Communication device, communication method, and program

Abstract

To provide a communication device, a communication method, and a program that efficiently identify a device that performs relay communication when the relay communication is used in communication between an access point and a station.SOLUTION: In a wireless communication system, a communication device that communicates with another communication device communicates data frames by selectively using a first communication method in which radio resources are allocated using at least two or more first-type resource units (RUs) each consisting of a plurality of subcarriers arranged contiguously on a frequency axis based on capability of the other communication device, and data is communicated by orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) using the radio resources, and a second communication method in which radio resources are allocated using at least two or more second-type RUs each consisting of a plurality of subcarriers arranged so that at least some of the subcarriers are discontinuous on the frequency axis, and the data is communicated by the OFDMA using the radio resources.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for performing wireless communication using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) that conforms to the IEEE 802.11 standard. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the increasing volume of data being transmitted has led to the development of communication technologies such as wireless local area networks (WLANs). The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard series is known as the main WLAN communication standard. The IEEE 802.11 standard series includes IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be standards. To further improve communication reliability, the IEEE 802.11bn standard is being developed as the successor to the IEEE 802.11be standard. The IEEE 802.11 Working Group (WG), which is formulating the IEEE 802.11bn standard, is defining the goals and scope of the standard in the UHR SG, and the TGbn will specify the detailed technical content to be included in the standard. UHR SG stands for Ultra High Reliability Study Group. TGbn is also an abbreviation for Task Group bn.

[0003] The IEEE802.11 series of standards uses the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) method to improve throughput and frequency utilization efficiency. OFDMA is an abbreviation for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access. In OFDMA, the frequency channel used between communication devices is divided on the frequency axis to form multiple units. Each unit is called a Resource Unit (RU). The access point (AP) assigns each RU to each station (STA), allowing communication between the AP and multiple STAs to take place in parallel. This improves the frequency utilization efficiency of the entire communication system.

[0004] Meanwhile, in recent years, many countries have been developing legal regulations to allow wireless LANs to use frequencies in the 6 GHz band. The availability of frequencies in the 6 GHz band will further improve wireless LAN throughput. However, the legally permitted value for transmission power density required when using the 6 GHz band is smaller than that of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, which are frequency bands traditionally used in wireless LANs. Therefore, in formulating the IEEE 802.11bn standard, technologies are being considered to increase transmission power while satisfying the legally permitted value for transmission power density when using the 6 GHz band. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 considers an OFDMA system that allocates wireless resources using RUs consisting of multiple subcarriers arranged so that at least some of the subcarriers are discontinuous on the frequency axis. Such RUs may be called Distributed Resource Units (DRUs). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Lin Yang et al., “High Level Thoughts on DUR Design (IEEE 802.11-23 / 1988r1),” IEEE802.11, 2024. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables efficient use of OFDMA in communications between an access point and a station. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A communication device that performs communication with another communication device in accordance with the IEEE802.11 series standard, comprising: a first communication method in which wireless resources are allocated using at least two or more first-type resource units (RUs) that are configured with a plurality of subcarriers that are arranged so as to be contiguous on a frequency axis, and data is communicated using the wireless resources by orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA); and a second communication method in which wireless resources are allocated using at least two or more second-type RUs that are configured with a plurality of subcarriers that are arranged so that at least some of the subcarriers are discontinuous on the frequency axis, and data is communicated using the wireless resources by OFDMA. and a receiving means for receiving from the other communication device a predetermined radio frame including predetermined capability information indicating whether the other communication device has a predetermined capability to perform communication using the second communication method, wherein when an OFDMA communication method is used in communication with the other communication device, if the other communication device has the predetermined capability, the communication means communicates with the other communication device using either the first communication method or the second communication method, and if the other communication device does not have the predetermined capability, the communication means communicates with the other communication device using the first communication method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention allows for efficient use of OFDMA in communications between access points and stations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement pattern of RUs on the frequency axis in OFDMA. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the correspondence between RU indexes and subcarrier indexes in OFDMA. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the concept of OFDMA using DRU. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between subcarrier indexes in a CRU and subcarrier indexes in a DRU. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between RU indexes and subcarrier indexes in OFDMA using DRUs. [Figure 7] A figure showing an example of a method for arranging DRUs in a PPDU with a bandwidth of 160 MHz by repeating the arrangement pattern of DRUs corresponding to a PPDU with a bandwidth of 80 MHz on the frequency axis. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of frame exchange performed between communication devices. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a communication device. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an AP. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an STA. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of frame exchange performed between communication devices. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UHR Capabilities element. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow executed by a communication device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] (System Configuration) FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to this embodiment. The wireless communication system includes, for example, an access point (AP) 101 and stations (STAs) 111 to 113. The AP may also be called an AP STA. The STAs may also be called non-AP STAs. In this embodiment, the STAs 111 to 113 may be collectively referred to as STA 110. The AP 101 and the STAs 110 may also be collectively referred to as communication devices 100. The AP 101 and the STAs 110 are each communication devices capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series standards. IEEE stands for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which the STAs 111 to 113 participate in a network 131 established by the AP 101. The AP 101 and the STA 111 are connected using a wireless channel 121. The AP 101 and the STA 112 are connected using a wireless channel 122. Also, AP 101 and STA 113 are connected using wireless channel 123. It is assumed that wireless channels 121 to 123 use the same wireless channel. In network 131 of FIG. 1, a configuration in which one AP 101 and three STAs 110 exist is shown, but there may be multiple APs, or there may be one, two, or four or more STAs 110. In this case, multiple STAs may be connected to one AP, or one STA may be connected to multiple APs.

[0012] In this embodiment, the communication device 100 is configured to be able to execute a communication method compliant with a successor standard to IEEE 802.11. For example, the communication device 100 is configured to be able to execute a communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11bn standard. The IEEE 802.11bn standard is a successor standard to the IEEE 802.11be standard, which targets a maximum transmission speed of 46.08 Gbps (Giga bit per second). The main features of the IEEE 802.11bn standard are that it has functions to achieve highly reliable communication, low latency communication, improved throughput when communication traffic is congested, and reduced power consumption in APs. The IEEE 802.11bn standard may also be referred to as the UHR standard. UHR is an abbreviation for Ultra High Reliability. The communication device 100 can execute a communication method compliant with a successor standard to the IEEE 802.11bn standard. A wireless frame used in communication between communication devices 100 that conform to a successor standard to the IEEE 802.11be standard is sometimes referred to as a UHR PPDU. PPDU is an abbreviation for Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit. The term UHR was established for convenience, taking into account the goals of the standard and the distinctive functions defined in the standard. In other words, a different name may be assigned to this standard once the standard development work is completed. Similarly, the term IEEE 802.11bn may be assigned a different name once the standard development work is completed. It should be noted that this specification and the appended claims are essentially applicable to all successor standards to the IEEE 802.11be standard, including these cases.

[0013] The communication device 100 may also be compatible with at least one of legacy standards that predate the IEEE 802.11bn standard. That is, the communication device 100 can communicate using PPDUs of the legacy standards. Examples of legacy standards include the IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be standards. The communication device 100 may also be compatible with other communication standards, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, UWB, ZigBee, and MBOA. UWB stands for Ultra Wide Band, and MBOA stands for Multi Band OFDM Alliance. NFC stands for Near Field Communication. UWB includes wireless USB, wireless 1394, WiNET, and the like. The communication device 100 may also be compatible with communication standards such as wired LAN. The AP 101 may be, for example, a wireless LAN router or a personal computer (PC), but is not limited thereto. The STA 110 may be, for example, a camera, tablet, smartphone, PC, mobile phone, video camera, wearable device such as smart glasses, etc., but is not limited to these. It may also be an IoT (Internet of Things) device such as an IoT sensor, smart lock, or smart sensor. The IoT sensor may be an acceleration sensor, light sensor, humidity sensor, etc. The AP 101 or the STA 110 may be an information processing device such as a wireless chip that complies with the IEEE 802.11bn standard and is capable of transmitting and receiving UHR PPDUs. In this case, various controls may be performed by a hardware circuit within the wireless chip. It may also be configured so that various processes are performed by a processor, memory, and hardware circuit such as an ASIP within the wireless chip working together. ASIP stands for Application-Specific Instruction Set Processor.

[0014] The communication device 100 may communicate using radio signals in frequency bands such as the 2.4 GHz band, 3.6 GHz band, 5 GHz band, and 6 GHz band, as well as the 45 GHz band and 60 GHz band known as millimeter waves. The frequency bands used by the communication device 100 are not limited to these and may include, for example, the sub-1 GHz band. The communication device 100 may also communicate using frequency channels with bandwidths of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 320 MHz, 540 MHz, 640 MHz, 1080 MHz, and 2160 MHz. The bandwidths used by the communication device 100 are not limited to these and may include, for example, 240 MHz and 4 MHz. A 40 MHz frequency channel may be formed by combining two 20 MHz frequency channels. An 80 MHz frequency channel may be formed by combining two 40 MHz frequency channels. An 80 MHz frequency channel may be formed by combining four 20 MHz frequency channels. Similarly, 160 MHz, 320 MHz, etc. frequency channels may be formed by combining or combining multiple channels of each narrower frequency band.

[0015] The IEEE 802.11 series of standards specifies a function for increasing communication speed by performing multi-user (MU) communication, in which an AP multiplexes wireless resources with multiple STAs for simultaneous communication. For example, an AP may communicate with multiple STAs in parallel using OFDMA. OFDMA stands for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access. In OFDMA, the data field of a PPDU transmitted using a frequency channel with a predetermined bandwidth is divided into multiple units on the frequency axis. The predetermined bandwidth may be 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 320 MHz, etc. Each of the multiple units is called a resource unit (RU). Each RU may be assigned to a different STA. The AP and one or more STAs may communicate in parallel using the RUs assigned to each STA. This allows multi-user communication to be performed. Note that one RU may be assigned to a group of STAs. The AP 101 may also communicate with multiple STAs in parallel using multi-user MIMO (Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output) communication. In this case, the AP has multiple antennas, and transmits different signals from each antenna using the same frequency channel. Each STA simultaneously receives the signals transmitted from its respective antenna, separates the signals, and decodes them. In MIMO communication, the propagation paths used for communication between the AP and each STA are spatially orthogonal. This spatial orthogonality allows the AP to communicate with multiple STAs in parallel within a single specified bandwidth. In this way, by performing multi-user communication, the AP can communicate more data with each STA in the same time period than if it were not performing multi-user communication. OFDMA and multi-user MIMO may be used together.

