Network configuration method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of communications. Disclosed are a network configuration method and a communication apparatus, capable of reducing the network configuration difficulty of IOT devices in a WLAN, improving the network configuration experience of users for the IOT devices in the WLAN. According to the present application, a radar perception mode can be additionally added to an STA in a WLAN scenario, and if the STA perceives by means of a radar signal that a target object satisfying a condition is present around the STA, the STA can enter a network configuration state, and sends a network configuration request when receiving network configuration information.

Description

Network distribution method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on September 8, 2023, with application number 202311163064.9 and application name “A distribution network method and communication device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a network distribution method and a communication device. Background Art

[0003] The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network formed by combining various information sensing devices, such as radio frequency identification devices, infrared sensors, global positioning systems, laser scanners, and other devices, with the Internet. Its goal is to connect all objects to the network for easy identification and management.

[0004] Currently, in the scenario of applying wireless local area networks (WLAN) to IoT, there are more and more IoT devices, and these IoT devices all have the need for network configuration. For example, in the scenario where WLAN is Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity), the network configuration requirement is for the IoT device to connect to the router in the Wi-Fi. However, because the IoT device does not know when the user wants to start network configuration, additional user operations are often required to enable the IoT device to enter the network configuration process. For example, the user is required to use the "network configuration button" on the IoT device to trigger the IoT device to enter the network configuration process, which provides a poor user experience.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a network configuration method and a communication device, which can reduce the difficulty of configuring IoT devices in a WLAN and improve the user's network configuration experience of IoT devices in a WLAN.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions.

[0008] In a first aspect, a network configuration method is provided, the method comprising: sending a radar signal; receiving an echo signal of the radar signal, the echo signal being used to sense whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around a station STA in a wireless local area network; when the presence of a target object that meets the conditions around the STA is sensed according to the echo signal, receiving network configuration information of an access point AP in the wireless local area network; and sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP, the network configuration request being used by the STA to request to establish a connection with the AP.

[0009] This application can be executed by a STA in a WLAN. If the WLAN is used in the IoT, the STA can be an IoT device. If the WLAN is WiFi, the network configuration information and network configuration request can include the WiFi name and WiFi password. The target object can be a person.

[0010] When WLAN is applied in IoT, compared with the existing technology, the user needs to participate in the operation to trigger the IoT device to enter the network configuration state, and the network configuration process is relatively complicated. In this application, the IoT device can use the radar sensing mode to determine whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around the IoT device. Once it is determined that there is a first target object that meets the conditions around the IoT device, the network configuration information can be received, which is equivalent to the IoT device receiving the network configuration information after entering the network configuration state. In this way, the IoT device can send a network configuration request to the AP after receiving the network configuration information. This application does not require the user to participate in the operation to trigger the IoT device to enter the network configuration state. The network configuration process is relatively simple, which improves the user experience.

[0011] The following example uses STA as an IoT device.

[0012] In one possible design, the condition includes: the target object is within a first preset distance range of the STA; or, the condition includes: the duration of the target object's presence within the first preset distance range of the STA is greater than or equal to a first preset duration.

[0013] That is, if the IoT device determines based on the echo signal that the first target object is within the first preset distance range of the IoT device, or in other words, if the IoT device determines based on the echo signal that the first target object exists within the first preset distance range of the IoT device, the IoT device may enter the network configuration state to receive network configuration information. Alternatively, if the IoT device determines based on the echo signal that the first target object exists within the first preset distance range of the IoT device for a duration greater than or equal to the first preset duration, or in other words, if the IoT device determines based on the echo signal that the first target object exists within the first preset distance range of the IoT device for a duration of the first preset duration, the IoT device may enter the network configuration state to receive network configuration information. In this way, there is no need for the user to participate in triggering the IoT device to enter the network configuration state, the network configuration process is relatively simple, and the user experience is improved.

[0014] In one possible design, receiving network configuration information includes: when the STA turns on the promiscuous mode and cyclically scans the channel, receiving the network configuration information sent by the terminal device through broadcast or multicast, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP includes: when the promiscuous mode is turned off, sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP.

[0015] This design allows for one-click network configuration. Once the IoT device detects the presence of a qualifying target object through radar sensing, it enters network configuration—promiscuous mode—and cyclically scans channels. If the IoT device receives network configuration information during this cyclical channel scan, it can proceed with network configuration after exiting promiscuous mode. This one-click configuration method eliminates the need for user interaction to trigger the IoT device into promiscuous mode, simplifying the configuration process and improving the user experience.

[0016] In one possible design, receiving network configuration information includes: when the STA turns on the hotspot and the terminal device is connected to the hotspot, receiving the network configuration information sent by the terminal device, and the terminal device is connected to the AP before connecting to the hotspot; sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP includes: when the hotspot is turned off, sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP.

[0017] The network configuration method in this design is called hotspot configuration. Once the IoT device determines the presence of a qualified first target object through radar sensing, it enters the network configuration state, activating the IoT device's hotspot. If a terminal device with a third-party IoT device app installed connects to the hotspot after the hotspot is activated, the IoT device will receive the network configuration information sent by the terminal device. The IoT device can then disable the hotspot and resume network configuration. This hotspot configuration method eliminates the need for user interaction to trigger the IoT device to activate the hotspot, simplifying the configuration process and improving the user experience.

[0018] In one possible design, receiving network configuration information includes: when the STA turns on low-power Bluetooth and the terminal device establishes a Bluetooth connection with the STA, receiving the network configuration information sent by the terminal device, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP includes: when the low-power Bluetooth is turned off, sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP.

[0019] The network configuration method in this design is called BLE network configuration. Once the IoT device determines the presence of a qualified first target object through radar sensing mode, it enters the network configuration state, turning on the IoT device's BLE. After BLE is turned on, a terminal device with a third-party app installed on the IoT device establishes a Bluetooth connection with the IoT device. The IoT device receives the network configuration information sent by the terminal device, and the IoT device can then turn off BLE before continuing with network configuration. This BLE network configuration method eliminates the need for user interaction to trigger the IoT device to turn on BLE, simplifying the network configuration process and improving the user experience.

[0020] In one possible design, the method further includes: in the case where the network configuration information is not received, when the presence of a target object within a second preset distance range of the STA is continuously sensed within a second preset time period, monitoring whether the network configuration information is received.

[0021] For example, if an IoT device senses the presence of a target object that meets the conditions and enters a network configuration state, such as entering promiscuous mode / turning on a hotspot / BLE, if it has not received network configuration information from a terminal device with a third-party APP installed on the IoT device for a period of time, the IoT device may continue to send radar signals and receive echo radar signals to determine whether it continuously senses the presence of a target object within the second preset distance range of the STA within a second preset time period. If it continuously senses the presence of a first target object within the second preset distance range of the STA within the second preset time period, the IoT device may continue to monitor whether network configuration information is received. If it continuously senses the absence of a target object within the second preset distance range of the STA within the second preset time period, the IoT device may exit the network configuration state, such as exiting promiscuous mode / turning off the hotspot / BLE, to save power consumption of the IoT device.

