CN105959158A

CN105959158A - Switching method, switching device, first terminal device and server

Info

Publication number: CN105959158A
Application number: CN201610509261.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 张硕; 郭琦
Original assignee: Lenovo Beijing Ltd
Current assignee: Lenovo Beijing Ltd
Priority date: 2016-06-30
Filing date: 2016-06-30
Publication date: 2016-09-21

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a switching method. The method comprises the steps of judging whether a first condition is satisfied or not if the device type of a first device in a network is a first function type; generating a first switching instruction if the first condition is satisfied; and in response to the first switching instruction, converting the first device from the first function type to a second function type in the network, wherein the device of the first function type and the device of the second function type are the devices of different function types in the network. Through application of the scheme provided by the embodiment of the invention, the function types of the devices in the network can be automatically switched, therefore, the network devices can coordinate and help with each other, and the data is transmitted rapidly.

Description

Switching method, switching device, first terminal equipment and server

Technical Field

The embodiment of the invention relates to a switching method, a switching device corresponding to the switching method, first terminal equipment and a server.

Background

With the popularization of mobile electronic devices such as smart phones and tablet computers, users have increasingly high dependence on such mobile electronic devices in daily life. The user can use the device such as a smart phone and a tablet computer to connect with a remote device through a wireless network, for example, connect with a remote server to obtain service data.

However, in daily use, the function types of many network devices in the network are fixed and will not change due to changes in the network environment, for example, when a device of a certain function type fails or is not suitable for a new environment, a user has to repair or purchase again, and therefore, the network adaptability of the existing device cannot meet the user's needs, which brings inconvenience to the user.

Disclosure of Invention

An embodiment of the present invention provides a switching method and a switching device corresponding to the switching method, so as to solve the above technical problems.

The embodiment of the invention provides a switching method, which comprises the following steps: if the device type of the first device in the network is a first function type, judging whether a first condition is met; if the first condition is met, generating a first switching instruction; in response to the first switching instruction, converting the first device from a first function type in a network to a second function type; wherein the first function type device and the second function type device are different function type devices in a network.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a switching apparatus, including: a judging unit configured to judge whether a first condition is satisfied if a device type of the first device in the network is a first function type; a switching instruction generating unit configured to generate a first switching instruction if the first condition is satisfied; a type conversion unit configured to convert the first device from a first function type to a second function type in a network in response to the first switching instruction; wherein the first function type device and the second function type device are different function type devices in a network.

At least one embodiment of the present invention also provides a first terminal device, including: the communication device is used for communicating with the server to receive the data sent by the server and send the processed data to the server; the storage device is used for storing the data received from the server and the data sent to the server; the processing device is used for judging whether a first condition is met or not, and generating a first switching instruction if the first condition is met; a switching device, configured to respond to the first switching instruction, convert the first terminal device from a first function type in a network to a second function type; wherein the first function type device and the second function type device are different function type devices in a network.

At least one embodiment of the present invention also provides a server, including: a storage device for storing data received from the first terminal device and data transmitted to the first terminal device; the processing device is used for judging whether a first condition is met, and if the first condition is met, generating a first switching instruction and sending the first switching instruction to the communication device; the communication device is used for communicating with a first terminal device so as to send data to the first terminal device and receive the data sent by the first terminal device; and in response to the first handover instruction, sending the first handover instruction to the first terminal device to cause the first terminal device to switch from a first function type to a second function type in a network; wherein the first function type device and the second function type device are different function type devices in a network.

By the scheme provided by the embodiment of the invention, the automatic switching of the function types of the equipment in the network can be realized, so that the network equipment can be coordinated with each other to help, and the rapid transmission of data is realized.

Drawings

In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. The drawings in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a flow chart of a handover method according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 2 shows a network architecture diagram on which a handover method according to an embodiment of the invention is based;

fig. 3 shows another network architecture diagram on which a handover method according to an embodiment of the invention is based;

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of one example of a handover method according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary framework diagram of a switching device according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 6 shows a first terminal device 600 according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 7 illustrates a server 700 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in the present specification and the drawings, steps and elements having substantially the same structure are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of the steps and elements will be omitted.

The switching method of the embodiment of the invention can be used for various electronic devices in a wireless network, and the electronic devices refer to devices capable of communicating with other devices. Specific forms of electronic devices include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, personal computers, tablets, portable computers, servers, and the like.

Fig. 1 depicts a flow diagram of a handoff method 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. A handover method of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 1. The switching method 100 may be applied to the electronic device described above, which may be configured to implement the switching method 100.

As shown in fig. 1, in step S101 of the handover method 100, if the device type of the first device in the network is the first function type, it is determined whether the first condition is satisfied.

In step S102, if the first condition is satisfied, a first switching instruction is generated.

In step S103, in response to the first switching instruction, the first device is switched from the first function type in the network to the second function type; wherein the first function type device and the second function type device are different function type devices in the network.

According to one example of the invention, the device of the first function type and the device of the second function type are any two of the following devices: devices of a first functional type are configured to receive and process data, such as terminal devices. The second functional type of device is configured to forward data, such as an intermediate device, which may include a network access device, an internetwork device, etc., such as a switch, router, wireless access point. The device of the third functional type is configured as a server providing data, e.g. service data.

