Seamless roaming method, apparatus and device

Abstract

The present application provides a seamless roaming method, apparatus and device. The method comprises: a first access point generates a first frame, the first frame comprising a duration field, the duration field being used for indicating a target resource reservation duration, the target resource reservation duration being the duration for which the first access point reserves a resource for a first station to perform seamless roaming, and the first access point being a target access point to which the first station performs seamless roaming; and the first access point sends the first frame.

Description

Seamless roaming methods, devices and equipment

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510192426.X, filed on February 20, 2025, entitled "Seamless Roaming Method, Apparatus and Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a seamless roaming method, apparatus, and device. Background Technology

[0004] Some seamless roaming solutions incorporate a preparation phase and a roaming execution phase. The setup links between the source and target access points, as well as some context transfer operations, are moved to the preparation phase to reduce the time consumed in the roaming execution phase and minimize transmission interruptions during roaming.

[0005] However, this seamless roaming solution also has some problems. For example, during the period from setting up the roaming link to completing the roaming execution, the target access point needs to wait for the site to switch the roaming link, that is, switch from the source link between the site and the source access point to the target link between the site and the target access point. However, if the target link is occupied during this period, it will lead to increased roaming latency, or even roaming failure, affecting the performance of seamless roaming. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a seamless roaming method, apparatus, and device, which are beneficial for improving seamless roaming performance.

[0007] Firstly, a seamless roaming method is provided, including:

[0008] The first access point generates a first frame, which includes a duration field. The duration field is used to indicate the target resource reservation duration. The target resource reservation duration is the duration for which the first access point reserves resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming. The first access point is the target access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0009] The first access point sends the first frame.

[0010] Secondly, a seamless roaming method is provided, including:

[0011] The second access point receives a second frame sent by the first site. The second frame is used to request the second access point to set up a link between the first site and the first access point. The second frame includes second resource reservation request information, which is used to instruct the first site to request the first access point to reserve resource information for the first site to perform seamless roaming. The second access point is the source access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming, and the first access point is the target access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0012] The second access point sends a third frame to the first site. The third frame is used to indicate the completion of the link setup between the first site and the first access point. The third frame includes second resource reservation response information, which is used to instruct the first access point to reserve resource information for seamless roaming for the first site.

[0013] In some implementations, the first resource reservation request information includes at least one of the following:

[0014] Data information to be transmitted between the second access point and the first site;

[0015] The latency requirements for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0016] The first resource reservation configuration is used to instruct the second access point to request the first access point to perform the resource reservation configuration for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0017] In some implementations, the first resource reservation response information includes:

[0018] The second resource reservation configuration is used to instruct the first access point on the resource reservation configuration adopted for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0019] In some implementations, the second frame is a management frame, a data frame, or a control frame.

[0020] In some implementations, the second frame is a data frame or a control frame, and the second resource reservation request information is carried in the high throughput control field of the data frame or control frame.

[0021] In some implementations, the third frame is a management frame, a data frame, or a control frame.

[0022] In some implementations, the third frame is a data frame or a control frame, and the second resource reservation response information is carried in the high throughput control field of the data frame or control frame.

[0023] Thirdly, a seamless roaming method is provided, including:

[0024] The first site sends a second frame to the second access point. The second frame is used to request the second access point to set up a link between the first site and the first access point. The second access point is the source access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming, and the first access point is the target access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming. The second frame includes second resource reservation request information, which is used to instruct the first site to request the first access point to reserve resource information for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0025] The first station receives a third frame sent by the second access point. The third frame is used to indicate the completion of the link setup between the first station and the first access point. The second frame includes second resource reservation response information, which is used to instruct the second access point to reserve resource information for seamless roaming for the first station.

[0026] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, which is a first access point, or is disposed in a first access point, the communication device comprising:

[0027] The processing module is used to generate a first frame, the first frame including a duration field, the duration field being used to indicate the target resource reservation duration, the target resource reservation duration being the duration for which the first access point reserves resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming, and the first access point being the target access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0028] The transceiver module is used to send the first frame.

[0029] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, which is a second access point, or is disposed in a second access point, the communication device comprising:

[0030] The transceiver module is used to receive a second frame sent by a first station. The second frame is used to request a second access point to configure a link between the first station and the first access point. The second frame includes second resource reservation request information, which instructs the first station to request the first access point to reserve resources for seamless roaming. The second access point is the source access point for the seamless roaming operation performed by the first station, and the first access point is the target access point for the seamless roaming operation performed by the first station.

[0031] A third frame is sent to the first site, the third frame being used to indicate the completion of link setup between the first site and the first access point, wherein the third frame includes second resource reservation response information, the second resource reservation response information being used to indicate that the first access point reserves resource information for seamless roaming for the first site.

[0032] Sixthly, a communication device is provided, which is a first station, or is disposed in a first station, the communication device comprising:

[0033] The transceiver module is used to send a second frame to a second access point. The second frame requests the second access point to configure a link between the first site and the first access point. The second access point is the source access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming, and the first access point is the target access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming. The second frame includes second resource reservation request information, which instructs the first site to request resource information reserved by the first access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0034] The system receives a third frame sent by the second access point. The third frame is used to indicate the completion of link setup between the first site and the first access point. The second frame includes second resource reservation response information, which is used to indicate that the second access point reserves resource information for seamless roaming for the first site.

[0035] A seventh aspect provides an access point including a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to invoke and run the computer program stored in the memory to perform the methods of any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations.

[0036] Eighthly, a site is provided, including a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store computer programs, and the processor is used to invoke and run the computer programs stored in the memory, performing the methods of the third aspect or its implementations described above.

[0037] A ninth aspect provides a chip for implementing the methods of any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations. Specifically, the chip includes a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, causing a device equipped with the chip to perform the methods of any one of the first to third aspects or their respective implementations.

[0038] In a tenth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program that causes a computer to perform the methods of any one of the first to third aspects or their respective implementations.

[0039] Eleventhly, a computer program product is provided, including computer program instructions that cause a computer to perform the methods of any one of the first to third aspects or their respective implementations.

[0040] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program is provided that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods of any one of the first to third aspects or their respective implementations.

[0041] Through the above technical solution, the target access point can send the first frame during seamless roaming. The duration field of the first frame is used to indicate the target resource reservation time. Thus, the target access point can reserve resources for the first site for seamless roaming within the target resource reservation time. In this way, when the first site or the source access point requests to perform link switching (or initiates a roaming switching request) within the target resource reservation time, the target access point can respond in a timely manner, ensuring timely link switching, reducing the waiting latency of seamless roaming, and improving the performance of seamless roaming. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of a seamless roaming process provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure 2b is a schematic interactive diagram of a seamless roaming process according to an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the increased roaming latency caused by the target link being occupied.

[0046] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating roaming failure caused by the target link being occupied.

[0047] Figure 5 is a schematic interactive diagram of a seamless roaming method 200 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 6 is an overall flowchart of a seamless roaming method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0049] Figure 7 is a schematic interactive diagram of a seamless roaming process in a fully occupied mode provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 8 is a schematic interactive diagram of another seamless roaming process in a fully occupied mode provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 9 is a schematic interactive diagram of a seamless roaming process in downlink short data packet mode provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0052] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0053] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0054] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0055] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0056] Figure 14 is a schematic block diagram of a chip provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0057] Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort regarding the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0059] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second," etc., used herein are used only to distinguish different objects and not to describe a particular order.

[0060] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, "at least one item" refers to one item or more items, "more items" refers to two items or more, and "at least two items" refers to two items or more. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions can refer to any combination of these items. For example, at least one item of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c".

[0061] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, "and / or" indicates that the connected objects can have three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three scenarios: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects have an "or" relationship.

[0062] It should be understood that the "instruction" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a direct instruction or an indirect instruction. For example, A instructing B can mean that A directly instructs B, such as B being obtainable through A; or it can mean that A indirectly instructs B, such as A instructing C, where B is obtainable through C, for example, B and C are related.

[0063] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, and specifically to any of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series protocols used in WLANs, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, and future 802.11 protocols. The methods provided in this application can be implemented by communication devices in a wireless communication system or by chips or processors within those devices. Accordingly, the communication device supports communication using the IEEE 802.11 series protocols. Although the embodiments of this application are mainly illustrated using a network deploying IEEE 802.11 as an example, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various aspects involved in this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth, high-performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to IEEE 802.11, mainly used in Europe), wide area network (WAN), WLAN, personal area network (PAN), wireless personal area network systems based on ultra-wideband (UWB), sensing systems, or other networks now known or to be developed in the future. The methods provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the IEEE 802.15 series protocols, such as the 802.15.4a protocol, the 802.15.4z protocol, or the 802.15.4ab protocol, or a future generation of UWB WPAN protocol, etc., which will not be listed one by one.The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to the following communication systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-X (V2X) systems, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, devices used in V2X systems, IoT nodes and sensors in IoT systems, smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities. Alternatively, they can also be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th-generation (5G) communication systems, and new communication systems that will emerge in future communication developments. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0064] In the WiFi protocol, a station (abbreviated as STA) includes access point stations (abbreviated as AP STA) and non-access point stations (abbreviated as non-AP station). For the sake of simplicity, access point stations are usually called access points (abbreviated as AP), and non-access point stations are called stations (abbreviated as STA).

[0065] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication system 100 may include an access point 110 and a station 120. The station 120 can access the network through the access point 110.

[0066] Access points can support communication or sensing based on WiFi protocols, such as 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, or next-generation or later protocols.

[0067] The site can support communication or sensing based on WiFi protocols, such as 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, or next-generation or later protocols.

[0068] The communication in the communication system 100 can be communication between access points and stations, or communication between stations, or communication between access points.

