CN101390407B - Wireless communication methods and components that implement handoff in wireless local area networks - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to wireless local area networks, and particularly to the IEEE 802.11 family of standards. It consists of a method and apparatus that can be implemented in access points (APs) and subscriber wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs), in order to allow an AP to initiate re-association of a WTRU to itself or a different AP. The invention improves the robustness of the network by enabling more efficient load balancing, congestion control, and roaming, without compromising the user experience.

Description

Implement wireless communications method and the assembly of handing-over in the radio area network

Technical field

The invention relates to radio area network (WLANs) and impel wireless transmission/reception unit (WTRU) to switch to another and method and the device of " roaming " by the communication via a communication station.Particularly, the present invention can advantageously be used by the WTRU that is configured in the WLANs operation that meets IEEE 802 standards, can carry out with the radio communication of wlan access point (APs) and lasting radio communication during when the radio link that switches to from the radio link with an AP with another AP in this WTRUs.

Background technology

For knowing, general, this kind system comprises communication station at wireless communication system in the art, its transmission and receive to each other wireless communication signals.Decide according to system form, communication station is typically one of them of wireless transmission/reception unit (WTRUs) of two kinds of patterns: a kind of form is the base station, and another kind is subscriber unit, and it is for movably.

Term base station as used herein includes, but not limited to base station, accessing points, Node B, base station controller or other interface arrangements or at the WTRU of wireless environment, it provides the accessing wirelessly of network that other WTRUs to AP correlate.

Title wireless transmission/reception unit as used herein (WTRU) includes, but not limited to subscriber equipment, mobile radio station, fixing or moving user unit, beeper or can be at any other form device of wireless environment operation.This kind WTRUs comprises personal communicator, such as phone, video phone, and the networking telephone of tool network connection.In addition, WTRUs comprises the Portable personal computing device, such as the notebook computer of the wireless modem of PDAs and tool similar network capacity.The WTRUs that maybe can change the position for Portable is called mobile unit.

Typically, provide the network of base station, wherein each base station can with suitable configuration WTRUs, and a plurality of suitable configurating base stations carry out the while radio communication.Some WTRUs alternately are configured to carry out to each other directly radio communication, also, can be by the network delay via the base station, this is commonly referred to as point to point wireless communication.When WTRU is configured to situation with other WTRUs direct communications, itself also is configured to and function is used as the base station, and WTRUs can be configured to for multi-channel network, tool network and point-to-point communication ability.

A kind of wireless system of form is called radio area network (WLAN), can be configured to the radio communication of carrying out with the WTRUs that is equipped with the WLAN modem, and it also can carry out the point-to-point communication with similar outfit WTRUs.At present, the WLAN modem is for to be integrated into some traditional communication and calculation element by manufacturer, for example, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, and kneetop computer make with one or more WLAN modem.

Universal WLAN environment with one or more WLAN base station, be typically called accessing points (APs), comprise the accessing points of setting up according to one or more IEEE 802 family's standards, access to these networks always needs user authentication process, the agreement of this kind system is at present in the standardization of WLAN technical field, and a kind of this kind protocol frame is with IEEE 802 family's canonical representations.

Basic service set (BSS) is the Foundation matrix of IEEE 802.11WLAN, and it comprises the WTRUs that is also referred to as station (STAs).One group of STAs that can talk to each other can form BSS, and multichannel BSS interconnects to form extended service set (ESS) via the framework type element that is called decentralized system (DS).Accessing points (AP), and is accessed when generally allowing by a plurality of STAs to this DS by providing DS service to provide to the WTRU of the access of this DS for a kind of.

With the WTRUs network in the operation of IEEE 802.11 environment point-to-point communications, be called " with Italian type " pattern on the typical case, be also referred to as " independent BSS ", at independent BSS, two or more WTRUs set up between them communication and without the demand of reciprocity network element, without any need for AP-to-network foundation tissue.Yet AP can be configured to use with the Italian type agreement and acts in the way to do that at point-to-point communication such as WTRUs.Can be as to another network or to bridge or the router of world-wide web at this kind situation AP.

Initial WTRU with the Italian type network selects this with the operating parameter of Italian type network, for example services set identification code (SSID), channel, and beacon sequential, and transmit this data in communication frame such as beacon frame, when other WTRUs addings were somebody's turn to do with the Italian type network, their detected and use this selection with the operating parameter of Italian type network.

Using network foundation tissue and during via APs control radio communication, parameter is stipulated by the network controller of this Aps of connection as SSID, this APs disseminates beacon frame termly so that WTRUs can identify this Aps and attempt foundation and they communicate by letter.

Can be the 32 character unique identification codes that are attached to the packet header that transmits at WLAN at the SSID of IEEE 802 base systems, this SSID then is used as the password when the WTRU attempt is connected to BBS or independent BBS, WTRU of this SSID difference and another, so all base stations and be connected to or attempt to be connected to the identical SSID of every other device normal operation of specific WLAN, it can provide correct SSID unless device does not generally allow to add BBS.

At AP-substrate W LAN, mobile WTRU wirelessly communicates by letter with specific AP when the geographic service area at this AP, and this WTRU is called connection AP, through it carries out radio communication thus.Sometimes must or wish that WTRU changes the AP that it correlates, for example, this WTRU may experience poor signal conditioning because it moves and exceeds it and correlate the geographic area that AP serves.The demand that the pass is connected to another AP also can cause because betiding being jammed of basic service set (BSS) that this AP serves.Re-connect and be also referred to as roaming, if particularly this WTRU tool is specified " family " AP (or Aps network) and followed " roaming " when this WTRU communicates by letter via different AP (or AP of heterogeneous networks).

At the WLANs that meets present IEEE 802.11 standards, WTRU is fully initial by this WTRU to re-connecting of new AP.For carrying out this, WTRU must identify first in its vicinity and can potentially provide to the APs of this WTRU network service.This is reached by scan method traditionally, and it can be active or passive.

In active scan, WTRU transmits to explore and requires to configure one or more channel that will communicate by letter in this WTRU, and this WTRU receives to explore from it and selects a new AP among APs that responds.In drive sweep, WTRU rests on it and can be used to the attempt reception by the channel of APs (it provides this WTRU the to follow the geographic location) beacon message packet that transmits, and this WTRU then selects a new AP in the APs of its reception beacon message packet.Can keep the viewpoint of carrying out middle communication, particularly when this WTRU moved, active and drive sweep all can spend the remarkable time.

