Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, relating to the technical field of communications, and capable of improving user experience when station devices perform channel scanning. The method comprises: acquiring N pieces of first information, wherein the first information comprises a first threshold, channel information corresponding to the first threshold, and second information, the first threshold is used for indicating received signal energy for triggering channel scanning, the second information is used for indicating a channel scanning condition corresponding to the first threshold, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; and when signal quality corresponding to an associated access point device meets the channel scanning condition corresponding to the first threshold, performing channel scanning on a channel corresponding to the first threshold.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411022301.4, filed on July 26, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] In a communication system, a site device can detect the signal quality of associated access point devices. When the signal quality is below a certain threshold, the site device can perform a channel scan and switch to another access point device with a stronger signal when it is detected.

[0004] However, for access point devices that support dual-band or tri-band, when a site device approaches the access point device, it will preferentially connect to the lower frequency band (such as 2.4GHz) due to its propagation characteristics. As the site device gets closer to the access point device, the signal quality received by the site device becomes stronger and stronger, and the site device will enter the coverage area of ​​the higher frequency band (such as 5GHz) of the access point device. However, since the site device will only perform channel scanning when the signal quality is below a certain threshold, the site device cannot switch to the higher frequency band of the access point device, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0005] Therefore, how site equipment can perform channel scanning to improve user experience has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can improve user experience when site equipment performs channel scanning.

[0007] Firstly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a site device. Unless otherwise specified, "site device" in this application can refer to the site device itself, components within the site device (e.g., processors, chips, or chip systems), or logic modules or software capable of implementing all or part of the site device's functions. The method includes: acquiring N pieces of first information, including a first threshold, channel information corresponding to the first threshold, and second information; the first threshold is used to indicate the received signal energy that triggers channel scanning; the second information is used to indicate the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold; N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; and performing channel scanning on the channel corresponding to the first threshold when the signal quality corresponding to the associated access point device meets the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold.

[0008] Based on the first aspect, the site device can acquire N pieces of first information. Each piece of first information can include a first threshold for triggering channel scanning and second information corresponding to the first threshold (used to indicate the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold). The site device can flexibly determine whether to perform channel scanning based on these N pieces of first information. For example, it can perform channel scanning if the signal quality of the associated access point device meets the channel scanning conditions corresponding to a certain first threshold, thereby improving the flexibility of channel scanning. In addition, each piece of first information can also include channel information corresponding to the first threshold. The site device can perform channel scanning on the channel corresponding to the first threshold if the channel scanning conditions corresponding to a certain first threshold are met, thereby improving the accuracy of channel scanning, reducing invalid scans, reducing scanning power consumption, and improving user experience.

[0009] In one possible design, the second information includes first indication information, which indicates that the channel scanning condition corresponding to the first threshold is either: the signal quality of the associated access point device is less than or equal to the first threshold; or the signal quality of the associated access point device is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0010] Based on this possible design, the site equipment can explicitly determine the channel scanning conditions corresponding to each first threshold based on the first indication information.

[0011] In one possible design, the second information includes a first device relationship; wherein the first device relationship is used to indicate that the device relationship between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device is different frequency points of the same device; the second information is used to indicate that the channel scanning condition corresponding to the first threshold is that the signal quality corresponding to the associated access point device is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0012] In one possible design, the second information includes a second device relationship; wherein the second device relationship is used to indicate that the device relationship between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device is that they are adjacent non-same devices; the second information is used to indicate that the channel scanning condition corresponding to the first threshold is that the signal quality of the associated access point device is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0013] In one possible design, the first device includes a third device relationship, wherein the third device relationship is used to indicate that the device relationship between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device is a non-proximity device; the second information is used to indicate that the channel scanning condition corresponding to the first threshold is that the signal quality corresponding to the associated access point device is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0014] Based on the above three possible designs, the second information may include the device relationship corresponding to the first threshold, and the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold are implicitly indicated by indicating the device relationship corresponding to the first threshold.

[0015] In one possible design, the first threshold corresponding to the first device relationship is greater than the first threshold corresponding to the second device relationship.

[0016] Based on this possible design, when a site device approaches an associated access point device, it can first attempt to connect to the first access point device corresponding to the second device relationship. Only when the site device is close enough to the associated access point device will it attempt to connect to the first access point device corresponding to the first device relationship. This helps the site device to trigger channel scanning more accurately, reduce invalid scans, lower scanning power consumption, and improve user experience.

[0017] In one possible design, the first information also includes a second threshold, which is used to indicate the received signal energy that triggers channel switching.

[0018] Based on this possible design, for each piece of first information, the first information may also include a second threshold, that is, the site device may switch from the associated access point device to the first access point device when the signal quality corresponding to the first access point device is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0019] In one possible design, when the first information corresponds to a first device relationship, the first threshold is greater than the second threshold; wherein, the first device relationship is used to indicate that the device relationship between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device is different frequency points of the same device.

[0020] Based on this possible design, when a site device scans for a first access point device corresponding to the first device relationship, it can switch to that first access point device, thereby improving the user experience.

[0021] In one possible design, when the first information corresponds to the second device relationship, the first threshold is less than the second threshold; wherein, the second device relationship is used to indicate that the device relationship between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device is that they are adjacent non-identical devices.

[0022] Based on this possible design, the site device can attempt to switch channels when it detects a first access point device corresponding to the second device relationship. If the signal quality of the first access point device detected by the site device is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it will switch to the first access point device; otherwise, it will not switch channels.

[0023] In one possible design, when the first information corresponds to a third device relationship, the first threshold is determined based on the signal quality between the first access point device and the associated access point device corresponding to the first information, and a second threshold; wherein, the third device relationship is used to indicate that the device relationship between the first access point device and the associated access point device corresponding to the first information is a non-proximity device.

[0024] In one possible design, the first threshold is less than the first difference; the first difference is the difference between the signal quality between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device and the second threshold.

[0025] Based on the two possible designs mentioned above, a feasible solution is provided for the design of the first threshold corresponding to the third device relationship.

