Base stations and terminals

Abstract

The base station (10) of the embodiment includes a first wireless signal processing unit (140), a second wireless signal processing unit (150) and a link management unit (120). The first wireless signal processing unit is configured to be able to transmit and receive wireless signals using a first channel. The second wireless signal processing unit is configured to be able to transmit and receive wireless signals using a second channel different from the first channel. The link management unit manages the link state of the first wireless signal processing unit and the link state of the second wireless signal processing unit. If the link management unit receives a request for multi-link from a terminal, it uses at least one of the first wireless signal processing unit and the second wireless signal processing unit to perform association processing of the first wireless signal processing unit and association processing of the second wireless signal processing unit to establish multi-link with the terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to a base station and a terminal. Background Art

[0002] As a wireless system that wirelessly connects a base station and a terminal, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) is known.

[0003] Non-patent document 1: IEEE Std 802.11-2016, “Figure 4-25 Establishing the IEEE802.11 association” and “11.3 STA authentication and association”, 7 December 2016 Summary of the invention

[0004] The problem of the present invention is to increase the speed and stability of wireless communication.

[0005] The base station of the embodiment includes a first wireless signal processing unit, a second wireless signal processing unit and a link management unit. The first wireless signal processing unit is configured to be able to transmit and receive wireless signals using a first channel. The second wireless signal processing unit is configured to be able to transmit and receive wireless signals using a second channel different from the first channel. The link management unit manages the link state of the first wireless signal processing unit and the link state of the second wireless signal processing unit. If the link management unit receives a request for multiple links from a terminal, it uses at least one of the first wireless signal processing unit and the second wireless signal processing unit to perform association processing of the first wireless signal processing unit and association processing of the second wireless signal processing unit to establish multiple links with the terminal.

[0006] Effects of the Invention

[0007] The base station of the embodiment can improve the speed and stability of wireless communication. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the wireless system according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a base station included in the wireless system according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal included in the wireless system according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4This is a conceptual diagram showing a specific example of the format of a wireless frame in the wireless system according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing an example of the function of a base station included in the wireless system according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing an example of functions of a terminal included in the wireless system according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of multi-link processing in the wireless system according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a table showing an example of link management information of the wireless system according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of multi-link processing in a wireless system according to a modification of the first embodiment.

[0017] Fig.10 This is a block diagram showing an example of the function of a base station included in the wireless system according to the second embodiment.

[0018] Fig.11 This is a block diagram showing an example of functions of a terminal included in the wireless system according to the second embodiment.

[0019] Fig.12 This is a flowchart showing an example of multi-link processing in the wireless system according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Fig.13 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a frequency band used for wireless communication in the wireless system according to the third embodiment.

[0021] Fig.14 This is a table showing an example of link management information of the wireless system according to the third embodiment.

[0022] Fig.15 This is a conceptual diagram showing a specific example of the format of a beacon signal of the wireless system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0023] Fig.16 This is a flowchart showing an example of multi-link processing in the wireless system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0024] Fig.17 This is a flowchart showing a first example of multi-link processing in the wireless system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0025] Fig.18 This is a flowchart showing a second example of the multi-link process in the wireless system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0026] Fig.19 This is a flowchart showing a third example of multi-link processing in the wireless system according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following describes the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each embodiment illustrates an apparatus or method for realizing the technical idea of ​​the invention. The accompanying drawings are schematic or conceptual drawings, and the dimensions and ratios of each drawing are not necessarily limited to being the same as the actual dimensions and ratios. The technical idea of ​​the present invention is not determined by the shape, structure, configuration, etc. of the structural elements. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for structural elements having substantially the same function and structure.

[0028] <1> First embodiment

[0029] Next, a wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0030] <1-1> Configuration of wireless system 1

[0031] Figure 1 An example of the configuration of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the wireless system 1 includes, for example, a base station 10 , a terminal 20 , and a server 30 .

[0032] The base station 10 is connected to the network NW and used as an access point of the wireless LAN. For example, the base station 10 can distribute data received from the network NW to the terminal 20 by wireless means. In addition, the base station 10 can connect to the terminal 20 using one band or multiple bands. In this specification, the wireless connection between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 using multiple bands is referred to as "multi-link". The communication between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 is based on the IEEE802.11 standard, for example.

[0033] The terminal 20 is, for example, a wireless terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet PC. The terminal 20 can transmit and receive data with a server 30 on the network NW via the base station 10 connected wirelessly. In addition, the terminal 20 can be other electronic devices such as a desktop computer and a laptop computer. The terminal 20 can be any device as long as it can at least communicate with the base station 10 and can perform the actions described below.

[0034] The server 30 can store various information, for example, data of content for the terminal 20. The server 30 is, for example, configured to be connected to the network NW by wire, and can communicate with the base station 10 via the network NW. In addition, the server 30 only needs to be able to communicate with the base station 10 at least. That is, the communication between the base station 10 and the server 30 can be either wired or wireless.

[0035] <1-1-1> Configuration of Base Station 10

[0036] Figure 2 FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the base station 10 included in the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the base station 10 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13 , a wireless communication component 14 , and a wired communication component 15 .

[0037] The CPU 11 is a circuit capable of executing various programs and controls the operation of the entire base station 10. The ROM 12 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory and stores programs, control data, etc. for controlling the base station 10. The RAM 13 is, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory and is used as a work area of ​​the CPU 11. The wireless communication component 14 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data based on wireless signals and is connected to an antenna. In addition, the wireless communication component 14 includes, for example, a plurality of communication components corresponding to a plurality of frequency bands. The wired communication component 15 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data based on wired signals and is connected to the network NW.

[0038] <1-1-2> Regarding the structure of the terminal 20

[0039] Figure 3 FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the terminal 20 included in the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the terminal 20 includes, for example, a CPU 21 , a ROM 22 , a RAM 23 , a wireless communication module 24 , a display 25 , and a storage 26 .

