Patent Description:
In related art, some wireless local area networks, such as a Mesh network, may include multiple nodes, where a node may be a gateway, a router, etc. The nodes are interconnected to each other. A new node seeking to access the network may be allowed to join the network just by connecting the node seeking access to the network to one of the multiple nodes having gained access to the network (i.e., a node having gained access to the network), and allowing a user to perform network operation configuration.

<CIT> discloses to facilitate connection to a multimedia playback network. An example wireless device includes a wireless communication interface to identify a first network within range of the wireless device available for connection and to facilitate connection of the wireless device to the first network. The example wireless device includes a processor to add the first network to a registry of networks for connection by the wireless device. The example wireless device includes a signal strength monitor to monitor one or more available networks from the network registry that are within range of the wireless device. The example processor is to evaluate the available network(s) to identify a preferred network for connection based on at least one network characteristic and facilitate a switch from connection of the wireless device to the first network if the preferred network is different from the first network.

<CIT> discloses that a mesh network includes a relay associated with each access point in the mesh network. Each relay is configured to support access interfaces and relay interfaces. The access interfaces are configured to communicate with mobile nodes, and the relay interfaces are configured to communicate with other relays. The mesh network further includes at least one gateway associated with the relays. The gateway is configured for connection to an external network. The gateway is also directly associated with at least one of the relays such that the gateway communicates with the relays via the directly associated relay. The gateway provides for communication between the external network and the relays.

<CIT> discloses scanning for mesh nodes. A communication device monitors a shared communication channel to detect receive window start frames indicating that a mesh node is awake and available to receive data. The scanning device transmits a probe request during the awake window.

The present invention provides a method for accessing a network by a network node, electronic equipment, and a storage medium.

The features of the method and device are defined in the independent claims, and the preferable features are defined in the dependent claims. The following aspects are provided for illustrative purposes.

According to a first aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method for accessing a network by a network node, applied to a first network node having gained access to a preset network, according to claim <NUM>.

The solution is applied to a first network node of a preset network. The first network node receives a probe message sent by the second network node. The probe message carries a second IP address of the second network node. Thus, the second network node sends the second IP address of the second network node for connection establishment to the first network node successfully. Since the probe message carries the second IP address of the second network node, when it is determined that the probe message includes a configuration mechanism identifier indicating that the second network node sending the probe message is a node meeting a network configuration condition, the first network node may unicast a reply message carrying a first IP address of the first network node to the second network node according to the second IP address. A network communication channel with the second network node may be established through the first IP address and the second IP address, and network configuration information configured to allow the second network node to access the present network may be sent to the second network node through the network communication channel.

When a node adopts a wireless access mode, a network configuration procedure in related art is still adopted, and a trusted access node may be selected, ensuring security. When it is detected that a node adopts a wired access mode, due to high security in wired network access, there is no need to consider the security issue. Thus, with an automatic network configuration mechanism of the solution, automatic network access is implemented without requiring a user to get involved in the network configuration process, meeting both a security requirement in wireless access and a simplified flow in wired access.

With the method, automatic network access by the second network node may be implemented through the first network node and the second network node without intervention from an operator and without any network configuration operation, reducing network access procedures and excessive complicated operations, saving network access time, improving efficiency in network access, improving network access experience.

On the other hand, the first network node unicasts the reply message to the second network node. The first network node and the second network node perform one-to-one information transmission. The reply message may be sent directly to the second network node corresponding to the second network IP address. In this way, no interference to information transmission and receiving by another node is produced during information delivery. The first network node may send an Ad-Hoc message to the second network node better. The second network node may also receive the reply message sent by the first network node better. In addition, network resource occupation is reduced.

In an embodiment, the method may further include: before unicasting the reply message of the probe message to the second network node, determining whether the probe message includes the configuration mechanism identifier according to a pre-stored configuration mechanism identifier.

In an embodiment, receiving the probe message broadcast by the second network node seeking access to the preset network includes: monitoring whether the probe message broadcast by the second network node is received at a preset port of the first network node; and in response to monitoring that the probe message is received at the preset port of the first network node, receiving the probe message through the preset port.

In an embodiment, the preset network is a Mesh network, the Mesh network includes multiple network nodes having gained access to the Mesh network, one network node of the multiple network nodes is selected through a preset selection mechanism to serve as the first network node within a predetermined period of time, and in response to being selected as the first network node, the one network node starts to monitor whether the probe message broadcast by the second network node is received at the preset port.

According to a second aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method for accessing a network by a network node, applied to a second network node seeking access to a preset network, according to claim <NUM>.

The advantages and technical effects of the method of the second aspect correspond to those of the method of the first aspect.