The present inventor is cognitive to wish that sometimes AP re-connects the beginning of WTRU, for example, APs (or some other nodes of control WTRU behavior) can be based on set amount and/or present " load " situation of the institute's form that communicates decision because of the wireless communications traffic of the WTRUs number that correlates this AP.WTRU also can be positioned at the position of being served by several contiguous APs, and each AP can use the different channels in one group of channel that WTRU can communicate by letter thereon.Be that the circulation that quite high (high capacity) reaches at one or more contiguous APs is in the situation of quite low (underload) to an AP collective flow flux, wishing that the one or more WTRUs of this high capacity of connection AP re-connect contiguous underload APs.

Yet, at the WLANs that meets present IEEE 802.11 standards, these only re-connect as the WTRUs of this high capacity of connection AP and are equipped with complicated algorithm so that they provide re-connecting of AP to carry out when desired based on estimating in the circulation of these channels automatically to determine to other.Confirm that it is difficult that all WTRU are equipped with this kind algorithm, and the design of this kind algorithm and be embodied as very complex.Even all be equipped with this kind algorithm at all WTRU that the geographic area operation is provided, guarantee that it is difficult that WTRUs can not re-connect to other APs in disorderly mode, this may cause the multichannel that occurs back and forth between identical APs to re-connect.

For avoiding these problems, the present inventor has considered potential workaround.For example, high capacity AP can separate some forcibly through selecting WTRUs, wishes another AP that these WTRUs can then find them and can re-connect.Also can indirectly bring out separation by the transmission power level that reduces its some key message bag that transmits such as beacon or exploration reaction information bag.The problem of these isolation technics can cause the unacceptable service disruption of user of some WTRU user such as immediate service such as message or video signal for them.This interruption is must be scanned after separation by WTRU to seek new AP and caused, this is a kind of method that spends the remarkable time.When considering whole problem, the present inventor is cognitive be desirable to provide allow the initial WTRU of AP from an AP to another re-connect and can performance.

Summary of the invention

Provide according to an aspect of the present invention a kind of in radio area network (WLAN) user radio transmitting/receiving unit (WTRU) carry out from using first accessing points (AP) of one first set of communication parameters to be converted to the method for using the 2nd AP of a second communication parameter group via one via one, the method comprises: certainly use the AP reception transformation of this first set of communication parameters to require message, wherein this transformation requires message to comprise the basic service set identification code of the 2nd AP, this second communication parameter group, change time domain and point out this WTRU and an AP loses the sign of connection immediately; Require message to determine whether to be converted to the 2nd AP based on this transformation; And the corresponding decision that is converted to the 2nd AP, communicate with the 2nd AP that uses this second communication parameter group.

A kind of wireless transmission/reception unit (WTRU) is provided according to a further aspect of the invention, be used for a radio area network (WLAN) and reach the 2nd AP that also is used for being converted to from first accessing points (AP) of a use one first set of communication parameters a use one second communication parameter group, this WTRU comprises: a transceiver, be configured to receive transformation from an AP who uses this first set of communication parameters and require message, wherein this transformation requires message to comprise the basic service set identification code of the 2nd AP, this second communication parameter group, change time domain and point out this WTRU and an AP loses the sign of connection immediately; An and processor, relevant with this transceiver operations, this processor is configured to require message to determine whether to be converted to the 2nd AP based on this transformation, and responds the decision that is converted to the 2nd AP, configures this transceiver for communicating with the 2nd AP that uses this second communication parameter group.

Provide a kind of wireless transmission/reception unit (WTRU) according to another aspect of the invention, be used for a radio area network (WLAN) and reach the 2nd AP that also is used for being converted to from first accessing points (AP) of a use one first set of communication parameters a use one second communication parameter group, this WTRU comprises: a transceiver, be configured to receive transformation from an AP who uses this first set of communication parameters and require message, wherein this transformation requires message to comprise the basic service set identification code of the 2nd AP, this second communication parameter group, change time domain and point out this WTRU and an AP loses the sign of connection immediately; An and processor, relevant with this transceiver operations, this processor is configured to require message to determine whether to be converted to the 2nd AP based on this transformation, and responds the decision that is converted to the 2nd AP, configures this transceiver for communicating with the 2nd AP that uses this second communication parameter group.

A kind of accessing points for radio area network (WLAN) (AP) is provided according to a further aspect of the present invention, it is configured to assist to this accessing points or from the carrying out of the radio communication handing-over of this accessing points (AP), this AP comprises: a transceiver, it is configured to transmit change and requires message to the wireless transmission/reception unit of using one first set of communication parameters (WTRU), and wherein this transformation requires message to comprise the basic service set identification code of the 2nd AP, the second communication parameter group, change time domain and point out this WTRU and whether this AP loses the sign of connection immediately; Wherein this transceiver also is configured to receive the transformation reaction message from this WTRU that uses this first set of communication parameters, and wherein this transformation reaction message points out whether this WTRU will be converted to the 2nd AP.

Of the present inventionly understand more in detail and can be obtained by the following narration as the preferred embodiment of example, and will understand together with reference to relevant drawings, wherein similar elements represents with same numeral.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is system's general view of explanation WLAN communication.

Fig. 2 is the figure of indication system according to the invention overview, and wherein mobile WTRU leaves the coverage of original AP and enters the coverage of target AP.

Fig. 3 is the figure of the signal exchange of indication the first event, and wherein original AP requires WTRU to be handover to target AP.

Fig. 4 is the figure of the signal exchange of indication second event, and wherein original AP order WTRU is handover to target AP.

Fig. 5 is the figure of the signal exchange of indication the 3rd event, and wherein target AP order WTRU is handover to target AP.

Fig. 6 is the figure of the signal exchange of indication the 4th event, and wherein target AP requires WTRU to be handover to target AP.

Embodiment

Title accessing points (AP), original AP, target AP, and wireless transmission/reception unit (WTRU) be use as indicated above, the invention provides the less radio-frequency accesses network with many APs through setting up network organization, be provided for one or more WTRUs through any wireless network services thus.When using in the lump with mobile WTRUs, the present invention is particularly useful.Because the geographic area that the individual service that they are passed through is provided by indivedual APs contains, this WTRUs can be had integrated or through installing wireless WLAN device, be conformed to device with communication such as 820.11 (a), 820.11 (b), 820.11 (g) or 820.11 (n).Yet the present invention can be applicable to any wireless system.