[0040] The CPU 21 is a circuit capable of executing various programs and controls the operation of the entire terminal 20. The ROM 22 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory and stores programs, control data, etc. for controlling the terminal 20. The RAM 23 is, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory and is used as a work area of ​​the CPU 21. The wireless communication component 24 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data based on wireless signals and is connected to an antenna. In addition, the wireless communication component 24 includes, for example, a plurality of communication components corresponding to a plurality of frequency bands respectively. The display 25 displays, for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) corresponding to the application software. The display 25 may have a function as an input interface of the terminal 20. The storage 26 is a non-volatile storage device and stores, for example, system software of the terminal 20.

[0041] <1-2> Operation of wireless system 1

[0042] The wireless system 1 involved in the first embodiment performs data communication based on the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) reference model. In the OSI reference model, the communication function is divided into 7 layers (Layer 1: Physical layer, Layer 2: Data link layer, Layer 3: Network layer, Layer 4: Transport layer, Layer 5: Session layer, Layer 6: Display layer, Layer 7: Application layer). The data link layer includes, for example, an LLC (Logical Link Control) layer and a MAC (Media Access Control) layer. In this specification, Layers 3 to 7 are referred to as "upper layers" based on the data link layer.

[0043] <1-2-1> About the format of wireless frames

[0044] Figure 4 A specific example of the format of the wireless frame of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the wireless frame includes, for example, a Frame Control field, a Duration field, an Address1 field, an Address2 field, an Address3 field, a Sequence Control field, other control information fields, a Frame Body field, and an FCS (Frame Check Sequence) field. The Frame Control field to the other control information field correspond to, for example, a MAC header included in a MAC frame. The Frame Body field corresponds to, for example, a MAC payload included in a MAC frame. The FCS field is information added to check frame errors.

[0045] The Frame Control field indicates various control information, such as Type value, Subtype value, To DS (To Distribution System) value, and From DS value.

[0046] The Type value and Subtype value indicate the frame type of the wireless frame. For example, a Type value of "00" indicates that the wireless frame is a management frame. A Type value of "01" indicates that the wireless frame is a control frame. A Type value of "10" indicates that the wireless frame is a data frame. In addition, the content of the wireless frame varies depending on the combination of the Type value and the Subtype value.

[0047] The meaning of the To DS value and the From DS value varies depending on their combination. For example, "00 (To DS / From DS)" indicates data between terminals in the same IBSS. "10" indicates that the data frame flows from the outside to the DS (Distribution System). "01" indicates that the data frame flows to the outside of the DS. "11" is used when forming a mesh network.

[0048] The Duration field indicates the scheduled period of use of the wireless line. The Address field is used to indicate the BSSID, the source address, the destination address, the address of the sender terminal, and the address of the receiver terminal.

[0049] The Sequence Control field indicates the sequence number of the MAC frame and the segment number used for segmentation. The Frame Body field contains information corresponding to the type of frame. For example, when the Frame Body field corresponds to a data frame, the data is stored in the Frame Body field. The FCS stores the error check code of the MAC header and the Frame Body for error determination.

[0050] <1-2-2> Functional Structure of Wireless System 1

[0051] In the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment, the base station 10 establishes a multilink with the terminal 20 based on a request from the terminal 20. In this specification, an operation for establishing a multilink between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 is referred to as a "multilink process". First, the functional configurations of the base station 10 and the terminal 20 related to the multilink process of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment are described in order.

[0052] (Regarding the Functional Configuration of the Base Station 10)

[0053] Figure 5 FIG. 2 shows an example of a functional configuration of the base station 10 of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, the base station 10 can function as, for example, a data processing unit 110 , a link management unit 120 , and wireless signal processing units 130 , 140 , and 150 .

[0054] The data processing unit 110 can perform LLC layer processing and upper layer processing on the input data. For example, the data processing unit 110 outputs the data input from the server 30 via the network NW to the link management unit 120. In addition, the data processing unit 110 sends the data input from the link management unit 120 to the server 30 via the network NW.

[0055] The link management unit 120 can perform a part of the processing of the MAC layer on the input data, for example. In addition, the link management unit 120 manages the link with the terminal 20 based on the notification from the wireless signal processing units 130, 140 and 150. The link management unit 120 includes link management information 121. The link management information 121 is stored in the RAM 13, for example, and includes information of the terminal 20 wirelessly connected to the base station 10. The link management information 121 manages the operation information of the wireless channel used by each wireless signal processing unit in a one-dimensional manner.

[0056] In addition, the link management unit 120 includes an association processing unit 122 and an authentication processing unit 123. When receiving a connection request from the terminal 20 via any of the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150, the association processing unit 122 executes a protocol related to association. The authentication processing unit 123 executes a protocol related to authentication following the connection request.

[0057] The wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 can each perform a portion of the processing of the MAC layer and the processing of the first layer on the input data or wireless signal. That is, the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 respectively transmit and receive data between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 using wireless communication. The wireless signal processing unit 130 processes wireless signals in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The wireless signal processing unit 140 processes wireless signals in the 5 GHz frequency band. The wireless signal processing unit 150 processes wireless signals in the 6 GHz frequency band. The wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 may share the antenna of the base station 10 or may not share it.

[0058] For example, the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 each create a wireless frame using the data input from the link management unit 120. Furthermore, the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 each convert the wireless frame into a wireless signal and distribute the wireless signal via the antenna of the base station 10. In addition, the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 each convert the wireless signal received via the antenna of the base station 10 into a wireless frame and output the data included in the wireless frame to the link management unit 120.

[0059] (Regarding the Functional Structure of Terminal 20)

[0060] Figure 6 FIG. 2 shows an example of a functional configuration of the terminal 20 of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, the terminal 20 can function as, for example, a data processing unit 210 , a link management unit 220 , wireless signal processing units 230 , 240 , and 250 , and an application execution unit 260 .

