Wireless communication device and wireless communication method

Abstract

The present application contributes to provide a wireless communication device and a wireless communication method capable of reducing the amount of information to be transmitted and received between wireless communication devices that are coordinated. A first wireless communication device includes a control section that allocates an identifier to a second wireless communication device that is not included in a basic service set to which the first wireless communication device belongs, and a transmission section that transmits a signal including the identifier.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication apparatus and a wireless communication method. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a successor standard to IEEE (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11, that is, 802.11ax (hereinafter, referred to as “11ax”), 802.11be (hereinafter, referred to as “11be”) is being planned to be formulated as a technical specification.

[0003] In 11be, application of coordinated communication in which data is transmitted to a wireless communication apparatus on the receiving side by coordination of a plurality of wireless communication apparatuses on the transmitting side of the data is being studied.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] NON-PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0006] Non-Patent Document 1: IEEE 802.11-19 / 0103r1, AP Coordination in EHT

[0007] Non-Patent Document 2: IEEE 802.11-19 / 1102r0, A unified transmission procedure for multi-AP coordination

[0008] Non-Patent Document 3: IEEE 802.11-20 / 1040r0, Coordinated Spatial Reuse: Extension to Uplink

[0009] Non-Patent Document 4: IEEE P802.11ax / D6.0, November 2019

[0010] Non-Patent Document 5: IEEE Std 802.11-2016, December 2016 SUMMARY

[0011] However, the amount of information of information exchanged between wireless communication apparatuses that coordinate in coordinated communication has not been sufficiently studied.

[0012] The non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are useful in providing a wireless communication apparatus and a wireless communication method that can reduce the amount of information of information exchanged between wireless communication apparatuses that coordinate.

[0013] The wireless communication device of one embodiment of the present disclosure is a first wireless communication device including: a control section that allocates an identifier to a second wireless communication device that is not included in a basic service set to which the first wireless communication device belongs; and a transmission section that transmits a signal including the identifier.

[0014] Note that these general or specific integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium can be realized by any combination of a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the amount of information transmitted and received between wireless communication devices that perform coordination.

[0016] Further advantages and effects of one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the description and drawings. These advantages and / or effects are provided by respective features described in the specification and drawings, but it is not necessary to provide all of the features in order to obtain one or more of the same. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1A is a diagram showing an example of configuration of an AP (Access Point) and a STA (Station).

[0018] Figure 1B is a diagram showing an example of application of two coordination modes.

[0019] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of operation of DL (Downlink)-DL communication.

[0020] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of operation of UL (Uplink)-UL communication.

[0021] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of operation of UL-DL communication.

[0022] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of format of a Common info field.

[0023] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of format of a User info field.

[0024] Figure 7 is a table showing an example of values of an AID (Association Identifier) 12.

[0025] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of an information element indicating a beacon.

[0026] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of an information element indicating an association request.

[0027] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of an information element indicating an association response.

[0028] Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a format indicating capability information.

[0029] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of an action of RTS / CTS (Request To Send / Clear To Send).

[0030] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of a format of a frame control field of a control frame including RTS / CTS.

[0031] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of a category of a MAC (Media Access Control) frame including RTS / CTS.

[0032] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of a frame format of a MU-PPDU (Multiuser Physical layer convergence procedure Protocol Data Unit) in 11ax.

[0033] Figure 16A is a block diagram showing an example of a structure of a part of a wireless communication apparatus.

[0034] Figure 16B is a block diagram showing an example of a wireless communication apparatus of one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of UL-DL communication in a C-SR (Coordinated Spatial Reuse) manner.

[0036] Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of UL-DL communication in a coordination set shown in FIG. Figure 17

[0037] Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of UL-DL communication in a coordination set shown in FIG. Figure 18 ​FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of UL-DL communication.

[0038] Figure 20 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another example of AID 12.

[0039] Figure 21 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a user information field based on Figure 20

[0040] Figure 22 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user information field for a new AP.

[0041] Figure 23 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an information element of an association request for an AP.

[0042] Figure 24 FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an information element of an association response for an AP.

[0043] Figure 25 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of UL-DL communication in Example 3.

[0044] Figure 26 FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of configuration of UL-DL communication.

[0045] Figure 27 FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a sequence of UL-DL communication in a coordinated manner C-OFDMA (Coordinated Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] (One Embodiment)

[0048] [Coordinated Manner]

[0049] In 11be, for example, application of Multi-AP coordination (hereinafter referred to as "coordinated communication") in which data is transmitted and / or received by a plurality of wireless communication devices, i.e., access points (also referred to as "base stations", hereinafter referred to as "APs") on the transmitting side of the signal and wireless communication devices, i.e., terminals (hereinafter referred to as "STAs") on the receiving side, is studied.

[0050] ​The coordination modes can include a coordinated orthogonal frequency division multiple access (C-OFDMA) in which a plurality of APs transmit signals using different frequency bands from each other, and a coordinated spatial reuse (C-SR) in which a plurality of APs transmit signals using the same frequency band from each other (Non-Patent Literature 1).

[0051] The C-OFDMA and the C-SR are explained. Figure 1A , Figure 1B The C-OFDMA and the C-SR are explained. Figure 1A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the AP and the STA. Figure 1B is a diagram showing an example of the application of the two coordination modes.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1B , the same resource unit (RU) 1 is used, and the C-SR is used as the coordination mode, to perform data communication of a downlink (DL) from the AP 1 to the STA 1 and data communication of a DL from the AP 2 to the STA 4. The C-OFDMA is used as the coordination mode to perform coordinated communication that uses the RU 2 in data communication of a DL from the AP 1 to the STA 2 and that uses the RU 3 in data communication of a DL from the AP 2 to the STA 3.

