Power control method and apparatus

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application provide a power control method and apparatus. For example, the method can be applied to a multi-band coexistence scenario. In the method, when at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses, for an extended period of time, a network of a frequency band to which access by said terminal is not expected, transmission power of an AP in the frequency band is reduced, increasing the likelihood of the multi-frequency terminal accessing a network of another frequency band, thereby improving multi-frequency terminal network quality.

Description

Power control method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510126622.7, filed on January 27, 2025, entitled "Power Control Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] In wireless networks, the signal quality varies across different frequency bands. Taking 5G and 2.4G networks as examples, 5G networks experience less signal interference and have higher bandwidth. In contrast, 2.4G networks are more susceptible to interference, have lower bandwidth, and possess stronger penetration capabilities, making them more prone to interference with remote terminals.

[0004] In current multi-band networks, it is common for a large number of multi-band terminals to access a network with poor signal quality on a particular frequency band for extended periods, thus affecting the network quality of the multi-band terminals. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a power control method and apparatus, which helps to improve the network quality of multi-frequency terminals. The technical solution is as follows.

[0006] In a first aspect, a power control method is provided, executed by a communication device, the method comprising: obtaining the duration for which at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses a network in a first frequency band; and if the duration for which the at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network in the first frequency band satisfies the first condition, reducing the transmission power of a first access point (AP) in the network in the first frequency band. Each multi-frequency terminal supports access to both the network in the first frequency band and a network in a second frequency band.

[0007] For example, this method is applied to a multi-band coexisting network where the network quality of the first frequency band is worse than that of the second frequency band. For instance, the interference in the first frequency band is stronger than that in the second frequency band, or the bandwidth of the first frequency band is smaller than that of the second frequency band. For example, the first frequency band is 2.4 GHz and the second frequency band is 5 GHz. Alternatively, the first frequency band is 2.4 GHz and the second frequency band is 6 GHz. Or, the first frequency band is 5 GHz and the second frequency band is 6 GHz. Of course, with the development of wireless network technology, new frequency bands may be introduced in the future. This embodiment can also be applied to scenarios where the current frequency band coexists with other new frequency bands, or to scenarios where multiple new frequency bands coexist. Correspondingly, the first frequency band and the second frequency band can have different values. This embodiment does not limit the specific values ​​of the first and second frequency bands.

[0008] Based on the method provided in the first aspect, when the duration of access to an unwanted frequency band (first frequency band) by a multi-frequency terminal meets the condition, the transmission power of the AP on that unwanted frequency band is reduced. Since a multi-frequency terminal tends to choose a frequency band with higher power when faced with multiple accessible frequency bands, reducing the transmission power of the AP on that unwanted frequency band will make the multi-frequency terminal more inclined to access the network of other frequency bands (second frequency band). Therefore, the risk of network quality degradation caused by the multi-frequency terminal accessing the unwanted frequency band is reduced, and the network quality of the multi-frequency terminal is improved.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the duration for which the at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network in the first frequency band satisfies a first condition, including: the duration for which the at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network in the first frequency band exceeds a duration threshold. Since reducing the AP's transmission power in the first frequency band helps increase the probability of the multi-frequency terminal switching from the first frequency band to the second frequency band when it is detected that the multi-frequency terminal has been accessing the network in the first frequency band for too long, this reduces the subsequent duration of the multi-frequency terminal's access to the first frequency band and increases the duration of the multi-frequency terminal's access to the second frequency band.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the duration for which the at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network in the first frequency band satisfies a first condition, including: the statistical value of the duration for which the at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network in the first frequency band exceeds a duration threshold. The aforementioned statistical value is, for example, an average or a quantile. The statistical value of the access duration better reflects the overall network access status of at least one multi-frequency terminal. Adjusting the AP's power based on the statistical value exceeding the duration threshold avoids the impact of abnormal access durations of individual terminals, making the power adjustment method more precise.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the duration for which the at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network in the first frequency band satisfies a first condition, including: the numerical relationship between the duration for which the at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network in the first frequency band and the duration for which the at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network in the second frequency band satisfies a second condition. For example, the time difference between the duration for which each of the at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network in the first frequency band and the duration for which it accesses the network in the second frequency band is greater than a time difference threshold. Alternatively, the ratio between the duration for which each of the at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network in the first frequency band and the duration for which it accesses the network in the second frequency band is greater than a ratio threshold. Since reducing the AP's transmission power in the first frequency band helps increase the probability of the multi-frequency terminal switching from the first frequency band to the second frequency band when the multi-frequency terminal accesses the first frequency band for a longer period than when it accesses the second frequency band, this improves the probability of the multi-frequency terminal switching from the first frequency band to the second frequency band.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the duration for which the at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network in the first frequency band satisfies a first condition, including: the proportion of multi-frequency terminals whose duration of access to the network in the first frequency band satisfies a third condition exceeds a proportion threshold. Because if the proportion of multi-frequency terminals accessing the first frequency band for extended periods is too large, the AP's transmission power in the first frequency band is reduced, causing more multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP to switch from the first frequency band to other frequency bands.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the duration for which the at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network in the first frequency band satisfies a first condition, including: the number of multi-frequency terminals whose duration of access to the network in the first frequency band satisfies a fourth condition exceeds a quantity threshold. If too many multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP are accessing the first frequency band for extended periods, the communication device reduces the AP's transmission power in the first frequency band, causing more multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP to switch from the first frequency band to other frequency bands outside the first frequency band.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the numerical relationship between the duration of access to the network in the first frequency band and the duration of access to the network in the second frequency band of the at least one multi-frequency terminal satisfies the following conditions:

[0015] The time difference between the duration of access to the network in the first frequency band and the duration of access to the network in the second frequency band for each of the at least one multi-frequency terminals is greater than a time difference threshold; or,

[0016] The ratio between the duration of access to the network in the first frequency band and the duration of access to the network in the second frequency band of each of the at least one multi-frequency terminals is greater than a ratio threshold.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the number of multi-frequency terminals whose duration of access to the network in the first frequency band satisfies the fourth condition exceeds a number threshold, including:

[0018] The number of terminals in the at least one multi-frequency terminal that have accessed the network of the first frequency band for a duration exceeding a duration threshold exceeds a first quantity threshold; or...

[0019] The number of terminals in the at least one multi-frequency terminal whose ratio between the duration of access to the network in the first frequency band and the duration of access to the network in the second frequency band is greater than a ratio threshold exceeds a second quantity threshold.

[0020] In one possible implementation, reducing the transmission power of the first AP in the network of the first frequency band includes: obtaining a target power, the target power being less than the current transmission power of the first AP in the network of the first frequency band; and adjusting the transmission power of the first AP in the network of the first frequency band to the target power.

[0021] In one possible implementation, obtaining the target power includes: determining the target power based on the current transmit power of the first AP in the network of the second frequency band. Since the power of the first frequency band is reduced based on the transmit power of the second frequency band, the numerical relationship between the power of the first and second frequency bands becomes more reasonable. Even when the power of the first frequency band is significantly higher than that of the second frequency band, the power of the first frequency band can be reduced substantially and quickly, decreasing the number of times the power of the first frequency band needs to be adjusted.

[0022] In one possible implementation, obtaining the target power includes: determining the target power based on the current transmit power of the first AP in the network of the first frequency band. Since the target power to be adjusted is determined by referring to the current transmit power of the AP in the first frequency band, it helps to make the power adjustment more stable.

[0023] In one possible implementation, if the difference between the transmit power of the first AP in the second frequency band network and the transmit power of the first AP in the first frequency band network is less than a first difference threshold, the target power is the difference between the current transmit power of the first AP in the second frequency band network and a first power; if the difference between the transmit power of the first AP in the second frequency band network and the transmit power of the first AP in the first frequency band network is greater than the first difference threshold, the target power is the difference between the current transmit power of the first AP in the first frequency band network and a second power.

[0024] In one possible implementation, obtaining the target power includes: determining a power threshold based on statistical values ​​of the signal strength of at least one terminal that supports access to the first frequency band but does not support access to the second frequency band, wherein the power threshold is negatively correlated with the statistical values ​​of the signal strength; and determining a target power based on the power threshold, wherein the target power is greater than the power threshold. Considering that if the statistical values ​​of the signal strength of terminals that support access to the first frequency band but do not support access to the second frequency band are small, it indicates that the signal strength of most terminals that support access to the first frequency band but do not support access to the second frequency band is relatively poor, suggesting that most of these terminals are far from the access point (AP). If the transmit power of the AP's first frequency band is configured too low, some terminals that support access to the first frequency band but do not support access to the second frequency band may be unable to communicate due to insufficient signal strength. Therefore, by setting a larger power threshold when the statistical values ​​of the signal strength are small, the risk of terminals that support the first frequency band but do not support access to the second frequency band being unable to communicate due to insufficient transmit power in the first frequency band is reduced.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: periodically detecting whether there is a terminal that supports access to the first frequency band but does not support access to the second frequency band; if there is no terminal that supports access to the first frequency band but does not support access to the second frequency band in the first time period, shutting down the network of the first frequency band during the first time period; or, if there is a terminal that supports access to the first frequency band but does not support access to the second frequency band in the first time period, turning on the network of the first frequency band during the first time period. Considering that the radio frequency capabilities of terminals accessing the AP may differ in different time periods, determining whether to shut down the network of the first frequency band in the current period based on the radio frequency capabilities of the terminal in the current period makes the solution more adaptable to changing network environments and more dynamic.

