Device, computer program and method for a wireless network

The two-step band steering method optimizes wireless network connections by switching clients between frequency bands, addressing the issue of 'stick clients' and ensuring high-quality connections.

DE102022119093B4Active Publication Date: 2026-03-12BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-07-29
Publication Date
2026-03-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing wireless networks struggle with 'stick clients' that remain connected to suboptimal access points, leading to reduced data transfer rates and data loss due to deteriorating signal quality.

Method used

A two-step band steering method is employed to switch clients between different frequency bands, optimizing connections by terminating and re-establishing links based on signal strength and quality, using existing band steering concepts.

Benefits of technology

Improves connection quality by ensuring clients connect to the access point offering the best signal, minimizing interruptions and maintaining preferred frequency bands.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A method (100) for a wireless network with multiple access points (221, 222, 223) and for controlling a connection of the wireless network with a client (210), the method (100) comprising: Establishing (110) a first connection (231) between the client (210) and a first access point (221), wherein the first connection (231) uses a first frequency band; Causing (120) the client (210) to terminate the first connection (231) and to establish a second connection (232) between the client (210) and a second access point (222), wherein the second connection (232) uses a second frequency band; and Causing (130) the client (210) to terminate the second connection (232) and to establish a third connection (233) between the client (210) and a third access point (223) based on a signal strength and / or signal quality of the third connection (233), wherein the third connection (233) uses the first frequency band.
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Description

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a device, a computer program, and a method for a wireless network. In particular, exemplary embodiments relate to a concept for controlling a client's connection to a wireless network with multiple access points.

[0002] Wireless networks play a crucial role, particularly in telecommunications applications. These networks can have multiple access points, such as gateways, access points, or hotspots, through which a client (e.g., a terminal device) can connect. In practice, clients connect to the access point that offers the strongest signal. However, the signal strength and / or quality of the connected access point can then deteriorate, sometimes to the point where the connection quality is no longer sufficient for the intended applications. Clients then tend to remain connected to the original access point. This phenomenon is also known as "stick clients." This can lead to reduced data transfer rates or data loss.

[0003] Documents US 2016 / 0 309 408 A1, US 2021 / 0 289 506 A1 and US 2015 / 0 312 131 A1 describe further technical details of wireless networks.

[0004] There is therefore a need to provide an improved concept for controlling a client's connection to a wireless network with multiple access points. The subject matter of the accompanying claims addresses this need.

[0005] The following examples are based on the understanding that clients can be induced to switch connections to optimize or improve a connection to a wireless network with multiple access points using band steering. To maintain a preferred or desired frequency band for the connection, it is proposed to perform band steering multiple times. Specifically, a two-step process is proposed for switching between a desired and any alternative frequency band, which can also be understood as "bidirectional band steering." In scenarios where the connection to the first access point is insufficient and / or worse than one or more available / potential connections to other access points, this can improve the connection to the wireless network. In particular, the approach proposed here can counteract the aforementioned phenomenon of "stick clients."

[0006] Exemplary embodiments provide a method for a wireless network with multiple access points and for controlling a connection between the wireless network and a client. The method includes establishing a first connection, using a first frequency band, between the client and a first access point. The method also includes causing the client to terminate the first connection and establish a second connection between the client and a second access point, using a second frequency band. Furthermore, the method includes causing the client to terminate the second connection and establish a third connection between the client and a third access point based on the signal strength and / or signal quality of the third connection, which uses the first frequency band.In practice, the client can be configured to select an access point offering sufficient and / or the highest signal strength and / or signal quality when establishing a connection to the wireless network. By prompting the client to switch connections or establish a third connection, an improvement or optimization of the connection between the client and the wireless network can be achieved.

[0007] Causing the client to drop the first connection and establish a second can involve the wireless network blocking the first frequency band. Similarly, causing the client to drop the second connection and establish a third can involve the wireless network blocking the second frequency band and releasing the blocked first frequency band. This can force band-steering-enabled clients to re-establish the connection to ensure improved or optimized connectivity.