[0016] The data field included in the PPDU is composed of one or more Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. Each OFDM symbol is composed of multiple subcarriers. A subcarrier is also called a tone or subcarrier. For example, one OFDM symbol with an 80 MHz bandwidth may be composed of 1,024 subcarriers. In this case, each subcarrier may be spaced at 78.125 kHz intervals. In OFDMA, one RU is formed by multiple grouped subcarriers. Multiple types of RUs may be configured based on the number of subcarriers that make up the RU. For example, possible RU types include 26-tone RU, 52-tone RU, 106-tone RU, 242-tone RU, 484-tone RU, and 996-tone RU. The number of subcarriers that make up each RU type may be 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, or 996, respectively. In this way, the number of subcarriers constituting an RU can be indicated by the RU type. Figure 2 shows an example of an RU allocation pattern when RUs of each RU type are allocated on the frequency axis in a PPDU composed of OFDM symbols with an 80 MHz bandwidth. Note that in the following description, a PPDU composed of OFDMA symbols with a predetermined bandwidth may be simply referred to as a PPDU of a predetermined bandwidth. In Figure 2, the horizontal axis represents frequency. For example, as an RU allocation pattern on the frequency axis, for a 26-tone RU, 37 RUs can be allocated on the frequency axis. Furthermore, for 52-tone RUs, 106-tone RUs, 242-tone RUs, 484-tone RUs, and 996-tone RUs, 16, 8, 4, 2, and 1 RU can be allocated, respectively. In this way, different RU types result in different numbers of RUs that can be allocated in a PPDU with the same bandwidth as the number of subcarriers constituting one RU. In one PPDU, each RU can be identified by its RU type and RU index. For example, in an RU type of 26-tone RU in an 80 MHz bandwidth, each RU may be assigned an RU index of 1 to 37. For example, the RU index may indicate the position of each RU on the frequency axis.2 shows an example in which one or more RUs of the same RU type are arranged on the frequency axis, but in actual OFDMA, multiple RUs of different RU types can be arranged on the frequency axis. For example, 26-tone RUs with RU indexes 1 and 2, a 52-tone RU with RU index 2, and a 106-tone RU with RU index 2 can constitute one PPDU.

[0017] Each subcarrier included in an OFDM symbol constituting a PPDU can be identified by a subcarrier index. In the case of an 80 MHz bandwidth, for example, an integer ranging from -512 to 511 can be assigned as a subcarrier index to each of 1,024 subcarriers. FIG. 3 shows an example of the relationship between RU type, RU index, and subcarrier index. For example, the subcarrier index of the subcarrier at the center frequency on the frequency axis in a frequency band occupied by one OFDM symbol is set to 0, and subcarriers at lower frequencies are assigned negative indexes, with the absolute value increasing as the frequency decreases. On the other hand, subcarriers at frequencies higher than the center frequency are assigned positive indexes, with the absolute value increasing as the frequency increases. Note that the absolute value of the difference in index between adjacent subcarriers can be 1. 3 shows an example in which RUs with small RU index values ​​are configured by subcarriers with small subcarrier index values, and RUs with large RU index values ​​are configured by subcarriers with large subcarrier index values. In this way, when a specific RU is specified by the RU type and RU index, the subcarrier indexes that make up that specific RU are determined. For example, the subcarrier indexes that make up RU1 of a 26-tone RU range from -449 to -474. Thus, for example, when AP 101 specifies an RU type and RU index, STA 110 can identify the subcarrier index from the specified RU type and RU index and communicate using that subcarrier.

[0018] Subcarriers may include data subcarriers used for data transmission, pilot subcarriers used for pilot signal transmission, and unused subcarriers not used for any transmission. Unused subcarriers may include DC subcarriers, which are subcarriers of a direct current (DC) component and its neighboring subcarriers, guard band subcarriers at the edge of the frequency band occupied by the PPDU, and null subcarriers that are neither of these. For example, the subcarrier indices constituting RU19 of a 26-tone RU range from -16 to -4 and from 4 to 16. This RU is arranged across the DC subcarrier. For example, null subcarriers may be arranged between adjacent RUs. The bandwidth of the PPDU communicated between communication devices 100 is not limited to 80 MHz. For example, PPDUs with bandwidths of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 160 MHz, 320 MHz, etc. may be communicated. In these cases, subcarriers and RUs may be arranged on the frequency axis according to the respective bandwidths. The RU types, RU indices, and subcarrier indices applicable to each bandwidth may be predefined in the same way as for the 80 MHz bandwidth. For example, even if the PPDU bandwidth is different, the number of subcarriers constituting each allocated RU may be the same. That is, even if the PPDU bandwidth is different, the RU type used may be the same. In this case, the range of subcarrier indices assigned to each subcarrier may differ depending on the PPDU bandwidth. Furthermore, the range of RU indices assigned to each RU may differ. As a result, the correspondence between RU indices and subcarrier indices may differ from that shown in FIG. 3. In this case, for example, the RU types, RU indices, and subcarrier indices corresponding to each PPDU bandwidth in the IEEE 802.11 series standards may be used. For PPDUs with a bandwidth greater than 80 MHz, the RUs may be arranged in a manner that repeats the 80 MHz bandwidth arrangement multiple times for each 80 MHz band, as specified in the IEEE 802.11ax and IEEE 802.11be standards. In this case, the term DC subcarrier refers not to the actual DC component of the PPDU and its neighboring subcarriers, but to the subcarriers located at and near the center of each 80 MHz band that constitutes it.

[0019] As described above, when an RU used in OFDMA is configured with subcarriers that are contiguous on the frequency axis, this RU may be called a Consecutive Resource Unit (CRU). A CRU may also be called a consecutive RU or a regular RU (rRU). A CRU may include multiple data subcarriers and pilot subcarriers that are contiguous on the frequency axis. In this embodiment, a middle 26-tone RU, such as RU19 of the 26-tone RU shown in 3, in which the subcarriers that make up the RU are separated by a DC subcarrier but are composed of two groups of subcarriers that are adjacent on the frequency axis, is also called a CRU. A middle 26-tone RU is an RU that is formally separated by a DC subcarrier but is composed of subcarriers that can be considered substantially contiguous on the frequency axis. Here, OFDMA using CRUs can generally achieve high transmit power density. A middle 26-tone RU, which uses a first group of 13 consecutive subcarriers and a second group of 13 adjacent subcarriers in the frequency domain, can also achieve a high transmit power density. Transmit power density is the transmit power per unit frequency. In other words, OFDMA using a CRU uses consecutive subcarriers on the frequency axis, which concentrates transmit power in a specific bandwidth, resulting in a high transmit power density. However, transmit power density is subject to legal restrictions in each country, and transmissions cannot exceed this limit. For example, the transmit power density limit is set low in the 6 GHz band, so when communicating using OFDMA with a CRU in the 6 GHz band, the transmit power of each subcarrier may be low. This may result in poor signal transmission between STAs located far from the AP. To address this issue, distributing the subcarriers constituting the RU across a wide bandwidth can increase the transmit power of each subcarrier. For example, while maintaining the same number of subcarriers constituting each RU, OFDMA communication may be performed using RUs that are configured with subcarriers that are at least partly not contiguous on the frequency axis and that are arranged across a wider frequency band than conventional CRUs. RUs configured in this way may be called Distributed RUs (DRUs).The DRU may also be referred to as a distributed RU, an enhanced RU, or the like. Contiguous subcarriers on the frequency axis may refer to subcarriers with consecutive subcarrier indices among the subcarriers included in the OFDM symbols constituting the PPDU. Contiguous subcarriers on the frequency axis may also refer to subcarriers with consecutive subcarrier indices, excluding subcarrier indices assigned to unused subcarriers. Regardless of the assignment of information identifying each subcarrier, such as a subcarrier index, contiguous subcarriers on the frequency axis may refer to a set of subcarriers arranged at a predetermined interval from low to high frequencies or from high to low frequencies. Here, the frequency interval between contiguous subcarriers on the frequency axis is the reciprocal of the length of the effective symbol included in the OFDM symbol. For example, if the length of the effective symbol is the same as that of the IEEE 802.11ax standard or the IEEE 802.11be standard, it is 78.125 kHz. In the following description, an RU configured with multiple subcarriers arranged contiguously on the frequency axis will be referred to as a CRU, and an RU configured with multiple subcarriers arranged such that at least some of the subcarriers are discontinuous on the frequency axis will be referred to as a DRU. However, an RU may be configured with only two groups of subcarriers contiguous on the frequency axis, such as the 26-tone RU RU19 shown in FIG. 3, in which the subcarriers constituting it are separated by a DC subcarrier. In this case, because the transmission power density is high, it is considered to be substantially composed of subcarriers contiguous on the frequency axis, and is referred to as a CRU rather than a DRU. In other words, the subcarriers constituting the DRU of this embodiment are more dispersed than the Middle-26 Tone RU19 of the CRU. In this way, when a DRU is used, the signal transmitted by a single STA to its surroundings will be dispersed in the frequency domain, as illustrated in FIG. 4 below. As described above, this dispersion has the effect of reducing the transmission power density emitted by the STA. Therefore, even if the power level of each subcarrier on which data is superimposed is set to a higher power level compared to a CRU with a high density in the frequency domain, OFDMA can be performed at a transmission power density within the legally permitted value.

[0020] The relationship between frequency domain dispersion and reduction in transmit power density will be explained using FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows the concept of OFDMA using a DRU. In FIG. 4, STA111 to STA113 transmit data to AP101 using OFDMA using a DRU. For example, STA111 to STA113 each transmit using a DRU assigned by AP101. Assume that DRU401 to DRU403 are assigned to STA111 to STA113, respectively. For example, DRU401 may be configured with non-contiguous subcarriers. In DRU401, the subcarriers constituting the DRU may be arranged so as to be dispersed across the bandwidth of the PPDU. The subcarriers constituting DRU402 and DRU403 may be arranged similarly. Note that some of the subcarriers constituting each DRU may be contiguous on the frequency axis. By arranging at least some of the subcarriers non-contiguous on the frequency axis, the transmit power density may be reduced. Furthermore, the subcarriers constituting each of the DRUs 401 and 402 are set so as not to overlap on the frequency axis. Similarly, the subcarriers constituting each of the DRUs 401 and 403 do not overlap on the frequency axis, and the subcarriers constituting each of the DRUs 402 and 403 do not overlap on the frequency axis. By assigning each DRU configured in this manner to each STA 110, signals transmitted from each STA 110 are received by the AP 101 without interfering with each other, and the transmit power density of signals transmitted from each STA 110 can be reduced. Note that the signal received by the AP 101 is a combination on the frequency axis of the DRUs 401 to 403 assigned to STA 111 to STA 113. FIG. 4 conceptually illustrates the combined signal 404. Note that the arrangement of the subcarriers constituting each of the DRUs 401 to 403 in FIG. 4 is conceptual for explanation purposes, and the actual arrangement of the subcarriers may vary. The number and arrangement pattern of the subcarriers constituting the DRUs may be regular or irregular. For example, the number and arrangement pattern of subcarriers constituting the DRU may be shared in advance between the AP 101 and each of the STAs 110.When AP 101 performs communication, it notifies each STA 110 of information that can identify the arrangement of subcarriers that make up the DRU to be assigned, so that the STA 110 can identify the arrangement on the frequency axis of the subcarriers that make up the DRU that the STA 110 should use. For example, AP 101 can use a trigger frame to notify STA 110 of information that can identify the arrangement of subcarriers that make up the DRU that the STA 110 should use.