[0026] In one possible implementation, after shutting down the network in the first frequency band, the method further includes: if the time difference between the current time and the time when the network in the first frequency band was shut down reaches a second time period, turning on the network in the first frequency band, and continuing to execute the step of detecting whether there are terminals that support access to the first frequency band but do not support access to the second frequency band every time period. Considering that after shutting down the network in the first frequency band, some new terminals may subsequently access the AP, and these terminals have a probability of supporting access to the first frequency band but not supporting access to the second frequency band, if the first frequency band is still shut down, these terminals will be unable to access the network. Therefore, by automatically turning on the network in the first frequency band for a period of time after shutting down the network in the case of terminals that support access to the first frequency band but do not support access to the second frequency band, the risk of newly accessed terminals that support access to the first frequency band but do not support access to the second frequency band being unable to access the network is reduced.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the communication device is the first AP, and the step of obtaining the access duration of at least one multi-frequency terminal to the network of the first frequency band includes: the first AP receiving the access duration of the at least one multi-frequency terminal to the network of the first frequency band sent by the at least one multi-frequency terminal; or, the first AP calculating the access duration of the at least one multi-frequency terminal to the network of the first frequency band. Since the AP adjusts its own power based on the access duration it obtains, it reduces the network overhead caused by interactive access duration and target power, and is more suitable for scenarios where power needs to be adjusted in real time based on the current network access situation, resulting in faster power adjustment.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a controller or analyzer, and reducing the transmission power of the first AP in the first frequency band network includes: sending a power adjustment command to the first AP, the power adjustment command instructing the first AP to reduce its transmission power in the first frequency band network. Because the AP is instructed to adjust its power via a controller or analyzer, the processing overhead incurred by the AP itself in determining whether to adjust its power and determining the target power is reduced.

[0029] In one possible implementation, reducing the transmission power of the first AP in the network of the first frequency band includes: reducing the power of the first AP in transmitting all wireless signals to all terminals associated with the first AP in the first frequency band.

[0030] In one possible implementation, obtaining the duration for which at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network in the first frequency band includes:

[0031] Obtain the duration for which the at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network in the first frequency band provided by the first AP; or,

[0032] The duration of access to the network on the first frequency band provided by the second AP by the at least one multi-frequency terminal is obtained, wherein the second AP and the first AP are in the same wireless local area network (WLAN) or different WLAN networks; or,

[0033] Get the duration of access to the network provided by the first frequency band of the corresponding AP for multiple multi-frequency terminals associated with multiple APs.

[0034] Secondly, a communication device is provided, the device comprising:

[0035] The acquisition unit is used to acquire the duration of access to the network of the first frequency band by at least one multi-frequency terminal, wherein each multi-frequency terminal supports access to the network of the first frequency band and the network of the second frequency band.

[0036] A power adjustment unit is configured to reduce the transmission power of the first AP in the network of the first frequency band if the duration of access to the network of the first frequency band by the at least one multi-frequency terminal meets a first condition.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the duration for which the at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network of the first frequency band satisfies a first condition, including:

[0038] The duration for which at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network in the first frequency band exceeds a duration threshold; or,

[0039] The statistical value of the duration for which at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network of the first frequency band exceeds a duration threshold; or,

[0040] The numerical relationship between the duration of access to the network in the first frequency band by the at least one multi-frequency terminal and the duration of access to the network in the second frequency band by the at least one multi-frequency terminal satisfies the second condition; or,

[0041] The proportion of multi-frequency terminals in the at least one multi-frequency terminal whose access time to the network of the first frequency band meets the third condition exceeds a proportion threshold; or...

[0042] The number of multi-frequency terminals whose duration of access to the network of the first frequency band meets the fourth condition exceeds the number threshold.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the power adjustment unit is configured to acquire a target power, which is less than the current transmit power of the first AP in the network of the first frequency band; and adjust the transmit power of the first AP in the network of the first frequency band to the target power.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the power adjustment unit is configured to determine the target power based on the current transmit power of the first AP in the network of the second frequency band.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the power adjustment unit is configured to determine the target power based on the current transmit power of the first AP in the network of the first frequency band.

[0046] In one possible implementation, if the difference between the transmit power of the first AP in the second frequency band network and the transmit power of the first AP in the first frequency band network is less than a first difference threshold, the target power is the difference between the current transmit power of the first AP in the second frequency band network and the first power.

[0047] If the difference between the transmit power of the first AP in the second frequency band network and the transmit power of the first AP in the first frequency band network is greater than the first difference threshold, the target power is the difference between the current transmit power of the first AP in the first frequency band network and the second power.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the power adjustment unit is configured to determine a power threshold based on statistical values ​​of the signal strength of at least one terminal that supports access to the network of the first frequency band but does not support access to the network of the second frequency band, wherein the power threshold is negatively correlated with the statistical values ​​of the signal strength; and to determine a target power based on the power threshold, wherein the target power is greater than the power threshold.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the acquisition unit is further configured to detect, at regular intervals, whether there is a terminal that supports access to the first frequency band but does not support access to the second frequency band.

[0050] The device further includes: a switching unit, configured to, within the first time period, shut down the network of the first frequency band if there is no terminal that supports access to the first frequency band but does not support access to the second frequency band; or, within the first time period, turn on the network of the first frequency band if there is a terminal that supports access to the first frequency band but does not support access to the second frequency band.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the switching unit is further configured to, if the time difference between the current time point and the time point when the network of the first frequency band is turned off reaches a second time period, turn on the network of the first frequency band and continue to execute the step of detecting whether there is a terminal that supports access to the first frequency band but does not support access to the second frequency band every time period.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the communication device is the first AP, and the acquisition unit is used to receive the duration of access to the first frequency band network sent by the at least one multi-frequency terminal; or, to count the duration of access to the first frequency band network by the at least one multi-frequency terminal.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a controller or analyzer, and the power adjustment unit is used to send a power adjustment command to the first AP, the power adjustment command instructing the first AP to reduce its transmission power in the first frequency band network.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the power adjustment unit is used to reduce the power of the first AP transmitting all wireless signals to all terminals associated with the first AP in the first frequency band.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the acquisition unit is configured to acquire the duration of time the at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network of the first frequency band provided by the first AP; or, acquire the duration of time the at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network of the first frequency band provided by the second AP, wherein the second AP and the first AP are in the same wireless local area network (WLAN) or different WLAN networks; or, acquire the duration of time that multiple multi-frequency terminals associated with multiple APs access the network of the first frequency band provided by the corresponding AP.

[0056] This application addresses the issue in multi-band coexisting networks where, if a multi-band terminal is found to be accessing an unwanted frequency band for an extended period, the application reduces the transmit power of the access point (AP) on that unwanted frequency band. Since terminals tend to choose the network with the stronger signal (higher power) when faced with multiple accessible wireless networks, reducing the AP's transmit power on that unwanted frequency band makes multi-band terminals more inclined to access other frequency bands. This reduces the risk of network quality degradation due to multi-band terminals accessing unwanted frequency bands and improves the network quality of multi-band terminals.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the number of multi-frequency terminals whose duration of access to the network in the first frequency band satisfies the fourth condition exceeds a number threshold, including:

[0058] The number of terminals in the at least one multi-frequency terminal that have accessed the network of the first frequency band for a duration exceeding a duration threshold exceeds a first quantity threshold; or...

[0059] The number of terminals in the at least one multi-frequency terminal whose ratio between the duration of access to the network in the first frequency band and the duration of access to the network in the second frequency band is greater than a ratio threshold exceeds a second quantity threshold.

[0060] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device. The communication device includes a communication interface and a processor, and based on the communication interface and processor, the communication device executes the method provided in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. Optionally, the communication device is an access point (AP), a controller, or an analyzer.

[0061] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product, including a computer program product that, when run on a processor, executes the method provided in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0062] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium, including instructions or a computer program, which, when run on a processor, executes the method provided in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0063] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip system that may include a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be used to execute any of the embodiments described in the first aspect. Optionally, the chip system further includes a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions). The processor is used to call and run the computer program from the memory, causing a device on which the chip system is mounted to perform the methods provided in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0064] Based on the implementation methods provided in the above aspects, this application can be further combined to provide more implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0065] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a power control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a power control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0070] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0071] The following are examples illustrating the application scenarios of embodiments of this application.