[0008] In practice, inducing the client to terminate the first connection and establish the second, and vice versa, can be achieved using band steering. This allows, for example, the use of existing band steering concepts for switching between the first and second frequency bands.

[0009] A person skilled in the art who benefits from the present disclosure will appreciate that the proposed procedure for improving or optimizing the connection can be coordinated in time so that the improvement or optimization can be carried out at or after particularly useful (plannable) times and / or events (“event-based”).

[0010] Optionally, the procedure also includes receiving information about at least one event in the wireless network environment. Accordingly, the client can be instructed to terminate the first connection and establish a second connection, and then terminate the second connection and establish a third connection based on this event information. This can prevent further (procedural) connection interruptions when improvement or optimization is less beneficial.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the improvement or optimization can be time-based. This involves instructing the client to terminate the first connection and establish the second, and then to terminate the second and establish the third at a predetermined time. This avoids further (procedural) connection interruptions at times when the improvement or optimization is less beneficial.

[0012] Optionally, the client can be instructed to terminate the first connection and establish a second connection, as well as to terminate the second connection and establish a third connection, on a recurring basis at regular intervals. This allows for the improvement or optimization of the connection according to a desired frequency.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, improvement or optimization can be performed on an as-needed basis, for example, if the signal quality and / or signal strength of the first connection is insufficient (for a desired application). The procedure for this can include obtaining information about the signal quality and / or signal strength of the first connection and instructing the client to terminate the first connection and establish a second connection, as well as instructing the client to terminate the second connection and establish a third connection based on this information. This can prevent further (procedural) connection interruptions in cases where the first connection already has sufficient signal quality and / or signal strength.

[0014] In practice, the first and second frequency bands can each correspond to any different frequency bands available for band steering.

[0015] Further embodiments create computer programs comprising commands which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause it to carry out the procedure proposed herein.

[0016] Other embodiments provide a device for a wireless network with multiple access points and for controlling a connection of the wireless network with a client. The device includes one or more interfaces for communication and a data processing circuit which is configured to perform the method proposed herein using the one or more interfaces.

[0017] Examples of implementation are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1 a flowchart for the schematic representation of an embodiment of a method for a wireless network with multiple access points and for controlling a connection of the wireless network with a client; Fig. 2. schematically illustrates an application of the proposed method; and Fig. 3 A block diagram for the schematic representation of an embodiment of a device for a wireless network with multiple access points and for controlling a connection of the wireless network with a client.

[0018] Several embodiments are now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some of these embodiments are illustrated. For the sake of clarity, the thickness dimensions of lines, layers, and / or regions may be exaggerated in the figures.

[0019] According to existing concepts, a wireless network is unable to induce stick clients connected to a less-than-ideal access point to optimize their connection quality. Therefore, addressing this problem can be seen as one of the objectives of the present disclosure.

[0020] The concept proposed here is based on the understanding that a client can be induced to optimize or improve its connection to a wireless network with multiple access points through two-stage band steering. The first application of band steering causes the client to disconnect from its current connection to a (suboptimal) access point ("hotspot") operating on a specific desired frequency band and connect to any access point (different or the same) using the opposite frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). The second application of band steering then causes the client to leave the current access point and establish a connection to any access point using the desired frequency band.The underlying expectation is that the client will then connect to the access point offering the best signal in order to improve or optimize the connection.

[0021] The following are examples of a method for implementing the approach described herein for improving or optimizing a connection between a client and a wireless network with multiple access points, described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] The Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a flowchart for the schematic representation of an embodiment of a method 100 for a wireless network with multiple access points and for controlling a connection of the wireless network with a client.

[0023] In the context of this disclosure, the term "wireless network" can be understood to mean any wireless local area network (WLAN) with multiple access points. In the context of this disclosure, the wireless network can also be referred to as "WiFi." The wireless network can, in particular, be configured according to a standard of the IEEE 802.11 family. The (wireless) access points, also referred to as "APs," "hotspots," or "base stations," can be any wireless interface for the client. In practice, these include, for example, a router or other wireless interface of the wireless network. As a person skilled in the art will understand, the term "client" can be understood to mean any device that is configured to connect wirelessly to the wireless network. In practice, the client includes, for example, a mobile phone, a computer, a tablet, a smartwatch, or the like.

