Wireless local area network roaming handover method and apparatus, electronic device, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a wireless local area network roaming handover method and apparatus, an electronic device, and a storage medium. A wireless local area network roaming handover method is applicable to a client, and comprises: when the client detects the loss of connection with an AP, starting a non-associated communication mode; the client encapsulating an application data packet from a client-side terminal device into an uplink message in a message format of the non-associated communication mode; and sending the uplink message by means of broadcasting. The method further comprises: receiving a downlink message in the message format of at least one non-associated communication mode; decapsulating the downlink message; and forwarding the decapsulated downlink message to the client-side terminal device.

Description

Wireless local area network roaming switching method, device, electronic device and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of wireless local area network technology, and more particularly to a wireless local area network roaming handover method, device, electronic device, and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Wireless LAN (802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax) technology is currently very popular, from consumer products to industrial equipment. While consumer communications prioritize fast speeds and high throughput, industrial communications place even higher demands on low latency and low jitter. Industrial communication protocols such as PROFINET have very high jitter requirements, which mainstream WLAN technologies struggle to meet. A significant issue is that when a WLAN client roams from one access point (AP) to another, it cannot send or receive packets to or from the network. This switching from one AP to another results in increased packet delay and / or packet loss. Depending on the WLAN network deployment and environmental conditions, the roaming process can sometimes take several seconds. The longer the roaming process, the more severe the impact on communications. This is unacceptable for time-sensitive industrial communications.

[0003] The typical WLAN client roaming steps are as follows:

[0004] Disassociation with the old WLAN AP (if the client makes an active roaming decision) or detection of (unexpected) AP connection loss.

[0005] Scan for suitable candidate WLAN APs and select the best one to associate with.

[0006] There are two types of scans that can be quite time-consuming for the following reasons:

[0007] For passive scanning, the WLAN client needs to wait for a period of time before receiving the beacon frame from the AP, and this operation sometimes needs to be repeated on multiple channels.

[0008] For active scanning, the WLAN client needs to send a probe request and then wait for a period of time before receiving the probe request from the AP. This action sometimes needs to be repeated on multiple channels.

[0009] Performing the standard authentication and association steps to exchange the necessary information with the newly selected WLAN AP to complete the roaming process is also somewhat time-consuming.

[0010] To speed up the roaming process, the 802.11k standard defines a method for WLAN clients to obtain candidate WLAN access points from the AP / AP controller, which can save some background scanning time. This means that the 802.11r standard reduces the steps of authentication and association information exchange by using the FT (Fast BSS Transition) function.

[0011] To some extent, it is also possible to scan for candidate APs while the link to the old AP is still present (so-called background scanning). However, this usually requires changing to a different channel, so the client is temporarily not at its current AP, which may cause packet delays or loss during normal communication.

[0012] This fast roaming process is claimed to be able to be completed in less than 50ms, but most WLAN products on the market do not support this fast roaming function. In fact, during the roaming process, data packets cannot be transmitted between the WLAN AP and the client, which is unacceptable for some industrial communication scenarios.

[0013] Some WLAN devices now offer fast roaming features, such as IPCF-MC, which speeds up the scanning process by using dual-radio APs. Each AP's radio broadcasts AP information on a common aggregate channel—the channel used by all APs for this purpose. Therefore, to find a suitable candidate AP, the client only needs to scan the aggregate channel for a short period of time and will receive a comprehensive overview of all suitable APs and their respective communication channels.

[0014] IPCF also provides a way for clients to quickly detect unexpected loss of AP connectivity. Since IPCF is based on periodic polling of all clients associated with an AP, the absence of such a poll is considered a loss of connectivity.

[0015] The above mechanisms alleviate the problem to some extent and reduce the overall time to complete the switching process, but they cannot avoid data loss in case of unforeseen connection loss.

[0016] Summary of the Invention

[0017] A brief overview of the present invention is provided below to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects of the present invention. It should be understood that this overview is not an exhaustive overview of the present invention. It is not intended to identify key or important aspects of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Its purpose is simply to present certain concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description discussed later.