Title re-connects requirement (DRRq) through guide and represents that being directed to WTRU requires this WTRU to reconfigure itself signal to communicate by letter with heterogeneous networks station such as target AP.In WLAN IEEE 802 interior literary compositions, this DRRq can be transmitted by original AP or target AP.

The information that is contained in this DRRq is preferably and comprises that enough identification target AP reach so that the data that this WTRU communicates by letter with this target AP, this information is preferably identification code (MAC Address, IP address, etc.), this target BSSID, this target AP capacity of the channel that comprises this target AP, this target AP etc., and this DRRq is preferably and also comprises about when dispatching the time sequence information of handing-over.The sign of time domain or particular value can be used for indication expression handing-over will begin immediately.This DRRq also comprises signal-customizing messages such as signalling step essential in exchange, and for example, whether this DRRq can indicate this target AP to wish to receive and re-connect affirmation through guide, or whether this original AP wishes that reception re-connects indication through guide.

In the situation that DRRq is sent by target AP, this target AP is preferably to use and transmits this DRRq to this WTRU with the original AP that is just being communicated by letter by the employed same channel of this WTRU and this WTRU.In preferred embodiment, this DRRq is embodied as unicast frame, and more specific is control frame, for management frames or as the pay(useful) load of Frame.In substituting specific embodiment, this signals and also can use clean culture or broadcast message to implement.

Title re-connects reaction (DRRsp) expression through guide and transmits to this DRRq from this WTRU, is directed to the signal of the network station of this DRRq of transmission.This DRRsp is preferably this WTRU of indication and whether accepts or refuse to reconfigure itself this requirement to communicate by letter with heterogeneous networks station such as target AP.

Title re-connects the signal that order (DRCm) expression automatic network station is directed to WTRU through guide, orders this WTRU to reconfigure itself to communicate by letter with heterogeneous networks station such as target AP.In IEEE 802.11 interior literary compositions, this DRCm can be transmitted by original AP or target AP.Wish that this WTRU follows this DRCm and thereby need not transmit DRRsp to this network station that transmits this DRCm.This DRCm is preferably and comprises and the identical target AP information of above DRRq being narrated.

In the situation that DRCm is sent by target AP, this target AP is preferably use and transmits this DRCm to this WTRU by the same channel that this WTRU was just using and original AP that this WTRU was just communicating by letter.In preferred embodiment, this DRCm is embodied as unicast frame, and more specific is control frame, for management frames or as the pay(useful) load of Frame.In substituting specific embodiment, this signals and also can use clean culture or broadcast message to implement.

Title through guide re-connect affirmation (DRCf) be illustrated in this WTRU reconfigured itself with after communicating by letter in this station from this WTRU the signal to network station such as target AP.This DRCf confirms that this WTRU has reconfigured itself, this DRCf be used to prevent target AP this WTRU successfully re-connect just begin to this target AP to transmit packets of information to WTRU do not want event, this can cause target AP unnecessarily to transmit and transmit frame to expection again and reconfigure itself to the WTRU of this target AP (but so not doing).In this kind situation, can be in the frame number of this target AP buffering basic, and can be because of increasing exponentially close that connected with multiple transmits again retreat form and cause the reduction of wireless medium efficient.And, if target AP do not receive the indication re-connect the wish time of having a rest be successfully DRCf, this target AP finally can disengage any Radio Resource that is preserved for this WTRU.

The information that is contained in this DRCf is preferably original AP, the target AP that comprises this WTRU of enough identification and communicating by letter, the data that reach this WTRU, in IEEE 802.11 interior literary compositions, this DRCf is preferably each employed communication channel of comprising this target and original APs, identification code (MAC Address, IP address, etc.), and the indication of the capacity of BSSID, this target and original APs, and this DRCf also comprises about when joining the time sequence information that occurs.In preferred embodiment, this DRCf is embodied as unicast frame, and more specific is control frame, for management frames or as the pay(useful) load of Frame.In substituting specific embodiment, this signals and also can use clean culture or broadcast message to implement.

Title re-connects that indication (DRI) is illustrated in that WTRU has been required by other stations such as target AP or order reconfigures after itself and this WTRU so carry out through guide, the network station of having communicated by letter to this WTRU from WTRU such as the signal of original AP.This DRI is preferably for original AP being indicated this WTRU will reconfigure itself and is target AP, and this DRI allows original AP to stop to transmit packets of information and delivers to this target AP to this WTRU (it can cause the inefficiency of wireless medium to use) and with any through the buffer information bag.This DRI also allows original AP to disengage to be preserved for any Radio Resource of this WTRU.

In IEEE 802.11 interior literary compositions, the information that is contained in this DRI is preferably identification code (MAC Address, IP address, etc.), and this target BSSID, this target AP capacity etc. of the channel that comprises this target AP, this target AP, and this DRCf also comprises about when dispatching the time sequence information of handing-over.The sign of time domain or particular value can be used for indication expression handing-over will begin immediately.In preferred embodiment, this DRI is embodied as unicast frame, and more specific is control frame, for management frames or as the pay(useful) load of Frame.In substituting specific embodiment, this signals and also can use clean culture or broadcast message to implement.

With reference to figure 1, illustrate WLAN wherein WTRUs carry out radio communication via network station, be AP in the case, AP is connected to DS.This AP is depicted as with five WTRUs and communicates, and this kind configuration is also referred to as at the basic service set of WLAN Nei Wennei (BSS).Generally, this wlan system is supported WTRUs with different data rate, and in some cases, AP can be configured to the WTRUs that supports a plurality of forms, such as 802.11 (b) and 802.11 (g) WTRUs that conforms to.

With reference to figure 2, WLAN is illustrated as two APs of tool, is denoted as original and target.WTRUs is depicted as via this original AP and carries out radio communication, is positioned over that this WTRU of zone of being served by this original AP and this target AP may it be communicated to this target AP from this original AP " handing-over " so this WTRU is positioned over this WTRU.