[0026] In one possible design, obtaining N pieces of first information includes: receiving N pieces of first information from the associated access point device; or sending a first request to the associated access point device and receiving a first response from the associated access point device; wherein the first request is used to request the acquisition of first information, and the first response includes N pieces of first information.

[0027] Based on this possible design, multiple feasible solutions are provided for site devices to obtain N pieces of first information.

[0028] In one possible design, the method further includes: obtaining the updated first information; and performing a channel scan based on the updated first information.

[0029] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by an associated access point device. Unless otherwise specified, "associated access point device" in this application can refer to the associated access point device itself, a component within the associated access point device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the associated access point device. The method includes: acquiring N pieces of first information; and sending the N pieces of first information. The first information includes a first threshold, channel information corresponding to the first threshold, and second information; the first threshold is used to indicate the received signal energy that triggers channel scanning; the second information is used to indicate the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold; and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0030] It is understandable that the description of the N first pieces of information can be found in the relevant descriptions in the various possible designs of the first aspect mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0031] Based on the second aspect, each piece of first information can include a first threshold for triggering channel scanning and second information corresponding to the first threshold (for indicating the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold). This allows the site device to flexibly determine whether to perform channel scanning based on the N pieces of first information. For example, channel scanning can be performed if the signal quality of the associated access point device meets the channel scanning conditions corresponding to a certain first threshold, thus improving the flexibility of channel scanning. Furthermore, each piece of first information can also include channel information corresponding to the first threshold, allowing the site device to perform channel scanning on the channel corresponding to the first threshold when the channel scanning conditions corresponding to that first threshold are met. This improves the accuracy of channel scanning, reduces invalid scans, lowers scanning power consumption, and enhances the user experience.

[0032] In one possible design, N pieces of first information are obtained, including: detecting the signal quality between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device through a second frequency point; wherein, the second frequency point is a frequency point other than the operating frequency point supported by the associated access point device; and determining the first information based on the signal quality.

[0033] In one possible design, acquiring N pieces of first information includes: receiving first information sent by the first access point device corresponding to the first information via a third frequency point; wherein, the third frequency point is a frequency point other than the operating frequency point supported by the first access point device corresponding to the first information; the third frequency point and the operating frequency point of the associated access point device belong to the same frequency band.

[0034] In one possible design, the channel information corresponding to the first information is the channel information corresponding to the operating frequency point supported by the first access point device corresponding to the first information.

[0035] Based on the above three possible designs, multiple feasible solutions are provided for the associated access point device to obtain N pieces of first information.

[0036] In one possible design, the method further includes: detecting the signal quality between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device via a second frequency point; wherein the second frequency point is a frequency point other than the operating frequency point supported by the associated access point device; updating the first information according to the signal quality, and sending the updated first information.

[0037] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving updated first information sent by a first access point device corresponding to the first information via a third frequency point; wherein the third frequency point is a frequency point other than the operating frequency point supported by the first access point device corresponding to the first information; the third frequency point and the operating frequency point of the associated access point device belong to the same frequency band; and sending the updated first information.

[0038] Based on the two possible designs mentioned above, several feasible solutions are provided for updating the first information of the associated access point device.

[0039] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a first access point device. Unless otherwise specified, "first access point device" in this application can refer to the first access point device itself, a component within the first access point device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access point device. The method includes: detecting the signal quality between the first access point device and an associated access point device via a third frequency point; and sending first information to the associated access point device based on the signal quality. The third frequency point is a frequency point supported by the first access point device other than its operating frequency; the third frequency point and the operating frequency point of the associated access point device belong to the same frequency band; the first information includes a first threshold, channel information corresponding to the first threshold, and second information; the first threshold is used to indicate the received signal energy that triggers channel scanning; and the second information is used to indicate the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold.

[0040] It is understandable that the description of the N first pieces of information can be found in the relevant descriptions in the various possible designs of the first aspect mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0041] In one possible design, the channel information is the channel information corresponding to the operating frequency point supported by the first access point device.

[0042] In one possible design, the method further includes: detecting the signal quality between the first access point device and the associated access point device via a third frequency point; and sending updated first information to the associated access point device based on the signal quality.

[0043] It is understood that the beneficial effects that can be achieved by the third aspect and any possible design of the third aspect can be referred to the beneficial effects described in the second aspect and any possible design of the second aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0044] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device that can be applied to the site equipment described in the first aspect to realize the functions performed by the site equipment. The communication device can be the site equipment itself, or it can be a chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip (SoC) of the site equipment. The communication device can execute the functions performed by the site equipment through hardware or through corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions. For example, a transceiver module or a processing module. The transceiver module can independently complete the following transceiver operations or cooperate with the processing module to complete the following transceiver operations; similarly, the processing module can independently complete the following processing operations or cooperate with the transceiver module to complete the following processing operations, without limitation.

[0045] For example, the transceiver module is used to acquire N pieces of first information, which include a first threshold, channel information corresponding to the first threshold, and second information; the first threshold is used to indicate the received signal energy that triggers channel scanning; the second information is used to indicate the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold; N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; the processing module is used to perform channel scanning on the channel corresponding to the first threshold when the signal quality corresponding to the associated access point device meets the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold.

[0046] Optionally, the transceiver module and processing module of the communication device in the fourth aspect may also perform the corresponding functions in any possible design of the first aspect, as detailed in the method examples, and the beneficial effects that can be achieved can also be found in the foregoing related content.

[0047] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device that can be applied to the associated access point device described in the second aspect to realize the functions performed by the associated access point device. The communication device can be the associated access point device itself, or it can be a chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip of the associated access point device. The communication device can execute the functions performed by the associated access point device through hardware, or it can execute corresponding software through hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. For example, a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module can independently complete the following transceiver operations, or it can cooperate with the processing module to complete the following transceiver operations; correspondingly, the processing module can independently complete the following processing operations, or it can cooperate with the transceiver module to complete the following processing operations, without limitation.