[0018] In view of this, a "non-associated communication mode" is proposed in the technical solution according to the embodiment of the present disclosure to help the client switch seamlessly from one AP to another, ensuring that end-to-end communication is not interrupted.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless local area network roaming handover method is provided, applicable to a client, comprising:

[0020] When the client detects that it has lost the connection with the AP, it starts the non-association communication mode;

[0021] The client encapsulates the application data packet from the client-side terminal device into an uplink message in a message format of a non-associated communication mode;

[0022] The uplink message is sent via broadcast.

[0023] In this way, when the client loses connection with the AP, the application data packets from the client-side terminal device can be broadcast for communication.

[0024] Optionally, in an example of the above aspect, the method further includes:

[0025] receiving at least one downlink message in a message format of a non-association communication mode;

[0026] Decapsulating the downlink message;

[0027] The decapsulated downlink message is forwarded to the client-side terminal device.

[0028] In this way, the downlink message in the message format of the non-associated communication mode received in the non-associated communication mode can be processed, so that the application data packet from the network side terminal device is sent to the client side terminal device, realizing end-to-end communication.

[0029] Optionally, in an example of the above aspect, the method further includes: the client performing a roaming switching process while communicating in the non-associated communication mode.

[0030] Optionally, in an example of the above aspect, the method further includes: after the client associates with the new AP, stopping communication in the non-associated communication mode and restoring to a normal communication mode.

[0031] In this way, the roaming switching process can be performed while the client is communicating in the non-association communication mode. Once the client is associated with a new AP, normal communication is restored.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless local area network roaming handover method is provided, applicable to an access point, comprising:

[0033] receiving an uplink message in a message format of a non-association communication mode;

[0034] Decapsulating the uplink message;

[0035] Based on the destination address in the decapsulated uplink message, the application data packet in the uplink message is sent to the corresponding network-side terminal device.

[0036] Optionally, in an example of the above aspect, the method further includes:

[0037] Receiving an application data packet from the network-side terminal device;

[0038] Encapsulating the application data packet from the network-side terminal device into a downlink message in a message format of a non-associated communication mode;

[0039] Send the downlink message.

[0040] In this way, the wireless local area network roaming handover method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented on the network side.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless local area network roaming handover method is provided, comprising:

[0042] When the client detects that it has lost the connection with the AP, it starts the non-association communication mode;

[0043] The client encapsulates the application data packet from the client-side terminal device into an uplink message in a message format of a non-associated communication mode;

[0044] Broadcasting the uplink message;

[0045] One or more APs receive an uplink message in a message format of a broadcast non-association communication mode;

[0046] Decapsulating the uplink message;

[0047] Sending the application data packet in the uplink message to the corresponding network-side terminal device based on the destination address in the decapsulated uplink message;

[0048] Receiving an application data packet from the network-side terminal device;

[0049] Encapsulating the application data packet from the network-side terminal device into a downlink message in a message format of a non-associated communication mode;

[0050] broadcasting the downlink message;

[0051] The client receives at least one broadcasted downlink message in a message format of a non-associated communication mode;

[0052] The client decapsulates the downlink message;

[0053] The decapsulated downlink message is forwarded to the client-side terminal device.

[0054] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a client in a wireless local area network is provided, comprising:

[0055] a connection detection unit configured to initiate a non-associated communication mode upon detecting a loss of connection with the AP;

[0056] a message encapsulation unit configured to encapsulate an application data packet from a client-side terminal device into an uplink message in a message format of a non-association communication mode; and

[0057] The sending unit is configured to send the uplink message.

[0058] Optionally, in an example of the above aspect, the client further includes:

[0059] a non-associated message receiving unit configured to receive at least one downlink message in a message format of a non-associated communication mode;

[0060] a decapsulation unit, configured to decapsulate the downlink message;

[0061] The forwarding unit is configured to forward the decapsulated downlink message to the client-side terminal device.

[0062] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless local area network roaming switching device is provided, comprising:

[0063] a non-association message receiving unit configured to receive an uplink message in a message format of a non-association communication mode;

[0064] a decapsulation unit, configured to decapsulate the uplink message;

[0065] The sending unit is configured to send the application data packet in the uplink message to the corresponding network side terminal device based on the destination address in the decapsulated uplink message.

[0066] Optionally, in an example of the above aspect, the wireless local area network roaming switching apparatus further includes:

[0067] an application data receiving unit, configured to receive an application data packet from the network-side terminal device;

[0068] an encapsulation unit configured to encapsulate the application data packet from the network-side terminal device into a downlink message in a message format of a non-associated communication mode;

[0069] The sending unit is configured to send the downlink message.

