Handover method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of wireless communications, and provides a handover method and an apparatus, aiming at improving the identification accuracy of Wi-Fi quality. In the method, a first STA triggers a handover from a first network to a second network. Handover information is sent to an access point (AP). The handover information is used for determining the network quality of the AP, and the handover information comprises one or more of type information of the handover from the first network to the second network, reason information of the handover from the first network to the second network, or indicator information of the first network. The above AP is an AP with which the first STA is associated in the first network. On the basis of the solution, on the basis of the handover information reported by the first STA, the AP can determine the quality of the AP, thereby determining whether a network handover is needed. The solution can, with higher reliability, determine the quality of the AP.

Description

A switching method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510073720.9, filed on January 15, 2025, entitled "A Switching Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a switching method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] Currently, the switching from Wi-Fi to cellular is generally scenario-based, such as the transition between indoors and outdoors, or entering an elevator or subway. Therefore, current methods primarily rely on scene recognition to determine whether to switch from Wi-Fi to cellular; for example, entering an elevator triggers the switch. However, current scene recognition algorithms typically depend on data from different sensors, and are affected by hardware limitations and sensor accuracy, resulting in low accuracy and slow recognition speed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a switching method and apparatus to improve the accuracy of Wi-Fi quality identification.

[0006] Firstly, a handover method is provided. This method can be executed by a first station (STA) or a chip / chip system. In this method, the first STA triggers a handover from a first network to a second network. Handover information is sent to an access point (AP). The handover information is used to determine the network quality of the AP and includes one or more of the following: type information of the handover from the first network to the second network, reason information of the handover from the first network to the second network, or indicator information of the first network. The AP mentioned above is the AP associated with the first STA in the first network.

[0007] Based on the above scheme, the quality of the access point (AP) is determined through end-to-end coordination in the Wi-Fi network. Based on the handover information reported by the first STA, the AP can determine its quality and thus decide whether a network switch is necessary. The above scheme of this application, based on the reason or type information of the STA switching from the first network to the second network, or information such as the indicators of the first network, can better evaluate the AP quality, enabling the STA to perform more accurate network handovers.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the type information for switching from the first network to the second network includes manual switching indication information, which indicates whether the first network is manually shut down. The reason information for switching from the first network to the second network includes one or more of the following: a switching reason, which indicates the reason why the first STA switches from the first network to the second network. Alternatively, manual switching indication information, which indicates whether the first network is manually shut down. The indicator information for the first network includes one or more of the following: experience quality indicators, which include indicators characterizing the user experience when the first STA switches from the first network to the second network. Alternatively, statistical information, which includes one or more of the following: received signal strength indication acquired before the first STA switches from the first network to the second network, location information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network, time information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network, distance information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network, or angle information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network.

[0009] In the above scheme, the manual switching indication information tells the first STA whether it has manually shut down the first network. Generally, the first network will only be manually shut down when the AP's signal quality is particularly poor and the first STA's user experience is also poor. Therefore, determining the AP's quality based on this information is relatively accurate. The switching reason can show why the first STA switched from the first network to the second network or why the switch was triggered. Therefore, determining the AP's quality based on this reason information can improve the accuracy of the assessment. In the above scheme, quality of experience (QoE) and statistical information can assist the AP in quality assessment, enabling AP quality assessment based on big data and improving the accuracy of the assessment.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the handover information also includes handover indication information, which indicates whether the first STA is switching from the first network to the second network.

[0011] Based on the above scheme, the handover indication information indicates whether the first STA has undergone network handover. Therefore, the number of handovers within a certain period of time can be determined based on the handover indication information. If the number of handovers within a certain period of time is relatively high, it can be considered that the quality of the AP is low. Therefore, determining the quality of the AP through the handover indication information can also improve the accuracy of the evaluation.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the switching reason includes one or more of the following: signal strength change, magnetometer change, accelerometer change, detection of a stutter, identification as an elevator scene, identification as a high-density scene, or identification as a strong signal weak network scene.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the quality of experience metrics include one or more of the following: number of stutters, access latency, queuing latency, or internet speed.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the switching information is carried in the management frame or control frame.

[0015] Secondly, a handover method is provided. This method can be executed by an AP or a chip / chip system. In this method, the AP receives handover information from one or more first STAs. The handover information is used to determine the network quality of the AP, and includes one or more of the following: type information of the corresponding first STA handover from a first network to a second network, reason information for the handover from the first network to the second network, or indicator information of the first network. The AP sends first information to one or more second STAs, the first information being used to characterize the quality of the AP. The first information is determined based on the handover information from one or more first STAs.

[0016] Based on the above scheme, the AP can determine its quality based on the handover information reported by the first STA, and thus determine whether a network switch is needed. Compared with the method that relies on data from different sensors, the above scheme can determine the quality of the AP with higher reliability based on the reason or type information of the STA switching from the first network to the second network, or one or more of the indicators of the first network.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the first information includes the quality of the AP and / or the attributes of the AP. The AP attributes include a high or low handover probability; the higher the AP's quality, the lower its handover probability.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the type information for switching from the first network to the second network includes manual switching indication information, which indicates whether the first network is manually shut down. The reason information for switching from the first network to the second network includes one or more of the following: a switching reason, which indicates the reason why the first STA switches from the first network to the second network. Alternatively, manual switching indication information, which indicates whether the first network is manually shut down. The indicator information for the first network includes one or more of the following: experience quality indicators, which include indicators characterizing the user experience when the first STA switches from the first network to the second network. Alternatively, statistical information, which includes one or more of the following: received signal strength indication acquired before the first STA switches from the first network to the second network, location information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network, time information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network, distance information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network, or angle information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the handover information also includes handover indication information, which indicates whether the first STA is switching from the first network to the second network.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the AP inputs handover information into a first model, which determines the quality of the AP based on the input handover information. The AP then obtains the first information output by the first model. Based on this scheme, the AP can evaluate its quality through the model with high accuracy and good generalization.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the handover information includes manual handover instruction information. The higher the number of manual handovers within the first duration, the lower the AP quality.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the handover information includes the handover reason. The quality of the AP is determined based on a weighted sum of the number of handovers corresponding to the handover reason. Based on this scheme, the AP's quality can be evaluated using predefined rules, resulting in low complexity and simple implementation.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the first information also includes a handover policy that indicates whether one or more second STAs should switch networks.