[0061] The data processing unit 210 can perform LLC layer processing and upper layer processing on the input data. For example, the data processing unit 210 outputs the data input from the application execution unit 260 to the link management unit 220. In addition, the data processing unit 210 outputs the data input from the link management unit 220 to the application execution unit 260.

[0062] The link management unit 220 can perform a part of the processing of the MAC layer on the input data, for example. In addition, the link management unit 220 manages the link with the base station 10 based on the notification from the wireless signal processing units 230, 240 and 250. The link management unit 220 includes link management information 221. The link management information 221 is stored in the RAM 23, for example, and includes information of the base station 10 to which the terminal 20 is connected. The link management information 221 includes, for example, the same information as the link management information 121.

[0063] In addition, the link management unit 220 includes an association processing unit 222 and an authentication processing unit 223. When receiving a connection request from the base station 10 via any of the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250, the association processing unit 222 executes a protocol related to association. The authentication processing unit 223 executes a protocol related to authentication following the connection request.

[0064] The wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 can respectively perform a part of the processing of the MAC layer and the processing of the first layer on the input data or wireless signal. That is, the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 respectively transmit and receive data between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 using wireless communication. The wireless signal processing unit 230 processes wireless signals in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The wireless signal processing unit 240 processes wireless signals in the 5 GHz frequency band. The wireless signal processing unit 250 processes wireless signals in the 6 GHz frequency band. The wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 may share the antenna of the terminal 20 or may not share it.

[0065] For example, the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 each create a wireless frame using the data input from the link management unit 220. Furthermore, the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 each convert the wireless frame into a wireless signal and distribute the wireless signal via the antenna of the terminal 20. In addition, the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 each convert the wireless signal received via the antenna of the terminal 20 into a wireless frame and output the data included in the wireless frame to the link management unit 220.

[0066] The application execution unit 260 executes an application that can use the data input from the data processing unit 210. For example, the application execution unit 260 can display application information on the display 25. In addition, the application execution unit 260 can execute an operation based on an operation of an input interface.

[0067] Regarding the functional structure of the wireless system 1 involved in the first embodiment described above, the wireless signal processing units 130, 140 and 150 of the base station 10 are configured to be able to connect to the wireless signal processing units 230, 240 and 250 of the terminal 20, respectively. Specifically, the wireless signal processing units 130 and 230 can be wirelessly connected using the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The wireless signal processing units 140 and 240 can be wirelessly connected using the 5 GHz frequency band. The wireless signal processing units 150 and 250 can be wirelessly connected using the 6 GHz frequency band. Each wireless signal processing unit can be referred to as a "STA function". That is, the wireless system 1 involved in the first embodiment has multiple STA functions.

[0068] <1-2-3> Details on multi-link processing

[0069] Next, an example of the flow of the multi-link process in the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 7As shown, in the multi-link processing of the first embodiment, for example, the processing of steps S10 to S16 is performed in sequence.

[0070] Specifically, first, in the process of step S10, the terminal 20 sends a probe request to the base station 10. The probe request is a signal to confirm whether there is a base station 10 around the terminal 20. In addition, the terminal 20 may send a probe request for the purpose of searching whether there is a base station itself around without assuming the existence of a specific base station 10. The Frame Control field of the probe request contains, for example, "00 / 0100 (Type value / Subtype value)". If the base station 10 receives the probe request, it executes the process of step S11.

[0071] In the process of step S11, the base station 10 sends a probe response to the terminal 20. The probe response is a signal used by the base station 10 in response to the probe request from the terminal 20. The Frame Control field of the probe response includes, for example, "00 / 0101 (Type value / Subtype value)". If the terminal 20 receives the probe request, it executes the process of step S12.

[0072] In the process of step S12, the terminal 20 sends a multi-link association request to the base station 10 via at least one STA function. The multi-link association request is a signal for requesting the base station 10 to establish a multi-link. In addition, as the multi-link association request, a request in which information for multi-link connection is attached to a normal association request can be used. For example, the multi-link association request is generated by the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20. The Frame Control field of the multi-link association request includes, for example, "00 / xxxx (Type value / Subtype value (xxxx is a specified numerical value))". If the multi-link association request is received, the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 performs the process of step S13.

[0073] In the process of step S13, the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 performs multi-link association processing using one STA function. Specifically, first, the base station 10 and the terminal 20 perform the association processing of the first STA function. And, if a wireless connection (link) is established in the first STA function, the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 performs the association processing of the second STA function using the first STA function that established the link. That is, the STA function that established the link is used for the association processing of the STA function that did not establish the link. If the association processing of at least two STA functions is completed, the base station 10 establishes multiple links and performs the process of step S14.

[0074] In the process of step S14, the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 updates the link management information 121. In addition, in this example, the process of step S14 is performed after two links are established, but the link management information 121 can be updated every time the link state is updated, or can be updated when multiple links are established. If multiple links are established and the link management information is updated, the base station 10 performs the process of step S15.

[0075] In the process of step S15, the base station 10 sends a multi-link establishment response to the terminal 20. The multi-link establishment response is a signal used by the base station 10 in response to the multi-link request from the terminal 20. The Frame Control field of the multi-association request includes, for example, "00 / 0001 (Type value / Subtype value)". The link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 identifies whether a multi-link is established with the base station 10 based on the receipt of the multi-link establishment response. If the terminal 20 receives the multi-link establishment response, it executes the process of step S16.

[0076] In the process of step S16, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 updates the link management information 221. That is, the terminal 20 records the establishment of the multilink with the base station 10 in the link management information 221. As a result, the multilink process of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment is completed, and data communication using the multilink can be realized between the base station 10 and the terminal 20.

