Communication control device, communication control method, communication terminal and communication method

Abstract

The present technology relates to a communication control device and method and a communication terminal and method that can smoothly switch an access point as a connection destination. The communication control device causes the second communication device to generate a switching response frame indicating a connection switching response and send it to the communication terminal based on information related to the connection between the first communication device and the communication terminal, and the communication terminal is used to switch the connection destination from the first communication device to the second communication device. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a communication system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to a communication control device, a communication control method, a communication terminal, and a communication method, and particularly to a communication control device, a communication control method, a communication terminal, and a communication method that enable smooth switching of an access point serving as a connection destination. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, multiple access points (hereinafter, referred to as APs) are installed even in homes. A wireless communication terminal (hereinafter, referred to as STA) such as a smartphone may have a change in communication quality depending on the distance from the AP due to movement, etc. Therefore, in the STA, it is desired to quickly switch the connection destination in such a manner that the STA can connect to the AP that is most suitable for itself.

[0003] In BSS Transition Management defined by IEEE 802.11k, in order for an STA to switch a connection destination AP, it is necessary to exchange a plurality of frames to establish a connection between the STA and the connection destination AP, and to generate a section in which data communication cannot be performed.

[0004] In view of the above situation, Patent Document 1 proposes a technology that does not perform new device authentication and connection establishment when the terminal switches the connection destination AP by sharing information required to establish a connection with the terminal with a base station.

[0005] Reference List

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-46849 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the present invention

[0009] In the technology of Patent Document 1, the terminal is not notified that the connection destination AP has been switched. Therefore, the terminal cannot recognize that the connection destination AP has been switched, and there is a concern that the terminal sends data to the original connection destination AP or cannot receive data sent from the new connection destination AP.

[0010] Therefore, switching of the connection destination is limited to switching in such an environment that the address of the switching source AP and the address of the switching destination AP are the same, for example.

[0011] The present technology is designed in view of such circumstances, and enables smooth switching of an access point serving as a connection destination.

[0012] Solution to the problem

[0013] According to one aspect of the present technology, a communication control device includes: a control unit configured to cause a second communication device to generate a switching response frame indicating a response to a connection switch to be sent to the communication terminal based on information about a connection between a first communication device and a communication terminal, wherein the communication terminal is configured to switch a connection destination from the first communication device to the second communication device.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present technology, a communication terminal includes: a receiving unit configured to receive a switching response frame, which is a switching response frame indicating a response to a connection switch that is generated and sent by a second communication device based on information about a connection with a first communication device; and a control unit configured to switch a connection destination from the first communication device to the second communication device when the switching response frame is decoded.

[0015] In one aspect of the present technology, based on information about a connection between a first communication device and a communication terminal, a switching response frame indicating a response to a connection switching is generated by a second communication device and is sent to a communication terminal, the communication terminal being configured to switch a connection destination from the first communication device to the second communication device.

[0016] In another aspect of the present technology, a switching response frame is received, the switching response frame being generated and sent by the second communication device as a response indicating a connection switching based on information about the connection with the first communication device. When the switching response frame is decoded, the connection destination is switched from the first communication device to the second communication device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system of the present technology.

[0018] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication device.

[0019] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication control device.

[0020] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication terminal.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a sequence diagram that describes a series of general operations for switching the connection destination.

[0022] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a frame format of a BSS transfer inquiry frame.

[0023] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a frame format of a BSS transfer request frame.

[0024] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a frame format of a BSS transfer response frame.

[0025] Fig. 9 : is a diagram illustrating a sequence of a series of operations for switching a connection destination according to the first embodiment of the present technology.

[0026] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a frame format of a switching inquiry frame.

[0027] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a frame format of a switching request frame.

[0028] Fig.12 is a flowchart describing the processing of the controller.

[0029] Fig.13 is a flow chart describing the processing of the AP.

[0030] Fig.14 is a flowchart describing the processing of STA.

[0031] Fig.15 is a sequence diagram describing a series of operations of switching a connection destination according to the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0032] Fig.16 is a sequence diagram describing a series of operations of switching a connection destination according to the third embodiment of the present technology.

[0033] Fig.17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present technology will be described. The description will be given in the following order.

[0035] 0. System and device configuration examples

[0036] 1. First Embodiment (Example Starting from STA)

[0037] 2. Second Embodiment (Example Starting from AP)

[0038] 3. Third Embodiment (Example Started by Controller)

[0039] 4. Fourth Embodiment (Computer)

[0040] <0. System and device configuration examples>

[0041] <Configuration Example of Communication System>

[0042] Figure 1is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0043] Figure 1 The communication system shown in has a configuration in which access points (hereinafter, referred to as APs) 1 and 2 and a controller are connected by wired communication or wireless communication. In addition, the communication system has a configuration in which APs 1 and 2 and STAs as communication terminals are connected by wireless communication.

