Communication device and communication method

Abstract

The present technology relates to a communication device and a communication method capable of achieving stable, low-latency communication in an unlicensed frequency band. The communication device includes a first communication unit that communicates in a first frequency band, which is an unlicensed frequency band; and a second communication unit that communicates in a second frequency band, which is an unlicensed frequency band different from the first frequency band. A controller of the communication device controls data transmission using either the first frequency band or the second frequency band based on information regarding resources in the second frequency band transmitted from the first communication device. The present technology is applicable, for example, to communication devices that perform wireless communications standardized by IEEE 802.11.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to a communication device and a communication method, and more particularly to a communication device and a communication method capable of achieving stable low-latency communication in an unlicensed frequency band. Background Art

[0002] Use cases requiring low-latency data transmission are emerging, such as factory automation and the widespread adoption of online gaming on mobile devices. Furthermore, in wireless communications in unlicensed bands, which utilize carrier sensing for communication, a mechanism for low-latency data transmission is required to support these use cases. Available wireless communications in unlicensed bands include random access, in which each device autonomously obtains a communication opportunity and transmits, and scheduled access, in which a base station or other device transmits using communication opportunities allocated under centralized control.

[0003] In random access, each terminal autonomously obtains a communication opportunity. Therefore, there is no overhead associated with allocating communication opportunities, and latency can be reduced. However, a communication opportunity may not be obtained due to interference, which can increase the worst-case latency. On the other hand, in scheduled access, communication opportunities are obtained at regular intervals, which can reduce the worst-case latency. However, there is overhead associated with allocation, and transmission cannot occur before the allocated communication opportunity. Consequently, latency can increase.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for specifying resources from among predetermined resources when transmitting in an unlicensed band based on control information transmitted in a licensed band. However, in wireless communications in an unlicensed band based on carrier sensing, even when resources are specified, obtaining a communication opportunity is not guaranteed, and the delay until transmission may increase.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a method for simultaneously using Long Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio (NR) as radio access technologies (RATs) to enable transmission without resource allocation, thereby achieving low latency. However, to ensure latency, it is assumed that a licensed band that does not require carrier sensing is used, so this method is not applicable to communications on unlicensed bands.

[0006] Citation List

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-539123

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-160847 Summary of the Invention

[0010] Problems to be solved by the present invention

[0011] The present technology has been developed in view of such circumstances and can realize stable low-latency communications in an unlicensed band.

[0012] Solution to the problem

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present technology, a communication device includes: a first communication unit, configured to communicate on a first frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band; a second communication unit, configured to communicate on a second frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band different from the first frequency band; and a controller, configured to control based on information about resources on the second frequency band sent from the first communication device so that data is sent using either the communication on the first frequency band or the communication on the second frequency band.

[0014] A communication method according to a first aspect of the present technology is performed by a communication device, the communication device comprising: a first communication unit configured to communicate on a first frequency band being an unlicensed frequency band; and a second communication unit configured to communicate on a second frequency band being an unlicensed frequency band different from the first frequency band, the communication method comprising controlling, based on information about resources on the second frequency band sent from the first communication device, such that data is sent using either the communication on the first frequency band or the communication on the second frequency band.

[0015] According to a first aspect of the present technology, control is performed based on information about resources on a second frequency band sent from a first communication device, so that data is sent using either communication on a first frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band or communication on a second frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band different from the first frequency band.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present technology, a communication device includes: a first communication unit, configured to communicate on a first frequency band which is an unlicensed frequency band; a second communication unit, configured to communicate on a second frequency band which is an unlicensed frequency band different from the first frequency band; and a controller, configured to allocate resources to the other communication devices on the second frequency band based on information about traffic obtained from the other communication devices via the first communication unit or the second communication unit.

[0017] A communication method according to a second aspect of the present technology is performed by a communication device, the communication device comprising: a first communication unit configured to communicate on a first frequency band being an unlicensed frequency band; and a second communication unit configured to communicate on a second frequency band being an unlicensed frequency band different from the first frequency band, the communication method comprising allocating resources of the other communication devices on the second frequency band based on information about traffic obtained from the other communication devices via the first communication unit or the second communication unit.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present technology, allocation of resources to other communication devices on a second frequency band is performed based on information about traffic obtained from other communication devices via a first communication unit or a second communication unit, the first communication unit communicates on a first frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band, and the second communication unit communicates on a second frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band different from the first frequency band.

[0019] The communication device may be an independent device or an internal component constituting a device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment to which the present technology is applied.

[0021] Figure 2 It means the operation is Figure 1 A block diagram showing a configuration example of a communication device of a base station AP or a slave station STA.

[0022] Figure 3 3 is a diagram illustrating the first communication process.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the transmission process of the slave station STA in the first communication process.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the reception process of the base station AP in the first communication process.

[0025] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a signal format representing information about traffic flow.

[0026] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a signal format representing information about a resource.

[0027] Figure 8 3 is a diagram illustrating the second communication process.

[0028] Figure 9 1 is a flowchart illustrating the reception process of the base station AP in the second communication process.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a transmission process performed by a communication device having no time resources in the second communication process.

[0030] Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a signal format representing information about a resource. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments for realizing the present technology (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described. Note that the description will be given in the following order.

[0032] 1. Configuration Example of Wireless Communication System

[0033] 2. Block Diagram Showing a Configuration Example of a Communication Device

[0034] 3. First Communication Processing Example

[0035] 4. Second Communication Processing Example

[0036] <1. Configuration Example of Wireless Communication System>

[0037] Figure 1 Shown is a configuration example of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment to which the present technology is applied.

[0038] Figure 1 The wireless communication system 1 is configured as, for example, a wireless local area network (LAN) standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11. In a wireless LAN, a base station access point (AP) and one or more slave stations (STAs) connected to the base station AP for communication form a network called a basic service set (BSS), and communication is autonomously distributed in units of the BSS to perform wireless communication. Figure 1 The wireless communication system 1 includes a plurality of BSSs, and includes a plurality of base stations AP and slave stations STA connected to each base station AP.

[0039] Specifically, wireless communication system 1 includes base stations AP1 and AP2 and slave stations STA1a, STA1b, and STA2. Slave stations STA1a and STA1b are connected to base station AP1. Slave station STA2 is connected to base station AP2. For example, base station AP1 and slave stations STA1a and STA1b form a base station service (BSS1), while base station AP2 and slave station STA2 form a base station service (BSS2). Slave stations STA1a and STA1b wirelessly communicate with base station AP1, while slave station STA2 wirelessly communicates with base station AP2. BSS1 and BSS2 are positioned so as to interfere with each other.

