Packet transmission method and apparatus, and device

Abstract

The present application provides a packet transmission method and apparatus, and a device. The method comprises: acquiring a data packet to be sent to a wireless terminal; if the load of each wireless link is greater than a load threshold, and the data packet is a high-priority data packet, determining whether a target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal; if not, selecting a target wireless link from among all wireless links corresponding to the wireless terminal, sending the data packet and a migration message to an AP corresponding to the target wireless link so that the AP migrates, on the basis of the migration message, low-priority data packets to the wireless links other than the target wireless link for sending, and sending the data packet to the wireless terminal by means of the target wireless link; and if so, sending the data packet to the AP corresponding to the target wireless link, so that the AP sends the data packet to the wireless terminal by means of the target wireless link. By means of the technical solution of the present application, transmission interruption of high-priority data packets can be avoided, improving user experience.

Description

A message transmission method, apparatus and equipment Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a message transmission method, apparatus and device. Background Technology

[0002] A WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) can include an AC (Access Controller) and multiple APs (Access Points).

[0003] When a wireless terminal is within the coverage area of ​​an access point (AP), it establishes a wireless link with that AP. The wireless terminal sends data packets to and receives data packets from the AP through this link. When the wireless terminal roams—that is, when it moves from one AP to the coverage area of ​​another—it needs to re-establish a wireless link with that new AP. The wireless terminal sends data packets to and receives data packets from the new AP through this re-established link. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a message transmission method applied to an access controller (AC), including:

[0005] Acquire a data packet to be sent to a wireless terminal; wherein the wireless terminal corresponds to at least two wireless links;

[0006] If the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold, and the data packet is a high-priority data packet, then it is determined whether a target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal.

[0007] If not, then select a target wireless link from all wireless links corresponding to the wireless terminal, send the data packet and migration message to the AP corresponding to the target wireless link, so that the AP can migrate the low-priority data packet to other wireless links other than the target wireless link for transmission based on the migration message, and send the data packet to the wireless terminal through the target wireless link;

[0008] If so, the data packet is sent to the AP corresponding to the target wireless link, so that the AP sends the data packet to the wireless terminal through the target wireless link.

[0009] This application provides a message transmission device applied to an access controller (AC), comprising:

[0010] An acquisition module is used to acquire data packets to be sent to a wireless terminal; wherein the wireless terminal corresponds to at least two wireless links;

[0011] The determination module is used to determine whether a target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal if the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold and the data packet is a high-priority data packet.

[0012] The processing module is configured to select a target wireless link from all wireless links corresponding to the wireless terminal if no target wireless link is selected, and send the data packet and migration message to the AP corresponding to the target wireless link, so that the AP migrates the low-priority data packet to other wireless links other than the target wireless link for transmission based on the migration message, and sends the data packet to the wireless terminal through the target wireless link.

[0013] If a target wireless link has been selected, the data packet is sent to the AP corresponding to the target wireless link, so that the AP can send the data packet to the wireless terminal through the target wireless link.

[0014] This application provides an electronic device, including: a processor and a machine-readable storage medium, wherein the machine-readable storage medium stores machine-executable instructions that can be executed by the processor; the processor is used to execute the machine-executable instructions to implement the message transmission method of the above example of this application.

[0015] This application provides an access controller, including: a processor and a machine-readable storage medium, wherein the machine-readable storage medium stores machine-executable instructions that can be executed by the processor; the processor is used to execute the machine-executable instructions to implement the message transmission method of the example above in this application.

[0016] This application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the message transmission method of the above-described example of this application.

[0017] This application provides a machine-readable storage medium storing machine-executable instructions that can be executed by a processor; wherein the processor is configured to execute the machine-executable instructions to implement the message transmission method of the above example of this application when the machine-executable instructions are executed.

[0018] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, in this embodiment, when the load on each wireless link is greater than the load threshold and the data packet is a high-priority data packet, low-priority data packets can be migrated to other wireless links besides the target wireless link for transmission, and high-priority data packets can be transmitted through the target wireless link. This ensures that high-priority data packets are always transmitted through a single wireless link (the target wireless link), meaning that high-priority data packets are always forwarded with priority, reliably guaranteeing high-priority services. During the guarantee of high-priority services, transmission interruptions of high-priority data packets can be avoided, ensuring the connection stability of the wireless terminal. By utilizing scheduling among multiple wireless links, the situation where the high-priority guarantee effect is poor when the wireless link load is too high is resolved, improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1A is a flowchart illustrating a message transmission method according to one embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 1B is a flowchart illustrating a message transmission method according to one embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of WLAN networking in one embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of a wireless terminal establishing a wireless link with two access points;

[0023] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of the process of establishing two wireless links between a wireless terminal and two access points;

[0024] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of a wireless terminal establishing a wireless link with the same access point;

[0025] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the process of establishing two wireless links between a wireless terminal and the same AP;

[0026] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a message transmission method according to one embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a message transmission method according to one embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a message transmission device according to one embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a message transmission device in one embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 8A is a hardware structure diagram of the AC in one embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 8B is a hardware structure diagram of a wireless terminal according to one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This application proposes a message transmission method that can be applied to an AC (Access Controller) that manages multiple APs. Figure 1A shows a flowchart of this message transmission method, which may include:

[0033] Step 111: Obtain the data packet to be sent to the wireless terminal; wherein, the wireless terminal corresponds to at least two wireless links, each wireless link is a wireless link between the wireless terminal and the AP, where the AP is the peer AP of the wireless link, that is, the AP that established the wireless link with the wireless terminal. For example, for each wireless link, one end of the wireless link is the wireless terminal, and the other end of the wireless link is the AP.

[0034] Step 112: If the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold, and the data packet is a high-priority data packet, then determine whether a target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal.

[0035] If not, then proceed to step 113; if yes, then proceed to step 114.

[0036] Step 113: Select a target wireless link from all wireless links corresponding to the wireless terminal, and send a data packet and a migration message to the AP corresponding to the target wireless link, so that the AP can migrate the low-priority data packet (i.e. the low-priority data packet corresponding to the target wireless link) to other wireless links other than the target wireless link for transmission based on the migration message, and send the data packet to the wireless terminal through the target wireless link.

[0037] Step 114: Send the data packet to the AP corresponding to the target wireless link so that the AP can send the data packet to the wireless terminal through the target wireless link.

[0038] This application proposes a message transmission method that can be applied to a wireless terminal (wireless client). Referring to Figure 1B, which is a flowchart of the message transmission method, the method may include:

[0039] Step 121: Obtain the data packet to be sent by the wireless terminal; wherein, the wireless terminal corresponds to at least two wireless links, and each wireless link is a wireless link between the wireless terminal and the AP.

[0040] Step 122: If the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold, and the data packet is a high-priority data packet, then determine whether a target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal.

[0041] If not, proceed to step 123; if yes, proceed to step 124.

[0042] Step 123: Select the target wireless link from all wireless links corresponding to the wireless terminal, migrate the low-priority data packets corresponding to the target wireless link to other wireless links for transmission, and send the data packets through the target wireless link, that is, send the data packets to the AP.

[0043] Step 124: Send the data packet through the target wireless link, that is, send the data packet to the AP.

[0044] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, in this embodiment, when the load on each wireless link is greater than the load threshold and the data packet is a high-priority data packet, low-priority data packets can be migrated to other wireless links besides the target wireless link for transmission, and high-priority data packets can be transmitted through the target wireless link. This ensures that high-priority data packets are always transmitted through a single wireless link (the target wireless link), meaning that high-priority data packets are always forwarded with priority, reliably guaranteeing high-priority services. During the guarantee of high-priority services, transmission interruptions of high-priority data packets can be avoided, ensuring the connection stability of the wireless terminal. By utilizing scheduling among multiple wireless links, the situation where the high-priority guarantee effect is poor when the wireless link load is too high is resolved, improving the user experience.

[0045] In one example, after the AC obtains the data packet to be sent to the wireless terminal, if the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold and the data packet is a low-priority data packet, it determines whether a target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal. If not, a candidate wireless link is selected from all wireless links (e.g., selecting one wireless link from all wireless links as a candidate wireless link); if yes, a candidate wireless link is selected from other wireless links besides the target wireless link (e.g., selecting one wireless link from other wireless links besides the target wireless link as a candidate wireless link). The AC sends the data packet to the AP corresponding to the candidate wireless link, so that the AP can send the data packet to the wireless terminal through the candidate wireless link.