[0021] In this way, by distributing each of the subcarriers constituting the RU across a wide frequency band, the transmission power density is reduced, allowing the communication device 110 to transmit by setting the transmission power of each subcarrier high. However, when an AP and a STA attempt to communicate using OFDMA, if the RU configurations available to each STA are different, communication is not possible. For example, if the AP can use a DRU and the STA can use a CRU, the RU configurations available to these communication devices are different, and therefore OFDMA communication is not possible. Furthermore, when an AP attempts to communicate with multiple STAs using OFDMA, if the RU configurations available to each STA are different, interference may occur between the respective communications. For example, if the AP 101 uses a CRU with STA 111 and a DRU with STA 112 to communicate using OFDMA in the same frequency band, the CRU of STA 111 and the DRU of STA 112 may use the same subcarriers. In this case, interference may occur between the subcarriers used by both STA 111 and STA 112. Thus, in an environment where both a CRU and a DRU can be used, if the RU configurations available to each communication device are different, communication using OFDMA is not possible.Furthermore, communication is also not possible if the RU configurations available to each communication device are unknown.

[0022] In consideration of these circumstances, a communication device in this embodiment acquires predetermined capability information indicating whether a counterpart communication device has a predetermined capability to perform OFDMA using a DRU, and performs OFDMA communication based on the counterpart communication device's capability information. Alternatively, the communication device in this embodiment performs OFDMA communication based on notifying the counterpart communication device that it has a predetermined capability to perform OFDMA using a DRU. For example, the communication device may perform communication using a first communication scheme based on OFDMA, in which radio resources are allocated using at least two or more first-type RUs configured with a plurality of subcarriers arranged contiguously on the frequency axis. The first-type RU may be a CRU. The communication device may also perform communication using a second communication scheme based on OFDMA, in which radio resources are allocated using at least two or more second-type RUs configured with a plurality of subcarriers arranged such that at least some of the subcarriers are discontinuous on the frequency axis. The second-type RU may be a DRU. The communication device may perform communication using multiple communication schemes including the first communication scheme and the second communication scheme. The communication device receives a predetermined wireless frame from the other communication device, the predetermined wireless frame including predetermined capability information indicating whether the other communication device has a predetermined capability to perform communication using the second communication method. When the communication device uses an OFDMA communication method for communication with the other communication device, if the other communication device has the predetermined capability, the communication device communicates with the other communication device using either the first communication method or the second communication method. When the other communication device does not have the predetermined capability, the communication device communicates with the other communication device using the first communication method. Alternatively, the communication device transmits a predetermined wireless frame to the other communication device, the predetermined capability information indicating whether the communication device has a predetermined capability to perform communication using the second communication method. When the communication device uses an OFDMA communication method for communication with the other communication device, if the communication device has transmitted the predetermined capability information to the other communication device, the communication device communicates with the other communication device using either the first communication method or the second communication method.Furthermore, if the communication device has not transmitted predetermined capability information to the other communication device, the communication device communicates with the other communication device using the first communication method. With this configuration, the communication device can perform communication using OFDMA using a DRU based on the other communication device having the capability to perform OFDMA using a DRU. Alternatively, the communication device can perform communication using OFDMA using a DRU based on the other communication device having notified the other communication device of its capability to perform OFDMA using a DRU. This makes it possible to select an appropriate communication method and perform communication using OFDMA even in an environment where communication devices capable of performing OFDMA using a CRU and communication devices capable of performing OFDMA using a DRU coexist. The following describes the device configuration, functional configuration, processing examples, etc. of a communication device that performs such operations.

[0023] (DRU configuration example) First, an example configuration of a DRU will be described. Like a CRU, a DRU is configured with multiple subcarriers. For example, the number of subcarriers constituting each RU of each RU type in a DRU may be the same as the number of subcarriers constituting each RU of each RU type in a CRU. That is, possible RU types in a DRU include 26-tone RU, 52-tone RU, 106-tone RU, 242-tone RU, and 484-tone RU. The number of subcarriers constituting each DRU of each RU type may be 26, 52, 106, 242, or 484, respectively.

[0024] In addition, in the case of OFDMA using DRUs, the number of DRUs arranged on the frequency axis to configure a PPDU of a specific bandwidth may be the same as the number of CRUs arranged on the frequency axis to configure a PPDU of the same bandwidth in the case of OFDMA using CRUs. For example, for a PPDU with an 80 MHz bandwidth, 37, 16, and 8 DRUs may be arranged on the frequency axis for RU types of 26-tone RU, 52-tone RU, and 106-tone RU, respectively. Similarly, for RU types of 242-tone RU and 484-tone RU, 4 and 2 DRUs may be arranged on the frequency axis, respectively.

[0025] On the other hand, the arrangement of subcarriers constituting a DRU on the frequency axis may differ from the arrangement of subcarriers constituting a CRU on the frequency axis. First, Figure 5 shows an example of the correspondence between the subcarrier indexes in OFDMA using a CRU shown in Figures 2 and 3 and the subcarrier indexes in OFDMA using a DRU. The subcarrier indexes in OFDMA using a DRU are referred to as DRU subcarrier indexes. For example, assume that the subcarriers assigned carrier indexes in a DRU are data subcarriers and pilot subcarriers. In this case, for each RU type, the number of subcarriers constituting a PPDU can be 26 x 37 = 962, 52 x 16 = 832, 106 x 8 = 848, 242 x 4 = 968, and 484 x 2 = 968, respectively. Figure 5 shows an example for a 106-tone RU corresponding to a PPDU with an 80-MHz bandwidth. The DRU subcarrier indexes shown in FIG. 5 are integers starting from 1 and assigned in increments of 1 from lower frequencies to higher frequencies. In this case, in OFDMA using a DRU, any value in the range of 1 to 848 may be assigned as the DRU subcarrier index to each subcarrier. As an example, in OFDMA using a CRU, DRU subcarrier indices of 1 to 106 may be assigned to subcarriers assigned with subcarrier indices of -499 to -394, respectively. Furthermore, in OFDMA using a CRU, DRU subcarrier indices of 107 to 212 may be assigned to subcarriers assigned with subcarrier indices of -365 to -260, respectively. Note that in OFDMA using a CRU, subcarrier indices are also assigned to unused subcarriers, and the subcarrier indices are discontinuous between RUs. On the other hand, if DRU subcarrier indexes are assigned only to subcarriers that transmit data or pilot signals as described above, the DRU subcarrier indexes will be continuous on the frequency axis. Note that the correspondence between DRU subcarrier indexes and CRU subcarrier indexes is not limited to the example in Figure 5. For example, indexes for unused subcarriers may be assigned to the DRU subcarrier indexes.Note that while Figure 5 shows an example for a 106-tone RU, integer DRU subcarrier indices starting from 1 can be assigned to each subcarrier in the same way for 26-tone RUs, 52-tone RUs, 242-tone RUs, and 484-tone RUs. For example, for each RU type, integers in the ranges 1 to 962, 1 to 832, 1 to 968, and 1 to 968 can be assigned consecutively in order from the lowest frequency subcarrier. Furthermore, for bandwidths of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz, DRU subcarrier indices can be assigned in the same way for each RU type corresponding to each bandwidth.

[0026] The subcarriers constituting the DRU will now be described. First, an RU index may be assigned to each DRU. As with OFDMA using a CRU, the RU index may be assigned a value within a range depending on the bandwidth and RU type. For example, for 26-tone RUs, 52-tone RUs, and 106-tone RUs corresponding to PPDUs with an 800 MHz bandwidth, values ​​in the ranges of 1 to 37, 1 to 16, and 1 to 8 may be assigned to each DRU as the RU index, respectively. Similarly, for 242-tone RUs and 484-tone RUs, values ​​in the ranges of 1 to 4 and 1 to 2 may be assigned to each DRU as the RU index, respectively. Then, based on the DRU subcarrier index and RU index, each DRU may be configured with subcarriers that satisfy the following (Equation 1):

[0027] DRU subcarrier index mod number of RUs = RU index - 1 (Equation 1) Here, mod is a modulo operator. The number of RUs is the number of RUs on the frequency axis that make up one PPDU. For example, for 26-tone RUs, 52-tone RUs, 106-tone RUs, 242-tone RUs, and 484-tone RUs, the number of RUs can be 37, 16, 8, 4, and 2, respectively.

[0028] Figure 6 shows the relationship between the RU index and the DRU subcarrier index of the subcarrier that constitutes the DRU indicated by that RU index. Figure 6 also shows the relationship between the RU index and the DRU subcarrier index for each RU type corresponding to a PPDU with an 80 MHz bandwidth. In Figure 6, "x" is the DRU subcarrier index. For example, if "x" satisfies the equation associated with each RU index, it may be the DRU subcarrier that constitutes that RU index. For example, in the case of a 26-tone RU, a subcarrier with a DRU subcarrier index of 1 may constitute RU2 because 1 mod 37 = 1. Also, in the case of a 106-tone RU, a subcarrier with a DRU subcarrier index of 100 may constitute RU5 because 100 mod 8 = 4. While FIG. 6 shows an example of a PPDU with a bandwidth of 80 MHz, the frequency arrangement of the subcarriers that make up each DRU can be determined using Equation 1 in the same way for PPDUs with bandwidths of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz. Note that the method of determining the subcarriers that make up a DRU is not limited to Equation 1. For example, the subcarrier indexes that make up each DRU may be determined using random numbers. Each DRU may be configured so that the subcarriers that make up one DRU are distributed across the bandwidth. Note that in actual OFDMA, multiple DRUs of different DRU types may be arranged on the frequency axis.

[0029] In the above example, the subcarriers constituting each DRU are distributed across the entire bandwidth occupied by the PPDU. That is, in the above example, the range over which the subcarriers constituting each DRU are distributed on the frequency axis may be equal to the bandwidth of the PPDU. Alternatively, the subcarriers constituting the DRU may be distributed within a predetermined bandwidth rather than across the entire bandwidth of the PPDU. For example, if the bandwidth of the PPDU exceeds a predetermined threshold, the subcarriers constituting the DRU may be distributed across the predetermined bandwidth. In this case, one PPDU is divided into predetermined bandwidths on the frequency axis, and DRUs may be allocated and assigned using a DRU allocation pattern corresponding to each predetermined bandwidth. Here, allocating DRUs using a DRU allocation pattern corresponding to each predetermined bandwidth may involve, for example, allocating DRUs using the number of RUs, DRU index, DRU subcarrier index, etc. of each DRU type corresponding to the predetermined bandwidth. For example, if the PPDU bandwidth is 160 MHz and the predetermined threshold is 80 MHz, the PPDU may be divided into two 80-MHz-bandwidth regions on the frequency axis, and DRUs may be allocated to each region using a DRU allocation pattern corresponding to the 80-MHz bandwidth. Similarly, if the PPDU bandwidth is 320 MHz, the PPDU may be divided into four 80-MHz-bandwidth regions on the frequency axis, and DRUs may be allocated to each region using a DRU allocation pattern corresponding to the 80-MHz bandwidth. In this way, the DRU allocation for one PPDU can be configured by repeating or stacking DRU allocation patterns corresponding to a predetermined bandwidth on the frequency axis. Note that DRUs may be allocated using various combinations of different RU types included in the DRU allocation patterns in each band, and DRU allocation may differ for each band. In either case, the subcarriers constituting the DRUs are more dispersed than the RU19 of the CRU's middle-26 tone. Therefore, by using a DRU, it becomes possible to distribute the power transmitted by one STA to its surroundings on the frequency axis.