[0072] This application applies to scenarios where multiple frequency bands coexist. In such scenarios, due to unreasonable power configuration of the access point (AP) across multiple frequency bands, a large number of multi-frequency terminals tend to access the network on a particular undesirable frequency band for extended periods, resulting in a decline in network quality for these multi-frequency terminals. To address this issue, this application reduces the AP's transmission power on the undesirable frequency band. Since multi-frequency terminals tend to choose the higher-powered frequency band when faced with multiple accessible bands, reducing the AP's transmission power on the undesirable band will encourage them to access networks on other frequency bands, thereby improving the network quality for multi-frequency terminals.

[0073] To distinguish between different frequency bands, the following text uses "Frequency Band A" and "Frequency Band B" to describe multiple different frequency bands. Frequency Band A is the frequency band that is not expected to be accessed; Frequency Band A can also be called the first frequency band. Frequency Band B is, for example, the frequency band that is expected to be accessed, or any frequency band other than Frequency Band A that the AP supports accessing; Frequency Band B can also be called the second frequency band. The network quality of Frequency Band A is worse than that of Frequency Band B. For example, the interference of Frequency Band A is stronger than that of Frequency Band B, or the bandwidth of Frequency Band A is smaller than that of Frequency Band B. In a wireless local area network (WLAN) with both Frequency Band A and Frequency Band B, if a multi-frequency terminal is found to be accessing Frequency Band A for an extended period, reducing the AP's transmit power in Frequency Band A will decrease the probability of the multi-frequency terminal accessing the network in Frequency Band A and increase the probability of the multi-frequency terminal accessing the network in Frequency Band B, thereby improving the network quality for the multi-frequency terminal.

[0074] As a specific example of an application scenario, this embodiment applies to a scenario where 2.4G and 5G networks coexist, with frequency band A being 2.4GHz (hereinafter referred to as 2.4G) and frequency band B being 5GHz (hereinafter referred to as 5G). 5G networks experience less signal interference and have higher bandwidth, while 2.4G networks are more susceptible to interference and have lower bandwidth. Furthermore, 2.4G networks have strong penetration capabilities, easily leading to remote connection issues. Currently, most terminals in the network support transmitting and receiving both 2.4G and 5G network signals. However, the 2.4G power of the access point (AP) may be configured too high, causing dual-band terminals to prefer connecting to the 2.4G network over the 5G network. Therefore, this embodiment reduces the AP's transmission power on the 2.4G band, making multi-band terminals more inclined to connect to the 5G band network, thereby improving the network quality for multi-band terminals.

[0075] 2.4G and 5G are merely examples of specific frequencies for frequency bands A and B; frequency band A and / or frequency band B can have other different frequency values. For example, frequency band A is 2.4G and frequency band B is 6G. Or, frequency band A is 5G and frequency band B is 6G. Of course, with the development of wireless network technology, new frequency bands may be introduced in the future. This embodiment can also be applied to scenarios where the current frequency band coexists with other new frequency bands, or to scenarios where multiple new frequency bands coexist. Correspondingly, the first frequency band and the second frequency band can have different values. This embodiment does not limit the specific values ​​of frequency band A and frequency band B.

[0076] For example, please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application. The scenario shown in Figure 1 includes AP10, multi-frequency terminal 12, multi-frequency terminal 14, analyzer 15, and controller 16.

[0077] AP10 provides network coverage in both frequency band A and frequency band B. Multi-band terminal 12 can access AP10 via either frequency band A or frequency band B. Analyzer 15 can be deployed on one or more devices with computing capabilities. For example, analyzer 15 can be implemented by deploying software in computing devices such as servers, personal computers (PCs), cloud networks, cloud servers, and virtual servers. Analyzer 15 is connected to AP10. Controller 16 is either a WLAN network controller 16 or an access controller (AC). Controller 16 is connected to AP10.

[0078] The following examples illustrate the terminology and concepts used in the embodiments of this application.

[0079] Multi-band terminal: refers to a terminal that supports access to two or more frequency bands. A multi-band terminal contains multiple wireless communication modules (such as wireless network cards, communication chipsets, and other transceiver modules) that support different frequency bands. Through these multiple wireless communication modules, the multi-band terminal can access networks corresponding to its respective frequency band. In this embodiment, the example of a multi-band terminal supporting access to networks in frequency band A and frequency band B is used for illustration. As a specific example, the multi-band terminal supports access to both 2.4G and 5G networks.

[0080] Multi-frequency terminals can also support networks with more frequency bands than frequency band A and frequency band B. For example, with the development of wireless network technology, in scenarios where 2.4G, 5G, and 6G coexist, or in networks with other frequency bands introduced after technological development, multi-frequency terminals can also be terminals that support 2.4G, 5G, 6G, or / and other new frequency bands. This embodiment does not limit which frequency bands the multi-frequency terminal supports.

[0081] The method flow of the embodiments of this application is illustrated below.

[0082] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a power control method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0083] The method shown in Figure 2 is applied to a network with multiple frequency bands coexisting. For example, the method shown in Figure 2 is applied to the scenario shown in Figure 1. At least one multi-frequency terminal in the method shown in Figure 2 includes multi-frequency terminal 12 and multi-frequency terminal 14 in Figure 1. The method shown in Figure 2 is used to adjust the transmission power of AP10 in Figure 1.

[0084] The method shown in Figure 2 is performed by a communication device. In some embodiments, the communication device in the method shown in Figure 2 is AP10; in other words, AP10 adjusts the local transmission power.

[0085] In some other embodiments, the communication device in the method shown in Figure 2 is an analyzer; in other words, the analyzer instructs AP10 to adjust the transmission power.

[0086] In some other embodiments, the communication device in the method shown in Figure 2 is a controller; in other words, the controller instructs AP10 to adjust the transmission power.

[0087] The method shown in Figure 2 includes steps S210 to S220.

[0088] Step S210: The communication device acquires the duration of access to the network of frequency band A by at least one multi-frequency terminal.

[0089] Multi-frequency terminals support access to networks in frequency band A and frequency band B. In some implementations, the communication device obtains the duration of access to the network in frequency band A for each of the multiple multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP, thereby obtaining multiple durations corresponding to the multiple multi-frequency terminals. In other implementations, the communication device obtains the duration of access to the network in frequency band A for a specific multi-frequency terminal associated with the AP.

[0090] The above-mentioned access duration can be obtained in multiple ways. The following explanation uses two of these methods as examples.

[0091] Method 1 for obtaining access duration: AP statistics.

[0092] Since the terminal accesses the access point (AP), the AP itself can naturally collect information such as which frequency band the terminal accesses and for how long. In some implementations, the AP calculates the access duration of multi-frequency terminals connected to it within each statistical time period.

[0093] For example, an Access Point (AP) might use a cumulative statistics method. When a multi-frequency terminal connects to the network in frequency band A provided by the AP during the first statistical time period, the AP detects successful connection and begins recording the duration of the connection. If the multi-frequency terminal subsequently disconnects from the network in frequency band A, the AP stops recording the connection duration. If, after disconnecting, the multi-frequency terminal reconnects to the network in frequency band A, and the reconnection occurs within the first statistical time period, the AP continues to accumulate the connection duration based on the previously recorded duration. If the reconnection occurs in the second statistical time period, after the first, the AP restarts the accumulation of connection duration from zero. Similarly, if the AP records the connection duration of a terminal during its current connection with the AP, and the terminal disconnects and then reconnects, the AP restarts the accumulation of connection duration from zero.

[0094] Furthermore, when an entity other than the AP acts as a communication device to adjust the AP's transmission power in frequency band A, after the AP obtains the duration of access to frequency band A for the multi-frequency terminals, the AP can report to the communication device the duration of access to frequency band A for each multi-frequency terminal associated with the AP and the identifier of the corresponding multi-frequency terminal.

[0095] Method 2 for obtaining access duration: Terminal reporting.

[0096] For example, a multi-frequency terminal can count the duration of its access to the network in frequency band A, and then report this duration to the access point (AP). Furthermore, when an entity other than the AP acts as a communication device to adjust the AP's transmission power in frequency band A, after counting the duration of its access to frequency band A, the multi-frequency terminal can report this duration, along with its local identifier, to the communication device.

[0097] Step S220: If the duration of access to the network of frequency band A by at least one multi-frequency terminal meets condition A, the communication device reduces the transmission power of the AP in the network of frequency band A.

[0098] The reduction of power for specific terminals can take several forms. For example, a communication device might reduce the transmission power of the access point (AP) in frequency band A to all terminals associated with the AP, thereby increasing the probability that all terminals associated with the AP can access frequency bands other than A, and thus improving the overall network quality for all terminals associated with the AP. Alternatively, the communication device might reduce the transmission power of the AP in frequency band A to terminals of type A among all terminals associated with the AP. Type A terminals are, for example, terminals with frequency band selection or frequency band switching requirements. For instance, if a type A terminal notifies the AP that it needs to reduce its transmission power in frequency band A based on its network access needs, then the AP will reduce its transmission power in frequency band A to the type A terminals based on their requirements.