[0069] WLAN systems can provide high-speed, low-latency transmission. As WLAN application scenarios continue to evolve, WLAN systems will be applied to more scenarios or industries, such as the Internet of Things industry, the Internet of Vehicles industry, the banking industry, enterprise offices, stadiums and exhibition halls, concert halls, hotel rooms, dormitories, hospital wards, classrooms, shopping malls, squares, streets, production workshops and warehouses, etc. Of course, devices that support WLAN communication or sensing (such as access points or sites) can be sensor nodes in smart cities (such as smart water meters, smart electricity meters, and smart air monitoring nodes), smart devices in smart homes (such as smart cameras, projectors, displays, televisions, speakers, refrigerators, and washing machines), nodes in the Internet of Things (IoT), entertainment terminals (such as wearable devices for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), smart devices in smart offices (such as printers, projectors, loudspeakers, and speakers), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) devices, infrastructure in daily life scenarios (such as vending machines, self-service navigation kiosks in supermarkets, self-service checkout machines, and self-service ordering machines), and equipment in large sports and music venues.

[0070] In this embodiment, an access point is a device with wireless communication capabilities, supporting communication or sensing using the WLAN protocol. It has the function of communicating or sensing with other devices in the WLAN network (such as non-AP STAs or other access points), and can also have the function of communicating or sensing with other devices. Alternatively, an access point acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, primarily connecting various wireless network clients together and then connecting the wireless network to the Ethernet. This wireless communication device can be a complete device, or a chip, processing system, or functional module installed within a complete device. Devices with these chips, processing systems, or functional modules can implement the methods and functions of this embodiment under the control of the chips, processing systems, or functional modules. The AP in this embodiment is a device providing services to non-AP STAs and can support 802.11 series protocols or subsequent protocols. For example, an access point can be an access point for terminals (such as mobile phones) to enter a wired (or wireless) network, mainly deployed in homes, buildings, and parks, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters; it can also be deployed outdoors. For example, an AP can be a communication server, router, switch, bridge, or other communication entity; APs can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, repeater stations, etc.

[0071] In the embodiments of this application, the site may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, wireless device in industrial control, set-top box, wireless device in self-driving, vehicle communication device, wireless device in remote medical care, wireless device in smart grid, wireless device in transportation safety, wireless device in smart city or smart home, wireless device, wireless communication chip, etc. that support WLAN or WiFi technology.

[0072] It should be understood that Figure 1 only illustrates one access point and two sites. Optionally, the communication system 100 may include multiple access points or other numbers of sites, which is not limited in this application embodiment.

[0073] Optionally, the communication system 100 may also include other devices, such as network controllers, gateways, and other network entities, which are not limited in this application.

[0074] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the seamless roaming technology related to this application will be described.

[0075] Seamless roaming is a new feature proposed in 802.11bn. When a STA needs to switch between old and new APs, this seamless roaming technology can maintain the STA in state 4 throughout the handover process through information exchange between APs. This avoids the time-consuming re-association and re-authentication between the STA and the new AP, thereby reducing latency issues caused by the STA switching between APs. State 4 refers to the state where the STA and AP have completed authentication, association, and key generation. At this point, the STA can directly transmit data with the AP. In ordinary roaming scenarios, when a STA needs to switch between old and new APs, the STA will revert to state 2 or state 1, re-authenticating, association, and key generation with the new AP. This process significantly increases the data interruption time during the STA's switch between APs. It is understood that states 1, 2, or 4 are well-known descriptions of the connection states between the STA and AP in the Wi-Fi field. This application follows the current standard or its evolved definitions and will not elaborate further.

[0076] In some seamless roaming schemes, as shown in Figure 2a, a preparation phase and a roaming execution phase are designed in seamless roaming. The setup links between the source AP and the target AP and some context transfer operations (i.e., context transfer (1)) are moved to the preparation phase to reduce the time consumption of the roaming execution phase and minimize the transmission interruption of the STA during roaming. Among them, the context transfer (1) can be the static context information of the STA in seamless roaming, and the context transfer (2) performed in the roaming execution phase can be the dynamic context information of the STA in seamless roaming.

[0077] Figure 2b is a schematic interaction diagram of a seamless roaming scheme. As shown in Figure 2b, it may include the following steps:

[0078] Step 1: STA1 sends a link configuration request frame to AP2 to request link configuration between STA1 and AP1.

[0079] Step 2: Configure the link between AP1 and STA1 between AP2 and AP1.

[0080] Optionally, in step 2, AP1 and AP2 may also perform partial context switching, such as the context switching (1) described above.

[0081] Step 3: AP2 sends a link setup response frame to STA1 to indicate that the link setup between STA1 and AP1 is complete.

[0082] Step 4: AP2 and STA1 perform data transmission.

[0083] Step 5: STA1 sends a handover request frame to AP2 to request a link handover.

[0084] Step 6: AP2 and AP1 perform link switching, including operations such as performing context switching and / or distributed system (DS) mapping stwitch. The context switching in step 7 can be context switching (2).

[0085] Step 7: AP2 sends a handover response frame to STA1 to indicate that the link handover is complete.

[0086] Step 8: AP1 sends a roaming check frame, such as an RTS frame, to STA1. The STA that receives the RTS frame sets its own NAV to the duration indicated by the duration field in the RTS.

[0087] Step 9: STA1 sends a roaming check confirmation frame, such as a CTS frame, to AP1.

[0088] Step 10: AP1 and STA1 transmit data.

[0089] It should be noted that the seamless roaming process in Figure 2b may include steps 8 and 9, or may not include steps 8 and 9. That is, AP1 can directly transmit data with STA1, and this application does not limit this.

[0090] Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, the roaming execution steps may include steps 5-7.

[0091] However, the above seamless roaming scheme has some problems. For example, during the period from setting up the link to completing the roaming execution, the target AP needs to wait for the STA to perform the roaming execution steps, corresponding to steps 5-7 in Figure 3. However, if the target link is occupied during this period, it will lead to increased roaming latency (as shown in Figure 3), or cause roaming failure (as shown in Figure 4), affecting the performance of seamless roaming.

[0092] In the seamless roaming process shown in Figure 3, while the target AP is waiting for the roaming STA to perform the roaming execution steps, other STAs initiate data transmission with the target AP. At this time, when the STA sends a handover request frame to the source AP, the source AP and the target AP can exchange context and / or perform distributed system (DS) mapping switch via wired means. However, at this time, the target AP is transmitting data with other STAs and cannot transmit data with the roaming STA. Therefore, it needs to wait for the data transmission to be completed before the source AP replies to the roaming STA with a handover response frame, resulting in a large roaming latency, which cannot meet the latency requirements of seamless roaming.

[0093] In the seamless roaming process shown in Figure 4, while the target AP is waiting for the roaming STA to perform the roaming execution steps, other STAs initiate data transmission with the target AP. At this time, when the STA sends a handover request frame to the target AP, the target AP cannot receive the handover request frame because it is transmitting data with other STAs. Therefore, the target AP cannot start the subsequent roaming process, resulting in roaming failure.

[0094] The technical solutions of this application are described in detail below through specific embodiments. The above-mentioned related technologies are optional solutions and can be combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application in any way, all of which fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0095] Figure 5 is a schematic interactive diagram of a seamless roaming method 200 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, the method 200 includes at least the following:

[0096] S210, the first access point generates a first frame, which includes a duration field, which indicates the target resource reservation duration, which is the duration for which the first access point reserves resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming, and the first access point is the target access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0097] S220, the first access point sends the first frame.

[0098] Correspondingly, the associated station of the first access point receives the first frame. For example, the associated station of the first access point may include a second station, which may be an associated station that performs downlink data transmission with the first access point, or it may include a third station, which may be an associated station that performs uplink data transmission with the first access point.

[0099] In this embodiment of the application, the second access point is the source access point, or service access point, for which the first site performs seamless roaming.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first frame is sent by the first access point during seamless roaming, such as during link setup or when link setup is complete.

[0101] Therefore, in this embodiment of the application, the first access point can reserve resources for the first site within the target resource reservation period after the link is set. In this way, when the first site or the second access point requests to perform link switching (or initiates a roaming switching request) within the target resource reservation period, the first access point can respond in a timely manner to ensure timely link switching, reduce the waiting latency of seamless roaming, and improve the performance of seamless roaming.

[0102] It should be noted that the resources reserved by the first access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming may include time resources (such as the reserved duration of the target resource) or frequency domain resources. For example, the first access point may reserve specific bandwidth resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming. In this way, the first site and the first access point can interact through the bandwidth resources to prevent other sites associated with the first access point from occupying the bandwidth resources.

[0103] In some embodiments of this application, after the first access point sends the first frame, as shown in FIG5, the method 200 further includes:

[0104] S231, the first access point occupies the channel during the target resource reservation period and does not perform data transmission.

[0105] For ease of distinction and explanation, the resource reservation mode adopted by the first access point is referred to as the full occupancy mode. Alternatively, it can be replaced with other names, such as the first resource reservation level, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0106] For example, after the first access point sends the first frame, the station receiving the first frame can set its own Network Allocation Vector (NAV) based on the duration field in the first frame. Before the NAV reaches zero, it does not send uplink data to the first access point, and the first access point does not send downlink data to any other station besides the first station. That is, the first access point occupies the channel during the target resource reservation period but does not perform data transmission. Therefore, when the first station or the second access point requests to perform link handover (or initiates a roaming handover request) during the target resource reservation period, the first access point can respond in a timely manner, ensuring timely link handover, reducing the waiting latency of seamless roaming, and improving seamless roaming performance. Furthermore, this full occupancy mode can effectively protect the target link, is simple to implement, and has good compatibility.

[0107] Optionally, the first site's request to perform a link switch within the target resource reservation period may include:

[0108] Within the target resource reservation period, the first site sends a handover request frame to the first or second access point. The handover request frame is used to request the execution of link handover.