[0077] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is an example of the link management information 121 of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 As shown, the link management information 121 includes, for example, information on STA function, frequency, link target ID, presence or absence of multilink, and transmission ID (TID). The link target ID of the link management information 121 corresponds to, for example, the identifier of the terminal 20. On the other hand, the link target ID of the link management information 221 corresponds to, for example, the identifier of the base station 10. In this example, "STA1" corresponds to the STA function using the 6 GHz frequency band. "STA2" corresponds to the STA function using the 5 GHz frequency band. "STA3" corresponds to the STA function using the 2.4 GHz frequency band.

[0078] In addition, in this example, a multilink using "STA1" and "STA2" is established. If a multilink is established, the link management units 120 and 220 respectively use a link of at least one STA function associated with the multilink to transmit data input from an upper layer. The link management units 120 and 220 may associate transmission with an STA function based on the type of transmission.

[0079] For example, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 determines the correlation between the transmission and the STA function, and sends a request to the link management unit 120 of the base station 10. In response to the request, the base station 10 determines the correlation between the transmission and the STA function. In addition, one STA function can be associated with one transmission, or multiple STA functions can be associated with one transmission. In this example, "TID#1" and "TID#2" are associated with "STA1". "TID#1" and "TID#3" are associated with "STA2".

[0080] In this way, when multiple STA functions are associated with one transmission, data is sent in parallel through the multiple STA functions. When one transmission is sent in parallel, it is necessary to allocate and sort data between the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 and the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20. The data allocation is performed by the link management unit on the sending side, and the link management unit on the sending side adds a flag and identification number as a multi-link to the wireless frame. The data sorting is performed by the link management unit on the receiving side.

[0081] <1-3> Effects of the First Embodiment

[0082] According to the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment described above, multilinks can be established between the terminal 20 and the base station 10 based on a request from the terminal 20. Next, detailed effects of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0083] Base stations and terminals using wireless LANs sometimes have multiple STA functions set for each band used, such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. In such a wireless system, for example, one of the multiple STA functions is selected to establish a wireless connection and perform data communication between the base station and the terminal. In this case, in the wireless system, even if there is a base station corresponding to the band of the STA function, the unselected STA function becomes unused.

[0084] In contrast, the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment flexibly utilizes a plurality of STA functions respectively possessed by the base station 10 and the terminal 20 to establish a multi-link between the base station 10 and the terminal 20. In short, the base station 10 has a link management unit 120, and the terminal 20 has a link management unit 220. Furthermore, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 sends a multi-link aggregation request to the base station 10, and the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 establishes a multi-link based on the received multi-link aggregation request.

[0085] As described above, the multilink of the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment is established by the terminal 20 initially specifying the multilink to the base station 10. Data communication based on the multilink can use multiple bands at the same time, and the functions of the wireless LAN device can be fully utilized. As a result, the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment can realize efficient communication and improve the communication speed.

[0086] Furthermore, even if a connection based on one STA function is released in the multi-link state, the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment can continue to communicate using another STA function. Furthermore, the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment can also communicate while performing link aggregation processing and switching between the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 and the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 using multi-link. As a result, the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment can also improve communication stability.

[0087] In addition, the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment performs the association processing of each STA function using the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 and the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20. Furthermore, the establishment of links based on multiple STA functions is performed using one STA function. As a result, the wireless system 1 according to the first embodiment can omit the association processing unit of each wireless signal processing unit, and can simplify the structure of each wireless signal processing unit.

[0088] <1-4> Modification of the First Embodiment

[0089] The method of multi-link processing described in the first embodiment is only an example. Next, a multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 according to a modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0090] Fig. 9 FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 according to a modification of the first embodiment. Fig. 9 As shown, the multilink processing of the modified example of the first embodiment performs the following processing, that is, with respect to the multilink processing described in the first embodiment, the processing of steps S20 and S21 is inserted between steps S11 and S12, and the processing of steps S22 and S23 is inserted between steps S12 and S13.

[0091] Specifically, first, the processing of steps S10 to S12 is performed in sequence, similarly to the first embodiment. In short, the terminal 20 sends a probe request to the base station 10 (step S10). The base station 10 sends a probe response to the terminal 20 according to the probe request (step S11). In a modified example of the first embodiment, if the terminal 20 receives the probe response, the processing of step S20 is performed.

[0092] In the process of step S20, the terminal 20 sends an open authentication request to the base station 10. The open authentication request is a signal for the terminal 20 to request authentication to the base station 10. If the base station 10 receives the open authentication request, it performs authentication processing with the terminal 20. The authentication processing is performed between the authentication processing unit 123 of the base station 10 and the authentication processing unit 223 of the terminal 20. If the authentication processing is completed, the base station 10 performs the process of step S21.

[0093] In the process of step S21, the base station 10 sends an open authentication response to the terminal 20. The open authentication response is a signal notifying that the authentication process based on the open authentication request has been completed. If the terminal 20 receives the open authentication response, it sends a multi-link association request to the base station 10 in the same manner as in the first embodiment (step S12). In the modified example of the first embodiment, if the base station 10 receives the multi-link association request, it executes the process of step S22.

[0094] In the process of step S22, the base station 10 notifies the terminal 20 of the candidate link. The candidate link includes information on channels that can be used in the multilink between the base station 10 and the terminal 20. Upon receiving the candidate link, the terminal 20 executes the process of step S23.

[0095] In the process of step S23, the terminal 20 sends a multi-link establishment request to the base station 10. The multi-link establishment request is generated by the link management unit 220 that receives the candidate link. Specifically, the link management unit 220 selects at least two channels used in the multi-link from the candidate link. Alternatively, the link management unit 220 agrees to use multiple channels included in the candidate link. In addition, the link management unit 220 inserts the information of the selected band or the information indicating the approval of the candidate link into the multi-link establishment request, and sends it to the base station 10 via the STA function. If the base station 10 receives the multi-link establishment request, it executes the process of step S13.