[0024] Based on the above scheme, the AP can determine the handover strategy through the first information to assist one or more second STAs associated with the AP in determining whether to switch networks. Compared with the method of relying on sensor data to determine the handover strategy, the above scheme can improve the accuracy and speed of network handover.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the handover strategy includes one or more of the following: switching from a first network to a second network, where the AP is an AP in the first network; or, not switching networks; or, switching from the first network to the second network when the quality of any AP in the second network is higher than the quality of the AP in the first network, where the AP is an AP in the first network.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the switching information is carried in the management frame or control frame.

[0027] Thirdly, a switching method is provided. This method can be executed by a second STA or by a chip / chip system. In this method, the second STA receives first information, which characterizes the quality of the AP associated with the second STA in a first network. Based on the first information, the second STA determines whether to switch networks.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the first information includes the quality of the AP and / or the attributes of the AP. The AP attributes include a high or low handover probability; the higher the AP's quality, the lower its handover probability.

[0029] In one possible implementation, if the quality of an AP falls below a first value, the network is switched from the first network to the second network. Alternatively, if the quality of an AP is above the first value, the network is not switched. Or, if the quality of any AP in the second network is higher than the quality of the first AP, the network is switched from the first network to the second network.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the first information also includes a handover policy, which indicates whether one or more second STAs should switch networks. Based on the handover policy, it is determined whether to switch networks.

[0031] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, including a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

[0032] The processing unit is used to trigger a handover from the first network to the second network. The transceiver unit is used to send handover information to the AP. This handover information is used to determine the network quality of the AP and includes one or more of the following: type information of the handover from the first network to the second network, reason information of the handover from the first network to the second network, or indicator information of the first network. The AP is the AP associated with the first STA in the first network.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the type information for switching from the first network to the second network includes manual switching indication information, which indicates whether the first network is manually shut down. The reason information for switching from the first network to the second network includes one or more of the following: a switching reason, which indicates the reason why the first STA switches from the first network to the second network. Alternatively, manual switching indication information, which indicates whether the first network is manually shut down. The indicator information for the first network includes one or more of the following: experience quality indicators, which include indicators characterizing the user experience when the first STA switches from the first network to the second network. Alternatively, statistical information, which includes one or more of the following: received signal strength indication acquired before the first STA switches from the first network to the second network, location information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network, time information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network, distance information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network, or angle information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the handover information also includes handover indication information, which indicates whether the first STA is switching from the first network to the second network.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the switching reason includes one or more of the following: signal strength change, magnetometer change, accelerometer change, detection of a stutter, identification as an elevator scene, identification as a high-density scene, or identification as a strong signal weak network scene.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the quality of experience metrics include one or more of the following: number of stutters, access latency, queuing latency, or internet speed.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the switching information is carried in the management frame or control frame.

[0038] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, including a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

[0039] The transceiver unit is used to receive handover information from one or more first STAs. This handover information is used to determine the network quality of the AP. The handover information includes one or more of the following: type information of the first STA handover from the first network to the second network, reason information for the handover, or indicator information of the first network. The processing unit is used to determine first information based on the handover information from one or more first STAs. This first information characterizes the quality of the AP. The transceiver unit is also used to send the first information to one or more second STAs.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the first information includes the quality of the AP and / or the attributes of the AP. The AP attributes include a high or low handover probability; the higher the AP's quality, the lower its handover probability.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the type information for switching from the first network to the second network includes manual switching indication information, which indicates whether the first network is manually shut down. The reason information for switching from the first network to the second network includes one or more of the following: a switching reason, which indicates the reason why the first STA switches from the first network to the second network. Alternatively, manual switching indication information, which indicates whether the first network is manually shut down. The indicator information for the first network includes one or more of the following: experience quality indicators, which include indicators characterizing the user experience when the first STA switches from the first network to the second network. Alternatively, statistical information, which includes one or more of the following: received signal strength indication acquired before the first STA switches from the first network to the second network, location information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network, time information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network, distance information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network, or angle information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the handover information also includes handover indication information, which indicates whether the first STA is switching from the first network to the second network.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to input handover information into a first model, which determines the quality of the AP based on the input handover information. Specifically, the processing unit is configured to acquire first information output by the first model.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the handover information includes manual handover instruction information. The higher the number of manual handovers within the first duration, the lower the AP quality.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the handover information includes the handover reason. The quality of the AP is determined based on a weighted sum of the number of handovers corresponding to the handover reason.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the first information also includes a handover policy that indicates whether one or more second STAs should switch networks.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the handover strategy includes one or more of the following: switching from a first network to a second network, where the AP is an AP in the first network; or, not switching networks; or, switching from the first network to the second network when the quality of any AP in the second network is higher than the quality of the AP in the first network, where the AP is an AP in the first network.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the switching information is carried in the management frame or control frame.

[0049] Sixthly, a communication device is provided, including a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

[0050] The transceiver unit is used to receive first information, which characterizes the quality of the AP associated with the second STA in the first network. The processing unit is used to determine whether to switch networks based on the first information.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the first information includes the quality of the AP and / or the attributes of the AP. The AP attributes include a high or low handover probability; the higher the AP's quality, the lower its handover probability.

[0052] In one possible implementation, if the quality of an AP falls below a first value, the network is switched from the first network to the second network. Alternatively, if the quality of an AP is above the first value, the network is not switched. Or, if the quality of any AP in the second network is higher than the quality of the first AP, the network is switched from the first network to the second network.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the first information further includes a handover policy, which indicates whether one or more second STAs should switch networks. The processing unit is specifically configured to determine whether to switch networks based on the handover policy.

[0054] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip system including a processor and further including a memory for implementing the method executed by the first STA, AP, or second STA in any of the possible implementations of the first to third aspects. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and / or data. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0055] Eighthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the methods performed by the first STA, AP, or second STA in the above aspects.