[0109] Optionally, the second access point's request to perform a link switch within the target resource reservation period may include:

[0110] The second access point can send a handover request to the first access point via a wired connection. This handover request is used to request a link switch.

[0111] The second access point sends a handover request frame to the first access point via a wired air interface. This handover request frame is used to request the execution of a link handover.

[0112] It should be noted that the name of this handover request is only an example and can be replaced with other names, such as roaming handover request, link handover request, etc.; the name of this handover request frame is only an example and can be replaced with other names, such as roaming handover request frame, link handover request frame, etc.

[0113] In other embodiments of this application, after the first access point sends the first frame, as shown in FIG5, the method 200 further includes:

[0114] S232, the first access point sends a downlink short data packet to the second site within the reserved time of the target resource, wherein the duration of the downlink short data packet does not exceed the first duration threshold.

[0115] In some embodiments, the second site may be a site associated with the first access point that has downlink data transmission requirements.

[0116] Optionally, the first duration threshold can be predefined, or determined by the first access point. For example, the first duration threshold can be determined based on the latency requirements of the first site performing seamless roaming. Determining the duration threshold of the downlink short data packet based on the latency requirements of the first site performing seamless roaming is beneficial for balancing the downlink transmission requirements of the first access point and the latency requirements of the first site performing seamless roaming.

[0117] For ease of distinction and explanation, the resource reservation mode adopted by the first access point is referred to as the downlink short data packet mode. Alternatively, it can be replaced with other names, such as the second resource reservation level, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0118] Optionally, in this embodiment, the first frame may instruct the first access point to adopt the downlink short packet mode within the target resource reservation period. For example, the first frame may include explicit indication information to instruct the first access point to adopt the downlink short packet mode within the target resource reservation period.

[0119] For example, in this embodiment, after the first access point sends the first frame, the second station that receives the first frame can receive the downlink short data packets sent by the first access point within the target resource reservation time. Since the downlink short data packets are short, even if the first station or the second access point requests a link handover (or initiates a roaming handover request) during the transmission of these downlink short data packets, the waiting time for the first access point to respond is also short. This ensures timely link handover within a certain timeframe, reducing the waiting latency for seamless roaming and improving seamless roaming performance. Furthermore, by adopting this downlink short data packet transmission mode, the first access point can send downlink data to other stations within the target resource reservation time, which helps to meet the transmission needs of the first access point, improve channel utilization, and has minimal impact on the transmission of the first access point.

[0120] In some embodiments of this application, after the first access point sends the first frame, as shown in FIG5, the method 200 further includes:

[0121] S233, the first access point receives an uplink short data packet sent by the third site within the reserved time of the target resource, wherein the duration of the uplink short data packet does not exceed the second duration threshold.

[0122] In some embodiments, the third site may be a site associated with the first access point that has uplink data transmission requirements.

[0123] For ease of distinction and explanation, the resource reservation mode adopted by the first access point is referred to as the uplink short data packet mode. Alternatively, it can be replaced with other names, such as the third resource reservation level, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0124] Optionally, in this embodiment, the first frame may instruct the first access point to adopt the uplink short packet mode within the target resource reservation period. For example, the first frame may include explicit indication information to instruct the first access point to adopt the uplink short packet mode within the target resource reservation period.

[0125] For example, in this embodiment, after the first access point sends the first frame, the third station that receives the first frame can send an uplink short data packet to the first access point within the target resource reservation time. Since the uplink short data packet is short, even if the first station or the second access point requests a link switch (or initiates a roaming switch request) during the transmission of this uplink short data packet, the waiting time for the first access point to respond is also short. This can, to a certain extent, ensure timely link switching, reduce waiting latency for seamless roaming, and improve seamless roaming performance. Furthermore, by adopting this uplink short data packet transmission mode, the first access point can receive uplink data sent by other stations within the target resource reservation time, which is beneficial for accommodating the transmission needs of other stations, improving channel utilization, and having minimal impact on the transmission of other stations.

[0126] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the aforementioned downlink short data packet and uplink short data packet can refer to a data packet segment of a complete data packet. For example, the complete data packet to be transmitted can be divided into multiple data packet segments, and then these multiple data packet segments can be transmitted discontinuously. In this way, when the first station or the second access point requests to perform link switching (or initiates a roaming switching request) during data transmission, the target access point does not need to wait for the entire data packet to be transmitted before responding, but only needs to wait for the currently transmitted data packet segment to be transmitted. Since the duration of the short data packet is short, the time for the first station or the second access point to wait for the first access point to respond is also short, which can also ensure timely link switching to a certain extent, reduce the waiting latency of seamless roaming, and improve the performance of seamless roaming.

[0127] In some embodiments of this application, prior to S233, method 200 further includes:

[0128] The first access point sends a first indication message and / or a second indication message to the third site, wherein the first indication message is used to indicate the second duration threshold, and the second indication message is used to indicate that the uplink short data packet transmission is allowed to be interrupted.

[0129] When using the uplink short data packet mode, the first access point informs the third site of the duration threshold of the uplink short data packet to be sent. In this way, the third site can send uplink short data packets of appropriate length to the first access point within the reserved time of the target resource, avoiding the increase of seamless roaming handover latency by sending excessively long data packets.

[0130] When using the uplink short data packet mode, the first access point informs the third site through the second indication information that the uplink short data packet transmission is allowed to be interrupted. In this way, when the first site or the second access point requests to perform a link handover (or initiates a roaming handover request) during the uplink short data packet transmission, the uplink short data packet transmission can be interrupted, so that the first access point can respond in a timely manner, ensuring timely link handover, reducing the waiting latency of seamless roaming, and improving seamless roaming performance.

[0131] In some embodiments, the first indication information may be carried in the first frame, or in other frames, indicating that there is no limitation on this.

[0132] In some embodiments, the second indication information may be carried in the first frame, or in other frames, indicating that there is no limitation on this.

[0133] Optionally, the second duration threshold can be predefined. In this case, the first access point does not need to indicate the second duration threshold to the third site. Alternatively, the second duration threshold can also be determined by the first access point. For example, the second duration threshold can be determined based on the latency requirements of the first site performing seamless roaming. Determining the duration threshold of the uplink short data packet based on the latency requirements of the first site performing seamless roaming is beneficial for balancing the uplink transmission requirements of the third site and the latency requirements of the first site performing seamless roaming.

[0134] In some embodiments, the target resource reservation duration may be determined by the first access point, or by the first site, or by the second access point, or negotiated by the first and second access points.

[0135] In some embodiments, the target resource reservation mode adopted by the first access point within the target resource reservation period may be determined by the first access point, or by the first site, or by the second access point, or negotiated by the first and second access points.

[0136] In some embodiments, the target resource reservation duration can be determined based on the first transmission duration and / or the first handover duration. For example, the target resource reservation duration can be equal to the sum of the first transmission duration and the first handover duration, or the target resource reservation duration can be equal to the first transmission duration. Here, the first transmission duration is the maximum duration allowed for data transmission between the second access point and the first site after link setup is completed, and the first handover duration is the duration required for the first site to switch from the second access point to the first access point, or in other words, the duration for the first site to perform link handover.

[0137] In some embodiments, the first transmission duration position after the link setup is completed can be considered as the deadline for link setup. Before the deadline, the first access point reserves resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming. Therefore, the first site or the second access point can request to perform link switching (or, in other words, initiate a roaming switching request) before the deadline.

[0138] In some embodiments of this application, before the first access point sends the first frame, as shown in FIG5, the method 200 further includes:

[0139] S202, the second access point sends a first resource reservation request information to the first access point, wherein the first resource reservation request information is used to instruct the second access point to request the first access point to reserve resource information for the first site to perform seamless roaming, and the second access point is the source access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0140] S203, the first access point sends a first resource reservation response information to the second access point, the first resource reservation response information being used to instruct the first access point to reserve resource information for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0141] In some embodiments, the first resource reservation request information may be sent from the second access point to the first access point via a wired means, or it may be sent to the first access point via a wireless means, such as via a frame used for interaction between APs.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first resource reservation response information may be sent from the first access point to the second access point via a wired means, or it may be sent to the second access point via a wireless means, such as via a frame used for interaction between APs.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first resource reservation request information includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0144] The data information to be transmitted between the second access point and the first site;

[0145] The latency requirements for seamless roaming at the first site;

[0146] The first resource reservation configuration is used to instruct the second access point to request the first access point to perform the resource reservation configuration for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0147] In some embodiments, the data to be transmitted between the second access point and the first site may include Stream Classification Service (SCS) information of the data to be transmitted, the size of the data to be transmitted, etc. This data to be transmitted information can be used to determine the duration required for the second access point and the first site to perform data transmission after the link setup is completed. This duration can be used to help determine the target resource reservation duration, for example, the target resource reservation duration needs to be greater than this duration.

[0148] In some embodiments, latency requirement information for seamless roaming performed by the first site can be used to help determine the target resource reservation duration.

[0149] In some embodiments, the first resource reservation configuration includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0150] The first resource reservation duration is the duration during which the second access point requests the first access point to reserve resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0151] The first resource reservation mode is used to indicate the resource reservation mode that the second access point requests (or suggests) for the first access point to reserve resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming, such as full occupancy mode, downlink short packet mode, or uplink short packet mode.

[0152] In one specific embodiment, the first resource reservation mode is used to instruct the second access point to request (or suggest) the first access point to perform one of the following within the first resource reservation duration:

[0153] The first access point occupies the channel during the first resource reservation period and does not perform data transmission, corresponding to the full occupancy mode;

[0154] The first access point sends downlink short data packets to other sites, corresponding to the downlink short data packet mode;

[0155] The first access point receives uplink short data packets sent by other sites, corresponding to the uplink short data packet mode.