[0030] FIG. 7 shows an example of DRU allocation in a 160 MHz bandwidth PPDU using two DRU allocation patterns corresponding to an 80 MHz bandwidth PPDU. The horizontal axis in FIG. 7 represents frequency, with one 80 MHz band formed from the center frequency of the 160 MHz bandwidth PPDU toward lower frequencies and another 80 MHz band formed toward higher frequencies. In this case, DRUs are allocated in the lower 80 MHz frequency band using a DRU allocation pattern corresponding to the 80 MHz bandwidth PPDU. Similarly, DRUs are allocated in the higher 80 MHz frequency band using a DRU allocation pattern corresponding to the 80 MHz bandwidth PPDU. For example, the DRU allocation using RU types from 26-tone RU to 484-tone RU in FIG. 6 can be applied to both the lower 80 MHz band and the upper 80 MHz band of the 160 MHz frequency band. In this case, the bandwidth in which the subcarriers constituting one DRU are allocated can be 80 MHz. The bandwidth in which the subcarriers constituting one DRU are arranged can be called the distributed bandwidth. In other words, the distributed bandwidth can be 1 / n of the PPDU bandwidth, where n is the number of times that a DRU arrangement pattern of a given bandwidth is repeated in the PPDU bandwidth (the number by which the PPDU bandwidth is divided).

[0031] Here, the frequency bandwidth available for OFDMA using a DRU, i.e., the distributed bandwidth, may differ for each STA 110. When performing OFDMA communication using a DRU, the subcarriers constituting the DRU may be distributed over a wide band. However, some STAs 110 may not be able to perform communication using a wide band. For example, if the available bandwidth for STA 110 is only 40 MHz, it may not be able to perform OFDMA communication using a DRU in which subcarriers are distributed across an 80 MHz bandwidth. Therefore, AP 101 may divide the PPDU bandwidth based on the distributed bandwidth of the DRU available to each STA 110 participating in OFDMA, and allocate and position DRUs for each bandwidth. For example, assume that STA 111 and STA 112 can perform OFDMA using a DRU with a distributed bandwidth of 40 MHz or less, and STA 113 can perform OFDMA using a DRU with a distributed bandwidth of 80 MHz or less. In this case, AP101 may divide an 80 MHz bandwidth PPDU into two 40 MHz bands, a first band and a second band, on the frequency axis, and assign STA111 and STA112 to the first band and STA113 to the second band. AP101 may then allocate RUs to STA111 and STA112 in the first band using a DRU configuration pattern corresponding to the 40 MHz bandwidth. AP101 may also allocate RUs to STA113 in the second band using a DRU configuration pattern corresponding to the 40 MHz bandwidth. In this way, AP101 may divide the PPDU on the frequency axis according to the distributed bandwidth available to each of STA110 participating in OFDMA using a DRU, and allocate and position DRUs for each divided band. AP101 may also allocate STA111 and STA112 to the first band and the second band, respectively, and allocate STA113 to at least one of the bands. It is sufficient that each of STA111 and STA112 is assigned a band that is equal to or smaller than the distribution bandwidth.In this way, if a specific STA 110 has a usable dispersion bandwidth narrower than the PPDU bandwidth, the AP 101 may divide the PPDU so that one or more specific bands equal to or smaller than the dispersion bandwidth are formed. For example, the bandwidth of the other bands resulting from the division may be wider than the dispersion bandwidth. Furthermore, the AP 101 may simply assign the specific STA 110 to the specific band, and may flexibly select the bands to which each of the other STAs is assigned. The STA 110 may be assigned a DRU in each of the multiple bands resulting from the division. For example, if the specific STA 110 can perform OFDMA communication using a DRU in multiple bands, the AP 101 may assign a DRU to the specific STA 110 in each band. This makes it possible to alleviate restrictions on the DRUs assigned to other STAs 110 when the dispersion bandwidth of some STAs is smaller than the PPDU bandwidth.

[0032] When a single PPDU is divided into multiple bandwidths and DRUs are allocated using DRU allocation patterns corresponding to each bandwidth, RU indices may be assigned so that they are unique to the PPDU bandwidth. For example, when a 160-MHz PPDU is divided into two 80-MHz bandwidths on the frequency axis and DRUs are allocated using 26-tone RUs in each band, RU indices RU1 to RU37 may be assigned to each band. In this case, the RU indices for the lower frequency band may be RU1 to RU37, and the RU indices for the higher frequency band may be RU38 to RU74. This eliminates the need to notify the STA 110 whether the lower frequency band or the higher frequency band is allocated when allocating a DRU to the STA 110 in PPDU communication. Furthermore, an index indicating the position of that band on the frequency axis may be assigned to each bandwidth that is the unit of DRU allocation pattern repetition (unit into which the PPDU is divided). For example, the PPDU band may be divided by bandwidths that are the units of repetition (units into which the PPDU is divided), and indexes may be assigned in ascending order of frequency. Such indexes may be called band indexes. For example, if repetition is performed (the PPDU is divided) in units of 80 MHz bandwidth, they may be called 80 MHz band indexes. In this case, the DRU assigned to the STA 110 may be uniquely identified by the combination of the band index, RU type, and RU index. Figure 7 shows an example in which an index value of 1 is assigned to the lower frequency and 2 is assigned to the higher frequency. In this case, the same RU index may be used between each bandwidth.

[0033] Although the above description assumes that the number of subcarriers constituting the DRU and the number of subcarriers constituting the CRU are the same, the number of subcarriers constituting the DRU may be different from the number of subcarriers constituting the CRU. Furthermore, the number of RUs included in a PPDU in OFDMA using a DRU may be different from the number of RUs included in a PPDU in OFDMA using a CRU. Furthermore, the arrangement of the subcarriers constituting the DRU on the frequency axis may be different from that described above. For example, the CRU may be composed of multiple subcarriers arranged contiguously on the frequency axis, and the DRU may be composed of multiple subcarriers arranged so that at least some of the subcarriers are discontinuous on the frequency axis, and each may be used in OFDMA. Furthermore, when a PPDU is divided into multiple bands and RUs are assigned to each band, assignment using the CRU may be performed in some bands and assignment using the DRU in other bands. By using the CRU and DRU independently for assignment in each band, the possibility of interference between the CRU and DRU is eliminated.

[0034] (Example of OFDMA communication using DRU) An example of communication using OFDMA with a DRU will be described. FIG. 8 shows an example of a sequence between communication devices when OFDMA with a DRU is applied to uplink data communication from a STA to an AP. In this example, an example will be described in which, when an AP 101 is connected to STAs 111 to 113, each of the STAs 111 to 113 transmits data in parallel using OFDMA. This type of communication may be called Uplink Multi-user OFDMA (UL MU OFDMA). First, the AP 101 determines whether or not to cause the STAs 111 to 113 to transmit. For example, based on whether or not each STA 110 has data to transmit, the AP 101 may determine to cause transmission if the STA has data, or not cause transmission if the STA does not have data. For example, the AP 101 may transmit a Buffer Status Report Polling (BSRP) to acquire the amount of transmission data accumulated in each STA 110 (F801). Upon receiving the BSRP, the STA 110 may report the amount of accumulated data to the AP 101. For example, the STAs 110 may report by transmitting a Buffer Status Report (BSR) (F802). Note that the AP 101 may obtain the amount of data accumulated in each STA 110 using other methods, and may determine whether to cause each STA 110 to transmit using other methods.

[0035] The AP 101 may determine the amount of resources to allocate to each STA 110 based on the acquired amount of data accumulated by each STA 110. For example, the AP 101 may determine the amount of resources to allocate to each STA 110 so that the ratio of the amount of data accumulated by each STA 110 to the ratio of the number of subcarriers allocated to each STA 110 is proportional. The AP 101 may then allocate RUs based on the amount of resources determined to be allocated to each STA 110. For example, the AP 101 may allocate RUs using an RU type with a large number of subcarriers to a STA 110 that has accumulated a large amount of data. The AP 101 may also allocate multiple RUs to a STA 110 that has accumulated a large amount of data.

[0036] The AP 101 may use only the DRU to perform allocations to each STA, or may use the DRU to perform allocations to some STAs 110 and the CRU to other STAs 110. For example, the AP 101 may select whether to use the DRU or the CRU based on the capability information of each STA 110. For example, the AP 101 may use the DRU to perform allocations to STAs 110 that can perform OFDMA communication using the DRU. The AP 101 may also use the CRU to perform allocations to STAs 110 that cannot perform OFDMA communication using the DRU. This allows the selection of an appropriate allocation method depending on the capabilities of the STA 110. The AP 101 may also select whether to use the DRU or the CRU based on the distance between the STA 110 and the amount of radio wave attenuation. For example, the AP 101 may use the CRU to perform allocations to STAs 110 that are close to the AP 101 and the DRU to perform allocations to STAs 110 that are far from the AP 101. This allows STAs 110 with large radio wave attenuation to transmit using higher transmission power. Furthermore, if there is large radio wave attenuation between the AP 101 and some of the STAs 110 that transmit in parallel, the AP 101 may use the DRU with all STAs. The AP 101 may determine that there is large radio wave attenuation when the RSSI of the signal received from each STA 110 is below a threshold. RSSI may be an abbreviation for Received Signal Strength Indicator. When the AP 101 performs DRU-based allocation to some STAs 110 and CRU-based allocation to other STAs 110, the AP 101 may divide the PPDU on the frequency axis and perform DRU-based allocation and CRU-based allocation for each band. For example, when performing UL MU OFDMA using a PPDU with a bandwidth of 160 MHz, the AP 101 may use the lower frequency band of 80 MHz for CRU-based OFDMA and the higher frequency band of 80 MHz for DRU-based OFDMA. As an example, it is assumed that the AP 101 communicates with the STA 111 and the STA 112 using OFDMA with the DRU, and with the STA 113 using OFDMA with the CRU.In this case, AP 101 may allocate RU1, which is a 484-tone RU in FIG. 6, to STA 111, and RU2, which is a 484-tone RU, to STA 112. AP 101 may also allocate RU1 to RU5, which are 26-tone RUs in FIG. 6, to STA 111, and RU14 to RU15, which are 52-tone RUs, to STA 112. On the other hand, AP 101 may allocate RU1, which is a 996-tone RU in FIG. 3, to STA 113. AP 101 may also allocate RU1 to RU5, which are 26-tone RUs in FIG. 3, to STA 113.