Fig. 2 shows a network architecture diagram 200 on which a handover method according to an embodiment of the invention is based. Referring to fig. 2, in the embodiment of the present invention, a first function type device 210, a second function type device 220, and a third function type device 230 are included in the network. The devices in the network may be converted from any of the types described above to any of the other types. For example, from a terminal to an intermediate device; converting from the terminal to the server; converting from the intermediate device to a server; converting from the intermediate device to the terminal; converting from the server to the terminal; from a server to an intermediary device, and so on.

Fig. 3 shows another network architecture diagram 200 in a handover method according to an embodiment of the invention. Referring to fig. 3, a first function type device 210 and a third function type device 230, e.g., a server and a terminal, are included in a network. The first function type device 210 includes at least two, and the above switching method may switch the first function type device 210 between the first function type and the second function type. For example, a terminal device as a first function type may be converted into an intermediate device of a second function type, and may also be converted from an intermediate device of a second function type into a terminal device of a first function type.

According to an example of the present invention, after a device is converted from a first function type to a second function type, the device still has the function of the first function type. For example, after the terminal has switched to the intermediate device, the device also has the functionality of the terminal, e.g. still being able to receive data and process data.

In the embodiment of the present invention, as the device of the third function type, for example, a server, may be responsible for monitoring the operation condition and the connection condition of the device of the second function type (for example, an intermediate device) and the device of the first function type (for example, a terminal device). The connection condition between the terminal devices, between the intermediate devices and/or between the intermediate device and the terminal device may be sent to the server for recording, and the connection record may include information such as connection establishment time, connection duration, connection signal strength, connection disconnection time, and the like. According to an example of the present invention, a terminal device may have at least one intermediate device to assist it in forwarding data in a network, and an intermediate device may act as a router for one or more terminal devices.

The method flow of the above-mentioned handover method 100 will be further described with reference to fig. 1, 2 and 3, taking an example of a first type of device (e.g. a terminal device) switching between a first function type and a second function type. Other types of devices are similarly capable of switching between different types of functions and will only be briefly described for brevity of this description.

According to an example of the present invention, the first device may be a first terminal device, and the network further includes a second terminal device of the first function type and a server of a third function type.

In step S101, if the device type of the first device in the network is the first function type, it is determined whether the first condition is satisfied. At the server side, the server may determine whether the first terminal device is in a connected state with the server. For example, the server may determine that the first terminal device and the second terminal device are in the connected state when the first terminal device and the second terminal device are in the connected state. The server may also determine to determine the connection state according to whether the strength of the connection signal between the first terminal device and the server exceeds a preset threshold, and/or according to whether the connection between the first terminal device and the server is frequently disconnected within a preset time, for example, the server may consider that the first terminal device and the server are not in the connection state according to a preset rule when the connection signal is weak or the connection is frequently disconnected.

In addition, the server further determines whether the first terminal device can establish a connection with the second terminal device. For example, the server sends a connection request instruction to the first terminal device, instructs the first terminal device to establish a connection with the second terminal device, and determines whether the first terminal device can establish a connection with the second terminal device according to a connection condition returned by the first terminal device.

Furthermore, according to an example of the present invention, the server side stores a connection record of each connection between each terminal device and other terminal devices and with the server. The server may select a first terminal device with a better connection condition with the second terminal device according to a previous connection record of the second terminal device, send a connection command to the first terminal device, instruct the first terminal device to send a connection establishment request to the second terminal device, and request to return a connection establishment condition. Alternatively, the server may send a command to each of the first terminal devices requesting them to attempt to establish a connection with the second terminal device.

And if the judgment result of the server shows that the first terminal equipment is in a connection state with the server and can establish connection with the second terminal, determining that the first terminal equipment meets the first condition. At this time, according to step S102 and step S103, the server generates a first switching instruction, and sends the first switching instruction to the first terminal device in response to the first switching instruction, instructing the first device to switch from the first function type to the second function type in the network. According to an example of the present invention, the server may require the first terminal device to notify the server of the type conversion result after the function type conversion, and to notify the terminal device user.

In addition, according to another example of the present invention, the first terminal device may also perform the conversion of the function type independently without the participation of the server. For example, at a first terminal device, when knowing that a second terminal device needs a router to help the second terminal device to forward data (for example, when receiving a broadcast message of a server), the first terminal device can determine whether the first terminal device is connected to the server by itself; and then sending a connection establishment request to the second terminal equipment to judge whether the second terminal equipment can establish connection with the second terminal equipment.

And if the judgment result of the first terminal equipment shows that the first terminal equipment is in a connection state with the server and can establish connection with the second terminal, determining that the first terminal equipment meets the first condition. At this time, according to step S102 and step S103, the first terminal device may generate a first switching instruction, and convert its function type in the network into the second function type in response to the first switching instruction. After the conversion, a notification may be sent to the server informing the server that the first terminal device is converted to the relay device of the second terminal device. The server records the function type conversion condition sent by the terminal equipment. Therefore, the terminal devices can autonomously switch roles to realize mutual assistance, the load of the server can be reduced, the switching speed can be increased, and the network delay can be reduced.