[0048] For example, the processing module is used to acquire N pieces of first information; the transceiver module is used to send N pieces of first information. The first information includes a first threshold, channel information corresponding to the first threshold, and second information; the first threshold is used to indicate the received signal energy that triggers channel scanning; the second information is used to indicate the channel scanning condition corresponding to the first threshold; N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0049] Optionally, the transceiver module and processing module of the communication device in the fifth aspect may also perform the corresponding functions in any possible design of the second aspect above, as detailed in the method examples, and the beneficial effects that can be achieved can also be found in the foregoing related content.

[0050] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device that can be applied to the first access point device described in the third aspect above to realize the functions performed by the first access point device. The communication device can be the first access point device itself, or it can be a chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip of the first access point device, etc. The communication device can execute the functions performed by the first access point device through hardware, or it can execute corresponding software through hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. For example, a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module can independently complete the following transceiver operations, or it can cooperate with the processing module to complete the following transceiver operations; correspondingly, the processing module can independently complete the following processing operations, or it can cooperate with the transceiver module to complete the following processing operations, without limitation.

[0051] For example, the processing module is used to detect the signal quality between the first access point device and the associated access point device via a third frequency point; the transceiver module is used to send first information to the associated access point device based on the signal quality. Here, the third frequency point is a frequency point other than the operating frequency point supported by the first access point device; the third frequency point and the operating frequency point of the associated access point device belong to the same frequency band; the first information includes a first threshold, channel information corresponding to the first threshold, and second information; the first threshold is used to indicate the received signal energy that triggers channel scanning; the second information is used to indicate the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold.

[0052] Optionally, the transceiver module and processing module of the communication device in the sixth aspect may also perform the corresponding functions in any possible design of the third aspect described above, as detailed in the method examples, and the beneficial effects that can be achieved can also be found in the foregoing related content.

[0053] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, the communication device including one or more processors; the one or more processors are configured to run computer programs or instructions, such that when the one or more processors execute the computer instructions or instructions, the communication method described in any one of the first to third aspects is executed.

[0054] In one possible design, the communication device further includes one or more memories coupled to one or more processors, the memories used to store the aforementioned computer programs or instructions. In one possible implementation, the memories are located outside the communication device. In another possible implementation, the memories are located inside the communication device. In embodiments of this application, the processor and memory may also be integrated into a single device, i.e., the processor and memory may be integrated together. In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver for receiving and / or transmitting information.

[0055] In one possible design, the communication device further includes one or more communication interfaces coupled to one or more processors, and the communication interfaces are used to communicate with other modules outside the communication device.

[0056] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes an interface circuit and a logic circuit; the interface circuit is used to input and / or output information; the logic circuit is used to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to third aspects, and to process and / or generate information based on the information.

[0057] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions or programs that, when executed on a computer, cause the communication method described in any one of the first to third aspects to be performed.

[0058] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product containing computer instructions that, when run on a computer, causes the communication method described in any one of the first to third aspects to be executed.

[0059] In one aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the communication method described in any one of the first to third aspects to be executed.

[0060] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip, including: a processor coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions, wherein when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, a communication method as described in any one of the first to third aspects is executed.

[0061] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects seven through twelfth are similar to those in aspects one through three above, and will not be elaborated upon further.

[0062] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system that may include a communication device for performing the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, a communication device for performing the method described in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect, and a communication device for performing the method described in the third aspect or any possible design of the third aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0063] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a dual-frequency scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 3 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a device relationship provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an access point device update relationship table provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 9 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0072] Before describing the embodiments of this application, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be described.

[0073] Handover across extended service sets (ESS) is a typical scenario in IEEE 802.11 networks, such as switching from a 2.4 GHz ESS to a 5 GHz ESS. The general handover process is as follows: the site device performs a channel scan, sending a probe request frame. The target ESS replies with a probe response frame. The site device then decides whether to switch based on the received power of the probe response frame and the access point device's descriptive information, such as channel, bandwidth, and channel utilization. The key to this handover process is how the site device determines when to perform a channel scan—that is, when to send the probe request frame and which channels to select during the scan. Poor timing and channel selection can lead to wasted scans, increasing power consumption and potentially impacting user experience.

[0074] Specifically, the site device can detect the signal quality of associated access point devices. When the signal quality is below threshold 1, the site device can perform a channel scan. If the site device detects other access point devices with stronger signal quality, and the signal quality of those other access point devices is greater than threshold 2, the site device can switch to those other access point devices.

[0075] However, when a site device's signal quality drops below the threshold of 1, triggering a channel scan, the handover timing becomes very slow. In dual-band or multi-band scenarios, there is no way to select a better access point device. For example, as shown in Figure 1, for access point devices that support dual-band or tri-band, when a site device approaches the access point device, it will preferentially connect to the lower frequency band (e.g., 2.4GHz) due to its propagation characteristics. As the site device gets closer to the access point device, the signal quality it receives becomes stronger, and the site device will enter the coverage area of ​​the access point device's higher frequency band (e.g., 5GHz). However, since the site device only performs a channel scan when the signal quality is below the threshold of 1, it cannot switch to the access point device's higher frequency band, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0076] Therefore, how site equipment can perform channel scanning to improve user experience has become an urgent technical problem to be solved.

[0077] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a communication method in which a station device can acquire N pieces of first information, including a first threshold, channel information corresponding to the first threshold, and second information. The first threshold is used to indicate the received signal energy that triggers channel scanning; the second information is used to indicate the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold; N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; the station device can perform channel scanning on the channel corresponding to the first threshold if the signal quality of the associated access point device meets the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold.

[0078] In this embodiment, the site device can acquire N pieces of first information. Each piece of first information can include a first threshold for triggering channel scanning and second information corresponding to the first threshold (used to indicate the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold). The site device can flexibly determine whether to perform channel scanning based on the N pieces of first information. For example, it can perform channel scanning if the signal quality of the associated access point device meets the channel scanning conditions corresponding to a certain first threshold, thereby improving the flexibility of channel scanning. In addition, each piece of first information can also include channel information corresponding to the first threshold. The site device can perform channel scanning on the channel corresponding to the first threshold if the channel scanning conditions corresponding to a certain first threshold are met, thereby improving the accuracy of channel scanning, reducing invalid scans, reducing scanning power consumption, and improving user experience.