[0044] AP 1 and AP 2 are communication devices that control the network within the accessible range of each radio wave. A controller is a communication control device that controls the communication of multiple APs. STA is a communication device that operates as a communication terminal belonging to a network managed by an AP and acts as a client. For example, STA has a configuration that can be carried by a user. A basic service set (BSS) includes APs and STAs.

[0045] Note that in Figure 1 In the embodiment, the controller is formed as a single body as a communication control device, but because the controller is defined as an entity, the controller can be formed as a function of a communication device used as any AP. In addition, the communication control device can perform both the execution of the operation of the controller and the execution of the operation of the AP.

[0046] Hereinafter, a description will be given by way of an example in which AP 1 connects with a STA and performs communication, and the STA that has moved according to the movement of a user switches the connection destination from AP 1 to AP 2. AP 1 is a switching source AP and AP 2 is a switching destination AP.

[0047] As indicated by the solid arrow, the AP 1 performs communication with the STA. In response to a BSS Transfer Query (BSS Transfer Management Query) frame transmitted from the STA, the AP 1 transmits a Switch Query frame for switching the connection destination of the STA to the controller.

[0048] The BSS transfer query frame is a frame describing information related to the query of the STA transferring from the BSS of AP 1 to the BSS of AP 2. In addition to the information included in the BSS transfer query frame, the handover query frame also includes information about the connection that has been used for the connection between AP 1 and the STA. The details of the information about the connection will be described later.

[0049] In response to the switching request frame transmitted from the controller requesting switching of the connection destination of the STA, the AP 2 transmits to the STA a switching response frame indicating that a response can be given to switching the connection destination.

[0050] The controller receives the handover query frame sent from AP 1. The controller acquires information about the connection from the handover query frame. The controller sends a handover request frame including information about the connection to AP 2, so that AP 2 generates a handover response frame based on the information about the connection included in the handover request frame.

[0051] In the case where the communication quality with AP 1 is degraded, the STA transmits a BSS transfer query frame to AP 1. The STA receives a switching response frame transmitted from AP 2. In the case where the switching response frame transmitted from AP 2 is addressed to itself and the switching response frame can be decoded based on the information about the connection that has been used for the connection between AP 1 and the STA, the STA switches the connection destination to AP 2, as indicated by the dotted arrow.

[0052] As described above, the STA can smoothly switch the connection destination AP.

[0053] Note that, Figure 1 The number of communication devices and the positional relationship between them are examples and are not limited to Figure 1 Those shown in .

[0054] <Configuration Example of Communication Equipment>

[0055] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication device.

[0056] Figure 2 The communication device 21 shown in FIG. 2 is a device operating as an AP.

[0057] The communication device 21 includes a control unit 31 , a data processing unit 32 , a wireless communication unit 33 , and a wired communication unit 34 .

[0058] The control unit 31 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The control unit 31 controls the operation of the entire communication device 21 by executing a program stored in the ROM or the like.

[0059] For example, the control unit 31 controls each unit to generate a handover inquiry frame including information such as a common key used for connection with the STA.

[0060] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 31 controls the data processing unit 32 to generate a packet that enables the STA to perform decoding based on information about connection that has been used for connection between other APs and STAs. The control content to be notified to the controller or STA is also determined by the control unit 31.

[0061] The data processing unit 32 performs processing on various data signals to be transmitted and received. Specifically, the data processing unit 32 performs processing to generate a data signal to be transmitted by including it in a packet, and processing to extract a data signal from a decoded received signal. The data signal includes both communication data to be exchanged between the backhaul line and the STA and control data including control contents determined by the control unit 31.

[0062] The wireless communication unit 33 performs communication with STAs existing under the network. In addition, the wireless communication unit 33 also performs communication with other APs or controllers included in the network. The wireless communication unit 33 includes a wireless receiving unit 41 and a wireless transmitting unit 42.

[0063] The wireless reception unit 41 performs RF processing and digital conversion on a received signal supplied from an antenna, and extracts a data signal including a packet.

[0064] The wireless transmission unit 42 performs analog conversion and RF processing on the data signal including the packet generated by the data processing unit 32, generates a transmission signal, and outputs the transmission signal to the antenna.

[0065] The antenna releases the transmission signal generated by the wireless transmission unit 42 as electromagnetic waves. In addition, the electromagnetic waves received by the antenna are output to the wireless reception unit 41 as received signals.

[0066] The wired communication unit 34 mainly performs communication with a backhaul line, or performs communication with an AP or a controller included in a network. The wired communication unit 34 includes a wired reception unit 43 and a wired transmission unit 44.

[0067] The wired receiving unit 43 extracts a data signal from a received signal acquired via a wired cable. The wired transmitting unit 44 generates a transmission signal to be output to the wired cable according to the data signal generated by the data processing unit 32.