[0040] Note that the number of BSSs, the number of base stations AP, and the number of slave stations STA connected to each base station AP for communication that constitute the wireless communication system 1 are optional and are not limited to Figure 1 The quantity shown in .

[0041] <2. Block Diagram Showing a Configuration Example of a Communication Device>

[0042] Figure 2 It means the operation is Figure 1 A block diagram of a configuration example of a communication device of a base station AP or a slave station STA.

[0043] Figure 2 The communication device 10 includes a controller 21 , a communication unit 22A, a communication unit 22B, and a power supply unit 23 .

[0044] The communication unit 22A (first communication unit) and the communication unit 22B (second communication unit) perform wireless communication using different access methods or frequency bands according to the control of the controller 21. The communication unit 22A and the communication unit 22B have the same configuration. That is, the communication unit 22A and the communication unit 22B have different access methods or frequency bands when performing wireless communication under the control of the controller 21, but the practicable access methods or frequency bands are the same as each other. Between the communication unit 22A and the communication unit 22B, at least one of the access methods or frequency bands may be different, or both may be different. In the following description, when the communication unit 22A and the communication unit 22B are distinguished from each other, they are referred to as the first communication unit 22A and the second communication unit 22B, and when the communication unit 22A and the communication unit 22B are not particularly distinguished from each other, they are referred to as the communication unit 22.

[0045] In the case of a wireless LAN standardized by IEEE 802.11, examples of frequency bands on which the communication unit 22 can communicate include, for example, the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band. Furthermore, examples of access methods in which the communication unit 22 can communicate include a method in which each communication device 10, serving as a slave station STA, autonomously obtains a communication opportunity in a distributed manner and transmits (hereinafter referred to as a random access method), and a method in which each communication device 10, serving as a slave station STA, transmits using a communication opportunity allocated in a centralized manner by a base station AP or the like (hereinafter referred to as a scheduled access method).

[0046] Both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band are so-called unlicensed bands, that is, bands in which a wireless station license is not required and in which users can freely install and use certified devices. The communication device 10 communicates in one of the two unlicensed bands using a random access method and communicates in the other band using a scheduled access method.

[0047] Note that, for example, when performing communication using three or more unlicensed frequency bands, communication device 10 may include three or more communication units 22. As other unlicensed frequency bands, for example, a 6 GHz band may be used.

[0048] The communication unit 22 includes a data processing unit 31, a wireless controller 32, a modulation and demodulation unit 33, a signal processing unit 34, a channel estimation unit 35, and a wireless interface unit 36. i , amplifier unit 37 i and antenna 38 i (i=1, 2, ..., N) Wireless interface unit 36 i , amplifier unit 37 i and antenna 38 i It can be configured as one group, or can be configured as two or more groups. That is, N in the subscript i=1, 2, ..., N is a positive number equal to or greater than 1. It is not necessary to distinguish the wireless interface unit 36 separately. i , amplifier unit 37 i or antenna 38 i In the case of (i=1, 2, ..., N), they are simply referred to as wireless interface unit 36, amplifier unit 37 and antenna unit 38. Note that a set of wireless interface units 36 i , amplifier unit 37 i and antenna 38 i Can be configured as a processing unit. Amplifier unit 37 i The functions may be included in the wireless interface unit 36 i The communication unit 22 is implemented by, for example, a large scale integration (LSI).

[0049] Communication unit 22A and communication unit 22B may be independent components. Some components of communication unit 22A and communication unit 22B may be shared by communication unit 22A and communication unit 22B. For example, data processing unit 31, wireless controller 32, and modulation and demodulation unit 33 may be shared by communication unit 22A and communication unit 22B. Communication unit 22A and communication unit 22B can control each other and exchange information with each other.

[0050] The controller 21 includes, for example, a processor such as a microprocessor and circuits, and comprehensively controls the operation of the entire communication device 10. For example, the controller 21 determines which communication unit 22A or communication unit 22B is to be used for communication and issues instructions to each of the communication units 22A and 22B. Specifically, the controller 21 controls communication using the communication unit 22A or communication unit 22B that is determined to have completed transmission earlier. Furthermore, the controller 21 controls the access method and frequency band for wireless communications performed by the communication units 22A and 22B. Furthermore, the controller 21 controls the power supply unit 23. The controller 21 may be integrated with the wireless controller 32 in the communication units 22A and 22B, or may replace the wireless controller 32 and perform at least some of the functions of the wireless controller 32 in the communication units 22A and 22B. The wireless communication operations described below are performed under the control of the controller 21 and the wireless controller 32 in each communication unit 22.

[0051] The data processing unit 31 of the communication unit 22 generates packets for wireless transmission of data input from the upper layer when sending data, performs various data processing such as adding a MAC header as a header for media access control (MAC), adding an error detection code, etc., and provides the processed data (packets) to the modulation and demodulation unit 33.

[0052] Furthermore, the data processing unit 31 performs data processing such as MAC header analysis, packet error detection, and reordering processing upon data reception, and supplies the processed data to an upper layer.

[0053] The wireless controller 32 exchanges information between the various units in the communication unit 22. For example, the wireless controller 32 sets parameters in the modulation and demodulation unit 33 and the signal processing unit 34, performs packet scheduling in the data processing unit 31, and performs communication between the wireless interface unit 36 and the wireless interface unit 36. i and amplifier unit 37 i Parameters are set and transmit power control is performed.

[0054] When transmitting data, the modulation and demodulation unit 33 encodes, interleaves, and modulates the data input from the data processing unit 31 based on the encoding method and modulation method set by the wireless controller 32 to generate a data symbol stream, and provides the data symbol stream to the signal processing unit 34.

[0055] Furthermore, upon data reception, the modulation and demodulation unit 33 performs processing (decoding and demodulation) opposite to that upon data transmission on the data input from the signal processing unit 34 , and supplies the data obtained thereby to the data processing unit 31 or the wireless controller 32 .

[0056] When data is transmitted, the signal processing unit 34 performs signal processing suitable for spatial separation on the data input from the modulation and demodulation unit 33 as needed, and provides the obtained one or more transmission symbol streams to the wireless interface units 361 to 36 N .

[0057] Furthermore, when receiving data, the signal processing unit 34 receives the data from the wireless interface units 361 to 36 N The incoming received symbol stream is signal processed, the stream is spatially decomposed as needed, and the data is provided to the modulation and demodulation unit 33.

[0058] The channel estimation unit 35 estimates the channel information from the wireless interface units 361 to 36 N The complex channel gain information of the propagation path is calculated based on the preamble code part and the training signal part of the input signal. The calculated complex channel gain information is used for demodulation processing in the modulation and demodulation unit 33 and spatial processing in the signal processing unit 34 through the wireless controller 32.