[0079] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0080] The technical solutions provided in this application embodiment can be applied to wireless local area networks (WLANs) that support relevant standards of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). These IEEE standards include: 802.11a / b / g standards, 802.11n standards, 802.11ac standards, 802.11ax standards, 802.11be standards, 802.11bn standards / ultra-high reliability (UHR) standards / Wi-Fi 8 standards, 802.11ad standards, 802.11ay standards, 802.11bf standards / sensing standards, ultra-wideband (UWB) standards / 802.15 standards, etc.

[0081] The WLAN communication system provided in this application embodiment will be described below using Figure 2 as an example.

[0082] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2, the communication system may include one or more access point devices and one or more site devices. The one or more access point devices can communicate with one or more site devices, and the access point devices can also communicate with one or more other access point devices. The site devices can also perform channel switching between multiple access point devices based on mobility. For example, when a site device moves from the coverage area of ​​access point device 1 to the coverage area of ​​access point device 2, the site device can switch from access point device 1 to access point device 2.

[0083] The access point device can be a device that supports one or more of the aforementioned 802.11 standards or supports multiple WLAN standards such as the future 802.11 standard. The access point device can be an access point (AP).

[0084] For example, access point devices can be terminal devices with Wi-Fi chips, network devices, communication servers, routers, switches, bridges, computers, etc. Access point devices can also serve as access points for mobile users to access wired networks, primarily deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters; however, they can also be deployed outdoors. An access point device acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet.

[0085] The site equipment can be a device that supports one or more of the aforementioned 802.11 standards or supports multiple WLAN standards such as the future 802.11 standard. The site equipment can be a station (STA).

[0086] For example, the site equipment can be a wireless communication chip, wireless sensor, wireless communication terminal, communication server, router, switch, bridge, computer, etc. For instance, the site equipment can be a mobile phone supporting Wi-Fi communication, a tablet computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, a set-top box supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart TV supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart wearable device supporting Wi-Fi communication, an in-vehicle communication device supporting Wi-Fi communication, and a computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, etc., without limitation.

[0087] In a specific implementation, as shown in Figure 2, each access point device and site device can also adopt the composition structure shown in Figure 3, or include the components shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device 300 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 300 can be an access point device or a chip or system-on-a-chip in the access point device; it can also be a site device or a chip or system-on-a-chip in the site device. As shown in Figure 3, the communication device 300 includes a processor 301, a transceiver 302, and a communication line 303.

[0088] Furthermore, the communication device 300 may also include a memory 304. The processor 301, memory 304, and transceiver 302 can be connected via a communication line 303.

[0089] The processor 301 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. The processor 301 can also be other devices with processing capabilities, such as circuits, devices, or software modules, without limitation.

[0090] Transceiver 302 is used to communicate with other devices or other communication networks. This other communication network can be Ethernet, a radio access network (RAN), etc. Transceiver 302 can be a module, circuit, transceiver, or any device capable of enabling communication.

[0091] Communication line 303 is used to transmit information between the components included in communication device 300.

[0092] Memory 304 is used to store instructions. These instructions can be computer programs.

[0093] The memory 304 can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and / or instructions; it can also be a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and / or instructions; it can also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, etc., without limitation.

[0094] It should be noted that the memory 304 can exist independently of the processor 301 or can be integrated with the processor 301. The memory 304 can be used to store instructions, program code, or some data, etc. The memory 304 can be located inside or outside the communication device 300, without limitation. The processor 301 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 304 to implement the communication method provided in the following embodiments of this application.

[0095] In one example, processor 301 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in Figure 3.

[0096] As an optional implementation, the communication device 300 may include multiple processors, for example, in addition to the processor 301 in FIG3, it may also include a processor 307.

[0097] As an optional implementation, the communication device 300 also includes an output device 305 and an input device 306. For example, the input device 306 is a device such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, or joystick, and the output device 305 is a device such as a display screen or speaker.

[0098] It should be noted that the communication device 300 can be a desktop computer, a portable computer, a web server, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wireless terminal, an embedded device, a chip system, or a device with a similar structure to that shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, the composition shown in Figure 3 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 3, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0099] In this embodiment of the application, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0100] Furthermore, the actions, terms, etc., involved in the various embodiments of this application can be referenced interchangeably without limitation. The message names or parameter names in the messages exchanged between the various devices in the embodiments of this application are merely examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations without limitation.

[0101] The communication method provided in this application embodiment will be described below with reference to the communication system shown in Figure 2 and Figure 4. The station device can be any station device in the communication system shown in Figure 2, the associated access point device is the access point device to which the station device connects, and the first access point device is any access point device other than the associated access point device. The station device, associated access point device, or first access point device shown in Figure 4 may include the components shown in Figure 3.

[0102] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the method may include:

[0103] Step 401: The site device obtains N pieces of first information.

[0104] Wherein, for each of the N first pieces of information, the first piece of information may include a first threshold, channel information corresponding to the first threshold, and second information; the first threshold is used to indicate the received signal energy that triggers channel scanning; the second information is used to indicate the channel scanning condition corresponding to the first threshold; N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0105] The received signal energy can be characterized by one or more of the following parameters: reference signal strength indication (RSSI), reference signal receiving power (RSRP), reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ), signal noise ratio (SNR), signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), or received signal code power (RSCP), etc., without limitation.

[0106] The channel information corresponding to the first threshold may include the channel number corresponding to the first threshold, or other information that can be used to indicate the channel corresponding to the first threshold, without limitation.

[0107] Optionally, the second information can indicate the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold through either of the following two possible designs:

[0108] In the first possible design, the second information may include first indication information, which indicates that the channel scanning condition corresponding to the first threshold is either: the signal quality of the associated access point device is less than or equal to the first threshold; or the signal quality of the associated access point device is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0109] In the second possible design, the second information may include the device relationship corresponding to the first threshold, and the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold are implicitly indicated by indicating the device relationship corresponding to the first threshold.