[0022] In a second aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a first channel for sending a radar signal through a first antenna; a second channel for receiving an echo signal of the radar signal through a second antenna, the echo signal being used to sense whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around a station STA of a wireless local area network; the first channel or the second channel is also used to receive network configuration information of an access point AP in the wireless local area network through the first antenna when, according to the echo signal, it is sensed that there is a first target object that meets the conditions around the STA; the first channel is also used to send a network configuration request to the AP through the first antenna according to the network configuration information, and the network configuration request is used for the STA to request to establish a connection with the AP.

[0023] In one possible design, the condition includes: the target object is within a first preset distance range of the STA; or the condition includes: the duration of the target object's presence within the first preset distance range of the STA is greater than or equal to a first preset duration.

[0024] In one possible design, the first channel or the second channel is used to receive the network configuration information sent by the terminal device through broadcast or multicast through the first antenna when the STA turns on the promiscuous mode and cyclically scans the channels, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; the first channel is used to: when the promiscuous mode is turned off, send a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP through the first antenna.

[0025] In one possible design, the first channel or the second channel is used to: when the STA turns on the hotspot and the terminal device is connected to the hotspot, the network configuration information sent by the terminal device is received through the first antenna, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; the first channel is used to: when the hotspot is turned off, send a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP through the first antenna.

[0026] In one possible design, the first channel or the second channel is used to: when the STA turns on low-power Bluetooth and the terminal device establishes a Bluetooth connection with the STA, receive the network configuration information sent by the terminal device through the first antenna, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; the first channel is used to: when the low-power Bluetooth is turned off, send a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP through the first antenna.

[0027] In one possible design, the first channel or the second channel is also used to: when no network configuration information is received, when the presence of a target object is continuously sensed within a second preset distance range of the STA within a second preset time period, monitor whether the network configuration information is received.

[0028] In a third aspect, a chip is provided, which is coupled to a memory and is used to read and execute program instructions stored in the memory to implement the method described in the first aspect or any one of the first aspects.

[0029] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which is included in an electronic device and has the function of implementing the electronic device behavior in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation methods. This function can be implemented through hardware or through hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. For example, a receiving module or unit, a sending module or unit, etc.

[0030] In a fifth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide an electronic device comprising an antenna, one or more processors, and one or more memories. The one or more memories are coupled to the one or more processors, and the one or more memories are configured to store computer program code. The computer program code comprises computer instructions. When the one or more processors execute the computer instructions, the electronic device executes the network configuration method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0031] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the network configuration method in the first aspect and any possible implementation method described above.

[0032] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product. When the computer program product runs on a communication device, it enables the communication device to execute the network configuration method in the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible implementation method.

[0033] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a system, which may include an STA in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects, and also includes an access point and a terminal device. The STA may execute the network configuration method in the first aspect and any possible implementation.

[0034] It is understandable that any of the communication devices, STAs, chips, computer-readable storage media, or computer program products provided above can be applied to the corresponding methods provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here.

[0035] These and other aspects of the present application will become more readily apparent from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for configuring a network for IoT devices when a WLAN communication system is applied to IoT, according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a one-touch network configuration process for an IoT device in a WLAN communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a process for performing device hotspot network configuration on an IoT device in a WLAN communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a process for performing BLE network configuration on an IoT device in a WLAN communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG5 is a flow chart of a network distribution method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a process for an IoT device in a WLAN to enter a network configuration process according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first chip and a second chip provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means or, for example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist, for example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present application, "multiple" refers to two or more than two.

[0048] In the following, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0049] An embodiment of the present application provides a wireless local area network (WLNA) communication system, including an access point (AP) and a station (STA).

[0050] The AP may be a wireless hub or router for providing wireless network access services, and may serve as an access point for STAs to access the wired Ethernet backbone.

[0051] A STA is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. For example, a STA can be a terminal device, user equipment (UE), a mobile station, a mobile terminal, etc. STA can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearable, smart transportation, smart city, etc. A STA can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable device, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, ship, robot, robotic arm, smart home device, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form used by STA.

[0052] Currently, WLAN communication systems can be applied in the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT, also known as the sensor network, simply means the extension of the internet from people to objects. Specifically, the IoT refers to a vast network formed by integrating various information sensing devices, such as radio frequency identification devices, infrared sensors, global positioning systems, laser scanners, and other devices, with the internet. Its goal is to connect all objects to the network for easier identification and management.

[0053] When a WLAN communication system is applied in the IoT, the above-mentioned STA can also be referred to as an IoT device. As the number of IoT devices in the WLAN communication system increases, these IoT devices all require network configuration. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a network architecture 10 for configuring a network for IoT devices when the WLAN communication system is applied in the IoT. The network architecture includes an AP 101 and a terminal device 102 in the WLAN communication system, as well as IoT devices that can access the AP after network configuration, such as a printer 103 and a projector 104. An application (APP) for communicating with the IoT device can be installed on the terminal device. Both the terminal device and the IoT device are STAs in the WLAN communication system. After accessing the AP, the terminal device can generate network configuration information for configuring the IoT device. The terminal device can send network configuration information to the IoT device by broadcasting or establishing a connection with the IoT device.

[0054] Although IoT devices have network configuration requirements, because IoT devices do not know when users want to start network configuration, terminal device users often need to perform additional operations to enter the IoT device network configuration process, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0055] Here are three current processes for provisioning IoT devices in a WLAN communication system: one-click provisioning, device hotspot provisioning, and Bluetooth low energy (BLE) provisioning.

[0056] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a one-touch network configuration process for IoT devices in a WLAN communication system, including the following processes.

[0057] 21. The user triggers the IoT device to enter the network configuration process.

[0058] For example, when a user powers on an IoT device, this triggers the IoT device's "network configuration button," causing it to enter the network configuration state. Alternatively, the IoT device may have an actual network configuration button, and when the user presses this button, the IoT device enters the network configuration state.

[0059] At this point, the IoT device can enter promiscuous mode. Promiscuous mode means that a device can receive all data streams passing through its network interface card, regardless of whether the destination address is the device's address. Promiscuous mode is relative to normal mode (also known as "non-promiscuous mode").

[0060] 22. After entering promiscuous mode, the IoT device scans the channels in a loop.

[0061] 23. The user operates on the terminal device. If you choose to connect to a router, enter the WLAN password on the terminal device to access the router.

[0062] 24. A third-party APP of the IoT device is installed on the terminal device. The APP can generate an encrypted message based on the key agreed upon in the network configuration. The message includes the WLAN name and WLAN password.

[0063] 25. When the user operates on the terminal device and triggers the terminal device to start network provisioning to the IoT device, the terminal device sends the above message via broadcast or multicast.

[0064] 26. IoT devices can receive broadcast or multicast messages from terminal devices while cyclically scanning channels.

[0065] 27. The IoT device decrypts the message and obtains the WLAN name and WLAN password.

[0066] 28. The IoT device exits promiscuous mode.

[0067] 29. The IoT device sends a network configuration request to the router in the WLAN. The network configuration request includes the WLAN name and password. If the router successfully verifies the connection, the IoT device is connected to the WLAN, and the IoT device network configuration is complete.

[0068] FIG3 is a schematic diagram showing a process of performing hotspot configuration for IoT devices in a WLAN communication system, including the following process.

[0069] 31. The user triggers the IoT device to enter the network configuration process.