In an embodiment, broadcasting the probe message through the preset wired network interface includes: broadcasting, through the preset wired network interface, the probe message to a preset port of the first network node.

According to a third aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a device for accessing a network by a network node, applied to a first network node having gained access to a preset network, according to claim <NUM>.

The advantages and technical effects of the device of the third aspect correspond to those of the method presented above.

According to a fourth aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a device for accessing a network by a network node, applied to a second network node seeking access to a preset network, according to claim <NUM>.

The advantages and technical effects of the device of the fourth aspect correspond to those of the method presented above.

According to fifth aspect of embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, implement any method here, according to claims <NUM>, <NUM>.

The advantages and technical effects of the storage medium correspond to those of the method presented above.

It should be understood that the general description above and the detailed description below are illustrative and explanatory, and do not limit the present invention.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

Reference will now be made in detail to illustrative embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The implementations set forth in the following description of illustrative embodiments do not represent all implementations consistent with the present invention. Instead, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with aspects related to the present invention as recited in the appended claims. The illustrative implementation modes may take on multiple forms, and should not be taken as being limited to examples illustrated herein. Instead, by providing such implementation modes, embodiments herein may become more comprehensive and complete, and comprehensive concept of the illustrative implementation modes may be delivered to those skilled in the art. Implementations set forth in the following illustrative embodiments do not represent all implementations in accordance with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of the apparatus and method in accordance with certain aspects herein as recited in the accompanying claims.

Note that although a term such as first, second, third may be adopted in an embodiment herein to describe various kinds of information, such information should not be limited to such a term. Such a term is merely for distinguishing information of the same type. For example, without departing from the scope of the embodiments herein, the first information may also be referred to as the second information. Similarly, the second information may also be referred to as the first information. Depending on the context, a "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when" or "while" or "in response to determining that".

In addition, described characteristics, structures or features may be combined in one or more implementation modes in any proper manner. In the following descriptions, many details are provided to allow a full understanding of embodiments herein. However, those skilled in the art will know that the technical solutions of embodiments herein may be carried out without one or more of the details; alternatively, another method, component, device, option, etc., may be adopted. Under other conditions, no detail of a known structure, method, device, implementation, material or operation may be shown or described to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments herein.

A block diagram shown in the accompanying drawings may be a functional entity which may not necessarily correspond to a physically or logically independent entity. Such a functional entity may be implemented in form of software, in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different networks and /or processor devices and /or microcontroller devices.

A terminal may sometimes be referred to as a smart terminal. The terminal may be a mobile terminal. The terminal may also be referred to as User Equipment (UE), a Mobile Station (MS), etc. A terminal may be equipment or a chip provided that provides a user with a voice and / or data connection, such as handheld equipment, onboard equipment, etc., with a wireless connection function. Examples of a terminal may include a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a palm computer, a Mobile Internet Device (MID), wearable equipment, Virtual Reality (VR) equipment, Augmented Reality (AR) equipment, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in unmanned drive, a wireless terminal in remote surgery, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, etc..

In related art, in order to ensure network security, regardless of whether a node seeking access to a network is to be connected in a wired mode or a wireless mode, in network access configuration, a user is to select a node having gained access to the network that the user trusts to which the node seeking access to the network is to be connected. For wireless access, since the node having gained access to the network to be selected may not be equipment physically controllable by the user (such as equipment in someone else's home), manual selection by the user may be necessary. However, wired access is highly secure compared to wireless access. The user has to actively perform an operation such as cable insertion. Therefore, it is ensured that such equipment is within a range controllable by the user, with high security, in which case the requirement of manual configuration by the user leads to a complicated operation procedure.

<FIG> is a diagram of timing of accessing a network by a network node according to a technical solution herein. The method for accessing a network by a network node is applied to a first network node having gained access to a preset network, and includes steps as follows.

In S100, a probe message broadcast by a second network node seeking access to the preset network is received. The probe message carries a second Internet Protocol (IP) address of the second network node.

In the present invention, the first network node as well as the second network node may be a router, a gateway, etc..

In S200, when the probe message includes a configuration mechanism identifier, a reply message of the probe message is unicasted based on the second IP address to the second network node. The reply message carries a first IP address of the first network node. The first IP address is configured for establishing a network communication channel between the second network node and the first network node.

In S300, network configuration information is sent to the second network node through the network communication channel. The network configuration information is configured to allow the second network node to access the preset network.

In the embodiment, the preset network is a local area network. The local area network includes, but is not limited to, a Mesh network (i.e., a multi-hop network), or a wireless network with multistage equipment connected to a central point, etc. A Mesh network includes multiple network nodes having gained access to the Mesh network. The second network node may be a node seeking access to the preset network. The first network node may be a node having gained access to the preset network. One of the multiple network nodes is selected through a preset selection mechanism to serve as the first network node within a predetermined period of time. The first network node may control a control node for the second network node to join the preset network. In the preset network, the control node may provide a network service by controlling whether a node seeking access to the network can join the preset network.