[0110] The device relationship can be the first device relationship shown in the first possible implementation below, or the device relationship can be the second device relationship shown in the second possible implementation below, or the device relationship can be the third device relationship shown in the third possible implementation below.

[0111] Optionally, the second information may include one or more bits, the different values ​​of which may represent different device relationships.

[0112] For example, taking the second information as including 2 bits, the value of these 2 bits can be set to 00 to represent the first device relationship, the value of these 2 bits can be set to 01 to represent the second device relationship, and the value of these 2 bits can be set to 10 to represent the third device relationship.

[0113] The second possible design can be described in detail based on the following three possible implementation methods:

[0114] In a first possible implementation, the second information may include a first device relationship. The first device relationship indicates that the device relationship between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device is that they are the same device at different frequencies. When the second information includes the first device relationship, the second information may be used to indicate that the channel scanning condition corresponding to the first threshold is that the signal quality of the associated access point device is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0115] In the case where the device relationship between the first access point device and the associated access point device is that they are the same device but different frequency points, the first access point device is the associated access point device (or it can be described as the first access point device and the associated access point device being the same device physically, i.e., the associated access point device is an access point device that supports dual-frequency or multi-frequency).

[0116] By setting the channel scanning condition corresponding to the first threshold to a signal quality greater than or equal to the first threshold for the associated access point device, when a site device approaches the associated access point device, it will preferentially connect to a lower frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz) due to its propagation characteristics. As the site device gets closer to the associated access point device, the signal quality it receives becomes stronger, and the site device will enter the coverage area of ​​the associated access point device's higher frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz). When the signal quality corresponding to the associated access point device (i.e., the signal quality detected by the site device between the site device and the associated access point device) is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the site device can perform a channel scan to access the higher frequency band of the associated access point device. This helps the site device trigger channel scans more accurately, reduces invalid scans, lowers scanning power consumption, and improves user experience.

[0117] Understandably, this first possible implementation is applicable to communication scenarios where site equipment switches from a lower frequency band to a higher frequency band, such as switching from 2.4GHz to 5GHz, or from 5GHz to 6GHz, without limitation.

[0118] For example, as shown in Figure 5, taking device A, which supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz, as an example, due to the greater path loss of 5GHz, the coverage range of 5GHz is often smaller than that of 2.4GHz. For device A, which has a first device relationship, the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, the site device will first detect 2.4GHz when it approaches device A, and therefore associate with 2.4GHz (i.e., associate with the associated access point device). As the site device continues to approach device A, the signal quality corresponding to 2.4GHz (associated access point device) and 5GHz (first access point device) will increase simultaneously. At this time, the site device can trigger channel scanning when the signal quality is greater than or equal to a first threshold to access 5GHz (i.e., access the first access point device).

[0119] In a second possible implementation, the second information may include a second device relationship. This second device relationship indicates that the device relationship between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device is that they are proximity devices. When the second information includes a second device relationship, this second information can be used to indicate that the channel scanning condition corresponding to the first threshold is that the signal quality of the associated access point device is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0120] In the case where the device relationship between the first access point device and the associated access point device is that they are adjacent but not the same device, it indicates that the first access point device and the associated access point device are physically different devices, and the distance between the first access point device and the associated access point device is less than or equal to a preset distance threshold. For example, for a certain area, access point devices with signal coverage that can cover the area can be deployed (such as deploying access point devices supporting 2.4GHz in the area, whose signal coverage can cover the area). For heavily used areas in the area, access point devices with higher frequency bands (such as deploying access point devices supporting 5GHz) can be deployed to increase network bandwidth and improve user experience.

[0121] By setting the channel scanning condition corresponding to the first threshold to a signal quality greater than or equal to the first threshold, the signal quality received by the site device increases as it approaches the associated access point device. When the signal quality of the associated access point device (i.e., the signal quality detected by the site device between the site device and the associated access point device) is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the site device can perform a channel scan to determine if there is a first access point device with a stronger signal quality nearby. If so, it can attempt to connect to that first access point device. This helps the site device trigger channel scans more accurately, reduces invalid scans, lowers scanning power consumption, and improves user experience.

[0122] Understandably, this second possible implementation is applicable to communication scenarios where site equipment switches from lower frequency bands to higher frequency bands, such as switching from 2.4GHz to 5GHz, or from 5GHz to 6GHz, without limitation.

[0123] For example, as shown in Figure 5, taking device A supporting 2.4GHz and device B supporting 5GHz as an example, due to the greater path loss of 5GHz, the coverage area of ​​5GHz is often smaller than that of 2.4GHz. For devices A and B with a second device relationship, as the site device approaches the associated access point device (such as device A), the signal quality received by the site device becomes stronger and stronger. When the signal quality corresponding to the associated access point device (i.e., the signal quality detected by the site device between the site device and the associated access point device) is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the site device can perform channel scanning to attempt to access the first access point device (such as device B) with stronger signal quality around the associated access point device.

[0124] Based on the first and second possible implementations mentioned above, optionally, the first threshold corresponding to the first device relationship can be greater than the first threshold corresponding to the second device relationship, so that when the site device approaches the associated access point device, it first attempts to access the first access point device corresponding to the second device relationship. Only when the site device is close enough to the associated access point device will it attempt to access the first access point device corresponding to the first device relationship. This helps the site device to trigger channel scanning more accurately, reduce invalid scanning, reduce scanning power consumption, and improve user experience.

[0125] For example, the first threshold corresponding to the first device relationship can be -50dBm, and the first threshold corresponding to the second device relationship can be -60dBm.

[0126] In a third possible implementation, the first device may include a third device relationship. This third device relationship indicates that the device relationship between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device is that they are not adjacent devices. When the second information includes the third device relationship, the second information can be used to indicate that the channel scanning condition corresponding to the first threshold is that the signal quality of the associated access point device is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0127] In the case where the device relationship between the first access point device and the associated access point device is that they are not adjacent devices, it indicates that the first access point device and the associated access point device are physically different devices, and the distance between the first access point device and the associated access point device is greater than a preset distance threshold. For example, a typical scenario is that the site device roams from one area (such as room 1) to another area (such as room 2).

