阅读说明：本技术 在具有多个接入点的网络中的信道选择约束 (Channel selection constraint in the network with multiple access points ) 是由 A·K·帕塔克 S·卡塔尔 X·黄 K·赖 于 2018-04-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开内容提供了用于在具有多个接入点(AP)的网络中传送信道选择约束的系统、方法和装置,包括在计算机可读介质上编码的计算机程序。在一个方面中,根AP可以辅助用于多个AP的信道选择(分配)。第一AP可以向根AP提供信道操作约束,以指示可以由第一AP使用的针对特定信道的一个或多个操作约束。操作约束可以是至少部分地基于第一AP的硬件特性的。例如,当并发地使用特定信道与另一信道时,操作约束可以指示要考虑的最小信道间隔或最大发送功率。在另一方面中,当由于操作约束而不能使用特定信道时,第一AP可以传送信道选择错误和错误码。(This disclosure provides system, the method and apparatus for transmitting channel selection constraint in the network with multiple access points (AP), including the computer program encoded on a computer-readable medium.In an aspect, root AP can assist the channel selection (distribution) for multiple AP.First AP can provide channel operation constraint to root AP, to indicate the one or more operation constraints for particular channel that can be used by the first AP.Operation constraint can be at least partially based on the hardware feature of the first AP.For example, operation constraint can indicate that the minimum channel interval to be considered or maximum send power when concomitantly using particular channel and another channel.In another aspect, when that cannot use particular channel due to operation constraint, the first AP can transmit channel selection mistake and error code.)

1. a kind of the first access point (AP) for using in a network, comprising:

Processor；And

In the memory for being wherein stored with instruction, when executed by the processor, so that the first AP is carried out It operates below:

Generate the first channel list that can be used to be used by the first AP；

Determine one or more operation constraints at least the first channel in first channel list；And

Channel preference report message is sent to more AP controllers of the network, the channel preference report message includes described the One channel list and at least described first channel one or more of operations constrain.

2. the first AP according to claim 1, wherein one or more of operation constraints include that radio operation constrains, Radio operation constraint be at least partially based on first channel with concomitantly to be utilized by the first AP it is another Minimum frequency space between one channel.

3. the first AP according to claim 1, wherein one or more of operation constraints include from by the following terms group At group at least one member for selecting:

The hardware feature of first AP；

When using first channel, one or more of the other channel that the first AP cannot be utilized concomitantly；

One or more transmission (TX) power levels that can be used in conjunction with first channel；

It can be in conjunction with the maximum quantity of Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) channel utilization that first channel uses；

The maximum quantity of the AP of first channel can concomitantly be utilized；And

The maximum interference power that first AP can tolerate when using first channel.

4. the first AP according to claim 1, wherein one or more of operations, which constrain, includes:

Can in conjunction with the potential TX power level list that first channel uses, and

For each potential TX power level, first channel of the potential TX power level with will be by the first AP simultaneously The minimum channel interval between another channel utilized to hair.

5. the first AP according to claim 1, wherein when executed by the processor, also make described First AP is performed the following operation:

Determine one or more service parameters associated with the first AP, wherein one or more of service parameter packets Include at least one of rate requirement and received signal strength indicator symbol tolerance；And

Before sending the channel preference report message to more AP controllers, by one or more of service parameter packets It includes in the channel preference report message.

6. the first AP according to claim 1, wherein when executed by the processor, also make described First AP is performed the following operation:

It is received from the more AP controllers and is used to indicate the letter that first channel list at least one of works as the channel of selection Road selects request message, wherein the channel of at least one selection is at least partially based on one or more of operations Constraint.

7. the first AP according to claim 6, wherein the channel selection request message instruction is tied for the first AP Close the maximum allowable TX power setting of the channel usage of at least one selection.

8. the first AP according to claim 6, wherein the channel selection request message also indicate with it is described at least one Associated first subchannel of the channel of selection.

9. the first AP according to claim 6, wherein for receiving the described instruction packet of the channel selection request message Include the instruction for performing the following operation the first AP when being executed by the processor:

Second channel list is received from more AP controllers, the second channel list has to be selected by more AP controllers First channel list subset, wherein the second channel list include be based at least partially on it is one or more The channel of at least one selection of a operation constraint.

10. the first AP according to claim 9, wherein the second channel list include by more AP controllers extremely It is at least partly based on the institute for first channel list that the channel competition at more AP controllers avoids technology from carrying out selection State subset, wherein the channel competition avoids technology from considering that one or more of operations of the first AP constrain.

11. the first AP according to claim 6,

Wherein, bandwidth setting of the channel selection request message instruction for the channel of at least one selection.

12. the first AP according to claim 6, wherein when executed by the processor, also make described First AP is performed the following operation:

One or more of operation constraints are based at least partially on by the first AP, to determine that the first AP cannot be utilized The channel of at least one selection；And

Channel selection response message is sent to more AP controllers, the channel selection response message indicates the first AP not The channel of at least one selection can be utilized.

13. the first AP according to claim 12, wherein the channel selection response message includes: instruction described first The error code for the reason of AP cannot be using the channel of at least one selection.

14. the first AP according to claim 13, wherein the error code includes in the group being made of the following terms At least one member:

Insufficient interchannel between the channel and another channel for being utilized by the first AP of at least one selection Every；

Violate dynamic frequency selection (DFS) frequency avoidance strategy；And

The radio hardware of first AP limits.

15. the first AP according to claim 14, wherein the channel selection response message includes that can be used for described first At least one alternate channel of the channel of the replacement that AP is utilized at least one selection.

16. a kind of more AP controllers of network, comprising:

Processor；And

In the memory for being wherein stored with instruction, when executed by the processor, so that more AP controllers It performs the following operation:

Channel preference report message is received from the first AP of the network, the channel preference report message includes that can be used for by institute State the first channel list and one or more operation constraints associated with the first AP that the first AP is used；

One or more of operation constraints are based at least partially on, to select at least first in first channel list Select channel；And

The instruction to the first choice channel is provided to the first AP.

17. more AP controllers according to claim 16, wherein one or more of operation constraints include radio operation Constraint, radio operation constraint be at least partially based on the first channel with concomitantly to be utilized by the first AP it is another Minimum frequency space between one channel.

18. more AP controllers according to claim 16, wherein when executed by the processor, also make More AP controllers are obtained to perform the following operation:

Selection is concomitantly utilized for the first AP in conjunction with the first choice channel in first channel list Second selection channel,

Wherein, one or more of operation constraints indicate minimum frequency space associated with the first choice channel, with And

Wherein, select it is described second selection channel so that it is described second selection channel do not violate it is related to the first choice channel The minimum frequency space of connection.

19. more AP controllers according to claim 16, wherein for selecting described in at least first choice channel Instruction includes when being executed by the processor, so that the instruction that more AP controllers perform the following operation: determining the second letter Road list, the second channel list have the subset of first channel list by more AP controller selections, wherein The second channel list includes at least described first choice letter for being based at least partially on one or more of operation constraints Road.

20. more AP controllers according to claim 16, wherein for selecting described in at least first choice channel Instruction includes when being executed by the processor, so that the instruction that more AP controllers perform the following operation:

For at least one candidate channel from first channel list:

Estimate the candidate channel is selected to will lead to by the first AP using competition graph coloring technology to the network It influences, wherein the competition graph coloring technology, which avoids, will violate the channel distribution of one or more of operation constraints.

21. more AP controllers according to claim 16, wherein also indicated to the instruction of the first choice channel The first subchannel associated with the first choice channel.

22. more AP controllers according to claim 16, wherein when executed by the processor, also make More AP controllers are obtained to perform the following operation:

Channel selection response message is received from the first AP, the channel selection response message indicates that the first AP cannot benefit With the first choice channel.

23. more AP controllers according to claim 22, wherein the channel selection response message includes: described in instruction First AP cannot utilize the error code of the reason of first choice channel.

24. more AP controllers according to claim 22, wherein when executed by the processor, also make More AP controllers are obtained to perform the following operation:

The second selection of selection channel in first channel list, wherein the second selection channel is at least partly Based on one or more of operations constraint and the channel selection response message come selection；And

Second selection instead of the first choice channel to utilizing for the first AP is provided to the first AP The instruction of channel.

25. a kind of method that the first access point (AP) by network executes, which comprises

The first channel list that can be used to be used by the first AP is generated at the first AP；

Determine one or more operation constraints at least the first channel in first channel list；And

Channel preference report message is sent to more AP controllers of the network, the channel preference report message includes described the One channel list and at least described first channel one or more of operations constrain.

26. according to the method for claim 25, wherein one or more of operation constraints include that radio operation constrains, Radio operation constraint be at least partially based on first channel with concomitantly to be utilized by the first AP it is another Minimum frequency space between channel.