[0024] As shown in the flowchart Fig. As can be seen from section 1, the procedure 100 comprises establishing 110 an initial connection between the client and an initial access point of the wireless network (if the initial connection does not already exist). Establishing 110 includes, for example, exchanging appropriate signals and / or messages to establish 110 the initial connection.

[0025] This can be achieved by establishing a connection according to the IEEE 802.11 standard. The client sends a "Probe Request" to the first access point, containing information about a "Service Set Identifier (SSID)" and supported transmission speeds. The first access point then evaluates the information sent to it and checks whether it can meet the parameters requested by the client, as specified in the Probe Request, and responds with a "Probe Response." The Probe Response contains information such as the SSID, supported transmission speeds, country, permitted channels, permitted transmission power, and supported encryption. Based on the Probe Response, the client can determine the connection quality offered by the first access point.In practice, the client can determine the connection quality, for example, based on the signal strength of the probe response. In wireless networks with multiple access points, the client can thus determine the connection quality of several access points and select the one that provides sufficient or the highest connection quality to connect to the wireless network. In the scenario described here, for example, the first access point provides the highest connection quality, so the client selects the first access point to connect to the wireless network. To establish the initial connection, the client and the first access point can also exchange an authentication request and a subsequent authentication response, as well as a corresponding association request.In some applications, after the initial connection is established, the connection quality may deteriorate and / or the connection quality provided by other access points on the wireless network may improve. In practice, this occurs, for example, when the client changes its position relative to the access point and / or interference occurs, affecting the established connection. This can cause the connection quality to decrease to such an extent that it becomes lower than the connection quality offered by one or more other access points on the wireless network. Despite the lower connection quality, the client may still maintain the established connection. This phenomenon, as mentioned above, is known as "stick client." The client then "sticks" to a suboptimal access point.This prevents the client from connecting to an access point that offers higher connection quality. In certain use cases, this can even lead to a desired application failing to run and / or data loss.

[0026] The procedure therefore prompts the client to change the frequency band used and thus to change the connection to the wireless network. For this purpose, procedure 100 involves prompting the client to terminate the first connection and establish a second connection between the client and a second access point, which uses a second frequency band. The client is thus prompted to terminate the first connection, which uses the first frequency band, and establish the second connection, which uses the second frequency band. For this, the wireless network, for example, sends an instruction or recommendation to the client via the first connection, prompting the client to establish a connection to the wireless network that uses a different frequency band than the first.As a result, the client may terminate the first connection and select a preferred access point, for example, the second access point, for the second connection. The client can choose any or a predefined frequency band for the second connection.

[0027] Thus, the wireless network can actively ensure that the client terminates a suboptimal and / or insufficiently good connection to the wireless network. In certain use cases, however, it may be desirable for the client to use a specific frequency band, for example, the first frequency band, for the connection to the wireless network. According to an idea of ​​the present disclosure, the client can therefore be prompted to switch to a connection that uses the desired (first) frequency band.

[0028] For this purpose, procedure 100 further provides for inducing the client 130 to terminate the second connection and establish a third connection between the client and a third access point based on the signal strength and / or signal quality of the third connection, which uses the first frequency band. As with the switch from the first to the second connection, the wireless network can send a corresponding instruction or recommendation to the client, whereupon the client terminates the second connection and again selects a preferred (third) access point for the third connection, which (again) uses the first frequency band. In this way, it can be ensured that the client connects to an access point that is more favorable for connecting to the wireless network, for example, one that provides higher signal strength and / or signal quality.This allows the connection quality between the client and the wireless network to be improved or ideally optimized.

[0029] During the process of switching connections, the client can connect to different access points of the wireless network. In application examples, procedure 100 results in the client disconnecting from the first access point and establishing a more favorable / better or best possible connection to the wireless network with a different access point. The third access point can therefore be different from the first.