[0070] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and a memory coupled to the at least one processor, the memory being used to store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, enable the processor to execute the method described above.

[0071] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium is provided, which stores executable instructions. When the instructions are executed, the machine is caused to perform the method described above.

[0072] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, which is tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium and includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause at least one processor to perform the method described above.

[0073] The wireless local area network roaming handover method and apparatus according to the present disclosure are easy to implement and low-cost. For example, a processing module for messages in a non-associated communication mode can be implemented as an application running on existing edge hardware.

[0074] It can provide continuous communication during the WLAN client roaming process, helping the client to seamlessly switch from one AP to another, ensuring that end-to-end communication is not interrupted.

[0075] The client performs the roaming handover process while communicating in the non-association communication mode. Once the client associates with the new AP, it returns to the normal communication mode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] The above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present invention will be more easily understood by referring to the following description of the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The components in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrating the principles of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar technical features or components will be represented by the same or similar reference numerals. In the accompanying drawings:

[0077] 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless local area network architecture using a wireless local area network roaming handover method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0078] FIG2 is a schematic flow chart showing a wireless local area network roaming handover method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, performed between a client and an AP;

[0079] FIG3 is a flowchart of an exemplary process of a wireless local area network roaming handover method performed at a client according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0080] FIG4 is a flowchart of an exemplary process of a wireless local area network roaming handover method performed on an AP side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0081] FIG5 is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a client for executing the wireless local area network roaming handover method shown in FIG3 ;

[0082] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a wireless LAN roaming handover apparatus for executing the wireless LAN roaming handover method shown in FIG. 4 .

[0083] FIG7 shows a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] 100: wireless local area network 500: client 104: AP 106: client-side terminal device 107: switch 108: network-side device 200, 300, 400: wireless local area network roaming handover method S202, S204, S206, S208, S210, S212, S214, S216, S218, S220, S222, S224: steps S302, S304, S306, S308, S310, S312, S402, S404, S406, S408, S314, S316: Steps S410, S412: Step 500: Client 502: Connection Detection Unit 504: Message Encapsulation Unit 506: Sending Unit 508: Non-Associated Message Receiving Unit 510: Decapsulation Unit 512: Forwarding Unit 600: Wireless LAN Roaming Switching Device 602: Non-Associated Message Receiving Unit 604: Decapsulation Unit 606: Sending Unit 608: Application Data Receiving Unit 610: Encapsulation Unit 612: Sending Unit 700: Electronic Device 702: Processor 704: Memory DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] The subject matter described herein will now be discussed with reference to example embodiments. It should be understood that discussing these embodiments is intended only to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the subject matter described herein, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection, applicability, or examples set forth in the claims. The functions and arrangements of the elements discussed may be changed without departing from the scope of protection of this disclosure. Various examples may omit, replace, or add various processes or components as needed. For example, the described method may be performed in an order different from the described order, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. In addition, features described relative to some examples may also be combined in other examples.

[0086] As used herein, the term "including" and its variations are open terms meaning "including but not limited to". The term "based on" means "based at least in part on". The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" mean "at least one embodiment". The term "another embodiment" means "at least one other embodiment". The terms "first", "second", etc. may refer to different or the same objects. Other definitions may be included below, whether explicit or implicit. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the definition of a term is consistent throughout the specification.

[0087] In the present disclosure, a client refers to a device configured with a WLAN function, and an AP (Access Point) refers to an access point that transmits data with the client on a working channel.

[0088] The technical solutions provided by the various embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied in mobile communication scenarios, particularly WLAN networks. Due to the limited signal coverage of a single AP, multiple APs are typically deployed to meet signal coverage requirements in scenarios such as homes, offices, businesses, industries, and entertainment. When a client moves within a WLAN, it often crosses the service area of ​​one AP and then moves to another. Therefore, the client may need to switch from one AP to another to achieve wireless roaming.

[0089] Based on existing WLAN roaming methods (FT (Fast BSS Transition) and "Industrial Point Coordination Function-Management Channel" (Industrial Point Coordination Function-Management Channel), it is almost impossible to improve the normal WLAN roaming process and steps. The present disclosure provides a method to ensure that important end-to-end communications are not interrupted during roaming handover.