27. according to the method for claim 25, further includes:

It is received from the more AP controllers and is used to indicate the letter that first channel list at least one of works as the channel of selection Road selects request message, wherein the channel of at least one selection is at least partially based on one or more of operations Constraint.

28. according to the method for claim 27,

Wherein, the channel selection request message instruction is for the first AP in conjunction with the channel usage of at least one selection Maximum allowable TX power setting.

29. a kind of computer-readable medium for being stored with instruction, when described instruction is by the first access for using in a network When the processor of point (AP) executes, so that the first AP is performed the following operation:

The first channel list that can be used to be used by the first AP is generated at the first AP；

Determine one or more operation constraints at least the first channel in first channel list；And

Channel preference report message is sent to more AP controllers of the network, the channel preference report message includes described the One channel list and at least described first channel one or more of operations constrain.

30. computer-readable medium according to claim 29, wherein one or more of operation constraints include wireless Operation constraint, the radio operation constraint are at least partially based on first channel and will be by the concurrent land productivities of the first AP Minimum frequency space between another channel.

Technical field

In summary, this disclosure relates to network communication fields, and more specifically, are related to multiple accesses Channel selection in the network of point.

Background technique

Wireless communication technique can support that the wireless network for equipment is accessed via access point (AP).AP can be communicated It is coupled to gateway (such as cable modem, optical network unit, digital subscriber line (DSL) modem etc.) in ground With accessing to wide band network.AP can provide the wireless network coverage area for one or more equipment, to access via the AP Broadband network.Network may include the multiple AP for being capable of providing wireless network access.For example, the first AP can be communicably coupled to Broadband network and the 2nd AP can be connected wirelessly to the first AP, while expand the wireless network coverage of network Exhibition.Then 2nd AP by reception, buffering and can be relayed to and from the first AP and wirelessly associated with the 2nd AP Equipment data, mono- AP of Lai Yu analogously operated.It is possible for being combined to multiple AP, so as to each AP be with What at least one other AP was communicated, to provide the biggish wireless coverage area with the network insertion to broadband network.By The wireless coverage area that AP is provided can use 2.4GHz frequency band, 5GHz frequency band, or utilize 2.4GHz frequency band and 5GHz frequency band The two.In each frequency band, there may be the different channels that AP can be used in overlay area.In addition, the covering and multiple of overlapping Network topology can provide (AP, frequency band or channel) various options for providing wireless service to equipment in a network.

When network includes multiple AP, for managing the tradition of channel selection (or distribution), load balancing and network topology Technology may be insufficient.It is desirable that, while considering the operating characteristic of specific AP, to for the equipment using network Overlay area and service optimize.The channel selection techniques of enhancing can improve the entirety for the network using multiple AP Network performance.

Summary of the invention

The system of present disclosure, method and apparatus all have several innovative aspects, independent without single aspect It is responsible for desired attribute disclosed herein in ground.

One of the theme described in this disclosure innovative aspect can by the first access point (AP) of network Lai It realizes.First AP can have processor and memory.The memory can store instruction, when instruction is held by the processor When row, so that the first AP executes the operation described in this disclosure.Described instruction can make the first AP carry out following behaviour Make: generating the first channel list that can be used for being used by the first AP at the first AP.Described instruction can make the first AP carry out It operates below: determining one or more operation constraints at least the first channel in the first channel list.Described instruction The first AP can be made to perform the following operation: sending channel preference report message to more AP controllers of network.The channel preference Report message may include the first channel list and one or more operation constraints at least the first channel.

In some implementations, one or more of operation constraints may include radio operation constraint, described wireless Operation constraint is at least partially based on the first channel and will be by the minimum frequency between another channel that the first AP is concomitantly utilized Rate interval.

In some implementations, one or more of operation constraints may include: the hardware feature of the first AP；When making When with the first channel, one or more of the other channel that the first AP cannot be utilized concomitantly；Or it can make in conjunction with the first channel One or more sends (TX) power level.In some implementations, one or more of operation constraints can refer to Show: can be in conjunction with the maximum quantity of Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) channel utilization that the first channel uses；It can be concomitantly Utilize the maximum quantity of the AP of the first channel；Or the first maximum interference power that can tolerate when using the first channel of AP.

In some implementations, one or more of operation constraints may include: that can use in conjunction with the first channel Potential TX power level list, and be directed to each potential TX power level, the potential TX power level the first channel with It will be by the minimum channel interval between another channel that the first AP is concomitantly utilized.

In some implementations, described instruction can make the first AP perform the following operation: determination is related to the first AP One or more service parameters of connection.One or more of service parameters may include that rate requirement and received signal strength refer to Show at least one of symbol tolerance.Described instruction can make the first AP perform the following operation: send out to more AP controllers It include in the channel preference report message by one or more of service parameters before sending the channel preference report message In.

In some implementations, described instruction can the first AP perform the following operation to connect from more AP controllers Receive the channel selection request message for being used to indicate the channel that first channel list at least one of works as selection.It is selected Channel can be at least partially based on one or more of operation constraints.

In some implementations, the channel selection request message can be indicated for the first AP in conjunction with described at least one The maximum allowable TX power setting of the channel usage of a selection.

In some implementations, the channel selection request message also can indicate that the letter at least one selection Associated first subchannel in road.

In some implementations, the described instruction for receiving the channel selection request message includes when by described When managing device and executing, second channels column the instruction that performs the following operation the first AP: are received from more AP controllers Table, the second channel list have the subset of the first channel list by more AP controller selections.Second channel list It may include the channel for being based at least partially at least one selection of one or more of operation constraints.

In some implementations, second channel list may include being based at least partially on by more AP controllers Channel competition at more AP controllers avoid technology come selection the first channel list the subset.The channel competition Avoid technology that one or more of operations constraint of the first AP can be considered.

In some implementations, the channel selection request message can be with indicator to the letter of at least one selection The bandwidth in road is arranged.

In some implementations, described instruction can make the first AP perform the following operation: be based at least partially on institute One or more operation constraints are stated, to determine that the first AP cannot be using the channel of at least one selection.Described instruction can be with So that the first AP is performed the following operation: sending channel selection response message to more AP controllers, channel selection response disappears The first AP of breath instruction cannot utilize the channel of at least one selection.

In some implementations, the channel selection response message may include: that the first AP of instruction cannot be described in The error code of the reason of channel of at least one selection.

In some implementations, the error code can be indicated in the channel of at least one selection and by the first AP The insufficient channel spacing between another channel that utilizes violates dynamic frequency selection (DFS) frequency avoidance strategy or the The radio hardware of one AP limits.

In some implementations, the channel selection response message may include the replacement institute that can be used for the first AP and utilize State at least one alternate channel of the channel of at least one selection.

Another innovative aspect of the theme described in this disclosure can be realized by more AP controllers of network. More AP controllers can have processor and memory.The memory can store instruction, when instruction is by the processing When device executes, so that more AP controllers execute the operation described in this disclosure.Described instruction can make described more AP controller performs the following operation: receiving channel preference report message, the channel preference report message packet from the first AP of network Including can be used for by the first AP the first channel list used and one or more operation constraints associated with the first AP.It is described Instruction can make more AP controllers perform the following operation: one or more of operation constraints are based at least partially on, To select at least first choice channel in the first channel list.Described instruction the more AP controllers can be made to carry out with Lower operation: the instruction to the first choice channel is provided to the first AP.

In some implementations, described instruction can make more AP controllers perform the following operation: from the first letter The the second selection channel concomitantly utilized for the first AP combination first choice channel is selected in road list.It is one or more A operation constraint can indicate minimum frequency space associated with the first choice channel.It can choose second selection Channel is not so that the second selection channel violates minimum frequency space associated with the first choice channel.

In some implementations, the described instruction for selecting at least first choice channel may include when by institute When stating processor execution, so that the instruction that more AP controllers perform the following operation: determining second channel list, second channel List has the subset of first channel list by the more AP controller selections of root AP, wherein second channel list includes extremely It is at least partly based on at least described first choice channel of one or more of operation constraints.

In some implementations, the described instruction for selecting at least first choice channel may include when by institute When stating processor execution, so that the instruction that more AP controllers perform the following operation: for from first channel list At least one candidate channel, estimate pair for selecting the candidate channel will lead to by the first AP using competition graph coloring technology The influence of the network.The competition graph coloring technology can be to avoid the channel point that will violate one or more of operation constraints Match.

In some implementations, the instruction of the first choice channel also can indicate that and the first choice Associated first subchannel of channel.

In some implementations, when executed by the processor, it is also possible that more AP controls Device performs the following operation: receiving channel selection response message, the channel selection response message instruction described first from the first AP AP cannot utilize the first choice channel.