In the above embodiment of the present invention, as long as the first terminal device in a connection state with the server can establish a connection with the second terminal device, the function type is converted, so that even if the second terminal device is disconnected from the server, the data can be immediately forwarded through the first terminal device, the data transmission is performed normally, and network delay and data loss caused by a stage of finding a relay device after the second terminal device is disconnected from the server are avoided.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in step S101, when determining whether the first condition is satisfied, the server needs to determine whether the second terminal device needs a router to help the second terminal device to forward data, in addition to determining whether the first terminal device is in a connection state with the server and whether the first terminal device can establish a connection with the second terminal device. For example, the server determines that the number of times of disconnection of the second terminal device from the server within a predetermined time range exceeds a first threshold, or the signal strength of connection with the server is less than a second threshold. If at least one of the two situations exists, the connection obstacle exists between the second terminal device and the server, and a router is needed to forward data. At this time, if the server finds a first terminal device capable of connecting with itself and establishing a connection with a second terminal device, in step S102 and step S103, a first switching instruction may be generated and sent to the first terminal device that satisfies the condition, so as to instruct the first terminal device to switch the function type from the first function type in the network to the second function type.

In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, at the first terminal device, the first terminal device may determine whether to acquire a first instruction, where the first instruction is generated by the server based on that the first terminal device satisfies the above condition, that is, the number of times that the second terminal device disconnects from the server within a predetermined time range exceeds a first threshold, or the signal strength of the connection with the server is smaller than a second threshold. If the first terminal device receives the first instruction from the server, a first switching instruction may be generated to switch from the first function type to the second function type to assist the second terminal device in forwarding data.

In this embodiment, when the server confirms that the second terminal device has a connection obstacle, the server searches for a suitable first terminal device to perform function type switching, and helps the second terminal device to forward data, that is, when the connection condition is good, the terminal does not need a router but performs normal data transmission with the server, so that resources for searching for the router are saved, and meanwhile, generation and transmission of unnecessary routing data are avoided.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal device may be plural, for example, as shown in fig. 2 and 3, the first function type device includes plural ones, including plural first terminal devices and plural second terminal devices. When there are a plurality of first terminal devices, in step S101, if the server determines that the plurality of first terminal devices can establish a connection with the second terminal device, the server may select one of the plurality of first terminal devices as the first terminal device meeting the first condition according to the first selection policy. The first selection strategy may be, for example, to select the first terminal device with the strongest connection signal with the second terminal device; or selecting any first terminal equipment of which the connection signal strength exceeds a threshold value; or, based on the signal strength of the first terminal device and the load condition, location in the network, network bandwidth, etc., the first terminal device may be selected as a router to forward the data of the second terminal device.

At the first terminal equipment end, the first terminal equipment judges whether a second instruction is received, wherein the second instruction is generated by the server based on the first selection strategy. And if the first terminal equipment acquires the second instruction, generating a first switching instruction, and switching from the first function type to the second function type to forward the data of the second terminal equipment.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the devices of the first functional type in the network comprise, in addition to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, a third terminal device. When the server determines whether the first condition is satisfied, it is further required to determine whether a routing loop exists between the terminal devices. For example, if the server is ready to set the first terminal device to forward the data of the second terminal device, it is determined that the second terminal device forwards the data of the third terminal device, and the third terminal device forwards the data of the first terminal device, it means that if the first terminal device forwards the data of the second terminal device, a routing loop is formed between the three terminal devices. Thus, the terminal device as a router ignores the network data which can not be reached, which causes the data packet of the user to continuously and circularly occur on the network, and finally causes the serious waste of network resources. And if the server judges that the routing loop possibly exists, determining that the first terminal equipment does not meet the first condition, and searching new terminal equipment again to forward the data of the second terminal equipment. The server may for example send an instruction to a pre-set first terminal device forwarding the second terminal device indicating that it does not fulfill its eligibility for forwarding data for the second terminal device.

At the first terminal device, if the first terminal device receives a third instruction sent by the server, where the third instruction is generated by the server based on the existence of the routing loop, that is, the second terminal device forwards data of the third terminal device, and the third terminal device forwards data of the first terminal device, it is determined that the first terminal device itself does not satisfy the first condition, and no conversion of the device function type is required.

According to an embodiment of the invention, if a first terminal device in the second functional type disconnects from the server, e.g. the first terminal device being a router for a second terminal device disconnects from the server, the server looks for a router for the first terminal device. For example, the server may further obtain a connection record of the first terminal device before the connection is disconnected, where the connection record includes connection information of the first terminal device and other terminal devices. And based on the connection record, selecting one terminal device from the other terminal devices to forward the data of the first terminal device. For example, one is selected from a plurality of terminal apparatuses based on the aforementioned first selection policy, or that apparatus connected to the first terminal apparatus before disconnection is selected as the router of the first terminal apparatus in the order of connection.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a network device in the second function type may switch from the second function type back to the first function type when the second condition is satisfied. Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a handover method according to an embodiment of the present invention, referring to fig. 4, in step S401, if the device type of the first device in the network is the second function type, it is determined whether the second condition is satisfied.

In step S402, if the second condition is satisfied, a second switching instruction is generated.

In step S403, the device function type of the first device is switched from the second function type to the first function type in response to the second switching instruction.