[0099] The power reduction targets various signal types, including but not limited to specific scenarios. In some implementations, for any one of the terminals associated with the AP, the power of all types of wireless signals transmitted by the AP to that terminal in frequency band A is reduced. For example, the AP reduces the transmission power used to send management frames to the terminal. The AP reduces the transmission power used to send control frames to the terminal. The AP reduces the transmission power used to send data frames to the terminal, including data frames actively sent by the AP to the terminal and data frames responded to by the AP to the terminal based on request data frames sent by the terminal. Since the power reduction targets wireless signals including management frames, control frames, and data frames, it can trigger the function of adjusting the radio frequency that the terminal prioritizes for access, regardless of whether there is any service data to be transmitted, thus broadening the applicable scenarios for the solution.

[0100] The conditions that trigger a power reduction (such as the required duration) include a variety of situations, which are illustrated below with examples of several specific triggering conditions.

[0101] Triggering condition 1: The duration of access to a network in frequency band A by at least one multi-frequency terminal exceeds the duration threshold.

[0102] For example, the communication device compares the duration of access to the network of frequency band A for each of at least one multi-frequency terminal with a duration threshold. If the duration of access to the network of frequency band A for each multi-frequency terminal associated with the AP exceeds the duration threshold, or if the duration of access to the network of frequency band A for multiple multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP exceeds the duration threshold, or if the duration of access to the network of frequency band A for a specified number of multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP exceeds the duration threshold, it indicates that the access time of the multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP to the network of frequency band A is too long. In this case, the communication device reduces the transmission power of the AP in frequency band A, thereby reducing the duration of access to frequency band A for the multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP and increasing the duration of access to frequency band B for the multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP.

[0103] Triggering condition two: The statistical value of the duration for which multiple multi-frequency terminals access the network in frequency band A exceeds the statistical value threshold.

[0104] For example, the communication device obtains the duration of access to the network of frequency band A by multiple multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP, calculates the statistical value of the duration of access to frequency band A by multiple multi-frequency terminals, compares the statistical value of access to frequency band A with the statistical value threshold, and if the statistical value of the duration of access to frequency band A by multiple multi-frequency terminals exceeds the statistical value threshold, the communication device reduces the transmission power of the AP in frequency band A.

[0105] For example, a communication device statistically analyzes the duration of access to network A and network B for multiple multi-frequency terminals associated with an access point (AP), obtaining the duration statistics for both band A and band B. Based on the numerical relationship between these duration statistics, the communication device determines whether to reduce the AP's transmission power in band A. For instance, if the duration statistics for band A exceed those for band B, the communication device reduces the AP's transmission power in band A; or, if the ratio between the duration statistics for band A and band B is greater than a ratio threshold, the communication device reduces the AP's transmission power in band A; or, if the difference between the duration statistics for band A and band B is greater than a difference threshold, the communication device reduces the AP's transmission power in band A.

[0106] Optionally, the above statistical values ​​are averages. For example, the communication device calculates the average access duration of multiple multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP to access network A in frequency band A, thus obtaining the average access duration of frequency band A. If the average access duration of frequency band A exceeds an average access duration threshold, the communication device reduces the AP's transmission power in frequency band A. As another example, the communication device calculates the average access duration of multiple multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP to access network A in frequency band A and the average access duration of those terminals to network B in frequency band B, thus obtaining the average access duration of frequency band A and the average access duration of frequency band B. Based on the numerical relationship between the average access duration of frequency band A and the average access duration of frequency band B, the communication device determines whether to reduce the AP's transmission power in frequency band A.

[0107] Optionally, the above statistical values ​​are quantiles, such as the median, 90th percentile, or other quantiles.

[0108] Triggering condition 3: The duration of access to the network in frequency band A meets the requirement that the proportion of multi-frequency terminals in the AP's associated multi-frequency terminals exceeds the proportion threshold.

[0109] If trigger condition three is met, it indicates that the proportion of multi-frequency terminals that have been accessing frequency band A for a long time among the multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP is too large. Taking a proportion threshold of 50% as an example, for instance, if at least 50 out of 100 multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP have been accessing frequency band A for a long time, the communication device will reduce the AP's transmission power in frequency band A, thereby increasing the proportion of multi-frequency terminals that have been accessed to other frequency bands besides frequency band A among the multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP.

[0110] For example, trigger condition three includes the proportion of multi-frequency terminals that have been accessing the network of frequency band A for a longer period of time than the duration threshold among the multiple multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP, which exceeds the proportion threshold A. If this condition is met, it indicates that the proportion of multi-frequency terminals that have been accessing frequency band A for a long time among the multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP is too large. Therefore, the communication device reduces the AP's transmission power in frequency band A, causing more multi-frequency terminals among all the multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP to switch from frequency band A to other frequency bands outside of frequency band A.

[0111] For example, trigger condition three includes the proportion of multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP whose ratio of the network duration accessing frequency band A to the network duration accessing frequency band B is greater than the ratio threshold B. If this condition is met, it indicates that the proportion of multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP that choose to access frequency band A instead of frequency band B is too large. Therefore, the communication device reduces the AP's transmission power in frequency band A, causing more multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP to switch from frequency band A to frequency band B.

[0112] For example, trigger condition three includes the following: among the multiple multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP, the proportion of the time spent accessing the network in frequency band A to the total time spent accessing the network is greater than the proportion threshold D, and the proportion of the number of multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP exceeds the proportion threshold E. Here, the total time spent accessing the network is the sum of the time spent by the multi-frequency terminals accessing each frequency band. When this condition is met, it indicates that the proportion of multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP that choose to access frequency band A among multiple frequency bands is too large. Therefore, the communication device reduces the AP's transmission power in frequency band A, causing more multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP to switch from frequency band A to other frequency bands.

[0113] Triggering condition four: The duration of access to the network in frequency band A meets condition C, and the number of multi-frequency terminals exceeds the quantity threshold.

[0114] In some implementations, the communication device counts the number of multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP whose access duration to frequency band A meets condition C, based on the access duration of each multi-frequency terminal in the network associated with the AP. It then determines whether this number exceeds a threshold. If the number of multi-frequency terminals whose access duration meets condition C does not exceed the threshold—for example, if only one or two multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP have access durations meeting condition C—it indicates that multi-frequency terminals accessing frequency band A are isolated cases, and there is no need to reduce the AP's power for these one or two terminals. Conversely, if the number of multi-frequency terminals whose access duration meets condition C exceeds the threshold, it indicates that a large number of multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP choose to access frequency band A, and the communication device reduces the AP's transmission power in frequency band A.

[0115] For example, trigger condition four includes a situation where, among at least one multi-frequency terminal associated with the AP, the number of terminals whose access time to the network in frequency band A exceeds a duration threshold exceeds a quantity threshold A. For instance, the communication device compares the access time of each multi-frequency terminal associated with the AP to the network in frequency band A with the duration threshold, counts the number of multi-frequency terminals whose access time to frequency band A exceeds the duration threshold, and compares this number with the quantity threshold A. If the condition that the number of multi-frequency terminals exceeds the quantity threshold A is met, it indicates that too many multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP have been accessing frequency band A for extended periods. Therefore, the communication device reduces the AP's transmission power in frequency band A, causing more multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP to switch from frequency band A to other frequency bands outside of frequency band A.

[0116] For example, trigger condition four includes a situation where, among at least one multi-frequency terminal associated with the AP, the number of terminals whose ratio of the duration of access to the network in frequency band A to the duration of access to the network in frequency band B is greater than a ratio threshold A exceeds a quantity threshold B. When this condition is met, it indicates that too many multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP have chosen to access frequency band A instead of frequency band B. Therefore, the communication device reduces the AP's transmission power in frequency band A, causing more multi-frequency terminals among all the multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP to switch from frequency band A to frequency band B.

[0117] For example, trigger condition four includes a number of multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP whose ratio of the duration of access to the network in frequency band A to the total duration of access to the network (regardless of the frequency band) exceeds a threshold B. If this condition is met, it indicates that too many multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP are selecting frequency band A across multiple frequency bands. Therefore, the communication device reduces the AP's transmission power in frequency band A, causing more multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP to switch from frequency band A to other frequency bands.

[0118] Triggering condition 5: The numerical relationship between the duration of access to the network in frequency band A and the duration of access to the network in frequency band B by at least one multi-frequency terminal satisfies condition D.