The second network node in the embodiment may be a wireless Access Point (AP) or a router, etc., that seeks access to the network, and the first network node may be a node controlling the AP or the router in the preset network.

The preset network may have one first network node. Multiple second network nodes may join the preset network through the first network node. Different second network nodes each establish a communication channel to communicate with the first network node, respectively. When sending messages to different second network nodes, the first network node will unicast corresponding messages to various different second network nodes in an Ad-Hoc mode, such that a communication connection between the first network node and a second network node is established while reducing interference to another node and saving a network resource, so that network access information, such as configuration information, may be sent to the second network nodes, facilitating joining the preset network by the second network node.

In another embodiment of the present application, when playing a role that seeks access to the preset network, the first network node may at the same time serve as a second network node. When switching to a second network node to access the preset network, the first network node performs any step to be performed by the second network node. When playing a role that has gained access to the preset network, a second network node may at the same time serve as the first network node. After gaining access to the preset network, a second network node may serve as a first network node to execute any step to be performed by the first network node.

The method according to the embodiment aims at the first network node in the preset network, i.e., is applied to the first network node. The first network node serve to perform the method. As an example, a single second network node seeking access to the preset network is described.

For S100, before joining the preset network, the second network node broadcasts a broadcast message carrying a second IP address of the second network node. Here the broadcast message serves as a probe message. The second network node does not acquire the IP address of the first network node. Therefore, the second network node cannot perform direct Ad-Hoc message sending to the first network node. Consequently, the second network node broadcasts the probe message. Each node in the network may receive the probe message, which facilitates receiving the probe message by the first network node.

The first network node receives the probe message sent by the second network node. The probe message carries the second IP address of the second network node. The second IP address is configured for establishing a connection between the first network node and the second network node. After the connection between the first network node and the second network node is established, the first network node may unicast a message to the second network node in an Ad-Hoc mode. In this way, a message may be sent to the second network node without causing information interference to another node.

The second IP address of the second network node may refer to a second IP address acquired from a server in the network through a wired network interface when the second network node detects that a cable is connected to the preset wired network interface. Then, the second IP address is allocated to the second network node through dynamic allocation. For example, through Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) allocation, the second IP address may identify a corresponding second network node.

For S200, after receiving the probe message sent by the second network node, the first network node may acquire the second IP address of the second network node, and may communicate with the second network node after acquiring the second IP address. In the embodiment, according to the probe message, the first network node determines whether the probe message includes a configuration mechanism identifier. If it is determined that the probe message includes a configuration mechanism identifier, the first network node may unicast, based on the second IP address, a reply message of the probe message to the second network node. The reply message carries a first IP address of the first network node. The first IP address may be used by the first network node to establish a network communication channel with the second network node.

In the embodiment, the configuration mechanism identifier is configured to indicate that the second network node sending the probe message is a node meeting a network access condition. When the probe message includes a matching mechanism identifier, it means that the second network node sending the probe message containing the configuration mechanism identifier is a node meeting a network access condition. Otherwise, the first network node will not send any reply message to the second network node. When the received probe message includes the configuration mechanism identifier, it is determined that the second network node sending the probe message is a node meeting the network access condition, and the first network may unicast the reply message of the probe message to the second network node. The configuration mechanism identifier may be a preset identifier such as a preset character string, such as 8b699cf269c6c36812481e195a0995a6. If it is determined that the received probe message includes the character string, a reply message is then sent to the second network node.

As the reply message is unicast by the first network node o the second network node in an Ad-Hoc mode, the reply message is sent by the first network node directly to the second network node. When the first network node unicasts the reply message to the second network node, another node in the network cannot receive the reply message, and only the second network node can receive the reply message. Thus, efficiency of the reply message may be improved, reducing interference of the reply message to the other node, while reducing network resource use.

In another embodiment, a network communication channel may be established based on the second IP address and the first IP address.

After receiving the probe message sent by the second network node, the first network node may acquire the second IP address of the second network node. After the first network node has unicast the reply message to the second network node, the second network node may acquire the first IP address of the first network node. The first IP address may be configured for establishing a network communication channel between the second network node and the first network node. After the first network node and the second network node have exchanged IP addresses with each other, the network communication channel between the first network node and the second network node may be established according to the IP addresses. Message exchange may be implemented through the connection.

In S300, network configuration information is sent to the second network node through the established network communication channel. The network configuration information is configured to allow the second network node to access the preset network. The second network node may perform configuration synchronization according to the network configuration information. The configuration information may include at least a wireless configuration. Wireless configuration information may further include: a Service Set (SS), according to which a Service Set Identifier (SSID) may be determined; a working channel, a working mode, a bandwidth, a maximum spatial flow, etc..