Traditionally at IEEE 802.11WLAN, this WTRU can rise and start from this original AP and work as to the handover operation of this target AP, and for example, this WTRU begins to be moved further and leaves this original AP and when this target AP.To the initial handing-over of this kind WTRU, this handover operation must finish to avoid the performed interruption of carrying out radio communication by this WTRU at this WTRU before outside this original AP scope.

According to the present invention, it is further functional that this WTRU is provided as tool by allowing this APs also to determine whether to reach when to join to occur.This functional so that this WTRU solves because of in indivedual grooves or the indivedual problem of being jammed that occurs of the various flows flux of the coverage of APs.This to by so that Payload balance and the control algorithm of being jammed can be carried out the user experience of need not trading off take the steady key of improving network as favourable.Its also so that more effective roaming can carry out.According to the invention process, this original AP and/or this target AP can require and/or order this WTRU to be handover to this target AP.Be preferably, four different event of literary composition provide in IEEE 802 pattern WLAN, and it can separately or merge implements to be used for special WLAN.

With reference to Fig. 3, first event that illustrates requires this WTRU to be handover to this target AP in this this original AP, and this WTRU then determines whether join, and its decision of communication is to original AP.In the situation that this WTRU determines to join, this WTRU then for this target AP reconfigure its channel, BSSID, etc., and transmit indication and finished the affirmation message that re-connects to this target AP.This relocation method itself is preferably basically and is used for the identical of the initial handing-over of traditional WTRU, but among this APs one of them is preferably resetting Configuration Data in the DRRq message about this target AP is provided.

As first step, this original AP determines that this WTRU should change direction to this target AP, this decision is based on this target AP and compares form and amount in traffic that this original AP communicates, this original AP then transmits DRRq and requires this WTRU to be handover to this target AP to this WTRU, this WTRU determines that whether accepting this changes the direction requirement, and communicates by letter its decision to this original AP via DRRsp.This select to allow as this WTRU decision wish service quality whether can derive from this target AP.Accept to be handover at this WTRU in the situation of requirement of this target AP, this WTRU reconfigures this as this target AP, and transmits the DCRf that confirms to have joined to this target AP.

With reference to Fig. 4, illustrate that second event is handover to target AP in this original AP order WTRU, based on this order, this WTRU for this target AP reconfigure its channel, BSSID, etc., and transmit indication and finished the affirmation message that re-connects to this target AP.

In this event, when determining this WTRU, this original AP should change direction to this target AP, and the DCRm that this original this WTRU of AP transmission order is handover to this target AP is to this WTRU, and this WTRU reconfigures this as this target AP, and transmits DCRf to this target AP.When using the DCRm message, be preferably before sending this kind order this WTRU carry out want the decision that service quality can derive from this target AP.This kind decision is based on via signalling and derives from this WTRU or the region customization data of this WTRU that the signal that is received based on this WTRU certainly by this WTRU or measurement report calculate.

With reference to Fig. 5, the 3rd event that illustrates is handover to this target AP in this target AP order WTRU, this WTRU then notifies its urgent handing-over of original AP of its communication, for this target AP reconfigure its channel, BSSID, etc., and transmit indication and finished the affirmation message that re-connects to this target AP.

In this event, this target AP is preferably and determines that this WTRU should change direction to this target AP, this target AP can such as be configured as based on be directed to this original AP from the interrupt signal of this WTRU or based on obtain via interruptions-AP signalling carrying out before sending this kind order from this target AP of the measurement report of this original AP wish service quality can derive from the decision of this target AP.If this WTRU uses oriented antenna to signal to this original AP in it, then the interruption letter from this WTRU may not be effective.The DCRm that this WTRU of this target AP transmission order is handover to this target AP is preferably to this WTRU, and this target AP uses by this WTRU and transmits this DCRm via the at that time channel that uses that this original AP communicates by letter.After transmitting this DCRm, the further communication between this target AP and this WTRU then is preferably the channel of operation at this target AP.This WTRU transmits its DRI that can be reconfigured for this target AP of communication to this original AP, and this WTRU then reconfigures this as this target AP, and transmits DCRf to this target AP, confirms that it joins.

With reference to Fig. 6, the 4th event that illustrates requires WTRU to be handover to this target AP in this target AP, and this WTRU determines whether join, and its decision of communication is to this target AP.In the situation that this WTRU determines to join, this WTRU notifies its its urgent handing-over of original AP that is communicating by letter, for this target AP reconfigure its channel, BSSID, etc., and transmit indication and finished the affirmation message that re-connects to this target AP.

In the 4th event, this target AP determines that this WTRU should change direction to this target AP, be preferably, this target AP uses by this WTRU employed channel of just communicating by letter with this original AP and transmits and require this DRRq that this WTRU is handover to this target AP to this WTRU, and this target AP then communicates by letter in the better channel of operation of this target AP with this WTRU.This WTRU determines that whether accepting this changes the direction requirement, and it is communicated by letter via DRRsp, and it determines to this target AP, is preferably the channel of operation at this target AP.Accept to be handover at this WTRU in the situation of requirement of this target AP, this WTRU transmits the DRI of its decision of communication to this original AP, is preferably for original channel of communicating by letter with this original AP.This WTRU then reconfigures this as this target AP, and the DCRf that transmission is confirmed to have joined is to this target AP.

A replacement scheme of the 4th event for merge DRRsp and DRCf (or process DRCf with DRRsp) in this this WTRU determine to accept from this target AP change the direction requirement, this replacement scheme is eliminated the demand that this WTRU repeatedly switches between messaging parameter at during handover.This replacement scheme hint this original AP and this target AP all use same channel or, after this DRRq of transmission, this target AP still stays this original AP channel until it receives this DRCf.

This AP that drives handover procedure determine which AP for this target AP be fit to or the method for the wishs pick AP of institute comprises, as, this WTRU propose to treat signalling between pick APs inventory, AP, in central authorities' decision of central controller execution, or any other appropriate method.