[0119] In some implementations, not only the duration of the multi-frequency terminal accessing the network in frequency band A is considered, but also the duration of the multi-frequency terminal accessing the network in frequency band B is considered. The duration of access to the network in frequency band A is compared with the duration of access to the network in frequency band B. Based on the numerical relationship between the duration of access to the network in frequency band A and the duration of access to the network in frequency band B, it is determined whether to reduce the AP's transmission power in frequency band A.

[0120] For example, trigger condition five includes a ratio between the duration of access to the network in frequency band A and the duration of access to the network in frequency band B for each of the multiple multi-frequency terminals associated with the AP, which is greater than a ratio threshold. As an example, the communication device determines the ratio between the duration of access to the network in frequency band A and the duration of access to the network in frequency band B for each multi-frequency terminal associated with the AP. If the ratio of access duration for each multi-frequency terminal is greater than the ratio threshold, or if the ratio of access duration for multiple multi-frequency terminals is greater than the ratio threshold, or if the ratio of access duration for a specified number of multi-frequency terminals is greater than the ratio threshold, then the communication device reduces the AP's transmission power in frequency band A.

[0121] For example, trigger condition five includes the difference in duration between the access duration of each multi-frequency terminal associated with the AP and its access duration to the network in frequency band A and frequency band B, which is greater than a duration difference threshold. As an example, the communication device determines the duration difference between the access duration of each multi-frequency terminal associated with the AP and its access duration to the network in frequency band A and frequency band B. If the duration difference for each multi-frequency terminal is greater than the duration difference threshold, or if the duration difference for multiple multi-frequency terminals is greater than the duration difference threshold, or if the duration difference for a specified number of multi-frequency terminals is greater than the duration difference threshold, then the communication device reduces the AP's transmission power in frequency band A.

[0122] Triggering condition six: The duration of access to frequency band A network for at least one multi-frequency terminal exceeds the proportion threshold of the total access network duration.

[0123] For example, if at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses frequency band A for at least 50 hours out of 100 hours of network access, it indicates that at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network through frequency band A for most of the network access time. Therefore, the communication device reduces the AP's transmission power in frequency band A.

[0124] Condition A is also called the first condition, condition B is also called the third condition, condition C is also called the fourth condition, and condition D is also called the second condition.

[0125] In some implementations, the various thresholds involved in the power adjustment triggering conditions listed above, excluding the proportional threshold, are positively correlated with the length of the statistical time period (or statistical granularity). The longer the statistical time period, the greater the access duration recorded within that period, and the larger the threshold for comparison with that duration. As a specific example, with a statistical time period of one hour, the accumulated access duration is in the minute range and will not exceed one hour; with a statistical time period of one day, the accumulated access duration may approach one day. The threshold corresponding to a one-day statistical time period is greater than the threshold corresponding to a one-hour statistical time period.

[0126] For example, for trigger condition one, the longer the statistical period, the larger the duration threshold; for trigger condition two, the longer the statistical period, the larger the statistical value threshold; for trigger condition four, the longer the statistical period, the larger the quantity threshold; and for trigger condition five, the longer the statistical period, the larger the duration difference threshold.

[0127] In some implementations, the communication device obtains the correspondence between the length of the statistical time period and the threshold, obtains the threshold corresponding to the length of the statistical time period based on the adopted statistical time period and the correspondence, and determines whether to adjust the AP's transmission power in frequency band A network based on the threshold and the access duration counted within the statistical time period of the corresponding length.

[0128] In this way, the threshold in step S220 is better matched with the length of the statistical time period used, and the threshold can be flexibly adjusted as the length of the statistical time period used varies.

[0129] In other implementations, the thresholds for statistical time periods of different lengths are the same. For example, the threshold in step S220 is set to a statistical time period of 1 hour. Accordingly, the method for calculating the access duration is determined according to the length of the statistical time period. For example, if the length of the statistical time period exceeds the set length, the statistical values ​​(e.g., mean or median) of the access durations of multiple multi-frequency terminals are calculated; if the length of the statistical time period does not exceed the set length, the access duration of each multi-frequency terminal is calculated individually.

[0130] In some implementations, when adjusting the transmission power of frequency band A, the current transmission power of frequency band B is referenced to ensure that the adjusted transmission power of frequency band A is less than the current transmission power of frequency band B. Specifically, the communication device determines a target power based on the current transmission power of the AP's network in frequency band B, and the target power is less than the current transmission power of the network in frequency band B; the communication device then reduces the transmission power of the AP's network in frequency band A to the target power. For example, if the current transmission power of the AP in frequency band A is 24 and the current transmission power of the AP in frequency band B is 10, the adjusted target power of frequency band A is 8. Because the power of frequency band A is reduced based on the transmission power of frequency band B, the numerical relationship between the power of frequency band A and the power of frequency band B becomes more reasonable. Even when the power of frequency band A is much greater than the power of frequency band B, the power of frequency band A can be reduced significantly and quickly, reducing the number of times the power of frequency band A needs to be adjusted.

[0131] In some implementations, when adjusting the transmission power of frequency band A, the current transmission power of frequency band A is referenced to ensure that the adjusted transmission power of frequency band A is less than the current transmission power of frequency band A. Specifically, the communication device determines a target power based on the current transmission power of the AP in the network of frequency band A, and the target power is less than the current transmission power of the network of frequency band A; the communication device then reduces the transmission power of the AP in the network of frequency band A to the target power. For example, the communication device determines the difference between the current transmission power of the AP in the network of frequency band A and power b as the target power. For example, if the current transmission power of the AP in frequency band A is 24 and power b is 2, then the adjusted target power of frequency band A is 22.

[0132] As an example, an iterative approach is used to reduce power. For instance, the communication device reduces power in steps of power b, meaning that the transmission power of frequency band A is reduced by power b each time. For example, if the AP's current transmission power in frequency band A is 24, the minimum configurable power for the AP is 16, and power b is 2, if it is found that the duration of multi-frequency terminal access to frequency band A meets the requirements, the AP's current transmission power in frequency band A is first reduced from 24 to 22. Subsequently, if it is found that the duration of multi-frequency terminal access to frequency band A meets the requirements again, the AP's current transmission power in frequency band A is reduced from 22 to 20, and so on, reducing the AP's current transmission power in frequency band A multiple times until the AP's current transmission power in frequency band A is reduced to 16.

[0133] In some implementations, the power adjustment includes the following steps A through C.

[0134] Step A: The communication device obtains the difference between the AP's transmit power in frequency band B and its transmit power in frequency band A. For example, it subtracts the power in frequency band A from the power in frequency band B to obtain the power difference. The communication device compares the power difference with a first difference threshold, which is a positive number.

[0135] Step B: If the power difference between frequency band A and frequency band B is less than the first difference threshold, the communication device will reduce the AP's transmission power in frequency band A to the difference between the AP's current power for transmitting downlink wireless signals in frequency band B and power a.

[0136] This power adjustment method can significantly reduce the transmission power of band A when the power of band A is less than that of band B and is close to that of band B, or when the power of band A is greater than that of band B (i.e., when the power of band A is too high). This results in the transmission power of band A being less than that of band B after adjustment, thereby reducing the number of adjustments required for the transmission power of band A and increasing the speed of adjusting the transmission power of band A.

[0137] The aforementioned power 'a' can be obtained through testing. For example, when the coverage capabilities of the AP in frequency band A and frequency band B are the same, the difference between the transmission power of frequency band A and frequency band B is used to obtain power 'a'. In scenarios where the transmission power of frequency band A is too high, by reducing the transmission power of frequency band A to the difference between the current power of frequency band B and power 'a', the coverage capabilities of frequency band A and frequency band B are made the same after the power reduction, thereby increasing the probability of the terminal accessing frequency band B. As a specific example, power 'a' is 7 (unit: dBm).

[0138] Step C: If the difference between the AP's transmission power in frequency band B and the AP's transmission power in frequency band A is greater than the first difference threshold, reduce the AP's transmission power in frequency band A to the difference between the AP's current power for transmitting downlink wireless signals in frequency band A and power b.

[0139] In some implementations, the communication device limits the minimum transmit power that can be adjusted in frequency band A based on the signal strength of the terminal in frequency band A. For example, the communication device acquires the signal strength of at least one terminal in frequency band A that supports access to a network in frequency band A but does not support access to a network in frequency band B. The communication device determines a statistical value of the signal strength of the at least one terminal. Based on the statistical value of the signal strength, the communication device determines a power threshold B; based on the power threshold B, the communication device determines a target power, which is greater than the power threshold B; the communication device reduces the transmit power of the AP in frequency band A to the target power.

[0140] The signal strength of the aforementioned terminal in frequency band A includes the uplink signal strength and / or downlink signal strength in frequency band A. Optionally, the signal strength is characterized by RSSI. A lower signal strength of the terminal in frequency band A indicates that the distance between the terminal and the AP may be too far or that there are obstructions in the signal propagation path between the terminal and the AP.