In some implementations, the channel selection response message may include: that instruction the first AP cannot be utilized The error code of the reason of first choice channel.

In some implementations, when executed by the processor, it is also possible that more AP controls Device performs the following operation: the second selection channel is selected in first channel list.The second selection channel can be It is based at least partially on one or more of operation constraints and the channel selection response message carrys out selection.Described instruction can Believed instead of the first choice so that more AP controllers are provided to the first AP what is utilized for the first AP The instruction of the second selection channel in road.

Another innovative aspect of the theme described in this disclosure may be implemented to be executed by the first AP of network Method.This method may include: the first channel list that generation can be used for being used by the first AP at the first AP；Determination is directed to One or more operation constraints of at least the first channel in first channel list；And more AP controllers to network Send channel preference report message, the channel preference report message includes first channel list and at least described the One or more of operations of one channel constrain.

In some implementations, one or more of operation constraints may include radio operation constraint, described wireless Operation constraint is at least partially based on the first channel and will be by the minimum frequency between another channel that the first AP is concomitantly utilized Rate interval.

In some implementations, this method may include: to be used to indicate described first from more AP controller receptions Channel list at least one of works as the channel selection request message of the channel of selection, wherein the letter of at least one selection Road is at least partially based on one or more of operation constraints.

In some implementations, the channel selection request message can be indicated for the first AP in conjunction with described at least one The maximum allowable TX power setting of the channel usage of a selection.

Another innovative aspect of the theme described in this disclosure can be implemented as wherein being stored with instruction Computer-readable medium, when described instruction is executed by the processor of the first AP for using in a network, so that the first AP Execute the operation described in this disclosure.Described instruction can make the first AP perform the following operation: give birth at the first AP At the first channel list that can be used for being used by the first AP；It determines at least the first channel in first channel list One or more operation constraints；And channel preference report message, the channel preference report are sent to more AP controllers of network Message is accused to include first channel list and constrain for one or more of operations of at least described first channel.

In some implementations, one or more of operation constraints may include radio operation constraint, described wireless Operation constraint is at least partially based on the first channel and will be by the minimum frequency between another channel that the first AP is concomitantly utilized Rate interval.

One or more realization sides of the theme described in this disclosure are elaborated in the accompanying drawings and the description below The details of formula.By these descriptions, drawings and claims, other feature, aspect and advantage be will become obvious.It is noted that , the relative size in attached drawing hereafter may be not drawn to scale.

Detailed description of the invention

Fig. 1 depicts the system schematic of the example network with multiple access points (AP).

Fig. 2 depicts the another system schematic diagram for showing the wireless coverage area of multiple AP.

Fig. 3 depicts the flow chart of the exemplary operations for the first AP transmission channel selection constraint.

Fig. 4 depicts the message flow diagram of the sample implementation of the channel selection with channel operation constraint.

Fig. 5 depicts the message flow diagram of another sample implementation for the channel selection for leading to channel selection mistake.

Fig. 6 depicts the example concept schematic diagram of the message for sharing channel condition information.

Fig. 7 depicts two example message formats of the message for sharing channel operation constraint.

Fig. 8 depicts the example message format for being used to indicate the message of channel selection mistake.

Fig. 9 depicts the flow chart for carrying out the exemplary operations of auxiliary channel selection using channel operation constraint for root AP.

Figure 10 shows the block diagram of the exemplary electronic device of the various aspects for realizing present disclosure.

Same Ref. No. and name in various figures indicates same element.

Specific embodiment

For the purpose of the innovative aspect of description present disclosure, being described below is to be directed to certain realization sides Formula.However, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that, introduction herein can be with it is diversified not It is applied with mode.Example in this disclosure is based on according to Institute of Electrical and Electric Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 WLAN (WLAN) communication of wireless standard.However, described implementation can be can be according to wireless communication It is realized in any equipment, system or network of any wireless communication standard to send and receive RF signal in standard, the nothing Line communication standard include: any standard in 802.11 standard of IEEE,Standard, CDMA (CDMA), frequency division are more Location (FDMA), time division multiple acess (TDMA), global system for mobile communications (GSM), GSM/ general packet radio service (GPRS), enhancing Type data GSM environment (EDGE), terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA), wideband CDMA (W-CDMA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV- DO), 1xEV-DO, EV-DO version A, EV-DO version B, high-speed packet access (HSPA), high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet access (HSUPA), the high-speed packet of evolution access (HSPA+), long term evolution (LTE), AMPS or to wireless, honeycomb or Internet of Things (IOT) network (such as utilize 3G, 4G or 5G or its further realize The system of mode) in the other known signal that is communicated.

In this disclosure, when network includes one or more access point (AP), which is properly termed as wireless office Domain net (WLAN).WLAN can provide the access to broadband network.For example, such as net of Central Access Point (CAP) or router The access to broadband network can be provided by closing equipment.Gateway can be connected by cable, optical fiber, power line or DSL network To be coupled to broadband network.Equipment in a network can establish wireless association (also known as Radio Link, wireless connection etc. with AP Deng), to carry out accessing to wide band network via gateway.AP can provide wireless coverage area, to be used for equipment via wireless communication Road accesses WLAN.In some implementations, network (local area network such as in family, apartment, enterprise or another region) It may include multiple AP.Each AP can have be capable of providing for the different options of wireless coverage different hardware ability (such as 2.4GHz, 5GHz support, the double concurrent radio-cells (DBDC) of double frequency-band list radio-cell, double frequency-band etc.).In general, each AP is utilized One or more channels in frequency band.Channel is also referred to be had together by AP and be communicated with the equipment of the wireless association of AP Used frequency (or range).Similarly, equipment utilization channel is communicated with AP (via wireless association).IEEE 802.11 standards basic service set (BSS) can be defined as an antenna (or antenna sets) of AP, wireless channel configuration and Armamentarium (for example, STA) associated with particular channel.In some implementations, AP can be equipped with more than one Radio unit, and can be operated on more than one channel (such as DBDC equipment).Each radio unit, Channel and associated STA may be considered individual BSS.The flexibility of the AP (frequency band, channel and topology) of configuration in a network Have resulted in the new technology optimized to the configuration of AP in a network.For example, AP can be in mutually coordinated or Consistent Sets Resource to support automatically configuring, optimize and managing for the overlapping BSS in network (such as self-organizing network, SON).Some In network, AP can automatically configure (or reconfiguring) BSS based on the information collected by the AP.

Channel selection refers to the mechanism that the channel for the BSS in wireless coverage area is selected for AP.Herein In, channel selection also refer to (when first by AP introduce network when) initial channel selection or (when update or switch by When the channel that the existing AP in network is used) channel reselection.In some implementations, channel selection may include in addition to The selection of the frequency band except channel in frequency band.In one example, each AP in a network, which can be dynamically selected, is used for The optimum channel of AP.In various implementations, channel selection, which can be, is supervising (such as network with or without concentration More AP controllers) in the case where complete.In some implementations, an AP in AP is properly termed as root AP, and other AP Outbound path/Route Selection is done using the logical topology between each AP in other AP and root AP.Root AP can also be network More AP controllers.More AP controllers are the logic entities for realizing the logic of the operation for controlling the network with multiple AP. More AP controllers itself can provide or can not provide wireless coverage area.For simplicity, some examples of this specification relate to And root AP (or RAP) as more AP controllers and additionally provide wireless coverage.However, in some implementations, more AP Controller can not provide wireless connectivity, and can be communicably coupled to one or more AP in a network.More AP controls The agreement that wireless channel selection is managed for being communicated with one or more AP in a network may be implemented in device processed.The letter Road, which can be, to be selected from the channel set in the frequency band supported by AP.In the network with multiple AP, some AP can The wireless coverage area of overlapping is created to use different channels.Multiple AP are using channel reuse come in the wireless coverage of overlapping It can be in region using identical channel possible.Channel reuse is referred to when the cochannel between the first AP and the 2nd AP When interfering sufficiently low, the first AP and the 2nd AP utilize the ability of same channel.For example, channel reuse allows the first AP and the 2nd AP The channel that the two utilizes the cochannel with acceptable quantity to interfere.