During enforcement, better WTRU comprises transceiver and the processor that optionally is configured to extremely implement via the second accessing points (AP) of using the second communication parameter group via the first accessing points (AP) of using the first set of communication parameters based on the initial message of AP the radio communication handing-over.This transceiver is preferably and is configured to use the reception of the first set of communication parameters to re-connect message, and it identifies the 2nd AP and second communication parameter group.This processor operations ground connection transceiver and be preferably and be configured to optionally reconfigure this transceiver and re-connect message so that this transceiver can use the second communication parameter group to transmit and reconfigure confirms to the 2nd AP to communicate by letter to respond via the second communication parameter group through reception.Be preferably, this WTRU be configured to IEEE 802.11 conform to system operation so that this transceiver configuration for the communication of predetermined frame form, the message that re-connects of an AP then is preferably and is re-connecting through guide that command frame receives and confirming to transmit re-connecting acknowledgement frame through guide to reconfiguring of the 2nd AP certainly.

This WTRU, wherein this processor can be configured to reconfiguring this transceiver and re-connects relevant the re-connecting of message (its 2nd AP that serves as reasons transmit re-connect order) through reception and indicate message to an AP to guide before via the communication of second communication parameter group this transceiver to transmit with processing.In the situation of using this WTRU of predetermined frame format configuration for the system's operation that conforms at IEEE 802.11, this processor is preferably and is configured to guide this transceiver to re-connect message in re-connect command frame through guide from the 2nd AP reception, indicate the frame transmission to re-connect indication to an AP in re-connecting through guide, and reconfigure affirmation to the 2nd AP in re-connect the acknowledgement frame transmission through guide.

This WTRU processor can be configured to and carries out re-connecting requirement to respond through reception about reconfiguring with the decision via the communication of second communication parameter group.Be preferably at this kind situation processor and be configured to guide this transceiver to re-connect requirement place and transmit and determine to this AP so that this processor guides this transceiver to be reconfigured for via determine will be to re-connect the second communication parameter group communication of carrying out by receiving this in re-connect reaction frame through guide.When using the predetermined frame format configuration, this WTRU is the system's operation that conforms at IEEE 802.11, this processor is preferably and is configured to guide this transceiver to re-connect requirement in re-connect requirement (DRRq) frame through guide by AP reception, use the decision of the first set of communication parameters transmission about re-connecting in re-connect reaction (DRRsp) frame through guide, and use the transmission of second communication parameter group to reconfigure affirmation in re-connect affirmation (DRCf) frame through guide.

This WTRU processor can be further configured to and guide this transceiver to use second communication parameter group to reconfigure the reaction message to transmit about this that process that the connection that received from the 2nd AP requires through guide.When this determines to re-connect when processing, this processor also can be configured to and guides this transceiver to use the first set of communication parameters to transmit about what process that the decision that receives from the 2nd AP will process that the connection that re-connects requires to re-connect indication to an AP.When using the predetermined frame format configuration, this WTRU is the system's operation that conforms at IEEE 802.11, this processor is preferably and is configured to guide this transceiver to receive and to re-connect requirement in re-connect requirement (DRRq) frame through guide, transmits this and re-connects indication and reconfigure affirmation in re-connect the transmission of affirmation (DRCf) frame through guide in re-connect indication (DRI) frame through guide.This WTRU processor then also can be configured to and guided this transceiver in re-connect the decision of reaction (DRRsp) frame transmission about re-connecting through guide before this DRI frame.

Be preferably via WLAN APs is provided in the enforcement of network side, its each comprise optionally be configured as assisting planting therewith WTRUs to or from transceiver and the processor of the handing-over of the radio communication of special APs.This AP transceiver is preferably and is configured to use the wireless network access that wireless transmission/reception unit (WTRUs) is provided through the definition set of communication parameters.This AP processor be preferably be configured to use pre-handing-over parameter group carry out about the radio communication of being undertaken by WTRU from or to the decision of the handing-over of this AP.This processor is to be configured to when handing-over determines, guides this transceiver to transmit and re-connects message, and its use is pre-payed the identification of connection letter parameter group and is used for handing-over AP and rear handing-over set of communication parameters.This AP transceiver be preferably be configured to control oneself receive the WTRU that re-connects message and joining receive this AP for received by this WTRU re-connect identification in the message be used for handing-over AP reconfigure affirmation.

For carrying out the above enforcement of second event, this AP is preferably and is configured to the conform to system operation at IEEE 802.11, and wherein this transceiver is to be configured to use the predetermined frame form to transmit and re-connect message and receive the affirmation that reconfigures from WTRUs to WTRUs and in re-connect acknowledgement frame through guide in re-connect command frame through guide.

This transceiver can be configured to from this WTRU, and it carries out radio communication via this AP, receives indication to re-connecting of another AP communication handing-over and indicates message to carry out the 3rd event.This processor is preferably and is configured to disengage placement for the resource that re-connects the communication of indication message about receiving this.The carrying out that also is used for the 3rd event, this AP is preferably and is configured to the conform to system operation at IEEE 802.11, wherein this transceiver is that to be configured to the communication of predetermined frame form and this processor be to be configured to guide this transceiver to transmit and to re-connect message in re-connect command frame through guide, re-connect indication in re-connect the reception of indication frame through guide, and reconfigure affirmation in re-connect the acknowledgement frame reception through guide.

For implementing the first event, this AP processor is preferably and is configured to when handing-over determine to determine, guides this transceiver to transmit with the form that re-connects requirement through reception that to re-connect message and this transceiver be to be configured to control oneself re-connect the reaction message from what this AP received that the WTRUs that re-connects requirement receives that reaction WTRU that reaction re-connects about processing determines through guide.This AP be preferably be configured to IEEE 802.11 conform to system operation wherein this transceiver be that to be configured to use predetermined frame form and this processor be to be configured to guide this transceiver to re-connect requirement in re-connect the transmission of requirements (DRRq) frame through guide, in re-connect the decision of reaction (DRRsp) frame reception about re-connecting through guide, reach in re-connect the reception of affirmation (DRCf) frame through guide and reconfigure affirmation.

To the 4th event, this AP transceiver is preferably and is configured to use rear handing-over set of communication parameters reception to reconfigure the reaction message through guide, used in this this AP processor to join in advance set of communication parameters and guide this transceiver to transmit to re-connect message to WTRU, AP that its identification is used for handing-over as this AP itself and identification should after join set of communication parameters as this first set of communication parameters.This AP transceiver also is preferably and is configured to receive indication to re-connect indication message and this processor of another AP communication handing-over from the WTRU that carries out radio communication via this AP is to be configured to disengage place be used for the resource that re-connects the communication of indication message about receiving this.