[0070] For example, when a user powers on an IoT device, this triggers the IoT device's "network configuration button," causing it to enter the network configuration state. Alternatively, the IoT device may have an actual network configuration button, and when the user presses this button, the IoT device enters the network configuration state.

[0071] 32. IoT device turns on hotspot.

[0072] 33. The IoT device broadcasts hotspot information, and the terminal device receives the hotspot information broadcast by the IoT device.

[0073] 34. The user operates on the terminal device and, if choosing to connect to a router, enters the WLAN password on the terminal device to access the router.

[0074] 35. A third-party APP of the IoT device is installed on the terminal device. The APP can generate an encrypted message based on the key agreed upon in the network configuration. The message includes the WLAN name and WLAN password.

[0075] 36. The user operates on the terminal device, the terminal device disconnects from the router, and selects the hotspot to connect to the IoT device.

[0076] 37. When the user operates on the terminal device and triggers the terminal device to start assisting the IoT device in network configuration, the terminal device sends a message to the IoT device. The message includes network configuration information, that is, the WLAN name and WLAN password.

[0077] 38. When the IoT device successfully decrypts the message, it sends a response to the terminal device.

[0078] 39. After the IoT device turns off the hotspot, it sends a network configuration request to the router in the WLAN. The network configuration request includes the WLAN name and password. If the router successfully verifies the connection, the IoT device is connected to the WLAN, and the IoT device network configuration is complete.

[0079] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a process for performing BLE network configuration on an IoT device in a WLAN communication system, which includes the following processes.

[0080] 41. The user triggers the IoT device to enter the network configuration process.

[0081] For example, when a user powers on an IoT device, this triggers the IoT device's "network configuration button," causing it to enter the network configuration state. Alternatively, the IoT device may have an actual network configuration button, and when the user presses this button, the IoT device enters the network configuration state.

[0082] 42. The IoT device turns on BLE and starts trying to configure the network.

[0083] 43. IoT devices send broadcast messages via BLE. Broadcast messages are used to indicate that devices that have not been networked are ready for network configuration.

[0084] 44. Upon receiving a broadcast message sent via BLE, the terminal device determines that an IoT device requires network configuration. The user can operate on the terminal device and, if they choose to connect to a router, enter the WLAN password on the terminal device to access the router.

[0085] 45. A third-party APP of the IoT device is installed on the terminal device. The APP can generate an encrypted message based on the key agreed upon in the network configuration. The message includes the WLAN name and WLAN password.

[0086] 46. ​​The user selects the IoT device as a BLE device on the terminal device, and the terminal device establishes a BLE connection with the IoT device.

[0087] 47. When the user operates on the terminal device and triggers the terminal device to start assisting the IoT device in network configuration, the terminal device sends the above message to the IoT device.

[0088] 48. When the IoT device successfully decrypts the message, it sends a response message to the terminal device.

[0089] 49. After turning off BLE, the IoT device sends a network configuration request to the router in the WLAN. The network configuration request includes the WLAN name and password. If the router successfully verifies the network, the IoT device is connected to the WLAN, and network configuration is complete.

[0090] The terminal device may be, for example, a mobile phone. Of course, the methods for configuring the network for IoT devices are not limited to the three methods mentioned above, and other methods may also be used.

[0091] As can be seen from the above, the network configuration process of IoT devices mainly depends on the timing of turning on / off promiscuous mode, hotspot or BLE of IoT devices.

[0092] Typically, when an IoT device is first powered on, it remains in the network configuration state for a period of time. In the three network configuration methods described above, the user can omit the "network configuration button" triggering the network configuration state. The IoT device will automatically enable promiscuous mode, hotspot, or BLE to enter the network configuration state. However, after this period, if the user opens the corresponding app for the IoT device and the IoT device has disabled promiscuous mode, hotspot, or BLE, to re-enter the network configuration state, the user must either power the IoT device off and back on, or trigger the IoT device to enter the network configuration state using the "network configuration button" on the IoT device. In some scenarios, the installation location of the IoT device makes this method of entering the network configuration state difficult to implement, and it requires user participation, making the network configuration process more challenging to implement.

[0093] Therefore, an embodiment of the present application proposes a network configuration method, in which, when a WLAN communication system and IoT are combined, a radar sensing function can be added to the IoT device. Considering that radar signals can be used for perception, the IoT device in the present application can use radar to sense whether there are target objects that meet the conditions around the IoT device. If there are target objects that meet the conditions around the IoT device, the IoT device can enter the network configuration state by itself, such as turning on the promiscuous mode, hotspot or BLE to enter the network configuration state. In this way, there is no need for users to manually participate in triggering the IoT device to enter the network configuration state, the network configuration process of the IoT device is relatively simple, and the difficulty of network configuration of the IoT device is reduced.

[0094] When applied to the WLNA communication system shown in Figure 1, the communication signals in the embodiments of the present application can be referred to as wireless fidelity (WiFi) service frames. Furthermore, the solutions in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFI), ZigBee, high-performance wireless local area networks (LNAs) (HIPERLNAs), personal area networks (PANs), or other currently known or later developed networks, without limitation. The communication signals herein can, for example, be network configuration requests or network configuration information.

[0095] Some possible implementation methods of this application are introduced below.

[0096] FIG5 is a flow chart of a network distribution method, which includes the following process.

[0097] 501. STA sends a radar signal.

[0098] The radar signal sent by the STA may be sent periodically when the STA is powered on but not yet configured for a network.

[0099] The following uses the WLAN combined with IoT scenario, where STAs are IoT devices, as an example.

[0100] For example, after an IoT device is powered on, it may be in the network configuration state for a period of time, but no network configuration information is received during this period, and the IoT device exits the network configuration state. After the IoT device exits the network configuration state, the STA can use the radar perception function to perceive objects around the IoT device.

[0101] The network configuration status may be that the IoT device is in promiscuous mode, or has a hotspot enabled, or has BLE enabled.

[0102] In some embodiments, the IoT device may include a communication device that can perform WiFi communication, BLE communication, and radar communication. The communication device may be a chip.

[0103] Radar, among other things, uses radio technology to detect targets and determine their spatial position. Therefore, radar is also called "radiolocation." Radar is an electronic device that uses electromagnetic waves to detect targets. Radar transmits electromagnetic waves to illuminate the target and receives the echoes, thereby obtaining information such as the distance from the target to the point of emission, the rate of change of distance (radial velocity), direction, and altitude. Radar signals typically operate in the frequency range of 500 MHz to 18 GHz.

[0104] 502. The STA receives an echo signal of the radar signal. The echo signal is used to sense whether there is a target object meeting conditions around the STA in the WLAN.

[0105] When a STA receives radar signal echoes from multiple objects around the STA, it analyzes the echo signals to determine whether there are any target objects that meet the requirements. The target objects here are people, that is, whether there are any people that meet the requirements around the STA.

[0106] In some embodiments, the condition includes the target object being within a first preset distance range of the STA. Specifically, the STA detects whether a person is within the first preset distance range based on the echo signal. For example, the first preset distance range can be 1 meter, 1.5 meters, or 2 meters, or other values, which are not limited in this application. For example, if the STA detects a person within 1 meter of the IoT device based on the echo signal, it determines that a person is present around the STA, meeting the condition.