[0156] In some embodiments, the target resource reservation duration is the first resource reservation duration, that is, the first access point may agree to the resource reservation duration requested by the second access point.

[0157] In some embodiments, the target resource reservation mode adopted by the first access point for performing seamless roaming for the first site is the first resource reservation mode, that is, the first access point may agree to the resource reservation mode requested by the second access point.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first resource reservation response information includes: a second resource reservation configuration, used to instruct the first access point to perform a resource reservation configuration for seamless roaming of the first site.

[0159] Optionally, the second resource reservation configuration can be the same as the first resource reservation configuration, or it can be different from the first resource reservation configuration. That is, the first access point can agree to the resource reservation configuration requested by the second access point, or it can determine its own resource reservation configuration.

[0160] In some embodiments, the second resource reservation configuration includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0161] The target resource reservation duration is used to indicate the duration for which the first access point reserves resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0162] The first access point is the target resource reservation mode adopted by the first site for performing seamless roaming reservation resources, such as full occupancy mode, downlink short packet mode, or uplink short packet mode.

[0163] In some specific embodiments, the target resource reservation mode is used to instruct the first access point to perform one of the following within the target resource reservation duration:

[0164] The first access point occupies the channel during the reserved time of the target resource and does not perform data transmission, which corresponds to the full occupancy mode;

[0165] The first access point sends downlink short data packets to other sites, corresponding to the downlink short data packet mode;

[0166] The first access point receives uplink short data packets sent by other sites, corresponding to the uplink short data packet mode.

[0167] In some embodiments, when the first access point agrees to the resource reservation duration requested (or suggested) by the second access point (i.e., the first resource reservation duration), the second resource reservation configuration may not include the resource reservation duration. In this case, the first resource reservation duration can be used as the target resource reservation duration.

[0168] In some embodiments, when the first access point disagrees with the resource reservation duration requested (or suggested) by the second access point (i.e., the first resource reservation duration), the second resource reservation configuration may include the resource reservation duration determined by the first access point. In this case, the resource reservation duration included in the second resource reservation configuration may be used as the target resource reservation duration.

[0169] In some embodiments, when the first access point agrees to the resource reservation mode requested (or suggested) by the second access point (i.e., the first resource reservation mode), the second resource reservation configuration may not include the resource reservation mode. In this case, the first resource reservation mode can be used as the target resource reservation mode adopted by the first access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0170] In some embodiments, when the first access point disagrees with the resource reservation mode requested (or suggested) by the second access point (i.e., the first resource reservation mode), the second resource reservation configuration may include the resource reservation mode determined by the first access point. In this case, the resource reservation mode included in the second resource reservation configuration may be used as the target resource reservation mode adopted by the first access point for performing seamless roaming for the first site.

[0171] In some embodiments of this application, as shown in FIG5, prior to S202, the method 200 further includes:

[0172] S201, the first station sends a second frame to the second access point. The second frame is used to request the second access point to set up a link between the first station and the first access point. The second frame includes second resource reservation request information, which is used to instruct the first station to request the first access point to reserve resource information for seamless roaming for the first station.

[0173] In some embodiments of this application, as shown in FIG5, after S203, the method 200 further includes:

[0174] S204, the second access point sends a third frame to the first site, the third frame being used to indicate the completion of link setup between the first site and the first access point, wherein the third frame includes second resource reservation response information, the second resource reservation response information being used to indicate that the first access point reserves resource information for seamless roaming for the first site.

[0175] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first site, the second access point, and the first access point can interact with resource reservation information during the link setup process. The first access point can determine an appropriate resource reservation duration and / or resource reservation mode based on the interacted resource reservation information. Furthermore, after the link setup is completed, the first access point can reserve resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming based on the resource reservation duration and / or resource reservation mode. In this way, when the first site or the second access point requests to perform link switching (or initiates a roaming switching request), the first access point can respond in a timely manner, ensuring timely link switching, reducing the waiting latency of seamless roaming, and improving seamless roaming performance.

[0176] In some embodiments, the second frame is also called a Link Setup Request frame, or a Link Configuration Request frame, or it may be replaced with other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0177] In some embodiments, the third frame is also called the Link Setup Response frame, or the Link Configuration Response frame, or it may be replaced with other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0178] In some embodiments, the second resource reservation request information may be used to determine the duration for which the first access point performs seamless roaming resource reservation for the first site, and / or the resource reservation mode adopted by the first access point for performing seamless roaming resource reservation for the first site.

[0179] In one specific embodiment, the second resource reservation request information may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0180] The data information to be transmitted between the second access point and the first site;

[0181] The latency requirements for seamless roaming at the first site;

[0182] The third resource reservation configuration is used to instruct the first site to request the first access point to perform the resource reservation configuration adopted for seamless roaming for the first site;

[0183] The first transmission duration is used to indicate the maximum duration during which the second access point and the first site are allowed to transmit data after the link setup is completed;

[0184] The first handover duration is used to indicate the duration required for the first site to switch from the second access point to the first access point.

[0185] In some embodiments, the data to be transmitted between the second access point and the first site may include, but is not limited to, the SCS information of the data to be transmitted and the size of the data to be transmitted. Optionally, the data to be transmitted information may be used to determine the duration required for the second access point and the first site to perform data transmission after the link setup is completed. This duration may be used to assist in determining the target resource reservation duration, for example, the target resource reservation duration needs to be greater than this duration.

[0186] In some embodiments, the latency requirement information for the first site to perform seamless roaming can be used to assist in determining the resource reservation configuration (e.g., target resource reservation duration, target resource reservation mode), first duration threshold, second duration threshold, etc., for the first access point to perform seamless roaming for the first site.

[0187] In some embodiments, the target resource reservation duration may be equal to the sum of the first transmission duration and the first handover duration, or the target resource reservation duration may be equal to the first transmission duration.

[0188] In some embodiments, the first handover duration may be related to the performance of the first site, the performance of the first access point, and the performance of the second access point.

[0189] In some embodiments, the third resource reservation configuration includes at least one of the following:

[0190] The third resource reservation duration is the duration during which the first site requests the first access point to reserve resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0191] The third resource reservation mode is used to indicate the resource reservation mode adopted by the first site when requesting the first access point to reserve resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming, such as secure occupancy mode, downlink short data packet mode, or uplink short data packet mode.

[0192] In one specific embodiment, the third resource reservation mode is used to instruct the first site to request the first access point to perform one of the following within the third resource reservation duration:

[0193] The first access point occupies the channel during the reserved time of the third resource and does not perform data transmission, which corresponds to the full occupancy mode;

[0194] The first access point sends downlink short data packets to other sites, corresponding to the downlink short data packet mode;

[0195] The first access point receives uplink short data packets sent by other sites, corresponding to the uplink short data packet mode.

[0196] In some embodiments, the target resource reservation duration may be equal to the third resource reservation duration.

[0197] In some embodiments, the target resource reservation mode and the third resource reservation mode adopted by the first access point for reserving resources for seamless roaming of the first site are the same.

[0198] In some embodiments, the target resource reservation duration is the third resource reservation duration, that is, the first access point may agree to the resource reservation duration requested by the first site.

[0199] In some embodiments, the target resource reservation mode adopted by the first access point for performing seamless roaming for the first site is the third resource reservation mode, that is, the first access point may agree to the resource reservation mode requested by the first site.

[0200] In some embodiments, the second resource reservation response information includes: a fourth resource reservation configuration, used to instruct the first access point to perform a resource reservation configuration for seamless roaming of the first site.

[0201] In some embodiments, the fourth resource reservation configuration includes at least one of the following:

[0202] The target resource reservation duration is the duration during which the first access point reserves resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0203] The first access point is the target resource reservation mode adopted by the first site for performing seamless roaming reservation resources, such as secure occupancy mode, downlink short data packet mode, or uplink short data packet mode.

[0204] In one specific embodiment, the target resource reservation mode is used to instruct the first access point to perform one of the following during the target resource reservation duration:

[0205] The first access point occupies the channel during the reserved time of the target resource and does not perform data transmission, which corresponds to the full occupancy mode;

[0206] The first access point sends downlink short data packets to other sites, corresponding to the downlink short data packet mode;

[0207] The first access point receives uplink short data packets sent by other sites, corresponding to the uplink short data packet mode.

[0208] In some embodiments, the resource reservation configuration adopted by the first access point for performing seamless roaming for the first site can be determined by the first site. In this case, there may be a first resource reservation configuration and a third resource reservation configuration, and the first resource reservation configuration and the third resource reservation configuration are the same. The second resource reservation configuration and the fourth resource reservation configuration can be defaulted, that is, the first access point agrees to the resource reservation configuration requested by the first site.

[0209] In other embodiments, the resource reservation configuration used by the first access point to perform seamless roaming for the first site may be determined by the second access point. In this case, there may be a first resource reservation configuration and a fourth resource reservation configuration, and the first resource reservation configuration and the fourth resource reservation configuration are the same. The second resource reservation configuration and the third resource reservation configuration may be defaulted, that is, the first access point agrees to the resource reservation configuration requested by the second access point.

[0210] In some other embodiments, the resource reservation configuration used by the first access point to perform seamless roaming for the first site can be determined by the first access point. In this case, there can be a second resource reservation configuration and a fourth resource reservation configuration, and the second resource reservation configuration and the fourth resource reservation configuration are the same. The first resource reservation configuration and the third resource reservation configuration can be defaulted.

[0211] In some embodiments, when the resource reservation mode adopted by the first access point for performing seamless roaming for the first site is that the first access point sends downlink short data packets to other sites (i.e., downlink short data packet mode) or the first access point receives uplink short data packets sent by other sites (i.e., uplink short data packet mode) within the target resource reservation period, the third frame also includes third indication information, which is used to instruct the first site to send a roaming handover request to the second access point. That is, when the first site subsequently initiates a roaming handover request, it sends the request to the second access point.