[0068] Note that the communication device 21 includes one wireless communication unit 33 and one wired communication unit 34, but may also include multiple wireless communication units 33 and multiple wired communication units 34. For example, in the case where the communication device 21 includes multiple wired communication units 34, the multiple wired communication units 34 may be configured to selectively use the connection with the backhaul line and the connection with the controller. In the case where the communication device 21 includes multiple wireless communication units 33, the multiple wireless communication units 33 may be configured to cover corresponding different frequencies (2.4 GHz band / 5 GHz band).

[0069] <Configuration Example of Communication Control Device>

[0070] Figure 3is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication control device.

[0071] Figure 3 The communication control device 51 shown in FIG. 5 is a device operating as a controller.

[0072] The communication control device 51 includes a control unit 31 , a data processing unit 32 , a wireless communication unit 33 , a wired communication unit 34 , and a network control unit 61 . Figure 3 The configuration of the communication control device 51 shown in Figure 2 The configuration of the communication device 21 shown in FIG. 2 is different in that a network control unit 61 is provided.

[0073] exist Figure 3 The configuration shown is similar to the reference Figure 2 The same configurations as those described are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be appropriately omitted.

[0074] For example, Figure 3 The control unit 31 in the AP controls each unit to generate a handover request frame including information such as a common key used for connection between the AP and the STA.

[0075] The wireless communication unit 33 performs communication with an AP or a STA included in the network.

[0076] The wired communication unit 34 mainly performs communication with a backhaul line, or performs communication with an AP or a STA included in the network.

[0077] The network control unit 61 performs information collection from APs included in the same network and various types of control. For example, in the network control unit 61, information such as link information is collected, and frequency control and the like are performed.

[0078] Furthermore, when the network control unit 61 receives information about the connection between the AP and the STA, the network control unit 61 controls the data processing unit 32 to cause the handover destination AP to generate a handover response frame to be transmitted to the STA.

[0079] Note that the communication control device 51 only needs to be a device including the network control unit 61 and only needs to include at least one of the wireless communication unit 33 or the wired communication unit 34. In addition, in the case where the communication control device 51 includes the wireless communication unit 33, the communication control device 51 can also operate as an AP.

[0080] <Configuration Example of Communication Terminal>

[0081] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication terminal.

[0082] Figure 4 The communication terminal 81 shown in FIG. 8 is a device operating as a STA.

[0083] The communication terminal 81 includes a control unit 31, a data processing unit 32, and a wireless communication unit 33. Figure 4 The configuration shown is similar to the reference Figure 2 The same configurations as described are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0084] Figure 4 The configuration of the communication terminal 81 shown in Figure 2 The configuration of the communication device 21 shown in FIG. 1 is different in that the wired communication unit 34 is excluded.

[0085] For example, if the communication quality with AP 1 deteriorates, Figure 4 The control unit 31 in the control unit controls each unit to generate a BSS transfer query frame.

[0086] Furthermore, the control unit 31 controls the data processing unit 32 to decode the handover response frame using the same common key as the common key used for the connection between the AP and the STA.

[0087] The wireless communication unit 33 performs communication with an AP or a controller included in the network.

[0088] <1. First Embodiment (Example Starting from STA)>

[0089] First, an example in which the STA initiates switching of the connection destination will be described as a first embodiment.

[0090] <Example of switching the normal connection destination>

[0091] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a sequence of a series of conventional operations for switching a connection destination.

[0092] The AP 1 and the STA are connected and perform communication. In step S1 , the STA receives a downlink (DL) frame transmitted from the AP 1 .

[0093] When the communication quality between AP 1 and STA decreases (such as when the received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the DL frame decreases), or when the user instructs STA to switch the connection destination, in step S2, STA sends a BSS transfer inquiry frame to AP 1.

[0094] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a frame format of a BSS transfer inquiry frame.

[0095] The BSS transfer query frame includes a category, a WNM action, a dialog token, a BSS transfer query reason, and a BSS transfer candidate list entry.

[0096] "Category" and "WNM Action" indicate the contents of the category of the frame.

[0097] The "session token" indicates the transaction number.

[0098] The "BSS transfer inquiry reason" indicates the reason for the connection switching such as a decrease in the reception rate.

[0099] The "BSS transfer candidate list entry" indicates a list of candidates for connection switching destinations.

[0100] exist Figure 5 In step S11, AP 1 receives a BSS transfer query frame sent from a STA.

[0101] In step S12, AP 1 determines AP 2 as the handover destination AP based on the BSS transfer inquiry frame, and transmits a BSS transfer request (BSS transfer management request) frame requesting transfer to AP 2 to the STA.

[0102] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a frame format of a BSS transfer request frame.

[0103] The BSS transfer request frame includes a category, a WNM action, a dialog token, a request mode, a disassociation timer, a validity interval, a BSS termination duration, a session information URL, and a BSS transfer candidate list entry.