[0059] When data is sent, the wireless interface unit 36 i The input data from the signal processing unit 34 is converted into an analog signal, filtered, up-converted to a carrier frequency, and phase controlled, and the data is supplied to the amplifier unit 37. i .

[0060] In addition, when receiving data, the wireless interface unit 36 i For the amplifier unit 37 i The input is processed in the opposite way to when the data is sent, and the data is provided to the signal processing unit 34 and the channel estimation unit 35.

[0061] When data is transmitted, the amplifier unit 37 i The wireless interface unit 36 i The input analog signal is amplified to a predetermined power and the signal is provided to the antenna 38. i Antenna 38 i The signal is transmitted from the amplifier unit 37 in the form of electromagnetic waves. i Provides analog signal.

[0062] In addition, when receiving data, the amplifier unit 37 i From antenna 38 i The supplied analog signal is amplified to a predetermined power and supplied to the wireless interface unit 36. i Antenna 38 i The transmission signal transmitted from the other communication device 10 in the form of electromagnetic waves is received and the reception signal is supplied to the amplifier unit 37. i.

[0063] Amplifier unit 37 i At least one of the function when data is transmitted or the function when data is received may be included in the wireless interface unit 36. i In addition, both the function at the time of data transmission and the function at the time of data reception are included in the wireless interface unit 36. i In the case where the communication unit 22 is configured without the amplifier unit 37 i . Amplifier unit 37 i At least a part of at least one of the functions of transmitting or receiving may be a component external to the communication unit 22 .

[0064] The power supply unit 23 includes a battery power source or a fixed power source, and supplies power to each unit in the communication device 10 .

[0065] As described above, the configuration operation is Figure 1 The communication device 10 of the base station AP or the slave station STA in the system. In the following description, when the base station AP and the slave station STA are not particularly distinguished, they are referred to as the communication device 10.

[0066] <3. First Communication Processing Example>

[0067] The base station AP and the slave station STA communicate using a random access method on at least one frequency band using multiple unlicensed frequency bands, and communicate using a scheduled access method on at least one other frequency band. If the predicted delay time on the frequency band using the random access method exceeds a certain threshold, the slave station STA can communicate using resources allocated to it on the frequency band using the scheduled access method. It should be noted that resources include time resources related to time, frequency resources related to frequency, spatial stream resources related to spatial streams, and non-orthogonal multiple access resources related to non-orthogonal multiple access. However, the following description will specifically provide an example of allocating time resources for communication.

[0068] (Processing Sequence of First Communication Process)

[0069] refer to Figure 3 As an example of communication between the slave station STA1a and the base station AP1, a communication process (first communication process) using two unlicensed frequency bands and two access methods will be described.

[0070] Figure 3 Ch.1 is a frequency band for communication using a random access method (hereinafter also referred to as a first frequency band). Ch.2 is a frequency band different from Ch.1 and is a frequency band for communication using a scheduled access method (hereinafter also referred to as a second frequency band).

[0071] First, at time t1, the slave station STA1a notifies the base station AP1 of information (Traffic Info) about the traffic handled by the slave station STA1a in a random access manner using the first frequency band. The information about the traffic is information including the characteristics of the data sent and received between the slave station STA1a and the base station AP1, for example, any information including information about the maximum allowable delay time of the data to be sent, information about the priority of the data to be sent, information about the amount of data, and information about the frequency of data generation. The information about the maximum allowable delay time of the data can be determined by an application running in an upper layer. For example, the upper layer is an application that processes moving images. In such an application, the maximum allowable delay time of the data is determined based on the time required for the generation or selection of a frame and assigned to the slave station STA1a. In addition, for example, the information about the maximum allowable delay time of the data can be determined based on the required transmission frequency of a control signal for controlling the mechanical operation of the device.

[0072] The notification of traffic information can be sent as a signal for notifying the information, as part of a signal for establishing a connection, or as part of a signal for transmitting data. Furthermore, the notification of traffic information can be sent in response to a request from base station AP1. The notification of traffic information can be sent in either the first frequency band or the second frequency band.

[0073] At time t2, the base station AP1, having received the traffic information from the slave station STA1a, determines the time resources (allocates time resources) for the slave station STA1a on the second frequency band based on the received traffic information. The time resources can be determined based on the maximum allowable delay time of the data received as part of the traffic information. This determination enables the slave station STA1a to complete data transmission within the maximum allowable delay time.

[0074] After determining the time resource, the base station AP1 notifies the slave station STA1a of information about the resource (Schedule). The information about the resource includes at least information about the time resource, such as the start time of the time resource and the time period of the time resource.

[0075] In addition, the information about resources may include information about frequency resources. For example, the information about frequency resources may include information about center frequency and frequency bandwidth. In addition, the information about resources may include information about spatial stream resources, for example, information identifying a spatial stream.

[0076] Furthermore, the resource information may include information on non-orthogonal multiple access resources, such as information on the interleaving pattern, and information on transmit power. The fact that the resource information is the same as the previously allocated resources may be reported. Furthermore, the resource information may include the fact that no resources have been allocated to the secondary station STA1a on the second frequency band.

[0077] The notification of information about resources can be sent as a signal for notifying information about resources, can be sent as part of a signal for establishing a connection, can be sent as part of a signal that is periodically transmitted such as a beacon frame, or can be sent as part of a signal for sending data. The notification of information about resources can be sent as a unicast addressed to the slave station STA1a, or can be sent to multiple communication devices 10 belonging to a group including the slave station STA1a (group address), or can be sent by broadcast (to a broadcast address) without specifying the communication device 10. The notification of information about resources can be sent in response to the notification of information about traffic that has been notified from the slave station STA1a. The notification of information about resources can be sent on any frequency band of the first frequency band or the second frequency band, can be sent on the same frequency band as the frequency band in which the notification of information about traffic has been notified from the slave station STA1a, or can be sent on a frequency band different from it.

[0078] Assume that at time t3, the upper layer of the slave station STA1a provides transmission data to the slave station STA1a. Specifically, when the slave station STA1a generates transmission data at time t3, the slave station STA1a attempts to obtain a transmission opportunity on the first frequency band based on a collision avoidance mechanism. For example, the collision avoidance mechanism based on back-off processing in the IEEE 802.11 standard can be employed.

[0079] When attempting to obtain a transmission opportunity, if the slave station STA1a detects communication from another communication device 10 (e.g., the slave station STA1b), the slave station STA1a suspends attempts to obtain a transmission opportunity. At this time, the slave station STA1a calculates a period of time (pause hold period) during which the pause is maintained. The pause hold period is calculated based on information about signals included in the communication of the other communication device 10 in communication. If information cannot be obtained from the other communication device 10 in communication, the slave station STA1a sets a predetermined period, for example, as the pause hold period. For example, a transmission prohibition time called a network allocation vector (NAV) can be set as the pause hold period.