Some channel selection techniques possibly rely on the channel conditions observed or reported by another AP.Channel selection techniques can To consider the signal strength of AP nearby.In some implementations, root AP (or more AP controllers) can participate in channel selection skill Which channel art, and the other AP of management in a network can be used.Root AP can pass through consideration whole network, overlapping Region, the information from each AP etc., to select (or distribution, representative, guidance) which channel to be used by the first AP.In order to Improve channel selection, root AP will benefit from knowing about may channel operation associated with the specific AP of particular channel is used about Beam.Channel operation constraint (it can also be known as " radio operation limitation ") can indicate the limit for being applied to the particular channel at AP System.Channel operation constraint can be the hardware feature based on the first AP.For example, hardware feature may introduce limitation or influence pair The other factors of particular channel used.In some implementations, hardware feature may include assembly property limitation, system tray The other feature of structure limitation, performance limitation or limitation to the first AP of the concurrent channels at the first AP used.At one In example, channel operation constraint can describe minimum channel interval (its between two channels that should be realized at the first AP It can also be known as minimum frequency space or bandwidth granularity).For example, if the first AP is sharp on the first radio unit of the first AP With the first channel, then there may be the first AP to utilize distance than the first channel on the second radio unit of the first AP The channel operation of small another channel is wanted to constrain in minimum channel interval.Channel operation constraint can be specific to can be used for by first The particular channel that AP is used.

According to present disclosure, channel operation can be constrained and send another AP, root AP or more AP controller to by the first AP. It can be constrained during channel selection using channel operation.For example, more AP controllers (or root AP) can be by channel distribution to each A AP, so that the distribution constrains the channel operation for not violating AP.In the one aspect of present disclosure, channel operation constraint (the first channel of distance) can also be described most for transmission (TX) power level of the first channel usage according to by the first AP Small interchannel spaces.For example, the first AP can be directed to the different TX power level of the first channel usage, and depend on using TX power level, (minimum channel interval) channel operation constraint may be different.TX power level can be included in It is sent in the message with channel operation constraint of another AP, root AP or more AP controller.Another AP, root AP or more AP The TX power level indicated by each AP can be considered in controller, and channel and maximum TX power level are distributed in a network Each AP.

In the one aspect of present disclosure, the first AP can be received from root AP (or more AP controllers) in channel selection The channel (or list of the channel of selection) of selection in request message.If the first AP cannot use selected channel, First AP can transmit channel selection error message.It can claim in response to the channel selection error message of channel selection request message For " channel selection response message ".Channel selection response message may include the original why instruction cannot use the channel selection It because of code, and may include the letter that one or more substitutions of subsequent channel selection are considered for root AP (or more AP controllers) Road.

The specific implementation of theme described in this disclosure may be implemented, to realize in potential advantages hereafter One or more advantages.From for channel selection in a network (the first AP's) local view and (root AP or more AP control Device processed) from the point of view of global visual angle, the channel selection coordinated between the first AP and root AP (or more AP controllers) can make network Maximum capacity.Therefore, the whole volume and performance of network can be optimized.By shared channel operation constraint, the first AP can be with Channel selection techniques are improved to consider the hardware feature of the first AP.In the mixed network with the AP from different suppliers In, channel selection information message can be provided for sharing the coherency mechanism specific to the limitation of hardware between the aps.In addition, When the limitation of the hardware context due to the first AP can not achieve the channel previously selected, disappear for sending channel selection mistake The ability of breath can improve the gravity treatment to new channel of operation.

Fig. 1 depicts the system schematic of the example network with multiple access points (AP).Network 100 includes being used for The piece-root grafting access point (root AP or RAP) 150 of more AP controllers of network 100.In Fig. 1, RAP 150 is also provided to broadband network 160 access.For example, RAP 150 can be the Central Access Point or router for being communicably coupled to broadband network 160.Root AP 150 can be it is being separated with gateway (not shown) or juxtaposed.The gateway of such as modem or router is set The standby access that can be provided to broadband network 160.For example, gateway can pass through cable, optical fiber, power line or DSL network Connection is to be coupled to broadband network.The network further includes multiple AP comprising the first AP 110, the 2nd AP 120 and the 3rd AP 130.Equipment in a network can establish with the wireless association of AP (also referred to as Radio Link, wireless connection etc.) via gateway Equipment carrys out accessing to wide band network.For example, wireless association can be according to associated protocol associated with the wireless coverage area of AP 's.(as illustrated in fig. 1) in some implementations, root AP 150 are independent and open with the multiple AP points. In other implementations, an AP in the multiple AP or can be same apparatus with 150 juxtaposition of root AP A part.In this disclosure, term AP refers to providing any equipment to the wireless access of network, including access point and Range expander.

First AP 110 can have the Return Channel 111 for going to root AP 150.2nd AP 120, which can have, goes to root The Return Channel 121 of AP 150.3rd AP 130 can have the Return Channel 131 for going to the 2nd AP 120.In this arrangement In, the 3rd AP 130 is properly termed as the sub- AP of the 2nd AP 120.Similarly, the 2nd AP 120 and the first AP 110 are properly termed as root The sub- AP of AP 150.Sub- AP (also known as satellite AP or SAP) is to receive via one or more upstream AP to broadband network 160 Network insertion any access point.For example, as illustrated in fig. 1, the 3rd AP 130 is via the 2nd AP 120 and root AP 150 obtain the access to broadband network 160.Sub- AP will access upstream AP using Return Channel.Return Channel 111,121, 131 can be the combination of wire link, Radio Link or Radio Link and wire link link.

Each AP in multiple AP can be associated with wireless coverage area (not shown).Wireless coverage area can be with Overlapping and equipment 170 can be in the wireless coverage area of more than one AP.Network 100 includes initially with first AP 110 be associated (being shown as wireless association 181) equipment 170 (such as laptop, computer, sensor, camera, Thermostat, movement station, wireless device, smart phone etc.).In the example of fig. 1, equipment 170 can be radio station (STA). In other examples, equipment 170 can be the sub- AP for having wireless association with other STA.Although Fig. 1 depicts an equipment (equipment 170) is accessing the wireless channel utilized by AP 110,120 and 130, but may exist other equipment.

In some implementations, AP 110,120 and 130 can be configured as double frequency-band, double concurrent (DBDC) is wirelessly set It is standby.DBDC equipment may include two transceivers (it can also be known as radio unit), and can be in two different frequencies It takes and is independently and simultaneously operated.For example, the first transceiver can be operated and second in 2.4GHz frequency band Transceiver can be operated in 5GHz frequency band.It can be in two transceivers of DBDC equipment internal chaining, so as to receive and dispatch Data are transmitted between machine.When using DBDC equipment, (about the transceiver coexisted) additional consideration may influence channel choosing It selects.In addition, in some implementations, network (such as hybrid network) can support cable communicating technology and wireless communication technique The two, a variety of cable communicating technologies or various wireless communication technology.For example, root AP or AP 110,120 and 130 can be supported Both IEEE 802.11 and power line communication protocols.In other examples, root AP or AP 110,120 and 130 can be supported The combinations of IEEE 802.11 and power line communication protocols, IEEE 802.11 and the communication protocol based on coaxial cable (Coax) Combination, the combination of 802.11 communication protocol of long term evolution (LTE) and IEEE, the combination of IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth communication protocol And various other suitable combinations.Therefore, the network data path in hybrid network may include cable communicating technology and Wireless communication technique.In some implementations, root AP 150 and AP 110,120 and 130 can abide by other no line gauges Model, such asSpecification or cellular radio specification or any other technically feasible wireless protocols.Root AP 150 with Link between broadband network 160 is properly termed as wideband link.The wideband link, which can provide, to be gone to another network and (such as communicates Service provider network, internet etc.) data path at least part.The wideband link of root AP 150 can be wirelessly Link, (such as being connected by Ethernet or power line) wire link or compounded link.It is similar to non-DBDC wireless device, In Channel selection in present disclosure can be used together with DBDC wireless device.Root AP 150 and AP 110,120 and 130 In each AP channel selection can be used to select the more than one channel that be used for more than one transceiver respectively.For For the AP (such as DBDC equipment) for supporting more than one channel, channel selection be can be (by being replicated in present disclosure In technology) iteratively or be executed concurrently.

Channel selection (or gravity treatment) can be distributed, centralized or distributed and centralized combination.In this public affairs It opens in content, no matter where executes channel selection, can be constrained based on one or more channel operations of another AP to repair Change channel selection.For example, the hardware limitation of the first AP is (such as between transmitter power circuit, signal processor ability, minimum channel Every etc.) the first AP may be prevented concomitantly to utilize the first channel and second channel.Hardware feature is also possible to be limited in for (in spy Determine on channel) specific bandwidth setting particular channel on how many TX power can be used.In this disclosure, channel selection Informational message can notify another AP about any different consideration for being directed to the first AP.Because for each AP in a network For, it is understood that there may be different suppliers, so root AP (or more AP controllers) may be unaware that channel operation constrains.Root AP can The channel for the first AP is obtained to use channel selection information message (it can also be known as " channel preference report message ") Operation constraint, without assuming that the first AP shares the identical channel operation constraint (or other channel distributions consider) of root AP. According to present disclosure, the channel selection techniques of enhancing can be used among multiple AP or (more AP are controlled in AP and root AP Device processed) between coordination be performed.The channel selection techniques of enhancing can pass through the channel of the different AP of consideration in a network Operation constraint (limits) overall performance of Lai Gaijin network including radio adaptation.

