Communication device, control method, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

A communication device for performing communication by establishing a connection with another communication device using a plurality of frequency channels, when performing a control communication for generally controlling the communication in the connection using at least two frequency channels of the plurality of frequency channels, transmits or receives a frame for ending the control communication to or from the other communication device. The frame includes at least two fields each storing information about a frequency channel which is stopped from being used in the control communication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technique for controlling wireless communication using multiple frequency channels. Background Technology

[0002] The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard is known as a communication standard for wireless local area networks (LANs). The IEEE 802.11 standard is a family of standards including IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax. The IEEE 802.11ax standard, the latest in the IEEE 802.11 family, uses Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) to achieve peak throughput (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Currently, to further improve throughput, the IEEE 802.11be standard has been defined as a new standard in the IEEE 802.11 standard family. The IEEE 802.11be standard studies multi-band communication, where an access point (AP) performs communication by establishing multiple radio links with a station (STA) in multiple frequency bands. In multi-band communication, for example, the AP uses multiple frequency channels in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz bands to establish connections with the STA and simultaneously uses these frequency channels to communicate with the STA.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-050133 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] In the IEEE 802.11be standard, to further improve communication rates in multi-band communication, Block Ack (Block Acknowledgment) communication for receiving data frames across multiple frequency bands was studied. That is, techniques for transmitting / receiving ACKs in communication across multiple radio links were investigated. In the context of overall control of communication across multiple radio links, control is required to appropriately start and terminate this control operation.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] This invention provides a technique for appropriately performing control communications for overall control of communications in multiple radio links.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, a communication device includes a communication component configured to perform communication by establishing connections with other communication devices using a plurality of frequency channels, wherein, when performing control communication for overall control of communication in a connection using at least two of the plurality of frequency channels, the communication component sends to or receives from the other communication devices a frame for terminating the control communication, and the frame is capable of including at least two fields, each field storing information relating to the frequency channels that are no longer used in the control communication.

[0012] The effects of the invention

[0013] According to the present invention, control communications for overall control of communications in multiple wireless links can be appropriately performed.

[0014] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Note that throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of network configuration;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware layout of a communication device;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional layout of a communication device;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the processing during Block Ack communication;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of AP processing during Block Ack communication;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of STA processing during Block Ack communication;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an ADDBA request frame;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an ADDBA response frame;

[0024] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a multi-band element;

[0025] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the AP's processing when ending Block Ack communication;

[0026] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the STA's processing when ending Block Ack communication;

[0027] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a DELBA frame;

[0028] Figure 13 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the processing during Block Ack communication;

[0029] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an ADDBA request frame;

[0030] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an ADDBA response frame;

[0031] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the AP's processing when ending Block Ack communication;

[0032] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the STA's processing when ending Block Ack communication; and

[0033] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a DELBA frame. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Multiple features are described in the embodiments, but the invention is not limited to requiring all of these features, and multiple features can be appropriately combined. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar configurations, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0035] (Network configuration)

[0036] Figure 1An example configuration of network 101 according to an embodiment is shown. Network 101 is a wireless network created by communication device 102, which acts as an access point (AP). Note that in this embodiment, if communication device 102 creates multiple networks, the BSSIDs of each network are the same. Note that BSSID is an acronym for Basic Service Set Identifier and is an identifier used to identify a network. Communication device 102 sets a common SSID as the SSID indicated in each network. Note that SSID is an acronym for Service Set Identifier and is an identifier used to identify an access point. In this embodiment, even if communication device 102 establishes multiple connections, it uses a single SSID. Communication device 103 is a communication device acting as a station (STA) and joins network 101 created by communication device 102 to communicate with communication device 102.

[0037] Each communication device supports the IEEE 802.11be (EHT) standard and can perform wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11be standard. Note that IEEE is an abbreviation for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. EHT is an abbreviation for Extremely High Throughput or Extreme High Throughput. Each communication device can perform communication in various frequency bands within the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. Furthermore, each communication device can perform communication using bandwidths of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz.

[0038] Communication devices 102 and 103 can implement multi-user (MU) communication by multiplexing signals from multiple users using OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) conforming to the IEEE 802.11be standard. In OFDMA, some frequency bands (resource elements (RUs)) in the divided frequency bands are allocated to one or more STAs in a non-overlapping manner, and the carriers allocated to each STA are orthogonal to each other. This resource allocation with orthogonal carriers allows the AP to communicate simultaneously with multiple STAs while sufficiently suppressing the interference between signals transmitted to / received from multiple STAs.