As described in the foregoing embodiments, referring to fig. 2, the first type of device and the second type of device described above include any two of the following devices: a first function type device 210, a second function type device 220, and a third function type device 230 in the network. The method of fig. 4 may enable a device in the network to be converted from any of the types described above back to the original type. E.g., from the terminal back to the intermediate device; converting the slave terminal back to the server; transitioning from the intermediate device back to the server; switching from the intermediate device back to the terminal; converting from the server back to the terminal; from the server back to the intermediary, and so on.

Of course, as described in the foregoing embodiments, referring to fig. 3, the first function type device 210 and the third function type device 230, e.g., a server and a terminal, may be included in the network. The device 210 of the first function type includes at least two, wherein some of the devices 210 of the first function type have been converted from the first function type to the second function type, and the embodiment of the switching method of fig. 4 may enable a device in the second function type to be converted back from the second function type to the first function type. For example, a transition is made from the intermediate device of the second function type back to the terminal device of the first function type.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the device of the first function type in the network includes a first terminal device and a second terminal device, and the device of the third function type includes a server. If the first terminal device is now of the second function type, for example, is a router of the second terminal device. In step S401, the server may detect in real time or periodically whether the first terminal device is in a "disconnected" state with the second terminal device, and determine that the second condition is satisfied if the first terminal device is detected to be in the "disconnected" state with the second terminal device. In step S402, a second switching instruction is generated. In step S403, in response to the second switching instruction, the server sends the second switching instruction to the first terminal device, instructing the first terminal device to convert the device function type from the second function type to the first function type. For example, the first terminal device switches back from the intermediate device to the terminal device type and no longer forwards data for the second terminal device. And after receiving a second switching instruction sent by the server, the first terminal equipment responds to the second switching instruction and converts the function type of the first terminal equipment from the second function type to the first function type. The server may also be notified of the conversion result.

Further, according to another example of the present invention, on the first terminal device side, when the first terminal device detects that the connection of itself to the server is disconnected in step S401, the first terminal device may generate a second switching instruction in step S402, and in response to the second switching instruction, convert the function type of itself in the network from the second function type to the first function type and notify the server of the conversion of the function type of itself when connected to the server later in S403.

Therefore, as long as the first terminal device is disconnected from the second terminal device, the server switches the role of the first terminal device, and then searches for new forwarding devices for the first terminal device and/or the second terminal device, so that the problem that the second terminal device cannot normally communicate with the server due to the connection problem of the first terminal device, and network delay or data loss can be effectively avoided.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, on the basis of the previous embodiment, the server further determines whether the connection signal strength between the second terminal device and the server is greater than a third threshold in addition to determining whether the first terminal device is disconnected from the server, and if the determination result indicates that the connection signal strength between the second terminal device and the server is greater than the third threshold, it indicates that the second terminal device can independently perform data communication with the server, and the routing device is no longer needed, and at this time, the server determines that the second condition is satisfied. In step S402, a second switching instruction is generated. In step S403, in response to the second switching instruction, the server sends the second switching instruction to the first terminal device, instructing the first terminal device to convert the device function type from the second function type to the first function type. For example, the first terminal device switches back from the intermediate device to the terminal device type and no longer forwards data for the second terminal device. And after receiving a second switching instruction sent by the server, the first terminal equipment responds to the second switching instruction and converts the function type of the first terminal equipment from the second function type to the first function type.

In the embodiment of the invention, when the server detects that the first terminal device is disconnected from the server and the second terminal device can normally communicate with the server, the function type of the first terminal device is switched. And if the second terminal equipment still can not normally communicate with the server, the second terminal equipment does not need to select a new router again, and the first terminal equipment waits for establishing connection with the server again. For example, some first terminal devices have a quick repair capability, enabling quick repair of a connection with a server.

Furthermore, according to an example of the present invention, when the first terminal device and the second terminal device are in a "disconnected" state, the second terminal device may attempt to connect to the server by itself to determine whether the server can be connected, and if the second terminal device can establish a connection with the server, the server may inform the first terminal device at this time to switch from the second function type back to the first function type, and no data is forwarded to the second terminal device. When the first terminal device still has connection obstacle with the server, the server can also need to find a router for the second terminal device. For example, the server may obtain a connection record of the second terminal device before the disconnection, where the connection record includes connection information of the second terminal device and each of the at least one other terminal device. One other terminal device is selected as the first terminal device satisfying the first condition based on the connection record. For example, the device to which the second terminal device is connected before the first terminal device and the second terminal device are disconnected is selected, or a first terminal device is selected as a router of the second terminal device in a comprehensive consideration according to the connection sequence, the connection signal strength and the load condition.

According to the embodiment of the invention, by judging whether the applicable conditions are met or not, and switching the function types of the equipment when the conditions are met, the network equipment can change the roles of the network equipment in the network when needed, help other equipment to forward or process data, and ensure the speed and quality of network transmission. Even if some network equipment has faults, normal transmission of network data can be realized, manual intervention of a user is not needed, additional network equipment is not needed, the use by the user is facilitated, and the use cost is saved.

Fig. 5 depicts an exemplary block diagram of a switching device 500 according to one embodiment of the invention. A switching device 500 of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 5. The switching apparatus 500 may be applied to the above-described electronic device, which may be configured to implement the switching apparatus 500.