[0056] Ninthly, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: computer program code or instructions, which, when executed, cause the methods performed by the first STA, AP, or second STA in the above aspects to be performed.

[0057] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device comprising a unit or module for performing the methods described above.

[0058] Eleventhly, a chip system is provided, including logic circuitry and input / output interfaces. The logic circuitry is used to execute the methods performed by the first STA, AP, or second STA described above. The input / output interfaces are used for communication with other devices.

[0059] In a twelfth aspect, a system is provided, comprising at least one first STA performing any possible implementation of the first aspect, at least one AP performing any possible implementation of the second aspect, and at least one second STA performing any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0060] The beneficial effects of the second to twelfth aspects and their implementation methods mentioned above can be referred to the description of the beneficial effects of the method and its implementation methods in the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0061] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 2 is an exemplary flowchart of a switching method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a switching information format provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of a management frame format provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of another management frame format provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an AP quality assessment method provided in an embodiment of this application;

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

[0069] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

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

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

[0072] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] The embodiments of this application can be applied to wireless local area networks (WLAN) scenarios. For example, they can be applied to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 system standards, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax standards, or their next-generation standards, such as 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7, or Extremely High Throughput (EHT), 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11bf, and even the next generation of 802.11be, such as Wi-Fi 8 or later standards. Alternatively, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to wireless local area network systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or Vehicle to X (V2X) networks. Of course, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other possible communication systems, such as LTE systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5G communication systems, and future 6G communication systems, etc.

[0074] The following examples illustrate how the embodiments of this application can be applied to WLAN scenarios. It should be understood that WLAN standards have evolved from 802.11a / g to 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, and the currently discussed 802.11be. 802.11n can also be called high throughput (HT); 802.11ac can also be called very high throughput (VHT); 802.11ax can also be called high efficiency (HE) or Wi-Fi 6; 802.11be can also be called EHT or Wi-Fi 7. Standards prior to HT, such as 802.11a / b / g, can be collectively referred to as non-high throughput (Non-HT).

[0075] Referring to Figure 1A, a network architecture diagram of a WLAN applicable to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1A illustrates an example where the WLAN includes one access point (AP) and one station (STA). The STA associated with the AP can receive radio frames sent by the AP and can also send radio frames to the AP. If the STA experiences signal quality degradation due to mobility or other reasons, it needs to perform a network handover. For example, switching from an AP to a cellular network, or roaming from one AP to another. It should be understood that the number of APs and STAs in Figure 1A is merely an example, and there may be more or fewer.

[0076] Referring to Figure 1B, a scenario of STA signal quality degradation is illustrated. For example, when a STA moves from outside to inside an elevator, signal quality may degrade due to mobility issues. Alternatively, the STA may move from indoors to outdoors, increasing the distance from the AP and thus causing signal quality degradation. The scenarios shown in Figure 1B are merely illustrative; STA signal quality may also degrade due to other reasons such as obstruction.

[0077] Access points are devices that allow terminal devices (such as mobile phones) to access wired (or wireless) networks. They are primarily deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. They can also be deployed outdoors. An access point acts as a bridge between wired and wireless networks, connecting various wireless network clients and then connecting the wireless network to the Ethernet. Specifically, access points can be terminal devices (such as mobile phones) or network devices (such as routers) with Wi-Fi chips, or wireless communication chips, wireless sensors, or wireless communication terminals with access point functionality. Access points can be devices that support the 802.11be standard. They can also be devices that support various WLAN standards within the 802.11 family, including 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11be next-generation.

[0078] A site can be a wireless communication chip, wireless sensor, or wireless communication terminal, and can also be referred to as a user. For example, a site can be a mobile phone supporting Wi-Fi communication, a tablet computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, a set-top box supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart TV supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart wearable device supporting Wi-Fi communication, an in-vehicle communication device supporting Wi-Fi communication, and a computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, etc. Optionally, the site can support the 802.11be standard. The site can also support various wireless local area network (WLAN) standards of the 802.11 family, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11be next generation.

[0079] For example, access points and sites can be devices used in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), IoT nodes and sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities.

[0080] The AP and STA involved in the embodiments of this application can be APs and STAs that comply with the IEEE 802.11 system standard. An AP is a device deployed in a wireless communication network to provide wireless communication functions for its associated STAs. The AP can serve as the hub of the communication system and is typically a network-side product that supports the MAC and PHY of the 802.11 system standard. Examples include base stations, routers, gateways, repeaters, communication servers, switches, or bridges. The base station can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, repeater stations, etc. For ease of description, the devices mentioned above are collectively referred to as APs. STAs are typically terminal products that support the media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) of the 802.11 system standard, such as mobile phones and laptops.

[0081] Seamless handover between cellular and Wi-Fi is a key algorithm for ensuring a good user experience. Currently, the main problem with switching from cellular to Wi-Fi is that if the Wi-Fi quality of experience (QoE) assessment is inaccurate, the user is switched to a poor Wi-Fi network and requires a longer transition time to cellular, resulting in a poor user experience. The main problems with switching from Wi-Fi to cellular are:

[0082] 1) The actual Wi-Fi quality deteriorates, but the algorithm is slow to recognize changes in Wi-Fi QoE, causing users to be unable to switch to cellular for extended periods, such as in elevators or when leaving home.

[0083] 2) There is a Wi-Fi network with high signal quality nearby, but the algorithm does not accurately determine the Wi-Fi QoE, so the system switches to cellular and loses the opportunity to use the Wi-Fi network with high signal quality.

[0084] Currently, the switching from Wi-Fi to cellular is generally scenario-based, such as the transition between indoors and outdoors, or entering an elevator or subway. Therefore, current methods primarily rely on scene recognition to determine whether to switch from Wi-Fi to cellular; for example, entering an elevator triggers the switch. However, current scene recognition algorithms typically depend on data from different sensors, and are affected by hardware limitations and sensor accuracy, resulting in low accuracy and slow recognition speed.

