improve seamless roaming performance.

[0138] In some implementations, the public information field carried by the second ST information field includes the second field, including: the public information field carried by the second ST information field includes a field for indicating whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled and the reason for enabling or not enabling the downlink clear transmission period.

[0139] In some implementations, the public information field carried by the second ST information field includes the second field, including: the public information field carried by the second ST information field includes at least one of the following: a field for indicating whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled, and a field for indicating the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period.

[0140] In some implementations, the second ST information field includes the second field, which includes a field indicating whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled and the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period.

[0141] In some implementations, the second ST information field includes the second field, which includes at least one of the following: a field for indicating whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled, and a field for indicating the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period.

[0142] In some embodiments, the presence bitmap field carried in the second ST information field further includes a field for indicating whether the second field exists.

[0143] In this embodiment, the presence bitmap field carried in the second ST information field also includes a field for indicating whether the second field exists, which can reduce the transmission of unnecessary second fields and thus save signaling overhead.

[0144] In some embodiments, the method 200 further includes:

[0145] The station sends a third frame to the target access point where the station is performing roaming.

[0146] The third frame is used to indicate the end of the downlink clear transmission period.

[0147] In this embodiment, the station indicates to the target access point that the downlink clear transmission period has ended through the third frame, so that the target access point can clearly know whether the downlink clear transmission period has ended, which helps to reduce seamless roaming latency and thus improve seamless roaming performance.

[0148] In some implementations, after receiving the first frame, the station sends a third frame to the target access point. For example, after receiving the first frame from the source access point where the station is roaming, the station sends a third frame to the target access point.

[0149] In some implementations, the third frame is a UHR link reconfiguration notification frame, or the third frame is a notification frame issued by the site.

[0150] The following is combined Figure 6a and Figure 6b The roaming method provided in this application is described.

[0151] When a STA makes a roaming request, it can request whether to enable the Download Draining Period based on its own circumstances.

[0152] like Figure 6a As shown, the specific process may include:

[0153] S2-1: STA sends a roaming execution request frame to AP 1 (source AP).

[0154] The roaming execution request frame includes at least one of the following: a field indicating whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled, and a field indicating the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period.

[0155] When a STA decides not to enable the downlink clear transmission period after roaming execution, it carries a field in the roaming execution request frame (STExecution Request) to indicate that the downlink clear transmission period will not be enabled. It may also carry a field to indicate the reason for not enabling the downlink clear transmission period (for example, to indicate that the reason for not enabling the downlink clear transmission period is that there is uplink data to be transmitted at the site).

[0156] S2-2: Context information transmission.

[0157] AP 1 (source AP) and AP 2 (destination AP) perform context transfer.

[0158] Optionally, the source AP may also perform a first operation corresponding to a field indicating the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period (e.g., when the reason for disabling the downlink clear transmission period is that the site has uplink data to be transmitted, the source access point sends a first indication information to the target AP, the first indication information being used to instruct the target AP to trigger the site to transmit uplink data).

[0159] Optionally, if the source AP confirms that it will not enable the downlink clear transmission period, it may immediately initiate data forwarding to the target AP.

[0160] S2-3: AP 1 (source AP) replies to STA with a roaming execution reply frame.

[0161] After the source AP replies with a roaming execution response frame (ST Execution Response), it deletes the link with the STA, for example, by releasing link resources.

[0162] The source AP replies with a roaming execution reply frame. After receiving the roaming execution reply frame, the STA does not initiate the downlink clear transmission period based on the indication in the roaming execution reply frame and directly disconnects the link between the source AP and the STA.

[0163] Optionally, a duration of 0 indicated by the nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field is considered as indicating that the downlink clearing transmission period is not enabled. Alternatively, the absence of the nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field is considered as indicating that the downlink clearing transmission period is not enabled.

[0164] It should be noted that, Figure 6aThis is an example of the STA sending a roaming execution request frame to AP 1 (source AP) and receiving a roaming execution response frame from AP 1 (source AP), and should not be construed as limiting the scheme provided in this application. In some implementations, the STA sends a roaming execution request frame to AP 2 (target AP) and receives a roaming execution response frame from AP 2 (target AP).

[0165] like Figure 6b As shown, the specific process may include:

[0166] S3-1: STA sends a roaming execution request frame to AP 2 (target AP).

[0167] The roaming execution request frame includes at least one of the following: a field indicating whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled, and a field indicating the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period.