[0046] In one example, after a wireless terminal acquires a data packet to be sent, if the load on each wireless link is greater than the load threshold and the data packet is a low-priority data packet, it can be determined whether a target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal. If not, the wireless terminal can select a candidate wireless link from all wireless links (e.g., select one wireless link from all wireless links as a candidate wireless link); if yes, the wireless terminal can select a candidate wireless link from other wireless links besides the target wireless link (e.g., select one wireless link from other wireless links besides the target wireless link as a candidate wireless link). The wireless terminal then sends the data packet through this candidate wireless link.

[0047] In one example, after the AC obtains the data packet to be sent to the wireless terminal, if there is only one wireless link among all wireless links whose load is not greater than the load threshold, then the AC selects that wireless link as a candidate wireless link (i.e., the wireless link whose load is not greater than the load threshold is the candidate wireless link) and sends the data packet to the AP corresponding to the candidate wireless link, so that the AP can send the data packet to the wireless terminal through the candidate wireless link.

[0048] In one example, after the wireless terminal obtains the data packet to be sent, if there is only one wireless link among all wireless links whose load is not greater than the load threshold, then the wireless link is selected as the candidate wireless link, and the data packet is sent through the candidate wireless link, that is, the data packet is sent to the AP through the candidate wireless link.

[0049] In one example, after the AC obtains the data packet to be sent to the wireless terminal, if there are K wireless links whose load is not greater than the load threshold (K can be a positive integer greater than 1), the AC can select all K wireless links as candidate wireless links. Furthermore, the AC can also divide the data packet into K sub-data packets and send each of the K candidate wireless links' corresponding APs, so that the corresponding APs can send the sub-data packets they received to the wireless terminal.

[0050] In one example, after a wireless terminal obtains a data packet to be sent, if the load of K wireless links among all wireless links is not greater than a load threshold (K can be a positive integer greater than 1), the wireless terminal can select these K wireless links as candidate wireless links. Furthermore, the wireless terminal can divide the data packet into K sub-data packets and send these K sub-data packets through the K candidate wireless links.

[0051] In one example, after the AC obtains the data packet to be sent to the wireless terminal, the AC can also query the configured mapping table based on the data characteristics of the data packet to obtain the priority of the data packet. After the wireless terminal obtains the data packet to be sent, the wireless terminal can also query the configured mapping table based on the data characteristics of the data packet to obtain the priority of the data packet. For example, this priority can be high priority or low priority. Furthermore, the mapping table can include the correspondence between data characteristics and priorities, and the data characteristics can include, but are not limited to, 5-tuple information and / or data types.

[0052] In one example, for at least two wireless links corresponding to a wireless terminal, different wireless links can be wireless links between the wireless terminal and the same AP (i.e., at least two wireless links are established between the wireless terminal and the same AP), or different wireless links can be wireless links between the wireless terminal and different APs (i.e., at least two wireless links are established between the wireless terminal and multiple APs).

[0053] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below in conjunction with specific application scenarios.

[0054] Referring to Figure 2, which is a network topology diagram of a WLAN, a WLAN can include an AC and multiple APs managed by the AC. These APs can be labeled AP1, AP2, ... The AC can connect to each AP through a PoE (Power Over Ethernet) switch or other types of switches.

[0055] Wireless terminals (also known as wireless clients, STAs) can be laptops, smartphones, etc. Wireless terminals are terminals that connect to APs wirelessly, and there are no restrictions on the type of wireless terminal.

[0056] In one example, at least two wireless links can be established between the wireless terminal and the AP, such as two wireless links between the wireless terminal and the AP. Alternatively, three or more wireless links can be established between the wireless terminal and the AP. Taking the establishment of two wireless links between the wireless terminal and the AP as an example.

[0057] In one example, a wireless terminal establishes two wireless links with the same access point (AP), meaning the different wireless links are wireless links between the wireless terminal and the same AP. Alternatively, a wireless terminal establishes two wireless links with two different APs, meaning the different wireless links are wireless links between the wireless terminal and different APs.

[0058] For the scenario where a wireless terminal establishes two wireless links with two access points (APs), refer to Figure 3A, which illustrates the establishment of wireless links between a wireless terminal and two APs. The AC virtualizes the radio frequency unit a1 of AP1 and the radio frequency unit a2 of AP2 as a distributed AP. The wireless terminal supports both radio frequency units a1 and a2. Based on the radio frequency information of radio frequency unit a1 of AP1, the wireless terminal establishes a wireless link with AP1 (denoted as link1). Based on the radio frequency information of radio frequency unit a2 of AP2, the wireless terminal establishes a wireless link with AP2 (denoted as link2).

[0059] The process of "establishing two wireless links between the wireless terminal and two access points" is explained below.

[0060] For each AP among multiple APs managed by the AC, it can be designated as the "local AP". The AC can determine the neighboring APs of this local AP from among the multiple APs (the number of neighboring APs can be one or more, and the number of wireless links can be the number of neighboring APs plus one). For example, assuming the AC manages AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4, when AP1 is designated as the local AP, the AC determines that its neighboring AP is AP2. When AP2 is designated as the local AP, the AC determines that its neighboring AP is AP1, and so on.

[0061] In one example, an AC can determine its neighboring APs in the following way:

[0062] Method 1: For each AP managed by the AC (excluding this AP), the AC determines the signal strength detected by this AP. If the signal strength is greater than a signal strength threshold (which can be configured empirically), it indicates that the AP is close to this AP, and this AP is considered a neighbor AP. If the signal strength is not greater than the signal strength threshold, it indicates that the AP is far from this AP, and this AP is not considered a neighbor AP.

[0063] Obviously, after performing the above processing on each AP managed by the AC, we can obtain the neighboring APs of this AP. The number of neighboring APs can be one or more, and the number of neighboring APs may also be empty.

[0064] Regarding the signal strength of this AP detected by the other AP, the other AP can send a probe message to this AP. This AP determines the signal strength of the probe message, which is the signal strength measured when this AP receives the probe message from the other AP. This AP then sends the signal strength of the probe message to the AC, and the AC can use the signal strength of the probe message as the signal strength of this AP detected by the other AP.

[0065] Alternatively, this AP can send a probe message to the other AP, and the other AP can determine the signal strength of the probe message. This signal strength can be the signal strength measured by the other AP when it receives the probe message from this AP. Then, the other AP can send the signal strength of the probe message to the AC, and the AC can use the signal strength of the probe message as the signal strength of this AP detected by the other AP.

[0066] In summary, when the AC determines the neighboring APs of its own AP from multiple APs, the signal strength of the own AP detected by the neighboring AP can be greater than the signal strength threshold.

[0067] Method 2: For each AP managed by the AC (each AP other than this AP), the AC determines the signal strength of this AP detected by that AP, and the AC determines the communication quality of that AP.

[0068] If the signal strength is greater than the signal strength threshold, it indicates that the distance between this AP and the local AP is relatively short. If the communication quality of this AP is greater than the communication quality threshold, it indicates that the communication quality of this AP is good, and the communication quality of data packets can be guaranteed when processing data packets through this AP. Based on this, this AP can be designated as a neighboring AP, allowing wireless terminals to have a better user experience. If the signal strength is not greater than the signal strength threshold, and / or the communication quality of this AP is not greater than the communication quality threshold (i.e., the communication quality of this AP is poor), then this AP may not be designated as a neighboring AP.

[0069] Obviously, after performing the above processing on each AP managed by the AC, the neighboring APs of this AP can be obtained, and the number of neighboring APs can be one or more.

[0070] Regarding the communication quality (also known as network quality) of an AP, the AP can collect its own communication quality metrics and send these metrics to the AC. The AC then determines the AP's communication quality based on these metrics. For example, these communication quality metrics may include, but are not limited to, at least one of packet loss rate, latency, and latency jitter. The AC can determine the AP's communication quality based on these metrics. For instance, a higher packet loss rate indicates lower communication quality (meaning poor communication quality), and a lower packet loss rate indicates higher communication quality. Similarly, higher latency indicates lower communication quality, and lower latency indicates higher communication quality. Higher latency jitter indicates lower communication quality, and lower latency jitter indicates higher communication quality. Of course, the above are just examples of how to determine communication quality and are not limiting.