[0090] According to the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a "non-associated communication mode" is proposed to help the client switch seamlessly from one AP to another AP, ensuring that end-to-end communication is not interrupted.

[0091] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture of a wireless local area network 100 using a wireless local area network roaming handover method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] The wireless local area network 100 shown in Figure 1 includes a client 500 and two access points 104. The client 500 provides wireless communication for a client-side terminal device 106, while the AP 104 provides wireless communication for a network-side terminal device 108. The network-side device 108 and the AP 104 can be connected to a network via a switch 107, forming a WLAN network architecture for these devices. The AP 104 provides wireless access services based on WLAN protocols (e.g., 802.11 standards) to the client 500.

[0093] The network side also includes a wireless LAN roaming handover device 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 1, the wireless LAN roaming handover device 600 is shown as independent hardware. It is understood that the wireless LAN roaming handover device 600 can also be deployed in AP 104 or switch 107. This is not limited to this in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0094] It should be understood that the number of clients and APs in FIG1 is for exemplary purposes only and is not intended to limit the WLAN provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The WLAN may include a greater number of clients and APs.

[0095] FIG2 shows a schematic flow chart of a wireless local area network roaming handover method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, performed between a client and an AP.

[0096] First, in step S202, when the client detects that the connection with the AP is lost, the non-associated communication mode is started.

[0097] In the wireless LAN roaming handover method disclosed herein, an emergency communication mode is provided when the connection between a client and the current AP is lost. This mode is referred to herein as the non-association communication mode. The user pre-sets a specific message format, and all data packets communicated in the non-association communication mode are encapsulated in this message format.

[0098] In step S204, the client encapsulates the application data packet from the client-side terminal device into an uplink message in a message format of a non-association communication mode.

[0099] During roaming, when a client needs to send or forward an application data packet from a WLAN client-side terminal device to a network-side terminal device, it encapsulates the application data packet into a message format for non-association communication mode. When the AP receives a message in the non-association communication mode message format, it knows that the message was sent in non-association communication mode during roaming.

[0100] In step S206, the client broadcasts the uplink message.

[0101] The uplink message mentioned here refers to an application data packet encapsulated in a message format of a non-associative communication mode.

[0102] In step S208, one or more APs receive the uplink message in the broadcast non-association communication mode message format.

[0103] In step S210, the uplink message is decapsulated.

[0104] The processing module that processes messages in the message format of the non-association communication mode can be deployed on a network device such as a switch, on each AP, on an edge device, or as a standalone hardware implementation, which is not limited in the technical solution of this disclosure. If the module is deployed outside the AP, the AP forwards received uplink messages to the processing module for processing. The processing module discards duplicate uplink data in the message format of the non-association communication mode because the same message may be received from more than one AP.

[0105] In step S212, based on the destination address in the decapsulated uplink message, the application data packet in the uplink message is sent to the corresponding network-side terminal device.

[0106] Steps S204 to S212 implement uplink communication of sending application data packets from the client-side terminal device to the network-side terminal device during roaming switching. The following steps are downlink communication of sending application data packets from the network-side terminal device to the client-side terminal device.

[0107] In step S214, an application data packet is received from the network-side terminal device.

[0108] It can be understood that the application data packet from the network side terminal device to be sent to the client side terminal device will be automatically navigated to the corresponding processing module for processing messages in the non-associated communication mode based on the layer 2 network characteristics.

[0109] In step S216, the application data packet from the network-side terminal device is encapsulated into a downlink message in a message format of a non-associated communication mode.

[0110] The processing module may be deployed on the AP, on hardware outside the AP, or may be independent hardware.

[0111] In step S218, the AP broadcasts the downlink message.

[0112] In step S220 , the client receives at least one broadcast downlink message in a message format of a non-associated communication mode.

[0113] In step S222, the client decapsulates the downlink message.

[0114] In step S224, the decapsulated downlink message is forwarded to the client-side terminal device.

[0115] From step S214 to step S224, downlink communication of sending application data from the network side terminal device to the client side terminal device is completed.

[0116] It can be seen that according to the wireless local area network roaming handover method of the embodiment of the present disclosure, application data communication will not be interrupted during the process of the WLAN client roaming from the old AP to the new AP.

[0117] Wherein, when the client performs communication in the non-associated communication mode, the client also performs a roaming switching process.