[0212] When the first access point adopts downlink short data packet mode or uplink short data packet mode within the target resource reservation time, if the first site initiates a roaming handover request (or requests to perform link handover) while the first access point is transmitting short data packets with other sites, it may cause the first access point to fail to receive the roaming handover request, resulting in seamless roaming failure. Therefore, in this embodiment, in this case, the second access point can restrict the first site to initiate a roaming handover request to the second access point. In this way, after receiving the roaming handover request, the second access point can send the handover request to the first access point via a wired method, thereby ensuring that the first access point can receive the handover request and ensuring the normal execution of the subsequent seamless roaming process.

[0213] It should be noted that performing link switching may include, but is not limited to, operations such as performing context switching and / or DS mapping switching.

[0214] The following, with reference to Figure 6, using STA1 as the first site, AP1 as the first access point, AP2 as the second access point, the link setting request frame as the second frame, and the link setting response frame as the third frame, describes the overall process of the seamless roaming method provided in this application embodiment.

[0215] As shown in Figure 6, the method may include the following steps:

[0216] Step 301: STA1 sends a link configuration request frame to AP2 to request link configuration between STA1 and AP1. The link configuration request frame includes second resource reservation request information.

[0217] This step 301 corresponds to SS201 in the aforementioned method 200.

[0218] The second resource reservation request information includes at least one of the following:

[0219] The data information to be transmitted between AP2 and STA1;

[0220] The STA1 performs latency requirements for seamless roaming;

[0221] The third resource reservation configuration is used to instruct the STA1 to request the first access point to perform the resource reservation configuration for seamless roaming for the STA1;

[0222] The first transmission duration is used to indicate the maximum duration during which AP2 and STA1 are allowed to transmit data after the link setup is completed;

[0223] The first handover duration is used to indicate the duration required for STA1 to switch from AP2 to AP1.

[0224] Step 302, AP1 and AP2 configure the link between STA1 and AP1.

[0225] Specifically, this may include the following steps:

[0226] AP2 sends a first resource reservation request to AP1, instructing AP2 to request AP1 to reserve resource information for STA1 to perform seamless roaming. This step corresponds to S202 in the aforementioned method 200.

[0227] AP1 sends a first resource reservation response message to AP2, which instructs AP1 to reserve resource information for STA1 to perform seamless roaming. This step corresponds to S203 in the aforementioned method 200.

[0228] The first resource reservation request information includes at least one of the following:

[0229] The data information to be transmitted between AP2 and STA1;

[0230] The STA1 performs latency requirements for seamless roaming;

[0231] The first resource reservation duration is used to indicate the duration for which AP2 requests AP1 to reserve resources for seamless roaming for STA1;

[0232] The first resource reservation mode is used to indicate the resource reservation mode that AP2 requests (or suggests) for AP1 to reserve resources for STA1 to perform seamless roaming, such as full occupancy mode, downlink short packet mode, or uplink short packet mode.

[0233] The first resource reservation response information includes at least one of the following:

[0234] The target resource reservation duration is used to indicate the duration for AP1 to reserve resources for STA1 to perform seamless roaming;

[0235] The AP1 is the target resource reservation mode adopted by STA1 for performing seamless roaming reservation resources, such as full occupancy mode, downlink short packet mode, or uplink short packet mode.

[0236] Optionally, in step 302, AP1 and AP2 may also perform partial context switching, such as the context switching (1) described above.

[0237] In step 303, AP1 sends a first frame, wherein the duration field of the first frame is used to indicate the target resource reservation duration. This step 303 corresponds to S220 in the aforementioned method 200.

[0238] AP1 may perform one of the following operations within the target resource reservation period:

[0239] AP1 occupies the channel during the target resource reservation period without performing data transmission, corresponding to the full occupancy mode;

[0240] AP1 sends downlink short data packets to other stations, corresponding to the downlink short data packet mode;

[0241] AP1 receives uplink short data packets sent by other stations, corresponding to the uplink short data packet mode.

[0242] Step 304: AP2 sends a link setup response frame to STA1 to indicate that the link setup between STA1 and AP1 is complete. This link setup response frame includes at least one of the following:

[0243] The target resource reservation duration is used to indicate the duration for AP1 to reserve resources for STA1 to perform seamless roaming;

[0244] AP1 uses the target resource reservation mode adopted by STA1 to perform seamless roaming reservations, such as full occupancy mode, short packet mode, such as downlink short packet mode or uplink short packet mode.

[0245] Step 305: If there is still data to be transmitted from AP2 to STA1 within the first transmission duration, AP2 can send downlink data to STA1.

[0246] Step 306: STA1 sends a handover request frame to AP2 to request a link handover.

[0247] In step 307, AP1 and AP2 perform link switching, including operations such as performing context switching and / or DS mapping switching. Optionally, the context switching in step 307 can be the context switching (2) described above.

[0248] Step 308: AP2 sends a handover response frame to STA1 to indicate that the link handover is complete, or in other words, that the target link is available. The name of this handover response frame is only an example and can be replaced with other names, such as roaming handover response, link handover response, etc.

[0249] Step 309: AP1 sends a Roam Check frame to STA1, such as a Request to Send (RTS) frame, to determine whether the target link is available. The name of the Roam Check frame is merely an example and can be replaced with other names; this application does not limit its application to this.

[0250] Step 310: STA1 sends a Roam Check Ack frame to AP1, such as a Clear to Send (CTS) frame. The name of the Roam Check Ack frame is merely an example and can be replaced with other names; this application does not limit its application to this.

[0251] Step 311, AP1 and STA1 perform data transmission.

[0252] It should be noted that the above process may also exclude steps 309 and 310, with AP1 directly transmitting data with STA1. Step S306 can also be replaced by: STA1 can send a handover request to AP1. Correspondingly, step 308 can be replaced by: AP1 sending a handover response to STA1.

[0253] The following, in conjunction with Figures 7 to 9, explains the seamless roaming process in the full occupancy mode and downlink short packet mode in the example shown in Figure 6.

[0254] Figure 7 illustrates a seamless roaming process in a fully occupied mode according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 7, it may include the following steps:

[0255] Step 1: STA1 sends a link setup request frame to AP2, corresponding to step 301 above. For specific implementation details, please refer to the relevant description in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0256] Step 2: Configure the link between AP1 and STA1 between AP2 and AP1, corresponding to step 302 above. For specific implementation, please refer to the relevant description in the above embodiments.

[0257] Optionally, in step 2, AP1 and AP2 may also perform partial context switching, such as the context switching (1) described above.

[0258] Step 3: AP1 sends the first frame, corresponding to step 303 above. For specific implementation details, please refer to the relevant description in the preceding embodiments. Upon receiving the first frame, the STA sets its own NAV to the target resource reservation duration according to the indication in the duration field of the first frame, and does not transmit data with AP1 during this duration.

[0259] Step 4: AP2 sends a link setting response frame to STA1, corresponding to step 304 above. For specific implementation details, please refer to the relevant description in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0260] Step 5: During the first transmission duration, AP2 and STA1 perform data transmission, corresponding to the aforementioned step 305.

[0261] Step 6: STA1 sends a handover request frame to AP2 to request a link handover, corresponding to step 306 above.

[0262] Step 7: AP2 and AP1 perform link switching, including operations such as context switching and / or DS mapping switching. AP1 and AP2 can perform Step 7 via wired or wireless air interface. Optionally, the context switching in Step 7 can be the context switching (2) described above.

[0263] Step 8: AP2 sends a handover response frame to STA1 to indicate that the link handover is complete.

[0264] Step 9: AP1 sends a roaming check frame, such as an RTS frame, to STA1. The STA that receives the RTS frame sets its own NAV to the duration indicated by the duration field in the RTS.

[0265] Step 10: STA1 sends a roaming check confirmation frame, such as a CTS frame, to AP1.

[0266] Step 11: AP1 and STA1 transmit data.

[0267] It should be noted that the seamless roaming process in Figure 7 may include steps 9 and 10, or may not include steps 9 and 10. That is, AP1 can directly transmit data with STA1, and this application does not limit this.

[0268] Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, the roaming execution steps may include steps 6, 7 and 8.

[0269] Figure 8 shows another seamless roaming process in full occupancy mode provided by the embodiments of this application. The difference between the seamless roaming process shown in Figure 7 and the seamless roaming process shown in Figure 8 is that in step 6, STA1 sends a handover request frame to AP1, and in step 8, AP1 sends a handover response frame to STA1. The sending of the roaming check frame in step 9 is omitted. The other steps are the same and will not be described in detail here.

[0270] Figure 9 illustrates a seamless roaming process under downlink short data packet mode provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 9, it may include the following steps:

[0271] Step 1: STA1 sends a link setup request frame to AP2, corresponding to step 301 above. For specific implementation details, please refer to the relevant description in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0272] Step 2: Configure the link between AP1 and STA1 between AP2 and AP1, corresponding to step 302 above. For specific implementation, please refer to the relevant description in the above embodiments.

[0273] Optionally, in step 2, AP1 and AP2 may also perform partial context switching, such as the context switching (1) described above.

[0274] Step 3: AP1 sends the first frame, corresponding to step 303 above. For specific implementation details, please refer to the relevant description in the preceding embodiments. In this embodiment, the first frame can be used to instruct AP1 to transmit data using downlink short data packet mode within the target reserved duration.

[0275] Step 4: AP2 sends a link setting response frame to STA1, corresponding to step 304 above. For specific implementation details, please refer to the relevant description in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0276] Step 5: During the first transmission duration, AP2 and STA1 perform data transmission, corresponding to the aforementioned step 305.

[0277] During the target resource reservation period, AP1 sends downlink short data packets to other STAs intermittently.