[0053] The communication modes include communication from an AP to a STA (hereinafter, referred to as "DL communication") and communication from a STA to an AP (hereinafter, referred to as "UL communication"). As a mode of coordinated communication, for example, a mode in which DL communication is performed together by two APs coordinated (hereinafter, referred to as "DL-DL communication"), a mode in which UL communication is performed together by two APs coordinated (hereinafter, referred to as "UL-UL communication"), and a mode in which UL communication and DL communication are performed by two APs coordinated (hereinafter, referred to as "UL-DL communication") have been studied (see Non-Patent Literature 2).

[0054] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the DL-DL communication. As shown in Figure 2 , the AP 1 as a master AP transmits a trigger frame (Slave TF) to the AP 2 and the AP 3 as slave APs. Next, the AP 1, the AP 2, and the AP 3 perform coordination, and the AP 1, the AP 2, and the AP 3 respectively transmit data 1, data 2, and data 3 as downlink data.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of UL-UL communication. For example... Figure 3 As shown, with Figure 2 Similarly, AP1, acting as the primary AP, sends a trigger frame (from the TF). Then, AP1, AP2, and AP3 each send trigger frames (Basic Trigger Frames). Next, AP1, AP2, and AP3 coordinate, receiving data 1, data 2, and data 3 as uplink data, respectively.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of UL-DL communication operations. Figure 4 The example shown is an example of the application of C-SR (see Non-Patent Document 3).

[0057] exist Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the actions of AP1, AP2, STA1-1, STA1-2, STA2-1, and STA2-2. Furthermore, STA1-1 and STA1-2 are structural elements of the basic service set (BSS) of AP1, and STA2-1 and STA2-2 are structural elements of the BSS of AP2.

[0058] exist Figure 4 During the “Preparation Phase”, information on the capabilities of each device, the received power of each device (e.g., Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)), and measurement reports are collected.

[0059] exist Figure 4 During the "Announcement Phase", AP1 sends C-SR-A (Coordinated-Spatial Reuse-Announcement).

[0060] Next, in Figure 4 The "Transmission Phase" is where data is sent and received. For example, in... Figure 4 In the process, STA1-1, STA1-2, and AP2 coordinate. Then, STA1-1 and STA1-2 send UL to AP1, and AP2 sends DL to STA2-2.

[0061] As in the above example, in each of the coordinated communication modes, a frame (trigger) that notifies the transmission control information and the transmission timing is transmitted and received. For example, Figure 2 , Figure 3 The C-SR-A illustrated in FIG. 9A is a trigger frame. Figure 4

[0062] The trigger of the UL communication in 11ax (hereinafter, referred to as "UL trigger frame") is composed of a field (hereinafter, referred to as "general information field") that contains general information to STAs that are trigger targets, and a field (hereinafter, referred to as "user information field") that contains information to specific STAs.

[0063] Figure 5 is a diagram that shows an example of the format of the general information field. Figure 5 The format illustrated in FIG. 9B is the same as the format illustrated in FIG. 9-64b of Non-Patent Literature 4, for example. In Figure 5 , a plurality of subfields are included in the format of the general information field.

[0064] Figure 6 is a diagram that shows an example of the format of the user information field. Figure 6 The format illustrated in FIG. 9C is the same as the format illustrated in FIG. 9-64d of Non-Patent Literature 4, for example. In Figure 9-6 , a plurality of subfields are included in the format of the user information field. Figure 6

[0065] The value included in the subfield (hereinafter, only "AID 12" is written) denoted as "AID 12" of Figure 6 will be described. Figure 7 is a table that shows an example of the value of AID 12. Further, Figure 7 The table illustrated in FIG. 9D is the same as Table 9-31g of Non-Patent Literature 4, for example.

[0066] AID (Association Identifier) 12 contains an identifier of a STA (a number for specifically indicating a STA). In the example of Figure 7 , the range of the identifier that can be assigned to a STA is 1 to 2007.

[0067] Figure 8 is a diagram that shows an example of an information element of a beacon. Figure 8 The information element illustrated in FIG. 9E is excerpted from Table 9-27 of Non-Patent Literature 5, for example.

[0068] Figure 9 is a diagram that shows an example of an information element of an association request. Figure 9 The information element illustrated in FIG. 9F is excerpted from Table 9-29 of Non-Patent Literature 5, for example.​​

[0069] Figure 10 is a drawing showing an example of an information element indicating an association response. Figure 10 The information element shown is, for example, extracted from Table 9-30 of Non-Patent Literature 5.

[0070] In Figure 8 the beacon of Figure 9 the association request of Figure 10 and the association response of

[0071] Figure 11 is a drawing showing an example of a format indicating performance information. Figure 11 The format shown is, for example, the same as the format of the "Performance" field of the "Supported Rates" element of Non-Patent Literature 5: 8. Figure 9-6

[0072] As Figure 7 shown, the range of the AID and the AID 12 that can be specified for the identifier of the STA is 1 to 2007. In the case of supporting a multi-BSSID (multi-Basic Service Set Identifier), the range is limited to 2 n 2007. In addition, n = log2K, K is the maximum possible number of BSSIDs (refer to Non-Patent Literature 5: Section 9.4.2.6).

[0073] In addition, a BSS (Basic Service Set) is a basic service set constituted by a certain AP and a plurality of STAs. The action of connecting a STA to an AP within a BSS is referred to as "association".