[0085] Therefore, this application provides a handover method. This method can be applied to Wi-Fi to Wi-Fi handover scenarios, as well as Wi-Fi to cellular handover scenarios. In this method, when a first STA triggers a handover from a first network to a second network, the first STA can send handover information to the AP. The handover information may include one or more of the following: the type of handover from the first network to the second network, the reason for the handover, or the indicator information of the first network. This handover information can be used to determine the quality of the AP associated with the first STA in the first network.

[0086] Based on the above scheme, the quality of the AP is determined by end-to-end coordination in the Wi-Fi network. The AP can determine its quality based on the received handover information, thereby determining whether a network switch is needed. Compared with the method that relies on data from different sensors, the above scheme can determine the quality of the AP with higher reliability based on the reason or type information of the STA switching from the first network to the second network, or one or more of the indicators of the first network.

[0087] Referring to Figure 2, an exemplary flowchart of a switching method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown, which may include the following steps. In Figure 2, the first network may be a Wi-Fi network, and the first STA is associated with an AP in the first network. The second network may be a Wi-Fi network or a cellular network.

[0088] S201: The first STA triggers a switch from the first network to the second network.

[0089] For example, the first STA might determine through Wi-Fi QoE assessment that the signal quality of the first network is poor, requiring a network switch to the second network. Alternatively, the first STA could switch from the first network to the second network if the user manually triggers the shutdown of the first network.

[0090] It should be noted that the handover conditions for STA to trigger a handover from the first network to the second network can refer to the handover conditions in the relevant standards. The handover conditions mentioned above are only shown as examples.

[0091] S202: The first STA sends handover information to the AP.

[0092] Accordingly, the AP receives handover information from the first STA.

[0093] In S202, one or more first STAs associated with the AP can send handover information to the AP. The AP can receive the handover information from one or more first STAs. In one possible implementation, the handover information includes one or more of the following: type information of the corresponding first STA handing over from the first network to the second network, reason information of handing over from the first network to the second network, or indicator information of the first network.

[0094] For example, the handover information includes type information about the first STA switching from the first network to the second network. For instance, the type information about the first STA switching from the first network to the second network may include manual handover indication information. This manual handover indication information may indicate whether the first network should be manually shut down. For example, the manual handover indication information may be a 1-bit indication. A value of 0 indicates that the first network should not be manually shut down, and a value of 1 indicates that the first network should be manually shut down. Conversely, a value of 1 indicates that the first network should not be manually shut down, and a value of 0 indicates that the first network should be manually shut down. If the manual handover indication information indicates that the first network should be manually shut down, then the type of the first STA switching from the first network to the second network may include manual handover. If the manual handover indication information indicates that the first network should not be manually shut down, then the type of the first STA switching from the first network to the second network may include non-manual handover.

[0095] Based on the above scheme, the AP can determine whether the first STA has manually shut down the first network by using the manual switching indication information. Generally, the first network will only be manually shut down when the AP's signal quality is particularly poor and the first STA's user experience is also poor. Therefore, the AP's determination of its quality based on this information is relatively accurate.

[0096] For example, the handover information includes the reason why the first STA switches from the first network to the second network, or the reason that triggers the first STA to switch from the first network to the second network. For instance, the reason information may include one or more of the following:

[0097] 1. Manual Switching Instruction Information. The manual switching instruction information indicates whether to manually shut down the first network. Refer to the previous description for details; it will not be repeated here. If the manual switching instruction information indicates that the first network should be manually shut down, then the reason for the first STA switching from the first network to the second network could be a manual switch. If the manual switching instruction information indicates that the first network should not be manually shut down, then the reason for the first STA switching from the first network to the second network could be a non-manual switch.

[0098] 2. Switching Reason: Indicates the reason why the first STA switches from the first network to the second network, or the reason why the first STA triggers the switch from the first network to the second network. The switching reason may include the result of the QoE identification algorithm obtained by the first STA, such as one or more of the following: signal strength change, magnetometer change, accelerometer change, detection of a stutter, identification as an elevator scene, identification as a high-density scene, or identification as a strong signal weak network scene.

[0099] In some embodiments, the switching reason can be indicated in the form of a bitmap or by a reason value, as explained in Table 1 below.

[0100] Table 1: Strength of a method for indicating a switching reason.

[0101] As shown in Table 1, if the handover reason for the first STA is a change in channel strength, the first STA can indicate this by displaying "001" or "rssi" in the field corresponding to the handover reason in the handover information. If the handover reason for the first STA is a change in magnetometer readings, the first STA can indicate this by displaying "010" or "mag" in the field corresponding to the handover reason in the handover information, and so on.

[0102] It should be noted that the above correspondence between the switching reason and the bit map, as well as the correspondence between the switching reason and the reason value, are only shown as examples. The AP and the first STA can store the correspondence between the bit map and the switching reason, or the correspondence between the reason value and the switching reason, so that the first STA can indicate the switching reason of the first STA to the AP through the bit map or the reason value.

[0103] Based on the above scheme, the AP can determine the AP's quality through the reason information reported by the first STA. The handover reason can show why the first STA will switch from the first network to the second network or why it will trigger a handover from the first network to the second network. Therefore, the AP can improve the accuracy of the assessment by determining the AP's quality based on this reason information.

[0104] For example, the switching information includes metrics information of the first network. For instance, the metrics information of the first network may include one or more of the following: QoE or statistical information.

[0105] 1. QoE, including metrics characterizing user experience when the first STA switches from the first network to the second network. For example, QoE may include one or more of the following: number of buffering events, access latency, queuing latency, or internet speed. The first STA can send the QoE used in the QoE evaluation algorithm that triggered the first STA to switch from the first network to the second network to the AP.

[0106] 2. Statistical information, including one or more of the following: Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) acquired before the first STA switches from the first network to the second network; time information when the first STA switches from the first network to the second network; distance information when the first STA switches from the first network to the second network; or angle information when the first STA switches from the first network to the second network. Statistical information can be used to indicate the statistical parameters of the first STA to the AP and can help the AP perform quality assessments.

[0107] Based on the above scheme, the AP can be assisted in quality assessment by QoE and statistical information. QoE can characterize the user experience, so judging the quality of the AP by the QoE of the first network can also improve the accuracy of the assessment.