As shown in fig. 5, the switching device 500 includes: a judging unit 510, a switching instruction generating unit 520 and a type converting unit 530.

The determining unit 510 of the switching apparatus 500 is configured to determine whether the first condition is satisfied when the device type of the first device in the network is the first function type.

The switching instruction generating unit 520 generates a first switching instruction when the first condition is satisfied.

The type conversion unit 530 converts the first device from the first function type to the second function type in the network in response to the first switching instruction; wherein the first function type device and the second function type device are different function type devices in the network.

Fig. 2 shows a network architecture diagram 200 upon which a switching device according to an embodiment of the invention is based. Referring to fig. 2, in the embodiment of the present invention, a first function type device 210, a second function type device 220, and a third function type device 230 are included in the network. The devices in the network may be converted from any of the types described above to any of the other types. For example, from a terminal to an intermediate device; converting from the terminal to the server; converting from the intermediate device to a server; converting from the intermediate device to the terminal; converting from the server to the terminal; from a server to an intermediary device, and so on.

Fig. 3 shows another network architecture diagram 200 in a switching device according to an embodiment of the invention. Referring to fig. 3, a first function type device 210 and a third function type device 230, e.g., a server and a terminal, are included in a network. The first function type device 210 includes at least two, and the switching means may switch the first function type device 210 between the first function type and the second function type. For example, a terminal device as a first function type may be converted into an intermediate device of a second function type, and may also be converted from an intermediate device of a second function type into a terminal device of a first function type.

The method flow of the switching apparatus 500 will be further described with reference to fig. 5, 2 and 3, taking an example of switching a first type of device (e.g. a terminal device) between a first function type and a second function type. Other types of devices are similarly capable of switching between different types of functions and will only be briefly described for brevity of this description.

If the device type of the first device in the network is the first function type, the determining unit 510 determines whether the first condition is satisfied. At the server side, the server may determine whether the first terminal device is in a connected state with the server. For example, the server may determine that the first terminal device and the second terminal device are in the connected state when the first terminal device and the second terminal device are in the connected state. The server may also determine to determine the connection state according to whether the strength of the connection signal between the first terminal device and the server exceeds a preset threshold, and/or according to whether the connection between the first terminal device and the server is frequently disconnected within a preset time, for example, the server may consider that the first terminal device and the server are not in the connection state according to a preset rule when the connection signal is weak or the connection is frequently disconnected.

And if the judgment result of the server shows that the first terminal equipment is in a connection state with the server and can establish connection with the second terminal, determining that the first terminal equipment meets the first condition. At this time, according to the switching instruction generating unit 520 and the type converting unit 530, the server generates a first switching instruction, and transmits the first switching instruction to the first terminal device in response to the first switching instruction, instructing the first device to convert from the first function type to the second function type in the network. According to an example of the present invention, the server may require the first terminal device to notify the server of the type conversion result after the function type conversion, and to notify the terminal device user.

And if the judgment result of the first terminal equipment shows that the first terminal equipment is in a connection state with the server and can establish connection with the second terminal, determining that the first terminal equipment meets the first condition. At this time, according to the switching instruction generating unit 520 and the type converting unit 530, the first terminal device may generate the first switching instruction and convert its own function type in the network into the second function type in response to the first switching instruction. After the conversion, a notification may be sent to the server informing the server that the first terminal device is converted to the relay device of the second terminal device. The server records the function type conversion condition sent by the terminal equipment. Therefore, the terminal devices can autonomously switch roles to realize mutual assistance, the load of the server can be reduced, the switching speed can be increased, and the network delay can be reduced.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the server determines whether the first condition is satisfied, the determining unit 510 needs to determine whether the second terminal device needs a router to help the second terminal device to forward data, in addition to determining whether the first terminal device is in a connection state with the server and whether the first terminal device can establish a connection with the second terminal device. For example, the server determines that the number of times of disconnection of the second terminal device from the server within a predetermined time range exceeds a first threshold, or the signal strength of connection with the server is less than a second threshold. If at least one of the two situations exists, the connection obstacle exists between the second terminal device and the server, and a router is needed to forward data. At this time, if the server finds a first terminal device that can connect with itself and can establish connection with a second terminal device, the server may generate a first switching instruction through the switching instruction generating unit 520 and the type converting unit 530, and send the first switching instruction to the first terminal device that satisfies the condition, and instruct the first terminal device to convert the function type from the first function type in the network to the second function type.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal device may be plural, for example, as shown in fig. 2 and 3, the first function type device includes plural ones, including plural first terminal devices and plural second terminal devices. When there are multiple first terminal devices, if the determining unit 510 determines that the multiple first terminal devices can establish a connection with the second terminal device at the server side, at this time, the server may select one of the multiple first terminal devices as the first terminal device meeting the first condition according to the first selection policy. The first selection strategy may be, for example, to select the first terminal device with the strongest connection signal with the second terminal device; or selecting any first terminal equipment of which the connection signal strength exceeds a threshold value; or, based on the signal strength of the first terminal device and the load condition, location in the network, network bandwidth, etc., the first terminal device may be selected as a router to forward the data of the second terminal device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a network device in the second function type may switch from the second function type back to the first function type when the second condition is satisfied. If the device type of the first device in the network is the second function type, the determining unit 510 determines whether the second condition is satisfied. If the second condition is satisfied, the switch instruction generation unit 520 generates a second switch instruction. And in response to the second switching instruction, the type conversion unit 530 converts the device function type of the first device from the second function type to the first function type.