[0096] In the process of step S13, the base station 10 performs multi-link association processing using the STA function corresponding to the channel included in the multi-link establishment request. Alternatively, the base station 10 performs multi-link association processing using the STA function corresponding to the channel included in the candidate link based on the "information indicating approval of the multi-link candidate link" included in the multi-link establishment request. Other operations of the multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 involved in the modification of the first embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0097] As described above, the wireless system 1 according to the modification of the first embodiment performs authentication processing, notification of candidate links, etc. during multi-link processing. Various options can be applied to the multi-link processing, and the options used can be appropriately selected. In this case, the wireless system 1 according to the modification of the first embodiment can also establish multi-links in the same manner as the first embodiment, and can obtain the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0098] <2> Second embodiment

[0099] The wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment executes association processing for each STA function and establishes the same multilink as the first embodiment. The wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described below with respect to points different from the first embodiment.

[0100] <2-1> Functions of Wireless System 1

[0101] Fig.10 FIG. 2 shows an example of a functional configuration of the base station 10 of the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment. Fig.10 As shown, the base station 10 of the second embodiment is different from the base station 10 of the first embodiment in the configurations of the link management unit 120 and the radio signal processing units 130 , 140 , and 150 .

[0102] Specifically, in the base station 10 of the second embodiment, the association processing unit 122 and the authentication processing unit 123 of the link management unit 120 are omitted. In addition, the wireless signal processing unit 130 includes an association processing unit 131 and an authentication processing unit 132, the wireless signal processing unit 140 includes an association processing unit 141 and an authentication processing unit 142, and the wireless signal processing unit 150 includes an association processing unit 151 and an authentication processing unit 152.

[0103] The association processing units 131, 141, and 151 have the same functions as the association processing unit 122. The authentication processing units 132, 142, and 152 have the same functions as the authentication processing unit 123. That is, the association processing unit and the authentication processing unit of the base station 10 are respectively provided in the link management unit 120 in the first embodiment, whereas they are respectively provided in the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, and 150 in the second embodiment. The other configurations of the base station 10 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0104] Fig.11 FIG. 2 shows an example of a functional configuration of the terminal 20 of the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment. Fig.11 As shown, the terminal 20 of the second embodiment is different from the terminal 20 of the first embodiment in the configurations of the link management unit 220 and the wireless signal processing units 230 , 240 , and 250 .

[0105] Specifically, in the terminal 20 of the second embodiment, the association processing unit 222 and the authentication processing unit 223 of the link management unit 220 are omitted. In addition, the wireless signal processing unit 230 includes an association processing unit 231 and an authentication processing unit 232, the wireless signal processing unit 240 includes an association processing unit 241 and an authentication processing unit 242, and the wireless signal processing unit 250 includes an association processing unit 251 and an authentication processing unit 252.

[0106] The association processing units 231, 241, and 251 have the same functions as the association processing unit 222. The authentication processing units 232, 242, and 252 have the same functions as the authentication processing unit 223. That is, the association processing unit and the authentication processing unit of the terminal 20 are respectively provided in the link management unit 220 in the first embodiment, whereas they are respectively provided in the wireless signal processing units 230, 240, and 250 in the second embodiment. The other structures of the terminal 20 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0107] <2-2> About multi-link processing

[0108] Next, an example of the flow of the multi-link process in the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. Fig.12 FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment. Fig.12 As shown, the multilink process of the second embodiment executes the process in which step S13 is replaced with steps S30 and S31 in the multilink process described in the first embodiment.

[0109] Specifically, first, the processing of steps S10 to S12 is performed in sequence, similarly to the first embodiment. In short, the terminal 20 sends a probe request to the base station 10 (step S10). The base station 10 sends a probe response to the terminal 20 according to the probe request (step S11). The terminal 20 sends a multi-link association request to the base station 10 according to the probe response (step S12).

[0110] If the base station 10 receives the multi-link association request, it performs the multi-link association process. In the multi-link association process of the second embodiment, the adjustment of the link that becomes the object of the multi-link (for example, the selection of the STA function used in the multi-link) is performed in the initial link association process. For example, the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 notifies the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 of multiple candidate links that can be used for the multi-link. The link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 selects the candidate link that is desired to be used for the multi-link from the multiple candidate links notified, and notifies the link management unit 120 of the base station 10. The base station 10 agrees to the notification and adjusts the link that becomes the object of the multi-link. The notification of the multiple candidate links between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 and the notification of the selected candidate link are performed by the probe request and the probe response, respectively. Moreover, the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 instructs the execution of the association process to at least two STA functions used for the multi-link. In addition, the execution instruction of the above-mentioned association process can be processed by the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20. Each STA function starts the association process based on the instruction of the link management unit 120 , and when a link is established, notifies the link management unit 120 of the establishment of the link.

[0111] Here, an example of multi-link association processing in a case where the first STA function corresponds to the wireless signal processing unit 150 and the second STA function corresponds to the wireless signal processing unit 140 will be described.

[0112] When the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 receives the multi-link association request, it first instructs the wireless signal processing unit 150 (first STA function) to perform the association process (step S30). Then, the wireless signal processing unit 150 uses the association processing unit 151 to perform the association process with the wireless signal processing unit 250 of the terminal 20. If a link based on the first STA function is established, the wireless signal processing unit 150 notifies the link management unit 120 of the establishment of the link.

[0113] On the other hand, the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 instructs the wireless signal processing unit 140 (second STA function) to execute the association process (step S31). Then, the wireless signal processing unit 140 uses the association processing unit 141 to execute the association process with the wireless signal processing unit 240 of the terminal 20. If a link based on the second STA function is established, the wireless signal processing unit 140 notifies the link management unit 120 of the establishment of the link. In addition, the establishment of each link can be performed sequentially or in parallel. In the association process for establishing each link, a common AID (association identifier) ​​is used. AID refers to an identifier used to uniquely identify a communication object used in the association.