[0080] As a result of calculating the pause hold period, assuming that the time until the transmission of the transmission data is completed exceeds the maximum allowable delay time of the aforementioned data, the slave station STA1a uses the time resources allocated to the slave station STA1a on the second frequency band to transmit the data. For example, if the time resources allocated to the slave station STA1a on the second frequency band are the period from time t4 to time t7, the slave station STA1a transmits the transmission data (Data) to the base station AP1 on the second frequency band at time t5 after time t4.

[0081] The period of time until the transmission of the transmission data is completed can be determined, for example, based on the state of the suspended transmission opportunity, the length of the transmission signal including the transmission data, the length of the response signal (Ack) sent from the base station AP1, the period of time until the response signal is sent, etc.

[0082] When transmitting data on the second frequency band, the slave station STA1a may perform carrier sensing before transmitting to confirm that no other communication is in progress.

[0083] The base station AP1 that has received the data from the slave station STA1a on the second frequency band transmits a response signal (Ack) to the slave station STA1a at time t6 based on the reception result.

[0084] In the above example, the slave station STA1a uses the time resources allocated to it to transmit data from itself. However, the slave station STA1a can transmit data based on a signal (transmission induction signal) that induces transmission from the base station AP1. In this case, the base station AP1 transmits the transmission induction signal to the slave station STA1a at the timing of the time resources allocated to the slave station STA1a, and the slave station STA1a then transmits data based on the transmission induction signal. In addition, if a time resource with which transmission can be completed is allocated before obtaining a transmission opportunity to transmit data on the first frequency band, the slave station STA1a can use the time resources on the second frequency band to transmit data without attempting to obtain a transmission opportunity on the first frequency band. This configuration can minimize delay time.

[0085] Multiple time resource allocations can be set for the slave station STA1a on the second frequency band. Other time resources can be determined as time before or after a time resource. When multiple time resources are set, each time resource is set in a manner similar to the case of allocating one time resource as described above. That is, at time t2, the information about resources (Schedule) notified by the base station AP1 to the slave station STA1a includes information about time resources related to multiple time resources. For example, each time resource includes the above-mentioned information about the start time of the time resource, information about the time period of the time resource, etc. In addition, each time resource may include information about the period of multiple time resources (the interval between multiple time resources) and information about the number of time resources. The information about resources may include information about frequency resources in each time resource, information about spatial stream resources, information about non-orthogonal multiple access resources, etc. The information about resources may include using the same frequency resources, spatial stream resources, or non-orthogonal multiple access resources in multiple time resources.

[0086] The slave station STA1a selects a time resource that satisfies the maximum allowable delay time from among the multiple allocated time resources and transmits data. In particular, when selecting a time resource at the earliest time from among the multiple allocated time resources and transmitting data, the delay time can be shortened while ensuring the maximum allowable delay time.

[0087] If the secondary station STA1a, which has completed transmission using resources on the first or second frequency band, has remaining time resources allocated to it on the second frequency band after completing transmission, the secondary station STA1a can notify the base station AP1 via unicast or broadcast that these time resources are no longer needed. With this configuration, the no longer needed time resources on the second frequency band can be used for other communications.

[0088] When there are multiple slave stations STA1 as communication partners of the base station AP1, time resources on the second frequency band can be allocated to each slave station STA1. The resources allocated to each slave station STA1 can be determined so that any of the time resources, frequency resources, spatial stream resources, and non-orthogonal multiple access resources are orthogonal, and the same resources are not allocated. Such determination makes it possible to prevent conflicts in communications between multiple slave stations STA1. In addition, the same resources can be allocated to some of the multiple slave stations STA1. With such a configuration, when some of the slave stations STA1 allocated time resources on the second frequency band complete transmission on the first frequency band, other slave stations STA1 allocated the same time resources can use the idle time resources for communication. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in communication efficiency due to unused time resources on the second frequency band.

[0089] Alternatively, if an integrated communication control device exists that comprehensively controls the slave station STA1a and the base station AP1, the slave station STA1a can notify the integrated communication control device of information about the traffic handled by the slave station STA1a. In this case, the integrated communication control device determines resource allocation, including time resources for the slave station STA1a, on behalf of the base station AP1, and notifies the slave station STA1a of the resource information.

[0090] exist Figure 3 Before the sequence shown in , the slave station STA1a and the base station AP1 can mutually confirm whether communication on the first frequency band and the second frequency band is available and establish a connection on the first frequency band or the second frequency band. Figure 3 Before the sequence, the slave station STA1a and the base station AP1 can mutually confirm whether the function corresponding to the allocation of the above-mentioned time resources is provided.

[0091] (Transmission Processing of Slave Station STA1a)

[0092] Figure 4 The diagram shows Figure 3 Flowchart of the transmission processing of the slave station STA1a as the data transmission side in the sequence described in .

[0093] First, in step S1 , the slave station STA1 a notifies the base station AP1 of information (Traffic Info) on traffic handled by the slave station STA1 a .

[0094] After being notified of the information on the traffic, the slave station STA1a receives the information on the resources transmitted from the base station AP1 in step S2.

[0095] In step S3, the slave station STA1a determines whether transmission data has been generated, that is, whether transmission data has been provided to the slave station STA1a from the upper layer. Subsequently, the process of step S3 is repeated until it is determined that transmission data has been generated. If it is determined that transmission data has been generated, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0096] In step S4 , the slave station STA1 a determines whether there is allocation of time resources in the second frequency band that can complete transmission earlier than obtaining a transmission opportunity and performing transmission in the first frequency band.

[0097] When it is determined in step S4 that there is a time resource allocated on the second frequency band that can complete the transmission earlier, the process proceeds to step S5. The slave station STA1a starts to transmit data using the time resource specified on the second frequency band. After completing the data transmission, Figure 4 The sending process is completed.

[0098] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that no time resource capable of completing transmission earlier is allocated in the second frequency band, the process proceeds to step S6. The slave station STA1a starts obtaining transmission opportunities in the first frequency band based on the collision avoidance mechanism.

[0099] After step S6 , in step S7 , while obtaining a transmission opportunity on the first frequency band, the slave station STA1a determines whether it needs to suppress transmission, in other words, whether communication by another communication device 10 (eg, the slave station STA1b ) is detected.

[0100] If it is determined in step S7 that transmission needs to be suppressed, the process proceeds to step S8. The slave station STA1a determines whether there is allocation of time resources in the second frequency band that can complete transmission earlier than obtaining a transmission opportunity and performing transmission in the first frequency band.