[0074] A BSS color (value of 6 bits) is used to distinguish a nearby AP. (Refer to Non-Patent Literature 4: Section 26.17.3)

[0075] Figure 12 is a drawing showing an example of an action of RTS / CTS (Request to Send / Clear to Send). In Figure 12 , the same action example as the "RTS / CTS" element of Non-Patent Literature 5: 8 is shown. A STA that receives an RTS and is specified as a reception destination transmits a CTS. In addition, in the case of specifying a plurality of reception destinations, an MU-RTS is used instead of an RTS. Figure 10-7

[0076] Figure 13 is a drawing showing an example of a format of a frame control field of a control frame including RTS / CTS.

[0077] Figure 14 ​​is a diagram showing an example of a category indicating a MAC frame including RTS / CTS. In Figure 14 In Figure 14 The content shown in

[0078] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of a frame format of a MU-PPDU in 11ax. In Figure 15 In

[0079] In Figure 15 In Figure 7 For example, AID 12 shown in

[0080] A wireless communication device (e.g., an AP) smoothly performs transmission and reception of information with each other by specifying an identifier of the wireless communication device (e.g., an AP or a STA) in each frame as described above.

[0081] Here, an example of a procedure in which a STA associated with an AP as a structural element of a BSS is shown. (1) The STA detects the AP by receiving a beacon. (2) The STA transmits an association request to the AP. (3) The AP receives the association request and transmits an association response to the STA. For example, in a case where the BSS of the AP 1 is described as "BSS_1", a STA that has associated with the AP 1 is a structural element of the BSS_1, and a STA that has not associated with the AP 1 is not a structural element of the BSS_1.

[0082] The AID (refer to Figure 10 , Order 3 information element) included in the association response, or AID 12 (refer to Figure 7 , the AID is allocated to 1 to 2007) is used as an identifier of the STA that has associated. On the other hand, for example, a MAC address (48 bits) is studied as an identifier of a STA that is not a structural element of the BSS_1 of the AP 1, that is, a STA that has not associated with the AP 1. In addition, the MAC address can be used as an identifier of an AP (e.g., the AP 2) that is not a structural element of the BSS_1.

[0083] As described above, in a case where a certain AP indicates a wireless communication device that is not a structural element of the BSS of the AP, the size of the identifier increases, and the overhead increases.

[0084] Therefore, a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure provides a wireless communication device and a communication method capable of indicating a wireless communication device (e.g., including a STA and an AP) that is not a structural element of the BSS of a certain AP with a small amount of information by the certain AP.

[0085] By reducing the amount of information required by STAs (including APs) indicating structural elements of a BSS other than that of the AP, overhead can be reduced.

[0086] [Structure of wireless communication system]

[0087] A wireless communication system related to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least two APs as transmission sources and one STA. In the following description, for example, a "wireless communication device" corresponds to an AP.

[0088] Figure 16A is a block diagram showing a structure example of a part of the wireless communication device 10. Figure 16A The illustrated wireless communication control device 10 includes a control section 11 and a transmission section 12.

[0089] The control section 11 allocates an identifier to a wireless communication device not included in a basic service set to which the wireless communication device 10 belongs. The transmission section 12 transmits a signal including the identifier.

[0090] Hereinafter, as an example, an example of UL-DL communication with a plurality of STAs coordinated by at least two APs will be described.

[0091] Figure 16B is a block diagram showing an example of a wireless communication device of the present embodiment. Figure 16B The illustrated wireless communication device 100 corresponds to, for example, an AP and an STA. The wireless communication device 100 includes a transmission packet generation section 101, a wireless transceiver section 102, a reception packet decoding section 103, and a control signal generation section 104.

[0092] The transmission packet generation section 101 generates a transmission packet from transmission data from a higher layer processing section and / or data (e.g., control information) generated by the control signal generation section 104, and outputs the generated packet to the wireless transceiver section 102.

[0093] The wireless transceiver section 102 converts the transmission packet into a wireless transmission signal, and transmits the wireless transmission signal via an antenna.

[0094] The wireless transceiver section 102 receives a wireless reception signal, converts the wireless reception signal into a reception packet, and outputs the reception packet to the reception packet decoding section 103.

[0095] The reception packet decoding section 103 decodes the reception packet, and outputs reception data to a higher layer processing section not shown. Alternatively, the reception packet decoding section 103 decodes the reception packet, and outputs control information to the control signal generation section 104.

[0096] The control signal generation section 104 generates control information based on at least one of the transmission data, the control information output from the reception packet decoding section 103, and the internal state, and outputs the generated control information to the transmission packet generation section 101. For example, the control signal generation section 104 generates control information related to triggering, association, and data communication.

[0097] Example 1

[0098] Hereinafter, as an example, an example of coordination in UL-DL communication based on Non-Patent Literature 3 will be described. Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of UL-DL communication in which coordination is performed in a C-SR manner.

[0099] In Figure 17 , a set (referred to as a "coordination set") including an AP 1, an AP 2, a STA 1, and a STA 2 is shown. The STA 1 exists within a coverage area of the AP 1 and is associated with the AP 1. The STA 2 exists within a coverage area of the AP 2 and is associated with the AP 2. In Figure 17 , UL communication from the STA 1 to the AP 1 and DL communication from the AP 2 to the STA 2 are coordinated in a C-SR manner.

[0100] The AP 1 is an AP configured within the coordination set and controls the coordination set (hereinafter referred to as a "master AP"). The AP 2 is an AP configured within the coordination set and controlled by the master AP (hereinafter referred to as a "slave AP"). In addition, the AP 1 exists at a position that is not affected by interference from the AP 2.

[0101] The STA 1 exists within the coverage area of the AP 1 and is capable of being associated with the AP 1. The STA 2 exists within the coverage area of the AP 2 and is capable of being associated with the AP 2. In addition, the STA 2 exists at a position that is not affected by interference from the STA 1.