[0168] If the STA decides not to enable the downlink clear transmission period after roaming execution, it may include a field in the roaming execution request frame (STExecution Request) indicating that the downlink clear transmission period will not be enabled. It may also include a field indicating the reason for not enabling the downlink clear transmission period (e.g., indicating that the reason for not enabling the downlink clear transmission period is that there is uplink data to be transmitted at the site).

[0169] S3-2: Context information transmission.

[0170] AP 1 (source AP) and AP 2 (destination AP) perform context transfer.

[0171] Optionally, AP 2 (target AP) may also perform a first operation corresponding to a field indicating the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period (e.g., when the reason for disabling the downlink clear transmission period is that there is uplink data to be transmitted at the site, the target AP triggers the site to transmit uplink data).

[0172] Optionally, after confirming that the downlink clear transmission period is not enabled, AP 2 (target AP) immediately triggers the site to perform uplink data transmission.

[0173] S3-3: AP 2 (target AP) replies to STA with a roaming execution reply frame.

[0174] AP 2 (target AP) replies with a roaming execution response frame (ST Execution Response). After receiving the roaming execution response frame, the STA does not initiate the downlink clear transmission period based on the indication of the roaming execution response frame and directly disconnects the link between the source AP and the STA.

[0175] Optionally, a duration of 0 indicated by the nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field is considered as indicating that the downlink clearing transmission period is not enabled. Alternatively, the absence of the nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field is considered as indicating that the downlink clearing transmission period is not enabled.

[0176] After the source AP has completed transmitting context information, it deletes the link with the STA, for example, by releasing link resources.

[0177] The structure of the roaming execution request frame and the roaming execution response frame is described below. It should be understood that the number of bits, octets, bit order, and octet order given in this application are merely examples and do not limit the actual functional fields.

[0178] The following example illustrates the structure of the roaming execution request frame, using the UHR link reconfiguration request frame as an example.

[0179] In the seamless roaming process, the UHR link reconfiguration request frame is used by the Non-AP MLD to signal to the source AP / target AP during the roaming execution phase. The UHR link reconfiguration request frame belongs to the Action frame type specified in the 802.11 protocol, and its Action field format is as follows:

[0180] Table 1: Action Field Format

[0181]

[0182]

[0183] The SMD BSS switching parameter element format in instruction 7 is as follows:

[0184] Table 2: Format of SMD BSS Switching Parameter Elements

[0185] Element ID length Element ID extension ST Info Octets 1 1 1 Variable

[0186] The ST information field has the following format:

[0187] Table 3: ST Information Field Format

[0188]

[0189] For the fields mentioned above used to indicate whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled, and for the fields used to indicate the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period, the carrying method may include any of the following:

[0190] Method 1: Include it in the Common Info field.

[0191] In this application, a common information field can be designed within the ST information field carried in the SMD BSS handover parameter element of the UHR link reconfiguration request frame. A field indicating whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled can be set within this field, serving as the indication field for whether the Non-AP MLD request should enable the downlink clear transmission period. As shown below:

[0192] Table 4: ST Information Field Format

[0193] Public Information Bitmap exists DL TID bitmap Eight-person group 1 1 1

[0194] Table 5: Format of Public Information Fields

[0195] B0 B1~B7 Instructions for enabling downlink clear transmission period reserve Bit 1 7

[0196] When the indicator field for whether to enable the downlink draining period is 0, it means that the Non-AP MLD sets the downlink draining period to the default state, i.e., the downlink draining period is enabled. When the indicator field for whether to enable the downlink draining period is 1, it means that the Non-AP MLD requests the AP not to enable the downlink draining period, and immediately ends the seamless roaming process after the roaming response frame interaction.

[0197] Method 2: Carry it in the bitmap field.