[0030] If the first access point already offers the highest connection quality or signal strength, the client can reconnect to the first access point when establishing the third connection based on signal strength or quality. The third access point can therefore also be the same as the first.

[0031] In practice, one or more access points of a wireless network provide multiple frequency bands for communication with the client. Available (WLAN) routers, for example, offer the client the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band. Therefore, an expert will understand that at least two of the access points (first, second, and third access point) can be different or the same access points.

[0032] As mentioned above, certain applications may require the use of a specific frequency band for the connection between the client and the wireless network. As an expert will understand, due to specific application requirements and / or band-specific characteristics, it might be desirable to use, for example, the 5 GHz band (instead of another available frequency band, such as the 2.4 GHz band). Accordingly, the first connection uses the 5 GHz band. By switching to the second connection, a less preferred frequency band, such as the 2.4 GHz band, may be used temporarily. However, through one or more further connection changes, the client returns to a connection using the desired (first) frequency band, in this case, the 5 GHz band, to benefit from the preferred band-specific characteristics.The proposed method 100 therefore allows not only the improvement or optimization of the connection between the client and the wireless network, but also, compared to, for example, a simple change of the frequency band (e.g., simple / one-time band steering), the continued use of a specific or preferred frequency band after the optimization / improvement.

[0033] The person skilled in the art, who is familiar with the present disclosure, will appreciate that the proposed method is not merely limited to the frequency bands mentioned above, but is generally applicable to all frequency bands.

[0034] As a person skilled in the art will understand, band steering can, for example, be used to induce the client to switch connections as required. In this respect, the first and second frequency bands can each comprise or be different frequency bands available for band steering ("bandsteerable frequency bands"). Examples of these include...

[0035] In practice, the client can follow the above instruction or recommendation, or refuse or ignore it. To ensure that the client still switches to the second connection as required, the wireless network may block the first frequency band for the client, causing it to terminate the first connection and establish the second connection over the second frequency band. Similarly, the wireless network may block the second frequency band and (re)release the first frequency band to cause the client to terminate the second connection and establish the third connection.

[0036] The person skilled in the art, who is familiar with the present disclosure, will appreciate that the present method 100 can be applied to multiple clients and / or any number of access points. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also appreciate that the method 100 can generally provide for more than two connection changes. In practice, however, it will be preferable not to change the connection more than twice in order to keep the number of connection interruptions low or to avoid further connection interruptions altogether.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the method 100 described herein can be repeated multiple times or any number of times. In certain applications, it may also be necessary to ensure, at regular intervals, that the client is using a better or optimal connection to the wireless network. Accordingly, method 100 may provide that the client is repeatedly prompted, at regular intervals, to terminate the first connection and establish a second connection, and then to terminate the second connection and establish a third connection.

[0038] The embodiments of the present disclosure are based in particular on the understanding that there may be particularly favorable and / or less favorable moments / opportunities for optimizing or improving the connection quality. In practice, for example, it may be particularly advantageous to optimize or improve the connection quality according to the proposed method only when no or fewer changes in the connection quality of the initial connection are expected. This is regularly the case, for example, when the client is not moving or is moving less than usual relative to access points of the wireless network, as will be explained in more detail later.

[0039] In many use cases, such moments / opportunities can be anticipated or predicted. Accordingly, switching between the first, second, and / or third connection at such moments / opportunities can be time-based or controlled.

[0040] Procedure 100 can therefore provide that the client is instructed (120) to terminate the first connection and establish the second connection, and / or that the client is instructed (130) to terminate the second connection and establish the third connection, at a predetermined time. Additionally, relevant information about the predetermined time can be collected.