[0108] In some embodiments, the handover information may further include handover indication information. This handover indication information may indicate whether the first STA has switched from the first network to the second network. For example, the handover indication information may be a 1-bit indication. A value of 0 indicates that no network handover has occurred, and a value of 1 indicates that the first STA has switched from the first network to the second network. Conversely, a value of 1 indicates that no network handover has occurred, and a value of 0 indicates that the first STA has switched from the first network to the second network.

[0109] Optionally, the handover indication information can indicate whether the first STA is switching from the first network to a cellular network.

[0110] Referring to Figure 3, a format for handover information is shown. Handover information may include handover instruction information, manual handover instruction information, handover reason, QoE, and statistical information, as previously described, and will not be repeated here.

[0111] In one possible implementation, the switching information can be carried in the management frame.

[0112] For example, the handover information can be a newly added field. Referring to Figure 4A, a new handover information field is added to the management frame, and this new handover information field can carry the handover information mentioned above. Referring to Figure 4B, a new field can be added to the MAC header of the management frame to carry the handover information. As shown in Figure 4B, a handover information field is added to the A-control subfield of the HT control field to carry the handover information.

[0113] It should be noted that the positions of the newly added fields in Figures 4A and 4B are shown only as examples. Those skilled in the art can also add fields in other positions in the management frame to carry switching information.

[0114] For example, switching information can reuse existing fields in the management frame, such as reserved fields.

[0115] In another possible implementation, the handover information can be carried in control frames, such as acknowledgment (ACK) or block acknowledgment (BA) frames. For example, a new field can be added to the ACK or BA frame to carry the handover information. Alternatively, a field already existing in the ACK or BA frame can be reused to carry the handover information.

[0116] S203: The AP sends the first message to one or more second STAs.

[0117] Correspondingly, one or more second STAs receive the first information from the AP.

[0118] For example, an AP can send a first message to one or more second STAs in the BSS that have not triggered a network handover.

[0119] In one possible implementation, the first information can be used to characterize the quality of the AP, which can be determined by the handover information received by the AP. For example, the first information includes the quality of the AP or one or more of the AP's attributes. These will be described in detail below.

[0120] 1) AP quality, which characterizes the quality of the AP's signal.

[0121] For example, the quality of an access point (AP) can include a quality score determined by the AP based on handover information. For instance, a higher quality score indicates better signal quality from the AP, while a lower quality score indicates worse signal quality. Conversely, a lower quality score indicates better signal quality from the AP, and a higher quality score indicates worse signal quality from the AP.

[0122] For example, the quality of an AP can include a quality level determined by the AP based on handover information. For instance, a higher quality level indicates better signal quality from the AP, while a lower quality level indicates worse signal quality. Conversely, a lower quality level indicates better signal quality from the AP, and a higher quality level indicates worse signal quality from the AP.

[0123] 2) AP attributes, including high or low handover probability.

[0124] A high handover probability indicates that the STA associated with the AP is likely to undergo network handover, mainly because the AP's signal quality is relatively poor; this can be termed a transition AP. A low handover probability indicates that the STA associated with the AP is unlikely to undergo network handover, mainly because the AP's signal quality is relatively high; this can be termed a non-transition AP.

[0125] For example, the higher the quality of an AP, the lower its handover probability. When the quality of an AP is low, such as below a certain threshold, the AP's attribute can be transition AP. When the quality of an AP is high, such as above a certain threshold, the AP's attribute can be non-transition AP.

[0126] In one possible implementation, the AP can determine the first information based on the type information of the first STA switching from the first network to the second network contained in the handover information.

[0127] For example, the AP can determine the first information based on manual handover indication information or handover indication information. For instance, the AP determines its attributes based on the number of manual handovers or the number of handovers that occurred within a first duration. For instance, among the handover information received by the AP from multiple first STAs within the first duration, the manual handover indication information indicates N times that the first network was manually shut down. manual switch If the threshold is exceeded, the AP is considered a transition AP. Within the first time period, the number of times the AP receives handover information from multiple first STAs, including manual handover indication information, indicates that the first network has been manually shut down is N. manual switch If the value is less than the threshold, the AP is considered a non-transition AP. Similarly, the quality of an AP can be determined based on the number of manual handovers within the first duration, such as an AP quality score of -N. manual switchThe number of times the first network is manually shut down within the first time period is N. manual switch The lower the AP's quality score, the higher the AP's quality.

[0128] For example, the AP can make a comprehensive evaluation based on the number of different handover reasons contained in one or more handover messages received within a certain period of time. For instance, the weighted sum of the number of different handover reasons within a certain period of time... If the threshold is exceeded, the AP is considered a transition AP. If the weighted sum of the number of different handover reasons within a certain period does not exceed the threshold, the AP is considered a non-transition AP. Where N... i α represents the number of the i-th switching reason out of N switching reasons. i This represents the weight corresponding to the i-th handover reason. Similarly, the AP quality can be determined by a weighted sum of the number of different handover reasons over a period of time, such as the AP quality score. The lower the weighted sum of the number of different handover reasons over a period of time, the higher the AP's quality score, and the better the AP's quality.

[0129] For example, an AP can evaluate the QoE based on the average QoE contained in one or more handover messages received over a period of time. For instance, if the QoE in the handover messages includes access latency, then the average access latency contained in the handover messages received over a period of time would be considered. If the threshold is exceeded, the AP is considered a transition AP, based on the average access latency contained in the handover information received over a period of time. If the threshold is not exceeded, the AP is considered a non-transition AP. In Lacey's case, the AP's quality can be determined based on the average access latency contained in one or more handover messages received over a period of time, such as an AP quality score. The lower the average access latency over a period of time, the higher the AP's quality score, and the better the AP's quality.

[0130] Based on the above scheme, the AP can determine its quality using configured rules based on handover information, which is low-complexity and simple to implement. It should be noted that the method described above for determining AP quality based on handover information is only illustrative; those skilled in the art can formulate appropriate rules to determine AP quality based on the aforementioned handover information.