[0071] When the AC determines the neighboring AP from multiple APs, the signal strength of the local AP detected by the neighboring AP can be greater than the signal strength threshold, and the communication quality of the neighboring AP can be greater than the communication quality threshold.

[0072] For Method 1, since the distance between the current AP and its neighboring APs remains constant, the neighboring APs do not change after the current AP's neighboring APs are determined. Therefore, the AC does not need to re-determine the neighboring APs after this method. For Method 2, since the communication quality of each AP can change, the neighboring APs may change after the current AP's neighboring APs are determined. Therefore, the AC can periodically determine the neighboring APs of the current AP, or re-determine them when triggering conditions are met (such as changes in the AP's communication quality). Consequently, after determining the neighboring APs of the current AP, the AC needs to re-determine them and update the current AP's neighboring APs when they change.

[0073] In one example, after the AC determines the neighboring APs of its own AP from multiple APs, it can virtualize its own AP and the neighboring APs as a single distributed AP. Based on this virtualization, the wireless terminal receives joint services from both the own AP and the neighboring APs within the distributed AP. For instance, by virtualizing the own AP and the neighboring AP as a single distributed AP, it means that the own AP and the neighboring AP are the same AP. Thus, when both the own AP and the neighboring AP simultaneously provide wireless services to the wireless terminal, it signifies that the wireless service is being provided through the same AP. This can be understood as providing wireless services to the wireless terminal through multiple radio frequency units of the same AP, i.e., each AP corresponds to one radio frequency unit.

[0074] When virtualizing the local AP and its neighboring APs into a distributed AP, the AC virtualizes the first radio frequency unit (i.e., any radio frequency unit supported by the local AP) and the second radio frequency unit (i.e., any radio frequency unit supported by the neighboring AP) of the local AP into a distributed AP, and the first and second radio frequency units are different. For example, when AP2 is used as the local AP, and its neighboring AP is AP1, assuming that both AP1 and AP2 support radio frequency units a1, a2, a3, and a4, then the radio frequency unit a1 of AP1 and the radio frequency unit a2 of AP2 can be virtualized into a distributed AP, that is, this distributed AP includes the radio frequency unit a1 of AP1 and the radio frequency unit a2 of AP2. Based on this, wireless services can be provided to wireless terminals through the radio frequency unit a1 of AP1 and the radio frequency unit a2 of AP2.

[0075] In the above application scenario, as shown in Figure 3B, the process of establishing two wireless links between a wireless terminal and two APs (this AP and its neighboring AP) can include:

[0076] Step 301: The AC sends the radio frequency information of the neighboring APs of this AP to this AP.

[0077] For example, when AP1 is the local AP, AP2 is AP1's neighboring AP. Assuming the AC virtualizes AP1's RF unit a1 and AP2's RF unit a2 as a distributed AP, the AC sends the RF information of AP2's RF unit a2 to AP1. This RF information may include, but is not limited to, the channel information of AP2's RF unit a2 and BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier). There are no restrictions on this RF information. BSSID can be understood as a unique identifier used to identify AP2 in the WLAN.

[0078] Step 302: This AP broadcasts a beacon message to the wireless terminal. The beacon message may include the radio frequency information of this AP and may also include the radio frequency information of neighboring APs.

[0079] For example, when AP1 is the local AP, AP1 can broadcast beacon messages. Suppose the AC virtualizes the radio frequency unit a1 of AP1 and the radio frequency unit a2 of AP2 as a distributed AP, then the beacon message can include the radio frequency information of the radio frequency unit a1 of AP1 and the radio frequency information of the radio frequency unit a2 of AP2.

[0080] When this AP broadcasts a beacon message to a wireless terminal, the beacon message can be a beacon message and includes a BSSID field, which carries the AP's radio frequency (RF) information. In addition, the beacon message may also include an ML (Multi-Link) field, which indicates whether the beacon message carries RF information from a neighboring AP or not. For example, if the ML field is set to the first value (e.g., 1), it means the beacon message carries RF information from a neighboring AP. If the ML field is set to the second value (e.g., 0), it means the beacon message does not carry RF information from a neighboring AP.

[0081] For example, if this AP supports virtualizing the radio frequency units of different APs into a distributed AP, meaning this AP supports carrying radio frequency information of neighboring APs in beacon messages, then when this AP sends beacon messages to wireless terminals, the ML field value is the first value. Alternatively, if this AP does not support virtualizing the radio frequency units of different APs into a distributed AP, meaning this AP does not support carrying radio frequency information of neighboring APs in beacon messages, then when this AP broadcasts beacon messages to wireless terminals, the ML field value is the second value.

[0082] If the ML field is used to indicate that the beacon message carries radio frequency information of a neighboring AP, the beacon message may also include an RNR (Reduced Neighbor Report) field, and the RNR field can be used to carry the neighboring AP's radio frequency information. If the ML field is used to indicate that the beacon message does not carry the neighboring AP's radio frequency information, the beacon message does not include the RNR field, that is, it does not carry the neighboring AP's radio frequency information.

[0083] For example, when AP1 is the local AP, AP1 broadcasts beacon messages. The ML field of the beacon message takes the first value, and the RNR field includes the radio frequency information of AP2's radio frequency unit a2.

[0084] Step 303: The wireless terminal receives the beacon message broadcast by this AP. The beacon message may include the radio frequency information of this AP and may also include the radio frequency information of neighboring APs.

[0085] For example, if a wireless terminal is within the coverage area of ​​AP1, it can receive beacon messages broadcast by AP1. The wireless terminal may also receive beacon messages broadcast by AP2. When a wireless terminal receives beacon messages broadcast by multiple APs, it determines the signal strength of each beacon message and processes only the beacon message with the strongest signal, discarding the others. If the beacon message broadcast by AP1 has the strongest signal strength, the wireless terminal performs subsequent processing based on that beacon message (such as establishing a link and sending data packets), connects to AP1, and discards the remaining beacon messages.

[0086] Step 304: The wireless terminal establishes a wireless link with the AP based on the AP's radio frequency information, and the wireless terminal establishes a wireless link with the neighboring AP based on the radio frequency information of the neighboring AP.

[0087] In one example, the wireless terminal obtains the radio frequency (RF) information of its own AP from the beacon message and establishes a wireless link with the AP based on this RF information. The wireless terminal also obtains the RF information of its neighboring AP from the beacon message and establishes a wireless link with that neighboring AP based on this RF information.

[0088] For example, AP1 broadcasts a beacon message, and the wireless terminal obtains the radio frequency (RF) information of AP1's RF unit a1 from the BSSID field of the beacon message. If the wireless terminal supports RF unit a1, it establishes a wireless link with AP1 based on the RF information of AP1's RF unit a1. This wireless link is specific to RF unit a1. Based on this wireless link, the wireless terminal can send data packets to AP1 through RF unit a1, and AP1 can send data packets to the wireless terminal through RF unit a1. For example, this wireless link can be a Wi-Fi type link or other types of links; there are no restrictions.

[0089] For example, the wireless terminal can also obtain the value of the ML field in the beacon message. If the ML field value is the second value, the wireless terminal ends the processing. If the ML field value is the first value, the wireless terminal can also obtain the content of the RNR field in the beacon message, that is, obtain the radio frequency information of AP2's radio frequency unit a2 from the RNR field. If the wireless terminal supports radio frequency unit a2, then based on the radio frequency information of AP2's radio frequency unit a2, the wireless terminal establishes a wireless link with AP2. This wireless link is a link specific to radio frequency unit a2. Based on this wireless link, the wireless terminal can send data packets to AP2 through radio frequency unit a2, and AP2 can send data packets to the wireless terminal through radio frequency unit a2. For example, this wireless link can be a Wi-Fi type link or other types of links; there are no restrictions on this.

[0090] In one example, a wireless terminal can support multiple radio frequency (RF) units, such as RF unit a1, RF unit a2, RF unit a3, and RF unit a4. Based on this, the wireless terminal establishes a wireless link with AP1 using the RF information of RF unit a1 of AP1. The wireless terminal establishes a wireless link with AP2 using the RF information of RF unit a2 of AP2. For instance, if the AC (Access Controller) can know the multiple RF units supported by the wireless terminal, then when the AC virtualizes its own AP and neighboring APs into a distributed AP, the AC needs to virtualize the first RF unit of its own AP (i.e., the RF unit simultaneously supported by both the own AP and the wireless terminal) and the second RF unit of the neighboring AP (i.e., the RF unit simultaneously supported by both the neighboring AP and the wireless terminal) into a distributed AP.