[0037] The AP 101 may also divide the PPDU on the frequency axis based on the distribution bandwidth available to each STA 110. For example, if some of the STAs 110 participating in OFDMA can only use a distribution bandwidth smaller than the bandwidth of the PPDU being used, the AP 101 may divide the PPDU based on this distribution bandwidth. Furthermore, if multiple STAs 110 have distribution bandwidth settings, the AP 101 may divide the PPDU based on the smallest distribution bandwidth among them. In this case, DRUs may be allocated and assigned to each divided band using a DRU configuration pattern corresponding to the bandwidth of that band. The AP 101 may also use a CRU to assign to all STAs 110. For example, if there are many STAs that cannot use a DRU among the STAs 110 that are transmitting in parallel, the AP 101 may use a CRU with all STAs.

[0038] The AP 101 notifies each STA 110 of information (RU allocation information) that can identify the RU allocated to that STA 110. For example, the AP 101 may transmit a Basic Trigger frame including the RU allocation information to each STA 110 (F803). These Trigger frames are Medium Access Control (MAC) frames transmitted using PPDUs such as UHR PPDUs and EHT PPDUs. By using the Basic Trigger frame, the AP 101 may notify each STA 110 of the RU allocation information and instruct each STA 110 to transmit data. For example, the AP 101 may notify each STA 110 of the RU allocation information, such as the band to be allocated, the bandwidth to be allocated, whether the allocation is to a CRU or DRU, the RU type, and the RU index, as the RU allocation information. Note that when multiple RUs are allocated to the STA 110, the AP 101 may notify the STA 110 of allocation information for each RU. The STAs 111 to 113 may transmit data based on the RU allocation information included in the received Basic Trigger frame (F804). For example, when the STA 110 receives RU allocation information indicating that the RU is assigned to a CRU or DRU and the RU type and RU index to be used, the STA 110 can identify the subcarriers to be used for transmission based on a correspondence table such as that shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 6. The information indicating that the RU is assigned to a CRU or DRU may also be information indicating whether the RU is assigned to a DRU. When a PPDU is divided on the frequency axis to allocate and assign RUs, the STA 110 may be notified of information that identifies the band and bandwidth to which the RU is assigned, in addition to the information indicating that the RU is assigned to a CRU or DRU and the RU type and RU index to be used. When an RU index is assigned so that the RU can be uniquely identified within the entire PPDU band, the STA 110 does not need to be notified of information that identifies the band. Each STA 110 can transmit data using the subcarriers identified based on the RU allocation information. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the frame transmitted from each STA 110 using the subcarriers corresponding to the DRU is a UHR TB (Trigger Based) PPDU.Each STA 110 then includes a data frame in the UHR TB PPDU. Specifically, it is assumed that an A-MPDU, which is composed of one or more concatenated data-type MAC frames, is included in the payload portion of the UHR TB PPDU. More specifically, it is assumed that a QoS data-type MAC frame, which stores data classified into one of four access categories, AC_BK, AC_BE, AC_VI, or AC_VO, is included. Note that A-MPDU stands for Aggregate MPDU, and MPDU stands for MAC Protocol Data Unit. However, this is not limited to this, and a management frame or control frame may be included in the A-MPDU of the UHR TB PPDU transmitted by the STA using the DRU. When the AP 101 receives data from each STA 110 via each subcarrier, it acknowledges the data (F805). For example, the AP 101 may acknowledge the data collectively to the STAs 111 to 113 by transmitting a Multi-STA Block Ack.

[0039] (Device configuration example) 9 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the communication device 100 (AP 101 and STA 110) according to this embodiment. As an example of the hardware configuration, the communication device 100 includes, for example, a storage unit 901, a control unit 902, a function unit 903, an input unit 904, an output unit 905, a communication unit 906, and an antenna 907. The communication device 100 may include multiple antennas.

[0040] The storage unit 901 is configured with one or more memories including ROM, RAM, etc., and may store various information such as control programs for each functional unit constituting the communication device 100 to perform various operations, and parameters for communication. ROM and RAM stand for Read Only Memory and Random Access Memory, respectively. In addition to memories such as ROM and RAM, the storage unit 901 may also be configured to include storage media such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, and a DVD.

[0041] The control unit 902 is configured with one or more processors including, for example, a CPU, an MPU, etc., and controls the entire communication device 100 by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 901. The control unit 902 may control the entire communication device 100 in cooperation with the control program stored in the storage unit 901 and an OS (Operating System). The CPU and MPU are abbreviations for Central Processing Unit and Micro Processing Unit, respectively. When the control unit 902 has multiple processors that can be implemented using a multi-core or the like, the entire communication device 100 may be configured to be controlled by the multiple processors.

[0042] Furthermore, the control unit 902 controls the functional unit 903 to execute predetermined processes such as communication, image capture, printing, and projection. The functional unit 903 is hardware that enables the communication device 100 to execute the predetermined processes described above. For example, if the device is a camera, the functional unit 903 is an image capture unit that performs image capture processing. Also, for example, if the device is a printer, the functional unit 903 is a print unit that performs print processing. Also, for example, if the device is a projector, the functional unit 903 is a projection unit that performs projection processing.

[0043] The input unit 904 receives various operations from the user. The output unit 905 outputs various types of information to the user via a monitor screen or a speaker. The output from the output unit 905 may be a display on a monitor screen, an audio output from a speaker, a vibration output, or the like. The input unit 904 and the output unit 905 may both be implemented as a single module, such as a touch panel. The input unit 904 and the output unit 905 may be integrated with the communication device 100 or may be separate devices.

[0044] The communication unit 906 controls wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11bn standard. The communication unit 906 may also control wireless communication compliant with other IEEE 802.11 series standards, such as legacy standards, in addition to the IEEE 802.11bn standard. The communication unit 906 controls the antenna 907 to transmit and receive signals for wireless communication generated by the control unit 902. The communication unit 906 is a so-called wireless chip and may itself include one or more processors and memories. If the communication device 100 supports other wireless communication standards, such as the NFC standard or the Bluetooth standard, or wired communication, such as a wired LAN, in addition to the IEEE 802.11bn standard, the communication unit 906 may control communication compliant with these communication standards. If the communication device 100 can perform wireless communication compliant with multiple communication standards, the communication device 100 may be configured to have separate communication units and antennas compatible with each communication standard. The communication device 100 communicates data with a partner communication device via the communication unit 906. The antenna 907 may be configured as a separate unit from the communication unit 906, or may be configured together with the communication unit 906 as a single module.

[0045] Antenna 907 is an antenna capable of communication in, for example, the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, the 6 GHz band, millimeter waves, etc. Although Fig. 8 shows a configuration in which communication device 100 has two antennas 907, communication device 100 may have one or three or more antennas, or may have one or more antennas for each frequency band that the device can use. Furthermore, if communication device 100 has multiple antennas, communication device 100 may have a communication unit 906 for each antenna.

[0046] (Example of functional configuration) The functional configuration of the communication device 100 (AP 101 and STA 110) in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 shows an example of a block diagram of the communication device 100 that receives capability information. FIG. 11 shows an example of a block diagram of the communication device 100 that transmits capability information. These functions can be realized, for example, by the control unit 902 executing a program stored in the storage unit 901, or by a processing function unit in the communication unit 906. Note that FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining the main functions of this embodiment, and other functions are omitted. Therefore, for example, a control function for establishing a connection between a normal AP and a STA and for communication, as well as functions that a communication device generally has, can naturally be included. Furthermore, multiple functional blocks in FIGS. 10 and 11 may be integrated into a single functional block, or a single functional block may be divided into multiple functional blocks.

[0047] FIG. 10 shows an example configuration of a communication device 100 that receives capability information. The communication device 100 may include a frame control unit 1001, an information receiving unit 1002, and a wireless communication control unit 1003. The frame control unit 1001 generates and analyzes signals (frames) when communicating with a partner communication device. The frame control unit 1001 generates, for example, management frames for the communication device 100 to execute a connection procedure. Management frames include Beacon, Probe Request, Probe Response, Association Request, and Association Response. The management frames generated by the frame control unit 1001 are not limited to these and may include, for example, an Authentication frame and an Action frame. The frame control unit 1001 may also generate control frames, data frames, and the like. The frame control unit 1001 may receive a management frame including a UHR Capabilities element, etc., defined in the IEEE 802.11 series of standards. The frame control unit 1001 may request a frame including a UHR Capabilities element, etc., from the partner communication device. Furthermore, frame control unit 1001 can acquire a UHR Capabilities element, etc. by analyzing a frame received from a communication device on the other end. Frame control unit 1001 can notify information receiving unit 1002 of the UHR Capabilities element, etc.

[0048] The information receiving unit 1002 acquires capability information of the other communication device based on information included in the frame received by the frame control unit 1001. For example, a UHR Capabilities element or the like may include capability information indicating whether the other communication device is capable of performing OFDMA communication using a DRU. Furthermore, a UHR Capabilities element or the like may include information indicating the RU type and distribution bandwidth that the other communication device can use in OFDMA communication using a DRU. The capability information may indicate, for example, that the other communication device is capable of performing operations for OFDMA communication using a DRU. Furthermore, the capability information may include either or both of transmission capabilities and reception capabilities. The information receiving unit 1002 may notify the radio communication control unit 1003 of the acquired capability information.

[0049] The wireless communication control unit 1003 performs transmission processing for each frame generated by the frame control unit 1001. The wireless communication control unit 1003 also notifies the frame control unit 1001 of frames received via the antenna 907. The wireless communication control unit 1003 performs transmission processing and reception processing for frames based on capability information of the other communication device. For example, if the other communication device can communicate using OFDMA with a DRU, the wireless communication control unit 1003 can transmit or receive data frames (data) using OFDMA with a DRU or a CRU. If the other communication device can communicate using OFDMA with a CRU, the wireless communication control unit 1003 can transmit or receive data frames (data) using OFDMA with a CRU. The RU type and distribution bandwidth of the DRU used by the wireless communication control unit 1003 in communication using OFDMA with a DRU can be determined based on capability information of the other communication device included in a UHR Capabilities element acquired from the other communication device.

[0050] FIG. 11 shows a configuration example of a communication device 100 transmitting capability information. The communication device 100 may include a frame control unit 1101, an information transmission unit 1102, and a radio communication control unit 1103. The frame control unit 1101 operates in the same manner as the frame control unit 1001. The frame control unit 1101 may transmit a management frame including a UHR Capabilities element and the like defined in the IEEE 802.11 series standard. The information transmission unit 1102 transmits capability information of the communication device of the own device to a counterpart communication device via the frame control unit 1101. For example, the information transmission unit 1102 may transmit a frame including a UHR Capabilities element and the like including capability information indicating whether the own device can perform communication using OFDMA with a DRU to a counterpart communication device via the frame control unit. Furthermore, the information transmission unit 1102 may transmit a frame including a UHR Capabilities element and the like including information indicating the RU type and distribution bandwidth that the own device can use in communication using OFDMA with a DRU to a counterpart communication device via the frame control unit. Furthermore, the information transmission unit 1102 may notify the wireless communication control unit 1103 that it has transmitted capability information of its own device to the other communication device. The wireless communication control unit 1103 may operate in the same manner as the wireless communication control unit 1003. The wireless communication control unit 1103 may perform frame transmission and reception processing based on the capability information notified by its own device to the other communication device. For example, when the wireless communication control unit 1103 notifies that its own device can communicate using OFDMA with a DRU, it may transmit or receive a data frame (data) using OFDMA with a DRU or a CRU. When the wireless communication control unit 1103 notifies that its own device can communicate using OFDMA with a CRU, it may transmit or receive a data frame (data) using OFDMA with a CRU. The RU type and distribution bandwidth of the DRU to be used by the wireless communication control unit 1103 in communication using OFDMA with a DRU may be determined based on the capability information notified to the other communication device.