[0101] If it is determined in step S8 that there is a time resource allocated on the second frequency band that can complete transmission earlier, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the slave station STA1a starts transmitting data using the time resource designated on the second frequency band.

[0102] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that transmission does not need to be suppressed, or if it is determined in step S8 that no time resources are allocated on the second frequency band that can complete transmission earlier, the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the slave station STA1a obtains a transmission opportunity on the first frequency band based on the collision avoidance mechanism and starts transmitting data. After completing data transmission, Figure 4 The sending process is completed.

[0103] According to the above-described transmission process, the slave station STA1a transmits data using the frequency band of the first frequency band and the second frequency band, whichever is determined to be capable of completing transmission sooner.

[0104] (Reception Processing by Base Station AP1)

[0105] Figure 5 It is a graphic description Figure 3 Flowchart of the reception processing of the base station AP1 as the data receiving side in the sequence.

[0106] First, in step S21 , the base station AP1 judges whether or not the information on the flow rate has been received from the slave station STA1 a , and waits until it is judged that the information on the flow rate has been received.

[0107] If it is determined in step S21 that the traffic information has been received, the process proceeds to step S22. The base station AP1 obtains the received traffic information and then determines the time resource (allocates the time resource) of the slave station STA1a on the second frequency band based on the obtained traffic information.

[0108] In step S23, the base station AP1 notifies the secondary station STA1a of information about resources. The information about resources includes at least information about time resources of the secondary station STA1a on the second frequency band.

[0109] In step S24, the base station AP1 determines whether data has been received from the slave station STA1a in the first frequency band. If it is determined in step S24 that data has been received from the slave station STA1a in the first frequency band, the process proceeds to step S26 described later.

[0110] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S24 that data has not been received from the slave station STA1a in the first frequency band, the process proceeds to step S25. The base station AP1 determines whether data has been received from the slave station STA1a in the second frequency band.

[0111] When it is determined in step S25 that data has been received from the slave station STA1a on the second frequency band, the process proceeds to step S26. The base station AP1 sends a response signal (Ack) to the slave station STA1a. Therefore, when data is received on the first frequency band or the second frequency band, a response signal (Ack) is sent to the slave station STA1a, and then Figure 5 The receiving process is completed.

[0112] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S25 that no data is received from the slave station STA1a on the second frequency band, Figure 5 The receiving process is completed.

[0113] Figure 6 An example of a signal format of information on traffic (traffic information) to be transmitted from the slave station STA1a to the base station AP1 is shown.

[0114] Signal Type includes information indicating that the signal is a signal for notifying information about traffic. Length includes information about the length of the signal. Maximum Acceptable Delay includes information about the maximum acceptable delay time for data to be transmitted. Priority includes information about the priority of data to be transmitted. Data Amount includes information about the amount of data. Frequency of Data includes information about the frequency of data generation.

[0115] Figure 7 An example of a signal format showing information on resources to be transmitted from the base station AP1 to the slave station STA1a is shown.

[0116] Signal Type includes information indicating that the signal is a signal for notifying information about a resource. Length includes information about the length of the signal.

[0117] The Allocated ID includes information on the identifier of the communication device (the slave station STA1a in this example) to which the resource is allocated.

[0118] Time Resource includes information about time resources. Frequency Resource includes information about frequency resources.

[0119] Spatial Stream Resource includes information about spatial stream resources. NOMA Resource includes information about non-orthogonal multiple access resources.

[0120] Inherit Resource includes information indicating use of the same resource as a resource allocated in the past.

[0121] No Allocation includes information indicating that there is no resource allocation.

[0122] <4. Second Communication Processing Example>

[0123] Next, a second communication processing example will be described.

[0124] In the second communication processing example described below, a predetermined time resource on the second frequency band is allocated to the slave station STA1a in a manner similar to the first communication processing example. However, if it is determined that the time resource on the second frequency band allocated to the slave station STA1a is not being used, the other communication device 10 uses such time resource for communication.

[0125] As another communication device 10 that performs communication by using unused time resources allocated to the slave station STA1 a , an example in which the base station AP2 and the slave station STA2 perform communication will be described.

[0126] (Processing Sequence of Second Communication Process)

[0127] refer to Figure 8 The second communication process performed by the base station AP1 and the slave station STA1a and by the base station AP2 and the slave station STA2 is described. Note that in the second communication process, operations of portions not described below are the same as those in the first communication process described above.

[0128] Figure 8 Ch.1 and Ch.2 in Figure 3 That is, Ch.1 is a frequency band (first frequency band) for communication between the base station AP1 and the slave station STA1a using a random access scheme. Ch.2 is a frequency band different from Ch.1 and is a frequency band (second frequency band) for communication between the base station AP1 and the slave station STA1a using a scheduled access scheme.

[0129] First, at time t41 , the slave station STA1 a notifies the base station AP1 of information (Traffic Info) on traffic handled by the slave station STA1 a using a random access method using the first frequency band.

[0130] At time t42 , the base station AP1 , which has received the information on the traffic from the slave station STA1 a , determines the time resource of the slave station STA1 a on the second frequency band (allocates the time resource) based on the received information on the traffic.

[0131] After determining the time resources, base station AP1 then notifies the slave station STA1a of the resource information (Schedule). In this case, base station AP1 transmits the information to multiple slave stations STA belonging to the group that includes slave station STA1a (group address) or broadcasts the information without specifying the communication device 10 (broadcast address). The group address or broadcast address includes at least slave station STA2, to which no time resources on the second frequency band have been allocated. Therefore, slave station STA2 can also learn about the time resources on the second frequency band allocated to slave station STA1a.

[0132] The information about resources transmitted from the base station AP1 may include information indicating that a communication device 10 (e.g., the slave station STA2) to which time resources on the second frequency band are not allocated can communicate by using at least any of the time resources allocated to other communication devices 10. Furthermore, the information about resources may include information about a communication method used when a communication device 10 to which time resources are not allocated communicates. For example, such information about a communication method includes information about a method for obtaining a transmission opportunity. For example, the information about a transmission opportunity obtaining method may include information about a collision avoidance mechanism and information about a minimum waiting time until transmission begins. Furthermore, the information about the collision avoidance mechanism includes, for example, information about whether a collision avoidance mechanism is implemented, information about parameters used in the collision avoidance mechanism, and the like.

[0133] Assume that at time t43, the upper layer of the slave station STA1a provides transmit data to the slave station STA1a. Specifically, when transmit data is generated in the slave station STA1a at time t43, the slave station STA1a attempts to obtain a transmit opportunity on the first frequency band based on the collision avoidance mechanism. Subsequently, the slave station STA1a obtains the transmit opportunity and then transmits the transmit data (Data) to the base station AP1 on the first frequency band at time t44. The base station AP1 receives the data from the slave station STA1a on the first frequency band and, based on the reception result, transmits a response signal (Ack) to the slave station STA1a at time t45.