[0104] The "category", "WNM action", "dialog token" and "BSS transfer candidate list entry" are similar to the "category", "WNM action" and "dialog token" of the BSS transfer query frame.

[0105] "Request Mode" indicates whether a switching request is issued.

[0106] The "Disassociation Timer" indicates when to send the request frame.

[0107] The "valid interval" indicates a valid period during which the connection destination is to be switched.

[0108] The "BSS termination duration" indicates whether to send a frame immediately or wait to send a frame later.

[0109] The "session information URL" indicates information for connecting to an external network.

[0110] exist Figure 5 In step S3, the STA receives the BSS transfer request frame sent from AP 1.

[0111] In step S4 , the STA returns a BSS transfer response (BSS transfer management request) frame to the AP 1 .

[0112] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a frame format of a BSS transfer response frame.

[0113] The BSS transfer response frame includes the category, WNM action, dialog token, BTM status code, BSS termination delay, target BSSID, and BSS transfer candidate list entries.

[0114] The "category", "WNM action", "dialog token" and "BSS transfer candidate list entry" are similar to the "category", "WNM action" and "dialog token" of the BSS transfer query frame.

[0115] The "BTM status code" indicates the status of the BSS transfer response frame.

[0116] "BSS Termination Delay" indicates the delay time for the connection switching to end.

[0117] "Target BSSID" indicates identification information of a switching destination BSS.

[0118] exist Figure 5 In step S13, AP 1 receives the BSS transfer response frame transmitted from the STA.

[0119] In step S5 , the STA sends a reconnection request frame to the AP 2 .

[0120] If AP 2 receives the reconnection request frame transmitted from the STA in step S21, then in step S22, AP 2 transmits a reconnection response frame to the STA.

[0121] In step S6 , the STA receives the reconnection response frame transmitted from the AP 2 .

[0122] The above-mentioned conventional signal exchange is a method defined in IEEE802.11k.

[0123] In such conventional signal exchange, even if the communication quality of the connection with AP 1 deteriorates, the STA is required to receive a BSS transfer request from AP 1 before switching the connection destination. Therefore, there is a concern that switching of the connection destination takes time or fails.

[0124] In view of the above, in the present technology, based on information about the connection between AP 1 and STA, AP 2 is caused to generate a frame of a response indicating connection switching to be sent to the STA that switches the connection destination from AP 1 to the STA of AP 2.

[0125] Therefore, the STA can receive the response frame generated by the switching destination AP 2 and smoothly switch the connection destination to the AP 2 serving as a new connection destination.

[0126] <First Switching Example of Connection Destination of the Present Technology>

[0127] Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram describing a series of operations for switching a connection destination according to the first embodiment of the present technology.

[0128] The AP 1 and the STA are connected and perform communication. In step S41, the STA receives a DL frame transmitted from the AP 1.

[0129] In a case where the communication quality between the AP 1 and the STA is degraded due to a decrease in the RSSI of the DL frame or the like, the STA transmits a BSS transfer inquiry frame to the AP 1 in step S42 .

[0130] In step S51, AP 1 receives a BSS transfer query frame ( Figure 6 ).

[0131] In step S52, AP 1 transmits a handover query frame to the controller. AP 1 includes information on the connection that has been used for the connection between AP 1 and the STA in the handover query frame in addition to the information included in the BSS transfer query frame, and transmits the handover query frame.

[0132] For example, the information on the connection includes at least one of a common key to be generated through device authentication, a MAC address of the AP 1, a MAC address of the STA, and the like.

[0133] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a frame format of a switching inquiry frame.

[0134] Switches the query frame configuration and Figure 6 The difference between the configuration of the BSS transfer query frame in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is that "connection information" is added.

[0135] The handover query frame includes category, WNM action, dialog token, BSS transfer query reason, BSS transfer candidate list entry and connection information.

[0136] "Connection information" indicates the above-mentioned information about the connection.

[0137] exist Fig. 9 In step S61, the controller receives a handover query frame sent from AP 1.

[0138] In step S62, the controller transmits a switching request frame to the AP 2 which is the connection destination.

[0139] Apart from Figure 7 The handover request frame also includes information on the connection that has been used for the connection between the AP 1 and the STA, in addition to the BSS transfer request frame shown in FIG.

[0140] Note that the determination of the connection destination may be performed by the controller or may be performed by the STA.

[0141] In the case where the controller performs determination of the connection destination, the controller causes the AP 2 to describe, for example, each BSSID of the AP to which the STA can switch the connection destination and its RSSI in the "BSS transfer candidate list entry" of the handover query frame. The controller having received the handover query frame in which each BSSID of the AP to which the STA can switch the connection destination and its RSSI are described can determine the AP with the BSSID having the highest RSSI from among them as the new connection destination.

[0142] Alternatively, the controller may collect information such as a BSS load or a BSS average access delay as information on a BSS including the AP, from an AP to which the controller is connected, and determine a connection destination of the STA based on the collected information.