[0039] Communication devices 102 and 103 can perform multi-band communication by establishing connections via multiple frequency channels. For example, communication device 102 can establish a first connection with communication device 103 using a first frequency channel in the 2.4 GHz band and a second connection using a second frequency channel in the 5 GHz band, thereby performing communication via the first and second connections. That is, if each of communication devices 102 and 103 establishes multiple connections with the other device, the communication device can perform communication in each connection simultaneously. In this case, communication device 102 maintains the second connection while maintaining the first connection. Communication device 102 can establish multiple connections with communication device 103 using multiple frequency channels, thereby increasing the throughput in communication with communication device 103. As a result, the time required for data communication between communication devices 102 and 103 can be shortened. Furthermore, when communication device 102 establishes multiple connections in different frequency bands with communication device 103, even if a given frequency band is congested or the radio quality of that frequency band is insufficient, communication device 102 can perform communication in another frequency band. This prevents a decrease in the throughput of communication between communication devices 102 and 103. Note that, more generally, multi-band communication can be replaced by multi-link communication that establishes multiple radio links. That is, multi-band communication is performed if the radio links use different frequency bands, but multiple radio channels within the same frequency band can be used to establish the radio links. In other words, multiple connections can be established in different frequency bands as described above, or they can be established using different frequency channels within the same frequency band.

[0040] Note that communication device 102 can perform backup communication by establishing multiple connections with communication device 103. For example, communication device 102 can send data to communication device 103 using a given frequency channel, while simultaneously sending the same data to communication device 103 using another frequency channel. Therefore, even if communication device 103 cannot receive data in communication using one frequency channel, communication device 103 can still receive data in communication using another frequency channel. Thus, in the case of performing backup communication that simultaneously sends the same data using different frequency channels, even if a failure or error occurs in communication using one frequency channel, data communication can still be performed using another frequency channel.

[0041] In this embodiment, for example, communication device 102 establishes three connections with communication device 103 using frequency channels in different frequency bands of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. That is, communication device 102 can establish connections with communication device 103 using a first frequency channel in the 2.4 GHz band, a second frequency channel in the 5 GHz band, and a third frequency channel in the 6 GHz band, respectively. Communication devices 102 and 103 can establish connections using multiple different frequency channels in the first frequency band, while simultaneously establishing connections using frequency channels in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. For example, communication device 102 can establish connections with communication device 103 using a first and second frequency channel in the 2.4 GHz band and a third frequency channel in the 5 GHz band.

[0042] If communication devices 102 and 103 establish multiple connections, these devices can send / receive signals via one connection to control the other connections. For example, if communication devices 102 and 103 simultaneously establish a first connection in a first frequency band and a second connection in a second frequency band, these devices can send / receive signals via the first connection to control the second connection. For example, communication device 102 can send a signal to communication device 103 requesting the disconnection of the connection in the first frequency channel, thereby disconnecting the connection in the second frequency channel from communication device 103. Furthermore, for example, communication device 102 can associate with communication device 103 in the first frequency channel, thereby establishing a connection with communication device 103 in the second frequency channel. Even if communication devices 102 and 103 use the same first and second frequency channels in the same frequency band to establish the first and second connections respectively, the same control operation can be performed. Note that in this case, the first and second frequency channels do not need to be adjacent to each other. For example, communication devices 102 and 103 can establish a connection using two frequency channels spaced 20 MHz or more apart, and can transmit / receive signals via a connection using one frequency channel to control a connection using the other frequency channel. In one example, communication devices 102 and 103 can establish a first connection in channel 36 and a second connection in channel 52 in the 5 GHz band, thereby controlling the other connection via one of the first and second connections.

[0043] Note that control signals transmitted using the first frequency channel are, for example, management frames conforming to the IEEE 802.11be standard. Management frames can be, for example, beacon frames, probe request / response frames, or association request / response frames. In addition to these frames, deassociation frames, authentication frames, deauthentication frames, and action frames can also be referred to as management frames. Beacon frames are frames that notify of network information. Probe request frames are frames that request network information, and probe response frames are responses to probe request frames that provide network information. Association request frames are frames that request a connection, and association response frames are responses to association request frames that indicate whether the connection is granted or denied. Deassociation frames are frames used to disconnect. Authentication frames are frames used to authenticate the other device. Deauthentication frames are frames used to interrupt the authentication of the other device and disconnect the connection. Action frames are frames used to perform additional functions beyond those of the management frames described above.