As described in the foregoing embodiments, referring to fig. 2, the first type of device and the second type of device described above include any two of the following devices: a first function type device 210, a second function type device 220, and a third function type device 230 in the network. The switching arrangement 500 may enable a device in the network to switch from any of the above types back to the original type. E.g., from the terminal back to the intermediate device; converting the slave terminal back to the server; transitioning from the intermediate device back to the server; switching from the intermediate device back to the terminal; converting from the server back to the terminal; from the server back to the intermediary, and so on.

Of course, as described in the foregoing embodiments, referring to fig. 3, the first function type device 210 and the third function type device 230, e.g., a server and a terminal, may be included in the network. The device 210 of the first function type includes at least two, wherein some of the devices 210 of the first function type have been converted from the first function type to the second function type, and an embodiment of the switching apparatus 500 may enable a device in the second function type to be converted from the second function type back to the first function type. For example, a transition is made from the intermediate device of the second function type back to the terminal device of the first function type.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the device of the first function type in the network includes a first terminal device and a second terminal device, and the device of the third function type includes a server. If the first terminal device is now of the second function type, for example, is a router of the second terminal device. The determining unit 510 in the server may detect in real time or periodically whether the first terminal device is in a "disconnected" state from the second terminal device, and determine that the second condition is satisfied if the first terminal device is detected to be in the "disconnected" state from the second terminal device. The switching instruction generating unit 520 generates a second switching instruction. And the type conversion unit 530 responds to the second switching instruction, the server sends the second switching instruction to the first terminal device, and instructs the first terminal device to convert the device function type from the second function type to the first function type. For example, the first terminal device switches back from the intermediate device to the terminal device type and no longer forwards data for the second terminal device. And after receiving a second switching instruction sent by the server, the first terminal equipment responds to the second switching instruction and converts the function type of the first terminal equipment from the second function type to the first function type. The server may also be notified of the conversion result.

Further, according to another example of the present invention, on the side of the first terminal device, when the judging unit 510 in the first terminal device detects that the connection of itself with the server is disconnected, the instruction generating unit 520 of the first terminal device may generate a second switching instruction, and the type converting unit 530 converts the function type of itself in the network from the second function type to the first function type in response to the second switching instruction, and notifies the server of the conversion of the function type of itself when connected with the server later.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, on the basis of the previous embodiment, the server further determines whether the connection signal strength between the second terminal device and the server is greater than a third threshold in addition to determining whether the first terminal device is disconnected from the server, and if the determination result indicates that the connection signal strength between the second terminal device and the server is greater than the third threshold, it indicates that the second terminal device can independently perform data communication with the server, and the routing device is no longer needed, and at this time, the server determines that the second condition is satisfied. Thus generating a second switching instruction. And responding to the second switching instruction, the server sends the second switching instruction to the first terminal equipment, and instructs the first terminal equipment to convert the equipment function type from the second function type to the first function type. For example, the first terminal device switches back from the intermediate device to the terminal device type and no longer forwards data for the second terminal device. And after receiving a second switching instruction sent by the server, the first terminal equipment responds to the second switching instruction and converts the function type of the first terminal equipment from the second function type to the first function type.

In daily use, relay devices such as routers are often installed at fixed positions, and if mobile electronic devices move to a position far away from the routers, the signal strength of the mobile electronic devices may be weakened, even disconnected from the network, and the use of users is affected. According to the embodiment of the invention, by judging whether the applicable conditions are met or not, and switching the function types of the equipment when the conditions are met, the network equipment can change the roles of the network equipment in the network when needed, help other equipment to forward or process data, and ensure the speed and quality of network transmission. Even if some network equipment has faults, normal transmission of network data can be realized, manual intervention of a user is not needed, additional network equipment is not needed, the use of the user is facilitated, and the network applicability of the network equipment is enhanced.

Fig. 6 shows a first terminal device 600 according to an embodiment of the invention. Referring to fig. 6, the first terminal apparatus 600 includes: communication means 610, storage means 620, processing means 630 and switching means 640. The structure and function of the first terminal device 600 are the same as those of the first terminal device in the aforementioned switching method 100 and switching apparatus 500, and for the sake of brevity of the description, only brief descriptions will be made below. Refer specifically to the foregoing embodiments.

The communication device 610 is used for communicating with the server to receive the data sent by the server and send the processed data to the server.

And a storage device 620 for storing data received from the server and data transmitted to the server.

The processing device 630 is configured to determine whether a first condition is met, and if the first condition is met, generate a first switching instruction.

Switching means 640 for switching the first device from the first function type to the second function type in the network in response to the first switching instruction; wherein the first function type device and the second function type device are different function type devices in a network.

According to one example of the invention, the first and second function types are any two of the following: the device of the first functional type is configured to receive and process data. The second functional type of device is configured to forward data. The device of the third functional type is configured to provide data.

In addition, when the device type of the first terminal device in the network is the second function type, the processing device 630 may further determine whether the second condition is satisfied. If the second condition is met, the processing means 630 generates a second switching instruction. The switching device 640 switches the device function type of the first terminal device from the second function type to the first function type in response to the second switching instruction.