[0143] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a frame format of a switching request frame.

[0144] The configuration of the switch request frame is Figure 7 The difference in the configuration of the BSS transfer request frame is that the Fig.10 "Connection Information" shown in .

[0145] The handover request frame includes category, WNM action, dialog token, request mode, disassociation timer, validity interval, BSS termination duration, session information URL, BSS transfer candidate list entry and connection information.

[0146] exist Fig. 9 In step S71, AP 2 receives a handover request frame sent from the controller.

[0147] In step S72, the AP 2 generates a handover response frame based on the information on the connection included in the handover request frame, and transmits the generated handover response frame to the STA.

[0148] In step S43, the STA receives the switching response frame transmitted from the AP 2. As a result, the STA switches the connection destination AP.

[0149] Note that the generation of the handover response frame in step S72 is controlled by the transmission of the handover request frame from the controller to the AP 2 in step S62.

[0150] For example, among the pieces of information about the connection, AP 2 encrypts the handover response frame using the same public key as the public key that has been used for the connection between AP 1 and the STA, and transmits the handover response frame in a manner that enables decoding by the STA. In addition, by setting the MAC address of the STA as the destination address, AP 2 transmits the handover response frame in a manner that enables the STA to receive the handover response frame. At least one of these operations is performed by AP 2.

[0151] Note that, in the case where AP 2 cannot accept the STA due to reasons such as the number of STAs existing in the network is already greater than the threshold, AP 2 can describe information indicating that the handover is not executable in the handover response frame and send the handover response frame to the STA.

[0152] In addition, after AP 1 receives the BSS transfer query frame from STA, AP 1 avoids transmission to STA. AP 2 directly or via the controller transmits a handover response frame in which information indicating that handover is not executable is described to AP 1. At this time, AP 1 having received the handover response frame transmits a frame to STA. Therefore, STA can recognize that connection handover has failed by receiving a frame from handover source AP 1.

[0153] Note that in Fig. 9 In the example of FIG. 1 , it is also assumed that AP 1 or AP 2 also serves as a controller. In the case where AP 1 also serves as a controller, AP 1 receives the BSS transfer query frame and sends a handover request frame to AP 2 without sending a handover query frame.

[0154] In addition, in the case where the AP 2 also functions as a controller, the AP 2 receives the handover query frame and transmits a handover response frame to the STA according to the information included in the handover request frame generated by itself.

[0155] <Operation example for each device>

[0156] Fig.12 is a flowchart describing the processing of the controller.

[0157] In some cases, the controller is formed as a single body as a communication control device, but in other cases, the controller is formed of a communication device serving as an AP, and the AP also functions as the controller as described above.

[0158] In step S101, the control unit 31 ( Figure 2 or 3) determine whether the controller is the switching source AP (AP1).

[0159] In a case where it is determined in step S101 that the controller is formed as a single body and is not the switching source AP (AP 1 ), the process proceeds to step S102 .

[0160] In step S102, the wireless receiving unit 41 receives the handover inquiry frame transmitted from the AP 1. The data processing unit 32 generates a handover request frame based on the instruction issued by the control unit 31, the information collected by the network control unit 61, the data extracted from the handover inquiry frame, and the like.

[0161] In the case where it is determined in step S101 that the controller is the switching source AP (AP1), the process proceeds to step S103 by skipping step S102. In this case, the data processing unit 32 generates a switching request frame according to an instruction issued by the control unit 31.

[0162] In step S103 , the control unit 31 determines whether the controller is the switching destination AP (AP 2 ).

[0163] In a case where it is determined in step S103 that the controller is formed as a single body and is not the switching destination AP (AP 2), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0164] In step S104 , the wireless transmission unit 42 transmits the handover request frame generated by the data processing unit 32 to the AP 2 .

[0165] In the case where it is determined in step S103 that the controller is the switching destination AP (AP2), the process proceeds to step S105. In this case, the data processing unit 32 generates a switching response frame based on the instruction issued by the control unit 31, the data extracted from the switching request frame generated by the data processing unit 32, and the like.

[0166] In step S105 , the wireless transmission unit 42 transmits the handover response frame generated by the data processing unit 32 to the STA.

[0167] In the case where the handover request frame is transmitted to the AP 2 in step S104 , or in the case where the handover response frame is transmitted to the STA in step S105 , the processing of the controller ends.

[0168] Fig.13 is a flow chart describing the processing of the AP.

[0169] In step S121, the wireless receiving unit 41 ( Figure 2 ) Determine whether a BSS transfer query frame sent from a STA has been received.

[0170] In the case where it is determined in step S121 that a BSS transfer inquiry frame has been received, the process proceeds to step S122. In this case, the AP is the connection switching source AP 1. The data processing unit 32 generates a switching inquiry frame based on an instruction issued by the control unit 31, data extracted from the BSS transfer inquiry frame received by the wireless receiving unit 41, and the like.