[0041] Further embodiments are based on the understanding that favorable moments / opportunities for optimizing or improving the connection between the client and the wireless network may be linked to one or more specific events. Accordingly, Method 100 can provide for event-based control of the connection switches. For this purpose, information about at least one event in the wireless network environment can be included, and the client can be instructed to terminate the first connection and establish the second based on this information. Optionally, the client can also be instructed to terminate the second connection and establish the third connection based on the information about the event. As mentioned above, it may be particularly advantageous to switch connections when the client's relative position to access points is no longer changing significantly.Accordingly, in some use cases, the event can correspond to an event indicating that the client is no longer changing its relative position, or is changing it less significantly. The information about the event specifies, for example, whether the event is still to occur, is taking place, or has already occurred. Optionally, the information can specify when the event will occur. In some use cases, multiple such events are conceivable. Therefore, the aforementioned information about at least one event can also encompass corresponding information about several events.

[0042] Additionally or alternatively, Procedure 100 provides for the demand-based control or improvement / optimization of the connection. For example, Procedure 100 stipulates that the connection between the client and the wireless network is optimized / improved according to the procedure only when a corresponding need exists. Such a need exists, for example, if the (initial) connection is insufficiently good and / or a better connection to the wireless network is available for the client.

[0043] In practice, the connection is only optimized or improved according to the procedure if the initial connection is insufficiently good. Accordingly, the procedure may provide for switching the connection based on information indicating the quality of the initial connection. The quality of the initial connection is, for example, derived or determined based on its signal quality and / or signal strength. Thus, procedure 100, for instance, provides for the acquisition of information about the signal quality and / or signal strength of the initial connection, and the client is then instructed, based on this information, to terminate the initial connection and establish a second connection, and subsequently to terminate the second connection and establish a third connection.To obtain information about signal quality and / or signal strength, the client can measure the quality and / or strength of signals from the first access point and transmit the corresponding information to the wireless network.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the wireless network can check the connection quality of the first connection itself, e.g. based on signals from the client, and, if necessary, take appropriate steps to improve or optimize the connection with the client if the connection quality appears or is insufficient.

[0045] Furthermore, it can be checked whether the connection between the client and the wireless network can be improved or optimized. For this purpose, information can be obtained from the wireless network about whether access points other than the first access point offer the client better connection quality. The connection is then switched to a different access point for improvement or optimization only if the information indicates that one or more other access points offer the client better connection quality. To this end, the client can determine the signal strength and / or signal quality of other access points and transmit this information to the wireless network, for example, the first access point, for necessary connection control.

[0046] The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the proposed method 100 can be specifically applied to optimize or improve the connection of one or more particular clients. In practice, for example, targeted (“client-specific”) band steering can induce one or more specific clients to perform the connection changes as required by the procedure. This has the advantage that other clients and their connections to the wireless network remain unaffected by the optimization or improvement of the connection of the specific clients. In application examples, the procedure can, for instance, be applied only to those clients with an insufficiently good connection to the wireless network, based on information about the signal quality and / or signal strength.

[0047] To explain the proposed approach in more detail, an embodiment of the proposed method 100 is described below with regard to Fig. 2 explained using an exemplary application example.

[0048] Fig. Figure 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary use case of the proposed method 100 for improving a connection between a client 210 and a wireless network with a first access point 221, a second access point 222, and a third access point 223. In this use case, the client 210 is, for example, a mobile phone. The access points 221, 222, and 223 are, for example, different routers of the wireless network.

[0049] According to the present use case, among routers 221, 222, and 223, for example, the first router 221 initially offers the mobile phone 210 the best connection quality, in particular the highest signal strength and / or signal quality. Accordingly, the mobile phone 210 initially connects to the wireless network via a first connection 231 to the first router 221. Subsequently, the mobile phone 210, or a user carrying the mobile phone 210, may move away from the first router 221 and approach the third router 223. During this movement, the signal strength and / or signal quality of the signals from the first router 221 to the mobile phone 210 may deteriorate, while the signal strength of the third router 223 may improve. The signal strength and / or signal quality may change in such a way that the third router 223 provides a higher or the highest signal strength / signal quality to the mobile phone 210 compared to the first router 221.In this case, the connection quality between the mobile phone 210 and the wireless network can be improved or optimized by switching to a connection with the third router 223.