[0114] When the processing of steps S30 and S31 is completed and links based on at least two STA functions are established, the base station 10 updates the link management information 121 (step S14). The other operations of the multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0115] <2-3> Effects of the Second Embodiment

[0116] According to the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment described above, similarly to the first embodiment, multilinks can be established based on the request of the terminal 20. Furthermore, the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0117] In addition, in the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment, the association process is performed by each STA function (wireless signal processing unit). Therefore, in the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment, the wireless signal processing units 130, 140, 150, 230, 240, and 250 can be composed of the same wireless components as the terminal and the base station that do not have a link management unit. As a result, the wireless system 1 according to the second embodiment can suppress the development cost of the base station 10 and the terminal 20.

[0118] <3> Third embodiment

[0119] The wireless system 1 according to the third embodiment has, for example, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the wireless system 1 according to the third embodiment establishes the same multilink as that of the first embodiment using a plurality of channels included in the same frequency band. The following describes the differences between the wireless system 1 according to the third embodiment and the first and second embodiments.

[0120] <3-1> Frequency bands used in wireless communications

[0121] Fig.13 1 shows an example of a frequency band used for wireless communication in the wireless system 1 according to the third embodiment. Fig.13 As shown, wireless communication uses, for example, 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, and 6 GHz band. Moreover, each band includes multiple channels. In this example, it is assumed that the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, and 6 GHz band each include at least three channels CH1, CH2, and CH3. Communication using each channel CH is achieved through the associated STA function.

[0122] <3-2> About multi-link processing

[0123] The wireless system 1 according to the third embodiment establishes the same multilink as the first embodiment using a plurality of channels CH included in the same frequency band. The multilink processing of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment in that the channels used for the multilink are changed to a plurality of channels CH included in the same frequency band.

[0124] Fig.14 FIG. 1 is an example of the link management information 121 of the wireless system 1 according to the third embodiment. Fig.14 As shown, the link management information 121 of the third embodiment has a structure in which information related to the channel ID of each frequency band is added to the link management information 121 of the first embodiment. In addition, in this example, the same multi-link as the first embodiment is established using the channel CH2 of "STA1" corresponding to the 6 GHz frequency band and the channel CH3 of "STA2" corresponding to the 6 GHz frequency band.

[0125] <3-3> Effects of the Third Embodiment

[0126] As described above, each STA function of the base station 10 and the terminal 20 can use the same frequency band. Moreover, the multi-link between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 can be established by using multiple STA functions of the same frequency band. Specifically, multiple STA functions can form a multi-link using different channels CH of the 5 GHz frequency band, for example. In this case, the wireless system 1 involved in the third embodiment can also achieve effective communication in the same way as the first embodiment, and can improve communication stability.

[0127] <4> Fourth embodiment

[0128] The wireless system 1 according to the fourth embodiment has, for example, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. In addition, in the wireless system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, it is determined whether the terminal 20 can implement multi-link based on the beacon signal distributed by the base station 10. The following describes the differences between the wireless system 1 according to the fourth embodiment and the first to third embodiments.

[0129] <4-1> About beacon signals

[0130] In the wireless system 1 involved in the fourth embodiment, the base station 10 broadcasts information about channels that can be used for multi-link in advance using a beacon signal. The beacon information is generated, for example, by the link management unit 120. The FrameControl field of the beacon signal includes, for example, "00 / 1000 (Type value / Subtype value)". The link management unit 120 appropriately updates the information inserted into the beacon signal according to the state of the base station 10.

[0131] Fig.15A specific example of the format of the beacon signal of the wireless system 1 according to the fourth embodiment is shown. Fig.15 As shown, the beacon signal includes, for example, information indicating whether multilink can be implemented, information on the channel of the first multilink target (#1), and information on the channel of the second multilink target (#2). The information indicating whether multilink can be implemented indicates whether multilink can be implemented using the base station 10. When multilink can be implemented in the base station 10, the beacon signal includes information on the channels of at least two multilink targets.

[0132] <4-2> About multi-link processing

[0133] Fig.16 FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the wireless system 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig.16 As shown, the multilink process of the fourth embodiment is performed by omitting steps S10 and S11 and adding step S40 in the multilink process described in the first embodiment.

[0134] Specifically, first, in the process of step S40, the base station 10 broadcasts a beacon including link information. The link information includes information indicating whether multilink can be implemented and information on multiple channels of the multilink object. If the terminal 20 receives the beacon signal including the link information, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 can grasp the information of the base station 10 that can implement multilink and the information of the channels used in the multilink. That is, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 can obtain the existence of an access point that supports multilink and the information of the channels of the multilink object by receiving the beacon signal.

[0135] Then, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 requests the base station 10 to establish a multilink via any of the channels of the multilink object. In other words, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 sends a multilink association request to the base station 10 that wishes to establish a multilink based on the link information notified from one or more STA functions (step S12). The other operations of the multilink processing of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0136] In addition, the wireless system 1 may perform the processing of steps S10 and S11 described in the first embodiment before step S12. Specifically, after the beacon including the link information is broadcasted, the terminal 20 that receives the beacon may send a probe request to the base station 10 (step S10), and the base station 10 may send a probe response to the terminal 20 according to the probe request (step S11). In this example, the terminal 20 then sends a multi-link association request to the base station 10 (step S12).

[0137] <4-3> Effects of the Fourth Embodiment

[0138] As described above, in the wireless system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the base station 10 distributes a beacon signal including information indicating whether or not multilink can be implemented and information about a channel that is a target of multilink that is desired in advance. Furthermore, the terminal 20 establishes a multilink with the base station 10 via the STA function that supports the channel included in the beacon signal (link information).