After the network communication channel between the first network node and the second network node has been established, the two nodes may communicate with each other. The first network node may send the configuration information to the second network node, for the second network node to synchronize the configuration information. After the second network node has synchronized the configuration information with the first network node, the second network node may cooperate with the first network node or another node in the network according to the synchronized configuration information to provide a network service to a user terminal, etc..

With the method, the network communication channel between the first network node and the second network node may be established. According to the network communication channel, the first network node may send the network configuration information to the second network node for the second network node to perform configuration synchronization. Having performed the configuration synchronization according to the network configuration information, the second network node may join the preset network.

On one hand, when a node adopts a wireless access mode, a network configuration procedure in related art is still adopted, and a trusted access node may be selected, ensuring security. When it is detected that a node adopts a wired access mode, due to high security in wired network access, there is no need to consider the security issue. Thus, with an automatic network configuration mechanism of the solution, automatic network access is implemented without requiring a user to get involved in the network configuration process, meeting both a security requirement in wireless access and a simplified flow in wired access.

When the second network node joins the preset network, automatic network access by the second network node may be implemented through information exchange between the first network node and the second network node with no manual operation of configuration setting and synchronization, reducing operation steps for the second network node to join the preset network, saving operation time for the second network node to join the preset network, decreasing complexity of the operation for the second network node to access the network, improving efficiency in network access, implementing automatic network access by the second network node, improving user experience.

In another embodiment, in S200, the method further includes a step as follows.

before the reply message of the probe message is unicast to the second network node, it may be determined, according to a pre-stored configuration mechanism identifier, whether the probe message includes the configuration mechanism identifier.

The configuration mechanism identifier may be stored in the first network node. After the probe message has been received, it may be determined, according to the stored configuration mechanism identifier, whether the probe message includes the configuration mechanism identifier.

The configuration mechanism identifier may be an identifier in a preset format, such as a character string in a preset format. When it is determined that the probe message is a broadcast message in a preset format, a reply message carrying the first IP address may be unicast to the second network node based on the second IP address.

In the embodiment, after the first network node has received the probe message sent by the second network node, the first network node determines whether the probe message includes the configuration mechanism identifier, to further determine whether the probe message is a probe message broadcast by the second network node meeting a network access condition. When determining that the probe message is a probe message broadcast by the second network node meeting a network access condition, the first network node unicasts the reply message to the second network node according to the second IP address of the second network node. When determining that the probe message is not a probe message broadcast by the second network node meeting a network access condition, the first network node does not unicast the reply message to the second network node.

The probe message here may be sent in form of a broadcast packet, and the first network node receives the probe message in form of a broadcast packet. The preset format may be preset as needed, such as to be xxxx-xxx-x-xxxxxxx, etc., the specific preset format of which is not limited here. The probe message may include the second IP address of the second network node.

In the embodiment, as long as the configuration mechanism identifier conforms to a preset format. it may be determined that the configuration mechanism identifier is a broadcast message in the preset format, and the first network node unicasts the reply message to the second network node according to the second IP address. If it is determined that the configuration mechanism identifier is not a broadcast in the preset format, the first network node does not unicast the reply message to the second network node.

In an embodiment, the preset format may be a format different from a common broadcast message.

In another embodiment, in S100, the probe message broadcast by the second network node seeking access to the preset network may be received as follows.

It may be monitored whether the probe message broadcast by the second network node is received at a preset port of the first network node. When it is monitored that the probe message is received at the preset port of the first network node, the probe message may be received through the preset port.

In the embodiment, the first network node and the second network node may be physically connected with each other in a wired mode. Both the first network node and the second network node have a connection port, such as a Wide Area Network (WAN) port, a Local Area Network (LAN) port, etc. The first network node may implement a physical connection with the second network node through the preset port, specifically through a cable. The preset port may also be another port, which may be set as needed and is not limited here. After the first network node has implemented a physical connection with the second network node through the preset port, the first network node receives, through the preset port, the probe message sent by the second network node, implementing receiving of the probe message.

In the embodiment, the preset port of the first network node may also be: a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) port. Some UDP ports may be designated as the preset port as needed.

It ma be monitored whether a probe message is received at the preset port. If it is monitored that the preset port receives the probe message, the probe message is received through the preset port, implementing receiving of the probe message.