[0107] Alternatively, the condition may include: the target object's presence within the STA's first preset distance range lasts for a duration greater than or equal to a first preset duration. Specifically, the STA detects, based on the echo signal, whether a person is within the STA's first preset distance range, and the person's presence within the first preset distance range lasts for a duration greater than or equal to the first preset duration. For example, the first preset duration may be 8 seconds, 9 seconds, or 10 seconds, or other values ​​are not limited in this application. For example, if the STA detects, based on the echo signal, that a person is within 1 meter of the IoT device for 8 seconds, it determines that a person meeting the conditions exists around the STA.

[0108] 503. When the STA senses that a first target object meeting the conditions exists around the STA according to the echo signal, the STA receives network configuration information from an AP in the wireless local area network.

[0109] In some embodiments, if the IoT device senses that there is a first target object that meets the conditions around the STA based on the echo signal, the IoT device may enter a network configuration state so that the IoT device receives network configuration information from the AP in the WLAN.

[0110] In some embodiments, receiving the network configuration information includes: when the STA turns on the promiscuous mode and cyclically scans the channels, receiving the network configuration information sent by the terminal device through broadcast or multicast, and the terminal device is connected to the AP.

[0111] For example, assuming the AP is a router in a WLAN, when the IoT device detects the presence of a qualifying first target object near the IoT device based on the echo signal, the IoT device enters promiscuous mode and cyclically scans channels. If both the terminal device and the IoT device are within the WiFi coverage of the router, and a third-party IoT device app is installed on the terminal device, the user can connect the terminal device to the router and broadcast / multicast the router's network configuration information. At this point, the IoT device can receive the network configuration information sent by the terminal device via broadcast / multicast.

[0112] In some embodiments, receiving the network configuration information includes: when the STA turns on the hotspot and the terminal device is connected to the hotspot, receiving the network configuration information sent by the terminal device, and the terminal device is connected to the AP before connecting to the hotspot.

[0113] For example, taking the AP as a router in a WLAN, when the IoT device senses the presence of a first target object that meets the conditions around the IoT device based on the echo signal, the IoT device activates the hotspot. If both the terminal device and the IoT device are within the WiFi coverage of the router, and a third-party app for the IoT device is installed on the terminal device, the terminal device can generate an encrypted message after connecting to the router under user operation. The message includes the router's WiFi name and WiFi password. The terminal device then disconnects from the router's WiFi connection and chooses to connect to the IoT device's hotspot. At this point, the user can operate on the terminal device's app to trigger the terminal device to send the above message to the IoT device. The message includes network configuration information, namely the WiFi name and WiFi password.

[0114] In some embodiments, receiving the network configuration information includes: when the STA turns on low-power Bluetooth and the terminal device establishes a Bluetooth connection with the STA, receiving the network configuration information sent by the terminal device, and the terminal device connects to the AP.

[0115] For example, taking the AP as a router in a WLAN, when the IoT device senses the presence of a first target object that meets the conditions around the IoT device based on the echo signal, the IoT device turns on BLE, and the IoT device can broadcast BLE information for Bluetooth connection. If the terminal device and the IoT device are both within the WiFi coverage of the router, and a third-party app for the IoT device is installed on the terminal device, the terminal device can generate an encrypted message after connecting to the router under user operation. The message includes the router's WiFi name and WiFi password. The terminal device can then establish a Bluetooth connection with the IoT device based on the BLE information broadcast by the IoT device, and send the message to the IoT device via Bluetooth. The message includes network configuration information, that is, the WiFi name and WiFi password.

[0116] Of course, this application does not limit the IoT device to enter the network configuration state in the above three ways, and it can also be other network configuration states.

[0117] 504. The STA sends a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP. The network configuration request is used by the STA to request to establish a connection with the AP.

[0118] In some embodiments, if the IoT device receives the network configuration information in the promiscuous mode, when the IoT device successfully decrypts the message to obtain the network configuration information, sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP includes: when the promiscuous mode is turned off, sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP.

[0119] In this way, users do not need to take additional actions to trigger the IoT device to enter the network configuration state. The entire network configuration process of the IoT device is to automatically enter the promiscuous mode when the user appears and the conditions are met, and then start the network configuration process. The network configuration process of IoT devices in WLAN is simpler.

[0120] In some embodiments, if the IoT device receives the network configuration information when the hotspot is turned on, when the IoT device successfully decrypts the message to obtain the network configuration information, sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP includes: when the hotspot is turned off, sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP.

[0121] Similarly, for users, no additional actions are required to trigger the IoT device to enter the network configuration state. The entire network configuration process of the IoT device begins with the appearance of the user and the autonomous opening of the IoT device's hotspot when the conditions are met. The network configuration process of IoT devices in WLAN is simpler.

[0122] In some embodiments, if the IoT device receives the network configuration information when BLE is turned on, when the IoT device successfully decrypts the message to obtain the network configuration information, sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP includes: sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP when BLE is turned off.

[0123] Similarly, users do not need to take any additional action to trigger the IoT device to enter the network configuration state. The entire network configuration process of the IoT device begins with the appearance of the user and the autonomous activation of the IoT device's BLE when conditions are met. This makes the network configuration process of IoT devices in WLAN much simpler.

[0124] In some embodiments, if the IoT device is in a network configuration state and has not received network configuration information, if it continuously senses the presence of a first target object within a second preset distance range of the IoT device for a second preset duration, it monitors whether the network configuration information has been received. That is, if the IoT device is in a network configuration state and attempts to receive network configuration information, if it does not receive the information for a period of time, it may continue to send radar signals and receive echo signals, and determine, based on the echo signals, whether it continuously senses the presence of a person within the second preset distance range of the STA for the second preset duration. If it is determined that a person is continuously sensed within the second preset distance range of the STA for the second preset duration, it continues to determine whether the network configuration information has been received. If it is determined that no person is continuously sensed within the second preset distance range of the STA for the second preset duration, it may exit the network configuration state, for example, by exiting promiscuous mode, turning off the hotspot, or turning off BLE, to save power consumption of the IoT device.

[0125] The following is an example of the process of IoT devices entering the network configuration process.

[0126] FIG6 is a schematic diagram showing a process of an IoT device in a WLAN entering a network configuration process, which includes the following processes.

[0127] 601. If the IoT device does not receive network configuration information within a period of time after being powered on, the radar sensing mode is activated.

[0128] 602. The IoT device transmits a radar signal and receives an echo signal. Based on the echo signal, the device determines whether a target object that meets the requirements exists around the IoT device. If so, the process proceeds to step 603. If not, the process continues with step 602.

[0129] Here, the IoT device can periodically send radar signals and receive echo signals, so that the IoT device can determine whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around the IoT device based on the echo signals received multiple times.

[0130] 603. The IoT device enters the network configuration state.

[0131] Exemplarily, entering the network configuration state may be that the IoT device turns on the promiscuous mode, turns on the hotspot, or turns on BLE.

[0132] 604. The IoT device determines whether the network configuration information has been received. If so, the process proceeds to step 605. If not, the process proceeds to step 606.

[0133] 605. The IoT device exits the network configuration state and sends a network configuration request to the router.

[0134] Exemplarily, exiting the network configuration state may be that the IoT device turns off the promiscuous mode, or turns off the hotspot, or turns off BLE.