[0139] Thus, in the wireless system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the base station 10 can establish a multilink only by responding to a multilink association request from the terminal 20. Therefore, the wireless system 1 according to the fourth embodiment can establish a multilink between the base station 10 and the terminal 20 more easily than the first embodiment, and can improve user convenience.

[0140] <5> Fifth embodiment

[0141] The fifth embodiment relates to a variation of the installation method of the specific related installation of the wireless system 1 described in the first embodiment. Next, the wireless system 1 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with respect to differences from the first to fourth embodiments.

[0142] <5-1> About multi-link processing

[0143] In the wireless system 1, the base station 10 and the terminal 20 only need to exchange the information required for establishing the multilink by using at least one of the beacon, the probe request, and the probe response. Next, the first, second, and third examples of multilink processing related to the allocation of beacons, various associated information, and the installation method of associated settings are described.

[0144] (first example)

[0145] Fig.17 1 is a flowchart showing a first example of multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 according to the fifth embodiment. Fig.17 As shown, the first example of the multilink process has a configuration in which step S50 is added before step S10 in the multilink process described in the first embodiment.

[0146] Specifically, in the process of step S50, the base station 10 transmits a beacon (beacon signal) including information about the channels of the multilink target to the terminal 20. The beacon signal includes information indicating that the base station 10 supports multilink and information about the channels that the base station 10 can use for multilink (information about the channels of the multilink target). In addition, the beacon signal transmitted in the process of step S50 corresponds to the beacon signal referred to in the fourth embodiment. Fig.15The beacon signal shown in FIG. The beacon signal can be transmitted by each of the plurality of channels that are the target of the multilink. In other words, each channel that is the target of the multilink can transmit a beacon signal including information related to the multilink.

[0147] If the terminal 20 receives the beacon signal, it sends a probe request to the base station 10 (step S10). The terminal 20 specifies at least two channels that it wants to use in the multilink in the probe request, and requests the base station 10 to send capability information, operation information, etc. of the at least two channels. Capability information is information indicating the functions supported in the communication of each channel. Operation information is information including parameters required for communication. In the process of step S10, the capability information and operation information requested by the terminal 20 to the base station 10 are information not included in the beacon signal sent by the base station 10 in the process of step S50.

[0148] Upon receiving the probe request, the base station 10 transmits a probe response to the terminal 20 (step S11 ). The base station 10 transmits the capability information and operation information of at least two channels requested by the terminal 20 to the terminal 20 in the probe response.

[0149] When receiving the probe response, the terminal 20 transmits a multilink association request to the base station 10 (step S12). In the multilink association request, the terminal 20 notifies the base station 10 of its own information (capability information, operation information) related to at least two links (channels) to be used in multilink.

[0150] When receiving the multi-link association request, the base station 10 executes a multi-link association process using one STA function in the same manner as in the first embodiment (step S13 ).

[0151] If the association process of at least two STA functions is completed, a multi-link is established, and the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 updates the link management information 121 (step S14).

[0152] If the link management information 121 is updated, the base station 10 transmits a multi-link setup response to the terminal 20 (step S15). The multi-link setup response includes information on the channels connected (linked) between the base station 10 and the terminal 20.

[0153] Upon receiving the multilink establishment response, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 updates the link management information 221 (step S16). Thus, in the first example of the multilink process, data communication using multilinks can be realized between the base station 10 and the terminal 20.

[0154] (Second example)

[0155] Fig.181 is a flowchart showing a second example of multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 according to the fifth embodiment. Fig.18 As shown, the second example of the multilink process has a configuration in which step S50 in the first example of the multilink process is replaced with step S60.

[0156] Specifically, in the process of step S60, the base station 10 transmits a beacon (beacon signal) including information indicating support for multilink to the terminal 20 using each channel to be a target of multilink. This beacon signal indicates that the base station 10 supports multilink and does not include information on the channels to be a target of multilink.

[0157] The terminal 20 uses each channel that it can use for communication to receive the beacon signal from the base station 10. Thus, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 can grasp the channel (channel of the multilink target) that can be used in the multilink with the base station 10 based on the channel that received the beacon signal including the information indicating the support of the multilink.

[0158] Then, the terminal 20 sends a probe request to the base station 10 (step S10). In the probe request, the terminal 20 specifies at least two channels that it wants to use in the multilink among the channels of the multilink object mastered by the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20, and requests the base station 10 to send capability information, operation information, etc. of the at least two channels.

[0159] Next, the wireless system 1 executes the processing of steps S11 to S16. The processing of steps S11 to S16 in the second example of the multi-link processing is the same as the processing of steps S11 to S16 in the first example of the multi-link processing.

[0160] (Third example)

[0161] Fig.19 FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a third example of multi-link processing of the wireless system 1 according to the fifth embodiment. Fig.19 As shown, the third example of the multilink process has a configuration in which step S50 is replaced with step S70 in the first example of the multilink process, and a part of the processes of steps S10 and S11 are changed.

[0162] Specifically, in the process of step S70, the base station 10 transmits a beacon (beacon signal) including information indicating support of multilink to the terminal 20. This beacon signal indicates that the base station 10 supports multilink, and does not include information on multilink target channels.

[0163] When receiving the beacon signal, the terminal 20 transmits a probe request to the base station 10 (step S10). In the probe request, the terminal 20 requests the base station 10 to transmit capability information, operation information, etc. on all channels that the base station 10 can use in multilink.

[0164] Upon receiving the probe request, the base station 10 sends a probe response to the terminal 20 (step S11). The base station 10 sends the capability information and operation information of all channels that can be used in the multilink to the terminal 20 in the probe response. Thus, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 can grasp the channels that can be used in the multilink with the base station 10.