[0091] The wireless terminal supports multiple radio frequency units, which means that the wireless terminal is allowed to receive or send data packets concurrently on multiple radio frequency units. The multiple radio frequency units can be radio frequency units spanning one or more frequency bands in 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz, and there is no restriction on the number of radio frequency units.

[0092] Thus, two wireless links were successfully established between the wireless terminal and the two access points (APs). Because the wireless terminal established two wireless links, and the two wireless links correspond to the same MLD address (the radio unit a1 of AP1 and the radio unit a2 of AP2 are virtually assigned the same MLD address), the stability of the wireless terminal's transmission was ensured.

[0093] For the scenario where a wireless terminal establishes two wireless links with the same access point (AP), refer to Figure 4A, which illustrates the establishment of wireless links between a wireless terminal and the same AP. The AC virtualizes AP1's RF unit a1 and AP1's RF unit a2 as a single MLD (Multi-Link Device). The wireless terminal supports both RF units a1 and a2. Based on the RF information of AP1's RF unit a1, the wireless terminal establishes a wireless link with AP1 (denoted as link1). Based on the RF information of AP1's RF unit a2, the wireless terminal establishes a wireless link with AP1 (denoted as link2).

[0094] For example, through the MLO (Multi-Link Operation) function, multiple radio frequency units can be virtualized into an MLD. The MLD consists of multiple auxiliary devices (i.e. radio frequency units) that go to the upper LLC (Logical Link Control) layer, allowing concurrent transmission and reception of data across one or more frequency bands in multiple channels in 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz.

[0095] The MLO (Media Access Control) function uses link aggregation at the MAC (Media Access Control) layer to map links to channels and frequency bands, allowing access points (APs) and wireless terminals to include dual-band or tri-band capabilities. MLO enables packet-level link aggregation at the MAC layer across different PHY (Physical Layer) links. MLO can provide higher throughput, lower latency, and higher reliability.

[0096] The process of "establishing two wireless links between a wireless terminal and the same access point" is explained below.

[0097] For each AP among multiple APs managed by the AC, this AP can be designated as "this AP". The AC can virtualize the first and second radio frequency units of this AP into a single MLD, and the first and second radio frequency units are different. Based on the virtualization of the first and second radio frequency units into a single MLD, the wireless terminal provides joint services through the first and second radio frequency units, that is, wireless services are provided to the wireless terminal through multiple radio frequency units of this AP. For example, when AP1 is the "this AP", assuming AP1 supports radio frequency units a1, a2, a3, and a4, then radio frequency units a1 and a2 of AP1 can be virtualized as MLDs, thereby providing wireless services to the wireless terminal through the radio frequency units a1 and a2 of AP1.

[0098] In the above application scenario, as shown in Figure 4B, which illustrates the process of establishing two wireless links between a wireless terminal and the same AP (two radio frequency units of the same AP), the process may include:

[0099] Step 401: This AP broadcasts a beacon message to the wireless terminal. The beacon message may include the radio frequency information of the first radio frequency unit of this AP and the radio frequency information of the second radio frequency unit of this AP.

[0100] For example, when AP1 acts as the local AP, it can broadcast beacon messages. Assuming the AC virtualizes AP1's RF unit a1 and AP1's RF unit a2 as a single MLD, the beacon message can include the RF information of AP1's RF unit a1 and AP1's RF unit a2. The RF information of AP1's RF unit a1 may include, but is not limited to, its channel information and BSSID. The BSSID can be understood as a unique identifier used to identify AP1 in the WLAN. Similarly, the RF information of AP1's RF unit a2 may include, but is not limited to, its channel information and BSSID.

[0101] Step 402: The wireless terminal receives the beacon message broadcast by this AP. The beacon message may include the radio frequency information of the first radio frequency unit of this AP and the radio frequency information of the second radio frequency unit of this AP.

[0102] Step 403: The wireless terminal establishes a wireless link with the AP based on the radio frequency information of the first radio frequency unit of the AP, and establishes a wireless link with the AP based on the radio frequency information of the second radio frequency unit of the AP.

[0103] In one example, the wireless terminal obtains the radio frequency information of the first radio frequency unit of the AP from the beacon message, and establishes a wireless link with the AP based on the radio frequency information of the first radio frequency unit of the AP.

[0104] The wireless terminal obtains the radio frequency information of the second radio frequency unit of this AP from the beacon message, and establishes a wireless link with this AP based on the radio frequency information of the second radio frequency unit of this AP.

[0105] For example, AP1 broadcasts a beacon message, and the wireless terminal obtains the radio frequency (RF) information of AP1's RF unit a1 from the beacon message. If the wireless terminal supports RF unit a1, it establishes a wireless link with AP1 based on the RF information of AP1's RF unit a1. This wireless link is specific to RF unit a1. Based on this wireless link, the wireless terminal can send data packets to AP1 through RF unit a1, and AP1 can send data packets to the wireless terminal through RF unit a1. For example, this wireless link can be a Wi-Fi type link or other types of links; there are no restrictions. Alternatively, the wireless terminal can also obtain the RF information of AP1's RF unit a2 from the beacon message. If the wireless terminal supports RF unit a2, it establishes a wireless link with AP1 based on the RF information of AP1's RF unit a2. This wireless link is specific to RF unit a2. Based on this wireless link, the wireless terminal can send data packets to AP1 through RF unit a2, and AP1 can send data packets to the wireless terminal through RF unit a2. For example, the wireless link can be a Wi-Fi link or other types of links.

[0106] In one example, a wireless terminal can support multiple radio frequency (RF) units, such as RF unit a1, RF unit a2, RF unit a3, and RF unit a4. Based on this, the wireless terminal establishes a wireless link with AP1 using the RF information of RF unit a1. The wireless terminal also establishes a wireless link with AP1 using the RF information of RF unit a2. For instance, if the AC (Access Controller) can know the multiple RF units supported by the wireless terminal, then when the AC virtualizes the first and second RF units of its AP as a single MLD (Multi-Level Device), the AC needs to designate the RF unit simultaneously supported by both the AP and the wireless terminal as the first RF unit, and the other RF unit simultaneously supported by both the AP and the wireless terminal as the second RF unit.

[0107] Thus, two wireless links were successfully established between the wireless terminal and the same AP. Because the wireless terminal establishes two wireless links, and the two wireless links correspond to the same MLD address (the radio unit a1 and radio unit a2 of AP1 are virtually the same MLD address), the stability of the wireless terminal's transmission is ensured.

[0108] In summary, a wireless terminal corresponds to at least two wireless links, and each wireless link is a wireless link between the wireless terminal and the AP. For example, there are at least two wireless links between the wireless terminal and the same AP, or at least two wireless links between the wireless terminal and multiple APs.

[0109] In one example, given that a wireless terminal corresponds to at least two wireless links, the AC can obtain the load of each wireless link corresponding to the wireless terminal. For instance, the AC can periodically obtain the load of each wireless link corresponding to the wireless terminal, such as obtaining the load of each wireless link corresponding to the wireless terminal every 1 second.

[0110] In order to obtain the load of each wireless link corresponding to the wireless terminal, the AP can periodically and proactively send the load of the wireless link to the AC. The AC can also periodically send a load request message to the AP. After receiving the load request message, the AP sends the load of the wireless link to the AC.

[0111] When a wireless terminal establishes two wireless links with two access points (APs), this AP sends the load of one wireless link to the AC, and the neighboring AP sends the load of the other wireless link to the AC. When a wireless terminal establishes two wireless links with the same AP, this AP sends the load of both wireless links to the AC.

[0112] Regarding the load of a wireless link, it can be the air interface utilization rate of the wireless link. The AP can calculate the load of the wireless link based on parameters such as the packet loss rate and latency, and there are no restrictions on this calculation method. Obviously, a higher wireless link load indicates that there are more data packets to be transmitted on the wireless link, that is, more data packets are piling up on the wireless link. Conversely, a lower wireless link load indicates that there are fewer data packets to be transmitted on the wireless link, that is, less data packets are piling up on the wireless link.