[0131] For example, an AP can input one or more handover information received over a period of time into a first model. This first model can determine the quality of the AP based on the input handover information, such as the AP's quality score or attributes. Referring to Figure 5, assuming the handover information includes handover indication information, handover reason, manual handover indication information, QoE, and statistical information, the AP can input these into the first model. This first model can be a trained neural network or decision tree. The AP can obtain the first information representing its quality from the output of the first model, such as one or more of the AP's attributes or quality score. Determining AP quality based on a model has higher accuracy and better generalization than the aforementioned rule-based method.

[0132] Based on the above scheme, the AP can determine its quality based on one or more received handover information. Compared with the QoE evaluation method in related technologies, the above method is based on big data to evaluate the quality of the AP, thus improving the accuracy of the evaluation.

[0133] In S203, the AP can transmit the first information by including it in beacon frames or probe response frames. The AP can also transmit the first information in other frames, such as management frames or control frames. The AP can broadcast, unicast, or multicast the radio frames carrying the first information. In one possible scenario, a new field can be added to the beacon frame or probe response frame to carry the first information. For example, a new field can be added to the A-control subfield of the HT control field in the MAC header of the management frame to carry the first information.

[0134] In this embodiment, after receiving the first information, the second STA can determine a handover strategy based on the received first information. For example, if the AP is a transition AP, the second STA can adopt an aggressive handover strategy, such as switching from the first network to the second network, or the second STA can switch from the first network to the cellular network. For example, if the AP is a transition AP, the second AP can activate the global positioning system (GPS) to determine whether it is outdoors; if it is outdoors, the second STA will switch from the first network to the cellular network.

[0135] For example, if the AP is a transition AP, the second STA can scan for other APs in the vicinity. For instance, if the AP is a transition AP, the second STA can send a probe request frame and, based on the quality of other APs in the received probe response frame (such as the attributes of other APs or one or more of their quality scores), decide whether to roam to the network where that other AP is located, or whether to switch to cellular. For example, if the other AP is a non-transition AP or its quality score indicates that the other AP's quality is high and higher than the currently associated AP, the second STA can roam to that other AP. Conversely, if the other AP is a transition AP or its quality score indicates that the other AP's quality is low, the second STA can switch to cellular.

[0136] For example, if the AP is a non-transition AP, the second STA can adopt a lenient or aggressive handover strategy. For instance, if the first information includes the AP's quality score, and the AP's quality score is high (e.g., above a preset value), then the second STA can only allow handover from the first network to the cellular network when the signal strength is below X bars. Here, X is a positive integer, which can be a preset value such as 2, 1, etc. In other words, only if the AP is a non-transition AP and its quality score is high can the second STA perform handover from the first network to the cellular network when the signal is very poor.

[0137] Based on the above scheme, the second STA can determine the handover strategy according to the quality of the AP. Compared with the method of relying on sensor data to determine the handover strategy, the above scheme can improve the accuracy and speed of network handover.

[0138] In one possible implementation, the first information may carry a handover policy. For example, the handover policy may include switching from the first network to a second network, such as another AP or cellular network. Alternatively, the handover policy may include not switching networks. Yet another example is that the handover policy may include switching from the first network to the second network when the quality of any AP in the second network is higher than the quality of its associated AP.

[0139] It should be noted that the above handover strategy is only shown as an example, and those skilled in the art can formulate handover strategies that can improve the signal quality of the STA based on the quality of the AP.

[0140] Based on the following embodiments, a communication device provided in this application is described. Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 600 provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication device 600 can correspondingly implement the functions or steps implemented by the first STA, AP, or second STA in the various method embodiments described above. The communication device may include a processing unit 610 and a transceiver unit 620. Optionally, it may also include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions (code or program) and / or data. The processing unit 610 and the transceiver unit 620 can be coupled to the storage unit. For example, the processing unit 610 can read instructions (code or program) and / or data from the storage unit to implement the corresponding method. The above-mentioned units can be set independently, or partially or completely integrated.

[0141] Optionally, the transceiver unit 620 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit can perform all transmitting operations performed by the communication device 600, and the receiving unit can perform all receiving operations performed by the communication device 600.

[0142] In some possible implementations, the communication device 600 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the first STA in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 600 can be a transmitter or a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the first STA. The transceiver unit 620 can be used to perform all the receive or transmit operations performed by the first STA in the embodiment shown in FIG2. The processing unit 610 is used to perform all operations performed by the first STA in the embodiment shown in FIG2, except for the receive and transmit operations.

[0143] For example, processing unit 610 is used to trigger a handover from the first network to the second network. Transceiver unit 620 is used to send handover information to the AP. The handover information is used to determine the network quality of the AP. The handover information includes one or more of the following: type information of the handover from the first network to the second network, reason information of the handover from the first network to the second network, or indicator information of the first network. Here, the AP is the AP associated with the first STA in the first network.

[0144] In some possible implementations, the communication device 600 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the AP in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 600 can be an AP, or a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the AP. The transceiver unit 620 can be used to perform all the receive or transmit operations performed by the AP in the embodiment shown in FIG2. The processing unit 610 is used to perform all operations performed by the AP in the embodiment shown in FIG2, except for the receive and transmit operations.

[0145] For example, transceiver unit 620 is configured to receive handover information from one or more first STAs. This handover information is used to determine the network quality of the AP. The handover information includes one or more of the following: type information of the corresponding first STA handover from the first network to the second network, reason information for the handover from the first network to the second network, or indicator information of the first network. Processing unit 610 is configured to determine first information based on the handover information from one or more first STAs. The first information is used to characterize the quality of the AP. Transceiver unit 620 is also configured to send the first information to one or more second STAs.

[0146] In some possible implementations, the communication device 600 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the second STA in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 600 can be the second STA, or it can be a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the second STA. The transceiver unit 620 can be used to perform all the receive or transmit operations performed by the second STA in the embodiment shown in FIG2. The processing unit 610 is used to perform all operations performed by the second STA in the embodiment shown in FIG2, except for the receive and transmit operations.