[0135] 606. The IoT device determines whether the target object is continuously sensed within the second preset distance range of the IoT device for a second preset duration. If the first target object is continuously sensed within the second preset distance range of the IoT device for the second preset duration, step 604 is executed. If the target object is continuously sensed within the second preset distance range of the IoT device for the second preset duration, step 607 is executed.

[0136] For example, if, during step 604, it is determined that network configuration information has not been received by the time the cyclic channel scan time reaches the third preset time, the IoT device continues to periodically transmit radar signals and receive echo signals. Based on the echo signals, a determination is made as to whether the presence of a target object within a second preset distance range of the IoT device is continuously sensed for a second preset duration. The second preset duration may be the same as or different from the first preset duration. The second preset distance range may be the same as or different from the first preset distance range.

[0137] 607. The IoT device exits the network configuration state. The IoT device proceeds to step 602.

[0138] That is, when the IoT device determines that there is no one within the second preset distance range of the STA for a second preset time period, the IoT device may consider that network configuration is not required at this time and exit the network configuration state to save power consumption of the IoT device.

[0139] Exemplarily, exiting the network configuration state may be that the IoT device turns off the promiscuous mode, turns off the hotspot, or turns off BLE.

[0140] In this way, IoT devices can enter or exit the network configuration state in radar sensing mode, avoiding user participation in triggering the IoT device to enter the network configuration state, and the network configuration process of IoT devices is relatively simple to implement.

[0141] Applying the above-mentioned network configuration method, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device that can be applied to a communication device. Taking the solution in the embodiment of the present application as an example, applied to a WLAN communication system, the communication device can be a STA, or in a scenario where WLAN is combined with IoT, the communication device can be an IoT device. The communication device in the embodiment of the present application can be a circuit system, a circuit board, or a chip, etc., and this application does not limit it. Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 70, which includes:

[0142] The first channel is used to send radar signals through the first antenna 701.

[0143] For example, the first channel may be connected to the first antenna 701, and the first channel may send a communication signal or a radar signal through the first antenna 701. The radar signal may be referred to as a radar frame, and the communication signal may be referred to as a communication service frame, and the communication signal may be a network configuration request in this application.

[0144] The second channel is used to receive the echo signal of the radar signal through the second antenna 702. The echo signal is used to sense whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around the STA of the WLAN.

[0145] For example, the second channel is connected to the second antenna 702, and the second channel can receive the echo signal through the second antenna 702. The echo signal is used to sense whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around the IoT device of the WLAN.

[0146] The first channel or the second channel is further used to receive the network configuration information of the AP of the WLAN through the first antenna 701 when it is sensed that there is a first target object that meets the conditions around the STA according to the echo signal.

[0147] For example, when the IoT device of the WLAN senses that there is a first target object that meets the conditions around the IoT device based on the echo signal, the IoT device receives the network configuration information of the AP in the WLAN sent by the terminal device in the WLAN through the first antenna 701.

[0148] The first channel is further used to send a network configuration request to the AP through the first antenna 701 according to the network configuration information. The network configuration request is used by the STA to request to establish a connection with the AP.

[0149] In some embodiments, the communication device 70 further includes a clock circuit, which is connected to the first channel and the second channel. The clock circuit is configured to provide a reference clock for the first channel and the second channel.

[0150] In one implementation, the clock circuit may be a crystal oscillator, which provides reference clocks for both the first channel and the second channel, thereby ensuring that the clocks of the two channels are consistent.

[0151] In the embodiments of the present application, the first channel or the second channel can receive communication signals. For example, if the communication signal is network configuration information, the first channel can receive the network configuration information via the first antenna 701, as described in the first embodiment below. Alternatively, the second channel can receive the network configuration information via the first antenna 701, as described in the second embodiment below.

[0152] In one design, the first channel and the second channel can communicate with each other. For example, the first channel and the second channel can be connected through at least one general-purpose input / output (GPIO) port, which can be simply referred to as an input / output (I / O) port. The first channel and the second channel can communicate with each other through the GPIO port. In one implementation, when the first channel sends a radar signal through the first antenna 701, it can send an indication message to the second channel, and the indication message can instruct the second channel to receive an echo signal of the radar signal. Upon receiving the indication message, the second channel can start receiving the echo signal. In one implementation, the second channel can be in a dormant state when it does not receive the indication message. Upon receiving the indication message, it can wake itself up and receive the echo signal, thereby saving energy consumption of the second channel.

[0153] In embodiments of the present application, upon receiving an echo signal, the second channel may analyze and / or process the received echo signal to obtain and output a sensing result, i.e., to detect the presence of a target object meeting certain conditions around the IoT device. Alternatively, the second channel may report the received echo signal to another device, which may analyze and / or process the echo signal to obtain and output a sensing result.

[0154] From the above description, it can be seen that the first channel is used to send network configuration requests and radar signals. Optionally, the first channel can also be used to receive communication signals, such as network configuration information. The second channel is used to receive echo signals. In this embodiment of the present application, the first channel can operate in a time-division manner between a communication state and a sensing state.

[0155] When the first channel is operating in the communication state, it can send network configuration requests. Furthermore, it can receive communication signals. When the first channel is operating in the sensing state, it can send radar signals.

[0156] Optionally, before sending the network configuration request, the first channel further includes: transmitting a control signal through the first channel, which is used to notify other communication devices that the first channel is occupying the wireless channel. Taking the solution in the embodiment of the present application as an example, applied to a WLAN communication system, the control signal may be a self-clear to send (Self-CTS) frame in the 802.11 standard. The Self-CTS frame is a control signal specified in the 802.11 protocol and can be used to clear the channel. In the embodiment of the present application, the first channel and the second channel may operate in an unlicensed frequency band, and different communication devices may occupy the wireless channel through air interface contention. If the first channel directly transmits a radar signal, it may not be recognized by other communication devices, which may cause signal conflicts and affect radar perception performance. In the embodiment of the present application, before transmitting the radar signal, the first channel may first transmit a control signal to notify other communication devices that it will occupy the wireless channel. Optionally, the first channel may also notify other communication devices of the duration of its wireless channel occupation through the control signal, which may be referred to as the first duration. For example, in one implementation, the control signal may include a first field including indication information of the first time. The first field may be a network allocation vector (NAV) field, etc.

[0157] Through the above design, communication device 70 can simultaneously implement communication and perception functions, achieving integrated communication and perception functions. Furthermore, the design of communication device 70 uses echo signal analysis and / or processing to obtain perception results to determine whether to enter the network configuration state. This eliminates the need for users to trigger the IoT device to enter the network configuration state, simplifying the network configuration process for IoT devices.

[0158] Implementation Method 1

[0159] In one design, the first channel includes a first chip, and the second channel includes a second chip. In one description, the description of "first channel" in the above text can be replaced with "first chip", and the description of "second channel" in the above text can be replaced with "second chip".

[0160] In this embodiment 1, a communication device 70 is provided, which can be applied to a circuit board. For example, the communication device 70 can be part of a circuit board, that is, the circuit board can include other components in addition to the communication device 70 shown in Figure 8. Alternatively, the communication device 70 can be equivalent to a circuit board, that is, the communication device 70 shown in Figure 8 can be a specific implementation of a circuit board. The circuit board in the embodiment of the present application includes but is not limited to a printed circuit board (PCB). Figure 8 is a circuit diagram of a communication device 70, which includes a first chip, a second chip and a clock circuit.