[0102] In initial setting of the coordination set, the AP 1 notifies the AP 2 of an identifier allocated to the AP 2 and an identifier of the AP 1. Hereinafter, the identifier of the AP is denoted as "AP ID". The maximum value of the AP ID can be the maximum number of APs (maximum AP number) set within the coordination set. For example, the AP ID is a value represented by a number of bits (for example, 4 bits).

[0103] Further, in a case where a slave AP other than the AP 2 is configured, the AP 1 can also notify the AP 2 of the AP ID of the AP other than the AP 2. In addition, the notification from the AP 1 to the AP 2 can use a backhaul link between the AP 1 and the AP 2, or can use another method.

[0104] In addition, although an example in which the AP ID is notified by the AP 1 at the initial setting is shown, the AP ID can be notified by the AP 1 after the initial setting. For example, when a new configuration is added from an AP (for example, the AP 3) after the initial setting, the AP ID can be notified by the AP 1 as in the above. In this case, the AP ID of the AP 3 can be notified by the AP 1 to the AP 2 within the coordination set, and the AP ID of the AP 2 can be notified by the AP 1 to the AP 3.

[0105] After the initial setting of the coordination set, and the association of the STA 1 with the AP 1 and the association of the STA 2 with the AP 2, UL-DL communication is performed in the coordination set.

[0106] Figure 18 is an example of a sequence of UL-DL communication in the coordination set shown in Figure 17

[0107] In Figure 18 , the C-SR-A (C-SR announcement) is a packet in which a "trigger" transmitted from the AP 1 to the STA 1 and an "announcement" transmitted from the AP 1 to the AP 2 are combined. The "trigger" contains information indicating the start of UL communication from the STA 1 to the AP 1. The "announcement" contains information indicating the start of DL communication from the AP 2 to the STA 2.

[0108] For example, the UL trigger frame shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 can be used as the "trigger". In this case, the identifier of the trigger transmission destination of the "trigger" can be the AID 12 indicating the STA 1.

[0109] In the information notified by the "announcement", information in which the AP 2 is specified as the transmission destination (trigger transmission destination) is contained. The AP ID can be used as the information specifying the AP 2.

[0110] The STA 1 that has received the "trigger" performs UL communication in which data is transmitted to the AP 1, and the AP 2 that has received the "announcement" performs DL communication in which data is transmitted to the STA 3.

[0111] Thus, by using the AP ID to specify the trigger transmission destination contained in the "announcement", the amount of information (for example, the number of bits) for specifying the AP can be reduced, and thus the overhead can be reduced. For example, in the case of using the AP ID, the number of bits can be reduced from 48 bits to 4 bits, compared to the case of using the MAC address.

[0112] <Supplement>

[0113] ​Further, although an example of using the AP ID is shown in the above, other identifiers can be used instead of the AP ID. For example, the AP 1 can use a short (Short) ID as an identifier of a STA (and / or AP) that is not a structural element of the BSS of the AP 1. Thus, the AP 1 can also designate a STA that is not a structural element of the BSS of the AP 1 as a trigger transmission destination.

[0114] In addition, the object of the short ID can be limited to STAs and / or APs within the coordination set, or can be limited to a coordinating STA and / or AP.

[0115] In addition, although an example of using the AP ID to designate a trigger transmission destination in the coordination scheme C-SR is shown in the above, the AP ID and / or the short ID can be used in a coordination scheme other than the coordination scheme C-SR. Or the AP ID and / or the short ID can be used for purposes other than designation of a trigger transmission destination.

[0116] In addition, although an example of the C-SR-A being transmitted by the master AP (AP 1) is shown in the above, the C-SR-A can be transmitted by the slave AP (AP 2). Also, control of the coordination set can be performed by another master AP device. In this case, each AP within the coordination set including the AP 1 and the AP 2 can be a slave AP.

[0117] In addition, the short ID or the AP ID can be included in the AID and / or the AID 12. Thus, for example, the AP 1 can designate a STA (including an AP) that is not a structural element of the BSS of the AP 1 using the AID and / or the AID 12 shown in the above. Figure 7 Further, the short ID or the AP ID can be allocated to 1 to m of the AID and / or the AID 12, or can be allocated to 2 n to 2 n +m. Here, m can be the maximum value of the short ID or the AID. Also, it can be that a part of the unused area (for example, 2008 to 2044 and 2047 to 4094 (see Figure 7 )) of the AID 12 is allocated to the short ID or the AP ID. Or it can be that the values of the short ID or the AP ID are allocated so as to correspond to the values of other AID 12. For example, it can be that in the case where 0 to n are allocated to the slave APs as values of the AP ID, the values 2008 to 2008 + n of the AID 12 are allocated to these slave APs.

[0118] In addition, the master AP can also uniformly handle the STAs in the coordination set including the slave APs, and assign AIDs and / or AID 12. For example, a part of the values from 1 to 2007, which have been assigned to non-AP STAs associated with the AP in the past, are assigned to the slave APs, and these values are not assigned to non-AP STAs. It can also be that a predetermined range from 1 to 2007, such as 2000 to 2006, is ensured as a value for the slave APs, and these values are not assigned to non-AP STAs.

[0119] In addition, the AP can also be specified using the BSS color included in the AID and / or AID 12. For example, a part of the region from "2008 to 2044" and "2047 to 2094", which are unused regions of the AID 12, can be assigned to the BSS color. Alternatively, "2045" and "2046", which have been assigned in the AID 12, can be changed to "2073" and "2074", and the region from "2008" to "2072" can be assigned to the BSS color.