[0198] In this application, an Additional Status field can be designed within the ST information field carried in the SMD BSS handover parameter element of the UHR link reconfiguration request frame. This field can be used to indicate whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled and / or to indicate the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period. This serves as an indication field for whether the Non-AP MLD request does not enable the downlink clear transmission period and the reason therefor. As shown below:

[0199] Table 6: ST Information Field Format

[0200] reserve Bitmap exists DL TID bitmap Additional status fields Eight-person group 1 1 1 0 or 1

[0201] The Additional Status field is optional and is only used when the Non-AP MLD has additional status information. Therefore, an Additional Status Present field is added to the Existence Bitmap field. When the Additional Status Present field is set to 1, it indicates that the ST information field contains an Additional Status field. When the Additional Status Present field is set to 0, it indicates that the ST information field does not contain an Additional Status field. As shown below:

[0202] Table 7: Existing Bitmap Field Formats

[0203] B0 B1 B2~B7 DL TID bitmap exists Additional states exist reserve Bit 1 1 6

[0204] The additional status field is designed as follows, which can represent the period during which Non-AP MLD requests do not enable downlink clearing transmission and the reason for it through different status values ​​(e.g., a value of 1 indicates that the downlink clearing transmission period is not enabled due to uplink data transmission; a value of 2 indicates that the downlink clearing transmission period is not enabled due to poor link quality; a value of 3 indicates that the downlink clearing transmission period is not enabled due to the unavailability of Non-AP MLD):

[0205] Table 8: Format of Additional Status Fields

[0206] value meaning 0 reserve 1 Because uplink data transmission requests do not initiate downlink clearing transmission periods. 2 Due to poor link quality, a request has been made not to initiate downlink clearing transmission. 3 Because the Non-AP MLD is in an unavailable state, the downlink clear transmission period is not initiated. 4-255 reserve

[0207] It should be noted that the additional status fields involved in this application may also carry status information other than "request not to enable downlink clear transmission period".

[0208] It should be noted that the additional status field involved in this application can be divided into two fields: a status field and a reason field, indicating the status and the reason respectively. For example, the 4-bit status field indicates whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled, and the 4-bit reason field indicates the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period.

[0209] It should be noted that the additional status fields involved in this application have a large number of empty states, which can be used to transmit other status information during roaming execution, such as indications of low latency information, and can also provide process decision references for AP in low latency scenarios.

[0210] The following example illustrates the structure of the roaming execution response frame, using the UHR link reconfiguration response frame as an example.

[0211] In the seamless roaming process, the UHR link reconfiguration response frame is used by the source AP / target AP as a signaling response to the roaming execution phase. The UHR link reconfiguration response frame belongs to the Action frame type specified in the 802.11 protocol, and its Action field format is as follows:

[0212] Table 9: Action Field Format

[0213]

[0214] The SMD BSS switching parameter element format in instruction 10 is as follows:

[0215] Table 10: Format of SMD BSS Switching Parameter Elements

[0216] Element ID length Element ID extension ST Info Octets 1 1 1 Variable

[0217] The ST information field has the following format:

[0218] Table 11: ST Information Field Format

[0219]

[0220] The bitmap field has the following format:

[0221] Table 12: Existing Bitmap Field Formats

[0222]

[0223] For a field used to indicate whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled, the carrying method may include any of the following: Method 1: Indicate by setting the nominal maximum downlink clear period duration field to 0.

[0224] The nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field is used to indicate the duration (in time units, TU) of the downlink clearing transmission period indicated by the AP. The protocol specifies that a value of 0 for this field is reserved and is not specified here. In this application, the AP can set the nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field to 0 to indicate that the downlink clearing transmission period will not be initiated after the roaming response frame interaction. That is, defining a nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field value of 0 means that the downlink clearing transmission period is not initiated.

[0225] Method 2: Indicated by default through the nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field.

[0226] The "Presentation Maximum Downlink Clearing Period Duration" field in the bitmap field indicates whether the "Presentation Maximum Downlink Clearing Period Duration" field exists in the ST information field. In this application, the AP can set the "Presentation Maximum Downlink Clearing Period Duration" field to 0, and by not setting the "Presentation Maximum Downlink Clearing Period Duration" field in subsequent ST information fields, it can be interpreted as indicating that the downlink clearing transmission period will not be enabled after the roaming response frame interaction. That is, by using the default value of the "Presentation Maximum Downlink Clearing Period Duration" field, it indicates that the downlink clearing transmission period will not be enabled.

[0227] The preferred embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific details of the embodiments described above. Within the scope of the technical concept of this application, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of this application, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this application. For example, the various specific technical features described in the specific embodiments described above can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. To avoid unnecessary repetition, this application will not describe the various possible combinations separately. Furthermore, various different embodiments of this application can also be arbitrarily combined, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this application, they should also be considered as the content disclosed in this application.