[0044] Note that each of communication devices 102 and 103 supports the IEEE 802.11be standard. In addition, each of communication devices 102 and 103 may support at least one of the legacy standards defined prior to the IEEE 802.11be standard. Legacy standards include the IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax standards. Furthermore, in addition to the IEEE 802.11 standard family, each of communication devices 102 and 103 may support standards such as... Another communication standard includes Bluetooth, NFC, UWB, Zigbee, or MBOA. Note that UWB is an abbreviation for Ultra Wide Band, and MBOA is an abbreviation for Multi Band OFDM Alliance. Also note that OFDM is an abbreviation for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing. NFC is an abbreviation for Near Field Communication. UWB includes Wireless USB, Wireless 1394, and WiNET. Additionally, each of communication devices 102 and 103 can support wired communication standards such as wired LAN.

[0045] Communication device 102 may be, for example, a wireless LAN router or a PC, but is not limited thereto. Communication device 102 may be any communication device capable of performing multi-band communication with another communication device. Communication device 103 may be, for example, a camera, tablet computer, smartphone, PC, mobile phone, or camcorder, but is not limited thereto. Communication device 103 may be any communication device capable of performing multi-band communication with another communication device. At least one of communication devices 102 and 103 may be an information processing device, such as a radio chip, capable of performing wireless communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11be standard. Furthermore, Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a network consisting of one access point (AP) and one STA. However, this is merely an example, and a network can include two or more APs and two or more STAs. Note that information processing devices, such as radio chips, may include antennas for transmitting the generated signals.

[0046] (Equipment layout)

[0047] An example illustrating the arrangement of communication devices 102 and 103 will be provided. Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware arrangement of each of the communication devices 102 and 103 according to this embodiment. Each communication device (each of communication devices 102 and 103) includes, for example, a storage unit 201, a control unit 202, a functional unit 203, an input unit 204, an output unit 205, a communication unit 206, and antennas 207 to 209.

[0048] Storage unit 201 includes one or more memories such as ROM and RAM, and stores computer programs configured to perform various operations described later, as well as various information such as communication parameters for wireless communication. Note that ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory, and RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. Also note that, in addition to or in place of memories such as ROM or RAM, storage unit 201 may include storage media such as floppy disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, or DVDs. Storage unit 201 may include multiple memories.

[0049] The control unit 202 is formed, for example, by one or more processors such as a CPU and an MPU, and controls the entire communication device by executing computer programs, for example, stored in the storage unit 201. Note that CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit, and MPU is an abbreviation for Micro Processing Unit. The control unit 202 can be configured to perform processes such as generating data and signals to be transmitted in communication with another communication device, in addition to controlling the entire communication device. Note that the control unit 202 can be configured to perform processes such as controlling the entire communication device in cooperation with the computer program stored in the storage unit 201 and the operating system (OS). The control unit 202 may include multiple processors such as a multi-core processor and perform processes such as controlling the entire communication device using multiple processors.

[0050] Furthermore, the control unit 202 controls the functional unit 203 and performs predetermined processes such as imaging, printing, or projection. The functional unit 203 is the hardware used by the device to perform the predetermined processes. For example, if the device is a camera, the functional unit 203 is an imaging unit and performs imaging processing. For example, if the device is a printer, the functional unit 203 is a printing unit and performs printing processing. Furthermore, for example, if the device is a projector, the functional unit 203 is a projection unit and performs projection processing. The data to be processed by the functional unit 203 may be data stored in the storage unit 201, or data communicated with another AP or STA via the communication unit 206, which will be described later.

[0051] Input unit 204 receives various operations from the user. Output unit 205 provides various outputs to the user. Here, the outputs of output unit 205 may include at least one of the following: display on a screen, audio output from a speaker, and vibration output. Note that both input unit 204 and output unit 205 can be implemented as a single module, such as a touch panel. Each of input unit 204 and output unit 205 may be included in a communication device or may be configured as an external device connected to the communication device.