[0161] The first chip can transmit and receive communication signals and send radar signals through the first antenna 701. Optionally, the first chip can be called a chip for wireless communication and sending radar signals.

[0162] In one implementation, the first chip may be connected to the first antenna 701. The first chip may send a network configuration request or a radar signal to the first antenna 701, and the first antenna 701 may send the network configuration request or the radar signal to the outside via the air interface. The first antenna 701 may receive network configuration information via the air interface and transmit the received network configuration information to the first chip, etc.

[0163] The second chip may receive the echo signal via the second antenna 702. Optionally, the second chip may be referred to as a chip that receives the echo signal.

[0164] The clock circuit is connected to the first chip and the second chip respectively, and is used to provide a reference clock signal for the first chip and the second chip so that the clocks of the first chip and the second chip remain synchronized.

[0165] In one implementation, the clock circuit may be a crystal oscillator.

[0166] Optionally, the first chip may be connected to the second chip, and the first and second chips may communicate with each other. For example, when the first chip transmits a radar signal via the first antenna 701, it may send an instruction to the second chip, which may instruct the second chip to receive an echo signal of the radar signal. Upon receiving the instruction, the second chip may initiate reception of the echo signal. In one implementation, the first and second chips are connected via at least one GPIO port.

[0167] In an embodiment of the present application, the first chip may first operate in a sensing state. When a qualified target object is sensed, it may then operate in a communication state. When the first chip operates in a communication state, the first chip may send and / or receive communication signals. When the first chip operates in a sensing state, the first chip may send a radar signal. The communication signal sent may be a network configuration request, and the communication signal received may be network configuration information received when operating in promiscuous mode or when a hotspot or BLE is turned on.

[0168] It is understood that the principle of perception can be: the first chip transmits a radar signal, the radar signal reaches the target object, the radar signal is reflected by the target object, the second chip receives the reflected echo signal, and the second chip or other device analyzes and / or processes the received echo signal to determine a perception result. This perception result includes, but is not limited to: identifying and / or locating the target object, etc. Target object positioning includes at least one of the following: determining the distance to the target object, the target object's moving speed, or the target object's moving angle. In embodiments of the present application, a radar perception process can be defined as a radar process that can obtain a single perception result.

[0169] In an embodiment of the present application, a first chip transmits a radar signal. At this point, the first chip sends an instruction to a second chip, instructing the second chip to initiate reception of the radar signal's echo signal. The second chip receives the echo signal. The second chip or other device typically needs to perform comprehensive processing and / or analysis on multiple received echo signals before obtaining a perception result. For example, the second chip or other device may need to perform comprehensive processing and / or analysis on 10 received echo signals before obtaining a perception result.

[0170] In the embodiment of the present application, when the first chip is operating in the communication state, the first chip needs to support sending or receiving communication signals. When the first chip is operating in the sensing state, the first chip needs to support sending radar signals. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, the first chip needs to support both sending and receiving. That is, the first chip can be configured as a transmit path or a receive path. The first chip supports switching between the transmit path and the receive path.

[0171] In one design, as shown in (a) of FIG9 , a schematic diagram of the structure of a first chip is shown. The first chip includes at least one of the following components: a transmitter (TX) baseband processor, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a low pass filter (LPF), a first mixer, a power amplifier (PA), a switch 91 (SW), a low noise amplifier (LNA), a second mixer, a radio frequency (RF) phase-locked loop (PLL), an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), or a receiver (RX) baseband processor, etc.

[0172] It will be appreciated that the switch 91 in the first chip includes three terminals: a first terminal a connected to the first antenna 701, a second terminal b connected to the PA in the transmit path, and a third terminal c connected to the LNA in the receive path. When the first terminal a is connected to the second terminal b, the first chip is configured as a transmit path, capable of transmitting communication signals or radar signals via the first antenna. When the first terminal a is connected to the third terminal c, the first chip is configured as a receive path, capable of receiving communication signals via the first antenna 701.

[0173] When the first chip is configured as a transmit path, the transmit path includes: a TX baseband processor, a DAC, an LPF, a first mixer, an RF RLL, and a PA. The PA is connected to the first antenna 701 via a switch 91. The first chip can use this transmit path to transmit communication signals or radar signals. In this application, an arrival signal is first transmitted. Then, when the first chip detects the presence of a qualified first target object based on the echo signal, it can be configured to send a network configuration request upon receiving network configuration information.

[0174] In one design, the transmit path of the first chip can perform the following processing on the signal to be transmitted. The signal to be transmitted can be a communication signal, such as a network configuration request, or a radar signal, without limitation. The TX baseband processor performs baseband processing on the signal to be transmitted and outputs it to the DAC. The DAC performs digital-to-analog conversion on the signal to be transmitted and outputs it to the LPF. The LPF performs low-pass filtering on the signal to be transmitted and outputs it to the first mixer. The RF RLL is used to generate a signal, which can be a radio frequency signal. The first mixer is used to mix the signal to be transmitted with the signal generated by the RF RLL to generate a radio frequency signal, which is then output to the PA. It is understood that the signal to be transmitted in the foregoing description is a baseband signal. The PA is used to amplify the power of the radio frequency signal and output it to the first antenna 701 via the switch 91. The first antenna 701 transmits the radio frequency signal over the air interface. It is understood that if the signal to be transmitted is a communication signal, then the radio frequency signal is a communication signal. Alternatively, if the signal to be transmitted is a radar signal, then the radio frequency signal is a radar signal.

[0175] When the first chip's path is configured as a receive path, the receive path includes an LNA, a second mixer, an LPF, an ADC, and an RX baseband processor. The LNA is connected to the first antenna 701 via a switch 91. The first chip can use this receive path to receive echo signals. Optionally, a variable gain amplifier (VGA) can be included between the second mixer and the LPF.

[0176] In one design, the receiving path of the second chip can perform the following processing on the received echo signal. It will be understood that the received echo signal is a radio frequency signal. The LNA is used to perform low-noise power amplification on the received echo signal and output it to the second mixer. The RF RLL is used to generate a signal, which may be a radio frequency signal. The second mixer is used to mix the echo signal with the radio frequency signal generated by the RF RLL to generate a baseband signal and output the baseband signal to the LPF. The LPF is used to low-pass filter the baseband signal and output it to the ADC. The ADC is used to perform analog-to-digital conversion on the baseband signal and output it to the RX baseband processor. The RX baseband processor is used to perform baseband processing on the baseband signal.

[0177] As shown in FIG9 , it can be seen that the transmit path and the receive path in the first chip share one RF RLL and one LPF, which reduces the number of RF RLLs and LPFs in the first chip, thereby reducing the area of ​​the first chip and reducing the cost of the first chip.

[0178] In this embodiment of the present application, the second chip does not participate in any communication services; it only receives echo signals for sensing. The path within the second chip can always be configured as a receive path. FIG9(b) shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the second chip. The second chip includes at least one of the following components: an LNA, a third mixer, an RF RLL, an LPF, an ADC, or an RX base station. Optionally, a VGA may be included between the third mixer and the LPF.