[0278] Step 6: STA1 sends a handover request frame to AP2 to request a link handover, corresponding to step 306 above.

[0279] Step 7: AP2 and AP1 perform operations such as context switching and DS mapping switching. Optionally, the context switching in step 7 can be context switching (2). AP1 and AP2 can perform step 7 via wired or wireless air interface.

[0280] If AP1 is sending downlink short data packets to other STAs in step 7, AP2 can send a handover response frame to STA1 after AP1 has finished transmitting its downlink short data packets.

[0281] Step 8: AP2 sends a handover response frame to STA1 to indicate that the link handover is complete.

[0282] Step 9: AP1 cancels the transmission of subsequent short data packets and sends a roaming check frame, such as an RTS frame, to STA1. The STA receiving the RTS frame sets its own NAV to the duration indicated by the duration field in the RTS.

[0283] Step 10: STA1 sends a roaming check confirmation frame, such as a CTS frame, to AP1.

[0284] Step 11: AP1 and STA1 transmit data.

[0285] Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, the roaming execution steps may include steps 6, 7 and 8.

[0286] It should be noted that the seamless roaming process in Figure 9 may include steps 9 and 10, or may not include steps 9 and 10. That is, AP1 can directly transmit data with STA1, and this application does not limit this.

[0287] In some embodiments, when the latency requirement for seamless roaming performed by the first site is high and / or the handover time (i.e., the first handover time) for link handover performed by the first site is short, the first access point may adopt a full occupancy mode, which is beneficial to meeting the latency requirement for seamless roaming performed by the first site and improving seamless roaming performance.

[0288] In other embodiments, when the latency requirement for seamless roaming performed by the first site is low and / or the handover time (i.e., the first handover time) for link switching performed by the first site is long, the first access point may adopt a downlink short data packet mode or an uplink short data packet mode. This is beneficial for balancing the seamless roaming performance of the first site with the transmission needs of the first access point or other sites, thereby improving channel utilization.

[0289] The following describes the frame structure design of the first, second, and third frames involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0290] First, the frame structure design of the first frame will be explained.

[0291] In some embodiments, the first frame may be a CTS frame, an RTS frame, or a newly defined frame for resource reservation (or a resource reservation frame, or a reservation frame, or other names may be used), and this application does not limit this. The duration field of the first frame is set to the target resource reservation duration, and the RA field is set to the MAC address of the first access point.

[0292] For example, when the first access point adopts the full occupancy mode, the first frame can be a CTS frame (that is, using the CTS-to-self method), where the duration field of the CTS frame is set to the target resource reservation duration, and the RA field is set to the MAC address of the first access point.

[0293] For example, when the first access point adopts downlink short packet mode or uplink short packet mode, the first frame can be a CTS frame, an RTS frame, or a newly defined frame for resource reservation, which is used to indicate that the first access point adopts downlink short packet mode or uplink short packet mode within the target resource reservation duration.

[0294] The following describes the frame structure design of the second frame sent from the first station to the source access point.

[0295] In some embodiments, the second frame may be a management frame. For example, the management frame may carry a first element, which is used to carry second resource reservation request information. Optionally, the first element may be a Resource Information Container (RIC) descriptor type defined in the 802.11ax protocol, or a newly defined element type for 802.11bn seamless roaming may be used. This application does not limit this.

[0296] In some embodiments, the first element may include at least one of the following fields:

[0297] The SCS field is used to indicate the SCS information of the data to be transmitted between the second access point and the first site.

[0298] The latency requirement field is used to indicate the latency requirements for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0299] The duration field is used to indicate the first resource reservation duration, that is, the duration for which the second access point requests the first access point to reserve resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0300] The mode field indicates the first resource reservation mode, that is, the resource reservation mode that the second access point requests (or suggests) the first access point to use to reserve resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming, such as full occupancy mode, downlink short packet mode, or uplink short packet mode.

[0301] In some embodiments, the second frame may also be a data frame or a control frame. For example, the second resource reservation request information may be carried using an uplink data frame or uplink control frame sent by the first station to the source access point. In this case, the second resource reservation request information may be carried in the HT-control field of the data frame or control frame.

[0302] For example, the HT-control field may include at least one of the following fields:

[0303] The SCS field is used to indicate the SCS information of the data to be transmitted between the second access point and the first site.

[0304] The latency requirement field is used to indicate the latency requirements for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0305] The duration field is used to indicate the first resource reservation duration, that is, the duration for which the second access point requests the first access point to reserve resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0306] The mode field indicates the first resource reservation mode, that is, the resource reservation mode that the second access point requests (or suggests) the first access point to use to reserve resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming, such as full occupancy mode, downlink short packet mode, or uplink short packet mode.

[0307] The following describes the frame structure design of the third frame sent from the source access point to the first site.

[0308] In some embodiments, the third frame may be a management frame. For example, the management frame may carry a second element, which is used to carry second resource reservation response information. Optionally, the second element may be a RIC descriptor type defined in the 802.11ax protocol, or a newly defined element type for 802.11bn seamless roaming may be used; this application does not limit this. Optionally, the aforementioned third indication information may also be carried through the second element.

[0309] In some embodiments, the second element may include at least one of the following fields:

[0310] The duration field is used to indicate the duration of the target resource reservation, that is, the duration for which the first access point reserves resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0311] The mode field indicates the target resource reservation mode adopted by the first access point to perform seamless roaming reservation for the first site, such as full occupancy mode, downlink short packet mode, or uplink short packet mode.

[0312] The third indication field is used to instruct the first site to send a roaming handover request to the second access point.

[0313] In some embodiments, the third frame may also be a data frame or a control frame. For example, the second resource reservation response information may be carried using a downlink data frame or a downlink control frame sent from the source access point to the first site. In this case, the second resource reservation response information may be carried in the HT-control field of the data frame or control frame.

[0314] For example, the HT-control field may include at least one of the following fields:

[0315] The duration field is used to indicate the duration of the target resource reservation, that is, the duration for which the first access point reserves resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0316] The mode field indicates the target resource reservation mode adopted by the first access point to perform seamless roaming reservation for the first site, such as full occupancy mode, downlink short packet mode, or uplink short packet mode.

[0317] The third indication field is used to instruct the first site to send a roaming handover request to the second access point.

[0318] In summary, in this embodiment, the target access point can send a first frame during seamless roaming. The duration field of the first frame is used to indicate the target resource reservation duration. Thus, the target access point can reserve resources for the first site for seamless roaming within the target resource reservation duration. In this way, when the first site or the source access point requests to perform link switching (or initiates a roaming switching request) within the target resource reservation duration, the target access point can respond in a timely manner, ensuring timely link switching, reducing the waiting latency of seamless roaming, and improving seamless roaming performance.

[0319] In some implementations, the first access point can occupy the channel within the reserved time of the target resource, but does not perform data transmission. Then, when the first site or the second access point requests to perform link switching (or initiates a roaming switching request) within the reserved time of the target resource, the first access point can respond in a timely manner, ensuring timely link switching, reducing the waiting latency of seamless roaming, and improving the performance of seamless roaming.

[0320] In some implementations, the first access point can send downlink short data packets to other sites within the reserved time of the target resource. Since the downlink short data packets are short, even if the first site or the second access point requests to perform a link handover (or initiates a roaming handover request) during the transmission of the downlink short data packets, the time for the first site or the second access point to wait for the first access point to respond is also short. This can ensure timely link handover within a certain time, reduce the waiting latency of seamless roaming, and improve the performance of seamless roaming.

[0321] In some other implementations, the first access point can receive uplink short data packets sent by other sites within the target resource reservation time. Since the duration of the uplink short data packets is short, even if the first site or the second access point requests to perform link switching (or initiates a roaming switching request) during the transmission of the uplink short data packets, the time for the first site or the second access point to wait for the first access point to respond is also short. To a certain extent, this can also ensure timely link switching, reduce the waiting latency of seamless roaming, and improve the performance of seamless roaming.

[0322] The method embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to Figures 5 to 9. The device embodiments of this application have been described in detail below with reference to Figures 10 to 15. It should be understood that the device embodiments correspond to the method embodiments, and similar descriptions can be referred to the method embodiments.

[0323] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 400 according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device 400 can be a first access point, or a component within the first access point, such as a chip, circuit, or module. As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 400 includes:

[0324] Processing module 410 is used to generate a first frame, the first frame including a duration field, the duration field being used to indicate the target resource reservation duration, the target resource reservation duration being the duration for which the first access point reserves resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming, and the first access point being the target access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0325] The transceiver module 420 is used to send the first frame.

[0326] In some embodiments, the processing module 410 is further configured to:

[0327] After the transceiver module 420 sends the first frame, it occupies the channel for the target resource reservation period and does not perform data transmission.

[0328] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 420 is further configured to:

[0329] After the transceiver module 420 sends the first frame, it sends a downlink short data packet to the second station within the target resource reservation time, wherein the duration of the downlink short data packet does not exceed a first duration threshold.

[0330] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 420 is further configured to:

[0331] After sending the first frame, an uplink short data packet sent by a third station is received within the target resource reservation time, wherein the duration of the uplink short data packet does not exceed a second duration threshold.

[0332] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 420 is further configured to:

[0333] Send a first indication message and / or a second indication message to the third station, wherein the first indication message is used to indicate the second duration threshold, and the second indication message is used to indicate that the uplink short data packet transmission is allowed to be interrupted.

[0334] In some embodiments, the first duration threshold is determined based on latency requirements information for seamless roaming performed by the first site; and / or

[0335] The second duration threshold is determined based on the latency requirements of the first site for performing seamless roaming.