Fig. 2 depicts the system schematic of example network and another example network of channel selection changes operation.Network 200 Similar to the network 100 described in Fig. 1.However, because Fig. 2 is relevant to channel selection, to put it more simply, from network Equipment 170 and broadband network 160 are omitted in 200.Each AP in AP 110,120 and 130 is (and as more AP controllers Root AP 150) wireless coverage area can be provided.Wireless coverage area refers to that AP can send and connect on channel wherein The physical region of the collection of letters number.AP can not provide unified covering in environment.As wireless signal is propagated further from AP, nothing Line signal strength reduces.Wireless coverage can be signal power, capacity of equipment, AP ability, frequency propagation, material or radio frequency (RF) factor interfered.Therefore, wireless coverage area can not be the accurate distance with AP.In addition, different channels can be with It is other AP based on environment or in a network come associated from different wireless coverage areas.Therefore, the channel choosing of enhancing Select the optimum channel that can cause for making the combined maximum coverage footprint of multiple AP in a network.

When network includes multiple AP, it is expected that neighbouring AP is avoided using identical channel.For example, on the same channel Cochannel interference may occur between two AP sent and received.Cochannel interference may severely impact wireless network Performance.Therefore, traditional AP may be selected and used the not currently used channel of neighbouring AP.However, due to spectral constraints, There may be the channels of limited quantity in frequency band.In the network with multiple AP, different channels is can be used in some AP To create the wireless coverage area of overlapping.Come in addition, channel reuse can be used in some AP using identical channel.Channel reuse Refer to that first AP and the 2nd AP utilize identical channel when the cochannel interference between the first AP and the 2nd AP is sufficiently low Ability.For example, channel reuse allows both the first AP and the 2nd AP to interfere using the cochannel with acceptable quantity Channel.However, AP may execute the letter for negatively affecting another AP in the case where no coordination (or stability control technology) Road selection.In some networks, channel selection can will lead to chain reaction, so that multiple AP reselect new channel.

As shown in Figure 2, root AP 150 can provide root wireless coverage area 255, and the first AP 110 can be provided First wireless coverage area 215, the 2nd AP 120 can provide the second wireless coverage area 225 and the 3rd AP 130 can be with Third wireless coverage area 235 is provided.Wireless coverage area can be overlapped.For example, the second wireless coverage area 225 and third without Line overlay area 235 is shown as at 280 the overlay area with overlapping.It is desirable that with third wireless coverage area 235 is used for Channel compare, different channels will be used for the second wireless coverage area 225.By selecting for the overlay area being overlapped not With channel, the efficient channel capacity for each channel of different channels is (or the shadow not influenced by the overlay area being overlapped It rings minimum).

It is shown at 270, in overlay area (such as the second wireless coverage area 225 and the third wireless coverage of overlapping Region 235) near, it is understood that there may be overlay area (such as the first wireless coverage area 215 and the third radio coverage of non-overlap Domain 235).In another example, at 290, there are three overlay areas being overlapped, (root wireless coverage area 255, first is wireless Overlay area 215 and the second wireless coverage area 225).In optimal channel selection techniques, there will be no covering for overlapping The channel reuse of cover area.However, reusing identical channel for the overlay area of overlapping and being inevitable sometimes. For example, when multiple AP in a network are closely operated.Furthermore, it may be desirable to some houses, apartment, building or its Its environment provides the wireless coverage throughout entire environment using many AP.

Each AP can scan the channel set in frequency band.However, not considering to the channel relative to other AP In the case where the influence of selection, the channel selection at an AP may unintentionally influence another AP.For example, using traditional Channel selection techniques, the first AP 110 can based on the content (such as root wireless coverage area 255) that the first AP 110 is observed, To select the channel for the first wireless coverage area 215.However, the first AP 110 may unintentionally select to influence second wirelessly The channel (may be unknown for the first AP 110) of overlay area 225 or third wireless coverage area 235.For example, In the radio scan executed by the first AP 110, may be seemed by the channel that the first AP 110 is selected be it is unused (or not It makes full use of).However, it is heavier loads (or interfering significantly with) (institute that identical channel, which may seem, at the 2nd AP 120 State the different networks that load may be from also being operated in the coverage area of the 2nd AP 120).2nd AP 120 may It is affected in many ways, this depends on how it utilizes its radio unit.For example, if the 2nd AP 120 is used The channel is with for the Return Channel from the 2nd AP 120 to the first AP 110, then the 2nd AP 120 may be due to the first AP 110 The adjacent interferer that do not see, and see the higher packet error for Return Channel.In another example, if the 2nd AP 120 are used channel so that for both backhaul link and BSS service link, then the 2nd AP 120 is also possible to constrained Yu Qineng Enough portfolios serviced in its BSS are not (because even the first AP 110 sees that adjacent AP, the 2nd AP 120 also will be with adjacent AP It is at war with).

Therefore, by coordinating the channel selection between the first AP 110 and root AP 150, root AP 150 be can choose more Good channel maximizes the channel reuse in network (such as when the overlay area of overlapping is inevitable).Make channel weight Overall network capacity can be improved with maximizing.In some implementations, root AP 150 can be used from the first AP 110 Channel selection information, to determine channel selection.The channel selection information may include: to determine channel choosing for root AP 150 The channel operation constraint considered when selecting.

Fig. 3 depicts the flow chart of the exemplary operations for the first AP transmission channel selection constraint.Flow chart 300 starts from Square 310.At square 310, the first AP can generate the first channel list that can be used for being used by the first AP at the first AP. First AP can be obtained about can be used for by the channel condition information of the first AP channel set used.First AP can determine letter The first channel list in road set.First channel list, which can be, is based at least partially on channel condition information by the first AP Carry out selection with one or more operation constraints.For example, the first AP can scan channel set to obtain and can believe by scanning The whole channel condition informations for the channel condition information that road is observed.Alternately or in addition, technology can be used in the first AP Any combination obtains channel condition information comprising: scanning channel set is to detect channel condition information, and inquiry is in a network At least the 2nd AP to request channel condition information, and (from root AP or more AP controller) request is about one in a network Or the combined channel condition information of a number of other AP.

First AP can be based at least partially on channel condition information to be ranked up to channel set, and from sequence Select the first channel list.In some implementations, the first channel list can be by having to for each candidate channel Effect channel capacity is compared to determining.Other Considerations can be used in first AP.For example, the first AP can be considered to The load effect of the estimation of the adjacent AP of the candidate channel is used, or considers to select the candidate channel will lead to by the first AP The adjacent AP of triggering telepak handover triggering condition probability.In some implementations, the first AP can be based on effective Channel capacity, the load effect of estimation or the probability for triggering telepak handover triggering condition, to generate for each candidate letter The score in road.It can be to carry out ranking or sequence to candidate channel for the score of multiple candidate channels.In some realization sides In formula, the first channel list includes channel (the highest row that such as quantity is n of the higher ranked from the multiple candidate channel The channel of name).

In some implementations, channel selection can also be to determine in the frequency band for supporting different channel sizes Channel size.For example, the first AP can be utilized in frequency band (such as 5.0GHz defined in 802.11 standard of IEEE frequency Band) in 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz or another channel size.Even if it is big that channel in lists may be different channel Small, the first channel list also may include (with preference ordering) channel list of ranking.

At square 320, the first AP can determine for one of at least the first channel in the first channel list or Multiple operation constraints.For example, one or more of operation constraints can be at least partially based on the hardware feature of the first AP 's.For example, the first AP can be determined to the potential TX power level for each channel.First AP can determine any interchannel The combination of particular channel and specific TX power level should be used for every (or frequency interval or bandwidth granularity).In some implementations In, minimum frequency space can be to be indicated with the multiple of 10MHz.Channel operation constraint can indicate channel number, and work as When operating on the channel number to the first radio, AP is by the minimum frequency space of application.Minimum frequency space can indicate Between the center frequency of operation of (TX/RX of operation simultaneously) another radio unit of the centre frequency and AP of the channel Frequency distance (as unit of MHz).

At square 330, the first AP can send channel selection information message to the root AP of network, and (it can also be known as " channel preference report message ").Channel selection information message may include that (it can also be known as channel preference to the first channel list List) and at least the first channel one or more operation constraints (it can also be known as radio operation constraint).For example, the One AP can send channel selection information message via network.Channel selection information message can be can be used by root AP to determine It is used to indicate the channel selection of at least first choice channel in the first channel list.The channel selection can be at least partly Ground is based on one or more of operation constraints.