[0179] The LNA can be connected to the second antenna 702. The second antenna 702 can receive the echo signal and send the received echo signal to the LNA. The LNA performs low-frequency amplification on the echo signal and outputs it to the third mixer. The RF RLL is used to generate a signal, which can be a radio frequency signal. It will be understood that the echo signal received by the second antenna 702 in the foregoing description is a radio frequency signal. The third mixer is used to mix the echo signal with the signal generated by the RF RLL to generate a baseband signal, which is output to the LPF. The LPF is used to low-pass filter the baseband signal and output it to the ADC. The ADC is used to perform analog-to-digital conversion on the baseband signal and output it to the RX baseband processor. The RX baseband processor is used to perform baseband processing on the baseband signal.

[0180] Optionally, the second chip may further include at least one of the following components: a TX baseband processor, a DAC, a fourth mixer, a PA, or a switch 93. In other words, in one design, the second chip can employ the same design as the first chip. However, since the second chip is only involved in receiving echo signals, it can always be configured as a receive path. It should be noted that when the second chip includes a switch, since it is always configured as a receive path, the switch 93 always connects the second antenna 702 and the LNA, meaning that the second antenna 702 and the LNA are always connected.

[0181] Through the above design, the communication device 70 includes a first chip and a second chip. The first chip is used to perform communication services and send radar signals, and the second chip is used to receive echo signals. By analyzing and / or processing the received echo signals, a perception result can be obtained, thereby determining whether to enter the distribution network state. Furthermore, in the original communication device that realizes communication, the original communication device includes the first chip, and the additional second chip for realizing perception is added, which has little impact on the original communication device. The solution of the embodiment of the present application is compatible with the original communication device.

[0182] Implementation Method 2

[0183] In one design, the first channel includes a first circuit, the second channel includes a second circuit, and the first circuit and the second circuit are on the same chip. In this second embodiment, the "first channel" in the foregoing text can be replaced with "first circuit", and the "second channel" can be replaced with "second circuit".

[0184] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 70 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 70 may be part of a circuit board, i.e., the circuit board may include other components in addition to the communication device 70 shown in FIG10 . Alternatively, the communication device 70 may be the entire circuit board, i.e., the circuit device shown in FIG10 may be a specific implementation of the circuit board. As shown in FIG10 , the communication device 70 includes:

[0185] The first circuit can send a radar signal through the first antenna 701.

[0186] For example, the first circuit may be connected to the first antenna 701, and the first circuit may transmit a communication signal or a radar signal through the first antenna 701. The first circuit may be a transmitting circuit.

[0187] The second circuit, the first circuit, may receive a communication signal through the first antenna 701 or receive an echo signal of a radar signal through the second antenna 702 .

[0188] Optionally, at a certain moment, the second circuit may be connected to the first antenna 701, and the echo signal may be received through the first antenna 701. Alternatively, the second circuit may be connected to the second antenna 702, and the echo signal may be received through the second antenna 702.

[0189] In some embodiments, the communication device 70 further includes a clock circuit, which is connected to the first circuit and the second circuit respectively. The clock circuit is used to provide a reference clock for the first circuit and the second circuit, thereby ensuring that the clocks of the first circuit and the second circuit are consistent.

[0190] It can be understood that the clock circuit is connected to the first circuit and the second circuit, and the connection can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, etc., without limitation.

[0191] It can be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the first circuit and the second circuit can be integrated together, for example, the first circuit and the second circuit can be integrated into one chip, etc., without limitation.

[0192] In one design, FIG11 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device. The first circuit includes a first switch 111. A first end d of the first switch 111 is connected to the first antenna 701, a second end e is connected to the PA in the first circuit, and a third end f is connected to the second circuit. For example, if the second circuit includes a second switch 113, the third end f of the first switch 111 can be connected to the first end g of the second switch 113. Alternatively, if the second circuit includes a pre-stage LNA0, the third end f of the first switch 111 can be connected to the first end g of the second switch 113 via the pre-stage LNA0.

[0193] In one implementation, the first circuit is a transmitting circuit and includes at least one of the following elements: a TX baseband processor, a DAC, a first LPF, a fifth mixer, an RF RLL, a PA, or a first switch 111 .

[0194] Regarding the components of the first circuit and the processing of the signal to be transmitted, please refer to the description above. It is understood that the signal to be transmitted can be a communication signal (e.g., a network configuration request) or a radar signal. In other words, the first circuit can be used to transmit either a communication signal or a radar signal. It is understood that when the first circuit is used to transmit either a communication signal or a radar signal, the first switch 111 must connect the PA to the first antenna 701, i.e., the PA and the first switch 111 are connected.

[0195] In one design, the second circuit includes a second switch 113. A first terminal g of the second switch 113 is connected to a third terminal f of the first switch 111, a second terminal h is connected to the second antenna 702, and a third terminal i is connected to a first LNA in the second circuit. Optionally, the first LNA may be referred to as a post-stage LNA.

[0196] In one implementation, the second circuit may be a receiving circuit. The second circuit includes at least one of the following components: an RX baseband processor, an ADC, a second LPF, a sixth mixer, a post-LNA, an RF PLL, or a second switch 113. Optionally, a VGA may be included between the sixth mixer and the second LPF.

[0197] For the processing of the received signals by the various components in the second circuit, please refer to the description above. Unlike the first embodiment, the second circuit can receive communication signals (such as network configuration information) through the first antenna 701, or receive echo signals through the second antenna 702. The second switch 113 can switch between receiving communication signals or radar signals by switching. For example, in one implementation, when the first switch 111 is connected to the second switch 113, the second circuit can receive communication signals through the first antenna 701. Alternatively, when the second switch 113 is connected to the second antenna 702, the second circuit can receive echo signals through the second antenna 702.

[0198] Optionally, the second circuit may further include a second LNA and a third LNA. The second LNA is located between the first end g of the second switch 113 and the third end f of the first switch 111, and the third LNA is located between the second end h of the second switch 113 and the second antenna 702. The second LNA may be referred to as a pre-stage LNA0, and the third LNA may be referred to as a pre-stage LNA1.

[0199] The second chip in the first embodiment described above includes one LNA. Unlike the first embodiment, the second circuit in the second embodiment includes three LNAs, referred to as the post-LNA, pre-LNA0, and pre-LNA1. The positions of these three LNAs are described in Figure 11. In one design, the pre-LNA0 and post-LNA cooperate to perform low-noise amplification on received communication signals. The pre-LNA1 and post-LNA cooperate to perform low-noise amplification on received echo signals. In one design, the second embodiment includes a second switch compared to the original chip design. While the addition of this second switch may degrade the noise figure of the entire chip, the coordination of the pre-LNA and post-LNA reduces system noise in received communication or radar signals, improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the received signal.

[0200] It should be noted that the preceding description emphasizes that the second circuit may include a post-stage LNA and may further include pre-stage LNA0 and pre-stage LNA1. That is, when the second circuit includes only the post-stage LNA, it is within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. Alternatively, when the second circuit includes all of the post-stage LNA, pre-stage LNA0, and pre-stage LNA1, it is also within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. Alternatively, in the embodiments of the present application, the second circuit may include only pre-stage LNA0 and pre-stage LNA1. Furthermore, the second circuit may further include a post-stage LNA. That is, when the second circuit includes only pre-stage LNA0 and pre-stage LNA1, it is also within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application.