In the embodiment, the first network node does not unicast the reply message to the second network node unless the first network node has received, from the preset port, the probe message sent by the second network node. That is, when receiving the probe message from the preset port, the first network node determines that the probe message may be a probe message broadcast by the second network node meeting a network access condition. Whether a probe message is received at the preset port is taken as a condition for the second network node to access the network. If a probe message is sent from a port other than the preset port, it is determined that the probe message is not a probe message broadcast by the second network node meeting the network access condition, and the first network node does not unicast the reply message to the second network node.

In another embodiment, alternatively, when selected as the first network node, a network node in the preset network starts to monitor whether a probe message broadcast by the second network node is received at the preset port. A node other than the first network node may not perform the monitoring.

In another embodiment, the method may further include an option as follows.

It may be determined, according to a pre-stored configuration mechanism identifier, whether the probe message includes the configuration mechanism identifier. When the probe message includes a configuration mechanism identifier, a reply message may be unicasted to the second network node.

In the embodiment, a reply message may be unicasted to the second network node combining the preset port and the configuration mechanism identifier. When the probe message is a probe message received by the first network node from the preset port, and the probe message includes the configuration mechanism identifier, the first network node unicasts the reply message to the second network node based on the second IP address.

In another embodiment, a network communication channel between the first network node and the second network node may be established as follows.

A secure network communication channel with the second network node may be established according to the first IP address and the second IP address. The secure network communication channel may be configured at least to synchronize network configuration information between the first network node and the second network node.

After the first network node has acquired the second IP address of the second network node, the first network node has sent the first IP address of the first network node to the second network node, and the second network has received the first IP address of the first network node, a secure network communication channel between the first network node and the second network node may be established according to the first IP address and the second IP address. Information exchange between the first network node and the second network node may be performed through the secure network communication channel, improving security in information exchange.

The specific process of establishing the network communication channel is not limited here. A secure network communication channel may be established combining the first IP address and the second IP address according to a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)/IP protocol or a Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol.

In another embodiment, the established secure network communication channel includes: a network communication channel based on key communication or a network communication channel based on a digital certificate.

For the network communication channel based on key communication, the first network node may encrypt, according to a public key of the second network node, a message sent to the second network node, such as wireless configuration information for synchronizing wireless configuration between the first network node and the second network node. After the second network node has received the encrypted message, the second network node may decrypt the encrypted message through a private key of the second network node. Thus, the second network node may acquire the wireless configuration information. Since the public key of the second network node is public, the first network node may acquire the public key of the second network node. The private key of the second network node is not public, and is known just by the second network node. Therefore, after receiving the encrypted message sent by the first network node, another node cannot decrypt the message encrypted using the public key of the second network node due to lack of the private key of the second network node, improving security in message transmission.

For the network communication channel based on a digital certificate, a transmitted message is encrypted using a digital signature, facilitating verifying, by the second network node, whether a message sent to the second network node is sent by the first network, further improving security in message transmission.

In another embodiment, referring to <FIG>, which is a diagram of timing of accessing a network by a network node. The method is applied to a second network node seeking access to a preset network. The preset network further includes a first network node which is different from the second network node. The method includes steps as follows.

In S10, if it is detected that a cable is connected to a preset wired network interface, a second Internet Protocol (IP) address of the second network node is acquired from the preset wired network interface.

In S20, a probe message is broadcast through the preset wired network interface. The probe message carries a configuration mechanism identifier and the second IP address.

In S30, a reply message returned based on the probe message by a first network node having gained access to the preset network is received. The reply message includes a first IP address of the first network node.

In S40, a network communication channel is established with the first network node based on the first IP address.

In S50, network configuration information sent by the first network node is received through the network communication channel.

In S60, the preset network is accessed according to the network configuration information.

In the embodiment, the second network node seeking access to the present network performs the steps.

For S10, if it is detected that a cable is connected to a preset wired network interface, a second Internet Protocol (IP) address of the second network node is acquired from the preset wired network interface. The second network node has a cable interface. In the embodiment, a cable is connected through the preset wired network interface. Therefore, when it is detected that a cable is connected to a preset wired network interface, the second IP address may be acquired through the preset wired network interface.

The preset wired network interface may be set as needed, such as to be a WAN port, a LAN port, etc..

The second IP address of the second network node may be an IP address allocated dynamically to the second network node by a server in the network, such as allocated via a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol after the first network node and the second network node have been connected through the cable. The second IP address may identify a corresponding second network node.

For S20, having acquired the second IP address successfully, the second network node may send a probe message to the first network node through the preset wired network interface. The probe message carries a configuration mechanism identifier and the second IP address.