To this first and the 4th event, this AP be preferably be configured to IEEE 802.11 conform to system operation wherein this transceiver be to be configured to use the predetermined frame form, this processor then preferably is configured to guide this transceiver to re-connect requirement in re-connect the transmission of requirement (DRRq) frame through guide, receive and to re-connect indication in re-connect indication (DRI) frame through guide, receive to reconfigure and confirm and in re-connect the decision of reaction (DRRsp) frame reception about re-connecting through guide in re-connect affirmations (DRCf) frame through guide.

Specific embodiment

1. an accessing points (AP) comprises transceiver and processor.

2. the AP of any previous specific embodiment is for radio area network (WLAN).

3. the AP of any previous specific embodiment is the standard operation that is configured to according to meeting IEEE 802.11 family's standards.

4. the AP of any previous specific embodiment is configured to communicate by letter with at least one wireless transmission/reception unit (WTRU).

5. the AP of any previous specific embodiment is configured to use the predetermined frame form.

6. the AP of any previous specific embodiment is configured to assist to proceed to or from the handing-over via the radio communication of this AP.

The AP of any previous specific embodiment wherein this transceiver be to be configured to use the first set of communication parameters that the wireless network access of at least one WTRU is provided.

The AP of any previous specific embodiment wherein this processor be configured to carry out about to or from via the decision of this AP by the handing-over of the performed radio communication of WTRU, it uses and joins in advance set of communication parameters.

The AP of any previous specific embodiment wherein this processor be to be configured to when rear handing-over determines, guide this transceiver to use to join in advance set of communication parameters to transmit re-connect message, this message identification is used for handing-over AP and rear handing-over set of communication parameters.

The AP of any previous specific embodiment wherein this transceiver be configured to control oneself receive the WTRU that re-connects message and joining receive this AP for received by this WTRU re-connect identification in the message be used for handing-over AP reconfigure affirmation.

11. the AP of any previous specific embodiment is configured to re-connect message to WTRU in re-connect the command frame transmission through guide.

12. the AP of any previous specific embodiment is configured to reconfigure affirmation in re-connect acknowledgement frame through guide from the WTRUs reception.

13. the AP of any previous specific embodiment is configured to receive indication to re-connecting the indication message via another AP communication handing-over from the WTRU that carries out radio communication via this AP.

14. the AP of any previous specific embodiment is configured to disengage place the resource that joins communication that is used for re-connecting about reception the indication message.

15. the AP of any previous specific embodiment wherein this processor is to be configured to guide this transceiver to re-connect message in re-connect the command frame transmission through guide, re-connect indication in re-connect the reception of indication frame through guide, and reconfigure affirmation in re-connect the acknowledgement frame reception through guide.

16. the AP of any previous specific embodiment wherein this processor is to be configured to when handing-over determine to determine, guides this transceiver to transmit with the form that re-connects requirement that to re-connect message and this transceiver be to be configured to control oneself re-connect the reaction message from what this AP received that the WTRUs that re-connects requirement receives that reaction WTRU that reaction re-connects about processing determines through guide.

17. the AP of any previous specific embodiment is configured to re-connect requirement in re-connect the transmission of requirement (DRRq) frame through guide, in re-connect the decision of reaction (DRRsp) frame reception about re-connecting through guide, reach in re-connect the reception of affirmation (DRCf) frame through guide and reconfigure affirmation.

18. the AP of any previous specific embodiment is configured to use rear handing-over set of communication parameters to receive reconfigure the reaction message through guide, used in this this AP processor to join in advance set of communication parameters and guide this transceiver to transmit to re-connect message to WTRU, AP that its identification is used for handing-over as this AP itself and identification should after join set of communication parameters as the first set of communication parameters.

19. the AP of any previous specific embodiment is configured to receive indication to re-connecting the indication message via the communication handing-over of another AP from the WTRU that just carries out radio communication via this AP.

20. the AP of any previous specific embodiment is configured to disengage the resource of placing the communication that joins for re-connecting the indication message about reception.

21. the AP of any previous specific embodiment is configured to re-connect requirement in re-connect the transmission of requirement (DRRq) frame through guide.

22. the AP of any previous specific embodiment is configured to receive this and re-connect indication in re-connect indication (DRI) frame through guide.

23. the AP of any previous specific embodiment is configured to reconfigure affirmation in re-connect the reception of affirmation (DRCf) frame through guide.

24. the AP of any previous specific embodiment is configured to re-connect the decision of reaction (DRRsp) frame reception about re-connecting through guide.

25. one kind in radio area network (WLAN) carry out from via the first accessing points (AP) of using the first set of communication parameters to the method via the handing-over of the radio communication of the wireless transmission/reception unit (WTRU) of the 2nd AP that uses the second communication parameter group, the method comprises that the first set of communication parameters of using identification the 2nd AP and second communication parameter group transmits and re-connects message to this WTRU.

26. according to the method for specific embodiment 25, it comprises that further the 2nd AP that uses the second communication parameter group reconfigures affirmation from this WTRU reception.

27. according to any method among the specific embodiment 25-26, wherein this WTRU is a kind of IEEE 802.11 that uses predetermined frame format operation system that conforms to.

28. according to any method among the specific embodiment 25-27, wherein this to re-connect message be to be received by the 2nd AP in re-connecting the order that order (DRCm) frame transmits by an AP through guide and reconfiguring to be confirmed to be in re-connect affirmation (DRCf) frame through guide for a kind of.

29. according to any method among the specific embodiment 25-28, wherein this to re-connect message be the order that transmits from the 2nd AP for a kind of, it further is included in to be received to reconfigure to be received by an AP before confirming by the 2nd AP that uses the second communication parameter group and re-connects indication.

30. according to any method among the specific embodiment 25-29, wherein this to re-connect indication be in re-connect the reception of indication (DRI) frame through guide.

31. according to any method among the specific embodiment 25-30, wherein this reconfigures to be confirmed to be in re-connect affirmation (DRCf) frame through guide and receives.

32. according to any method among the specific embodiment 25-31, wherein this re-connects that to require be to be transmitted by an AP, it comprises that further the WTRU that is received about re-connecting by this AP determines, this re-connects and requires thus that AP transmits in re-connect the reaction message through guide.