At square 340, the first AP can also receive at least first be used to indicate in the first channel list from root AP Select the channel selection of channel.The channel selection can be at least partially based on one or more of operation constraints.Example Such as, the channel selection request which can be with the channel (or second channel list) for indicating selection from root AP The form of message.Second channel list can be the subset of the first channel list via root AP selection.Second list can To include: to be based at least partially on the first choice channel that one or more operation constraints have been selected by root AP.In some realities In existing mode, the channel selection request message from root AP can also include: for the first choice channel specified by root AP TX power limit.

At square 350, the first AP can use first choice channel for providing the first wireless coverage area.One In a little implementations, in the case where root AP provides second channel list with for being considered by the first AP, the first AP can be from the New channel is selected in two channel lists, and the wireless coverage area of the first AP is switched to new channel.First AP can be with BSS is configured to utilize new channel.

Fig. 4 depicts the message flow diagram of the sample implementation of the channel selection with channel operation constraint.Message Flow diagram 400 describes the message between the first AP 110 and root AP 150.At 410, the first AP 110 be can detecte Local channel handover triggering condition.Channel handover triggering condition can be the first AP 110 of triggering and execute the letter for being directed to channel selection Any condition of road assessment.For example, the first AP 110 can another AP from root AP or in a network receive channel handover trigger Message.In another example, local channel handover triggering condition can be the channel estimating initiated at local (at the first AP). In some implementations, local channel handover triggering condition can be preconfigured by root AP 150.For example, root AP 150 The parameter (such as condition or thresholding) that local channel handover triggering condition is used for by the first AP 110 can be sent.

The example of local channel handover triggering condition may include:

Determine the deterioration for the channel conditions by the first AP present channel used

Determine that the first AP has the load higher than trigger threshold

It determines and is interfered by the cochannel on the first AP present channel currently in use, wherein cochannel interference is just in shadow Ring the channel availability for one or more stations associated with present channel

Interference power level is compared with threshold level

Current time is compared with the triggered time configured at the first AP

At 420, the first AP 110 can scan and (be shown as 436) channel set to obtain and can see by scanning channel Any channel condition information observed.Scanning may include: observation from other equipment that channel may be used or other The signal of AP 420.Scanning can be to any of determining channel signal strength, the current utilization of channel or the characteristic of channel Combination.

In addition to scanning, the first AP 110 can also inquire one or more of the other AP 420.For example, the first AP 110 Inquiry message (being shown as 442) can be sent to other AP 420 to obtain the channel condition information from other AP 420.Its Its AP 420 can send response message (being shown as 446) to the first AP 110.The response message can be described by other AP 420 not currently used one or more of the other channels of AP 420 observe but other.For example, other AP 420 can wrap The channel condition information that it is included by executing scan channel at other AP 420 to obtain.By from another AP (and especially It is that channel condition information is solicited from adjacent AP), the first AP 110 can be with the more complete view of collection network.As hereinafter retouched It states, the first AP 110 can use from the channel condition information that multiple AP are obtained the channel choosing enhanced at the first AP 110 Select technology.

At 450, the first AP 110 can determine that the first channel arranges at the first AP 110 using first choice technology Table.For example, the first AP 110 can be based on the efficient channel capacity for each channel be ranked up, to determine that the first channel arranges Table.Efficient channel capacity, which can be, uses the available in-flight time of such as channel, the BSS in-flight time of overlapping, the BSS in overlapping In number of devices, signal strength, interference power level and for the first AP BSS equipment physical date rates Parameter is estimated.If the first AP selection is being considered by other AP 420 channel currently in use to other AP's 420 It can choose the first channel list when the influence of load.In another example, when selecting the first channel list, it may be considered that touching The probability (being further described in Fig. 5) for switching channel of sending out AP adjacent.

In some implementations, the first AP 110 is it is contemplated that the candidate letter utilized by one or more adjacent AP Road.For example, if at least part and the covering area overlapping of the first AP 110 of the overlay area for adjacent AP, the phase The BSS of adjacent AP may be considered the BSS (OBSS) of overlapping.First AP 110 can determine efficient channel capacity are as follows: to first AP 110 may expect the estimation of the how much OBSS in-flight times utilized via normal in-flight time competition process.For determination For the efficient channel capacity of candidate channel, the first AP 110 can be determined by the currently available of the OBSS candidate channel utilized In-flight time；It is based at least partially on the quantity and (being utilized by OBSS) currently available aerial at station associated with the first AP Time, to determine the additional competition in-flight time of candidate channel；Determine estimating for the quantity for being directed to station associated with the first AP The physical layer transmission data rate of meter；And be based at least partially on currently available in-flight time, additional competition it is aerial when Between and estimated physical layer transmission rate, to calculate efficient channel capacity.

At 455, the first AP 110 can determine for one of at least the first channel in the first channel list or Multiple operation constraints.For example, one or more of operation constraints can be at least partially based on the hardware feature of the first AP 's.First AP 110 can determine multiple channel operation constraints corresponding with multiple channels.Channel operation constraint example be It is further described about Fig. 7.

At 460, the first AP 110 sends channel selection information message to root AP 150.The channel selection information message can To include the first channel list and can one or more operation constraints associated with the first channel of the first channel list. Therefore, according to present disclosure, the message at 460 can transmit channel operation constraint.For example, in addition to the first channel list Except (indicating preferred channel), the message at 460 can also include that (the first AP 110 of instruction should not for constraint channel list The blocking channel concomitantly used in conjunction with particular channel).Constraint channel list may include the letter that the first AP 110 should be avoided Road (or channel size in frequency band).Channel constraints may include the hardware feature (or limitation) based on the first AP 110 Operation constraint.Channel constraints can be specific to the particular channel (or channel size) that can be used for being used by the first AP 110.

In some implementations, the message at 460 may include by the concurrent channels currently in use of the first AP 110 List.For example, (such as DBDC equipment or having if the first AP 110 can be operated on more than one channel The equipment of more than one transceiver), then concurrent channels list can notify utilized by the first AP 110 to root AP 150 Other channels.

In some implementations, the number that the first AP 110 can also notify the first AP 110 to need support to root AP 150 According to rate (for example, based on client device or sub- STA) and the first AP 110 by the thresholding of tolerance while using channel Received signal strength indicator symbol (RSSI).These parameters can describe the space footprint of the BSS at the first AP 110.Work as distribution When channel (such as in crowded environment), root AP 150 is it is contemplated that these parameters.For example, root AP 150 can determine to The space reflection of AP in network, and determined at nigh AP using the channel selection information from multiple AP The space footprint of each channel option.The overlay area that doing so can assist root AP to make overlapping minimizes, while making for whole The spatial coverage of a network maximizes.Technology for being distributed channel based on space footprint can permit two AP and to the greatest extent may be used Channel can mostly be reused, while avoid the footprint of overlapping.

At 470, root AP 150 can extract the first channel list with determine first choice channel (or second channel column Table is the subset of the first channel list).For example, root AP 150 can based on root AP to network the overall situation consider, come reduce/ Revise the first channel list.In some implementations, root AP 150 can be based on the channel conditions letter collected by root AP 150 Breath, the first channel list is compared with the assessment that its optimum channel distributes.Root AP 150 is also conceivable in a network Channel reuse chance.For example, competition graph coloring technology can be used to distribute channel, to use by a network in root AP 150 AP each AP recommend preferred channel while maximize channel reuse.Competition graph coloring technology example may include: Network-based logical topology, the physical topology of network, one or more of each channel at each AP in a network A channel operation constraint or the channel condition information from more than one AP in a network, to keep channel reuse maximum Change.

At 480, it includes to first choice channel (or second channel list) that root AP 150 is sent to the first AP 110 The channel selection request message of instruction.In some implementations, which may include: that root AP 150 prohibits Only or limitation the first AP 110 selection constraint channel list (also known as limited channel).In some implementations, root AP 150 also can indicate that the main subchannel utilized for the first AP 110.For example, root AP 150 can by indicating the subchannel To reduce the interference to another AP for using first choice channel on different sub-channels.Subchannel is related to associated with channel Centre frequency offset.For example, if the first channel (channel " 40 ") is operated with the centre frequency of 5200MHz, the One subchannel (channel " 40- ") can be operated with the centre frequency of 5199MHz and the second subchannel (channel " 40+ ") It can be operated with the centre frequency of 5201MHz.Capacity can be increased using subchannel, this is because the overlay area of overlapping Different subchannels can be used without being different channel.Similarly, due to slight frequency shift (FS), the use of sub-channel Cochannel interference can be reduced.