[0134] The slave station STA1a has already transmitted data on the first frequency band. This results in a state where the time resources allocated to the slave station STA1a on the second frequency band, specifically, the period from time t46 to time t49, are not used. The slave station STA1a may transmit or broadcast information indicating that the time resources allocated to the slave station STA1a on the second frequency band are no longer needed to the multiple communication devices 10 belonging to the group.

[0135] At time t46, the slave station STA2 determines that no other communication is taking place during the time resources allocated to the slave station STA1a on the second frequency band, and obtains a transmission opportunity. This determination that no other communication is taking place during the time resources allocated to the slave station STA1a on the second frequency band is based on information regarding the resources notified by the base station AP1, or information notified by the slave station STA1a indicating that the time resources are no longer needed. Alternatively, this determination can be made by detecting that no other communication is taking place through carrier sensing. The transmission opportunity can be obtained based on information included in the resource information regarding a method for obtaining a transmission opportunity when a communication device 10 to which no resources are allocated is communicating.

[0136] Slave station STA2, having obtained the transmission opportunity, communicates within the time resource from time t46 to time t49. Specifically, communication is adjusted so that the length of the transmitted signal, the length of the response signal to the transmitted signal, and the time until the response signal is transmitted do not exceed the period from time t46 to time t49, and then communication is performed. At time t47, slave station STA2 transmits data to base station AP2 on the second frequency band. Base station AP2 receives the data from slave station STA2 and then transmits a response signal (Ack) to slave station STA2 at time t48. The time until slave station STA2 receives the response signal is adjusted to not exceed time t49.

[0137] When the remaining time resources after one data transmission is greater than the time used to complete the next data transmission, in other words, when the total time required to obtain a transmission opportunity for the next data transmission, the length of the transmission signal, the length of the response signal to the transmission signal, and the time until the response signal is sent is less than the remaining time of the time resources, the slave station STA2 can obtain a new transmission opportunity.

[0138] It should be noted that in Figure 8 In the example shown in , the other communication devices 10 using the time resources on the second frequency band not used by the slave station STA1a are illustrated as the base station AP2 and the slave station STA2 belonging to a BSS different from that of the slave station STA1a.

[0139] However, other communication devices 10 using the time resources on the second frequency band not used by the slave station STA1a may include a slave station STA1b belonging to the same BSS as the slave station STA1a. Figure 8 The process of the slave station STA2 described above is the process performed by the slave station STA1b, and the process of the base station AP2 is the process performed by the base station AP1.

[0140] (Reception Processing by Base Station AP1)

[0141] Figure 9 It is an explanation Figure 8 Flowchart of the reception processing of the base station AP1 in the sequence described in .

[0142] It should be noted that Figure 9 The reception process of the base station AP1 in

[0065] also includes a process in the case where the slave station STA1b in the same BSS as the slave station STA1a uses time resources in the second frequency band that are not used by the slave station STA1a.

[0143] First, in step S41 , the base station AP1 judges whether or not the information on the flow rate has been received from the slave station STA1 a , and waits until it is judged that the information on the flow rate has been received.

[0144] When it is determined in step S41 that the information on the traffic has been received, the process proceeds to step S42. The base station AP1 determines the time resource (allocates the time resource) of the slave station STA1a on the second frequency band based on the received information on the traffic.

[0145] In step S43 , the base station AP1 determines a method for obtaining a transmission opportunity when the communication device 10 to which no time resources are allocated performs communication in the second frequency band.

[0146] In step S44, the base station AP1 notifies multiple communication devices 10 of information about resources. The multiple communication devices 10 (e.g., the slave station STA1b, the base station AP2, and the slave station STA2) include the slave station STA1a to which time resources on the second frequency band are allocated. The information about resources includes at least information about the time resources of the slave station STA1a on the second frequency band and information about a method for obtaining a transmission opportunity when a communication device 10 that is not allocated time resources on the second frequency band performs communication.

[0147] In step S45, the base station AP1 determines whether data has been received from the slave station STA1a on the first frequency band. If data has been received from the slave station STA1a on the first frequency band in step S45, the process proceeds to step S46. In step S46, the base station AP1 receives the received data and sends a response signal (Ack) to the slave station STA1a. After step S46, the process proceeds to step S49.

[0148] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S45 that no data has been received from the slave station STA1a on the first frequency band, the process proceeds to step S47. The base station AP1 determines whether data has been received from the slave station STA1a on the second frequency band. When it is determined in step S47 that data has been received from the slave station STA1a on the second frequency band, the process proceeds to step S48. The base station AP1 obtains the received data and sends a response signal (Ack) to the slave station STA1a, and then Figure 9 The reception processing shown in is completed.

[0149] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S47 that no data has been received from the slave station STA1a on the second frequency band, the process proceeds to step S49. The base station AP1 determines whether data has been received from the slave station STA1b on the second frequency band, which has not been allocated time resources. Receiving data from the slave station STA1b means that the time resources allocated to the slave station STA1a on the second frequency band are unused, and the slave station STA1b belonging to the same BSS has transmitted data using these unused time resources.

[0150] When it is determined in step S49 that data has been received from the slave station STA1b to which no time resources have been allocated on the second frequency band, the process proceeds to step S50. The base station AP1 obtains the received data and sends a response signal (Ack) to the slave station STA1b to which no time resources have been allocated, and then Figure 9 The reception processing shown in is completed.

[0151] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S49 that no data is received from the slave station STA1b to which no time resources are allocated on the second frequency band, Figure 9 The receiving process is completed.

[0152] (Transmission Processing by Other Communication Devices 10)

[0153] Figure 10 Yes Figure 8 Flowchart of the transmission processing of the communication device 10 that is not allocated time resources in the second frequency band in the sequence described in . Figure 8 The example corresponds to the processing of the slave station STA2, Figure 9 The flowchart corresponds to the processing of the slave station STA1b. As the processing of the slave station STA1b, the following description will be made.

[0154] First, in step S61, the slave station STA1b determines whether it has received resource information from the base station AP1. This resource information includes at least information about the time resources of the slave station STA1a on the second frequency band and information about a method for obtaining transmission opportunities when a communication device 10 that has not been allocated time resources on the second frequency band is communicating. The process of step S61 is repeated until it is determined that the resource information has been received from the base station AP1. If it is determined in step S61 that the resource information has been received from the base station AP1, the process proceeds to step S62.

[0155] In step S62 , the slave station STA1 b determines that no other communication is being performed in the time resource on the second frequency band allocated to the slave station STA1 a , starts obtaining a transmission opportunity, and then advances the process to step S63 .