33. according to any method among the specific embodiment 25-32, wherein this to reconfigure the reception of confirming by the 2nd AP be only to finish determining to process when re-connecting.

34. according to any method among the specific embodiment 25-33, wherein this re-connects that to require be to transmit from an AP in re-connect requirement (DRRq) frame through guide.

35. according to any method among the specific embodiment 25-34, be to use this first set of communication parameters in re-connect the reception of reaction (DRRsp) frame through guide about the decision that re-connects wherein.

36. according to any method among the specific embodiment 25-35, wherein this reconfigures to be confirmed to be and uses this second communication parameter group in re-connect the reception of affirmations (DRCf) frame through guide.

37. according to any method among the specific embodiment 25-36, wherein this re-connects that to require be to transmit from the 2nd AP, it comprises that further using this second communication parameter group to receive this reconfigures the reaction message through guide.

38. comprise further that according to the method for any among the specific embodiment 25-37 using this first set of communication parameters to be received to re-connect by an AP is instructed in this decision and will processes and re-connect.

39. according to any method among the specific embodiment 25-38, wherein this re-connects that to require be in re-connect the transmission of requirements (DRRq) frame through guide.

40. according to any method among the specific embodiment 25-39, wherein this to re-connect indication be in re-connect the reception of indication (DRI) frame through guide.

41. according to any method among the specific embodiment 25-40, wherein this reconfigures to be confirmed to be in re-connect affirmation (DRCf) frame through guide and receives.

42. according to any method among the specific embodiment 25-41, be to receive in re-connect reaction (DRRsp) frame through guide about the decision that re-connects wherein.

43. according to the method for specific embodiment 42, wherein this DRRsp frame is to receive before the DRI frame.

44. a wireless transmission/reception unit (WTRU) is comprised of transceiver and processor.

45. the WTRU according to specific embodiment 44 is for radio area network (WLAN).

46. be to be configured to according to meeting the standard operation of IEEE 802.11 family's standards according to the WTRU of any among the specific embodiment 44-45.

47. be to be configured to communicate by letter with at least one accessing points (AP) according to the WTRU of any among the specific embodiment 44-46.

48. be configured to use the predetermined frame form according to the WTRU of any among the specific embodiment 44-47.

49. according to the WTRU of any among the specific embodiment 44-48 be configured to carry out from via the first accessing points (AP) of using the first set of communication parameters to the handing-over via the radio communication of the second accessing points (AP) of using the second communication parameter group.

50. according to the WTRU of specific embodiment 49, wherein this transceiver is to be configured to use this first set of communication parameters to receive re-connect message, it distinguishes the 2nd AP and this second communication parameter group.

51. according to any WTRU among the specific embodiment 49-50, wherein this processor is to be configured to optionally reconfigure this transceiver communicate by letter to respond through reception via this second communication parameter group and re-connect message so that this transceiver can use this second communication parameter group to transmit and reconfigure confirms to the 2nd AP.

52. according to any WTRU among the specific embodiment 49-51, wherein this transceiver is to be configured to receive from an AP and re-connect message in re-connect command frame through guide.

53. according to any WTRU among the specific embodiment 49-52, wherein this transceiver is to be configured to transmit to reconfigure and confirm to the 2nd AP in re-connect acknowledgement frame through guide.

54. be to be configured to transmit before with communication about what re-connect message (it is treated to by what the 2nd AP was transmitted and re-connects order) through reception and re-connect the indication message to an AP through reception reconfiguring this transceiver via this second communication parameter group according to the WTRU of any among the specific embodiment 49-53.

55. be to be configured to receive from the 2nd AP and re-connect message in re-connect command frame through guide according to the WTRU of any among the specific embodiment 49-54, transmit this and re-connect indication to an AP in re-connect the indication frame through guide, and transmit to reconfigure and confirm to the 2nd AP in re-connect acknowledgement frame through guide.

56. be to be configured to carry out require and re-connect through guide to guide this transceiver to re-connect to require to receive to be in from this that reaction message transmits this decisions to the 2nd AP so that this processor guides this transceiver configuration to re-connect this second communication parameter group communication of carrying out as processing via decision to communicate by letter via this second communication parameter group to respond to re-connect through reception about the decision that reconfigures according to the WTRU of any among the specific embodiment 49-55.

57. be to be configured to receive and to re-connect requirement in re-connect requirement (DRRq) frame and an AP through guide according to the WTRU of any among the specific embodiment 49-56, use this first set of communication parameters to transmit decision about re-connecting in re-connect reaction (DRRsp) frame through guide, and use this second communication parameter group to transmit this and reconfigure affirmation in re-connect affirmation (DRCf) frame through guide.

58. be to be configured to transmit about what process that the connection that receives from the 2nd AP requires reconfigure the reaction message through guide according to the WTRU of any among the specific embodiment 49-57.

59. according to the WTRU of any among the specific embodiment 49-58 be configured to guide this transceiver use this first set of communication parameters transmit about process from the 2nd AP in this decision to process re-connect that the connection that receives requires re-connect indication to an AP.

60. be to be configured to receive and to re-connect requirement in re-connect requirement (DRRq) frame through guide according to the WTRU of any among the specific embodiment 49-59, transmit this and re-connect indication and reach in re-connect affirmation (DRCf) frame through guide and transmit this and re-connect affirmation in re-connect indication (DRI) frame through guide.

61. be to be configured to before the DRI frame to transmit decision about re-connecting in re-connect reaction (DRRsp) frame through guide according to the WTRU of any among the specific embodiment 49-60.

62. the method that WTRU carries out joining to the radio communication via the 2nd AP that uses the second communication parameter group from the AP via use the first set of communication parameters in WLAN, it comprises that using this first set of communication parameters of identifying the 2nd AP and this second communication parameter group to receive re-connects message.

63. according to the method for specific embodiment 62, it further comprises the WTRU that reconfigures with via this second communication parameter group communication.

64. according to any method among the specific embodiment 62-63, it further comprises using this second communication parameter group to transmit and reconfiguring confirms to the 2nd AP.

65. according among the specific embodiment 62-64 any method wherein this to re-connect message be the order that receives for an AP certainly.

66. according among the specific embodiment 62-65 any method wherein this WTRU be configured to use the predetermined frame form to meet system operation in IEEE 802.11.