At 490, the first AP 110 can use first choice channel with the wireless coverage area for the first AP 110. If second channel list, which has been provided, in root AP 150 (indicates the acceptable alternate channel used for the first AP 110 column Table), then the first AP 110 can select first choice channel from second channel list.Optionally, at 496, the first AP 110 can send message to root AP 150, to indicate that the first AP is utilizing first choice channel.At 498, root AP 150 can To send confirmation message to the first AP 110.Root AP 150 can also be notified to another AP (such as adjacent AP of the first AP 110) The channel selection (if the first AP 110 is not yet if doing so) of first AP 110.

Fig. 5 depicts the message flow chart of another sample implementation for the channel selection for leading to channel selection mistake.Disappear Ceasing flow chart 500 includes the message and process similar with message described in the message flow diagram 400 in Fig. 4 and process.In At 410, the first AP 110 can detecte local channel handover triggering condition.At 420, the first AP 110 can be believed by scanning Road or by being communicated with other AP 420 (being shown as 548), come obtain it can be observed that any channel condition information. At 450, the first choice technology at the first AP 110 is can be used to determine the first channel list in the first AP 110.In At 455, the first AP 110 can determine one or more operation constraints at least the first channel in the first channel list. At 460, the first AP 110 can send channel selection information message to root AP 150.At 470, root AP 150 can be extracted First channel list is to determine first choice channel (or second channel list, be the subset of the first channel list).480 Place, root AP 150 can include the channel of the instruction to first choice channel (or second channel list) to the first AP 110 transmission Select request message.Describe as in Fig. 4, in some implementations, root AP 150 can also send to first choice The instruction of associated first subchannel of channel.

Different from Fig. 4, message flow diagram 500 includes determining that the first AP cannot utilize first choice for the first AP 110 The mechanism of channel (it is properly termed as not operation channel).For example, the hardware feature of the first AP may be constrained to first choice channel Use.In some implementations, first choice channel cannot be combined by the first AP (such as in the second transceiver of the first AP Place) another channel (or channel size) for having been carried out concomitantly uses.

At 584, the first AP 110 can send channel selection error message to root AP, and (it can also be known as channel selection Response message).For example, channel selection error message can indicate that the first AP cannot utilize first choice channel.In some realizations In mode, channel selection error message may include the error code for indicating the reason of the first AP cannot be using first choice channel (it can also be known as reason code).In some implementations, channel selection error message may include to can be used for the first AP The instruction of at least one alternate channel instead of first choice channel utilized.The example of channel selection error message is about figure 8 further describe.

At 586, root AP 150 can handle channel selection error message, and selection is used for the second of the first AP 110 Select channel (or second channel list of revision).For example, it is contemplated that one or more of operations are constrained and are selected in channel Select any information for including in error message, the second selection channel can be to be selected in the first channel list.

At 588, root AP 150 can to the first AP 110 send to second selection channel (or revision second channel arrange Table) instruction.At 490, the first AP 110 can use the second selection channel (or letter in the second channel list of revision A channel in road) with the wireless coverage area for the first AP 110.

Fig. 6 depicts the example concept schematic diagram of the message for sharing channel condition information.For example, the message can be with Another AP is sent to from an AP (including root AP).Fig. 6 includes sample data frame 620.Data frame 620 may include leading 622, Frame header 624, frame main body 610 and Frame Check Sequence (FCS) 626.Leading 622 may include for establishing synchronous one or more A bit.Frame header 624 may include that source network address and purpose network address (such as send AP respectively and receive the network of AP Address), the length of data frame or other frame control informations.Frame main body 610 can use message format and carry out tissue, and can be with Including various fields or information element 632,636 and 638.

Each field or information element can be to the shared channel condition informations about described AP.Show in Fig. 6 Several examples of information element 660 are gone out.For example, information element may include for by described AP it is currently in use (or Can be used for being used by described AP) channel selection information 662 of one or more channel (such as channel utilization, STA Quantity, competition statistics, channel availability etc.).Information element may include channel operation constraint 664 (such as minimum channel interval, Potential TX power level, about concurrently use to two channels the considerations of etc.).Information element may include instruction cannot be by Channel selection error message 666 (identifier, mistake/reason code, alternate channel including unavailable channel for the channel that AP is used Etc.).

In some implementations, AP can be equipped with more than one radio unit, and can be more than (such as DBDC equipment) is operated on one channel.Each radio unit, channel and associated STA may be considered individually BSS.In this case, AP can send multiple message, or can send with the field or letter being described above The single message of the set of element is ceased, to describe multiple BSS of AP.

Fig. 7 depicts two example message formats of the message for sharing channel operation constraint.For to can be wrapped The purpose that the different types of information in channel selection information message explains is included, example message format is as unrestricted Property example provides.Some variants of channel selection information message may include more than the field described in the figure or than Few field.

First example message format 710 may include channel operation constraint.First example message format 710 includes with lower word Section and structure:

Length value can be to indicate the length of channel selection information message.Interface value can indicate to retouch by the message The address medium access control (MAC) for the interface stated.Protocol designator value can indicate that agreement (is such as assisted for high-throughput HT View is " 0000 "；It is " 0001 " for very high-throughput VHT agreement；It is " 0010 " etc. for HE).The agreement can also be known as Such as when mode when different agreement/modes is operated can be used in interface.In some implementations, about interface Other information can be included in the message (such as specified multiple-input and multiple-output MIMO configuration etc.).

In some implementations, channel selection information message may include about clothes associated with the BSS at AP Business requires and/or the information of tolerance.For example, the first example message format 710 may include rate requirement value and/or RSSI tolerance Parameter.Rate requirement can indicate data rate that the first AP 110 needs support (for example, based on client device or son STA).RSSI Tolerance Parameters can indicate that the first AP 110 is referred to the thresholding received signal strength of tolerance while using channel Show symbol (RSSI).

First example message format 710 include: be used to indicate can channel of operation quantity (being appointed as digital k) field. Can channel of operation can be the subset of the channel set in frequency band.For respectively can be for channel of operation (k), the first example message Format 710 includes the information specific to channel (it includes channel operation constraint).Information specific to channel may include channel Number (for example, " 0000 " is used to indicate 20MHz, " 0001 " is used to indicate 40MHz, and " 0010 " is used to indicate 80MHz with bandwidth parameter Etc.).Information specific to channel may include channel spacing parameter.For example, channel spacing parameter can be indicated away from setting at this Bandwidth/frequency distance of the channel of operation of standby upper another interface, another interface can with operated on this channel Interface have single band simultaneously TX/RX.In some implementations, channel spacing parameter can be with 5MHz's or 10MHz Increment describes.In some implementations, available channel is to carry out predetermined and channel spacing ginseng with 5MHz step-length Number can indicate the quantity for the 5MHz channel to be included between presently described channel and another channel.

First example message format 710 may include other channel consideration/limitations or other hardware consideration/limitation.Example Such as, the one or more letters that cannot concomitantly operate in conjunction with the channel in identical equipment can be identified specific to the information of channel Road.In some implementations, maximum OBSS channel utilization on this channel can be indicated specific to the information of channel.In In some implementations, the maximum quantity of the AP simultaneously disposed on this channel can be indicated specific to the information of channel.In In some implementations, the information specific to channel can indicate maximum interference power on this channel.It is other specific to letter The information in road is easy to imagine that be relevant to channel operation constraint, and can be included in channel selection information and disappear In breath.

Second example message format 720 may include channel operation constraint and TX power constraint.Second example message lattice Formula 720 includes following field and structure:

Second example message format 720 includes the field similar with the field described in the first example message format 710. However, the second example message format 720 further comprises about the TX power for being directed to each channel in the information specific to channel The information of level (P).For respectively can channel of operation each potential TX power level, the information specific to channel may include potential The indicator of TX power level and channel spacing parameter.For some implementations, in view of the radio operation energy of the first AP Power, channel, TX power level, channel spacing and bandwidth parameter can determine the wireless coverage area provided by the first AP together.

Fig. 8 depicts the example message format for being used to indicate the message of channel selection mistake.For to can be included in The purpose that different types of information in channel selection error message explains, the example message format are as non-limiting Example provides.Some variants of channel selection error message may include more than the field described in figure or few Field.First example message format 810 includes following field and structure:

Length value can be to indicate the length of channel selection error message.Interface value can indicate connecing for the message semantic definition Address medium access control (MAC) of mouth.First example message format 810 includes the word for being used to indicate the quantity of not operation channel Section (being appointed as digital n).For each not operation channel (n), the first example message format 810 may include about the specific of mistake In the information of channel.Information specific to channel may include channel number and error code.For example, error code may include for referring to Show that (such as " 0000 " is used for " insufficient bandwidth granularity ", " 0001 " for violating for the indicator of the reason of channel is not operation Dynamic frequency selection strategy etc.).Each code can be specified for various different hardware/radio unit limit System prevents AP from using not operation channel.