[0165] Next, the wireless system 1 executes the processing of steps S12 to S16. The processing of steps S12 to S16 of the third example of the multi-link processing is the same as the processing of steps S12 to S16 of the first example of the multi-link processing.

[0166] <5-2> Effects of the Fifth Embodiment

[0167] As described above, all the information required for communication (multi-link) using each channel can be reported without using a beacon. The information required for establishing a multi-link can be allocated to a beacon, a probe request, and a probe response as in the first, second, and third examples described in the fifth embodiment. As a result, the wireless system 1 involved in the fifth embodiment can optimize the exchange efficiency of information used for establishing a multi-link according to the environment of the wireless system 1. In addition, the wireless system 1 involved in the fifth embodiment can concentrate processing for either the base station 10 or the terminal 20 to suppress the load on one device.

[0168] <6> Other modifications, etc.

[0169] In the above-mentioned embodiment, when the link cannot be maintained by the movement of the terminal 20, etc., each STA function can notify the corresponding link management unit. In addition, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 can change the state of the multi-link between the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 based on the notification from the STA function. Specifically, for example, the link management unit 220 of the terminal 20 and the link management unit 120 of the base station 10 can appropriately change the STA function used in the multi-link. When the state of the multi-link is changed, the link management units 120 and 220 update the link management information 121 and 221 respectively. In addition, the link management units 120 and 220 can update the correlation between the transmission and the STA function according to the increase or decrease in the number of links.

[0170] The structure of the wireless system 1 involved in the first embodiment is only an example, and other structures may also be used. For example, an example is given in which the base station 10 and the terminal 20 each have three STA functions (wireless signal processing units), but it is not limited to this. The base station 10 only needs to have at least two wireless signal processing units. Similarly, the terminal 20 only needs to have at least two wireless signal processing units. In addition, the number of channels that each STA function can process can be appropriately set according to the frequency band used. The wireless communication components 14 and 24 can respectively use multiple communication components to cope with wireless communications in multiple frequency bands, or can use one communication component to cope with wireless communications in multiple frequency bands. If the actions described in the above embodiment can be performed, the configuration of the association processing unit and the authentication processing unit can be appropriately changed.

[0171] In addition, the functional configuration of the base station 10 and the terminal 20 of the wireless system 1 involved in the first embodiment is only an example. If the operations described in each embodiment can be performed, the functional configuration of the base station 10 and the terminal 20 may be other names and groups. For example, in the base station 10, the data processing unit 110 and the link management unit 120 may be collectively referred to as a data processing unit. Similarly, in the terminal 20, the data processing unit 210 and the link management unit 220 may be collectively referred to as a data processing unit.

[0172] In addition, in the wireless system 1 involved in the first embodiment, the CPUs included in the base station 10 and the terminal 20 may be other circuits. For example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) may be used instead of a CPU. In addition, the processing described in each embodiment may be implemented by dedicated hardware. Regarding the wireless system 1 involved in each embodiment, the processing executed by software and the processing executed by hardware may be mixed or only one of them may be used.

[0173] In each embodiment, the flowchart used to explain the action is only an example. The multilink processing can be any action as long as it is at least based on the request of the terminal 20 to establish the multilink. The order of the processing can be replaced within the possible range, and other processing can be added. In addition, the format of the wireless frame described in the above embodiment is only an example. As long as the multilink processing described in each embodiment can be performed, the wireless system 1 can use other wireless frame formats.

[0174] In this specification, "connection" corresponds to a state in which data communication is possible. "Connection request" corresponds to a request for connection with the base station 10 in order for the terminal 20 to communicate with the network NW. "Association processing" and "authentication processing" correspond to processing for making the terminal 20 belong to the base station 10, respectively.

[0175] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the above embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The above embodiments and their variations are included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents as they are included in the scope and purpose of the invention.

[0176] Description of the label

[0177] 1…Wireless System

[0178] 10…Base Station

[0179] 20…Terminal

[0180] 30…Server

[0181] 11, 21…CPU

[0182] 12, 22…ROM

[0183] 13, 23…RAM

[0184] 14, 24… Wireless communication components

[0185] 15…Wired communication components

[0186] 25…Display

[0187] 26… Storage

[0188] 110, 210…Data Processing Department

[0189] 120, 220…Link Management Department

[0190] 121, 221…Link management information

[0191] 122, 131, 141, 151, 222, 231, 241, 251… Related processing unit

[0192] 123, 132, 142, 152, 223, 232, 242, 252…Authentication Processing Department

[0193] 130, 140, 150, 230, 240, 250…Wireless signal processing unit

Claims

1. A base station, wherein: The base station has: A first wireless signal processing unit configured to transmit and receive wireless signals using a first channel; a second wireless signal processing unit configured to transmit and receive wireless signals using a second channel different from the first channel; as well as Association Processing Department, If the association processing unit receives a single association request for establishing a multi-link with the terminal via at least one of the first wireless signal processing unit and the second wireless signal processing unit, the association processing unit establishes a multi-link with the terminal by responding to the association request with a single response.

2. The base station according to claim 1, wherein: A beacon signal including link information indicating a plurality of channels that can be used in the multilink is broadcasted, and the association request is received via one of the plurality of channels included in the beacon signal.

3. A terminal, wherein: The terminal has: A first wireless signal processing unit configured to transmit and receive wireless signals using a first channel; a second wireless signal processing unit configured to transmit and receive wireless signals using a second channel different from the first channel; as well as Association Processing Department, If the association processing unit sends a single association request to the base station via at least one of the first wireless signal processing unit and the second wireless signal processing unit to request establishment of a multi-link with the base station, the multi-link with the base station is established by receiving a single response to the association request.

4. The terminal according to claim 3, wherein: When receiving a beacon signal including link information indicating a plurality of channels that can be used in the multilink, the association processing unit transmits the association request via one of the plurality of channels included in the beacon signal.

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