[0336] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 420 is further configured to:

[0337] Before sending the first frame, a first resource reservation request message is received from a second access point, wherein the first resource reservation request message instructs the second access point to request resource information reserved by the first access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming, and the second access point is the source access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming; and

[0338] Send a first resource reservation response message to the second access point. The first resource reservation response message is used to instruct the first access point to reserve resource information for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0339] In some embodiments, the first resource reservation request information includes at least one of the following:

[0340] Data information to be transmitted between the second access point and the first site;

[0341] The latency requirements for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0342] The first resource reservation configuration is used to instruct the second access point to request the first access point to perform the resource reservation configuration for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0343] In some embodiments, the first resource reservation configuration includes a first resource reservation mode and / or a first resource reservation duration;

[0344] Wherein, the first resource reservation duration is the duration during which the second access point requests the first access point to reserve resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0345] The first resource reservation mode is used to instruct the second access point to request the first access point to perform one of the following within the first resource reservation duration:

[0346] The first access point occupies the channel during the first resource reservation period and does not perform data transmission;

[0347] The first access point sends downlink short data packets to other sites;

[0348] The first access point receives uplink short data packets sent by other sites.

[0349] In some embodiments, the first resource reservation response information includes: a second resource reservation configuration, used to instruct the first access point to use the resource reservation configuration for performing seamless roaming for the first site.

[0350] In some embodiments, the second resource reservation configuration includes at least one of the following:

[0351] The target resource reservation duration;

[0352] The first access point is the target resource reservation mode adopted by the first site to perform seamless roaming resource reservation;

[0353] The target resource reservation mode is used to instruct the first access point to perform one of the following within the target resource reservation duration:

[0354] The first access point occupies the channel during the target resource reservation period and does not perform data transmission;

[0355] The first access point sends downlink short data packets to other sites;

[0356] The first access point receives uplink short data packets sent by other sites.

[0357] Optionally, in some embodiments, the transceiver module described above may be a communication interface or transceiver, or an input / output interface of a communication chip or system-on-a-chip. The processing module described above may be one or more processors.

[0358] It should be understood that the apparatus 400 according to the embodiments of this application may correspond to the first access point in the method embodiments of this application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the apparatus 400 are respectively to implement the corresponding process of the first access point in the embodiments of FIG5 to FIG9. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0359] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 500 can be a second access point, or a component within the second access point, such as a chip, circuit, or module. The communication device 500 of Figure 11 includes:

[0360] Transceiver module 510 is configured to receive a second frame sent by a first station. The second frame requests a second access point to configure a link between the first station and the first access point. The second frame includes second resource reservation request information, which instructs the first station to request the first access point to reserve resources for seamless roaming. The second access point is the source access point for the seamless roaming operation, and the first access point is the target access point for the seamless roaming operation.

[0361] A third frame is sent to the first site, the third frame being used to indicate the completion of link setup between the first site and the first access point, wherein the third frame includes second resource reservation response information, the second resource reservation response information being used to indicate that the first access point reserves resource information for seamless roaming for the first site.

[0362] Optionally, the communication device 500 further includes:

[0363] The processing module 520 is used to control the transceiver module 510 to receive the second frame sent by the first station and to send the third frame to the first station.

[0364] In some embodiments, the second resource reservation request information includes at least one of the following:

[0365] Data information to be transmitted between the second access point and the first site;

[0366] The latency requirements for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0367] The third resource reservation configuration is used to instruct the first site to request the first access point to perform the resource reservation configuration for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0368] The first transmission duration is used to indicate the maximum duration during which the second access point and the first site are allowed to transmit data after the link setup is completed;

[0369] The first handover duration is used to indicate the duration required for the first site to switch from the second access point to the first access point.

[0370] In some embodiments, the third resource reservation configuration includes a third resource reservation mode and / or a third resource reservation duration;

[0371] The third resource reservation duration is the duration during which the first site requests the first access point to reserve resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0372] The third resource reservation mode is used to instruct the first site to request the first access point to perform one of the following within the third resource reservation duration:

[0373] The first access point occupies the channel during the third resource reservation period and does not perform data transmission;

[0374] The first access point sends downlink short data packets to other sites;

[0375] The first access point receives uplink short data packets sent by other sites.

[0376] In some embodiments, the second resource reservation response information includes the following:

[0377] The fourth resource reservation configuration is used to instruct the first access point on the resource reservation configuration adopted for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0378] In some embodiments, the fourth resource reservation configuration includes a target resource reservation mode and / or a target resource reservation duration;

[0379] Wherein, the target resource reservation duration is the duration for which the first access point reserves resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0380] The target resource reservation mode is used to instruct the first access point to perform one of the following within the target resource reservation duration:

[0381] The first access point occupies the channel during the target resource reservation period and does not perform data transmission;

[0382] The first access point sends downlink short data packets to other sites;

[0383] The first access point receives uplink short data packets sent by other sites.

[0384] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 510 is further configured to:

[0385] After receiving the second frame sent by the first site, and before sending the third frame to the first site, a first resource reservation request message is sent to the first access point, wherein the first resource reservation request message is used to instruct the second access point to request the first access point to reserve resource information for seamless roaming for the first site; and

[0386] The system receives a first resource reservation response message sent by the first access point. The first resource reservation response message is used to instruct the first access point to reserve resource information for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0387] In some embodiments, the first resource reservation request information includes at least one of the following:

[0388] Data information to be transmitted between the second access point and the first site;

[0389] The latency requirements for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0390] The first resource reservation configuration is used to instruct the second access point to request the first access point to perform the resource reservation configuration for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0391] In some embodiments, the first resource reservation response information includes:

[0392] The second resource reservation configuration is used to instruct the first access point on the resource reservation configuration adopted for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0393] In some embodiments, when the resource reservation mode adopted by the first access point for seamless roaming of the first site is such that the first access point sends downlink short data packets to other sites or receives uplink short data packets sent by other sites within the target resource reservation period, the third frame further includes third indication information, which is used to instruct the first site to send to the second access point when it subsequently initiates a roaming handover request.

[0394] In some embodiments, the second frame is a management frame, a data frame, or a control frame.

[0395] In some embodiments, the second frame is a data frame or a control frame, and the second resource reservation request information is carried in the high throughput control field of the data frame or control frame.

[0396] In some embodiments, the third frame is a management frame, a data frame, or a control frame.

[0397] In some embodiments, the third frame is a data frame or a control frame, and the second resource reservation response information is carried in the high throughput control field of the data frame or control frame.

[0398] Optionally, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may be a communication interface or transceiver, or an input / output interface of a communication chip or system-on-a-chip.

[0399] It should be understood that the apparatus 500 according to the embodiments of this application may correspond to the second access point in the method embodiments of this application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the apparatus 500 are respectively to implement the corresponding process of the second access point in the method embodiments shown in FIG5 to FIG9. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0400] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device 600 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 600 can be a first station, or a component within the first station, such as a chip, circuit, or module. The communication device 600 in Figure 12 includes:

[0401] The transceiver module 610 is configured to send a second frame to a second access point. The second frame requests the second access point to configure a link between the first site and the first access point. The second access point is the source access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming, and the first access point is the target access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming. The second frame includes second resource reservation request information, which instructs the first site to request resource information reserved by the first access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0402] The system receives a third frame sent by the second access point. The third frame is used to indicate the completion of link setup between the first site and the first access point. The second frame includes second resource reservation response information, which is used to indicate that the second access point reserves resource information for seamless roaming for the first site.

[0403] Optionally, the communication device 600 further includes:

[0404] The processing module 620 is used to control the transceiver module 610 to send a second frame to the second access point and to receive a third frame sent by the second access point.

[0405] In some embodiments, the second resource reservation request information includes at least one of the following:

[0406] Data information to be transmitted between the second access point and the first site;

[0407] The latency requirements for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0408] The third resource reservation configuration is used to instruct the first site to request the first access point to perform the resource reservation configuration for the first site to perform seamless roaming;

[0409] The first transmission duration is used to indicate the maximum duration during which the second access point and the first site are allowed to transmit data after the link setup is completed;

[0410] The first handover duration is used to indicate the duration required for the first site to switch from the second access point to the first access point.

[0411] In some embodiments, the second resource reservation response information includes:

[0412] The fourth resource reservation configuration is used to instruct the first access point on the resource reservation configuration adopted for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

[0413] Optionally, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may be a communication interface or transceiver, or an input / output interface of a communication chip or system-on-a-chip.

[0414] It should be understood that the device 600 according to the embodiments of this application may correspond to the first station in the method embodiments of this application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the device 600 are respectively to implement the corresponding process of the first station in the method embodiments shown in FIG5 to FIG9. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0415] Figure 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 700 shown in Figure 13 includes a processor 710, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0416] Optionally, as shown in FIG13, the communication device 700 may further include a memory 720. The processor 710 can call and run a computer program from the memory 720 to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application. For example, when the communication device 700 is a first station, the processor 710 can call and run a computer program from the memory 720 to implement the various steps of the method embodiments executed by the first station, achieving the same technical effect. When the communication device 700 is a first access point or a second access point, the processor 710 can call and run a computer program from the memory 720 to implement the various steps of the method embodiments executed by the first access point or the second access point, achieving the same technical effect.

[0417] Alternatively, the memory 720 may be a separate device independent of the processor 710, or it may be integrated into the processor 710.

[0418] Optionally, as shown in FIG13, the communication device 700 may further include a transceiver 730, and the processor 710 may control the transceiver 730 to communicate with other devices. Specifically, it may send information or data to other devices or receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0419] Optionally, transceiver 730 may include a transmitter and a receiver. Transceiver 730 may further include antennas, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0420] Figure 14 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip provided in an embodiment of this application. The chip 800 shown in Figure 14 includes a processor 810, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0421] Optionally, as shown in FIG14, chip 800 may further include memory 820. Processor 810 can retrieve and run computer programs from memory 820 to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0422] Alternatively, the memory 820 may be a separate device independent of the processor 810, or it may be integrated into the processor 810.