[0120] In addition, in the case where the AP ID is included in the AID 12, the trigger indicating the start of the UL-DL communication can also be changed. Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating a modification example of the sequence shown in Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating a modification example of the sequence shown in Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating a modification example of the sequence shown in Figure 18 The C-SR-A of the sequence shown in

[0121] For example, the UL trigger frame can also be used as the trigger indicating the start of the UL-DL communication, and the announcement indicating the start of the DL communication can not be used (not transmitted). In this case, a user information field for specifying the DL communication can be newly added in the UL trigger frame, and the AID 12 of the newly added user information field can be used to specify the AP that is the transmission source of the DL communication. Thus, the announcement indicating the start of the DL communication can not be needed, and the overhead can be reduced.

[0122] In addition, in the case where the trigger indicating the start of the UL-DL communication is changed to the UL trigger frame, the use of a part of the user information field for specifying the AP can also be changed.

[0123] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating another example of the AID 12. Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user information field based on Figure 20 For example, as shown in Figure 20 one unused region (for example, "2008") of the AID 12 can be set as the AP specification. Also, in the case where the AID 12 is specified as the AP (for example, "2008"), the Figure 21The user information field shown. Figure 21 The user information field shown changes the use of a specific area of the user information field to the use of setting information for indicating an AP (for example, AP ID). For example, the specific area of which the use is changed can be an area of a total of 6 bits of "uplink forward error correction coding type (UL FEC Coding Type)," "uplink high efficiency modulation and coding scheme (UL HE-MCS)," and "uplink dual carrier modulation (UL DCM)" fields, can be an area of a part of these areas, and can include an area other than these areas. In addition, a BSS color can be used instead of the AP ID as the information for indicating the AP. Figure 6

[0124] In addition, a trigger in which the designation of the AP is newly added can be used instead of the UL trigger frame. For example, a format in which the number of APs is newly added to the general information field of Figure 5 , can be defined. Also, the AP can be indicated by the user information field by the new AP. Figure 22 is a drawing showing an example of the user information field of the new AP.

[0125] In addition, although an example in which the AP is indicated by the AP ID is shown in Figure 22 , a BSS color can be used instead of the AP ID to indicate the AP. In addition, a flag indicating the presence or absence of the user information field subsequent to the user information field of the AP can be newly added to the general information field instead of newly adding the number of APs to the general information field.

[0126] In addition, a multiplexing method such as OFDMA or MU-MIMO (Multi User Multiple Input Multiple Output), or an A-MPDU (Aggregate MAC Protocol Data Unit) can be used to combine the "trigger" and the "advertisement." Alternatively, the "trigger" and the "advertisement" can be a dedicated PPDU or packet. An AID or AID 12 including the AP ID or a BSS color can be used instead of the AP ID included in the information notified by the "advertisement."

[0127] ​For example, in a case where "trigger" and "announcement" are combined using OFDMA or MU-MIMO, and "trigger" and "announcement" are transmitted using MU-PPDU, it is also possible to set the STA ID in the user field indicating the resource in which "trigger" is contained (refer to Figure 15 ) to a specific value (a number indicating an associated STA as shown in Figure 7 ), and set the STA ID in the user field indicating the resource in which "announcement" is contained to another specific value (a number indicating an unassociated STA (including an AP) as shown in Figure 7 ). The resource in which "trigger" is contained can be, for example, at least one of a resource on a frequency axis (which can also be referred to as a "resource unit"), or a spatial resource of MU-MIMO.

[0128] In addition, it is also possible that one unused area (for example, "2047") of AID 12 is defined as a number indicating an AP or an AP in a coordination set. In this case, for example, by setting the STA ID indicating the transmission destination of announcement in the MU-PPDU to "2047", it is possible to avoid the reception action of a surrounding unassociated STA, and thus it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the STA.

[0129] In addition, it is also possible that one unused area (for example, "2048") of AID 12 is defined as a number indicating an AP for which AP ID is not assigned or is not contained in a coordination set. Thereby, it is possible to perform access to an AP for which AP ID is not assigned or is not contained in a coordination set.

[0130] In addition, it is also possible to calculate the transmission power of AP 2 from "AP TX Power (Power)", "UL Target RSSI" contained in the trigger (for example, the UL trigger frame shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 ). In this case, it is also possible to specify a value in "UL Target RSSI" such that the interference of AP 2 to AP 1 reaches a value or less than an allowable value.

[0131] In addition, it is also possible to perform beamforming in which the zero point is directed toward AP 1 in the transmission of AP 2.

[0132] Example 2

[0133] In the above-described example 1, an example of the action of assigning AP ID by a master AP is shown. In the following, in example 2, an example of the action of autonomously constructing a coordination set and assigning AP ID is shown.

[0134] The AP corresponding to coordinated communication (hereinafter, referred to as "setting AP") activates a flag (hereinafter, referred to as "AP ID flag") indicating whether or not it can correspond to coordinated communication, included in a beacon or probe response. Further, for example, it is also possible to include Figure 11 Reserve (for example, B6) of the performance information shown in FIG. 1 is used for the AP ID flag.

[0135] The newly set AP (hereinafter, referred to as "new AP") receives a beacon or probe response from the setting AP at the time of startup or after the startup, and transmits an AP association request to the setting AP in the case where the AP ID flag is activated. Figure 23 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an information element of an AP association request.

[0136] The setting AP that has received the AP association request transmits an AP association response to the new AP. Figure 24 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an information element of an AP association response.

[0137] Further, in the case where it is indicated that the AP ID of the setting AP specified by the AP association request has been allocated to another AP, the setting AP can also make a re-allocation request to the new AP.