[0147] For example, transceiver unit 620 is used to receive first information, which characterizes the quality of the AP associated with the second STA in the first network. Processing unit 610 is used to determine whether to switch networks based on the first information.

[0148] For details regarding the operations performed by the processing unit 610 and the transceiver unit 620, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0149] It should be understood that the processing unit 610 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components, and the transceiver unit 620 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components or a communication interface.

[0150] Based on the same concept, as shown in FIG7, this application embodiment provides a communication device 700. The communication device 700 includes a processor 710. Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include a memory 720 for storing instructions executed by the processor 710, or storing input data required by the processor 710 to execute the instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 710 executes the instructions. The processor 710 can implement the method shown in the above method embodiment through the instructions stored in the memory 720.

[0151] Based on the same concept, as shown in FIG8, this application embodiment provides a communication device 800, which may be a chip or a chip system. Optionally, in this application embodiment, the chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0152] The communication device 800 may include at least one processor 810 coupled to a memory, which may optionally be located within or outside the device. For example, the communication device 800 may also include at least one memory 820. The memory 820 stores computer programs, configuration information, computer programs or instructions and / or data necessary for implementing any of the above embodiments; the processor 810 may execute the computer programs stored in the memory 820 to perform the methods in any of the above embodiments.

[0153] The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 810 may operate in conjunction with the memory 820. This embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the transceiver 830, processor 810, and memory 820.

[0154] The communication device 800 may also include a transceiver 830, through which the communication device 800 can interact with other devices. The transceiver 830 can be a circuit, a bus, a transceiver itself, or any other device capable of information interaction, also referred to as a signal transceiver unit. As shown in Figure 8, the transceiver 830 includes a transmitter 831, a receiver 832, and an antenna 833. Furthermore, when the communication device 800 is a chip-type device or circuit, the transceiver in the communication device 800 can also be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface, capable of inputting data (or receiving data) and outputting data (or transmitting data). The processor is an integrated processor, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit, and the processor can determine the output data based on the input data.

[0155] In one possible implementation, the communication device 800 can be applied to a first STA. Specifically, the communication device 800 can be the first STA itself, or it can be any device capable of supporting the first STA in implementing the functions of the first STA in any of the above embodiments. The memory 820 stores the necessary computer programs, computer programs or instructions, and / or data for implementing the functions of the communication device in any of the above embodiments. The processor 810 can execute the computer program stored in the memory 820 to complete the method executed by the transmitting end in any of the above embodiments.

[0156] In one possible implementation, the communication device 800 can be applied to an access point (AP). Specifically, the communication device 800 can be an AP or a device capable of supporting the AP in implementing the functions of the AP in any of the above embodiments. The memory 820 stores the necessary computer programs, computer programs or instructions, and / or data for implementing the functions of the receiving end in any of the above embodiments. The processor 810 can execute the computer programs stored in the memory 820 to perform the methods executed by the receiving end in any of the above embodiments.

[0157] In one possible implementation, the communication device 800 can be applied to a second STA. Specifically, the communication device 800 can be the second STA itself, or it can be any device capable of supporting the second STA in implementing the functions of the second STA in any of the above embodiments. The memory 820 stores the necessary computer programs, computer programs or instructions, and / or data for implementing the functions of the receiving end in any of the above embodiments. The processor 810 can execute the computer programs stored in the memory 820 to complete the methods executed by the receiving end in any of the above embodiments.

[0158] Since the communication device 800 provided in this embodiment can be applied to a first STA to complete the method executed by the first STA, or to an AP to complete the method executed by the AP, or to a second STA to complete the method executed by the second STA, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0159] In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components, and may implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0160] In the embodiments of this application, the memory can be non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). The memory can also be any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiments of this application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store computer programs, computer program or instruction and / or data.

[0161] Based on the above embodiments, referring to FIG9, this application embodiment also provides another communication device 900, including: an input / output interface 910 and a logic circuit 920; the input / output interface 910 is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the logic circuit 920; the logic circuit 920 is used to run the code instructions to execute the method executed by the first STA, AP or the second STA in any of the above embodiments.

[0162] Optionally, the input / output interface 910 can be an on-chip interface, and the logic circuit 920 can be one or more processors. Optionally, the one or more processors can be located within the device or outside the device.

[0163] The following is a detailed description of the operations performed by this communication device when applied to a first STA, AP, or second STA.

[0164] In one optional implementation, the communication device 900 can be applied to a first STA to execute the method performed by the first STA, specifically, for example, the method performed by the first STA in the embodiment shown in FIG2 above.

[0165] For example, logic circuit 920 is used to trigger a switch from the first network to the second network. Input / output interface 910 is used to send switch information to the AP. The switch information is used to determine the network quality of the AP. The switch information includes one or more of the following: type information of the switch from the first network to the second network, reason information of the switch from the first network to the second network, or indicator information of the first network. Here, the AP is the AP associated with the first STA in the first network.

[0166] Since the communication device 900 provided in this embodiment can be applied to the first STA to complete the method executed by the first STA described above, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0167] In one alternative implementation, the communication device 900 can be applied to an AP to execute the methods performed by the AP, specifically, for example, the methods performed by the AP in the embodiment shown in FIG2 above.

[0168] For example, input / output interface 910 is used to receive handover information from one or more first STAs. This handover information is used to determine the network quality of the AP. The handover information includes one or more of the following: type information of the corresponding first STA handover from the first network to the second network, reason information for the handover from the first network to the second network, or indicator information of the first network. Logic circuit 920 is used to determine first information based on the handover information from one or more first STAs. The first information is used to characterize the quality of the AP. Input / output interface 910 is also used to send the first information to one or more second STAs.

[0169] Since the communication device 900 provided in this embodiment can be applied to an access point (AP) to complete the method executed by the AP described above, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0170] In one optional implementation, the communication device 900 can be applied to a second STA to execute the method performed by the second STA, specifically, for example, the method performed by the second STA in the embodiment shown in FIG2 above.

[0171] For example, input / output interface 910 is used to receive first information, which characterizes the quality of the AP associated with the second STA in the first network. Logic circuit 920 is used to determine whether to switch networks based on the first information.