[0113] In one example, each time the AC obtains a data packet to be sent to the wireless terminal, it triggers a query of the wireless link load (i.e., the load of the last cycle). Based on different load conditions, different processing methods are used for the data packets. The processing methods under different load conditions are explained below.

[0114] Scenario 1: The load condition is that the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold (which can be configured empirically). In Scenario 1, it is necessary to distinguish the priority of data packets and use different processing methods for data packets with different priorities. For Scenario 1, this application proposes a packet transmission method. Referring to Figure 5, which is a flowchart of the packet transmission method, the method may include:

[0115] Step 501: AC acquires the data packets to be sent to the wireless terminal.

[0116] For example, when a device on the Internet sends a data packet to a wireless terminal, the AC can receive the data packet, which is the data packet to be sent to the wireless terminal.

[0117] Step 502: The AC determines the priority of the data packet. The priority of the data packet can be high or low. If the priority of the data packet is high, then step 503 can be executed. If the priority of the data packet is low, then step 506 can be executed.

[0118] In one example, the AC can be pre-configured with a mapping table that can include the correspondence between data characteristics and priorities. See Table 1 for an example of such a mapping table.

[0119] Table 1

[0120] Regarding this data characteristic, it can include, but is not limited to, 5-tuple information (which can also be replaced by 3-tuple information, or source IP address and destination IP address, or destination IP address) and / or data type. For example, 5-tuple information can include source IP address, source port, destination IP address, destination port, and transport layer protocol. For example, data type can also be called traffic type, such as network traffic type, website traffic type, application traffic type, video traffic type (such as audio conferencing traffic or video conferencing traffic), SMS traffic type, data center traffic type, etc.

[0121] For each data feature, a high or low priority can be configured, such as by the user configuring a high or low priority for the data feature according to their own needs.

[0122] In one example, after receiving a data packet, the AC retrieves its data characteristics from it. For instance, the data packet may include 5-tuple information, which can be retrieved from the packet. Similarly, the ToS (Type of service) field or DSCP (Differentiated Services Codepoint) of the data packet may carry the data type, which can be retrieved from the packet. After obtaining the data characteristics, the AC uses these characteristics to look up the mapping table shown in Table 1 to determine the priority of the data packet, which can be either high or low priority.

[0123] Step 503: If the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold and the data packet is a high-priority data packet, then the AC determines whether a target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal. The target wireless link is a wireless link that is only used to transmit high-priority data packets and not to transmit low-priority data packets.

[0124] If not, it means that the target wireless link has not yet been selected, and step 504 can be executed.

[0125] If so, it means that the target wireless link has been selected, and step 505 can be executed.

[0126] In one example, a flag can be pre-configured. When the flag is set to a first value (e.g., 1), it indicates that a target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal. When the flag is set to a second value (e.g., 0), it indicates that no target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal. The initial value of the flag is the second value.

[0127] Based on this, in step 503, the AC can query the value of the flag bit. If the value of the flag bit is the first value, the AC determines that a target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal. If the value of the flag bit is the second value, the AC determines that a target wireless link has not been selected for the wireless terminal.

[0128] Regarding the maintenance process of this flag bit value, when selecting a target wireless link for the wireless terminal from all wireless links, the AC modifies the value of this flag bit to the first value. When the load condition changes from the load of each wireless link being greater than the load threshold to the load of at least one wireless link not being greater than the load threshold, the AC modifies the value of this flag bit to the second value, that is, cancels the selection of the target wireless link for the wireless terminal.

[0129] Step 504: The AC selects a target wireless link for the wireless terminal from all wireless links, and sends a data packet and a migration message to the AP corresponding to the target wireless link, so that the AP can migrate the low-priority data packet to another wireless link other than the target wireless link for transmission based on the migration message, and so that the AP can send the data packet to the wireless terminal through the target wireless link.

[0130] The AC can randomly select a wireless link from all wireless links as the target wireless link, or it can use a certain algorithm to select a wireless link as the target wireless link. After selecting the target wireless link, the AC modifies the value of the flag bit to the first value and records the target wireless link for the wireless terminal. In this way, when a high-priority data packet is received again, in step 503, it is known that a target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal, and it can know which wireless link is the target wireless link.

[0131] The AC can send a migration message to the AP corresponding to the target wireless link. Based on the migration message, the AP will migrate low-priority data packets to other wireless links besides the target wireless link for transmission.

[0132] For example, referring to Figure 3A, assuming the target wireless link is wireless link 1 between AP1 and the wireless terminal, and low-priority data packets need to be migrated to wireless link 2 between AP2 and the wireless terminal, then the AC sends a migration message to AP1. This migration message includes information about wireless link 1 and AP2. After receiving this migration message, AP1, based on the information about wireless link 1, obtains the low-priority data packets that need to be sent through wireless link 1, i.e., the low-priority data packets queued on wireless link 1. Based on the information about AP2, AP1 sends these low-priority data packets to AP2. After receiving these data packets, AP2 can send them through wireless link 2.

[0133] To distinguish between high-priority and low-priority data packets, when the AC sends a data packet to AP1, it can add a priority field to the data packet. The priority field indicates whether the data packet has high or low priority. AP1 can then use the priority field to select the low-priority data packets that need to be sent via wireless link 1 and forward them to AP2.

[0134] For example, as shown in Figure 4A, assuming the target wireless link is wireless link 1 between the radio frequency unit a1 of AP1 and the radio frequency unit a1 of the wireless terminal, and it is necessary to migrate low-priority data packets to wireless link 2 between the radio frequency unit a2 of AP1 and the radio frequency unit a2 of the wireless terminal, then AC sends a migration message to AP1, which includes information about wireless link 1 and wireless link 2.

[0135] After receiving the migration message, AP1 uses information from radio link 1 to obtain the low-priority data packets that need to be sent via radio link 1. Based on information from radio link 2, AP1 migrates the low-priority data packets to radio link 2 and sends them via radio link 2.

[0136] The AC can send data packets to the AP corresponding to the target wireless link, so that the AP can send data packets to the wireless terminal through the target wireless link.

[0137] For example, referring to Figure 3A, assuming the target wireless link is wireless link 1 between AP1 and the wireless terminal, the AC sends a data packet to AP1. Since AP1 only establishes one wireless link 1 with the wireless terminal, AP1 sends the data packet to the wireless terminal through wireless link 1.

[0138] For example, referring to Figure 4A, assuming the target wireless link is wireless link 1 between the radio frequency unit a1 of AP1 and the radio frequency unit a1 of the wireless terminal, the AC sends a data packet to AP1. Since AP1 establishes wireless link 1 and wireless link 2 with the wireless terminal, the AC can also send a control message to AP1. This control message instructs AP1 to send a data packet to the wireless terminal through wireless link 1. Based on this, AP1 sends a data packet to the wireless terminal through wireless link 1 based on the control message.

[0139] Step 505: The AC sends a data packet to the AP corresponding to the target wireless link, so that the AP can send the data packet to the wireless terminal through the target wireless link.

[0140] For example, referring to Figure 3A, assuming the target wireless link is wireless link 1 between AP1 and the wireless terminal, then AC can send data packets to AP1. AP1 can send data packets to the wireless terminal through wireless link 1. For example, referring to Figure 4A, assuming the target wireless link is wireless link 1 between the radio frequency unit a1 of AP1 and the radio frequency unit a1 of the wireless terminal, then AC can send data packets to AP1. AP1 can send data packets to the wireless terminal through wireless link 1.

[0141] In summary, referring to steps 503-505, for high-priority data packets (such as audio and video conferencing traffic data packets), if the load on each wireless link exceeds the load threshold, the AC migrates low-priority data packets on the target wireless link to other wireless links, thereby ensuring some idle time on the target wireless link. Then, the high-priority data packets are sent through the target wireless link, allowing them to be sent preferentially and ensuring latency for high-priority data packets. Since the wireless terminal can maintain stable connections between the target wireless link and other wireless links, it will not detect service interruption or Wi-Fi reconnection during load regulation.

[0142] Step 506: If the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold, and the data packet is a low-priority data packet, then the AC determines whether a target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal.

[0143] If not, it means that the target wireless link has not yet been selected, and step 507 can be executed.

[0144] If so, it means that the target wireless link has been selected and step 508 can be executed.

