CN101674214B - Method for enabling STA to serve as AP and no-AP-STA simultaneously - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a method for enabling an 802.11STA to serve as AP and no-AP-STA simultaneously. In an IEEE 802.11 architecture, a basic device unit called as STA is defined; and the set of the network functions which can be provided by the STA is called as Service. In an IEEE 802.11 specification, the service is divided into two groups: one group is STA service recorded as SS, and the other group is DS service recorded as DSS. If one STA can provide SS plus DSS service, the STA is called as the AP in the IEEE 802.11 specification; and relatively, the STA which only provides SS is called as the no-AP-STA. A plurality of STAs can construct a network, and a network with the AP is called as a distribution system recorded as DS. In the realization of the prior STA, one STA only works ina service set, only serves as the AP and provides the SS plus DS service, or only serves as the no-AP-STA and provides the SS service. The invention discloses the method which enables a physical STA to simultaneously serve as the AP and the no-AP-STA to work, i.e. when the SS plus DS service is provided, the SS service can be provided simultaneously.

Description

A STA serves as the method for AP and no-AP-STA simultaneously

Technical field

The present invention relates to the wireless lan network communications field, relate in particular to a kind of method and apparatus that serves as AP and no-AP-STA work at a 802.11STA simultaneously.

Background technology

In IEEE 802.11 architectures, defined basic unit, be called STA; Can constitute distributing network system by a plurality of STA, be called DS; A DS identifies with a SSID, and the set of the network function that it can provide is called " service " (Service).In IEEE 802.11 standards, these services are divided into two groups: one group is that " STA service " is designated as SS, and another group is that " DS service " is designated as DSS.

SS comprises following content:

(1) Athentication (authentication)

(2) Deauthenication (cancellation authentication)

(3) Privacy (encryption)

(4) MSDU delivery (payment of MSDU data)

DSS comprises following content:

(1) Association (association)

(2) Disassociation (cancellation is related)

(3) Distribution (distribution)

(4) Integration (comprehensively)

(5) Reassociation (related again)

The intersection of note SS and DSS is SS+DSS, represents that a STA both provided SS, and DSS also is provided simultaneously.If a STA among the DS can provide SS+DSS, in IEEE 802.11 standards such STA is called AP; Relative, only provide the STA of SS to be called no-AP-STA.

As shown in Figure 2, this Figure illustrates AP and build a DS network system by DSS is provided, this network system is made of an AP and several no-AP-STA, is identified by a SSID.When AP set up the DS network system, AP sent a kind of special frames that is called Beacon with fixed intervals, has comprised the SSID, network parameter and the time synchronization information that identify this DS network system in this frame.When a no-AP-STA will add this DS network system, it obtains SSID, network parameter and the time synchronization information of this DS network system by Beacon frame or probResponse frame, use the relevant setting of these information updatings oneself then, realize adding by Association (association) service then.In case after joining this DS network system, just the DSS that can use AP to provide serves the distribution that realizes data.

Fig. 2 has described the process of Distribution in the DS network system (data distribution) service, and two no-AP-STA are designated as S1 and S2 among the figure, and AP is designated as AP1.S1 sends data to S2, and its real process is that (1) S1 sends the data to AP1, AP1 elder generation these data of buffer memory; (2) AP1 sends to S2 with these data.This service that AP1 provides is exactly Distribution (data distribution) service.

As shown in Figure 3, this Figure illustrates the process that realizes Integration (integration) service.Have a 802.11DS network in the expression environment among the figure, the AP that makes up this network is designated as AP1, and two no-AP-STA are designated as S1 and S2, and the Internet network that exists in the environment is designated as N1.As S1 during to the Internet transmitted data on network, its real process is that (1) S1 sends the data to AP1, AP1 elder generation these data of buffer memory; (2) AP1 sends to Internet network N 1 with these data; (3) data of returning from Internet also send to AP1 earlier, these data of AP1 buffer memory; (4) AP1 sends to S1 with data in buffer.This connection 802.11DS network that AP1 provides and the service of other networks are exactly Integration (integration) service.

During existing STA realized, a STA can only serve as a kind of equipment, or was only as AP, and SS+DS only is provided service; Be only as no-AP-STA, SS only is provided service.