[0171] In step S122 , the wireless transmission unit 42 transmits the handover inquiry frame generated by the data processing unit 32 to the controller.

[0172] In the event that it is determined in step S121 that the BSS transfer inquiry has not been received, the process proceeds to step S123. In this case, the AP is the switching destination AP2.

[0173] In step S123 , the wireless reception unit 41 determines whether a switching request frame transmitted from the controller has been received.

[0174] In the event that it is determined in step S123 that a handover request frame has been received, the process proceeds to step S124. Data processing unit 32 generates a handover response frame based on an instruction issued by control unit 31, data extracted from a handover request frame received by wireless reception unit 41, and the like.

[0175] In step S124 , the wireless transmission unit 42 transmits the handover response frame generated by the data processing unit 32 to the STA.

[0176] In the case where the handover inquiry frame is sent to the controller in step S122, or the handover response frame is sent to the STA in step S124, the processing of the AP ends. Also in the case where it is determined in step S123 that the handover request frame has not been received, the processing of the AP ends similarly.

[0177] Fig.14 is a flowchart describing the processing of STA.

[0178] STA data processing unit 32 ( Figure 4 ) Generates a BSS transfer query frame according to the instruction issued by the control unit 31.

[0179] In step S141 , the wireless transmission unit 42 transmits the BSS transfer inquiry frame generated by the data processing unit 32 to the AP 1 .

[0180] In step S142 , the wireless reception unit 41 determines whether a handover response frame indicating that handover is possible has been received.

[0181] In the case where it is determined in step S142 that a handover response frame indicating that handover is possible has been received, the process proceeds to step S143.

[0182] At this time, as described above, among the multiple pieces of information about the connection between AP 1 and STA, the handover response frame is encrypted using the same public key as the public key used for the connection between AP 1 and STA, and the handover response frame is transmitted in such a manner that it can be decoded by STA. In addition, by setting the MAC address of STA as the destination address, the handover response frame is transmitted in such a manner that STA can receive the handover response frame.

[0183] Therefore, in this case, because STA is set as the destination and the frame can be decoded based on information about the connection between AP 1 and STA, the data processing unit 32 extracts data described in the handover response frame and outputs the extracted data to the control unit 31.

[0184] In step S143, the control unit 31 controls the data processing unit 32 and the wireless communication unit 33 based on the data extracted from the handover response frame to start communication with the AP 2 serving as the new connection destination.

[0185] In a case where communication with the connection destination AP 2 has started in step S143, or in a case where it is determined in step S142 that a handover response frame indicating that handover is possible has not been received, the processing of the STA ends.

[0186] <2. Second Embodiment (Example Starting from AP)>

[0187] Next, an example in which switching of a connection destination is initiated by an AP will be described as a second embodiment.

[0188] <Second Switching Example of Connection Destination of the Present Technology>

[0189] Fig.15 is a sequence diagram describing a series of operations of switching a connection destination according to the second embodiment of the present technology.

[0190] The AP 1 and the STA are connected and perform communication. In step S161, the AP 1 receives an uplink (UL) frame transmitted from the STA.

[0191] In the case where the communication quality between AP 1 and STA is degraded due to a decrease in RSSI of UL frames, etc., AP 1 transmits a handover query frame to the controller in step S162. AP 1 includes information about the connection that has been used for the connection between AP 1 and STA in the handover query frame and transmits the handover query frame.

[0192] In step S171 , the controller receives a handover query frame transmitted from the AP 1 .

[0193] In step S172, the controller transmits a switching request frame to the AP 2 which is the new connection destination.

[0194] The handover request frame also includes information on the connection that has been used for the connection between the AP 1 and the STA in addition to the above-mentioned BSS transfer request frame.

[0195] In step S181, the AP 2 receives a handover request frame transmitted from the controller.

[0196] In step S182, the AP 2 generates a handover response frame based on the information about the connection, and transmits the generated handover response frame to the STA.

[0197] In step S191, the STA receives the switching response frame transmitted from the AP 2. As a result, the STA switches the connection destination AP.

[0198] Note that the generation of the handover response frame in step S182 is controlled by the transmission of the handover request frame from the controller to the AP 2 in step S172.

[0199] In addition, also in Fig.15 In the example, Fig. 9 The example is similar to that of , assuming that AP 1 or AP 2 also serves as a controller.

[0200] <3. Third Embodiment (Example Started by Controller)>

[0201] Next, an example in which switching of a connection destination is initiated by a controller will be described as a third embodiment.

[0202] <Third Switching Example of Connection Destination of the Present Technology>

[0203] Fig.16 is a sequence diagram describing a series of operations of switching a connection destination according to the third embodiment of the present technology.