[0172] Since the communication device 900 provided in this embodiment can be applied to the second STA to complete the method executed by the second STA described above, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0173] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a communication system. The communication system includes at least one communication device applied to a first non-AP communication STA, at least one communication device applied to an AP, and at least one communication device applied to a second STA. The technical effects obtained can be referred to the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0174] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a system. The communication system includes at least one first non-AP, at least one AP, and at least one second STA.

[0175] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions. When the instructions are executed, the method executed by the sending end in any of the above embodiments is implemented, and the method executed by the first STA, AP, or second STA is implemented. The computer-readable storage medium may include various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, portable hard drive, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0176] To achieve the functions of the communication devices shown in Figures 6 to 9, this application embodiment also provides a chip, including a processor, for supporting the communication device in implementing the functions involved in the first STA, AP, or second STA in the above method embodiments. In one possible design, the chip is connected to a memory or the chip includes a memory for storing the necessary computer programs or instructions and data of the communication device.

[0177] 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, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied 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.

[0178] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer programs or instructions. These computer programs or instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0179] These computer programs or instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0180] These computer programs or instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0181] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the embodiments of this application without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, if these modifications and variations to the embodiments of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A handover method, characterized by, Applied to the first site STA, including: Trigger a switch from the first network to the second network; A handover information is sent to the access point (AP) site. The handover information is used to determine the network quality of the AP. The handover information includes one or more of the following: type information of the handover from the first network to the second network, reason information of the handover from the first network to the second network, or indicator information of the first network; wherein, the AP is the AP associated with the first STA in the first network.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The type information for switching from the first network to the second network includes manual switching indication information, which indicates whether the first network should be manually turned off. The reason for switching from the first network to the second network includes one or more of the following: The switching reason, which indicates the reason why the first STA switches from the first network to the second network; or, Manual switching instruction information, wherein the manual switching instruction information indicates whether to manually turn off the first network; The metrics information of the first network includes one or more of the following: Experience quality metrics, including metrics characterizing the user experience when the first STA switches from the first network to the second network; or, The statistical information includes one or more of the following: received signal strength indication obtained by the first STA before switching from the first network to the second network; location information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network; time information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network; distance information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network; or angle information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The handover information also includes handover indication information, which indicates whether the first STA is switching from the first network to the second network.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The switching reason includes one or more of the following: Changes in signal strength, magnetometer, and accelerometer readings; detection of lag; identification of an elevator scene; identification of a high-density scene; or identification of a scene with a strong signal but weak network.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The quality of experience indicators include one or more of the following: number of stutters, access latency, queuing latency, or internet speed.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The switching information is carried in the management frame or control frame.

7. A switching method, characterized in that, Applied to access point sites (APs), including: The AP receives handover information from one or more first STAs. The handover information is used to determine the network quality of the AP. The handover information includes one or more of the following: type information of the corresponding first STA handover from the first network to the second network, reason information of handover from the first network to the second network, or indicator information of the first network. Send first information to one or more second STAs, the first information being used to characterize the quality of the AP; wherein the first information is determined based on the handover information of the one or more first STAs.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first information includes the quality of the AP and / or the attributes of the AP; wherein, the attributes of the AP include high or low handover probability, and the higher the quality of the AP, the lower the handover probability of the AP.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The type information for switching from the first network to the second network includes manual switching indication information, which indicates whether the first network should be manually turned off. The reason for switching from the first network to the second network includes one or more of the following: The switching reason, which indicates the reason why the first STA switches from the first network to the second network; or, Manual switching instruction information, wherein the manual switching instruction information indicates whether to manually turn off the first network; The metrics information of the first network includes one or more of the following: Experience quality metrics, including metrics characterizing the user experience when the first STA switches from the first network to the second network; or, The statistical information includes one or more of the following: received signal strength indication obtained by the first STA before switching from the first network to the second network; location information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network; time information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network; distance information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network; or angle information of the first STA when switching from the first network to the second network.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The handover information also includes handover indication information, which indicates whether the first STA is switching from the first network to the second network.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that, Also includes: The switching information is input into a first model, which is used to determine the quality of the AP based on the input switching information; Obtain the first information output by the first model.

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The switching information includes manual switching instruction information; wherein, the higher the number of manual switching within the first time period, the lower the quality of the AP.

13. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The switching information includes the switching reason; wherein, the quality of the AP is determined based on a weighted sum of the number of switching events corresponding to the switching reason.

14. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that, The first information also includes a handover policy, which indicates whether the one or more second STAs should switch networks.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The switching strategy includes one or more of the following: Switching from the first network to the second network; wherein, the AP is an AP in the first network; or, Do not switch networks; or, When the quality of any AP in the second network is higher than that of the AP in the first network, the system switches from the first network to the second network; wherein the AP is an AP in the first network.

16. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 15, characterized in that, The switching information is carried in the management frame or control frame.

17. A switching method, characterized in that, Applied to the second site STA, including: Receive first information, which is used to characterize the quality of the AP associated with the second STA in the first network; Based on the first information, determine whether to switch networks.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first information includes the quality of the AP and / or the attributes of the AP; wherein, the attributes of the AP include high or low handover probability, and the higher the quality of the AP, the lower the handover probability of the AP.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The step of determining whether to switch networks based on the first information includes: When the quality of the AP falls below a first value, the network is switched from the first network to the second network; or... When the quality of the AP is higher than the first value, the network is not switched; or... If the quality of any AP in the second network is higher than that of the first AP, switch from the first network to the second network.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that, The first information also includes a handover policy, which indicates whether the one or more second STAs should switch networks; The step of determining whether to switch networks based on the first information includes: Based on the switching strategy, determine whether to switch networks.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, or cause the device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 16, or cause the device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 20.

22. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes: Communication interface; A processor is configured to invoke and execute the instructions via the communication interface, causing a device equipped with the chip system to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 16, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 17 to 20.

23. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes computer execution instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or cause the electronic device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 16, or cause the electronic device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 17 to 20.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when invoked by an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 16, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 17 to 20.

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