[0138] Alternatively, in the case where it is indicated that the AP ID of the setting AP specified by the AP association request has been allocated to another AP, the setting AP can also include information indicating whether or not the AP ID can be allocated in the AP association response.

[0139] Further, in this case, the setting AP can also include allocatable AP ID candidate information in the re-allocation request or the AP association response. Further, in this case, the setting AP can also include the AP ID (hereinafter, referred to as "registered AP ID") of another AP specified in the past association or the like in the AP association response.

[0140] Further, in the above, although the AP ID flag is newly added to the AP association request and the AP association response to be distinguished from the association request and the association response shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to use a different determination method from the AP ID flag to be distinguished. In this case, it is possible to make the performance information unchanged from the existing information, or it is possible to remove the performance information from the structure element. Furthermore, it is also possible to use an information element made of the association request shown in FIG. 1 in which the AP ID is included as the AP association request. Figure 9 Figure 10 Further, in the above, although the AP ID flag is newly added to the AP association request and the AP association response to be distinguished from the association request and the association response shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to use a different determination method from the AP ID flag to be distinguished. In this case, it is possible to make the performance information unchanged from the existing information, or it is possible to remove the performance information from the structure element. Furthermore, it is also possible to use an information element made of the association request shown in FIG. 1 in which the AP ID is included as the AP association request. Figure 9

[0141] In this way, by performing association between the new AP and the setting AP, it is possible to specify the AP IDs of each other.​​

[0142] <supplement>

[0143] Further, the AP ID can also be specified using the beacon. For example, the AP 1 that is the setting AP can also include the AP ID of the AP 1 and / or the registered AP ID in the beacon. Thus, the AP ID that is the information element of the association request for the AP can not be needed.

[0144] In this case, the AP 2 that is the new AP can also set the AP ID that does not duplicate the registered AP ID included in the beacon as the AP ID of the AP 2, and add the AP ID of the AP 2 to the information element of the association request for the AP. Thus, the AP ID that is the information element of the association response for the new AP can not be needed.

[0145] Further, although the above describes an example in which the AP ID flag is included in the beacon or the probe response, the AP ID flag can also not be included in the beacon or the probe response. In this case, the new AP can also transmit the association request for the AP upon receiving the beacon. Further, the setting AP can refuse to associate with the new AP in a case where the setting AP does not correspond to the coordinated communication. Alternatively, the setting AP can refuse to associate with the new AP that transmitted the association request in a case where the setting AP does not correspond to the coordinated communication.

[0146] Further, although the above describes an example in which the AP ID is specified by the setting AP or the new AP, the AP ID can also be specified by the master AP. In this case, the setting AP can also be the master AP, and the setting AP can also notify the master AP of the indication.

[0147] Further, regarding the operation of the association between the setting AP and the new AP (AP-AP), the specification of the AP ID can also be added to the same operation as the association between the STA and the AP (AP-STA). For example, the process of the authentication and / or the key exchange by the association between the AP-STA can also be performed between the AP-AP. Thus, data can be transmitted between the AP-AP, and thus the secure communication can be efficiently performed.

[0148] Further, the AP ID notified by the association request, the association response, and the beacon can also be the AID or the AID 12 that includes the AP ID as described in Example 1.

[0149] In addition, when association between APs is performed, a Multiple BSSID function can be used to define a BSS dedicated to association between APs. In this case, the value of a specific AID region can be defined in the AP AID region and the APs that join the BSS can respectively assign a value other than the AP AID region to the AID of the STA. Thus, the IDs of the coordinating AP and the subordinate STAs can be uniformly managed in the same AID space.

[0150] In addition, an ID for communication to multiple coordinating APs as a destination can be defined. For example, if a non-transmitted BSSID in the multiple BSSID is used as a BSSID dedicated to a coordinating AP, the value of the AID corresponding to the entire BSSID dedicated to the coordinating AP can be used as an ID for communication to multiple coordinating APs.

[0151] In addition, an ID indicating the same random access as the uplink OFDMA random access (UORA) of 11ax can be defined for communication between APs. That is, a special value in the AP ID and / or the AP AID can be defined for random access. For example, in the case where a BSS dedicated to association between coordinating APs is defined, AID = 0 can be set for requesting information on buffered data for coordinated communication from any AP and a buffer status request trigger frame (BSRP Trigger frame) can be transmitted, or a trigger frame with AID = 2045 set can be transmitted by the existing AP to enable transmission of an association request by the pre-association AP.

[0152] In addition, association between APs is not limited to use for coordinated communication by multiple APs, and can be used for communication other than coordinated communication by multiple APs. For example, in the case where multiple APs coordinate to perform a function other than communication such as ranging, position detection, or sensing, association between APs can be used.

[0153] Example 3

[0154] In Example 3, the following operation is described, which is the same as in Example 1, in UL-DL communication in which coordination is performed in a C-SR manner, after transmission of a trigger, it is determined whether or not DL communication can be performed. The structure of the UL-DL communication is the same as in Example 1.

[0155] Figure 25 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence in which UL-DL communication in Example 3 is performed. In Figure 25In this case, the transmission of the UL trigger frame, and the UL communication (transmission and reception of UL data) between the AP1 and the STA1 can be the same as in Example 1. In Figure 25 In this case, the AP2 that has received the UL trigger frame transmits an RTS with the STA2 as the reception destination. In a case where the STA2 successfully receives the RTS (i.e., in a case where the influence of the interference caused by the data transmission in the AP1 is small), the STA2 transmits a CTS to the AP2. Here, the case where the STA2 successfully receives the RTS can be a case where the influence of the reception of the RTS caused by the interference (e.g., the interference to the STA2 caused by the data transmission in the AP1) from other surrounding wireless devices is small. Then, in a case where the CTS is received, the AP2 determines that the DL communication is possible, and transmits data to the STA2 (DL communication).