[0141] Downlink signal strength is the signal strength of the signal transmitted by the access point (AP) when it reaches the terminal. Downlink signal strength can be obtained by the terminal measuring the signal strength when it receives a signal in frequency band A transmitted by the AP. The downlink signal strength can be reported by the terminal to the AP, and then by the AP to the communication device. Alternatively, the downlink signal strength can be reported directly by the terminal to the communication device without the AP's relay.

[0142] The uplink signal strength is the signal strength of the signal sent by the terminal when it arrives at the access point (AP). The uplink signal strength can be obtained by the AP measuring the signal strength upon receiving the signal from the terminal. The uplink signal strength can then be reported by the AP to the communication device. Alternatively, the uplink signal strength can be calculated by the terminal based on the power of its own uplink signal and the transmission loss between the terminal and the AP, and the uplink signal strength can be reported by the terminal to the communication device.

[0143] The power threshold B can also be referred to as the minimum transmit power of the AP in frequency band A. For example, if the power threshold B is k, then the minimum transmit power of the AP in frequency band A can only be reduced to k, and cannot be reduced to a value smaller than k.

[0144] The power threshold B is negatively correlated with the statistical value of the signal strength in frequency band A. In other words, the smaller the statistical value of the signal strength in frequency band A, the larger the power threshold B; conversely, the larger the statistical value of the signal strength in frequency band A, the smaller the power threshold B. Optionally, the power threshold B is determined based on the quantile of the signal strength in frequency band A for multiple terminals associated with the AP that support frequency band A but do not support frequency band B. Considering that if the statistical value of the signal strength of terminals that support access to frequency band A but do not support access to frequency band B is small, it indicates that the signal strength of most terminals that support access to frequency band A but do not support access to frequency band B is relatively poor, meaning that most terminals that support access to frequency band A but do not support access to frequency band B are relatively far from the AP, if the transmit power of the AP in frequency band A is configured too low, some terminals that support access to frequency band A but do not support access to frequency band B may be unable to communicate due to insufficient signal strength. Therefore, by setting a larger power threshold when the statistical value of the signal strength is small, the risk of terminals that support access to frequency band A but do not support access to frequency band B being unable to communicate due to insufficient transmit power in frequency band A is reduced.

[0145] The terminal that supports access band A but does not support access band B may optionally be a single-radio terminal that only supports band A and does not support other bands besides band A, such as a single-radio terminal that only supports the 2.4 GHz band. Alternatively, the terminal that supports access band A but does not support access band B may be a multi-radio terminal that supports bands A and C but does not support band B, such as a multi-radio terminal that supports the 2.4 GHz and 6 GHz bands but does not support the 5 GHz band.

[0146] Regarding how a communication device determines the frequency bands supported by a terminal, in some implementations, the communication device acquires the terminal's radio frequency (RF) capability information. This RF capability information indicates the frequency bands the terminal supports. Based on this information, the communication device determines that the terminal supports access to frequency band A but does not support access to frequency band B. There are many ways to acquire RF capability information. For example, the terminal reports its own RF capability information to the communication device. Another example is that the communication device determines the terminal is a single-RF terminal that only supports frequency band A and not other frequency bands based on the terminal's historical record of only accessing frequency band A and never accessing any other frequency bands. Yet another example is that the communication device acquires the terminal's RF capability information through testing. For instance, if an access point (AP) supports n frequency bands, in each test, only frequency band i of the AP is enabled, and all other frequency bands besides frequency band i are disabled. If the terminal can still connect to the AP, it is determined that the terminal supports access to frequency band i. This process is repeated n times to determine the terminal's RF capability information.

[0147] Taking frequency band A as an example, the communication device obtains the wireless signal strength of a terminal that only supports access to a single 2.4G radio frequency. Based on the signal strength (uplink or downlink signal strength) of the terminal, the communication device configures a power threshold B. When adjusting the AP's transmission power in frequency band A, the communication device uses the power threshold B as the minimum threshold for the AP's transmission power in frequency band A, reducing the AP's transmission power in 2.4G to a value smaller than before but greater than or equal to the power threshold B.

[0148] In some implementations, where an entity other than the AP is responsible for adjusting the AP's power, the AP is instructed on how to adjust its power by issuing commands. For example, the communication device described above is a controller or analyzer that generates and sends power adjustment commands to the AP. The power adjustment commands instruct a reduction in transmission power in frequency band A. The AP receives the power adjustment commands and, based on these commands, reduces its transmission power in frequency band A.

[0149] The power adjustment command carries indication information, which indicates the target power of the AP in frequency band A. In some embodiments, the indication information is the target power; after obtaining the target power carried by the power adjustment command, the AP reduces the transmission power of frequency band A to the target power. In other embodiments, the indication information is the power difference between the AP's target power in frequency band A and the AP's current transmission power in frequency band A; after obtaining the power difference carried by the power adjustment command, the AP reduces the transmission power of frequency band A by the power difference, so that the transmission power of frequency band A is the target power.

[0150] In some implementations, the AP supports the function of dynamically shutting down the network in band A. For example, the communication device detects in real time whether there are any terminals within the network coverage area of ​​the AP that support access to band A but do not support access to band B. If no such terminals are detected, the communication device controls the AP to shut down the network in band A for a duration, for example, a preset duration t1. Because automatically shutting down the network in band A for a period of time when no terminals support access to band A but do not support access to band B encourages dual-band terminals to access band B as much as possible. As a specific example, taking band A as 2.4 GHz, if none of the terminals associated with the AP support only 2.4 GHz, then the 2.4 GHz radio frequency of the AP is shut down.

[0151] In some implementations, the AP supports the function of periodically enabling and / or disabling the network in band A. For example, at regular intervals, the communication device checks whether any terminal among all terminals associated with the AP supports access to band A but not band B. If no terminal supports access to band A and not band B is present in time period A, the communication device disables the network in band A during time period A; or, if a terminal supports access to band A and not band B is present in time period A, the communication device enables the network in band A during time period A. Considering that the RF capabilities of terminals accessing the AP may differ in different time periods, determining whether to disable the network in band A in the current period based on the RF capabilities of the terminal in the current period makes the solution more adaptable to changing network environments and more dynamic.

[0152] In some implementations, the AP supports dynamically enabling the network in frequency band A. For example, after disabling the network in frequency band A, if a terminal that supports access to frequency band A but not frequency band B is detected, the communication device controls the AP to enable the network in frequency band A for a predetermined duration, such as t2. Considering that after disabling the network in frequency band A, some new terminals may subsequently connect to the AP, and these terminals may support access to frequency band A but not frequency band B, disabling frequency band A would prevent these terminals from joining the network. Therefore, by automatically enabling the network in frequency band A for a period of time after disabling the network in frequency band A, in the presence of terminals that support access to frequency band A but not frequency band B, the risk of newly connected terminals that support access to frequency band A but not frequency band B being unable to join the network is reduced.

[0153] In some implementations, the AP supports the function of periodically enabling the network in frequency band A. For example, after disabling the network in frequency band A, if the time difference between the current time and the time when the network in frequency band A was disabled reaches time period B, the network in frequency band A provided by the AP is enabled, and the step of checking every time period to see if there are any terminals that support access to frequency band A but do not support access to frequency band B is continued. For example, after disabling the 2.4G network provided by the AP, the 2.4G network provided by the AP is periodically enabled, so that newly accessed terminals that only support 2.4G can join the network.

[0154] In some implementations, when the communication device activates the network in frequency band A provided by the AP, it determines the AP's initial transmission power in frequency band A based on the current power of the AP transmitting downlink wireless signals in frequency band B. For example, the difference between the current power of the AP transmitting downlink wireless signals in frequency band B and power 'a' is configured as the AP's initial transmission power in frequency band A.

[0155] The process of enabling and disabling frequency band A described above can be implemented in a loop. For example, in the i-th loop, if no terminal associated with the AP is found to be connected to frequency band A within time period A, then the network for frequency band A is disabled. After time period B has elapsed since the network for frequency band A was disabled, the network for frequency band A is enabled, and the loop enters the (i+1)-th loop. The processing logic of the (i+1)-th loop is the same as that of the i-th loop.

[0156] The values ​​of time period A and / or time period B can be determined through a configuration file. For example, the controller or analyzer can issue commands to the AP to modify the values ​​of time period A and / or time period B.

[0157] The relationship between the AP that provides network coverage for the multi-frequency terminal in step S210 and the AP targeted by the power adjustment in step S220 includes various cases, which will be explained below with some examples.

[0158] Scenario 1: In step S210, the communication device obtains the duration for which at least one multi-frequency terminal associated with AP1 accesses the network in frequency band A provided by AP1. In step S220, the communication device adjusts the transmission power of AP1 in frequency band A based on the duration for which the multi-frequency terminal accesses the network in frequency band A provided by AP1.