[0423] Optionally, the chip 800 may also include an input interface 830. The processor 810 can control the input interface 830 to communicate with other devices or chips, for example, to acquire information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0424] Optionally, the chip 800 may also include an output interface 840. The processor 810 can control the output interface 840 to communicate with other devices or chips, for example, to output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0425] In some embodiments, the input interface 830 and the output interface 840 can be implemented through a single input / output interface. Optionally, the chip can be applied to the first access point or the second access point in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the first access point or the second access point in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, these will not be described in detail here.

[0426] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the first station in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the first station in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0427] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[0428] Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 15, the communication system 900 includes a station 910, a first access point 920, and a second access point 930.

[0429] The station 910 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the first station in the above method, the first access point 920 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the first access point in the above method, and the second access point 930 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the second access point in the above method. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0430] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor described above can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0431] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0432] It should be understood that the above-described memory is exemplary and not a limiting description. For example, the memory in the embodiments of this application may also be static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct memory bus RAM (DR RAM), etc. That is to say, the memory in the embodiments of this application is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0433] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the various processes of the above-described method embodiments.

[0434] Optionally, the readable storage medium can be applied to the access point in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the access point in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0435] Optionally, the readable storage medium can be applied to the site in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the site in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0436] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the various processes of the above-described method embodiments.

[0437] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the access point in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the access point in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0438] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the site in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the site in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0439] This application also provides a computer program. When executed by a processor, this computer program implements the various processes of the above-described method embodiments.

[0440] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the access point in the embodiments of this application. The computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the access point in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0441] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the site in the embodiments of this application. The computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the site in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0442] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0443] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0444] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0445] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0446] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0447] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0448] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A seamless roaming method, comprising: The first access point generates a first frame, which includes a duration field. The duration field is used to indicate the target resource reservation duration. The target resource reservation duration is the duration for which the first access point reserves resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming. The first access point is the target access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming. The first access point sends the first frame.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, After the first access point sends the first frame, the method further includes: The first access point occupies the channel during the target resource reservation period and does not perform data transmission; or, The first access point sends a downlink short data packet to the second site within the target resource reservation time, wherein the duration of the downlink short data packet does not exceed a first duration threshold; or The first access point receives an uplink short data packet sent by the third site within the target resource reservation time, wherein the duration of the uplink short data packet does not exceed a second duration threshold.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: The first access point sends a first indication message and / or a second indication message to the third site, wherein the first indication message is used to indicate the second duration threshold, and the second indication message is used to indicate that the uplink short data packet transmission is allowed to be interrupted.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The first duration threshold is determined based on the latency requirements of the first site performing seamless roaming; and / or The second duration threshold is determined based on the latency requirements of the first site for performing seamless roaming.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein before the first access point sends the first frame, the method further comprises: The first access point receives a first resource reservation request information sent by the second access point, wherein the first resource reservation request information is used to instruct the second access point to request the first access point to reserve resource information for the first site to perform seamless roaming, and the second access point is the source access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming; The first access point sends a first resource reservation response information to the second access point. The first resource reservation response information is used to instruct the first access point to reserve resource information for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The first resource reservation request information includes at least one of the following: Data information to be transmitted between the second access point and the first site; The latency requirements for the first site to perform seamless roaming; The first resource reservation configuration is used to instruct the second access point to request the first access point to perform the resource reservation configuration for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The first resource reservation configuration includes a first resource reservation mode and / or a first resource reservation duration; Wherein, the first resource reservation duration is the duration during which the second access point requests the first access point to reserve resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming; The first resource reservation mode is used to instruct the second access point to request the first access point to perform one of the following within the first resource reservation duration: The first access point occupies the channel during the first resource reservation period, but does not perform data transmission; The first access point sends downlink short data packets to other sites; The first access point receives uplink short data packets sent by other sites.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein, The first resource reservation response information includes: a second resource reservation configuration, used to instruct the first access point to use the resource reservation configuration for seamless roaming of the first site.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The second resource reservation configuration includes at least one of the following: The target resource reservation duration; The first access point is the target resource reservation mode adopted by the first site to perform seamless roaming resource reservation; The target resource reservation mode is used to instruct the first access point to perform one of the following within the target resource reservation duration: The first access point occupies the channel during the target reserved time period and does not perform data transmission; The first access point sends downlink short data packets to other sites; The first access point receives uplink short data packets sent by other sites.

10. A seamless roaming method, comprising: The second access point receives a second frame sent by the first site. The second frame is used to request the second access point to set up a link between the first site and the first access point. The second frame includes second resource reservation request information, which is used to instruct the first site to request the first access point to reserve resource information for the first site to perform seamless roaming. The second access point is the source access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming, and the first access point is the target access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming. The second access point sends a third frame to the first site. The third frame is used to indicate the completion of the link setup between the first site and the first access point. The third frame includes second resource reservation response information, which is used to instruct the first access point to reserve resource information for seamless roaming for the first site.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The second resource reservation request information includes at least one of the following: Data information to be transmitted between the second access point and the first site; The latency requirements for the first site to perform seamless roaming; The third resource reservation configuration is used to instruct the first site to request the first access point to perform the resource reservation configuration for the first site to perform seamless roaming; The first transmission duration is used to indicate the maximum duration during which the second access point and the first site are allowed to transmit data after the link setup is completed; The first handover duration is used to indicate the duration required for the first site to switch from the second access point to the first access point.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The third resource reservation configuration includes the third resource reservation mode and / or the third resource reservation duration; Wherein, the third resource reservation duration is the duration during which the first site requests the first access point to reserve resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming; The third resource reservation mode is used to instruct the first site to request the first access point to perform one of the following within the third resource reservation duration: The first access point occupies the channel during the third resource reservation period and does not perform data transmission; The first access point sends downlink short data packets to other sites; The first access point receives uplink short data packets sent by other sites.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein, The second resource reservation response information includes the following: The fourth resource reservation configuration is used to instruct the first access point on the resource reservation configuration adopted for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The fourth resource reservation configuration includes the target resource reservation mode and / or the target resource reservation duration; Wherein, the target resource reservation duration is the duration for which the first access point reserves resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming; The target resource reservation mode is used to instruct the first access point to perform one of the following within the target resource reservation duration: The first access point occupies the channel during the target resource reservation period and does not perform data transmission; The first access point sends downlink short data packets to other sites; The first access point receives uplink short data packets sent by other sites.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10-14, wherein after the second access point receives the second frame sent by the first site, and before the second access point sends the third frame to the first site, the method further comprises: The second access point sends a first resource reservation request to the first access point, wherein the first resource reservation request is used to instruct the second access point to request the first access point to reserve resource information for the first site to perform seamless roaming; The second access point receives the first resource reservation response information sent by the first access point. The first resource reservation response information is used to instruct the first access point to reserve resource information for the first site to perform seamless roaming.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10-15, wherein the resource reservation mode adopted by the first access point for seamless roaming of the first site is such that the first access point sends downlink short data packets to other sites or receives uplink short data packets sent by other sites within the target resource reservation period, the third frame further includes third indication information, used to instruct the first site to send to the second access point when it subsequently initiates a roaming handover request.

17. A seamless roaming method, comprising: The first site sends a second frame to the second access point. The second frame is used to request the second access point to set up a link between the first site and the first access point. The second access point is the source access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming, and the first access point is the target access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming. The second frame includes second resource reservation request information, which is used to instruct the first site to request the first access point to reserve resource information for the first site to perform seamless roaming. The first station receives a third frame sent by the second access point. The third frame is used to indicate the completion of the link setup between the first station and the first access point. The second frame includes second resource reservation response information, which is used to instruct the second access point to reserve resource information for seamless roaming for the first station.

18. A communication device, wherein the communication device is a first access point, or is disposed in a first access point, the communication device comprising: The processing module is used to generate a first frame, the first frame including a duration field, the duration field being used to indicate the target resource reservation duration, the target resource reservation duration being the duration for which the first access point reserves resources for the first site to perform seamless roaming, and the first access point being the target access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming; The transceiver module is used to send the first frame.

19. A communication device, wherein the communication device is a second access point, or is disposed in a second access point, the communication device comprising: The transceiver module is used to receive a second frame sent by a first station. The second frame is used to request a second access point to configure a link between the first station and the first access point. The second frame includes second resource reservation request information, which instructs the first station to request the first access point to reserve resources for seamless roaming. The second access point is the source access point for the seamless roaming operation performed by the first station, and the first access point is the target access point for the seamless roaming operation performed by the first station. A third frame is sent to the first site, the third frame being used to indicate the completion of link setup between the first site and the first access point, wherein the third frame includes second resource reservation response information, the second resource reservation response information being used to indicate that the first access point reserves resource information for seamless roaming for the first site.

20. A communication device, wherein the communication device is a first station, or is disposed in a first station, the communication device comprising: The transceiver module is used to send a second frame to a second access point. The second frame requests the second access point to configure a link between the first site and the first access point. The second access point is the source access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming, and the first access point is the target access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming. The second frame includes second resource reservation request information, which instructs the first site to request resource information reserved by the first access point for the first site to perform seamless roaming. The system receives a third frame sent by the second access point. The third frame is used to indicate the completion of link setup between the first site and the first access point. The second frame includes second resource reservation response information, which is used to indicate that the second access point reserves resource information for seamless roaming for the first site.

21. A communication device, comprising: A processor and a memory for storing a computer program, the processor for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16, or the method as claimed in claim 17.

22. A chip, comprising: A processor for retrieving and running a computer program from memory, causing a device having the chip mounted to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16, or the method as claimed in claim 17.

23. A readable storage medium for storing a computer program that causes a computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16, or the method as claimed in claim 17.

Images