In some implementations, specific to the information of channel can indicate to be able to use instead of the one of not operation channel A or multiple alternate channels.For example, can indicate the quantity (being appointed as digital r) of alternate channel specific to the information of channel.Needle To each alternate channel (r), the information specific to channel may include the channel number for being directed to the alternate channel, channel spacing parameter And/or TX power level.

Fig. 9 depicts the flow chart for carrying out the exemplary operations of auxiliary channel selection using channel operation constraint for root AP.Stream Journey Figure 90 0 starts from square 910.At square 910, root AP can receive channel selection information message from the first AP of network. The channel selection information message may include that can be used for by the first AP the first channel list used and associated with the first AP One or more operation constraints.For example, one or more of operation constraints can be at least partially based on the first AP's Hardware feature.

At square 920, root AP can be based at least partially on one or more of operation constraints, from the first channel At least first choice channel is selected in list.For example, competition graph coloring technology can be used to estimate by the first AP benefit in root AP The influence to network that will lead to the candidate channel in the first channel list.Competition graph coloring technology can be with to avoid will disobey The channel distribution of anti-one or more of constraints.In some implementations, competition graph coloring technology can also make in network In channel reuse maximize.In some implementations, competition graph coloring technology is also conceivable to the logical topology of network, net The physical topology of network or channel condition information from more than one AP in a network.

At square 930, root AP can provide the instruction to first choice channel to the first AP.In some implementations In, which may include second letter of (or reduce or modify) subset selection of the channel from the first channel list Road list.

Figure 10 shows the block diagram of the exemplary electronic device of the various aspects for realizing present disclosure.In some realizations In mode, electronic equipment 1000 can be access point (be included herein description AP in any AP), range expander or its One of its electronic system.Electronic equipment 1000 may include that processor unit 1002 (may include multiple processors, multiple Core, multiple nodes or realization multithreading etc.).Electronic equipment 1000 can also include memory cell 1006.Memory list Member 1006 can be system storage or the possible implementation of computer-readable medium that is described below in appoint What one or more implementation.Electronic equipment 1000 can also include bus 1010 (such as PCI, ISA, PCI-Express, NuBus, AHB, AXI etc.) With Network Interface Unit 1004, the Network Interface Unit 1004 may include radio network interface (such as WLAN interface, Interface, WiMAX interface,Interface, Wireless USB interface etc.) and cable network At least one of interface (such as Ethernet interface, power line communications interface etc.).In some implementations, electronic equipment 1000 can support multiple network interfaces: each network interface therein is configured as electronic equipment 1000 being coupled to different lead to Communication network.

Electronic equipment 1000 may include network analysis element 1060 and channel selection unit 1062.In some implementations In, network analysis element 1060 and channel selection unit 1062 can be distributed in processor unit 1002, memory cell 1006 In bus 1010.Network analysis element 1060 and channel selection unit 1062 can execute described in the fig. 1 above -9 Some operations or all operationss in operation.Network analysis element 1060 can determine the channel about other AP in a network Condition information.Channel selection unit 1062 can be transmitted to another AP channel condition information or other channel selection informations (including Channel operation constraint).The channel condition information or the choosing of other channels can be used in channel selection unit 1062 in another AP Information is selected to execute channel selection.

Memory cell 1006 may include being can be performed by processor unit 1002 to realize and describe in fig. 1 above -9 Implementation function computer instruction.Any one of these functions function can be partly (or fully) hard It is realized in part and/or on processor unit 1002.For example, the function can use specific integrated circuit to realize, handling It is realized in the logic realized in device unit 1002, realized in the coprocessor on peripheral equipment or card etc..Further, Implementation may include less component or the additional component being not shown in Figure 10 (such as video card, audio card, Additional network interface, peripheral equipment etc.).Processor unit 1002, memory cell 1006,1004 and of Network Interface Unit Network configurator unit 1008 is coupled to bus 1010.Although being shown coupled to bus 1010, memory cell 1006 may be coupled to processor unit 1002.

Fig. 1-10 and the operation intention being described herein help to understand the example of sample implementation, and should not use To limit potential implementation or limitation scope of protection of the claims.Some implementations can execute additional behaviour Work, less operation, in a parallel fashion or with the operation of different order, and execute some different operations.

As it is used in the present context, be related to bulleted list " at least one of " phrase refer to any of those projects Combination, including single member.For example, " at least one of a, b or c " is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c and a-b- c。

Be incorporated herein the various illustrative logics of disclosed implementation description, logical block, module, circuit and Algorithmic procedure can be implemented as the combination of electronic hardware, computer software or both.Functionally, hardware and software is handed over Transsexual is usually described and illustrated in the various illustrative components, square, module, circuit and the process that have been described above 's.Such function is realized in hardware or software, about depending on the design of specific application and application over the whole system Beam.

To realize the various illustrative logics for being incorporated herein disclosed various aspects description, logical block, module It can be with the hardware and data processing equipment of circuit and utilize the general single for being designed to the function that execution is described herein Piece or multi-chip processor, digital signal processor (DSP), specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof come It realizes or executes.General processor can be microprocessor or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller Device or state machine.Processor is also implemented as calculating the combination of equipment, for example, the combination of DSP and microprocessor, Duo Gewei The combination or any other such configuration of processor, one or more microprocessors and DSP core.In some realization sides In formula, specific process and method can be executed by the circuit specific to given function.

In one or more aspects, described function can be in hardware, Fundamental Digital Circuit, computer software, solid It is realized in part (it is included in the description disclosed structure and the equivalent of its structure) or any combination thereof.In this theory The implementation of theme described in bright book is also implemented as one or more computer programs and (is situated between that is, storing in computer One or more modules of the computer program instructions encoded in matter) for executing or controlling number by data processing equipment According to the operation of processing unit.

If realized in software, function can be used as one or more instructions or code is stored in computer-readable medium Above or by computer-readable medium send.The process of method or algorithm disclosed herein can be calculated being present in Processor on machine readable medium can be performed to be realized in software module.Computer-readable medium includes computer storage medium and leads to Believe that both media, the communication media are another vicinal any including that can be transmitted to computer program from a place Medium.Storage medium can be any available medium that computer can access.It for example, and not is limitation, in this way Computer-readable medium may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other disc memories, magnetic disk storage or its Its magnetic storage apparatus or can be to the desired program code of storage in the form of instruction or data structure and can be by calculating Any other medium that machine is accessed.In addition, any connection can be properly termed as computer-readable medium.As herein It uses, disk and CD include compact disk (CD), laser-optical disk, CD, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blue light CD, wherein disk usually magnetically replicate data, and CD utilizes laser to optically replicate data.Combinations of the above is also answered When in the protection scope for being included in computer-readable medium.In addition, the operation of method or algorithm can be used as code and refer to One of order or any combination thereof or its set are present on machine readable media and computer-readable medium, wherein machine Readable medium and computer-readable medium can be merged into computer program product.

The various modifications of the implementation described in this disclosure can be to those skilled in the art It will be apparent that and without departing substantially from the spirit or protection scope of present disclosure, what is defined herein is general Principle can be applied to other implementations.Therefore, claim is not intended to be limited to the implementation shown herein, and It is to fit to the widest scope consistent with disclosure disclosed herein, principle and novel features.

In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that, term " on " and "lower" are occasionally used for simplifying description Attached drawing, and instruction relative position corresponding with the direction of the attached drawing on the page in correct orientation, and may not reflect Such as the correct direction of any equipment of realization.

Certain features described in the context of individual implementation in the present specification can also be single real It is realized in the combination of existing mode.In turn, each feature described in the context of single implementation can also be multiple It individually realizes in implementation or is realized in any suitable sub-portfolio.In addition, though feature can be retouched hereinbefore It states to work in certain combinations, and even if initially require like this, but in some cases, in desired combination One or more features can be separated from the combination and required combination can be directed to sub-portfolio or The variant of sub-portfolio.

Similarly, although operation is described in a particular order in the accompanying drawings, this is not construed as: in order to realize It is desired result it is required that perhaps serial order all shows to execute such operation or execute with the particular order that shows Operation.Further, attached drawing can schematically describe one or more instantiation procedures in a flowchart.However, not Other operations of description can be merged into the instantiation procedure schematically shown.For example, one or more additional operations can Be before any operation in shown operation, later, simultaneously or between execute.In some environments, more Business processing and parallel processing may be advantageous.In addition, to each system component in the implementation being described above Division be not construed as requiring in whole implementations it is such divide, and it should be understood that described journey Sequence component and system can be usually integrated into together in single software product, or are encapsulated into multiple software product.In addition, its It is achieved in that in the protection scope of following claims.In some cases, that records in the claims is dynamic It can be and be executed in different order, and still realize desired result.