[0228] It should also be understood that, in the various method embodiments of this application, the order of the processes mentioned above does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0229] The above text combined Figures 1 to 6b The method embodiments of this application are described in detail below, in conjunction with... Figures 7 to 10 The following describes in detail the device embodiments of this application.

[0230] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of the roaming device 300 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0231] like Figure 7 As shown, the roaming device 300 is a first access point or is installed in a first access point, and the roaming device 300 includes:

[0232] The sending module 301 is used to send a first frame to the station; the device is applied to a first access point; the first access point is the source access point for the station to perform roaming; or the first access point is the target access point for the station to perform roaming.

[0233] The first frame includes a first field, which is used to indicate whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first frame is an ultra-reliable UHR link reconfiguration response frame, and the seamless mobile domain basic service set (SMD BSS) handover parameter elements carried by the UHR link reconfiguration response frame include a first seamless mobile domain basic service set handover ST information field.

[0235] The nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field carried in the first ST information field is used as the first field. When the duration indicated by the nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field is 0, it is regarded as indicating that the downlink clearing transmission period is not started.

[0236] In some embodiments, the first frame is a UHR link reconfiguration response frame, and the SMD BSS switching parameter elements carried by the UHR link reconfiguration response frame include a first ST information field;

[0237] The first ST information field carries a bit map field, and the nominal maximum DL clearing period duration field carried in the bit map field is the first field. When the nominal maximum DL clearing period duration field indicates that the nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field does not exist in the first ST information field, it is regarded as indicating that the downlink clearing transmission period is not started.

[0238] In some embodiments, the apparatus 300 further includes a receiving module, which is configured to: Before the sending module 301 sends the first frame to the station, the receiving module is configured to:

[0239] Receive the second frame from the station;

[0240] The second frame includes a second field, which indicates whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled, and / or indicates the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period.

[0241] In some embodiments, the second field indicates at least one of the following reasons for not enabling the downlink clear transmission period:

[0242] The site contains uplink data awaiting transmission;

[0243] The link quality between the site and the source access point where the site performs roaming does not meet the quality requirements;

[0244] The site and / or the source access point for which the site performs roaming is unavailable.

[0245] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a processing module, which, after the receiving module receives the second frame from the station, is configured to:

[0246] If the second field is used to indicate the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period, the first operation corresponding to the reason indicated by the second field is performed.

[0247] In some embodiments, where the reason for not enabling downlink clear transmission in the second field includes the presence of uplink data to be transmitted at the site, the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0248] Instruct the target access point to perform roaming to the site to trigger the site to perform uplink data transmission; or...

[0249] This triggers the site to transmit upstream data.

[0250] In some embodiments, the second frame is a UHR link reconfiguration request frame, and the SMD BSS switching parameter element carried by the UHR link reconfiguration request frame includes a second ST information field;

[0251] Wherein, the public information field carried by the second ST information field includes the second field; or, the second ST information field includes the second field.

[0252] In some embodiments, the presence bitmap field carried in the second ST information field further includes a field for indicating whether the second field exists.

[0253] It should be understood that the apparatus embodiments and method embodiments can correspond to each other, and similar descriptions can be referred to the method embodiments. Specifically, Figure 7 The roaming device 300 shown can correspond to the corresponding subject in the method 200 of the embodiments of this application, and the foregoing and other operations and / or functions of each module in the roaming device 300 are respectively to implement the corresponding processes in the various methods provided in the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0254] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of the roaming device 400 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0255] like Figure 8 As shown, the roaming device 400 is a station or is installed in a station, and the roaming device 400 includes:

[0256] The receiving module 401 is configured to receive a first frame from a first access point; the first access point is the source access point where the site performs roaming; or the first access point is the target access point where the site performs roaming.

[0257] The first frame includes a first field, which is used to indicate whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled.

[0258] In some embodiments, the device 400 further includes:

[0259] The processing module is configured to disconnect the link with the source access point performing roaming at the site after receiving the first frame, provided that the first field indicates that the downlink clear transmission period is not enabled.

[0260] In some embodiments, the first frame is an ultra-reliable UHR link reconfiguration response frame, and the seamless mobile domain basic service set (SMD BSS) handover parameter elements carried by the UHR link reconfiguration response frame include a first seamless mobile domain basic service set handover ST information field.

[0261] The nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field carried in the first ST information field is used as the first field. When the duration indicated by the nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field is 0, it is regarded as indicating that the downlink clearing transmission period is not started.