The first terminal device provided by the embodiment of the invention can switch the role of the first terminal device in the network when a certain condition is met, so that the applicability of the network device in the network is improved.

Fig. 7 illustrates a server 700 according to at least one embodiment of the invention, and referring to fig. 7, the server 700 includes: communication means 710, storage means 720 and processing means 730. The configuration and function of the server 700 are the same as those of the server in the switching method 100 and the switching apparatus 500, and only a brief description will be given below for the sake of brevity of the description. Refer specifically to the foregoing embodiments.

For example, the storage 720 is used for storing data received from the first terminal device and data transmitted to the first terminal device.

The processing device 730 is configured to determine whether a first condition is met, and if the first condition is met, generate a first handover command and send the first handover command to the communication device.

The communication device 710 is configured to communicate with a first terminal device to send data to the first terminal device and receive data sent by the first terminal device; and in response to the first switching instruction, sending the first switching instruction to the first terminal device to cause the first terminal device to switch from the first function type to the second function type in the network; wherein the first function type device and the second function type device are different function type devices in a network.

According to an example of the present invention, the processing device 730 determines that the device type of the first terminal device in the network is the second function type, further determines whether the second condition is met, and if the second condition is met, generates a second handover instruction and sends the second handover instruction to the communication device. The communication device 710 sends a second switching instruction to the first terminal device in response to the second switching instruction, so as to switch the device function type of the first terminal device from the second function type to the first function type.

The server of the embodiment of the invention switches the function types of the terminal equipment in the network by judging whether the specific conditions are met or not, so that even if some network equipment fails, other equipment can help the network equipment to forward and process data, and network delay and data loss are reduced.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative elements and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. And the software modules may be disposed in any form of computer storage media. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the implementation. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, partial combinations and substitutions may be made in the present invention depending on design requirements and other factors as long as they are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method of handover, comprising:

if the device type of the first device in the network is a first function type, judging whether a first condition is met;

if the first condition is met, generating a first switching instruction;

in response to the first switching instruction, converting the first device from a first function type in a network to a second function type;

wherein the first function type device and the second function type device are different function type devices in a network.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein,

the first and second function types are any two of the following:

a device of a first functional type is configured to receive and process data;

the device of the second functional type is configured to forward data;

the device of the third functional type is configured to provide data.

3. The handover method of claim 2,

if the first device is a first terminal device, the network comprises a second terminal device with the first function type and a server with the third function type;

the step of judging whether the first condition is satisfied if the device type of the first device in the network is the first function type includes:

judging whether the first terminal equipment is connected with the server or not;

judging whether the first terminal equipment can establish connection with the second terminal equipment;

and if the judgment result shows that the first terminal equipment is connected with the server and can establish connection with the second terminal, determining that the first terminal equipment meets the first condition.

4. The handover method of claim 3,

the step of determining whether the first condition is satisfied if the device type of the first device in the network is the first function type further includes:

the first terminal device judges whether a first instruction is acquired, wherein the first instruction is generated by the server based on information that the number of times of connection and disconnection between the second terminal device and the server in a preset time range exceeds a first threshold value, or the signal strength of connection between the second terminal device and the server is smaller than a second threshold value;

and if the judgment result shows that the first instruction is acquired, generating the first switching instruction.

5. The handover method according to claim 3, wherein, if the first terminal device is plural,

the first terminal device determines whether or not a second instruction is received, the second instruction being generated by the server based on a first selection policy that selects one of a plurality of first terminal devices capable of establishing a connection with the second terminal device as the first terminal device satisfying the first condition.

And if the judgment result shows that the second instruction is acquired, generating the first switching instruction.

6. The handover method according to claim 3, wherein a third terminal device of the first function type is further included in the network;

the first terminal device judges whether a third instruction is received, wherein the third instruction is generated by the server based on the second terminal device forwarding the data of a third terminal device, and the third terminal device forwarding the data of the first terminal device;

and if the judgment result shows that the third instruction is acquired, determining that the first terminal equipment does not meet the first condition.

7. The handover method of claim 3,

the server judges whether the connection and disconnection times of the second terminal equipment and the server in a preset time range exceed a first threshold value or whether the connection signal strength of the second terminal equipment and the server is smaller than a second threshold value;

and if the judgment result shows that the connection and disconnection times of the second terminal equipment and the server in a preset time range exceed a first threshold value or the connection signal strength of the second terminal equipment and the server is smaller than a second threshold value, generating the first switching instruction.

8. The handover method according to claim 3, wherein, if the first terminal device is plural,

and if the plurality of first terminal devices can establish connection with the second terminal device, the server selects one of the plurality of first terminal devices as the first terminal device meeting the first condition according to a first selection strategy.

9. The handover method according to claim 3, wherein a third terminal device of the first function type is further included in the network;

the server determines whether the second terminal device forwards data of a third terminal device,

the server judges whether the third terminal equipment forwards the data of the first terminal equipment or not;

and if the judgment result shows that the second terminal equipment forwards the data of the third terminal equipment and the third terminal equipment forwards the data of the first terminal equipment, determining that the first terminal equipment does not meet the first condition.