[0145] Step 507: The AC selects a candidate wireless link from all wireless links and sends a data packet to the AP corresponding to the candidate wireless link, so that the AP can send data packets to the wireless terminal through the candidate wireless link.

[0146] For example, the AC can randomly select a wireless link from all wireless links as a candidate wireless link, or it can use a certain algorithm to select a wireless link as a candidate wireless link. The candidate wireless link is the wireless link used to send data packets to the wireless terminal, and there are no restrictions on the selection method.

[0147] The AC can send data packets to the AP corresponding to the candidate wireless link, enabling the AP to send data packets to the wireless terminal via the candidate wireless link. For example, referring to Figure 3A, assuming the candidate wireless link is wireless link 2 between AP2 and the wireless terminal, the AC sends a data packet to AP2, and AP2 sends the data packet to the wireless terminal via wireless link 2. Referring to Figure 4A, assuming the candidate wireless link is wireless link 2 between radio unit a2 of AP1 and radio unit a2 of the wireless terminal, the AC sends a data packet to AP1. The AC can also send a control message to AP1, which instructs AP1 to send data packets to the wireless terminal via wireless link 2. Based on this, after receiving the data packet and the control message, AP1 sends the data packet to the wireless terminal via wireless link 2 based on the control message.

[0148] Step 508: The AC selects a candidate wireless link from other wireless links besides the target wireless link (i.e., the candidate wireless link cannot be the same as the target wireless link), and sends a data packet to the AP corresponding to the candidate wireless link so that the AP can send data packets to the wireless terminal through the candidate wireless link.

[0149] For example, after excluding the target wireless link, the AC can randomly select a wireless link from the remaining wireless links as a candidate wireless link, or it can use a certain algorithm to select a wireless link from the remaining wireless links as a candidate wireless link. Then, the AC can send data packets to the AP corresponding to the candidate wireless link, so that the AP can send data packets to the wireless terminal through the candidate wireless link.

[0150] In summary, referring to steps 506-508, for low-priority data packets, if the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold, the AC will allocate the low-priority data packets to other wireless links besides the target wireless link to avoid occupying the resources of the target wireless link, so that high-priority data packets can be sent first through the target wireless link, thus ensuring the latency of high-priority data packets.

[0151] Scenario 2: Load condition where the load of a wireless link is no greater than a load threshold. In Scenario 2, there is no need to distinguish the priority of data packets; all data packets of all priorities are processed in the same way. For Scenario 2, this application proposes a packet transmission method, which may include:

[0152] The Access Control (AC) acquires data packets to be sent to the wireless terminal. If only one wireless link among all wireless links has a load not exceeding a load threshold, the AC selects that wireless link as a candidate wireless link; that is, the wireless link with a load not exceeding the load threshold is used as a candidate wireless link. The AC sends data packets to the AP corresponding to the candidate wireless link, enabling the AP to send data packets to the wireless terminal through the candidate wireless link.

[0153] In summary, regardless of whether the data packet is high-priority or low-priority, if the load on a wireless link is low, the data packet is sent to the wireless terminal through the wireless link with the low load, thereby ensuring the normal transmission of its own traffic while reducing the impact on other services.

[0154] Case 3: The load condition is that the load of K wireless links does not exceed the load threshold. In case 3, it is not necessary to distinguish the priority of data packets, and data packets of all priorities are processed in the same way. For case 3, this application proposes a packet transmission method, which may include:

[0155] The AC acquires the data packet to be sent to the wireless terminal. If only K (at least two) wireless links out of all wireless links have a load not exceeding the load threshold (K can be a positive integer greater than 1), the AC can select all K wireless links as candidate wireless links. Furthermore, the AC can divide the data packet into K sub-data packets and send each of the K candidate wireless links' corresponding APs, enabling the respective APs to send the sub-data packets they received to the wireless terminal.

[0156] For example, referring to Figure 3A, assuming that the load of both wireless link 1 and wireless link 2 is no greater than the load threshold, the AC will consider both wireless link 1 and wireless link 2 as candidate wireless links and divide all data packets into two sub-data packets. Considering that the data packets are continuous traffic, i.e., composed of a large number of data packets, two sub-data packets can be obtained. The first data packet is divided into the first sub-data packet, the second data packet into the second sub-data packet, the third data packet into the first sub-data packet, the fourth data packet into the second sub-data packet, and so on, resulting in two sub-data packets. Then, the AC sends the first sub-data packet to AP1, and AP1 sends the first sub-data packet to the wireless terminal through wireless link 1. The AC sends the second sub-data packet to AP2, and AP2 sends the second sub-data packet to the wireless terminal through wireless link 2.

[0157] Referring to Figure 4A, assuming wireless link 1 and wireless link 2 are candidate wireless links, AC sends the first sub-data packet and the second sub-data packet to AP1. AP1 sends the first sub-data packet to the wireless terminal through wireless link 1 and the second sub-data packet to the wireless terminal through wireless link 2.

[0158] In summary, regardless of whether the data packets are high-priority or low-priority, if the load on all K wireless links is relatively low, the data packets can be sent to the wireless terminal more quickly using K wireless links, thereby improving the user experience and reducing the data packets' occupation of the wireless links.

[0159] In one example, given that the wireless terminal corresponds to at least two wireless links, the wireless terminal can obtain the load of each wireless link. For instance, the wireless terminal can periodically obtain the load of each wireless link, such as every second. The load of a wireless link can be the air interface utilization rate of the wireless link, and the wireless terminal can calculate the load based on parameters such as the packet loss rate and latency of the corresponding wireless link.

[0160] In one example, every time the wireless terminal receives a data packet to be sent, it triggers a query of the wireless link load (i.e., the load of the last cycle). Based on different load conditions, different processing methods are used for the data packets. The processing methods under different load conditions are explained below.

[0161] Scenario 1: The load condition is that the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold. In this scenario, it is necessary to distinguish the priority of data packets and use different processing methods for data packets with different priorities.

[0162] Regarding situation 1, this application proposes a message transmission method. Referring to Figure 6, which is a flowchart of the message transmission method, the method may include:

[0163] Step 601: The wireless terminal acquires the data packet to be sent.

[0164] For example, when a wireless terminal sends a data packet to a device on the Internet, the wireless terminal can obtain the data packet, which is the data packet that the wireless terminal is about to send.

[0165] Step 602: The wireless terminal determines the priority of the data packet. The priority of the data packet can be high or low. If the priority of the data packet is high, then step 603 can be executed. If the priority of the data packet is low, then step 606 can be executed.

[0166] Step 603: If the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold, and the data packet is a high-priority data packet, the wireless terminal determines whether a target wireless link has been selected for itself. The target wireless link can be a wireless link used only for transmitting high-priority data packets and not for transmitting low-priority data packets. If not, it means that a target wireless link has not yet been selected, and step 604 can be executed. If yes, it means that a target wireless link has been selected, and step 605 can be executed.

[0167] Step 604: The wireless terminal selects a target wireless link from all wireless links, migrates the low-priority data packets corresponding to the target wireless link to other wireless links for transmission, and sends the data packets through the target wireless link, i.e., sends the data packets to the AP.

[0168] Step 605: The wireless terminal sends a data packet through the target wireless link.

[0169] Step 606: If the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold, and the data packet is a low-priority data packet, then the wireless terminal determines whether a target wireless link has been selected for this wireless terminal.

[0170] If not, it means that the target wireless link has not yet been selected, and step 607 can be executed.

[0171] If so, it means that the target wireless link has been selected, and step 608 can be executed.

[0172] Step 607: The wireless terminal selects a candidate wireless link from all wireless links and sends a data packet through the candidate wireless link, that is, the wireless terminal sends a data packet to the AP.

[0173] Step 608: The wireless terminal selects a candidate wireless link from other wireless links besides the target wireless link and sends data packets through the candidate wireless link, that is, the wireless terminal sends data packets to the AP.

[0174] In one example, after the wireless terminal sends a data packet to the AP, the AP receives the data packet via the wireless link and sends the data packet to the AC, and the AC sends the data packet to the Internet.

[0175] In one example, steps 601-608 can be referred to as steps 501-508, except that the executing entity changes from the AC to the wireless terminal. Steps 601-608 will not be described in detail here.