[0204] The AP 1 and the STA are connected and perform communication. In step S211, the controller transmits a STA Steering Request frame indicating a request to control the STA to the AP 1.

[0205] In step S221, AP 1 receives a STA turn request frame sent from the controller.

[0206] In step S222, the AP 1 sends an acknowledgement (ACK) of the received STA turn request frame to the controller.

[0207] In step S223, the AP 1 transmits a handover query frame to the controller. The AP 1 includes information on the connection that has been used for the connection between the AP 1 and the STA in the handover query frame and transmits the handover query frame.

[0208] In step S212 , the controller receives ACK transmitted from AP 1 .

[0209] In step S213 , the controller receives the handover query frame sent from AP 1 .

[0210] In step S214, the controller transmits a handover request frame to the AP 2 which is the new connection destination. The handover request frame includes information on the connection which has been used for the connection between the AP 1 and the STA in addition to the above-mentioned BSS transfer request frame.

[0211] In step S231, AP 2 receives a handover request frame transmitted from the controller.

[0212] In step S232, the AP 2 generates a handover response frame based on the information about the connection, and transmits the generated handover response frame to the STA.

[0213] In step S241, the STA receives the switching response frame transmitted from the AP 2. As a result, the STA switches the connection destination AP.

[0214] Note that the generation of the handover response frame in step S232 is controlled by the transmission of the handover request frame from the controller to the AP 2 in step S214.

[0215] In addition, also in Fig.16 In the example, Fig. 9 The example is similar to that of , assuming that AP 1 or AP 2 also serves as a controller.

[0216] As described above, according to the present technology, since the STA can switch the connection destination to the switching destination AP without receiving a frame from the switching source AP, the possibility of failure in switching the connection destination can be reduced when the communication quality with the switching source AP is poor.

[0217] Furthermore, since the handover destination AP transmits a frame to the STA using information on the connection between the handover source AP and the STA, it is possible to reduce a frame exchange process for establishing a connection between the STA and the handover destination AP.

[0218] <4. Fourth Embodiment (Computer)>

[0219] <Computer Configuration Example>

[0220] The above series of processing can be executed by hardware, and can be executed by software. In the case where the series of processing is executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed from a program recording medium to a computer incorporated into dedicated hardware or a general-purpose personal computer or the like.

[0221] Fig.17 : is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of hardware of a computer that executes the above-described series of processes according to a program.

[0222] A central processing unit (CPU) 301 , a read only memory (ROM) 302 , and a random access memory (RAM) 303 are connected to one another via a bus 304 .

[0223] The input-output interface 305 is also connected to the bus 304. An input unit 306 including a keyboard, a mouse, etc. and an output unit 307 including a display, a speaker, etc. are connected to the input-output interface 305. In addition, a storage unit 308 including a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, etc., a communication unit 309 including a network interface, etc., and a drive 310 that drives a removable medium 311 are connected to the input-output interface 305.

[0224] In the computer having the above configuration, the above series of processing is performed by the CPU 301 loading a program stored in, for example, the storage unit 308 into the RAM 303 via the input-output interface 305 and the bus 304 and executing the program.

[0225] The program to be executed by the CPU 301 is installed on the storage unit 308 by being recorded on the removable medium 311 , for example, or provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, and digital satellite broadcasting.

[0226] Note that the program to be executed by the computer may be a program according to which the processing is performed in time series in the order described in this specification. Alternatively, the program may be a program according to which the processing is performed in parallel or at a necessary timing such as the timing of execution of a call.

[0227] Note that in this specification, a system refers to a collection of multiple constituent elements (devices, modules (parts), etc.), and it does not matter whether all constituent elements are provided in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices stored in different housings and connected via a network and a single device in which multiple modules are stored in a single housing are both considered systems.

[0228] Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and not limitations, and other effects may be caused.

[0229] The embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present technology.

[0230] For example, the present technology may adopt a configuration of cloud computing in which a single function is shared by a plurality of devices via a network and processes in cooperation with each other.

[0231] Furthermore, in addition to being performed by a single device, each step described in the above flowchart may also be performed by a plurality of devices in a shared manner.

[0232] Furthermore, in the case where a plurality of processes are included in a single step, the plurality of processes included in the single step may be performed by a plurality of devices in a shared manner rather than being performed by a single device.

[0233] <Configuration combination example>

[0234] The present technology can also adopt the following configurations.

[0235] (1) A communication control device comprising:

[0236] A control unit is configured to cause a second communication device to generate a switching response frame indicating a response to a connection switching to be sent to the communication terminal based on information about a connection between the first communication device and a communication terminal, wherein the communication terminal is configured to switch a connection destination from the first communication device to the second communication device.

[0237] (2) The communication control device according to (1) above,

[0238] The information about the connection includes at least one of a public key generated by device authentication, a MAC address of the first communication device, and a MAC address of the communication terminal.