[0156] In step S63, the slave station STA1b determines whether it has obtained a transmission opportunity. If it is determined in step S63 that it has not obtained a transmission opportunity, the process proceeds to step S65. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S63 that it has obtained a transmission opportunity, the process proceeds to step S64. The slave station STA1b transmits data to the base station AP1 using the time resources in the second frequency band allocated to the slave station STA1a, and the process then proceeds to step S65.

[0157] In step S65 , the slave station STA1b determines whether the next data transmission can be completed by utilizing the remaining time resources on the second frequency band.

[0158] If, in step S65, it is determined that the remaining time resources on the second frequency band can be used to transmit the next data, the process returns to step S63. The slave station STA1b repeats steps S63 to S65. That is, the slave station STA1b attempts to obtain a transmission opportunity using the remaining time resources and sends the next data to the base station AP1.

[0159] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S65 that the next data transmission cannot be completed using the remaining time resources on the second frequency band, Figure 10 The sending process is completed.

[0160] Figure 11 An example of a signal format of information on resources transmitted from the base station AP1 to the plurality of communication devices 10 including the slave station STA1 a in the second communication process is shown.

[0161] Signal Type includes information indicating that the signal is a signal for notifying information about a resource.

[0162] Length includes information about the length of the signal.

[0163] No-allocated Transmission includes information indicating that the communication device 10 to which no resources are allocated can communicate.

[0164] Obtaining Transmission Opportunity includes information on a method of obtaining a transmission opportunity when the communication device 10 to which no resources are allocated performs communication.

[0165] It should be noted that in Figure 8 In the notification of the information about the resource at time t42 described in the first communication process, Figure 7 Information about resources and Figure 11 The information about the resources may be integrated together and sent as one signal of the information about the resources, or may be sent separately.

[0166] According to the wireless communication system 1 including the base station AP and the slave station STA using the communication device 10 as described above, a random access method that can reduce the delay time and a scheduled access method that can guarantee the worst value of the delay time can be used simultaneously to achieve stable low-delay communication on the unlicensed frequency band.

[0167] Furthermore, as in the second communication processing example, when time resources on the frequency band (the second frequency band in the above example) using the scheduled access method that have been allocated to a predetermined slave station STA are not being used, other communication devices 10 use the unused time resources for communication. This increases the frequency with which resources (time resources) secured on the frequency band using the scheduled access method are used, thereby preventing a decrease in communication efficiency due to unused resources.

[0168] In the first communication processing example described above, the same time resource is allocated to multiple slave stations STA. This also increases the frequency of using the resources (time resources) secured in the frequency band using the scheduled access method, making it possible to prevent a decrease in communication efficiency due to unused resources.

[0169] Note that, in the above example, the slave station STA transmits information on traffic (Traffic Info), the base station AP allocates time resources based on the information on traffic, and transmits information on resources (Schedule).

[0170] However, these can be reversed. That is, the base station AP can transmit information about traffic so that the slave station STA can allocate time resources based on the information about traffic and can transmit information about resources.

[0171] It should be noted that the communication device 10 may be configured as a part of a device constituting a base station AP or a slave station STA (e.g., a communication module, a communication chip, etc.). In addition, the communication device 10, the base station AP, or the slave STA may be configured as (a part of) an electronic device having a wireless communication function, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a digital camera, a game console, a television receiver, a wearable terminal, or a speaker device.

[0172] In the above description, communication refers not only to wireless communication but also to a mixture of wireless communication and wired communication, that is, wireless communication is performed in one area and wired communication is performed in another area. Furthermore, communication from one device to another may be performed via wired communication, while communication from another device to one device may be performed via wireless communication.

[0173] The embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present technology.

[0174] In this specification, of course, the steps described in the flowchart are performed sequentially according to the described order, but these steps do not necessarily need to be performed sequentially and may be performed in parallel, at necessary timing when a call is made, and the like.

[0175] It is to be noted that the effects described in this specification are merely non-limiting examples, and there may be effects other than the effects described in this specification.

[0176] It is to be noted that the present technology may also have the following configurations. (1)

[0178] A communication device, comprising:

[0179] a first communication unit configured to communicate on a first frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band;

[0180] a second communication unit configured to communicate on a second frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band different from the first frequency band; and

[0181] The controller is configured to control, based on the information on the resources on the second frequency band transmitted from the first communication device, to transmit data using either the communication on the first frequency band or the communication on the second frequency band. (2)

[0183] According to the communication device described in (1) above,

[0184] wherein the first communication unit communicates on the first frequency band in a first manner of autonomously distributing communication opportunities, and

[0185] The second communication unit communicates in the second frequency band in a second manner using the communication opportunity allocated by the first communication device. (3)

[0187] According to the communication device described in (1) or (2) above,

[0188] The controller controls the data to be transmitted using the frequency band determined to have completed transmission earlier, out of the communication on the first frequency band and the communication on the second frequency band. (4)

[0190] According to the communication device described in any one of (1) to (3) above,

[0191] The controller enables the first communication unit or the second communication unit to send information about traffic to the first communication device. (5)

[0193] According to the communication device described in any one of (1) to (4) above,

[0194] The controller uses the second frequency band for communication based on the information about the resources during the period when transmission on the first frequency band is suppressed. (6)

[0196] According to the communication device described in any one of (1) to (5) above,

[0197] Wherein, when it is determined that the resource allocation of the second communication device is not used, the controller controls so that the resources of the second communication device are used for communication. (7)

[0199] According to the communication device described in (6) above,

[0200] The determination that the resource allocation of the second communication device is not in use is performed based on carrier sensing. (8)

[0202] According to the communication device described in (6) or (7) above,

[0203] Wherein, when it is determined that the resource allocation of the second communication device is not in use, the communication is performed within the resource allocated to the second communication device. (9)

[0205] According to the communication device described in any one of (6) to (8) above,

[0206] The communication when determining that the resource allocation of the second communication device is not in use is performed based on information about the communication method of the communication device to which the resource is not allocated. (10)

[0208] According to the communication device described in (9) above,

[0209] The information about the communication method of the communication device to which resources are not allocated includes information about a method for obtaining a transmission opportunity. (11)

[0211] A communication method performed by a communication device, the communication device comprising:

[0212] a first communication unit configured to communicate on a first frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band; and

[0213] a second communication unit configured to communicate on a second frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band different from the first frequency band,

[0214] The communication method comprises:

[0215] Based on the information on the resources on the second frequency band transmitted from the first communication device, control is performed so that data is transmitted using either the communication on the first frequency band or the communication on the second frequency band. (12)

[0217] A communication device, comprising:

[0218] a first communication unit configured to communicate on a first frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band;

[0219] a second communication unit configured to communicate on a second frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band different from the first frequency band; and