[0118] After the client associates with the new AP, the communication in the non-association communication mode will be stopped and the normal communication mode can be restored.

[0119] The wireless LAN roaming handover method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, performed between the client and the AP shown in FIG2 , involves both the client and the AP. For the client, the operational steps performed are shown in FIG3 . FIG3 is a flow chart of an exemplary process of a wireless LAN roaming handover method 300 performed at the client according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method specifically comprising:

[0120] First, in step S302, when the client detects that the connection with the AP is lost, the non-associated communication mode is started.

[0121] Next, in step S304, the client encapsulates the application data packet from the client-side terminal device into an uplink message in a message format of a non-association communication mode.

[0122] Then, in step S306, the uplink message is sent via broadcast.

[0123] Through such an operation, when the client loses connection with the AP, the application data packet from the client-side terminal device can be broadcast for communication.

[0124] Preferably, the wireless local area network roaming handover method 300 further includes:

[0125] In step S308, at least one downlink message in a message format of a non-associated communication mode is received.

[0126] In step S310, the downlink message is decapsulated.

[0127] In step S312, the decapsulated downlink message is forwarded to the client-side terminal device.

[0128] Through such an operation, the downlink message in the message format of the non-associated communication mode received in the non-associated communication mode can be processed, thereby sending the application data packet from the network side terminal device to the client side terminal device, realizing end-to-end communication.

[0129] Preferably, the wireless local area network roaming handover method 300 further includes: step S314, the client performs a roaming handover process while performing communication in the non-association communication mode.

[0130] Preferably, the wireless local area network roaming handover method 300 further includes: step S316, after the client associates with the new AP, stopping the communication in the non-association communication mode and restoring to the normal communication mode.

[0131] It can be understood that while the client is communicating in the non-association communication mode, the roaming switching process is also performed. Once the client is associated with a new AP, normal communication is restored.

[0132] The above description uses FIG4 to illustrate the steps performed by the client during the wireless LAN roaming handover method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure between the client and the AP. The steps performed on the AP side are shown in FIG4 . FIG4 is a flowchart of an exemplary process of a wireless LAN roaming handover method 400 performed on the AP side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method specifically includes:

[0133] Step S402: receiving an uplink message in a message format of a non-association communication mode.

[0134] Step S404: decapsulate the uplink message.

[0135] Step S406: Based on the destination address in the decapsulated uplink message, the application data packet in the uplink message is sent to the corresponding network-side terminal device.

[0136] Preferably, the wireless local area network roaming handover method 400 further includes:

[0137] Step S408: Receive an application data packet from the network-side terminal device.

[0138] Step S410: encapsulate the application data packet from the network-side terminal device into a downlink message in a message format of a non-associated communication mode.

[0139] Step S412: Send the downlink message.

[0140] It can be understood that when the processing module for the non-associated communication mode is deployed on the AP, steps S402 to S412 are executed on the AP. If the processing module is deployed on hardware other than the AP or is independent hardware, the processing module will forward the corresponding data to the AP, which will not be repeated here.

[0141] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a client 500 for executing the wireless local area network roaming handover method shown in Fig. 3. In Fig. 5, the client 500 includes: a connection detection unit 502, a message encapsulation unit 504 and a sending unit 506.

[0142] The connection detection unit 502 is configured to start the non-associated communication mode when detecting that the connection with the AP is lost.

[0143] The message encapsulation unit 504 is configured to encapsulate the application data packet from the client-side terminal device into an uplink message in a message format of a non-association communication mode.

[0144] The sending unit 506 is configured to send the uplink message.

[0145] Preferably, the client 500 further includes a non-associated message receiving unit 508 , a decapsulating unit 510 , and a forwarding unit 512 .

[0146] The non-associated message receiving unit 508 is configured to receive a downlink message in a message format of at least one non-associated communication mode;

[0147] The decapsulation unit 510 is configured to decapsulate the downlink message;

[0148] The forwarding unit 512 is configured to forward the decapsulated downlink message to the client-side terminal device.

[0149] Figure 6 shows a block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a wireless LAN roaming handover apparatus 600 for executing the wireless LAN roaming handover method shown in Figure 4. In Figure 6 , the wireless LAN roaming handover apparatus 600 includes: a non-associated message receiving unit 602, a decapsulating unit 604, and a sending unit 606.