[0052] Communication unit 206 controls wireless communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard family or controls IP communication. In this embodiment, communication unit 206 is specifically configured to control wireless communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11be standard. Communication unit 206 can control wired communication such as wired LAN. Communication unit 206 controls antennas 207 to 209 and transmits / receives radio signals used for wireless communication generated by control unit 202. Note that if the communication device supports NFC or Bluetooth standards in addition to the IEEE 802.11be standard, communication unit 206 can control wireless communication conforming to these communication standards. If the communication device can perform wireless communication conforming to each of multiple communication standards, the communication device may include communication units and antennas supporting each communication standard. The communication device communicates data such as image data, document data, or video data with a peer communication device via communication unit 206. Note that at least one of antennas 207 to 209 may be prepared separately from communication unit 206 or may be combined with communication unit 206 to form a module.

[0053] Antennas 207 to 209 are capable of performing communication in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands, respectively. That is, the communication device includes an antenna corresponding to each frequency band. Note that it is not necessary to prepare different antennas for each frequency band, and the communication device can be configured to use multi-band antennas to perform communication in the aforementioned three frequency bands through one or two antennas. The communication device may include four or more antennas. Figure 2 The diagram shows an arrangement of a communication device including a communication unit 206 for multiple antennas 207 to 209, but multiple communication units 206 corresponding to each of the multiple antennas can be prepared.

[0054] Figure 3An example of the functional arrangement of communication devices (each of communication devices 102 and 103) is shown. The communication devices, for example, include a first wireless LAN control unit 301, a second wireless LAN control unit 306, and a third wireless LAN control unit 307 that respectively control wireless LAN communications in three frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. However, these are merely examples. For instance, wireless LAN control related to multiple frequency bands can be performed by a common wireless LAN control unit, and two or fewer wireless LAN control units can be prepared. Furthermore, to accommodate more frequency bands or more distributed communication control within a single frequency band, four or more wireless LAN control units can be prepared. These wireless LAN control units perform wireless LAN communication control according to various procedures defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard family. Note that in this embodiment, these wireless LAN control units conform to the IEEE 802.11be standard. Each wireless LAN control unit can be implemented by antennas and circuitry configured to transmit / receive radio signals relative to another communication device with wireless LAN communication capabilities, and by programs configured to control these antennas and circuitry.

[0055] Each of the communication devices 102 and 103 further includes a frame generation unit 302, a frame analysis unit 303, a UI control unit 304, and a storage control unit 305.

[0056] Frame generation unit 302 generates radio control frames to be transmitted by at least one of the aforementioned wireless LAN control units. The radio control frames generated by frame generation unit 302 can be generated based on settings stored in storage unit 201. Alternatively, frame generation unit 302 can generate radio control frames based on user settings input by the user. Frame analysis unit 303 interprets the radio control frames received by each wireless LAN control unit and reflects the content of the received radio control frames onto at least one of the aforementioned wireless LAN control units. For example, if a radio control frame received via the first wireless LAN control unit 301 indicates a connection loss in the 5GHz band, the second wireless LAN control unit 306 stops transmitting / receiving radio signals. Even radio control frames received by any wireless LAN control unit can be analyzed by frame analysis unit 303 and then used to control wireless LAN control units that have not received radio control frames.

[0057] The UI control unit 304 is formed by including a program for controlling at least one of the input unit 204 and the output unit 205. The UI control unit 304 has the function of presenting information related to the communication device to the user, such as displaying images or audio output via the output unit 205. The storage control unit 305 controls the writing and reading of data relative to the storage unit 201, which stores programs and data operating in the communication device.

[0058] (The processing procedure)

[0059] The following will describe an example of the process performed in this embodiment. In this embodiment, as described above, communication devices 102 and 103 perform communication by establishing multiple links using multiple frequency channels in one or more frequency bands. Then, communication devices 102 and 103 simultaneously perform communication in multiple links. At this time, communication devices 102 and 103 are configured to send acknowledgments for communication in multiple links. Note that the acknowledgment (Ack) related to multiple data is called Block Ack (hereinafter also referred to as BA). Data communication using BA (data transmission / reception and transmission / reception of BA for data) is called Block Ack communication. The use of BA makes it possible to reduce the frequency of acknowledgment (Ack) transmission and increase throughput by increasing the radio resources available for transmitting / receiving data. The process of applying Block Ack communication to two or more of the multiple links will be described below. Note that Block Ack communication refers to control communication that sends / receives acknowledgments for communication in two or more of the multiple links using multiple different frequency channels.