[0156] Further, although the example in which the RTS is transmitted is shown in the above, in a case where there are multiple candidates for the DL transmission destination of the AP2, an MU-RTS can be used.

[0157] In this way, by using the CTS to determine whether the DL communication is possible, unnecessary signal transmission (e.g., DL transmission in a state where the interference is large and the STA as the reception destination cannot receive) can be stopped.

[0158] Example 4

[0159] In Example 3, a method of determining whether the DL communication is possible using the RTS / CTS is shown. In Example 4, an example of using frames other than the RTS / CTS used in Example 3 is described. Hereinafter, a method of using frames called "RTS+mes" and / or frames called "CTS+mes" (hereinafter, sometimes collectively referred to as "RTS+mes / CTS+mes frames") to measure the amount of interference is exemplarily shown.

[0160] In Example 4, the transmission of the UL trigger frame, and the UL communication can be the same actions as in Example 1. The AP2 that has received the UL trigger frame transmits an RTS+mes with the STA2 as the reception destination. In a case where the STA2 successfully receives the RTS+mes, the STA2 measures the reception power of the same frequency band as the RTS+mes. It can be that the reception power of the same frequency band as the RTS+mes corresponds to the interference power caused by the data transmission of the AP1. Then, the STA2 transmits a CTS+mes in which information related to the reception power is newly added to the CTS.

[0161] Thus, by using the RTS+mes / CTS+mes frames, the STA that has received the CTS+mes notifies the source of the interference amount measured by the STA, and the source can perform data transmission with an appropriate MCS selected in consideration of the interference, and the throughput is improved.

[0162] <Supplement>

[0163] In addition, the format of the RTS+mes can be set to the same format as the RTS, or can be set to a format in which information of a frequency band (also referred to as "tone") measured by the CTS+mes is added to the format of the RTS. By adding the information of the frequency band, the frequency band measured by the CTS+mes can be specified.

[0164] In addition, the category of the RTS+mes and / or the CTS+mes can be specified using the free area of the category of the MAC frame illustrated in FIG. 8. Figure 14 For example, the RTS+mes is set to "010000", and the CTS+mes is set to "010001". In addition, it can be that, in the format of the frame of the RTS and / or the CTS, a specific bit within the frame control field illustrated in FIG. 8 is changed to indicate the use of the RTS+mes / CTS+mes. For example, the specific bit whose use is changed can be one of "To DS", "From DS", "More Frag", "Retry", "Protected Frame", and "+HTC / Order" illustrated in FIG. 8. For example, in a case where the frame format is set to the RTS+mes and / or the CTS+mes, the change in the use can be indicated by setting the above bit (for example, "To DS") to 1. Figure 13 Figure 13

[0165] <Example 5>

[0166] Although an example of UL-DL communication coordinated in the C-SR manner is illustrated in Example 1, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 26 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of UL-DL communication. For example, as illustrated in Figure 26 In a case where the configuration of each device of the coordination set is the configuration in which STA2 is affected by interference from STA1, the UL communication (transmission of UL data) from STA1 to AP1 and the DL communication (transmission of DL data) from AP2 to STA2 can be set as UL-DL communication coordinated in the C-OFDMA manner.

[0167] Figure 27 ​​is a diagram showing a sequence of UL-DL communication in a coordinated manner C-OFDMA. Figure 27 The actions shown are the same as those shown in Example 1 (for example, Figure 19 ) based on the coordinated manner C-SR manner. However, it is set that the frequency band for UL communication from STA1 to AP1 and the frequency band for DL communication from AP2 to STA2, which are specified by the UL trigger frame, are different from each other. Further, although an example using "UL trigger frame" is shown in Figure 27 , "trigger" and "announcement" can be used as in Figure 18 . In this case, it is set that the frequency band for UL communication from STA1 to AP1 and the frequency band for DL communication from AP2 to STA2, which are specified by "trigger" and "announcement", are different from each other.

[0168] Thus, by setting the frequency bands for UL communication and DL communication to be different from each other using the same actions as the UL-DL communication coordinated in the C-SR manner, it is also possible to support the case of the coordinated manner C-OFDMA.

[0169] Further, in Figure 27 , it can be that, in the case where the frequency band allocated for DL communication does not overlap with the frequency band allocated for UL communication, AP2 determines to use C-OFDMA. In addition, it can be that, in the case where the frequency band allocated for DL communication overlaps with the frequency band allocated for UL communication, AP2 determines to use C-SR. In the case of determining C-SR, AP2 can also perform the actions shown in Example 3 or Example 4.

[0170] Although an example of coordinated communication by a plurality of APs to STAs is shown in the above-described embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, APs of a part of the plurality of APs can be replaced with STAs. For example, the present disclosure can also be applied to a case of coordinated communication by one or more APs and one or more STAs to other STAs. Or, the present disclosure can also be applied to a case of coordinated communication by two or more STAs to other STAs.

[0171] In addition, the terms indicating each signal (packet) in the above-described embodiments are one example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0172] In addition, "… part" in the above-described embodiments can be "… circuitry", "… device", "… unit", or "… module".