[0128] By setting the channel scanning condition corresponding to the first threshold to a signal quality less than or equal to the first threshold, the signal quality received by the site device decreases as it moves away from the associated access point device. When the signal quality of the associated access point device (i.e., the signal quality detected by the site device between the site device and the associated access point device) is less than or equal to the first threshold, the site device can perform a channel scan to determine if there is a first access point device with a strong signal in its vicinity. If so, it can attempt to connect to that first access point device. This helps the site device trigger channel scans more accurately, reduces invalid scans, lowers scanning power consumption, and improves user experience.

[0129] For example, as shown in Figure 5, taking device A supporting 2.4GHz and device C supporting 5GHz as an example, due to the greater path loss of 5GHz, the coverage of 5GHz is often smaller than that of 2.4GHz. For devices A and C with a third-party device relationship, as the site device moves away from the associated access point device (such as device A), the signal quality received by the site device becomes weaker and weaker. When the signal quality corresponding to the associated access point device (i.e., the signal quality detected by the site device between the site device and the associated access point device) is less than or equal to a first threshold, the site device can perform channel scanning to attempt to access the surrounding first access point device (such as device C) with stronger signal quality.

[0130] Optionally, the first information may also include the identification information of the access point device corresponding to the first threshold, such as the basic service set identifier (BSSID) of the access point device.

[0131] Step 402: If the signal quality of the associated access point device meets the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold, the site device performs channel scanning on the channel corresponding to the first threshold.

[0132] Among them, the signal quality corresponding to the associated access point device can be the signal quality between the site device and the associated access point device detected by the site device.

[0133] The associated access point device can send a reference signal to the site device, and the site device can determine the signal quality between the site device and the associated access point device based on the received reference signal.

[0134] For example, signal quality can be characterized by one or more of the following parameters: RSSI, RSRP, RSRQ, SNR, SINR, or RSCP, without limitation.

[0135] When performing channel scanning, the site device can send a probe request frame to the first access point device corresponding to the first threshold. The first access point device can send a probe response frame to the site device based on the received probe request frame. The site device can determine the signal quality between the site device and the first access point device based on the probe response frame, and then determine whether to switch to the first access point device based on the signal quality.

[0136] Based on the method shown in Figure 4, the site device can acquire N pieces of first information. Each piece of first information can include a first threshold for triggering channel scanning and second information corresponding to the first threshold (indicating the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold). The site device can flexibly determine whether to perform channel scanning based on these N pieces of first information. For example, it can perform channel scanning if the signal quality of the associated access point device meets the channel scanning conditions corresponding to a certain first threshold, thus improving the flexibility of channel scanning. In addition, each piece of first information can also include channel information corresponding to the first threshold. The site device can perform channel scanning on the channel corresponding to the first threshold if the channel scanning conditions corresponding to a certain first threshold are met, thereby improving the accuracy of channel scanning, reducing invalid scans, reducing scanning power consumption, and improving user experience.

[0137] Based on the first information described in Figure 4 above, optionally, for each piece of first information, the first information may further include a second threshold, which is used to indicate the received signal energy that triggers channel switching. That is, the site device can switch from the associated access point device to the first access point device when the signal quality corresponding to the first access point device is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0138] Optionally, when the first information corresponds to a first device relationship, the first threshold can be greater than the second threshold. This allows the site device to switch to the first access point device when it scans and finds the first access point device corresponding to the first device relationship, thereby improving the user experience.

[0139] For example, the first threshold corresponding to the first device relationship can be -50dBm, and the second threshold corresponding to the first device relationship can be -55dBm.

[0140] Optionally, when the first information corresponds to the second device relationship, the first threshold can be less than the second threshold. This allows the site device to attempt channel switching when it detects a first access point device corresponding to the second device relationship. If the signal quality of the first access point device detected by the site device is greater than or equal to the second threshold, then the site device switches to that first access point device; otherwise, it does not perform channel switching.

[0141] For example, the first threshold corresponding to the second device relationship can be -60dBm, and the second threshold corresponding to the second device relationship can be -55dBm.

[0142] Optionally, when the first information corresponds to a third device relationship, the first threshold can be determined based on the signal quality between the first access point device and the associated access point device corresponding to the first information, as well as the second threshold.

[0143] The first threshold can be less than the first difference; the first difference can be the difference between the signal quality between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device and the second threshold.

[0144] For example, taking a second threshold of -55dBm as an example, assuming the signal quality between the first access point device and the associated access point device is -80dBm, then the first difference is -25dBm. The first threshold can be less than the first difference, such as -40dBm.

[0145] Based on the above description of the first information, optionally, the site device can obtain N pieces of first information from the associated access point device.

[0146] In this communication system, each access point device can maintain a relationship table between itself and surrounding first access point devices, as shown in Table 1 below. This relationship table may include: the identification information of the first access point devices, device relationships, channel information, and a first threshold. Optionally, the relationship table may also include a second threshold.

[0147] Table 1

[0148] The following example uses an associated access point device. The associated access point device can refer to one or more of the following two possible designs to determine its relationship table with the surrounding first access point devices:

[0149] In the first possible design, the associated access point device can detect the signal quality between the first access point device and the associated access point device through the second frequency point, and determine the corresponding table entry for the first access point device based on the signal quality to generate a relationship table as shown in Table 1 above.

[0150] The second frequency point can be any frequency point other than the operating frequency point supported by the associated access point device.

[0151] In the second possible design, the first access point device detects the signal quality between itself and the associated access point device via a third frequency point. Based on the signal quality, it sends the corresponding entry of the first access point device to the associated access point device, so that the associated access point device generates a relationship table as shown in Table 1 above based on the corresponding entry of the first access point device.