[0262] In some embodiments, the first frame is a UHR link reconfiguration response frame, and the SMD BSS switching parameter elements carried by the UHR link reconfiguration response frame include a first ST information field;

[0263] The first ST information field carries a bit map field, and the nominal maximum DL clearing period duration field carried in the bit map field is the first field. When the nominal maximum DL clearing period duration field indicates that the nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field does not exist in the first ST information field, it is regarded as indicating that the downlink clearing transmission period is not started.

[0264] In some embodiments, the apparatus 400 further includes a first transmitting module, which, before the receiving module 401 receives the first frame from the first access point, is configured to:

[0265] Send the second frame to the first access point;

[0266] The second frame includes a second field, which indicates whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled, and / or indicates the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period.

[0267] In some embodiments, the second field indicates at least one of the following reasons for not enabling the downlink clear transmission period:

[0268] The site contains uplink data awaiting transmission;

[0269] The link quality between the site and the source access point where the site performs roaming does not meet the quality requirements;

[0270] The site and / or the source access point for which the site performs roaming is unavailable.

[0271] In some embodiments, the second frame is a UHR link reconfiguration request frame, and the SMD BSS switching parameter element carried by the UHR link reconfiguration request frame includes a second ST information field;

[0272] Wherein, the public information field carried by the second ST information field includes the second field; or, the second ST information field includes the second field.

[0273] In some embodiments, the presence bitmap field carried in the second ST information field further includes a field for indicating whether the second field exists.

[0274] In some embodiments, the roaming device 400 further includes:

[0275] The second sending module is used to send a third frame to the target access point where the site performs roaming;

[0276] The third frame is used to indicate the end of the downlink clear transmission period.

[0277] It should be understood that the apparatus embodiments and method embodiments can correspond to each other, and similar descriptions can be referred to the method embodiments. Specifically, Figure 8 The roaming device 400 shown can correspond to the corresponding subject in the method 200 of the embodiments of this application, and the foregoing and other operations and / or functions of each module in the roaming device 400 are respectively to implement the corresponding processes in the various methods provided in the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0278] The communication device of this application embodiment has been described above from the perspective of functional modules in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that this functional module can be implemented in hardware, in software instructions, or in a combination of hardware and software modules. Specifically, the steps of the method embodiments in this application can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware and / or by software instructions. The steps of the method disclosed in this application embodiment can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware decoding processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. Optionally, the software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps in the method embodiments described above.

[0279] For example, the processing module and communication module mentioned above can be implemented by a processor and a transceiver, respectively.

[0280] Figure 9 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 500 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0281] like Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 500 may include a processor 510.

[0282] The processor 510 can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0283] like Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 500 may also include a memory 520.

[0284] The memory 520 can be used to store information, as well as code and instructions executed by the processor 510. The processor 510 can retrieve and run computer programs from the memory 520 to implement the methods described in this embodiment. The memory 520 can be a separate device independent of the processor 510, or it can be integrated into the processor 510.

[0285] like Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 500 may also include a transceiver 530.

[0286] The processor 510 can control the transceiver 530 to communicate with other devices; specifically, it can send information or data to other devices or receive information or data sent by other devices. The transceiver 530 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 530 may further include antennas, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0287] It should be understood that the various components in the communication device 500 are connected through a bus system, which includes a data bus, a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus.

[0288] It should also be understood that the communication device 500 can be the first access point in the embodiments of this application, and the communication device 500 can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the first access point in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. That is, the communication device 500 in the embodiments of this application can correspond to the roaming device 300 in the embodiments of this application, and can correspond to the corresponding subject executing the method 200 according to the embodiments of this application. For simplicity, it will not be described in detail here. Similarly, the communication device 500 can be the station in the embodiments of this application, and the communication device 500 can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the station in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. That is, the communication device 500 in the embodiments of this application can correspond to the roaming device 400 in the embodiments of this application, and can correspond to the corresponding subject executing the method 200 according to the embodiments of this application. For simplicity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0289] In addition, a chip is also provided in this application embodiment.

[0290] For example, the chip may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The chip may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip (SoC), system-on-a-chip (SoC), chip system, or system-on-chip (SoC), etc. Optionally, the chip can be applied to various communication devices, enabling the communication device equipped with the chip to execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application.

[0291] Figure 10 This is a schematic structural diagram of chip 600 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0292] like Figure 10 As shown, the chip 600 includes a processor 610.