The configuration mechanism identifier is configured for the first network node to determine, after receiving the probe message, whether the second network node is a node meeting a network access condition. The configuration mechanism may serve as a network access determining condition for a node. The configuration mechanism identifier is configured to indicate that the second network node sending the probe message is a node meeting the network access condition. When the probe message includes the configuration mechanism identifier, it means that the second network node sending the probe message containing the configuration mechanism identifier is a node meeting the network access condition. Otherwise, the first network node will not send a reply message to the second network node. When the received probe message includes the configuration mechanism identifier, it is determined that the second network node sending the probe message is a node meeting the network access condition, and the first network may unicast a reply message of the probe message to the second network node. The configuration mechanism identifier may be a preset identifier such as a preset character string, such as 8b699cf269c6c36812481e195a0995a6. If it is determined that the received probe message includes the character string, a reply message may then be sent to the second network node.

The second IP address may be configured for establishing a network communication channel between the first network node and the second network node, facilitating information exchange between the first network node and the second network node. After a network communication channel has been established between the first network node and the second network node, the first network node may unicast a message to the second network node in an Ad-Hoc mode. In this way, a message may be sent to the second network node without causing information interference to another node.

For S30, a reply message carrying the first IP address of the first network node unicast to the second network node by the first network node having gained access to the preset network may be received. The first IP address may be configured for establishing a network communication channel between the second network node and the first network node.

The first network node may acquire the second IP address of the second network node after receiving the probe message sent by the second network node, and may communicate with the second network node after acquiring the second IP address. The first network node may unicast, based on the second IP address, the reply message carrying the first IP address of the first network node to the second network node. As the reply message is unicast by the first network node to the second network node in an Ad-Hoc mode, the reply message may be sent directly to the second network node by the first network node.

In S40, a network communication channel may be established based on the first IP address and the first network node. The second network node may receive the reply message to acquire the first IP address of the first network node, facilitating establishment of the network communication channel between the first network node and the second network node.

In S50, information to be exchanged for the second network node to access the network, such as network configuration information for the second network node to access the network, may be transmitted via the established network communication channel.

After a network communication channel has been established between the first network node and the second network node, the two node may communicate with each other. The first network node may send network configuration information to the second network node. The second network node may receive the network configuration information and synchronize network configuration information.

In S60, the preset network is accessed according to the network configuration information. The second network node may perform configuration synchronization, including wireless configuration synchronization, according to configuration information sent by the first network node for configuration synchronization between the first network node and the second network node. After completing network configuration synchronization, the second network node may access the preset network, completing network access.

After the second network node has synchronized the configuration information with the first network node, the second network node may cooperate with the first network node or another node in the network according to the synchronized configuration information to provide a network service to a user terminal, etc..

In an embodiment, an IP address may be acquired when a physical connection (wired connection at a physical layer) is established through a wired network port of the second network node.

In another embodiment, in S20, the probe message may be broadcast through the preset wired network interface as follows.

The probe message may be broadcast to a preset port of the first network node through the preset wired network interface.

The second network node may broadcast the probe message to the preset port of the first network node through the preset wired network interface, facilitating determining, by the first network node, whether the node sending the probe message is a node meeting a network access condition.

In another embodiment, the probe message may be sent in form of a broadcast packet, and the second network node sends the probe message in form of a broadcast packet to the first network node. The probe message may include a configuration mechanism identifier in a preset format. The preset format may be preset as needed, such as to be xxxx-xxx-x-xxxxxxx, etc., the specific preset format of which is not limited here. The probe message may further include the second IP address of the second network node.

The second network node sends a probe message in the preset format to the first network node, facilitating determining, by the first network node, whether the probe message is a probe message broadcast by the second network node meeting a network access condition. When determining that the probe message is the probe message broadcast by the second network node meeting the network access condition, the first network node unicasts a reply message to the second network node according to the second IP address of the second network node. When determining that the probe message is not the probe message broadcast by the second network node meeting the network access condition, the first network node does not unicast a reply message to the second network node.

The reply message may be sent after the first network node has determined that the configuration mechanism identifier is an identifier in the preset format.

In another embodiment, in S40, a network communication channel may be established with the first network node based on the first IP address as follows.

A secure network communication channel with the first network node may be established according to the first IP address and the second IP address. The secure network communication channel may be configured at least to synchronize network configuration information between the first network node and the second network node.

The specific process of establishing the connection is not limited here. A secure network communication channel may be established combining the first IP address and the second IP address according to a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)/IP protocol or a Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol.

In another embodiment, a device for accessing a network by a network node is also provided. The device is applied to a first network node having gained access to a preset network. <FIG> is a diagram of a structure of the device. The device includes a probe message receiver, a reply message unicaster, and a network configuration information sender.

The probe message receiver <NUM> is configured to receive a probe message broadcast by a second network node seeking access to the preset network. The probe message carries a second Internet Protocol (IP) address of the second network node.

The reply message unicaster <NUM> is configured to, in response to that the probe message includes a configuration mechanism identifier, unicast, based on the second IP address, a reply message of the probe message to the second network node. The reply message carries a first IP address of the first network node. The first IP address is configured for establishing a network communication channel between the second network node and the first network node.