[0051] (Processing flow) A connection process between communication devices in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 shows an example of a sequence of messages exchanged between the AP 101 and the STA 110. The AP 101 executes connection processes with each of the STAs 111 to 113. The AP 101 periodically broadcasts information such as a network identifier (BSSID) required for other communication devices such as the STA 110 to connect to the AP 101 (F1201). For example, the AP 101 may broadcast information using a Beacon frame. When the STA 110 detects the AP 101 by receiving the Beacon frame, the STA 110 starts a wireless connection procedure. Note that the timing at which the STA 110 starts the wireless connection procedure is not limited to this. For example, if the AP 101 does not transmit a Beacon frame or if the STA 110 does not properly receive a Beacon frame transmitted by the AP 101, the STA 110 may start the wireless connection procedure without receiving the Beacon frame. For example, the STA 110 may start a wireless connection procedure using an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​registered in advance by a user or the like. The STA 110 may start the wireless connection procedure by transmitting a Probe Request frame (F1202). Upon receiving the Probe Request frame, the AP 101 transmits a Probe Response frame addressed to the STA 110 (F1203). Upon receiving the Probe Response, the STA 110 transmits an Authentication frame to the AP 101 (F1204). Upon receiving the Authentication frame, the AP 101 transmits it to the STA 110 (F1205). Upon receiving the Authentication frame, the STA 110 transmits an Association Request frame to the AP (F1206). Upon receiving the Association Request frame, the AP 101 transmits an Association Response frame to the STA 110 (F1207). In this way, the connection procedure between the AP 101 and the STA 110 is executed, and a link using a wireless medium is established between the AP 101 and the STA 110.After the above connection procedure, the AP 101 and the STA 110 may perform a 4-way handshake or the like to exchange security information. The AP 101 and the STA 110 may also perform connection processing using a method other than the above. The AP 101 and the STA 110 transmit and receive data using the link established by the connection processing (F1208). For example, the AP 101 and the STA 110 may perform data communication using UL MU OFDMA using the communication procedure shown in FIG. 8.

[0052] In the above-described connection process, the AP 101 and the STA 110 may share information regarding capabilities that can be performed for communication with the other communication device. For example, the AP 101 and the STA 110 may notify the other communication device that they are capable of performing communication using OFDMA, and may acquire from the other communication device that the other communication device is capable of performing communication using OFDMA. The AP 101 and the STA 110 may also notify the other communication device that they are capable of performing OFDMA communication using DRU, and may acquire from the other communication device that the other communication device is capable of performing OFDMA communication using DRU. The AP 101 and the STA 110 may also notify the other communication device that they are capable of performing OFDMA communication using CRU, and may acquire from the other communication device that the other communication device is capable of performing OFDMA communication using CRU. Such information indicating whether the communication device 100 has capabilities that can be performed for communication may be referred to as capability information. The capability information is not limited to the above. For example, the capability information may include information such as the RU type that communication device 100 can use in communication using OFDMA, the available distribution bandwidth, and the number of available RUs. Furthermore, if communication device 100 is capable of performing OFDMA using a DRU only in transmission, it may report, as capability information, that it can perform OFDMA transmission using a DRU. Furthermore, if communication device 100 is capable of performing only OFDMA reception using a DRU, it may report, as capability information, that it can perform OFDMA reception using a DRU. Furthermore, communication device 100 may autonomously report its capability information. Furthermore, communication device 100 may report its capability information based on a request from a communication device at the other end.

[0053] The AP 101 may periodically notify its own capability information. For example, the AP 101 may include its own capability information in a Beacon frame broadcast in F1201. With this configuration, the STA 110 can recognize that the AP 101 can perform OFDMA communication using a DRU before starting the connection procedure. This allows the STA 110 to reduce the amount of information exchanged during the connection procedure. Furthermore, the STA 110 can perform control such that it preferentially connects to an AP 101 that can perform OFDMA communication using a DRU. Furthermore, the AP 101 can notify an unspecified number of STAs 110 of its capability information, thereby enabling efficient use of wireless resources. The AP 101 may also notify its own capability information using a FILS Discovery frame. The FILS Discovery frame may be used to broadcast part of the information included in a Beacon frame. For example, the FILS Discovery frame may be used to broadcast SSID, channel information, etc. FILS is an abbreviation for Fast Initial Link Setup. Using a FILS Discovery frame instead of a Beacon frame enables efficient use of wireless resources. The AP 101 may notify its own device's capability information using a Probe Response frame (F1203) or an Association Response frame (F1207). The STA 110 can obtain the AP 101's capability information by receiving these frames. The AP 101 may request the STA 110 to notify its capability information using a frame used in the connection process. For example, the AP 101 may request the STA 110 to notify its capability information using a Probe Response frame (F1203) or an Association Response frame (F1207).

[0054] The STA 110 may notify the AP 101 of its capability information using a frame used in the connection process. For example, the STA 110 may notify the AP 101 of its capability information using a Probe Request frame (F1202) or an Association Request frame (F1206). By receiving these frames, the AP 101 becomes able to obtain the capability information of the STA 110. The STA 110 may request the AP 101 to notify the AP 101 of its capability information using a frame used in the connection process. For example, the STA 110 may request the AP 101 to notify the AP 101 of its capability information using a Probe Request frame (F1202) or an Association Request frame (F1206).

[0055] (Example of a format for notifying capability information) The communication device 100 may notify capability information using an information element (IE) indicating capabilities related to the IEEE 802.11bn standard, which was added to the IEEE 802.11bn standard. An IE may also be called an information element. For example, an IE indicating capabilities related to the IEEE 802.11bn standard may be an IE called a UHR Capabilities element. The UHR Capabilities element may be included in a Beacon frame, a Probe Request frame, or a Probe Response frame. The UHR Capabilities element may also be included in an Association Request frame, an Association Response frame, or the like. The UHR Capabilities element may also be included in frames other than these. FIG. 13 shows an example of the configuration of a UHR Capabilities element. The UHR Capabilities element includes an Element ID field 1301, a Length field 1302, and an Extended Element ID field 1303. The UHR Capabilities element may include a UHR MAC Capabilities Information field 1304 and a UHR PHY Capabilities Information field 1305. The combination of the Element ID field 1301 and the Extended Element ID field 1303 indicates the type of element. For example, if the Element ID field 1301 is set to 255 and the Extended Element ID field 1303 is set to 138, this may indicate that this element is a UHR Capabilities element. The Length field 1302 indicates the length of this element. The UHR MAC Capabilities Information field 1304 indicates the Media Access Control (MAC)-related capabilities of the communication device. The UHR PHY Capabilities Information field 1305 indicates the PHY-related capabilities of the communication device.

[0056] The UHR PHY Capabilities Information field 1305 includes a DRU Support field 1311. The UHR PHY Capabilities Information field 1305 includes a Supported DRU Type field 1312. The UHR PHY Capabilities Information field 1305 includes a Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313. The DRU Support field 1311 indicates whether or not the communication device is capable of performing OFDMA communication using a DRU. For example, the DRU Support field 1311 may be a 1-bit field. When the DRU Support field 1311 is set to a value of 1, it indicates that OFDMA communication using a DRU is capable of being performed, and when set to a value of 0, it indicates that OFDMA communication using a DRU is not capable of being performed. Note that the DRU Support field 1311 may be provided as a field separate from fields and subfields indicating information regarding whether OFDMA communication is capable of being performed and information related to OFDMA communication using a CRU. This makes it possible to independently notify whether the communication device is capable of executing a function related to OFDMA using a CRU and whether it is capable of executing OFDMA using a DRU.

[0057] The Supported DRU Type field 1312 indicates RU types that the communication device can use in OFDMA communication using a DRU. For example, the Supported DRU Type field 1312 may be a 3-bit field. As an example, a 26-tone RU, a 52-tone RU, and a 106-tone RU are referred to as a first RU type, a second RU type, and a third RU type, respectively. Also, a 242-tone RU, a 484-tone RU, and a 996-tone RU are referred to as a fourth RU type, a fifth RU type, and a sixth RU type, respectively. The Supported DRU Type field 1312 may indicate RU types that the communication device can use in decimal or binary notation. For example, when the Supported DRU Type field 1312 is set to a value of 0, it may indicate that the communication device can use the first RU type. When the Supported DRU Type field 1312 is set to a value of 1, it may indicate that the communication device can use the first RU type and the second RU type. When the Supported DRU Type field 1312 is set to a value of 2, it may indicate that the communication device can use the first to third RU types. When the Supported DRU Type field 1312 is set to a value of 3, it may indicate that the communication device can use the first to fourth RU types. When the Supported DRU Type field 1312 is set to a value of 4, it may indicate that the communication device can use the first to fifth RU types. When the Supported DRU Type field 1312 is set to a value of 5, it may indicate that the communication device can use the first to sixth RU types. When the Supported DRU Type field 1312 is set to a value other than the above, it may indicate that the communication device can use an RU configured with more subcarriers than the sixth RU type. Furthermore, the Supported DRU Type field 1312 may indicate a value other than the above as reserved.Note that the correspondence between each of the decimal or binary representation values ​​and the RU types that can be used by the communication device is not limited to the above.

[0058] Furthermore, the Supported DRU Type field 1312 may indicate RU types that the communication device can use using a bitmap representation. For example, the Supported DRU Type field 1312 may be a field consisting of 5 bits, with each bit corresponding to a respective RU type. For example, the first to fifth bits may correspond to the first to fifth RU types, respectively. For example, when the Nth bit is set to a value of 1, it may indicate that the communication device can use the Nth RU type. When the Nth bit is set to a value of 0, it may indicate that the communication device cannot use the Nth RU type. Note that the Supported DRU Type field 1312 may have a sixth bit, and the sixth bit may correspond to the sixth RU type.