[0293] The processor 610 can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0294] like Figure 10 As shown, the chip 600 may further include a memory 620.

[0295] The processor 610 can call and run computer programs from the memory 620 to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application. The memory 620 can be used to store instruction information, as well as code, instructions, etc., executed by the processor 610. The memory 620 can be a separate device independent of the processor 610, or it can be integrated into the processor 610.

[0296] like Figure 10 As shown, the chip 600 may also include an input interface 630.

[0297] The processor 610 can control the input interface 630 to communicate with other devices or chips, specifically, it can acquire information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0298] like Figure 10 As shown, the chip 600 may also include an output interface 640.

[0299] The processor 610 can control the output interface 640 to communicate with other devices or chips, specifically, it can output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0300] It should be understood that the chip 600 can be applied to the site in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the site in the various methods of the embodiments of this application, and can also implement the corresponding processes implemented by the first access point in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0301] It should also be understood that the various components in the chip 600 are connected through a bus system, which includes a data bus, a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus.

[0302] The processors mentioned above may include, but are not limited to:

[0303] General-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete component gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc.

[0304] The processor can be used to implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory; the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the methods described above.

[0305] The memory mentioned above includes, but is not limited to:

[0306] Volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static RAM (SRAM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), Synchronous Link DRAM (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0307] It should be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0308] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program. The computer-readable storage medium stores one or more programs, which include instructions that, when executed by a portable electronic device including multiple applications, enable the portable electronic device to perform the roaming method provided in this application. Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to a site in this application embodiment, and the computer program causes a computer to perform the corresponding processes implemented by the site in the various methods of this application embodiment; for simplicity, this will not be elaborated further. Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to a first access point in this application embodiment, and the computer program causes a computer to perform the corresponding processes implemented by the first access point in the various methods of this application embodiment; for simplicity, this will not be elaborated further.

[0309] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program. Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to a site in this application embodiment, and the computer program causes the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the site in the various methods of this application embodiment; for simplicity, details are omitted here. Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to a first access point in this application embodiment, and the computer program causes the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the first access point in the various methods of this application embodiment; for simplicity, details are omitted here.

[0310] This application also provides a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to perform the roaming method provided in this application. Optionally, the computer program can be applied to a site in this application embodiment. When the computer program runs on a computer, it enables the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the site in the various methods of this application embodiment. For simplicity, these will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the computer program can be applied to a first access point in this application embodiment. When the computer program runs on a computer, it enables the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the first access point in the various methods of this application embodiment. For simplicity, these will not be described in detail here.

[0311] This application also provides a communication system, which may include the first access point and station mentioned above, to form a... Figure 1 The communication system 100 shown will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity. It should be noted that the term "system" in this article can also be referred to as "network management architecture" or "network system," etc.

[0312] It should also be understood that the terminology used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. For example, the singular forms “a,” “the,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0313] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the modules and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the embodiments of this application. If 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 the embodiments of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, 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 method described in the embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0314] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and modules described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the division of units, modules, or components in the device embodiments described above is merely a logical functional division; in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For instance, multiple units, modules, or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some units, modules, or components may be ignored or not executed. As another example, the units / modules / components described above as separate / display components may or may not be physically separated; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units / modules / components can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiments of this application. Finally, it should be noted that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed above can be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0315] The above description is merely a specific implementation of the embodiments of this application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of this application should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A roaming method, characterized in that, include: The first access point sends a first frame to the site; the first access point is the source access point for the site to perform roaming; or the first access point is the target access point for the site to perform roaming. The first frame includes a first field, which is used to indicate whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first frame is an Ultra-Reliable UHR Link Reconfiguration Response Frame. The Seamless Mobile Domain Basic Services Set (SMD BSS) handover parameter elements carried by the UHR Link Reconfiguration Response Frame include the first Seamless Mobile Domain Basic Services Set (SMD BSS) handover ST information field. The nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field carried in the first ST information field is used as the first field. When the duration indicated by the nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field is 0, it is regarded as indicating that the downlink clearing transmission period is not started.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first frame is a UHR link reconfiguration response frame, and the SMD BSS switching parameter elements carried by the UHR link reconfiguration response frame include the first ST information field; The first ST information field carries a bit map field, and the nominal maximum DL clearing period duration field carried in the bit map field is the first field. When the nominal maximum DL clearing period duration field indicates that the nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field does not exist in the first ST information field, it is regarded as indicating that the downlink clearing transmission period is not started.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Before the first access point sends the first frame to the station, the method further includes: The first access point receives the second frame from the site; The second frame includes a second field, which indicates whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled, and / or indicates the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second field indicates that the reason for not enabling the downlink clear transmission period includes at least one of the following: The site contains uplink data awaiting transmission; The link quality between the site and the source access point where the site performs roaming does not meet the quality requirements; The site and / or the source access point for which the site performs roaming is unavailable.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, After the first access point receives the second frame from the station, the method further includes: When the second field is used to indicate the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period, the first access point performs a first operation corresponding to the reason indicated by the second field.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, If the reason for not enabling the downlink clear transmission period, as indicated by the second field, includes the presence of uplink data to be transmitted at the site, the first operation includes at least one of the following: Instruct the target access point to perform roaming to the site to trigger the site to perform uplink data transmission; or... This triggers the site to transmit upstream data.

8. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that, The second frame is a UHR link reconfiguration request frame, and the SMD BSS handover parameter elements carried by the UHR link reconfiguration request frame include the second ST information field; Wherein, the public information field carried by the second ST information field includes the second field; or, the second ST information field includes the second field.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The presence bitmap field carried in the second ST information field also includes a field for indicating whether the second field exists.

10. A roaming method, characterized in that, include: The station receives the first frame from the first access point; The first access point is the source access point for the site to perform roaming; or the first access point is the target access point for the site to perform roaming. The first frame includes a first field, which is used to indicate whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the first field indicates that the downlink clear transmission period is not enabled, the station disconnects the link with the source access point from which the station is performing roaming after receiving the first frame.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The first frame is an Ultra-Reliable UHR Link Reconfiguration Response Frame. The Seamless Mobile Domain Basic Services Set (SMD BSS) handover parameter elements carried by the UHR Link Reconfiguration Response Frame include the first Seamless Mobile Domain Basic Services Set (SMD BSS) handover ST information field. The nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field carried in the first ST information field is used as the first field. When the duration indicated by the nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field is 0, it is regarded as indicating that the downlink clearing transmission period is not started.

13. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The first frame is a UHR link reconfiguration response frame, and the SMD BSS switching parameter elements carried by the UHR link reconfiguration response frame include the first ST information field; The first ST information field carries a bit map field, and the nominal maximum DL clearing period duration field carried in the bit map field is the first field. When the nominal maximum DL clearing period duration field indicates that the nominal maximum downlink clearing period duration field does not exist in the first ST information field, it is regarded as indicating that the downlink clearing transmission period is not started.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, Before the station receives the first frame from the first access point, the method further includes: The station sends a second frame to the first access point; The second frame includes a second field, which indicates whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled, and / or indicates the reason for enabling or disabling the downlink clear transmission period.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second field indicates that the reason for not enabling the downlink clear transmission period includes at least one of the following: The site contains uplink data awaiting transmission; The link quality between the site and the source access point where the site performs roaming does not meet the quality requirements; The site and / or the source access point for which the site performs roaming is unavailable.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The second frame is a UHR link reconfiguration request frame, and the SMD BSS handover parameter elements carried by the UHR link reconfiguration request frame include the second ST information field; Wherein, the public information field carried by the second ST information field includes the second field; or, the second ST information field includes the second field.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The presence bitmap field carried in the second ST information field also includes a field for indicating whether the second field exists.

18. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: The station sends a third frame to the target access point where the station is performing roaming. The third frame is used to indicate the end of the downlink clear transmission period.

19. A roaming device, wherein the roaming device is a first access point or is disposed in a first access point, characterized in that, include: A sending module is used to send a first frame to the site; the first access point is the source access point from which the site performs roaming. Alternatively, the first access point may be the target access point for the site to perform roaming; The first frame includes a first field, which is used to indicate whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled.

20. A roaming device, wherein the roaming device is a station or is installed in a station, characterized in that, include: The receiving module is used to receive the first frame from the first access point; The first access point is the source access point from which the site performs roaming; Or the first access point is the target access point for the site to perform roaming; The first frame includes a first field, which is used to indicate whether the downlink clear transmission period is enabled.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions that can run on the processor, the program or instructions being executed by the processor to implement the roaming method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or to implement the roaming method according to any one of claims 10 to 18.

22. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The readable storage medium stores a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the roaming method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or implement the roaming method according to any one of claims 10 to 18.

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