As shown in Figure 4, this Figure illustrates a concrete application.In the drawings, have a 802.11DS network in the environment, the AP that makes up this network is designated as AP1, and AP1 provides the Integration (integration) that arrives Internet network N 1 service.Three STA are designated as S1, S2, and S3, wherein S1 has the authority that inserts AP1, and S2 and S3 then do not have the access authority.After S1 is linked into 802.11 DS networks as no-AP-STA (the SS service only is provided), use the user of S1, realize various Internet network applications by AP1.In this time, S2 and S3 wish to carry out transfer of data with S1, because S2 and S3 do not have the authority that inserts AP1, this just needs S1 temporarily as AP work (the SS+DS service promptly is provided).Because in existing the realization, a STA can only serve as a kind of equipment, thus the association of S1 must be disconnected earlier to AP1, and then S1 is worked as AP.But so just cause the original user network application to disconnect, if the user wishes that S1 realizes above-mentioned functions not disconnecting under the situation related with AP1, present realization just can't have been satisfied.

Summary of the invention

In order to solve the problem that above-mentioned similar application occurs, the present invention proposes a kind of method, for the STA of 802.11 normalized definitions provides a kind of new function, make a STA, can serve as AP and no-AP-STA simultaneously, promptly when the SS+DS service is provided, also provide SS service simultaneously.

As shown in Figure 1, the each several part that this Figure illustrates STA described in the present invention is formed.

Described one 802.11 STA is designated as S1, can be simultaneously as AP and no-AP-STA work.

Described S1, comprising MAC Control Software module M1, MAC hardware module M2, BaseBand hardware module M3, RF hardware module M4 several sections.Wherein M2, M3, M4 can be embodied as independently logic hardware module respectively, are connected with control bus by external data each other; Also can be implemented as a hardware module, use internal data to be connected with control bus.

Described MAC hardware module M2 comprises a mode of operation configuration register R1, a beacon control module R2, at least two synchronization control module R3 and R4 and an AP_no-AP-STA control logic module R5.。

Described mode of operation configuration register R1 is used to dispose the pattern of MAC work, wherein comprises the pattern of while as AP and no-AP-STA work.

Described beacon control module R2 is used for storage and sends the beacon frame.

Described synchronization control module R3 and R4, R3 are used to handle the time synchronized as AP, and R4 is used to handle the time synchronized as no-AP-STA.

Described MAC Control Software module M1 comprises 1, one no-AP-STA Control Software of AP Control Software modules A modules A 2, and can be in operating state simultaneously.

Described AP Control Software modules A 1 is used to control MAC hardware module M2 and sets up network, and management adds the equipment in this network, realizes data distribution and integrated service.

Described no-AP-STA Control Software modules A 2 is used to control MAC hardware module M2 and adds the network that other AP set up, realize and this network synchronously, realize transfer of data.

Described AP_no-AP-STA control logic module R5 is used for R1, R2, four parts of R3, R4 are connected, and realizes the function of AP and no-AP-STA coexistence.This function realizes with method as follows:

1) mode of operation configuration register R1 is configured to serve as simultaneously the mode of operation of AP and no-AP-STA;

2) when being configured to above-mentioned described mode of operation, following two kinds of job steps are arranged:

First kind of step, a physics 802.11STA starts as AP earlier:

A) AP Control Software modules A 1 is started working, and MAC hardware module M2 is set starts as AP, and the synchronization control module R3 among the M2 starts, pick up counting, beacon control module R2 sends the Beacon frame by the cycle of setting, thereby sets up a wireless DS network, and distributes a SSID to identify.Comprise SSID and time synchronization information in this Beacon frame;

B) M2 as the AP course of work in and AP Control Software modules A 1 together, be responsible for safeguarding the wireless DS network, management adds the no-AP-STA of network, and SS+DSS is provided service;

C) M2 works as no-AP-STA then, no-AP-STA Control Software modules A 2 control M2, Beacon frame, the probResponse frame that sends by other AP in the reception environment the AP that exists in the perception environment, selects one of them AP association then, realizes that the wireless DS network adds; Add fashionablely, the time parameter in the Beacon frame that sends according to selected AP upgrades synchronization control module R4, and the SSID in the Beacon frame that sends according to selected AP upgrades the SSID in the no-AP-STA Control Software modules A 2;