10. The handover method according to claim 2, wherein if the first device is a first terminal device, further comprising other terminal devices of the first function type and the server of the third function type in the network,

when the first terminal equipment in the second function type is disconnected with the server, the server acquires a connection record of the first terminal equipment before the disconnection, wherein the connection record comprises connection information of the first terminal equipment and other terminal equipment;

based on the connection record, the server selects one terminal device from the other terminal devices to forward the data of the first terminal device.

11. The handover method according to claim 1, wherein, if the first device is a first terminal device, a server of the third function type is further included in the network,

in response to the first switching instruction, the step of switching the first device from a first function type to a second function type in the network comprises:

responding to the first switching instruction, the server sends the first switching instruction to the first device so as to enable the device type of the first device to be converted from a first function type to a second function type;

or,

and responding to the first switching instruction, and converting the first function type from the first function type in the network to the second function type by the first terminal equipment.

12. The handover method of claim 2, the method further comprising:

if the device type of the first device in the network is the second function type, judging whether the second condition is met;

if the second condition is met, generating a second switching instruction;

and responding to the second switching instruction, and converting the device function type of the first device from the second function type to the first function type.

13. The handover method according to claim 12, wherein, if the first device is a first terminal device, a second terminal device of the first function type and the server of the third function type are further included in the network,

if the device type of the first device in the network is the second function type, the step of judging whether the second condition is met comprises the following steps:

judging whether the first terminal equipment and the second terminal equipment are in a disconnection state or not;

and if the judgment result shows that the first terminal equipment and the second terminal equipment are in a disconnection state, determining that the second condition is met.

14. The handover method according to claim 13, wherein if the device type of the first device in the network is the second function type, the step of determining whether the second condition is satisfied further comprises:

the server determines whether the connection signal strength between the second terminal device and the server is greater than a third threshold,

and if the judgment result shows that the connection signal strength between the second terminal equipment and the server is greater than a third threshold value, determining that the second condition is met.

15. The handover method according to claim 13, wherein the network comprises at least one other terminal device of the first function type in addition to the first and second terminal devices of the first function type,

when a first terminal device and a second terminal device are in a disconnection state, the server acquires a connection record of the second terminal device before disconnection, wherein the connection record comprises connection information of the second terminal device and each of at least one other terminal device;

and selecting one other terminal device as the first terminal device meeting the first condition based on the connection record.

16. The handover method according to claim 12, wherein if the first device is a first terminal device, a server of the third function type is further included in the network,

in response to the second switching instruction, the step of converting the device function type of the first device from the second function type to the first function type includes:

responding to the second switching instruction, the server sends the second switching instruction to the first terminal equipment so as to enable the equipment type of the first terminal equipment to be converted from the second function type to the first function type;

or,

and responding to the second switching instruction, and converting the device type from the second function type to the first function type by the first terminal equipment.

17. A switching device, comprising: a judging unit configured to judge whether a first condition is satisfied if a device type of the first device in the network is a first function type;

a switching instruction generating unit configured to generate a first switching instruction if the first condition is satisfied;

a type conversion unit configured to convert the first device from a first function type to a second function type in a network in response to the first switching instruction;

18. A first terminal device comprising:

the communication device is used for communicating with the server to receive the data sent by the server and send the processed data to the server;

the storage device is used for storing the data received from the server and the data sent to the server;

the processing device is used for judging whether a first condition is met or not, and generating a first switching instruction if the first condition is met;

a switching device, configured to respond to the first switching instruction, convert the first terminal device from a first function type in a network to a second function type; wherein the first function type device and the second function type device are different function type devices in a network.

19. The first terminal device of claim 18,

the first and second function types are any two of the following:

a device of a first functional type is configured to receive and process data;

the device of the second functional type is configured to forward data;

the device of the third functional type is configured to provide data.

20. The first terminal device of claim 18 or 19,

if the device type of the first terminal device in the network is the second function type,

the processing device further judges whether a second condition is met, and if the second condition is met, a second switching instruction is generated;

and the switching device responds to the second switching instruction and converts the device function type of the first terminal device from the second function type to the first function type.

21. A server, comprising:

a storage device for storing data received from the first terminal device and data transmitted to the first terminal device;

the processing device is used for judging whether a first condition is met, and if the first condition is met, generating a first switching instruction and sending the first switching instruction to the communication device;

the communication device is used for communicating with a first terminal device so as to send data to the first terminal device and receive the data sent by the first terminal device; and in response to the first handover instruction, sending the first handover instruction to the first terminal device to cause the first terminal device to switch from a first function type to a second function type in a network; wherein the first function type device and the second function type device are different function type devices in a network.

22. The server according to claim 21, wherein,

the first and second function types are any two of the following:

a device of a first functional type is configured to receive and process data;

the device of the second functional type is configured to forward data;

the device of the third functional type is configured to provide data.

23. The server according to claim 21 or 22,

the processing device determines that the device type of the first terminal device in the network is a second function type, further judges whether a second condition is met, generates a second switching instruction if the second condition is met, and sends the second switching instruction to the communication device;

and the communication device responds to the second switching instruction and sends the second switching instruction to the first terminal equipment so as to convert the equipment function type of the first terminal equipment from the second function type to the first function type.