[0152] The third frequency point is a frequency point other than the operating frequency point supported by the first access point device; the third frequency point belongs to the same frequency band as the operating frequency point of the associated access point device. The channel information in the first information corresponding to the first access point device is the channel information corresponding to the operating frequency point supported by the first access point device.

[0153] Optionally, the first access point device can send the entry corresponding to the first access point device to the associated access point device through the communication interface between access point devices, or it can broadcast the entry corresponding to the first access point device through a beacon frame. The associated access point device determines the entry corresponding to the first access point device based on the beacon frame.

[0154] Based on the above description of the relationship table, a first piece of information can be determined according to a row of information in the relationship table. For example, the first piece of information may include a first threshold, the channel information corresponding to the first threshold, and first indication information. Alternatively, the first piece of information may also include a first threshold, the channel information corresponding to the first threshold, and device relationships. In this case, the first piece of information can also be understood as the aforementioned relationship table. The above N pieces of first information can be determined based on the N rows of information in this relationship table.

[0155] Optionally, the first information may also include the identification information of the first access point device.

[0156] Optionally, the first information may also include a second threshold.

[0157] Based on the above description of the first information, optionally, the associated access point device can use a broadcast method to send N pieces of the first information in a broadcast frame, and correspondingly, the site device obtains the N pieces of the first information according to the received broadcast frame.

[0158] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, the site device can also send a first request to the associated access point device to request first information or to request a relationship table. Based on the first request, the associated access point device sends a first response to the site device. This first response may include N pieces of first information or the relationship table corresponding to the associated access point device. The site device then obtains the N pieces of first information based on the received first response.

[0159] Optionally, the site device may send the first request to the associated access point device in a radio frame. The associated access point device may carry the first response through the neighbor report element in the Basic Service Set Transition Management Request (BTM Request) frame and by defining a new Transition Condition subelement.

[0160] Optionally, each access point device can also update its own relationship table and send the updated first information to the site device based on the updated relationship table. The site device then performs channel scanning based on the updated first information.

[0161] For example, as shown in Figure 7, each access point device can update the relationship table or first information when the location or signal quality between access point devices changes.

[0162] The following example uses an associated access point device. The associated access point device can update its relationship table with the surrounding first access point devices by referring to one or more of the following two possible designs:

[0163] In the first possible design, the associated access point device can detect the signal quality between the first access point device and the associated access point device through the second frequency point, and update the corresponding table entry of the first access point device according to the signal quality, so as to update the relationship table as shown in Table 1 above.

[0164] In the second possible design, the first access point device detects the signal quality between the first access point device and the associated access point device through the third frequency point. Based on the signal quality, it sends the updated table entry corresponding to the first access point device to the associated access point device, so that the associated access point device can update the relationship table as shown in Table 1 above based on the updated table entry corresponding to the first access point device.

[0165] Optionally, the first access point device can send the updated entry corresponding to the first access point device to the associated access point device through the communication interface between access point devices, or it can broadcast the updated entry corresponding to the first access point device through a beacon frame. The associated access point device determines the updated entry corresponding to the first access point device based on the beacon frame.

[0166] It should be noted that the various embodiments of this application can be implemented independently or in combination, without limitation. Unless otherwise specified or in conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions between the different embodiments provided in this application are consistent and can be referenced mutually. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0167] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the executing entity may perform some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also perform other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the various steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessarily necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0168] The foregoing primarily describes the solutions provided in this application from the perspective of device-to-device interaction. It is understood that each device, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0169] This application embodiment can divide each device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0170] With each function divided into a functional module, Figure 8 shows a communication device 80. This communication device 80 can perform the actions performed by the associated access point device, the site device, or the first access point device in the methods shown in Figures 4 to 7. All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced to the functional description of the corresponding functional module. The technical effects that can be obtained can be referred to the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0171] The communication device 80 may include a transceiver module 801 and a processing module 802. For example, the communication device 80 may be a communication device, or a chip or other combination device or component with the above-mentioned transmitting end device functions applied in the communication device.

[0172] When the communication device 80 is a communication equipment, the transceiver module 801 can be a transceiver; the processing module 802 can be a processor (or a processing circuit), such as a baseband processor, which may include one or more CPUs.

[0173] When the communication device 80 is a component with the above-mentioned transmitting end device functions, the transceiver module 801 can be a radio frequency unit; the processing module 802 can be a processor (or a processing circuit), such as a baseband processor.

[0174] When the communication device 80 is a chip system, the transceiver module 801 can be the input / output interface of the chip (e.g., a baseband chip); the processing module 802 can be the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip system, and may include one or more central processing units.

[0175] It should be understood that the transceiver module 801 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components; the processing module 802 can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components (or, referred to as processing circuit).

[0176] For example, the transceiver module 801 can be used to perform all the transmission operations performed by the communication device in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein; the processing module 802 is used to control the transceiver module 801 to perform all the transmission operations performed by the communication device in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein.

[0177] As another possible implementation, the transceiver module 801 in Figure 8 can be replaced by a transceiver unit that integrates the functions of the transceiver module 801; the processing module 802 can be replaced by a processor that integrates the functions of the processing module 802. Furthermore, the communication device 80 shown in Figure 8 may also include a memory.

[0178] Alternatively, when the processing module 802 is replaced by a processor and the transceiver module 801 is replaced by a transceiver, the communication device 80 involved in the embodiments of this application can also be the communication device 90 shown in FIG. 9. The processor can be a logic circuit 901, and the transceiver can be an interface circuit 902. Furthermore, the communication device 90 shown in FIG. 9 can also include a memory 903.

[0179] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, can implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0180] This application also provides a computer program that, when executed by a computer, can implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0181] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the terminal (including a data sending end and / or a data receiving end) of any of the foregoing embodiments, such as the terminal's hard disk or memory. The computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the terminal, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the terminal. Further, the computer-readable storage medium can include both the terminal's internal storage unit and external storage devices. The computer-readable storage medium is used to store the computer program and other programs and data required by the terminal. The computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0182] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. "First" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0183] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0184] It should be understood that in this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more. "More than one" means two or more. "At least two (items)" means two or three or more. "And / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Both "...when" and "if" indicate that a corresponding action will be taken under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require a judgment action to be taken when the action is taken, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0185] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0186] In this application, "sending information to...(terminal device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to the terminal device. "Receiving information from...(terminal device)" can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal device, and can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the terminal device. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source.