The network configuration information sender <NUM> is configured to send network configuration information to the second network node through the network communication channel. The network configuration information is configured to allow the second network node to access the preset network.

In another embodiment, the device further includes a configuration mechanism identifier determiner configured to determine whether the probe message includes the configuration mechanism identifier according to a pre-stored configuration mechanism identifier.

In another embodiment, the probe message receiver <NUM> is further configured to monitor whether the probe message broadcast by the second network node is received at a preset port of the first network node; and in response to monitoring that the probe message is received at the preset port of the first network node, receive the probe message through the preset port.

The probe message receiver <NUM> may be further configured to implement a case where the preset network is a Mesh network, the Mesh network includes multiple network nodes having gained access to the Mesh network, one network node of the multiple network nodes is selected through a preset selection mechanism to serve as the first network node within a predetermined period of time, and when being selected as the first network node, the one network node starts to monitor whether the probe message broadcast by the second network node is received at the preset port.

In another embodiment, another device for accessing a network by a network node is also provided. The device is applied to a second network node seeking access to a preset network. The preset network further includes a first network node which is different from a second network node. <FIG> is a diagram of a structure of the device. The device includes a second Internet Protocol (IP) address acquirer, a probe message broadcaster, a reply message receiver, a network communication channel establisher, a network configuration information receiver, and a network accesser.

The second Internet Protocol (IP) address acquirer <NUM> is configured to, in response to detecting that a cable is connected to a preset wired network interface, acquire a second Internet Protocol (IP) address of the second network node from the preset wired network interface.

The probe message broadcaster <NUM> is configured to broadcast a probe message through the preset wired network interface. The probe message carries a configuration mechanism identifier and the second IP address.

The reply message receiver <NUM> is configured to receive a reply message returned based on the probe message by a first network node having gained access to the preset network. The reply message includes a first IP address of the first network node.

The network communication channel establisher <NUM> is configured to establish a network communication channel with the first network node based on the first IP address.

The network configuration information receiver <NUM> is configured to receive, through the network communication channel, network configuration information sent by the first network node.

The network accesser <NUM> is configured to access the preset network according to the network configuration information.

In another embodiment, the probe message broadcaster <NUM> is further configured to broadcast, through the preset wired network interface, the probe message to a preset port of the first network node.

In another embodiment, electronic equipment is also provided.

The electronic equipment includes a processor and a memory configured to store executable instructions executable on the processor.

The processor is configured to execute the executable instructions to implement the method as described in any abovementioned embodiment.

In another embodiment, there is also provided a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in any abovementioned embodiment.

In another embodiment, a device for accessing a network by a network node is also provided. <FIG> is a diagram of the device.

The device includes a first network node and a second network node.

The first network node includes a second network node monitor, a secure connector, and a configuration synchronization controller.

The second network node includes a first network node detector, a secure connector, and a configuration effector.

The second network node monitor is configured to monitor a broadcast packet at a specific port, and reply a corresponding message if the broadcast packet conforms to a preset format. The reply message carries IP information of the first network node.

The first network node detector is configured to send, to a specific port from a specific wired port (such as a WAN port or a specific LAN port), a broadcast packet according to a preset format.

The secure connector is configured to establish a secure communication connection according to a preset certificate or a key.

The configuration synchronization controller is configured to send, in a preset coding mode, a command or configuration existing on the first network node to an Agent or equipment seeking access.

The configuration effector is configured to effect a configuration or effect command processing according to the received command or configuration (WiFi configuration, in terms of functioning) of the first network node.

In another embodiment, there is further provided a method for accessing a network by a network node. The method may include an option as follows.

It is to be noted that "first" and "second" in embodiments of the present invention are merely for convenience of description and distinguishing, with no other specific meanings.

<FIG> is a block diagram of terminal equipment <NUM> according to an illustrative embodiment. For example, the terminal equipment may be a mobile phone, a computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a message transceiver, a game console, tablet equipment, medical equipment, fitness equipment, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), etc..

Referring to <FIG>, the terminal equipment may include one or more components as follows: a processing component <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a power component <NUM>, a multimedia component <NUM>, an audio component <NUM>, an Input / Output (I/O) interface <NUM>, a sensor component <NUM>, and a communication component <NUM>.