67. according among the specific embodiment 62-66 any method wherein this to re-connect order be to receive in re-connect order (DRCm) frame through guide, and reconfigure and be confirmed to be in re-connect the transmission of affirmations (DRCf) frame through guide.

68. according to any method among the specific embodiment 62-67, wherein this to re-connect message be the order that receives from the 2nd AP for a kind of, it further comprises and reconfigures to re-connect indication to an AP via transmitting before this second communication parameter group communication.

69. according to any method among the specific embodiment 62-68, wherein re-connecting order is to receive in re-connect order (DRCm) frame through guide, re-connecting indication is to transmit in re-connect indication (DRI) frame through guide, and reconfigures and be confirmed to be in re-connect the transmission of affirmation (DRCf) frame through guide.

70. according to any method among the specific embodiment 62-64, wherein this to re-connect message be to be a kind of requirement, it comprises that further this WTRU re-connects requirement by carrying out processing this about the decision that re-connects.

71. according to the method for specific embodiment 70, it comprises that further this WTRU re-connects to require to be in and re-connects the reaction message through guide and transmit this decision to this AP by receiving this.

72. comprise further that according to the method for any among the specific embodiment 70-71 this WTRU reconfigures this second communication parameter group communication that re-connects will process via this decision.

73. according to any method among the specific embodiment 70-72, wherein this re-connects that to require be to receive from an AP in re-connect requirement (DRRq) frame through guide, be to use this first set of communication parameters to transmit in re-connect reaction (DRRsp) frame through guide about the decision that re-connects, and this re-connect to be confirmed to be and uses this second communication parameter group in re-connect the transmission of affirmation (DRCf) frame through guide.

74. according to any method among the specific embodiment 70-73, wherein this re-connects that to require be to receive from the 2nd AP, it comprises that further this WTRU uses this second communication parameter group to reconfigure the reaction message to transmit this through guide.

75. comprise further that according to the method for any among the specific embodiment 70-74 this WTRU uses this WTRU to determine to process this first set of communication parameters that re-connects and transmits and re-connect indication to an AP.

76. according to any method among the specific embodiment 70-75, wherein this re-connects that to require be in re-connect the reception of requirements (DRRq) frame through guide, this re-connects indication is to transmit in re-connect indication (DRI) frame through guide, and this reconfigures and is confirmed to be in re-connect the transmission of affirmation (DRCf) frame through guide.

77. according to any method among the specific embodiment 70-76, be before the DRI frame, to be transmitted in re-connect reaction (DRRsp) frame through guide by this WTRU about the decision that re-connects wherein.

Although feature of the present invention and element are to be described in preferred embodiment with special combination, each feature or element can use separately other features and the element of preferred embodiment (do not have) or with tool or do not have other features of the present invention and the various of element and be used in combination.

Claims (10)

1. One kind in radio area network WLAN user radio transmitting/receiving unit WTRU carry out from be converted to the method via the 2nd AP that uses the second communication parameter group via the first accessing points AP that uses the first set of communication parameters, the method comprises:

   Receive again from an AP who uses this first set of communication parameters that association requires DRRq, wherein this DRRq comprise the 2nd AP basic service set identification code, this second communication parameter group, change time domain and point out that this WTRU loses related sign immediately with an AP;

   Determine whether to be converted to the 2nd AP based on this DRRq; And

   In response to the decision that is converted to the 2nd AP, communicate with the 2nd AP that uses this second communication parameter group.
2. 2. method according to claim 1, the method also comprises:

   Transmit again related reaction DRRsp to an AP who uses this first set of communication parameters, wherein this DRRsp points out about being converted to this decision of the 2nd AP.
3. 3. method according to claim 1, wherein, this DRRq comprises the information relevant with the ability of the 2nd AP.
4. 4. one kind is used for carrying out from be converted to the equipment via the 2nd AP that uses the second communication parameter group via the first accessing points AP that uses the first set of communication parameters at radio area network WLAN user radio transmitting/receiving unit WTRU, and this equipment comprises:

   Be used for receiving again the related device that requires DRRq from an AP who uses this first set of communication parameters, wherein this DRRq comprises basic service set identification code, this second communication parameter group, the transformation time domain of the 2nd AP and points out that this WTRU loses related sign immediately with an AP;

   Be used for whether being converted to based on this DRRq decision the device of the 2nd AP; And

   Be used in response to the decision that is converted to the 2nd AP the device that communicates with the 2nd AP that uses this second communication parameter group.
5. 5. equipment according to claim 4, this equipment also comprise, are used for transmitting again related reaction DRRsp to the device of an AP who uses this first set of communication parameters, and wherein this DRRsp points out about being converted to this decision of the 2nd AP.
6. 6. equipment according to claim 4, wherein, described DRRq comprises the information relevant with the ability of the 2nd AP.
7. 7. method of in accessing points AP, using, the method comprises:

   Transmit again the related DRRq that requires and arrive the wireless transmission/reception unit WTRU that uses the first set of communication parameters, wherein this DRRq comprises basic service set identification code, second communication parameter group, the transformation time domain of the 2nd AP and points out whether this WTRU loses related sign immediately with this AP; And

   Receive again related reaction DRRsp from this WTRU that uses this first set of communication parameters, wherein this DRRsp points out whether this WTRU will be converted to the 2nd AP.
8. 8. method according to claim 7, wherein, this DRRsp points out that this WTRU will be converted to the 2nd AP, the method also comprises:

   In response to this DRRsp, disengage the resource of distributing for communicating by letter with this WTRU.
9. 9. equipment that in accessing points AP, uses, this equipment comprises:

   Be used for transmitting again the related device that requires DRRq to arrive the wireless transmission/reception unit WTRU that uses the first set of communication parameters, wherein this DRRq comprises basic service set identification code, second communication parameter group, the transformation time domain of the 2nd AP and points out whether this WTRU loses related sign immediately with this AP; And

   Be used for receiving again from this WTRU that uses this first set of communication parameters the device of related reaction DRRsp, wherein this DRRsp points out whether this WTRU will be converted to the 2nd AP.
10. 10. equipment according to claim 9, wherein, described DRRsp points out that described WTRU will be converted to the 2nd AP, this equipment also comprises:

    Be used in response to this DRRsp, disengage the device of the resource of distributing for communicating by letter with this WTRU.

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