[0187] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to 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.

[0188] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0189] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0190] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0191] If the integrated unit is implemented as 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 this application embodiment, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a device (which may be a microcontroller, chip, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: obtaining N first information; wherein the first information comprises a first threshold, channel information corresponding to the first threshold, and second information; the first threshold is used to indicate received signal energy triggering channel scanning; the second information is used to indicate channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold; N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; in the case where the signal quality corresponding to the associated access point device meets the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold, performing channel scanning on the channel corresponding to the first threshold.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second information comprises first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold are any of the following conditions: the signal quality corresponding to the associated access point device is less than or equal to the first threshold; or the signal quality corresponding to the associated access point device is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second information comprises a first device relationship, wherein the first device relationship is used to indicate that the device relationship between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device is different frequency points of the same device; and the second information is used to indicate that the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold are that the signal quality corresponding to the associated access point device is greater than or equal to the first threshold; or the second information comprises a second device relationship, wherein the second device relationship is used to indicate that the device relationship between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device is non-adjacent same device; and the second information is used to indicate that the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold are that the signal quality corresponding to the associated access point device is greater than or equal to the first threshold; or the first device comprises a third device relationship, wherein the third device relationship is used to indicate that the device relationship between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device is non-adjacent device; and the second information is used to indicate that the channel scanning conditions corresponding to the first threshold are that the signal quality corresponding to the associated access point device is less than or equal to the first threshold.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first threshold corresponding to the first device relationship is greater than the first threshold corresponding to the second device relationship.

5. The method of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the first information further comprises a second threshold, and the second threshold is used to indicate received signal energy triggering channel switching.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein in the case where the first information corresponds to a first device relationship, the first threshold is greater than the second threshold; wherein the first device relationship is used to indicate that the device relationship between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device is different frequency points of the same device.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein In a case where the first information corresponds to a second device relationship, the first threshold is smaller than the second threshold; wherein the second device relationship is used to indicate that a device relationship between a first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device is a non-same device in proximity.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein, In a case where the first information corresponds to a third device relationship, the first threshold is determined according to a signal quality between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device and the second threshold; wherein the third device relationship is used to indicate that a device relationship between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device is a non-proximity device.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, the first threshold is smaller than a first difference; and the first difference is a difference between the signal quality between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device and the second threshold.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The obtaining of the N first information comprises: receiving the N first information from the associated access point device; or sending a first request to the associated access point device and receiving a first response from the associated access point device; wherein the first request is used to request the first information, and the first response comprises the N first information.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The method further comprises: obtaining updated first information; and performing channel scanning according to the updated first information.

12. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method further comprises: obtaining N first information; wherein the first information comprises a first threshold, channel information corresponding to the first threshold, and second information; the first threshold is used to indicate a received signal energy triggering channel scanning; the second information is used to indicate a channel scanning condition corresponding to the first threshold; and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. sending the N first information.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The obtaining of the N first information comprises: detecting a signal quality between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device through a second frequency point; wherein the second frequency point is a frequency point other than a working frequency point supported by the associated access point device; and determining the first information according to the signal quality.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein, The obtaining of the N first information comprises: receiving the first information sent by the first access point device corresponding to the first information through a third frequency point; wherein the third frequency point is a frequency point other than a working frequency point supported by the first access point device corresponding to the first information; and the third frequency point and the working frequency point of the associated access point device belong to a same frequency band.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, the channel information corresponding to the first information is channel information corresponding to a working frequency point supported by the first access point device corresponding to the first information.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12-15, characterized in that, The method further comprises: detecting a signal quality between the first access point device corresponding to the first information and the associated access point device through a second frequency point; wherein the second frequency point is a frequency point other than a working frequency point supported by the associated access point device; and updating the first information according to the signal quality and sending updated first information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12-15, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving updated first information sent by the first access point device corresponding to the first information through a third frequency point; wherein the third frequency point is a frequency point other than the working frequency point supported by the first access point device corresponding to the first information; the third frequency point and the working frequency point of the associated access point device belong to the same frequency band; sending the updated first information.

18. A method of communication, comprising: comprises: detecting the signal quality between the first access point device and the associated access point device through a third frequency point; wherein the third frequency point is a frequency point other than the working frequency point supported by the first access point device; the third frequency point and the working frequency point of the associated access point device belong to the same frequency band; sending first information to the associated access point device according to the signal quality; wherein the first information comprises a first threshold, channel information corresponding to the first threshold, and second information; the first threshold is used to indicate the received signal energy triggering channel scanning; the second information is used to indicate the channel scanning condition corresponding to the first threshold.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the channel information is channel information corresponding to the working frequency point supported by the first access point device.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein, The method further comprises: detecting the signal quality between the first access point device and the associated access point device through the third frequency point; sending updated first information to the associated access point device according to the signal quality.

21. A communications device, characterized by The communication device comprises a processor; the processor is used to run a computer program or instructions, so that the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 1-11 is executed, or so that the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 12-17 is executed, or so that the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 18-20 is executed.

22. A communications device, characterized by The communication device comprises an interface circuit and a logic circuit; the interface circuit is used to input and / or output information; the logic circuit is used to execute the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 1-11, or execute the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 12-17, or execute the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 18-20, process and / or generate the information according to the information.

23. A communications device, characterized by The computer readable storage medium stores computer instructions or programs, when the computer instructions or programs are run on a computer, so that the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 1-11 is executed, or so that the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 12-17 is executed, or so that the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 18-20 is executed.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, ​ 25. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product comprises computer instructions; when part or all of the computer instructions are run on a computer, the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 1-11 is executed, or the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 12-17 is executed, or the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 18-20 is executed.

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