The processing component <NUM> generally controls an overall operation of the terminal equipment, such as operations associated with display, a telephone call, data communication, a camera operation, a recording operation, etc. The processing component <NUM> may include one or more processors <NUM> to execute instructions so as to complete all or some steps of the method. In addition, the processing component <NUM> may include one or more modules, facilitating interaction between the processing component <NUM> and other components. For example, the processing component <NUM> may include a multimedia module, facilitating interaction between the multimedia component <NUM> and the processing component <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> is configured to store various types of data to support operation on the terminal equipment. Examples of these data include instructions of any application or method configured to operate on the terminal equipment, contact data, phonebook data, messages, images, videos, and /etc. The memory <NUM> may be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage equipment or combination of the volatile or non-volatile storage equipment, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, magnetic disk, or compact disk.

The power component <NUM> supplies electric power to various components of the terminal equipment. The power component <NUM> may include a power management system, one or more power supplies, and other components related to generating, managing and distributing electric power for the terminal equipment.

The multimedia component <NUM> includes a screen providing an output interface between the terminal equipment and a user. The screen may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and a Touch Panel (TP). If the screen includes a TP, the screen may be implemented as a touch screen to receive an input signal from a user. The TP includes one or more touch sensors for sensing touch, slide and gestures on the TP. The touch sensors not only may sense the boundary of a touch or slide move, but also detect the duration and pressure related to the touch or slide move. In some embodiments, the multimedia component <NUM> includes a front camera and /or a rear camera. When the terminal equipment is in an operation mode such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front camera and /or the rear camera may receive external multimedia data. Each of the front camera and /or the rear camera may be a fixed optical lens system or may have a focal length and be capable of optical zooming.

The audio component <NUM> is configured to output and /or input an audio signal. For example, the audio component <NUM> includes a microphone (MIC). When the terminal equipment is in an operation mode such as a call mode, a recording mode, and a voice recognition mode, the MIC is configured to receive an external audio signal. The received audio signal may be further stored in the memory <NUM> or may be sent via the communication component <NUM>. In some embodiments, the audio component <NUM> further includes a loudspeaker configured to output the audio signal.

The I/O interface <NUM> provides an interface between the processing component <NUM> and a peripheral interface module. The peripheral interface module may be a keypad, a click wheel, a button, etc. These buttons may include but are not limited to: a homepage button, a volume button, a start button, and a lock button.

The sensor component <NUM> includes one or more sensors for assessing various states of the terminal equipment. For example, the sensor component <NUM> may detect an on/off state of the terminal equipment and relative location of components such as the display and the keypad of the terminal equipment. The sensor component <NUM> may further detect a change in the location of the terminal equipment or of a component of the terminal equipment, whether there is contact between the terminal equipment and a user, the orientation or acceleration/deceleration of the terminal equipment, and a change in the temperature of the terminal equipment. The sensor component <NUM> may include a proximity sensor configured to detect existence of a nearby object without physical contact. The sensor component <NUM> may further include an optical sensor such as a Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) or Charge-Coupled-Device (CCD) image sensor used in an imaging application. In some embodiments, the sensor component <NUM> may further include an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

The communication component <NUM> is configured, facilitating wired or wireless/radio communication between the terminal equipment and other equipment. The terminal equipment may access a radio network based on a communication standard such as WiFi, <NUM>, <NUM>,. , or a combination of the any communication standard. In an illustrative embodiment, the communication component <NUM> broadcasts related information or receives a broadcast signal from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In an illustrative embodiment, the communication component <NUM> further includes a Near Field Communication (NFC) module for short-range communication. For example, the NFC module may be implemented based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand (UWB) technology, BlueTooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

In an illustrative embodiment, the terminal equipment may be implemented by one or more of Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC), Digital Signal Processors (DSP), Digital Signal Processing Device (DSPD), Programmable Logic Devices (PLD), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors or other electronic components, to implement the method.

Other implementations of the present invention will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art that has deemed the specification and practiced the present invention. The present invention is intended to cover any variation, use, or adaptation of the present invention following the general principles of the present invention and including such departures from the present invention as come within common knowledge or customary practice in the art. The specification and the embodiments are intended to be illustrative, with the scope of the present invention being indicated by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A method for accessing a network by a network node, applied to a first network node having gained access to a preset network, the method comprising:
receiving (S100) a probe message broadcast by a second network node seeking access to the preset network, wherein the probe message carries a second Internet Protocol, IP, address of the second network node;
in response to that the probe message comprises a configuration mechanism identifier, unicasting (S200), based on the second IP address, a reply message of the probe message to the second network node, wherein the reply message carries a first IP address of the first network node, wherein the first IP address is configured for establishing a network communication channel between the second network node and the first network node; and
sending (S300) network configuration information to the second network node through the network communication channel, wherein the network configuration information is configured to allow the second network node to access the preset network,
characterized in that
the configuration mechanism identifier is configured to indicate that the second network node meets a network access condition, wherein the method further comprises:
in response to that the probe message comprises no configuration mechanism identifier, sending no reply message to the second network node.