[0176] Scenario 2: Load Condition - The load of a single wireless link is no greater than the load threshold. In Scenario 2, there is no need to distinguish the priority of data packets; all data packets of different priorities are processed in the same way. For Scenario 2, the wireless terminal obtains the data packets to be sent. If only one wireless link among all wireless links has a load no greater than the load threshold, the wireless terminal selects that wireless link as a candidate wireless link and sends the data packets through the candidate wireless link, i.e., it sends the data packets to the AP through the candidate wireless link.

[0177] Scenario 3: The load condition is that the load of K wireless links is no greater than the load threshold. In Scenario 3, there is no need to distinguish the priority of data packets, and all data packets of all priorities are processed in the same way. For Scenario 3, the wireless terminal obtains the data packet to be sent. If there are K wireless links whose load is no greater than the load threshold (K can be a positive integer greater than 1), the wireless terminal can select all K wireless links as candidate wireless links. In addition, the wireless terminal can also divide the data packet into K sub-data packets and send the K sub-data packets through the K candidate wireless links.

[0178] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, in this embodiment, the more MIMO (Multiple-In Multiple-Out) the wireless terminal has, the more wireless links can be established between the wireless terminal and the AP, resulting in a wider range of load balancing and greater flexibility. During load balancing, the AC actively performs algorithmic scheduling based on traffic conditions, selecting the wireless link for transmission. There is no need to worry about the wireless terminal not accepting the scheduling or the wireless terminal's Wi-Fi disconnecting, leading to service interruptions. During high-priority service protection, because the wireless terminal does not drop the connection, the capacity of the wireless link itself can be flexibly adjusted, ensuring that high-priority services are always prioritized for forwarding, reliably protecting high-priority services and improving service experience.

[0179] Based on the same concept as the above method, this application proposes a message transmission device for use in an AC. Referring to Figure 7A, which is a schematic diagram of the device, the device includes:

[0180] The acquisition module 711 is used to acquire data packets to be sent to the wireless terminal; wherein the wireless terminal corresponds to at least two wireless links;

[0181] The determination module 712 is used to determine whether a target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal if the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold and the data packet is a high-priority data packet.

[0182] The processing module 713 is configured to, if no target wireless link is selected, select a target wireless link from all wireless links corresponding to the wireless terminal, and send the data packet and migration message to the AP corresponding to the target wireless link, so that the AP migrates the low-priority data packet to another wireless link other than the target wireless link for transmission based on the migration message, and sends the data packet to the wireless terminal through the target wireless link; if a target wireless link has been selected, send the data packet to the AP corresponding to the target wireless link, so that the AP sends the data packet to the wireless terminal through the target wireless link.

[0183] The determining module 712 is further configured to determine whether a target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal if the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold and the data packet is a low-priority data packet; the processing module 713 is further configured to select a candidate wireless link from all wireless links if no target wireless link has been selected; select a candidate wireless link from other wireless links besides the target wireless link if a target wireless link has been selected; and send the data packet to the AP corresponding to the candidate wireless link so that the AP sends the data packet to the wireless terminal through the candidate wireless link.

[0184] The processing module 713 is further configured to select a wireless link as a candidate wireless link if the load of only one wireless link among all wireless links is not greater than the load threshold, and send the data packet to the AP corresponding to the candidate wireless link so that the AP can send the data packet to the wireless terminal through the candidate wireless link.

[0185] The processing module 713 is further configured to select the K wireless links as candidate wireless links if the load of K wireless links among all wireless links is not greater than the load threshold, where K is a positive integer greater than 1; divide the data packet into K sub-data packets and send the K sub-data packets to the APs corresponding to the K candidate wireless links respectively, so that the corresponding APs send the sub-data packets received by the AP to the wireless terminal.

[0186] The determining module 712 is further configured to, after acquiring the data packet to be sent to the wireless terminal, query a configured mapping table based on the data characteristics of the data packet to obtain the priority of the data packet, wherein the priority is high priority or low priority; wherein the mapping table includes the correspondence between data characteristics and priorities, and the data characteristics include quintuple information and / or data type.

[0187] In one example, for at least two wireless links corresponding to the wireless terminal, the different wireless links are wireless links between the wireless terminal and the same AP, or the different wireless links are wireless links between the wireless terminal and different APs.

[0188] Based on the same concept as the above method, this application proposes a message transmission device for use in a wireless terminal. Referring to Figure 7B, which is a schematic diagram of the device, the device includes:

[0189] Acquisition module 721 is used to acquire the data packet to be sent by the wireless terminal; the wireless terminal corresponds to at least two wireless links;

[0190] The determination module 722 is used to determine whether a target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal if the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold and the data packet is a high-priority data packet.

[0191] The processing module 723 is configured to, if no target wireless link is selected, select a target wireless link from all wireless links corresponding to the wireless terminal, migrate the low-priority data packets corresponding to the target wireless link to other wireless links besides the target wireless link for transmission, and transmit the data packets through the target wireless link; if a target wireless link has been selected, transmit the data packets through the target wireless link.

[0192] The determining module 722 is further configured to determine whether a target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal if the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold and the data packet is a low-priority data packet; the processing module 713 is further configured to select a candidate wireless link from all wireless links if no target wireless link has been selected; select a candidate wireless link from other wireless links besides the target wireless link if a target wireless link has been selected; and send the data packet through the candidate wireless link.

[0193] The processing module 713 is further configured to select a wireless link as a candidate wireless link if the load of only one wireless link among all wireless links is not greater than the load threshold, and send the data packet through the candidate wireless link.

[0194] The processing module 713 is further configured to select the K wireless links as candidate wireless links if the load of K wireless links among all wireless links is not greater than the load threshold, where K is a positive integer greater than 1; divide the data packet into K sub-data packets and send the K sub-data packets to the APs corresponding to the K candidate wireless links respectively, so that the corresponding APs send the sub-data packets received by the AP to the wireless terminal.

[0195] The determining module 722 is further configured to, after acquiring the data packet to be sent by the wireless terminal, query a configured mapping table based on the data characteristics of the data packet to obtain the priority of the data packet, wherein the priority is high priority or low priority; wherein the mapping table includes the correspondence between data characteristics and priorities, and the data characteristics include quintuple information and / or data type.

[0196] In one example, for at least two wireless links corresponding to the wireless terminal, the different wireless links are wireless links between the wireless terminal and the same AP, or the different wireless links are wireless links between the wireless terminal and different APs.

[0197] Based on the same application concept as the above method, this application proposes an electronic device (such as an AC, AP, or wireless terminal), which may include: a processor and a machine-readable storage medium, wherein the machine-readable storage medium stores machine-executable instructions that can be executed by the processor; the processor is used to execute the machine-executable instructions to implement the message transmission method of the above example of this application.

[0198] Based on the same concept as the above method, an AC is proposed in one example of this application. Referring to FIG8A, the AC may include a processor 811 and a machine-readable storage medium 812. The machine-readable storage medium 812 stores machine-executable instructions that can be executed by the processor 811. The processor 811 is used to execute the machine-executable instructions to implement the message transmission method disclosed in the above example of this application.

[0199] In one example, processor 811 may include one or more processing cores, such as a 4-core processor, an 8-core processor, etc. Processor 811 may be implemented in at least one hardware form of DSP (Digital Signal Processing), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or PLA (Programmable Logic Array).

[0200] The processor 811 can also include a main processor and a coprocessor. The main processor, also known as the CPU (Central Processing Unit), is used to process data in the wake-up state. The coprocessor is a low-power processor used to process data in the standby state.

[0201] In some embodiments, the processor 811 may integrate a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), which is responsible for rendering and drawing the content that the display screen needs to show.

[0202] In one example, the AC may optionally include: a peripheral device interface 813 and at least one peripheral device. The processor 811 and the peripheral device interface 813 can be connected via a bus or signal line. Various peripheral devices can be connected to the peripheral device interface 813 via a bus, signal line, or circuit board. For example, the peripheral device may include at least one of: a radio frequency circuit 814 and a power supply 815.

[0203] The radio frequency (RF) circuit 814 is used to receive and transmit RF (Radio Frequency) signals, also known as electromagnetic signals. The RF circuit 814 communicates with communication networks and other communication devices via electromagnetic signals. The RF circuit 814 converts electrical signals into electromagnetic signals for transmission, or converts received electromagnetic signals back into electrical signals. Optionally, the RF circuit 814 includes: an antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, an oscillator, a digital signal processor, a user identity module card, etc.