[0059] The Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313 indicates the distributed bandwidth of the DRU that the communication device can use in OFDMA communication using the DRU. For example, the Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313 may be a 3-bit field. The Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313 may indicate the distributed bandwidth of the DRU that the communication device can use in decimal or binary notation. For example, when the Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313 is set to a value of 0, it may indicate that the communication device can use a DRU with a distributed bandwidth of 20 MHz. For example, when the Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313 is set to a value of 1, it may indicate that the communication device can use a DRU with a distributed bandwidth of 20 to 40 MHz. For example, when the Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313 is set to a value of 2, it may indicate that the communication device can use a DRU with a distributed bandwidth of 20 to 80 MHz. For example, when the Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313 is set to a value of 3, it may indicate that the communication device can use a DRU with a distributed bandwidth of 20 to 160 MHz. For example, when the Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313 is set to a value of 4, it may indicate that the communication device can use a DRU with a distributed bandwidth of 20 to 320 MHz. For example, when the Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313 is set to a value other than the above, it may indicate that the communication device can use a DRU with a distributed bandwidth other than the above. As an example, when the Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313 is set to a value of 5 or 6, it may indicate that the communication device can use a DRU with a distributed bandwidth wider than the above.As an example, the Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313 may indicate that the communication device can use a DRU with a narrower distributed bandwidth than the above when a value of 5 or 6 is set. Also, the Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313 may reserve values ​​other than the above. Furthermore, the Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313 may indicate the distributed bandwidth available to the communication device using a bitmap representation. For example, the Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313 may be a field consisting of 5 bits, with each bit corresponding to a respective distributed bandwidth. As an example, the distributed bandwidths of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz are referred to as the first to fifth distributed bandwidths, respectively. In this case, the first to fifth bits of the Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313 may correspond to the first to fifth distributed bandwidths, respectively. For example, when the Nth bit is set to a value of 1, it may be indicated that the communication device can use the Nth distributed bandwidth. When the Nth bit is set to a value of 0, it may be indicated that the communication device cannot use the Nth distributed bandwidth.

[0060] Note that the DRU Support field 1311, the Supported DRU Type field 1312, and the Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313 may be configured as a single field. For example, an integrated field obtained by integrating these three fields may indicate, in decimal or binary notation, whether the communication device is capable of performing OFDMA communication using a DRU, the usable RU type, and the usable distributed bandwidth. As an example, when the integrated field is set to a value of 0, it may indicate that the communication device is not capable of performing OFDMA communication using a DRU. When the integrated field is set to a value of 1, it may indicate that the communication device is capable of performing OFDMA communication using a DRU and is capable of using a first RU type and a first distributed bandwidth. When the integrated field is set to a value of 2, it may indicate that the communication device is capable of performing OFDMA communication using a DRU and is capable of using a first RU type and first to second distributed bandwidths. The integrated field may be composed of only a part of the DRU Support field 1311, the Supported DRU Type field 1312, and the Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313. For example, the integrated field may be composed of the Supported DRU Type field 1312 and the Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313. In this case, if the DRU Support field 1311 indicates that the communication device cannot perform communication using OFDMA using a DRU, this integrated field may be omitted.

[0061] The DRU Support field 1311, the Supported DRU Type field 1312, and the Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313 may be included in other fields. For example, they may be included in the UHR MAC Capabilities Information field 1304 instead of the UHR PHY Capabilities Information field 1305. Furthermore, any of the fields may be included in other IEs. For example, the Supported DRU Type field 1312 and the Supported DRU Distributed Band Width field 1313 may be included in a UHR Operation element. The capability information may be notified using an Extended Capabilities field. In this case, the communication device 100 may exchange capability information with, for example, a communication device that does not comply with the IEEE 802.11bn standard but is capable of performing OFDMA communication using a DRU. Furthermore, new elements or fields may be provided for exchanging capability information related to OFDMA using a DRU between communication devices. The new elements and fields enable flexibly exchanging information required for OFDMA communication using a DRU between communication devices. The capability information may be included in an Action frame. In this case, after a link between devices is established, the link settings can be flexibly changed, for example, by changing the corresponding RU type or the corresponding distributed bandwidth according to the surrounding environment.

[0062] (Example of communication device processing flow when connecting) A processing flow of a communication device 100 capable of performing OFDMA communication using a DRU will be described. FIG. 14 shows an example of the processing flow of the communication device 100. This operation flow can be executed by the control unit 902 of the communication device 100 reading and executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 901 according to a procedure for connecting with a partner communication device. The operation of the AP 101 will be described below as an example, but the STA 110 can operate in a similar manner. First, the AP 101 establishes a wireless connection with the STA 110 (S1401). During the wireless connection process, the AP 101 can exchange capability information related to OFDMA communication using a DRU with the STA 110. For example, if a frame received from the STA 110 contains capability information indicating that OFDMA communication using a DRU is possible, the AP 101 can determine that the STA 110 is capable of performing OFDMA communication using a DRU. In this case, the AP 101 stores the capability of performing OFDMA communication using a DRU as an attribute of the STA 110. On the other hand, if the frame received from the STA 110 during wireless connection processing does not include a UHR Capabilities element, the AP 101 may determine that the STA 110 is not capable of performing OFDMA communication using a DRU. Furthermore, if the frame received from the STA 110 includes capability information indicating that OFDMA communication using a DRU is not possible, the AP 101 may determine that the STA 110 is not capable of performing OFDMA communication using a DRU. In these cases, the AP 101 stores, as an attribute of the STA 110, that the STA 110 is not capable of performing OFDMA communication using a DRU. Furthermore, the AP 101 may exchange communication parameters that can be used when performing OFDMA communication using a DRU with the STA 110. For example, the RU type and distribution bandwidth that the STA 110 can use may be exchanged as communication parameters.

[0063] When a connection is established between the AP 101 and the STA 110, the AP 101 performs data communication (S1402). For example, the AP 101 may select a communication method for performing data communication based on capability information of the STA 110 exchanged during the connection process. For example, the AP 101 may select a communication method for performing data communication from among a communication method using OFDMA with a DRU, a communication method using OFDMA with a CRU, and a communication method without OFDMA. If the STA 110 is capable of performing OFDMA communication with a DRU, the AP 101 may allocate RUs based on communication parameters usable by the STA 110. For example, the AP 101 may allocate RUs using the RU type, distribution bandwidth, and number of RUs usable by the STA 110. As an example, if the distribution bandwidth usable by the STA 110 is smaller than the bandwidth of the PPDU, the AP 101 may divide the PPDU on the frequency axis to form a band with a bandwidth equal to or smaller than the distribution bandwidth usable by the STA 110. The AP 101 may then allocate RUs to the STA 110 in that band. Meanwhile, if the STA 110 can use multiple RUs, the AP 101 may allocate RUs to the STA 110 in each of the divided bands. The AP 101 may make allocations using the RU types available to each STA 110. When data for each STA 110 accumulates in its own transmission queue, the AP 101 may transmit data to each STA 110 in parallel using OFDMA with DRUs. The AP 101 may also acquire the data accumulation status of each STA 110, and allocate RUs for transmission to each STA 110 based on the accumulation status, allowing the STA 110 to perform transmission. For example, the AP 101 may transmit a Trigger frame indicating the allocation of RUs to each STA 110. In this case, the AP 101 may receive data transmitted from each STA 110 via each RU after a predetermined time has elapsed since transmitting the Trigger frame. Furthermore, if the STA 110 is capable of performing communication using OFDMA with CRU, the AP 101 can perform data communication using OFDMA with CRU.If the STA 110 is not capable of performing communication using OFDMA, the AP 101 may communicate data without using OFDMA. The AP 101 may repeatedly execute S1402 until wireless LAN communication is disabled by a user instruction or the like (S1403).

[0064] As described above, according to this embodiment, a communication device acquires predetermined capability information from a counterpart communication device indicating whether or not the counterpart communication device has a predetermined capability for performing OFDMA using a DRU, and performs OFDMA communication based on the counterpart communication device's capability information. Alternatively, the communication device performs OFDMA communication based on notifying the counterpart communication device that the counterpart communication device has a predetermined capability for performing OFDMA using a DRU. With this configuration, the communication device can select an appropriate communication method based on the counterpart communication device's capability information, even in an environment where a first communication method using OFDMA using a CRU and a second communication method using OFDMA using a DRU coexist. This enables OFDMA to be performed with high transmission power using a DRU, even when using frequencies in the 6 GHz band, thereby enabling communication over a wider range and improving communication stability. Furthermore, if the counterpart communication device is capable of performing OFDMA communication using a DRU, the communication device exchanges usable RU types and distribution bandwidths with the counterpart communication device. With this configuration, even if the STA 110 cannot use a DRU in which subcarriers are allocated across a wide band, it is possible to appropriately divide the PPDU on the frequency axis, allocate RUs, and communicate. This makes it possible to perform OFDMA communications using DRUs with a larger number of communication devices. In this embodiment, an RU configured with multiple subcarriers arranged such that at least some of the subcarriers are discontinuous on the frequency axis has been described as a DRU. Also, an RU configured with multiple subcarriers arranged such that they are contiguous on the frequency axis has been described as a CRU. These may be referred to by other names. Furthermore, although an example has been given in which a UHR Capabilities element or the like is used as an example of an element for a communication device to notify capability information, the names of these elements and the fields included in these elements may be referred to by other names.In addition, in Figures 3 and 6, etc., examples have been described showing the relationship between bandwidth, RU type, RU index, subcarrier index, etc., but these are just examples and OFDMA using a DRU or OFDMA using a CRU configured differently can be performed.