D) M2 as the no-AP-STA course of work in and no-AP-STA Control Software modules A 2 together, the Beacon frame that sends according to selected AP keeps synchronously, and SS is provided service, and the DS service that utilizes selected AP to provide realizes that data distribute;

Second kind of step, a physics 802.11STA starts as no-AP-STA earlier:

A) no-AP-STA Control Software modules A 2 is started working, control MAC hardware module M2 starts as no-AP-STA earlier, the Beacon frame that AP sends in the M2 reception environment, probResponse frame come the AP that exists in the perception environment, select an AP association then, realize that this wireless DS network adds, add fashionable, upgrade synchronization control module R4 according to the time parameter in the Beacon frame of selected AP transmission, according to the SSID in the SSID renewal no-AP-STA Control Software modules A 2 in the Beacon frame of selected AP transmission;

B) M2 as the no-AP-STA course of work in and no-AP-STA Control Software modules A 2 together, the Beacon frame that sends according to selected AP keeps synchronously, and SS is provided service, and the DS service realization transfer of data of utilizing selected AP to provide;

C) AP Control Software modules A 1 operation then, control M2 comes work as AP, and the synchronization control module R3 among the M2 starts, pick up counting, beacon control module R2 sends the Beacon frame by the cycle of setting simultaneously, thereby sets up a wireless DS network, and distributes a SSID to identify.This Beacon frame includes SSID and time synchronization information;

D) M2 as the AP course of work in and AP Control Software modules A 1 together, be responsible for safeguarding the wireless DS network, management adds the no-AP-STA of network, and SS+DSS is provided service.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is for realizing apparatus structure schematic diagram of the present invention

Fig. 2 is the schematic diagram of Distribution in the DS network system (data distribution) service process

Fig. 3 is the schematic diagram of Integration in the DS network system (integration) service process

Fig. 4 is one and uses the present invention to realize the concrete schematic diagram of using

Specific embodiments

As shown in Figure 1, this Figure illustrates the schematic diagram of realization while as the 802.11STA of AP and no-AP-STA work.

Realize the STA of while as AP and no-AP-STA work functions, the parts of its hardware module comprise: MAC Control Software module M1 and MAC hardware module M2.Wherein M2 comprises a mode of operation configuration register R1, a Beacon control module R2, at least two synchronization control module R3 and R4 and an AP_no-AP-STA control logic module R5.Wherein AP_no-AP-STA control logic module R5 is used to glue together R1, R2, R3 and R4, controls them and is in the state that AP and no-AP-STA work simultaneously.MAC Control Software module M1 comprises 1, one no-AP-STA Control Software of AP Control Software modules A modules A 2, and A1, A2 can be simultaneously in running order.

For the invention process process is described better,, concrete application process of the present invention is described with embodiment shown in Figure 4 in conjunction with Fig. 1.

1) at first mode of operation configuration register R1 is configured to serve as simultaneously the mode of operation of AP and no-AP-STA.

2) when being configured to above-mentioned described mode of operation, concrete steps are as follows:

A) the MAC hardware module M2 among the S1 starts as no-AP-STA earlier.No-AP-STA Control Software modules A 2 is started working, the Beacon frame that AP sends in the control M2 reception environment, and perhaps the probResponse frame comes the AP that exists in the perception environment, selects an AP association then, realizes that the wireless DS network adds.Add fashionablely, the time parameter that sends in the Beacon frame according to selected AP upgrades SYN register R4, sends SSID in the Beacon frame according to selected AP and upgrades SSID in the no-AP-STA Control Software modules A 2.

B) M2 as the no-AP-STA course of work in and no-AP-STA Control Software modules A 2 together, the Beacon frame that sends according to selected AP keeps synchronously, and SS is provided service, and the DS service realization transfer of data of utilizing selected AP to provide.