[0050] As explained above, the present disclosure therefore proposes initiating a corresponding connection switch by repeatedly applying band steering. In the present use case, for example, routers 221, 222, and 223 provide the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band for communication with mobile phone 210. Band steering can thus provide for a switch between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

[0051] In this case, the wireless network or mobile phone 210 prefers, for example, the 5 GHz band for a desired application. Accordingly, the mobile phone 210 uses, for example, the 5 GHz band for the first connection.

[0052] One initial application of band steering, for example, is that the mobile phone 210 switches from the 5 GHz band to the 2.4 GHz band to connect to the wireless network.

[0053] Through the first application of band steering, the mobile phone 210 terminates the first connection 231, which uses the 5 GHz band, and establishes a second connection 232, which uses the 2.4 GHz band, with the second router 222. Due to the less favorable frequency-band-specific characteristics compared to the 5 GHz band, the mobile phone 210 may initially enter a suboptimal connection state as a result of the first band steering. Therefore, the approach disclosed here provides for a further application of band steering to switch to the preferred 5 GHz band.

[0054] The further application of band steering involves the mobile phone 210 switching back to a connection that uses the preferred 5 GHz band. To do this, the mobile phone 210 checks, for example, which of the routers in the wireless network provides the 5 GHz band and offers the best signal quality and / or signal strength in the 5 GHz band, and selects this router. In this example, for instance, the third router 223 offers the highest signal strength and / or signal quality, which is why the mobile phone 210 establishes a third connection 233 to the third router 223, which uses the 5 GHz band.

[0055] As mentioned above, the third router, 223, may offer better connection quality than the first router, 221. Therefore, the described application of band steering improves, and ideally even optimizes, the connection quality. In some cases, this approach can be particularly useful for prompting "stick clients" to reconnect to the wireless network for better connection quality.

[0056] As experts will understand, wireless networks can be used in various environments. In practice, wireless networks with multiple access points can be used, for example, in buildings, especially office environments or public buildings, or in vehicles or aircraft. In such cases, it may be desirable to implement the proposed procedure for several or all clients in the vicinity (e.g., within range) of the wireless network.

[0057] As experts understand, it can be particularly advantageous in such environments to carry out the described procedure at foreseeable and especially favorable moments. For example, in application scenarios where the wireless network is installed in an environment with several people carrying clients connected to the wireless network, it is particularly beneficial to perform the procedural improvement or optimization of the connection when the people are moving around no more or less than usual.For applications in aircraft or office environments, for example, it is particularly advantageous if the improvement or optimization is carried out when the people have taken their seats; for aircraft applications, for example, as soon as or while the seatbelt requirement applies to the people on the aircraft; for office applications, for example, as soon as or while the attendance requirement applies to the people working in the office environment.

[0058] The person skilled in the art will appreciate that applications of the method 100 proposed herein are not limited to the applications described, but that any other application of the proposed method is also conceivable in general.

[0059] Exemplary embodiments of the proposed concept or method 100 can also be implemented as a device, as shown below with regard to Fig. 3 will be explained in more detail.

[0060] Fig. Figure 3 shows a block diagram schematically illustrating an embodiment of a device 300 for a wireless network with multiple access points and for controlling a connection of the wireless network with a client. The device 300 comprises one or more interfaces 310 for communication and a data processing circuit 320, which is configured to execute the method proposed herein using the one or more interfaces.

[0061] The one or more interfaces 310 can, for example, correspond to one or more inputs and / or one or more outputs for receiving and / or transmitting information, such as digital bit values ​​based on a code, within a module, between modules, or between modules of different entities. These interfaces are configured, for example, to communicate with other network components via a (radio) network or a local area network.

[0062] In exemplary embodiments, the data processing circuit 320 can correspond to any controller or processor, or to a programmable hardware component. For example, the data processing circuit 320 can also be implemented as software programmed for a corresponding hardware component. In this respect, the data processing circuit 320 can be implemented as programmable hardware with appropriately adapted software. Any processor, such as digital signal processors (DSPs), can be used. These exemplary embodiments are not limited to a specific type of processor. Any processor, or even multiple processors, are conceivable for implementing the data processing circuit 320.