[0065] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0066] (Summary of the embodiment) At least some of the above-described embodiments can be summarized as follows. (Item 1) A communication device that performs communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series standard with another communication device, a communication means capable of performing communication using a plurality of communication methods, including a first communication method in which radio resources are allocated using at least two or more first-type resource units (RUs) each consisting of a plurality of subcarriers arranged so as to be contiguous on a frequency axis, and data is communicated using the radio resources by orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA); and a second communication method in which radio resources are allocated using at least two or more second-type RUs each consisting of a plurality of subcarriers arranged so that at least some of the subcarriers are discontinuous on the frequency axis, and data is communicated using the radio resources by OFDMA; receiving means for receiving, from the other communication device, a predetermined wireless frame including predetermined capability information indicating whether the other communication device has a predetermined capability to perform communication using the second communication method; When the communication means uses an OFDMA communication method in communication with another communication device, If the other communication device has the predetermined capability, communicating with the other communication device using either the first communication method or the second communication method; If the other communication device does not have the predetermined capability, the communication with the other communication device is performed using the first communication method. A communication device comprising: (Item 2) The predetermined capability information includes information indicating the number of subcarriers of the second type of RU that the other communication device can use in the second communication method. 2. The communication device according to item 1, (Item 3) The predetermined capability information includes information indicating a frequency bandwidth that the other communication device can use in the second communication method. 3. The communication device according to item 1 or 2. (Item 4) The predetermined wireless frame is a wireless frame conforming to the IEEE 802.11bn standard that includes an information element (IE) indicating capabilities related to the IEEE 802.11bn standard and that is transmitted from the other communication device. 4. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 3. (Item 5) The IE is an Ultra High Reliability (UHR) Capabilities Element. 5. The communication device according to item 4, (Item 6) The predetermined capability information is included in a UHR Physical layer (PHY) Capabilities Information field in the IE. 6. The communication device according to item 4 or 5, (Item 7) The predetermined capability information is included in a UHR Media Access Control (MAC) Capabilities Information field in the IE. 6. The communication device according to item 4 or 5, (Item 8) The predetermined radio frame includes a field or subfield indicating the predetermined capability information different from a field or subfield including information indicating that the other communication device is capable of performing communication using OFDMA. 8. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 7, (Item 9) The predetermined radio frame is at least one of a Beacon, a Probe Request, a Probe Response, an Association Request, an Association Response, and a FILS Discovery frame. 9. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 8, (Item 10) A communication device that performs communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series standard with another communication device, a communication means capable of performing communication using a plurality of communication methods, including a first communication method in which radio resources are allocated using at least two or more first-type resource units (RUs) each consisting of a plurality of subcarriers arranged so as to be contiguous on a frequency axis, and data is communicated using the radio resources by orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA); and a second communication method in which radio resources are allocated using at least two or more second-type RUs each consisting of a plurality of subcarriers arranged so that at least some of the subcarriers are discontinuous on the frequency axis, and data is communicated using the radio resources by OFDMA; a transmitting means for transmitting to the other communication device a predetermined wireless frame including predetermined capability information indicating whether the communication device has a predetermined capability to perform communication using the second communication method, When the communication means uses an OFDMA communication method in communication with another communication device, when the predetermined capability information is transmitted to the other communication device, the communication device communicates with the other communication device using either the first communication method or the second communication method; If the predetermined capability information has not been transmitted to the other communication device, the communication device communicates with the other communication device using the first communication method. A communication device comprising: (Item 11) The predetermined capability information is information indicating the number of subcarriers of the second type of RU that the communication device can use in the second communication method. 11. The communication device according to item 10. (Item 12) The predetermined capability information includes information indicating a frequency bandwidth that the communication device can use in the second communication method. 12. The communication device according to item 10 or 11. (Item 13) The predetermined wireless frame is a wireless frame conforming to the IEEE 802.11bn standard that includes an information element (IE) indicating capabilities related to the IEEE 802.11bn standard. 13. The communication device according to any one of items 10 to 12. (Item 14) The IE is an Ultra High Reliability (UHR) Capabilities Element. Item 14. The communication device according to item 13. (Item 15) The predetermined capability information is included in a UHR Physical layer (PHY) Capabilities Information field in the IE. 15. The communication device according to item 13 or 14. (Item 16) The predetermined capability information is included in a UHR Media Access Control (MAC) Capabilities Information field in the IE. 15. The communication device according to item 13 or 14. (Item 17) The predetermined radio frame includes a field or subfield indicating the predetermined capability information different from a field or subfield including information indicating that the communication device is capable of performing communication using OFDMA. 17. A communication device according to any one of items 10 to 16. (Item 18) The predetermined radio frame is at least one of a Beacon, a Probe Request, a Probe Response, an Association Request, an Association Response, and a FILS Discovery frame. 18. A communication device according to any one of items 10 to 17. (Item 19) A communication method executed by a communication device that performs communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series standard with another communication device, comprising: a communication process capable of performing communication using a plurality of communication methods, including a first communication method in which radio resources are allocated using at least two or more first-type resource units (RUs) each consisting of a plurality of subcarriers arranged so as to be contiguous on a frequency axis, and data is communicated using the radio resources by orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA); and a second communication method in which radio resources are allocated using at least two or more second-type RUs each consisting of a plurality of subcarriers arranged so that at least some of the subcarriers are discontinuous on the frequency axis, and data is communicated using the radio resources by OFDMA; a receiving step of receiving, from the other communication device, a predetermined wireless frame including predetermined capability information indicating whether the other communication device has a predetermined capability to perform communication using the second communication method; When an OFDMA communication method is used in communication with another communication device, If the other communication device has the predetermined capability, communicating with the other communication device using either the first communication method or the second communication method; If the other communication device does not have the predetermined capability, the communication with the other communication device is performed using the first communication method. A communication method comprising: (Item 20) A communication method executed by a communication device that performs communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series standard with another communication device, comprising: a communication process capable of performing communication using a plurality of communication methods, including a first communication method in which radio resources are allocated using at least two or more first-type resource units (RUs) each consisting of a plurality of subcarriers arranged so as to be contiguous on a frequency axis, and data is communicated using the radio resources by orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA); and a second communication method in which radio resources are allocated using at least two or more second-type RUs each consisting of a plurality of subcarriers arranged so that at least some of the subcarriers are discontinuous on the frequency axis, and data is communicated using the radio resources by OFDMA; a transmitting step of transmitting to the other communication device a predetermined wireless frame including predetermined capability information indicating whether the communication device has a predetermined capability to perform communication using the second communication method, When an OFDMA communication method is used in communication with another communication device, when the predetermined capability information is transmitted to the other communication device, the communication device communicates with the other communication device using either the first communication method or the second communication method; If the predetermined capability information has not been transmitted to the other communication device, the communication device communicates with the other communication device using the first communication method. A communication method comprising: (Item 21) A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means possessed by the communication device described in any one of items 1 to 18.

[0067] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 101:AP, 111:STA, 112:STA, 113:STA

Claims

1. A communication device that performs communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series standard with another communication device, a communication means capable of performing communication using a plurality of communication methods, including: a first communication method in which wireless resources are allocated using at least two or more first-type resource units (RUs) each consisting of a plurality of subcarriers arranged so as to be contiguous on a frequency axis, and data is communicated using the wireless resources by orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA); and a second communication method in which wireless resources are allocated using at least two or more second-type RUs each consisting of a plurality of subcarriers arranged so that at least some of the subcarriers are discontinuous on the frequency axis, and data is communicated using the wireless resources by OFDMA; receiving means for receiving, from the other communication device, a predetermined wireless frame including predetermined capability information indicating whether the other communication device has a predetermined capability to perform communication using the second communication method; When the communication means uses an OFDMA communication method in communication with another communication device, If the other communication device has the predetermined capability, communicating with the other communication device using either the first communication method or the second communication method; If the other communication device does not have the predetermined capability, the communication with the other communication device is performed using the first communication method. A communication device comprising:

2. The predetermined capability information includes information indicating the number of subcarriers of the second type RU that the other communication device can use in the second communication method.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. The predetermined capability information includes information indicating a frequency bandwidth that the other communication device can use in the second communication method.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

4. The predetermined wireless frame is a wireless frame conforming to the IEEE 802.11bn standard that includes an information element (IE) indicating capabilities related to the IEEE 802.11bn standard and that is transmitted from the other communication device.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

5. The IE is an Ultra High Reliability (UHR) Capabilities Element.

5. The communication device according to claim 4.

6. The predetermined capability information is included in the UHR Physical layer (PHY) Capabilities Information field in the IE.

5. The communication device according to claim 4.

7. The predetermined capability information is included in a UHR Media Access Control (MAC) Capabilities Information field in the IE.

5. The communication device according to claim 4.

8. The predetermined radio frame includes a field or subfield indicating the predetermined capability information different from a field or subfield including information indicating that the other communication device is capable of performing communication using OFDMA.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

9. The predetermined wireless frame is at least one of a Beacon, a Probe Request, a Probe Response, an Association Request, an Association Response, and a FILS Discovery frame.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

10. A communication device that performs communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series standard with another communication device, a communication means capable of performing communication using a plurality of communication methods, including: a first communication method in which wireless resources are allocated using at least two or more first-type resource units (RUs) each consisting of a plurality of subcarriers arranged so as to be contiguous on a frequency axis, and data is communicated using the wireless resources by orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA); and a second communication method in which wireless resources are allocated using at least two or more second-type RUs each consisting of a plurality of subcarriers arranged so that at least some of the subcarriers are discontinuous on the frequency axis, and data is communicated using the wireless resources by OFDMA; a transmitting means for transmitting to the other communication device a predetermined wireless frame including predetermined capability information indicating whether the communication device has a predetermined capability to perform communication using the second communication method, When the communication means uses an OFDMA communication method in communication with another communication device, when the predetermined capability information is transmitted to the other communication device, the communication device communicates with the other communication device using either the first communication method or the second communication method; If the predetermined capability information has not been transmitted to the other communication device, the communication device communicates with the other communication device using the first communication method. A communication device comprising:

11. The predetermined capability information is information indicating the number of subcarriers of the second type RU that the communication device can use in the second communication method.

11. The communication device according to claim 10.

12. The predetermined capability information includes information indicating a frequency bandwidth that the communication device can use in the second communication method.

11. The communication device according to claim 10.

13. The predetermined wireless frame is a wireless frame conforming to the IEEE 802.11bn standard that includes an information element (IE) indicating capabilities related to the IEEE 802.11bn standard.

11. The communication device according to claim 10.

14. The IE is an Ultra High Reliability (UHR) Capabilities Element.

14. The communication device according to claim 13.

15. The predetermined capability information is included in the UHR Physical layer (PHY) Capabilities Information field in the IE.

14. The communication device according to claim 13.

16. The predetermined capability information is included in a UHR Media Access Control (MAC) Capabilities Information field in the IE.

14. The communication device according to claim 13.

17. The predetermined radio frame includes a field or subfield indicating the predetermined capability information different from a field or subfield including information indicating that the communication device is capable of performing communication using OFDMA.

11. The communication device according to claim 10.

18. The predetermined wireless frame is at least one of a Beacon, a Probe Request, a Probe Response, an Association Request, an Association Response, and a FILS Discovery frame.

11. The communication device according to claim 10.

19. A communication method executed by a communication device that performs communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series standard with another communication device, comprising: a communication process capable of performing communication using a plurality of communication methods, including: a first communication method in which wireless resources are allocated using at least two or more first-type resource units (RUs) each consisting of a plurality of subcarriers arranged so as to be contiguous on a frequency axis, and data is communicated using the wireless resources by orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA); and a second communication method in which wireless resources are allocated using at least two or more second-type RUs each consisting of a plurality of subcarriers arranged so that at least some of the subcarriers are discontinuous on the frequency axis, and data is communicated using the wireless resources by OFDMA; a receiving step of receiving, from the other communication device, a predetermined wireless frame including predetermined capability information indicating whether the other communication device has a predetermined capability to perform communication using the second communication method; When an OFDMA communication method is used in communication with another communication device, the communication step If the other communication device has the predetermined capability, communicating with the other communication device using either the first communication method or the second communication method; If the other communication device does not have the predetermined capability, the communication with the other communication device is performed using the first communication method. A communication method comprising:

20. A communication method executed by a communication device that performs communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series standard with another communication device, comprising: a communication process capable of performing communication using a plurality of communication methods, including: a first communication method in which wireless resources are allocated using at least two or more first-type resource units (RUs) each consisting of a plurality of subcarriers arranged so as to be contiguous on a frequency axis, and data is communicated using the wireless resources by orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA); and a second communication method in which wireless resources are allocated using at least two or more second-type RUs each consisting of a plurality of subcarriers arranged so that at least some of the subcarriers are discontinuous on the frequency axis, and data is communicated using the wireless resources by OFDMA; a transmitting step of transmitting to the other communication device a predetermined wireless frame including predetermined capability information indicating whether the communication device has a predetermined capability to perform communication using the second communication method, When an OFDMA communication method is used in communication with another communication device, the communication step when the predetermined capability information is transmitted to the other communication device, the communication device communicates with the other communication device using either the first communication method or the second communication method; If the predetermined capability information has not been transmitted to the other communication device, the communication device communicates with the other communication device using the first communication method. A communication method comprising:

21. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means included in the communication device according to claim 1.

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