[0159] For example, if it is found that some multi-frequency terminals in the same WLAN network have been accessing frequency band A for too long, the access duration of these multi-frequency terminals will be adjusted to provide the transmission power of the AP accessed by these multi-frequency terminals in frequency band A.

[0160] Scenario 2: In step S210, the communication device obtains the duration of access to the network in frequency band A provided by AP2 for at least one multi-frequency terminal associated with AP2. In step S220, the communication device adjusts the transmission power of AP1 in frequency band A based on the duration of access to the network in frequency band A provided by AP2 for the multi-frequency terminal. In this scenario, AP2 and AP1 are in the same WLAN network. Alternatively, AP2 and AP1 are in different WLAN networks. For example, AP2 and AP1 are in adjacent WLAN networks, or the distance between AP2 and AP1 meets a certain condition.

[0161] Scenario 3: In step S210, the communication device obtains the duration for which multiple multi-frequency terminals associated with multiple APs access the network in frequency band A provided by the corresponding AP. In step S220, based on the duration for which the multiple multi-frequency terminals associated with multiple APs access frequency band A, the communication device adjusts the transmission power of at least one of the multiple APs in frequency band A, or adjusts the transmission power of other APs besides the multiple APs in frequency band A.

[0162] For example, obtain the duration of access to the network in frequency band A provided by AP1 for at least one multi-frequency terminal associated with AP1, and obtain the duration of access to the network in frequency band A provided by AP2 for at least one multi-frequency terminal associated with AP2. Based on the duration of access to frequency band A for the multi-frequency terminals associated with AP1 and AP2, adjust the transmission power of AP1 or / and AP2 in frequency band A, or adjust the transmission power of AP3 other than AP1 and AP2 in frequency band A.

[0163] The method provided in this embodiment improves the network quality of multi-frequency terminals by reducing the transmission power of the AP in a frequency band that is not expected to be accessed for an extended period of time in a multi-frequency coexisting network.

[0164] The above-mentioned Figure 2 illustrates the overall process of power control. The following example, taking the embodiment of Figure 2 where frequency band A is 2.4G and frequency band B is 5G, illustrates the power control method provided in this application.

[0165] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a flowchart of a power control method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method shown in Figure 3 includes the following steps.

[0166] Step S310: The AP collects the network access parameters of the terminals connected to the AP at regular intervals (e.g., every 10 minutes).

[0167] Network access parameters include the frequency band accessed by the terminal, the access duration of the terminal in that frequency band, the signal strength of the terminal in that frequency band, and the terminal's radio frequency capability information.

[0168] Step S320: Based on the collected network access parameters, count the duration of multi-frequency terminals connected to the AP accessing the 2.4G frequency band and the number of multi-frequency terminals connected to the AP accessing the 2.4G frequency band.

[0169] Step S324: Determine whether the number of multi-frequency terminals whose access time to the 2.4G band exceeds half of the total access time is greater than the number threshold n.

[0170] If the number of multi-frequency terminals whose access time in the 2.4 GHz band exceeds half of the total access time is greater than a threshold n, then the AP is considered to have excessively high transmission power in the 2.4 GHz band, and a subsequent process to adjust the transmission power in the 2.4 GHz band will be performed. The total access time is, for example, the sum of the access time in the 2.4 GHz band and the access time in the 5 GHz band.

[0171] Step S330: Calculate the power difference between the AP's transmission power in the 5G band and the AP's transmission power in the 2.4G band.

[0172] Step S332: Compare the power difference between the AP's transmission power in the 5G band and the AP's transmission power in the 2.4G band with the power difference threshold k.

[0173] Step S340: If the power difference is less than the power difference threshold k, adjust the AP's transmission power in the 2.4G band to the transmission power in the 5G band minus the power difference threshold k.

[0174] If the power difference is less than the power difference threshold k, it indicates that the AP's transmission power in the 2.4 GHz band is less than its transmission power in the 5 GHz band, and the transmission power of the 2.4 GHz band is near the transmission power of the 5 GHz band, or the transmission power of the 2.4 GHz band is greater than the transmission power of the 5 GHz band. When adjusting the transmission power of the 2.4 GHz band, the transmission power of the 5 GHz band can be used as a reference value, which can significantly reduce the transmission power of the 2.4 GHz band, so that the adjusted transmission power of the 2.4 GHz band is less than the transmission power of the 5 GHz band.

[0175] The aforementioned power difference threshold k is obtained, for example, through experiments. For instance, by testing the transmit power of the AP in the 2.4G band and the transmit power in the 5G band when the strength of the 2.4G and 5G wireless signals received by the terminal are the same, the power difference threshold k is obtained. Optionally, the aforementioned power difference threshold k is 7 (in dBm).

[0176] Taking a power difference threshold k of 7 as an example, if the AP's transmission power in the 5G band is 24 and the AP's transmission power in the 2.4G band is 23, then the AP's transmission power in the 2.4G band should be configured as 24-7=17.

[0177] Step S350: If the power difference is greater than the power difference threshold k, then adjust the AP's transmit power in the 2.4G band to the current transmit power of the 2.4G band minus the power p.

[0178] Optionally, the power p mentioned above is 2 (in dBm), which is obtained, for example, through experiments.

[0179] Through steps S340 and S350, based on the dual-band terminal accessing 2.4G, the AP's transmission power in the 2.4G band is adjusted so that the dual-band terminal can access the 5G band as much as possible.

[0180] Step S360: Statistically analyze the frequency bands accessed by AP terminals and the signal strength of the frequency bands accessed by the terminals within a historical time period (e.g., the past week), and determine whether there are any single-band terminals that only support the 2.4G frequency band among the terminals associated with the AP within the historical time period.

[0181] Step S370: If there are single-band terminals that only support the 2.4G frequency band, compare the data volume of the single-band terminals that only support the 2.4G frequency band on which the statistics are based with the data volume threshold.

[0182] For example, in a scenario where access duration is obtained by periodically reporting data to the AP from the terminal, the amount of data reported by a single-band terminal that only supports the 2.4 GHz band is compared with a data volume threshold. The data volume threshold is, for example, 1000.

[0183] If the data volume of a single-band terminal that only supports the 2.4G frequency band is greater than or equal to the data volume threshold, it indicates that the data volume of the single-band terminal that only supports the 2.4G frequency band is sufficient and has significant reference value. The single-band terminal that only supports the 2.4G frequency band is more likely to frequently reside within the AP coverage area, so step S380 is executed. If the data volume of a single-band terminal that only supports the 2.4G frequency band is less than the data volume threshold, it indicates that the data volume of the single-band terminal that only supports the 2.4G frequency band is small and has less reference value. The single-band terminal that only supports the 2.4G frequency band may only be temporarily connected to the AP, so step S382 is executed.

[0184] Step S380: If the data volume of a single-band terminal that only supports the 2.4G band is greater than or equal to the data volume threshold, calculate the 10th percentile p of the uplink RSSI of multiple single-band terminals that access the AP through the 2.4G band network and only support the 2.4G band.

[0185] Step S390: Based on the 10th percentile p of the uplink RSSI of multiple single-band terminals that only support the 2.4G band, configure the minimum power of the AP in the 2.4G band.

[0186] For example, the minimum transmit power of the AP in the 2.4 GHz band can be configured as max(min(-65-p, 7), minimum value allowed by the device). Here, max represents the maximum value, and min represents the minimum value. By limiting the minimum transmit power of the AP in the 2.4 GHz band based on the signal strength of terminals that only support the 2.4 GHz band, the risk of poor network quality due to weak signal strength from terminals that only support the 2.4 GHz band caused by insufficient transmit power in the 2.4 GHz band can be reduced.

[0187] Step S382: If the data volume of a single-band terminal that only supports the 2.4G band is less than or equal to the data volume threshold, then configure the minimum transmit power of the AP in the 2.4G band as the minimum allowed configuration value of the AP.

[0188] Step S372: If there is no single-band terminal that only supports the 2.4G band, then shut down the 2.4G band network of the current AP.

[0189] Step S374: For APs that have their 2.4G band turned off, turn on the 2.4G band network of the AP at regular intervals and configure the initial power of the AP in the 2.4G band to the power-power difference threshold k (e.g., 7) of the AP in the 5G band.

[0190] Tests revealed that when the AP's transmission power in the 2.4 GHz band is 7 less than that in the 5 GHz band, the AP's coverage capability in the 2.4 GHz band is essentially the same as that in the 5 GHz band. Therefore, by configuring the AP's initial power in the 2.4 GHz band to the AP's power in the 5 GHz band minus 7 when enabling the network in the 2.4 GHz band, the terminal can access the network through both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band with a certain probability.

[0191] When no terminals supporting only the 2.4G band are available, the 2.4G band network is shut down and periodically turned on, allowing multi-band terminals to access the 5G band as much as possible. At the same time, for newly connected terminals that only support the 2.4G band, the network communication quality of the terminals is improved.