[0204] The radio frequency circuit 814 can communicate with user equipment via at least one wireless communication protocol. This wireless communication protocol includes, but is not limited to: the World Wide Web, metropolitan area networks, intranets, various generations of mobile communication networks (2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G), wireless local area networks, and / or WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) networks.

[0205] The power supply 815 is used to supply power to various components in electronic devices. The power supply 815 can be AC ​​power, DC power, a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery, and there is no restriction on the type of power supply 815.

[0206] Based on the same concept as the above method, an example of this application proposes a wireless terminal, as shown in FIG8B. The wireless terminal may include a processor 821 and a machine-readable storage medium 822. The machine-readable storage medium 822 stores machine-executable instructions that can be executed by the processor 821. The processor 821 is used to execute the machine-executable instructions to implement the message transmission method disclosed in the above example of this application.

[0207] The processor 821 may include one or more processing cores, such as a 4-core processor or an 8-core processor. The processor 821 may be implemented using at least one hardware form of DSP, FPGA, or PLA.

[0208] Processor 821 may also include a main processor and a coprocessor. The main processor, also known as the CPU, is used to process data in the wake-up state. The coprocessor is a low-power processor used to process data in the standby state. In some embodiments, processor 821 may integrate a GPU, which is responsible for rendering and drawing the content that the display screen needs to show.

[0209] In one example, the wireless terminal may optionally include a peripheral device interface 823 and at least one peripheral device. The processor 821 and the peripheral device interface 823 can be connected via a bus or signal line. Various peripheral devices can be connected to the peripheral device interface 823 via a bus, signal line, or circuit board. For example, the peripheral device may include at least one of a radio frequency circuit 824 and a power supply 825.

[0210] The radio frequency (RF) circuit 824 is used to receive and transmit RF signals, also known as electromagnetic signals. The RF circuit 824 communicates with communication networks and other communication devices via electromagnetic signals. The RF circuit 824 converts electrical signals into electromagnetic signals for transmission, or converts received electromagnetic signals back into electrical signals. Optionally, the RF circuit 824 includes: an antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, an oscillator, a digital signal processor, a user identity module card, etc. The RF circuit 824 can communicate with user equipment through at least one wireless communication protocol. This wireless communication protocol includes, but is not limited to: the World Wide Web, metropolitan area networks, intranets, various generations of mobile communication networks, wireless local area networks, and / or WiFi networks.

[0211] The power supply 825 is used to supply power to various components in electronic devices. The power supply 825 can be AC ​​power, DC power, a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery, and there is no restriction on the type of power supply 825.

[0212] Based on the same concept as the methods described above, this application also provides a machine-readable storage medium storing a plurality of computer instructions. When executed by a processor, these computer instructions can implement the message transmission method disclosed in the examples above. The machine-readable storage medium can be any electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device, and can contain or store information such as executable instructions, data, etc. For example, the machine-readable storage medium can be: RAM, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, flash memory, storage drive (such as hard disk drive), solid-state drive, any type of storage disk (such as optical disc, DVD, etc.), or similar storage media, or combinations thereof.

[0213] Based on the same application concept as the above method, this application embodiment also provides a computer program product, which may include a computer program; wherein, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it can implement the message transmission method disclosed in the above examples of this application.

[0214] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, embodiments of this application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0215] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A message transmission method, characterized in that, Applied to the access controller AC, including: Acquire the data packet to be sent to the wireless terminal; wherein the wireless terminal corresponds to at least two wireless links; If the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold, and the data packet is a high-priority data packet, then it is determined whether a target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal. If not, then select a target wireless link from all wireless links corresponding to the wireless terminal, send the data packet and migration message to the AP corresponding to the target wireless link, so that the AP can migrate the low-priority data packet to other wireless links other than the target wireless link for transmission based on the migration message, and send the data packet to the wireless terminal through the target wireless link; If so, the data packet is sent to the AP corresponding to the target wireless link, so that the AP sends the data packet to the wireless terminal through the target wireless link.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After obtaining the data packet to be sent to the wireless terminal, the method further includes: If the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold, and the data packet is a low-priority data packet, then determine whether the target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal. If not, then a candidate wireless link is selected from all wireless links; if yes, then a candidate wireless link is selected from other wireless links besides the target wireless link. The data packet is sent to the AP corresponding to the candidate wireless link, so that the AP sends the data packet to the wireless terminal through the candidate wireless link.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After obtaining the data packet to be sent to the wireless terminal, the method further includes: If only one wireless link among all wireless links has a load not exceeding the load threshold, then that wireless link is selected as a candidate wireless link, and the data packet is sent to the AP corresponding to the candidate wireless link, so that the AP can send the data packet to the wireless terminal through the candidate wireless link.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After obtaining the data packet to be sent to the wireless terminal, the method further includes: If there are K wireless links among all wireless links whose load is not greater than the load threshold, where K is a positive integer greater than 1, then the K wireless links are selected as candidate wireless links; the data packet is divided into K sub-data packets, and the K sub-data packets are sent to the APs corresponding to the K candidate wireless links respectively, so that the corresponding APs send the sub-data packets received by the AP to the wireless terminal.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After obtaining the data packet to be sent to the wireless terminal, the method further includes: Based on the data characteristics of the data packet, the configured mapping table is queried to obtain the priority of the data packet, which is either high priority or low priority; wherein, the mapping table includes the correspondence between data characteristics and priorities, and the data characteristics include quintuple information and / or data type.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, For the at least two wireless links corresponding to the wireless terminal, the different wireless links are wireless links between the wireless terminal and the same AP, or the different wireless links are wireless links between the wireless terminal and different APs.

7. A message transmission device, characterized in that, Applied to the access controller AC, including: An acquisition module is used to acquire data packets to be sent to a wireless terminal; wherein the wireless terminal corresponds to at least two wireless links; The determination module is used to determine whether a target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal if the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold and the data packet is a high-priority data packet. The processing module is configured to select a target wireless link from all wireless links corresponding to the wireless terminal if no target wireless link is selected, and send the data packet and migration message to the AP corresponding to the target wireless link, so that the AP migrates the low-priority data packet to other wireless links besides the target wireless link for transmission based on the migration message, and sends the data packet to the wireless terminal through the target wireless link. If a target wireless link has been selected, the data packet is sent to the AP corresponding to the target wireless link, so that the AP can send the data packet to the wireless terminal through the target wireless link.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The determining module is further configured to determine whether the target wireless link has been selected for the wireless terminal if the load of each wireless link is greater than the load threshold and the data packet is a low-priority data packet. The processing module is further configured to: if no target wireless link is selected, select a candidate wireless link from all wireless links; if a target wireless link has been selected, select a candidate wireless link from other wireless links besides the target wireless link; and send the data packet to the AP corresponding to the candidate wireless link, so that the AP sends the data packet to the wireless terminal through the candidate wireless link.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The processing module is further configured to select a wireless link as a candidate wireless link if the load of only one wireless link among all wireless links is not greater than the load threshold, and send the data packet to the AP corresponding to the candidate wireless link so that the AP can send the data packet to the wireless terminal through the candidate wireless link.

10. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The processing module is further configured to select K wireless links as candidate wireless links if the load of K wireless links among all wireless links is not greater than the load threshold, where K is a positive integer greater than 1; divide the data packet into K sub-data packets and send the K sub-data packets to the APs corresponding to the K candidate wireless links respectively, so that the corresponding APs send the sub-data packets received by the AP to the wireless terminal.

11. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The determining module is further configured to, after acquiring the data packet to be sent to the wireless terminal, query a configured mapping table based on the data characteristics of the data packet to obtain the priority of the data packet, wherein the priority is high priority or low priority; wherein the mapping table includes the correspondence between data characteristics and priorities, and the data characteristics include quintuple information and / or data type.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7-10, characterized in that, For the at least two wireless links corresponding to the wireless terminal, the different wireless links are wireless links between the wireless terminal and the same AP, or the different wireless links are wireless links between the wireless terminal and different APs.

13. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: A processor and a machine-readable storage medium, the machine-readable storage medium storing machine-executable instructions that can be executed by the processor; The processor is configured to execute machine-executable instructions to implement the method of any one of claims 1-6.

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