[0150] The non-associated message receiving unit 602 is configured to receive an uplink message in a message format of a non-associated communication mode.

[0151] The decapsulation unit 604 is configured to decapsulate the uplink message.

[0152] The sending unit 606 is configured to send the application data packet in the uplink message to the corresponding network-side terminal device based on the destination address in the decapsulated uplink message.

[0153] Preferably, the wireless local area network roaming handover device 600 further includes: an application data receiving unit 608 , an encapsulation unit 610 and a sending unit 612 .

[0154] The application data receiving unit 608 is configured to receive an application data packet from the network-side terminal device.

[0155] The encapsulation unit 610 is configured to encapsulate the application data packet from the network-side terminal device into a downlink message in a message format of a non-associated communication mode.

[0156] The sending unit 612 is configured to send the downlink message.

[0157] As mentioned above, the wireless local area network roaming switching device 600 can be deployed on an AP, a switch or an edge device, or can be used as an independent hardware in a wireless local area network. The downlink message can be sent to one or more APs.

[0158] The details of the operations and functions of the various parts of the client 500 and the wireless local area network roaming switching device 600 described above may be the same as or similar to the relevant parts of the various embodiments of the wireless local area network roaming switching method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure described with reference to Figures 1-4, and will not be described in detail here.

[0159] It should be noted that the structures of the client 500 and the wireless LAN roaming switching device 600 and their constituent units shown in Figures 5 and 6 are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art may modify the structural block diagrams shown in Figures 5 and 6 as needed.

[0160] The wireless local area network roaming handover method and apparatus according to the present disclosure have at least one or more of the following advantages.

[0161] The wireless local area network roaming handover method and apparatus according to the present disclosure are easy to implement and low-cost. For example, a processing module for messages in a non-associated communication mode can be implemented as an application running on existing edge hardware.

[0162] It can provide continuous communication during the WLAN client roaming process, helping the client to seamlessly switch from one AP to another, ensuring that end-to-end communication is not interrupted.

[0163] The client performs the roaming handover process while communicating in the non-association communication mode. Once the client associates with the new AP, it returns to the normal communication mode.

[0164] The method and apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are described above with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Each unit of the client and wireless roaming switching apparatus described above can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0165] 7 shows a block diagram of an electronic device 700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 700 may include at least one processor 702 that executes at least one computer-readable instruction stored or encoded in a computer-readable storage medium (ie, memory 704).

[0166] It should be understood that the computer executable instructions stored in the memory 704, when executed, cause the at least one processor 702 to perform the various operations and functions described above in conjunction with Figures 1-6 in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0167] According to one embodiment, a non-transitory machine-readable medium is provided. The non-transitory machine-readable medium may have machine-executable instructions, which, when executed by a machine, enable the machine to perform various operations and functions described above in conjunction with FIG. 1-6 in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0168] According to one embodiment, a computer program is provided, including computer-executable instructions, which, when executed, enable at least one processor to perform the various operations and functions described above in conjunction with Figures 1-6 in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0169] According to one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including computer-executable instructions, which, when executed, enable at least one processor to perform the various operations and functions described above in conjunction with Figures 1-6 in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0170] It should be understood that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and reference can be made to the identical or similar parts of the various embodiments. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from the other embodiments. For example, the aforementioned apparatus embodiments, electronic device embodiments, and machine-readable storage medium embodiments are generally similar to the method embodiments, so their descriptions are relatively simple. For relevant details, reference can be made to the descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0171] The foregoing description of this specification describes specific embodiments. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims can be performed in an order different from that described in the embodiments and still achieve the desired results. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the accompanying drawings do not necessarily require the specific order shown or the sequential order to achieve the desired results. In certain embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0172] Not all steps and units in the above processes and system structure diagrams are required, and some steps or units may be omitted according to actual needs. The device structures described in the above embodiments can be physical structures or logical structures, that is, some units may be implemented by the same physical entity, or some units may be implemented by multiple physical entities, or may be implemented by certain components in multiple independent devices.

[0173] The specific embodiments described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describe exemplary embodiments, but do not represent all embodiments that can be implemented or fall within the scope of protection of the claims. The term "exemplary" used throughout this specification means "used as an example, instance or illustration" and does not mean "preferred" or "having advantages" over other embodiments. For the purpose of providing an understanding of the described technology, the specific embodiments include specific details. However, these technologies can be implemented without these specific details. In some instances, in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described embodiments, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form.