[0192] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Optionally, the communication device 400 shown in Figure 4 is AP10 in Figure 1. Alternatively, the communication device 400 shown in Figure 4 is analyzer 15 in Figure 1. Alternatively, the communication device 400 shown in Figure 4 is controller 16 in Figure 1.

[0193] The communication device 400 includes an acquisition unit 410 and a power adjustment unit 420.

[0194] The acquisition unit 410 is used to execute S210 in the method shown in Figure 2; the power adjustment unit 420 is used to execute S220 in the method shown in Figure 2.

[0195] In one possible implementation, the acquisition unit 410 is used to execute S310, S320 and S324 in the method shown in FIG3; the power adjustment unit 420 is used to execute S330, S332, S340 and S350 in the method shown in FIG3.

[0196] In one possible implementation, the power adjustment unit 420 is used to perform S370, S380, S382 and S390 in the method shown in FIG3.

[0197] In one possible implementation, the acquisition unit 410 is further configured to perform S360 in the method shown in Figure 3;

[0198] The device further includes a switching unit 430, used to execute S372 and S374 in the method shown in Figure 3.

[0199] The device embodiment described in Figure 4 is merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units described above is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. The functional units in the various embodiments of this application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0200] The following section describes some possible implementation methods of the various functional units in the communication device 400 using hardware or software, in conjunction with the communication device 500 described later.

[0201] In the case of software implementation, for example, the acquisition unit 410 and the power adjustment unit 420 described above are software functional units generated by at least one processor 501 in Figure 5 after reading the program code stored in the memory 502.

[0202] In the case of hardware implementation, for example, the various units described above in Figure 4 are implemented by different hardware components in the communication device. For instance, the power adjustment unit 420 is implemented by a portion of the processing resources of at least one processor 501 in Figure 5 (e.g., one or two cores of a multi-core processor), or by a programmable device such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or a coprocessor. The acquisition unit 410 is implemented by the communication interface 503 in Figure 5.

[0203] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication device 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 500 shown in Figure 5 can be provided as an access point (AP), a controller, or an analyzer. The communication device 500 includes at least one processor 501, a memory 502, and at least one communication interface 503.

[0204] Processor 501 may be, for example, a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural-network processing unit (NPU), a data processing unit (DPU), a microprocessor, or one or more integrated circuits for implementing the embodiments of this application. For example, processor 501 may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. A PLD may be, for example, a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof.

[0205] Memory 502 may be, for example, read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions; random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices capable of storing information and instructions; electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM); compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.); magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices; or 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 not limited thereto. Optionally, memory 502 exists independently and is connected to processor 501 via internal connection 504. Alternatively, memory 502 and processor 501 may be integrated together.

[0206] Communication interface 503 uses any transceiver-like device for communicating with other devices or communication networks. Communication interface 503 includes, for example, at least one of a wired network interface or a wireless network interface. The wired network interface is, for example, an Ethernet interface. The Ethernet interface is, for example, an optical interface, an electrical interface, or a combination thereof. The wireless network interface is, for example, a wireless local area network (WLAN) interface, a cellular network interface, or a combination thereof.

[0207] In some embodiments, processor 501 includes one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 shown in Figure 5.

[0208] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may optionally include a plurality of processors, such as processor 501 and processor 505 shown in Figure 5. Each of these processors may be, for example, a single-core processor (single-CPU) or a multi-core processor (multi-CPU). Here, a processor may optionally refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (such as computer program instructions).

[0209] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 further includes an internal connection 504. The processor 501, memory 502, and at least one communication interface 503 are connected via the internal connection 504. The internal connection 504 includes pathways for transmitting information between the aforementioned components. Optionally, the internal connection 504 is a single board or a bus. Optionally, the internal connection 504 may be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc.

[0210] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 further includes an input / output interface 506. The input / output interface 506 is connected to the internal connection 504.

[0211] Optionally, the processor 501 implements the method in the above embodiments by reading program code stored in the memory 502, or the processor 501 implements the method in the above embodiments by internally stored program code. When the processor 501 implements the method in the above embodiments by reading program code stored in the memory 502, the memory 502 stores program code 510 that implements the power control method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0212] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium, including instructions or a computer program, which, when run on a processor, executes the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0213] This application provides a computer program product, which, when run on a processor, executes the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0214] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0215] A references B, which means that A is the same as B or A is a simple variation of B.

[0216] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order of objects, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. For example, "first frequency band" and "second frequency band" are used to distinguish different frequency bands, not to describe a specific order of frequency bands, and should not be construed as the first frequency band being more important than the second frequency band.

[0217] In this application, unless otherwise stated, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. For example, multiple frequency bands refer to two or more frequency bands.

[0218] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, they can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0219] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A power control method, characterized in that, Performed by a communication device, the method includes: The duration of access to the network of the first frequency band by at least one multi-frequency terminal is obtained, and each multi-frequency terminal supports access to the network of the first frequency band and the network of the second frequency band. If the duration of access to the network of the first frequency band by the at least one multi-frequency terminal meets the first condition, the transmission power of the first access point AP in the network of the first frequency band is reduced.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The duration for which the at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network of the first frequency band satisfies a first condition, including: The duration for which at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network in the first frequency band exceeds a duration threshold; or, The statistical value of the duration for which at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network of the first frequency band exceeds a duration threshold; or, The numerical relationship between the duration of access to the network in the first frequency band by the at least one multi-frequency terminal and the duration of access to the network in the second frequency band by the at least one multi-frequency terminal satisfies the second condition; or, The proportion of multi-frequency terminals in the at least one multi-frequency terminal whose access time to the network of the first frequency band meets the third condition exceeds a proportion threshold; or... The number of multi-frequency terminals whose duration of access to the network of the first frequency band meets the fourth condition exceeds the number threshold.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The reduction of the first AP's transmission power in the first frequency band network includes: Obtain the target power, which is less than the current transmit power of the first AP in the network of the first frequency band; Adjust the transmission power of the first AP in the network of the first frequency band to the target power.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The acquisition of the target power includes: The target power is determined based on the current transmit power of the first AP in the network of the second frequency band.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The acquisition of the target power includes: The target power is determined based on the current transmit power of the first AP in the network of the first frequency band.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, If the difference between the transmission power of the first AP in the second frequency band network and the transmission power of the first AP in the first frequency band network is less than a first difference threshold, the target power is the difference between the current transmission power of the first AP in the second frequency band network and the first power. If the difference between the transmit power of the first AP in the second frequency band network and the transmit power of the first AP in the first frequency band network is greater than the first difference threshold, the target power is the difference between the current transmit power of the first AP in the first frequency band network and the second power.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The acquisition of the target power includes: A power threshold is determined based on statistical values ​​of the signal strength of at least one terminal that supports access to the network of the first frequency band but does not support access to the network of the second frequency band, wherein the power threshold is negatively correlated with the statistical values ​​of the signal strength. The target power is determined based on the power threshold, and the target power is greater than the power threshold.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: At regular intervals, detect whether there are any terminals that support access to the first frequency band but do not support access to the second frequency band; If no terminal supports access to the first frequency band but does not support access to the second frequency band during the first time period, the network for the first frequency band shall be shut down during the first time period; or... If there is a terminal that supports access to the first frequency band but does not support access to the second frequency band during the first time period, the network of the first frequency band shall be enabled during the first time period.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, After shutting down the network in the first frequency band, the method further includes: If the time difference between the current time and the time when the network of the first frequency band is turned off reaches the second time period, the network of the first frequency band is turned on, and the step of detecting whether there is a terminal that supports access to the first frequency band but does not support access to the second frequency band is continued to be performed every time period.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The communication device is the first AP, and the acquisition of the duration for which at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network of the first frequency band includes: The first AP receives the duration of access to the first frequency band network sent by the at least one multi-frequency terminal; or, the first AP counts the duration of access to the first frequency band network by the at least one multi-frequency terminal.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The communication device is a controller or analyzer, and reducing the transmission power of the first AP in the first frequency band network includes: A power adjustment command is sent to the first AP, the power adjustment command instructing the first AP to reduce its transmission power in the first frequency band of the network.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The reduction of the first AP's transmission power in the first frequency band network includes: Reduce the power of the first AP in transmitting all wireless signals to all terminals associated with the first AP in the first frequency band.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The duration for which at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network in the first frequency band includes: Obtain the duration for which the at least one multi-frequency terminal accesses the network in the first frequency band provided by the first AP; or, The duration of access to the network on the first frequency band provided by the second AP by the at least one multi-frequency terminal is obtained, wherein the second AP and the first AP are in the same wireless local area network (WLAN) or different WLAN networks; or, Get the duration of access to the network provided by the first frequency band of the corresponding AP for multiple multi-frequency terminals associated with multiple APs.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes multiple functional modules that interact with each other to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-13.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, This includes instructions or computer programs that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in any one of claims 1-13 above.

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