[0239] (3) The communication control device according to (1) or (2) above, further comprising:

[0240] A sending unit is configured to send the switching response frame to the communication terminal.

[0241] (4) The communication control device according to (1) or (2) above, further comprising:

[0242] a sending unit configured to send a switching request frame including the information about the connection and indicating a request for connection switching to the second communication device,

[0243] The control unit enables the second communication device to generate the handover response frame based on the handover request frame.

[0244] (5) The communication control device according to (4) above, further comprising

[0245] a receiving unit configured to receive a transfer query frame indicating a query for connection transfer sent from the communication terminal,

[0246] The control unit generates a switching inquiry frame indicating an inquiry for connection switching based on the transfer inquiry frame.

[0247] (6) The communication control device according to (4) above, further comprising

[0248] a receiving unit configured to receive a handover query frame including the information about the connection and indicating a query for connection transfer, sent from the first communication device,

[0249] The control unit generates the handover request frame based on the handover query frame.

[0250] (7) The communication control device according to (6) above,

[0251] The control unit determines the second communication device based on the handover query frame.

[0252] (8) A communication control method, comprising:

[0253] By communication control equipment,

[0254] Based on information about a connection between a first communication device and a communication terminal, a second communication device is caused to generate a switching response frame indicating a response of connection switching to be sent to the communication terminal, the communication terminal being configured to switch a connection destination from the first communication device to the second communication device.

[0255] (9) A communication terminal comprising:

[0256] a receiving unit configured to receive a handover response frame, the handover response frame being a handover response frame indicating a response to connection handover and being generated and sent by the second communication device based on information about the connection with the first communication device; and

[0257] A control unit is configured to switch a connection destination from the first communication device to the second communication device when the switching response frame is decoded.

[0258] (10) The communication terminal according to (9) above,

[0259] The communication unit further comprises a sending unit, wherein the sending unit is configured to send a transfer query frame indicating a query for connection transfer to the first communication device,

[0260] The receiving unit receives the handover response frame, which is generated and transmitted by the second communication device based on a handover request frame indicating a request for connection handover and including information on a connection added to the inquiry for the connection transfer.

[0261] (11) The communication terminal according to (9) or (10) above,

[0262] The information about the connection includes at least one of a public key generated by device authentication, a MAC address of the first communication device, and its own MAC address.

[0263] (12) A communication method, comprising:

[0264] By the communication terminal,

[0265] receiving a handover response frame, the handover response frame being a handover response frame indicating a response to the connection handover and being generated and transmitted by the second communication device based on the information about the connection with the first communication device, and

[0266] When the switching response frame is decoded, the connection destination is switched from the first communication device to the second communication device.

[0267] Reference numerals list

[0268] 21 Communication equipment

[0269] 31 Control unit

[0270] 32 Data processing unit

[0271] 33 Wireless communication unit

[0272] 34 Wired communication unit

[0273] 41 Wireless receiving unit

[0274] 42 Wireless Transmitter Unit

[0275] 43 Wired receiving unit

[0276] 44 Wired Transmitter Unit

[0277] 51 Communication control equipment

[0278] 61 Network Control Unit

[0279] 81 Communication Terminal

Claims

1. A communication control device, comprising: Transceiver; and A control unit configured to: receiving a handover query frame from the first access point, the handover query frame including information on a connection between the first access point and the communication terminal and indicating a request from the communication terminal to the first access point for transferring a connection destination of the communication terminal from the first access point to another access point, and Based on the handover query frame, a handover request frame including information about a connection between the first access point and the communication terminal and indicating a request for connection handover is transmitted to the second access point, so that the second access point generates a handover response frame and transmits the handover response frame to the communication terminal, the handover response frame indicating that a connection destination of the communication terminal is switched from the first access point to the second access point, the handover response frame being based on the information about the connection between the first access point and the communication terminal included in the handover request frame.

2. The communication control device according to claim 1, The information about the connection includes at least one of a public key generated through device authentication and used for encryption and decoding of the handover response frame, a MAC address of the first access point, and a MAC address of the communication terminal.

3. The communication control device according to claim 1, The control unit determines the second access point based on the handover query frame.

4. A communication control method, comprising: By communication control equipment, receiving a handover query frame from the first access point, the handover query frame including information on a connection between the first access point and the communication terminal and indicating a request from the communication terminal to the first access point for transferring a connection destination of the communication terminal from the first access point to another access point, and Based on the handover query frame, a handover request frame including information about a connection between the first access point and the communication terminal and indicating a request for connection handover is transmitted to the second access point, so that the second access point generates a handover response frame and transmits the handover response frame to the communication terminal, the handover response frame indicating that a connection destination of the communication terminal is switched from the first access point to the second access point, the handover response frame being based on the information about the connection between the first access point and the communication terminal included in the handover request frame.

5. A computer program product comprising computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions cause a communication control device to execute the communication control method according to claim 4.

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