[0201] It should be noted that in the second embodiment, the first and second circuits may operate simultaneously. Therefore, corresponding LPFs need to be provided in each circuit to ensure that the corresponding LPFs are available when the first and second circuits operate simultaneously. The LPF included in the first circuit is referred to as the first LPF. The LPF included in the second circuit is referred to as the second LPF. For example, the first circuit is used to transmit communication signals and radar signals, while the second circuit is used to receive communication signals or echo signals.

[0202] Optionally, in this second embodiment, the first circuit is configured to transmit a communication signal (e.g., a network configuration request) and a radar signal via the first antenna 701. The second circuit is configured to receive a communication signal (e.g., network configuration information) via the first antenna 701 and an echo signal via the second antenna 702. In the second embodiment of the present application, the communication device (e.g., a chip) including the first circuit and the second circuit may first operate in a sensing state and then, when the sensing result indicates the presence of a target object that meets the conditions, operate in a communication state. If the communication device is powered off and then powered on again, it may also first operate in a sensing state and then, when the sensing result indicates the presence of a first target object that meets the conditions, operate in a communication state. When the communication device is operating in the communication state, the first circuit may transmit a communication signal via the first antenna 701, and the second circuit may receive a communication signal via the first antenna 701. When the communication device is operating in the sensing state, the second circuit may transmit a radar signal via the first antenna 701 and send an instruction to the second circuit to instruct the second circuit to initiate reception of the radar signal. Upon receiving the instruction, the second circuit may receive the echo signal via the second antenna 702.

[0203] In the second embodiment, the communication device 70 includes a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit is used to transmit communication signals and radar signals via the first antenna 701. The second circuit is used to receive the communication signal via the first antenna 701 and the echo signal via the second antenna 702. The second circuit or other device can obtain a sensing result by analyzing and / or processing the received echo signal. Through the solution of the embodiment of the present application, the communication function and the radar sensing function can be integrated.

[0204] In the embodiment of the present application, it can still be used for STAs that support 2.4G / 5G / 6GHz frequency bands (Wi-Fi 6E standard).

[0205] The present application also provides a communication device, which includes the communication device described above. In one design, the communication device can be a WLAN device, such as a STA. In a scenario where WLAN and IoT are combined, the communication device can be an IoT device.

[0206] An embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device comprising one or more processors and one or more memories. The one or more memories are coupled to the one or more processors and are configured to store computer program code. The computer program code comprises computer instructions. When the one or more processors execute the computer instructions, the electronic device executes the above-described related method steps to implement the network configuration method of the above-described embodiment.

[0207] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer storage medium storing computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on an electronic device, the electronic device executes the above-mentioned related method steps to implement the network configuration method in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0208] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the above-mentioned related steps to implement the network configuration method executed by the electronic device in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0209] Among them, the communication device, electronic device, computer storage medium, computer program product or chip provided in this embodiment is used to execute the corresponding method provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0210] Another embodiment of the present application provides a system, which may include the above-mentioned STA / IoT device and AP, and can be used to implement the above-mentioned network configuration method.

[0211] Through the description of the above implementation methods, technical personnel in the relevant field can understand that for the convenience and simplicity of description, only the division of the above-mentioned functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above-mentioned functions can be distributed and completed by different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0212] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the modules or units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0213] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may be one physical unit or multiple physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed in multiple places. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0214] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The aforementioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

[0215] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a device (which can be a single-chip microcomputer, chip, etc.) or a processor (processor) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0216] The above content is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A network distribution method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Send radar signals; Receiving an echo signal of the radar signal, where the echo signal is used to sense whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around a station STA in the wireless local area network; In a case where a first target object that meets the conditions exists around the STA is sensed according to the echo signal, receiving network configuration information of an access point AP in the wireless local area network; A network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information is sent to the AP, where the network configuration request is used by the STA to request to establish a connection with the AP.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The conditions include: the target object is within a first preset distance range of the STA; Alternatively, the condition includes: the duration of the target object existing within a first preset distance range of the STA is greater than or equal to a first preset duration.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The receiving the network configuration information of the access point AP in the wireless local area network includes: When the STA turns on the promiscuous mode and cyclically scans the channels, the network configuration information is received by the terminal device through broadcast or multicast, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; The sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP includes: When the promiscuous mode is turned off, a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information is sent to the AP.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The receiving the network configuration information of the access point AP in the wireless local area network includes: When the STA turns on the hotspot and the terminal device is connected to the hotspot, receiving the network configuration information sent by the terminal device, the terminal device being connected to the AP before connecting to the hotspot; The sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP includes: When the hotspot is turned off, a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information is sent to the AP.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The receiving the network configuration information of the access point AP in the wireless local area network includes: When the STA turns on low-power Bluetooth and the terminal device establishes a Bluetooth connection with the STA, receiving the network configuration information sent by the terminal device, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; The sending a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP includes: When the low-power Bluetooth is turned off, a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information is sent to the AP.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The method further comprises: In the case that the network configuration information is not received, when the target object is continuously sensed to exist within the second preset distance range of the STA within a second preset time period, it is monitored whether the network configuration information is received.

7. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises: A first channel, used for sending a radar signal through a first antenna; A second channel is used to receive an echo signal of the radar signal through a second antenna, where the echo signal is used to sense whether there is a target object that meets the conditions around a station STA of the wireless local area network; The first channel or the second channel is further used to receive the network configuration information of the access point AP in the wireless local area network through the first antenna when a first target object that meets the conditions exists around the STA is sensed according to the echo signal; The first channel is further used to send a network configuration request to the AP through the first antenna according to the network configuration information, and the network configuration request is used by the STA to request to establish a connection with the AP.

8. The communication device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The conditions include: the target object is within a first preset distance range of the STA; Alternatively, the condition includes: the duration of the target object existing within a first preset distance range of the STA is greater than or equal to a first preset duration.

9. The communication device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The first channel or the second channel is used to receive the network configuration information sent by the terminal device through broadcast or multicast through the first antenna when the STA turns on the promiscuous mode and cyclically scans the channel, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; The first channel is used to: when the promiscuous mode is turned off, send a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information to the AP through the first antenna.

10. The communication device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The first channel or the second channel is used for: When the STA turns on the hotspot and the terminal device is connected to the hotspot, the network configuration information sent by the terminal device is received through the first antenna, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; The first channel is used for: When the hotspot is turned off, a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information is sent to the AP via the first antenna.

11. The communication device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The first channel or the second channel is used for: When the STA turns on low-power Bluetooth and the terminal device establishes a Bluetooth connection with the STA, the network configuration information sent by the terminal device is received through the first antenna, and the terminal device is connected to the AP; The first channel is used for: When the low-power Bluetooth is turned off, a network configuration request determined according to the network configuration information is sent to the AP via the first antenna.

12. The communication device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that: The first channel or the second channel is further used for: In the case that the network configuration information is not received, when the target object is continuously sensed to exist within the second preset distance range of the STA within a second preset time period, it is monitored whether the network configuration information is received.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the computer instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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