[0220] The controller is configured to allocate resources of the other communication devices on the second frequency band based on information about traffic volume obtained from the other communication devices via the first communication unit or the second communication unit. (13)

[0222] According to the communication device described in (12) above,

[0223] wherein the first communication unit communicates on the first frequency band in a first manner in which the other communication devices autonomously and distributedly obtain communication opportunities, and

[0224] The second communication unit performs communication in the second frequency band in a second method in which the other communication device performs communication using resources allocated by the communication device. (14)

[0226] According to the communication device described in (12) or (13) above,

[0227] The allocation of resources of the other communication devices is determined based on a maximum allowable delay time of data included in the information about traffic. (15)

[0229] According to the communication device described in any one of (12) to (14) above,

[0230] The allocation of resources to the other communication devices includes allocating the same resources to a plurality of the other communication devices. (16)

[0232] According to the communication device described in any one of (12) to (15) above,

[0233] Information on allocation of resources of the other communication device is sent to a plurality of communication devices including the other communication device. (17)

[0235] According to the communication device described in (16) above,

[0236] The information on allocation of resources of the other communication devices includes information indicating that other communication devices to which resources are not allocated are allowed to communicate. (18)

[0238] According to the communication device described in (16) or (17) above,

[0239] The information on resource allocation of the other communication devices includes information on a communication method used when the other communication devices to which resources are not allocated perform communication. (19)

[0241] According to the communication device described in (18) above,

[0242] The information about the communication method includes information about a method for obtaining a transmission opportunity. (20)

[0244] A communication method performed by a communication device, the communication device comprising:

[0245] a first communication unit configured to communicate on a first frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band; and

[0246] a second communication unit configured to communicate on a second frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band different from the first frequency band,

[0247] The communication method comprises:

[0248] Allocation of resources of the other communication device on the second frequency band is performed based on information on traffic volume obtained from the other communication device via the first communication unit or the second communication unit.

[0249] Reference Signs List

[0250] 1: Wireless communication system; AP (AP1, AP2): Base station; STA (STA1a, STA1b, STA2): Slave station; 10: Communication device; 21: Controller; 22 (22A, 22B): Communication unit; 31: Data processing unit; 32: Wireless controller

Claims

1. A communication device, comprising: a first communication unit configured to communicate on a first frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band; a second communication unit configured to communicate on a second frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band different from the first frequency band; as well as a controller configured to control, based on information about resources on the second frequency band transmitted from the first communication device, so that data is transmitted using either the communication on the first frequency band or the communication on the second frequency band; The first communication unit communicates on the first frequency band in a first manner of autonomously distributing and obtaining communication opportunities, The second communication unit communicates in the second frequency band in a second manner using the communication opportunity allocated by the first communication device, and The controller performs control so that data is transmitted using a frequency band determined to have completed transmission earlier, of communication on the first frequency band and communication on the second frequency band.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, in, The controller causes the first communication unit or the second communication unit to transmit information about traffic to the first communication device.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, in, The controller communicates using the second frequency band based on the information about the resources during a period in which transmission on the first frequency band is refrained.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, in, When it is determined that the resource allocation of the second communication device is not in use, the controller controls so that the resources of the second communication device are used for communication.

5. The communication device according to claim 4, in, The determination that the resource allocation of the second communication device is not in use is performed based on carrier sensing. The communication device according to claim 4 , in, The communication when it is determined that the resource allocation of the second communication device is not in use is performed within the resources allocated to the second communication device.

7. The communication device according to claim 4, in, The communication in the case where it is determined that the resource allocation of the second communication device is not in use is performed based on information on the communication method of the communication device to which the resource is not allocated.

8. The communication device according to claim 7, in, The information on the communication method of the communication device to which resources are not allocated includes information on a transmission opportunity acquisition method.

9. A communication method performed by a communication device, the communication device comprising: a first communication unit configured to communicate on a first frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band; as well as a second communication unit configured to communicate on a second frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band different from the first frequency band, The communication method comprises: Based on information about resources on the second frequency band transmitted from the first communication device, control is performed so that data is transmitted using either communication on the first frequency band or communication on the second frequency band. The first communication unit communicates on the first frequency band in a first manner of autonomously distributing and obtaining communication opportunities, The second communication unit communicates in the second frequency band in a second manner using the communication opportunity allocated by the first communication device, and Control is performed so that data is transmitted using the frequency band determined to have completed transmission earlier, out of the communication on the first frequency band and the communication on the second frequency band.

10. A communication device comprising: a first communication unit configured to communicate on a first frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band; a second communication unit configured to communicate on a second frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band different from the first frequency band; as well as a controller configured to allocate resources of the other communication devices on the second frequency band based on information about traffic obtained from the other communication devices via the first communication unit or the second communication unit, wherein The first communication unit communicates on the first frequency band in a first manner in which communication opportunities are autonomously distributed by the other communication devices. The second communication unit communicates on the second frequency band in a second manner in which the other communication device communicates using resources allocated by the communication device, and The other communication device performs control to transmit data using the frequency band determined to have completed transmission earlier, of the communication on the first frequency band and the communication on the second frequency band.

11. The communication device according to claim 10, in, Allocation of resources of the other communication devices is determined based on a maximum allowable delay time of data included in the information about traffic.

12. The communication device according to claim 10, in, The allocating of resources to the other communication devices includes allocating the same resources to a plurality of the other communication devices.

13. The communication device according to claim 10, in, Information on allocation of resources of the other communication apparatus is transmitted to a plurality of communication apparatuses including the other communication apparatus.

14. The communication device according to claim 13, in, The information on allocation of resources to the other communication devices includes information indicating that the other communication devices to which resources are not allocated are allowed to communicate.

15. The communication device according to claim 13, in, The information on allocation of resources to the other communication devices includes information on a communication method when the other communication devices to which resources are not allocated perform communication.

16. The communication device according to claim 15, in, The information about the communication method includes information about a transmission opportunity acquisition method.

17. A communication method performed by a communication device, the communication device comprising: a first communication unit configured to communicate on a first frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band; as well as a second communication unit configured to communicate on a second frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band different from the first frequency band, The communication method comprises: Allocation of resources of the other communication device on the second frequency band is performed based on information on traffic obtained from the other communication device via the first communication unit or the second communication unit, wherein The first communication unit communicates on the first frequency band in a first manner in which communication opportunities are autonomously distributed by the other communication devices. The second communication unit communicates on the second frequency band in a second manner in which the other communication device communicates using resources allocated by the communication device, and The other communication device performs control to transmit data using the frequency band determined to have completed transmission earlier, of the communication on the first frequency band and the communication on the second frequency band.

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