[0063] As a person skilled in the art, familiar with the present disclosure, will understand, the described method 100 can be carried out by any component of the wireless network configured to control the connection of the wireless network according to the method. The device 300, for example, can be implemented as a component in a wireless network. In particular, the device 300 can be implemented in one or more access points of the wireless network.

[0064] In general, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a program, firmware, computer program, or computer program product with program code or as data, wherein the program code or data is / are effective in carrying out one of the methods when the program runs on a processor or a programmable hardware component. The program code or data can, for example, also be stored on a machine-readable medium or data carrier. The program code or data can be in the form of source code, machine code, bytecode, or other intermediate code, among others.

[0065] The embodiments described above merely illustrate the principles of the present invention. It is understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be obvious to other people skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of protection set forth in the following claims and not by the specific details presented herein by way of description and explanation of the embodiments. Reference symbol list 100 methods for a wireless network 110 Establishing an initial connection 120 Causing the client to terminate the first connection and establish a second connection 130 Causing the client to terminate the second connection and establish a third connection 210 Client / Mobile phone 221 first access point / router 222 second access point / router 223 third access point / router 231 first connection 232 second connection 233 third connection 300 device 310 one or more interfaces 320 Data processing circuit

Claims

[1] A method (100) for a wireless network with multiple access points (221, 222, 223) and for controlling a connection of the wireless network with a client (210), the method (100) comprising: Establishing (110) a first connection (231) between the client (210) and a first access point (221), wherein the first connection (231) uses a first frequency band; Causing (120) the client (210) to terminate the first connection (231) and to establish a second connection (232) between the client (210) and a second access point (222), wherein the second connection (232) uses a second frequency band; and Causing (130) the client (210) to terminate the second connection (232) and to establish a third connection (233) between the client (210) and a third access point (223) based on a signal strength and / or signal quality of the third connection (233), wherein the third connection (233) uses the first frequency band. [2] The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein causing (120) the client (210) to terminate the first connection (231) and establish the second connection (232) comprises blocking the first frequency band (231) by the wireless network, and wherein causing (130) the client to terminate the second connection (232) and establish the third connection (233) comprises blocking the second frequency band and releasing the blocked first frequency band by the wireless network. [3] The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein causing (120) the client to terminate the first connection (231) and to establish the second connection (232) and causing (130) the client to terminate the second connection (232) and to establish the third connection (233) is done using band steering. [4] The method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (100) further comprises obtaining information about at least one event in a wireless network environment, and wherein causing (120) the client to terminate the first connection and establish the second connection (232) and causing (130) the client (210) to terminate the second connection (232) and establish the third connection (233) is based on the information about the event. [5] The method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein causing (120) the client (210) to terminate the first connection (231) and to establish the second connection (232) and causing the client (210) to terminate the second connection (232) and to establish the third connection (233) takes place at a predetermined time. [6] The method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein causing (120) the client (210) to terminate the first connection (231) and to establish the second connection (232) and causing (130) the client (210) to terminate the second connection (232) and to establish the third connection (233) is carried out repeatedly at regular time intervals. [7] The method (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method (100) comprises obtaining information about the signal quality and / or signal strength of the first connection (231), and wherein causing (120) the client to terminate the first connection (231) and to establish the second connection, as well as causing (130) the client (210) to terminate the second connection (232) and to establish the third connection (233), is based on the information about the signal quality and / or signal strength. [8] The method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second frequency band each correspond to different frequency bands available for band steering. [9] Computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause it to execute the method (100) according to any of the preceding claims. [10] A device (300) for a wireless network with multiple access points (221, 222, 223) and for controlling a connection of the wireless network with a client (210), the device (300) comprising: one or more interfaces (310) for communication; and a data processing circuit (320) which is configured to execute the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 using one or more interfaces (310).

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