[0173] The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, or software in cooperation with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of the aforementioned embodiments can be realized by an LSI that is an integrated circuit, or a part or all of the functional blocks can be realized as integrated circuits. Each process described in the aforementioned embodiments can be controlled by one LSI or a combination of LSIs, partially or entirely. The LSI can be constructed of a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor. Furthermore, the LSI can be a programmable processor that can be programmed to realize one or more functions. The LSI can be realized as one chip, or the LSI can be realized as a combination of a plurality of chips. The LSI can also be referred to as an "IC", a "system LSI", an "application SoC (System on Chip)", or the like. Each functional block or a part thereof can be realized as an integrated circuit. Furthermore, the present disclosure can be realized as a "fabless mode" in which a circuit configuration is designed and supplied to a manufacture, and the circuit configuration is manufactured as an integrated circuit.

[0174] The present disclosure can be implemented in all kinds of devices, apparatuses, and systems (collectively referred to as "communication devices") having a communication function. Non-limiting examples of the communication devices include a telephone (a mobile phone, a smartphone, or the like), a tablet, a personal computer (PC) (a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, or the like), a camera (a digital still camera, a digital video camera, or the like), a digital player (a digital audio / video player, or the like), a wearable device (a wearable camera, a smart watch, a tracking device, or the like), a game console, an electronic book reader, a remote health / remote medical (remote care / medical prescription) device, a vehicle or a transportation tool (a car, an airplane, a ship, or the like) having a communication function, and a combination of the above devices.

[0175] The communication devices are not limited to devices that can be carried or moved, and include all kinds of devices, apparatuses, and systems that cannot be carried or are fixed. For example, the communication devices include smart home devices (home electric appliances, lighting devices, smart meters or meters, control panels, or the like), vending machines, and all "things" that can exist on an IoT (Internet of Things) network.

[0176] The communication includes not only data communication through a cellular system, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) system, a communication satellite system, and the like, but also data communication through a combination of these systems.

[0177] In addition, the communication device also includes a controller or a sensor and the like connected or linked to a communication apparatus that performs the communication function described in the present disclosure. For example, a controller or a sensor that generates a control signal or a data signal used by a communication apparatus that performs the communication function of the communication device.

[0178] In addition, the communication device includes an infrastructure apparatus such as a base station, an access point, and all other devices, apparatuses, and systems that perform communication with or control the above-described various devices. For example, a controller or a sensor that generates a control signal or a data signal used by a communication apparatus that performs the communication function of the communication device.

[0179] The wireless communication device of one embodiment of the present disclosure is a first wireless communication device including a control section that allocates an identifier to a second wireless communication device not included in a basic service set to which the first wireless communication device belongs, and a transmission section that transmits a signal including the identifier.

[0180] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control section includes the identifier in an association identification field of a user information field of the signal.

[0181] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control section allocates the identifier to a reserved value of the association identification field.

[0182] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control section allocates the identifier to the second wireless communication device that coordinates at least one of uplink communication and downlink communication with the first wireless communication device.

[0183] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first wireless communication device is a master access point that controls the second wireless communication device.

[0184] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control section includes the identifier in the signal that is an association request.

[0185] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control section sets a destination specified in a user information field of the signal that is a trigger frame as the identifier.

[0186] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control section sets information indicating that a destination is an access point in a user information field of the signal that is a trigger frame, and sets the identifier in an information field for a non-access point in the user information field.

[0187] The wireless communication device of one embodiment of the present disclosure is a first wireless communication device including a transmission section that transmits a second control signal after transmitting a first control signal to a second wireless communication device, and a control section that determines whether or not downlink transmission to the second wireless communication device in a coordinated manner of spatial reuse is possible based on a response to the second control signal.

[0188] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the response includes information related to an amount of interference determined based on the second control signal received by the second wireless communication device.

[0189] In a wireless communication method of one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first wireless communication device allocates an identifier to a second wireless communication device not included in a basic service set to which the first wireless communication device belongs, and transmits a signal including the identifier.

[0190] The wireless communication device of one embodiment of the present disclosure is a first wireless communication device including a reception section that receives a signal including an identifier of the first wireless communication device from a second wireless communication device, the identifier not being included in a basic service set to which the second wireless communication device belongs.

[0191] In a wireless communication method of one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first wireless communication device receives a signal including an identifier of the first wireless communication device from a second wireless communication device, the identifier not being included in a basic service set to which the second wireless communication device belongs.

[0192] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-133229 filed on August 5, 2020, including the specification, drawings and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0193] Industrial Applicability

[0194] One embodiment of the present disclosure is useful for a mobile communication system.

[0195] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0196] 10, 100 wireless communication device

[0197] 11 control section

[0198] 12 transmission section

[0199] 101 transmission packet generation section

[0200] 102 wireless transceiver section

[0201] 103 reception packet decoding section

[0202] 104 control signal generation section

Claims

1. A wireless communication device, which serves as a first access point, comprising: The control unit assigns identifiers to second access points that are not included in the basic service set to which the first access point belongs; as well as The transmitting unit sends a signal containing the identifier. The control unit allocates the identifier from the unused area of ​​the associated identifier and includes the identifier in the associated identifier field of the user information field of the signal.

2. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control unit assigns the identifier to a reserved value in the associated identifier field.

3. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control unit assigns the identifier to the second access point that coordinates with the first access point for at least one of uplink and downlink communication.

4. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The first access point is the main access point that controls the second access point.

5. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The control unit includes the identifier in the signal that serves as an association request.

6. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control unit sets the destination specified in the user information field of the signal that serves as the trigger frame as the identifier.

7. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control unit sets information indicating that the destination is an access point in the user information field of the signal that serves as the trigger frame, and sets the identifier in the information field for non-access points in the user information field.

8. A wireless communication method, wherein, The first access point assigns an identifier to a second access point that is not included in the basic service set to which the first access point belongs, and sends a signal containing the identifier. The first access point assigns the identifier from the unused area of ​​the associated identifier and includes the identifier in the associated identifier field of the user information field of the signal.

Images