[0174] The above description of the present disclosure is provided to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to implement or use the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications to the present disclosure will be made, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is consistent with the widest range of principles and novel features disclosed herein. The foregoing is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0175] Nouns and pronouns referring to persons in this patent application are not limited to a specific gender.

Claims

1. A wireless local area network roaming handover method (300), applicable to a client, comprising: When the client detects that the connection with the AP is lost, the client starts the non-associated communication mode (S302); The client encapsulates the application data packet from the client-side terminal device into an uplink message in a message format of a non-association communication mode (S304); The uplink message is sent via broadcast (S306).

2. The method (300) of claim 1, further comprising: receiving at least one downlink message in a message format of a non-association communication mode (S308); Decapsulating the downlink message (S310); The decapsulated downlink message is forwarded to the client-side terminal device (S312).

3. The method (300) of claim 1, further comprising: The client performs a roaming handover process while communicating in the non-association communication mode (S314).

4. The method (300) of claim 3, further comprising: After the client associates with the new AP, the communication in the non-association communication mode is stopped and the normal communication mode is restored (S316).

5. A wireless local area network roaming handover method (400), applicable to an access point, comprising: Receiving an uplink message in a message format of a non-association communication mode (S402); Decapsulating the uplink message (S404); Based on the destination address in the decapsulated uplink message, the application data packet in the uplink message is sent to the corresponding network-side terminal device (S406).

6. The method (400) of claim 5, further comprising: Receiving an application data packet from the network-side terminal device (S408); Encapsulating the application data packet from the network-side terminal device into a downlink message in a message format of a non-association communication mode (S410); The downlink message is sent (S412).

7. A wireless local area network roaming handover method (200), comprising: When the client detects that the connection with the AP is lost, it starts a non-associated communication mode (S202); The client encapsulates the application data packet from the client-side terminal device into an uplink message in a message format of a non-association communication mode (S204); Broadcasting the uplink message (S206); One or more APs receive the uplink message in the message format of the broadcast non-association communication mode (S208); Decapsulating the uplink message (S210); Based on the destination address in the decapsulated uplink message, the application data packet in the uplink message is sent to the corresponding network-side terminal device (S212); Receiving an application data packet from the network-side terminal device (S214); Encapsulating the application data packet from the network side terminal device into a downlink message in a message format of a non-association communication mode (S216); Broadcasting the downlink message (S218); The client receives a broadcasted downlink message in a message format of at least one non-association communication mode (S220); The client decapsulates the downlink message (S222); as well as The decapsulated downlink message is forwarded to the client-side terminal device (S224).

8. A client (500) in a wireless local area network, comprising: a connection detection unit (502), configured to start a non-associated communication mode when detecting a loss of connection with the AP; A message encapsulation unit (504) is configured to encapsulate an application data packet from a client-side terminal device into an uplink message in a message format of a non-association communication mode; as well as The sending unit (506) is configured to send the uplink message.

9. The client (500) according to claim 8, further comprising: A non-associated message receiving unit (508) is configured to receive a downlink message in a message format of at least one non-associated communication mode; a decapsulation unit (510), configured to decapsulate the downlink message; The forwarding unit (512) is configured to forward the decapsulated downlink message to the client-side terminal device.

10. A wireless local area network roaming switching device (600), comprising: A non-associated message receiving unit (602) is configured to receive an uplink message in a message format of a non-associated communication mode; a decapsulation unit (604), configured to decapsulate the uplink message; The sending unit (606) is configured to send the application data packet in the uplink message to the corresponding network side terminal device based on the destination address in the decapsulated uplink message.

11. The wireless local area network roaming switching device (600) according to claim 10, further comprising: An application data receiving unit (608) is configured to receive an application data packet from the network side terminal device; An encapsulation unit (610) is configured to encapsulate the application data packet from the network side terminal device into a downlink message in a message format of a non-association communication mode; The sending unit (612) is configured to send the downlink message.

12. Electronic device (700), comprising: at least one processor (702); as well as A memory (704) coupled to the at least one processor (702), the memory being configured to store instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor (702), cause the processor (702) to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

13. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing executable instructions, which, when executed, cause the machine to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

14. A computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium and comprising computer-executable instructions which, when executed, cause at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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