3) when S2 and S3 wished to carry out data communication with S1, if S2 and S3 do not have the ability that inserts AP1, and the user did not wish to disconnect the network application on the S1, at this time, just need S1 to come work as AP simultaneously, set up another wireless DS network temporarily, carry out following steps:

A) AP Control Software modules A 1 is started working, and the MAC hardware module M2 among the control S1 serves as AP.Synchronization control module R3 among the M2 starts, and picks up counting; Beacon control module R2 regularly sends the Beacon frame, thereby sets up the wireless DS network, and this Beacon frame includes the SSID of this wireless DS network of sign, network parameter and time synchronization information, and S1 just sets up a wireless DS network as AP like this.

B) M2 as the AP course of work in, S2 and S3 join in the wireless DS network of being set up as AP by S1, realize the data communication between S1, S2 and the S3.

The method disclosed in the present for the STA of 802.11 normalized definitions provides a kind of new function, makes a STA, can serve as AP and no-AP-STA simultaneously, promptly when the SS+DS service is provided, also provide SS service simultaneously, can better meet user's request.

Claims (1)

1. one kind makes a physics 802.11STA simultaneously as the method for AP and no-AP-STA work, and it is characterized in that: a physics 802.11STA realizes working as AP and no-AP-STA simultaneously, and step is as follows:

1) mode of operation configuration register R1 is configured to serve as simultaneously the mode of operation of AP and no-AP-STA;

2) when being configured to above-mentioned described mode of operation, following two kinds of job steps are arranged:

First kind of step, a physics 802.11STA starts as AP earlier:

A) AP Control Software modules A 1 is started working, MAC hardware module M2 is set to be started as AP, synchronization control module R3 among the M2 starts, pick up counting, beacon control module R2 sends the Beacon frame by the cycle of setting, thereby set up a wireless DS network, and distribute a SSID to identify, comprise SSID and time synchronization information in this Beacon frame; Wherein SSID is the network service set, is used for wireless network of unique identification;

B) M2 as the AP course of work in and AP Control Software modules A 1 together, be responsible for safeguarding the wireless DS network, management adds the no-AP-STA of network, and SS+DSS is provided service; Wherein SS is meant the STA service, and DSS is meant distribution services, and SS+DSS refers to provide simultaneously above-mentioned two kinds of services;

C) M2 works as no-AP-STA then, no-AP-STA Control Software modules A 2 control M2, Beacon frame, the probResponse frame that sends by other AP in the reception environment the AP that exists in the perception environment, selects one of them AP association then, realizes that the wireless DS network adds; Add fashionablely, the time synchronization information in the Beacon frame that sends according to selected AP is upgraded synchronization control module R4, and the SSID in the Beacon frame that sends according to selected AP upgrades the SSID in the no-AP-STA Control Software modules A 2;

D) M2 as the no-AP-STA course of work in and no-AP-STA Control Software modules A 2 together, the Beacon frame that sends according to selected AP keeps synchronously, and SS is provided service, and the DSS service that utilizes selected AP to provide realizes that data distribute;

Second kind of step, a physics 802.11STA starts as no-AP-STA earlier:

A) no-AP-STA Control Software modules A 2 is started working, control MAC hardware module M2 starts as no-AP-STA earlier, the Beacon frame that AP sends in the M2 reception environment, probResponse frame come the AP that exists in the perception environment, select an AP association then, realize that this wireless DS network adds, add fashionable, upgrade synchronization control module R4 according to the time synchronization information in the Beacon frame of selected AP transmission, according to the SSID in the SSID renewal no-AP-STA Control Software modules A 2 in the Beacon frame of selected AP transmission;

B) M2 as the no-AP-STA course of work in and no-AP-STA Control Software modules A 2 together, the Beacon frame that sends according to selected AP keeps synchronously, and SS is provided service, and the DSS service realization transfer of data of utilizing selected AP to provide;

C) AP Control Software modules A 1 operation then, control M2 comes work as AP, synchronization control module R3 among the M2 starts, pick up counting, beacon control module R2 sends the Beacon frame by the cycle of setting simultaneously, thereby set up a wireless DS network, and distribute a SSID to identify, this Beacon frame includes SSID and time synchronization information;

D) M2 as the AP course of work in and AP Control Software modules A 1 together, be responsible for safeguarding the wireless DS network, management adds the no-AP-STA of network, and SS+DSS is provided service.

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