[0060] Figure 4 This shows an example of the process performed for Block Ack communication. Figure 5 An example of the process performed by communication device 102 to initiate Block Ack communication is shown. Figure 6An example of the process executed by communication device 103 to initiate Block Ack communication is shown. Communication device 102 initiates (hereinafter described) the process based on instructions, for example, from an application operating in communication device 102. Communication device 102 may initiate (hereinafter described) the process for each predetermined time after it is powered on or after a connection with STA (communication device 103) is established. Alternatively, communication device 102 may initiate (hereinafter described) the process based on user instructions to establish Block Ack communication. Communication device 102 executes (hereinafter described) the process by, for example, reading a computer program stored in storage unit 201 into control unit 202 and executing that computer program. Communication device 103 may initiate (hereinafter described) the process in response to power-on of communication device 103 or establishment of a connection with AP (communication device 102). Communication device 103 may initiate (hereinafter described) the process using the same trigger used by communication device 102. The communication device 103 can also perform (described below) processing by, for example, reading a computer program stored in the storage unit 201 into the control unit 202 and executing the computer program.

[0061] The communication device 102, operating as an AP, determines the parameters to be used for Block Ack communication (S401). For example, the communication device 102 determines the frequency band it will use for Block Ack communication (step S501). If the communication device 102 establishes a wired or wireless connection with another AP besides itself, the communication device 102 can obtain information about the frequency band to be used for Block Ack communication from the other currently connected AP before performing this process. For example, the communication device 102 can determine a frequency band that is not used by another surrounding AP as the frequency band to be used for Block Ack communication. This allows communication to be performed using a frequency band that is not used for communication. Alternatively, the communication device 102 can determine a frequency band used by another surrounding AP as the frequency band to be used for Block Ack communication. For example, the communication device 102 can use the frequency band used by another AP that the communication device 103 (STA) was previously connected to for Block Ack communication with the STA to determine the frequency band to be used for Block Ack communication with the communication device 103. This allows selection of the frequency band most likely to perform Block Ack communication with communication device 103. In this example, assume that communication device 102 decides to perform Block Ack communication in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. Then, communication device 102 determines the frequency band to be used to send information related to the frequency band to be used for Block Ack communication to communication device 103 (step S502). Note that the frequency band to be used for Block Ack and the frequency channels in these frequency bands can be determined in step S501, and it can be determined in step S502 which of the determined frequency channels will be used for information notification. For example, it can be decided to use two or more frequency channels in the same frequency band to perform Block Ack communication. In this case, information about the use of the frequency channel is notified by using at least one of the determined two or more frequency channels.

[0062] Communication device 102 sends information related to the frequency band to be used for Block Ack communication to communication device 103 in the frequency band determined in step S502 (S402, step S503). In this embodiment, communication device 102 uses an ADDBA request frame to notify of information related to the frequency band to be used for Block Ack communication. For example, communication device 102 sends information in at least one of the frequency bands to be used for Block Ack communication. Figure 7 The ADDBA request frame shown below includes information that will be referenced later. Figure 9The multi-band elements are described. Therefore, communication device 102 notifies communication device 103 of the frequency band to be used for Block Ack communication. In this embodiment, communication device 102 transmits an ADDBA request frame in the 2.4 GHz band of the frequency band to be used for Block Ack communication. The ADDBA request frame transmitted here may include information relating to all frequency channels determined in S401, as information relating to the frequency band to be used for Block Ack communication. However, the invention is not limited to this and may include information relating to only some frequency channels among the frequency channels determined in S401.

[0063] Information related to the frequency band to be used for Block Ack communication in the ADDBA request frame includes information related to frequency bands other than the frequency band from which the ADDBA request frame is sent. For example, if the ADDBA request frame is sent only in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, then the ADDBA request frame includes information related to the 5 GHz or 6 GHz frequency band as information related to the frequency band to be used for Block Ack communication. Note that in this embodiment, as described above, communication device 102 decides to perform Block Ack communication in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. Therefore, communication device 102 sends an ADDBA request frame to communication device 103, which includes information related to the 5 GHz frequency band as information related to the frequency band to be used for Block Ack communication. Note that information related to the frequency band to be used for Block Ack communication in the ADDBA request frame may include information related to the frequency band from which the ADDBA request frame is sent. In other words, if an ADDBA request frame is sent in the 2.4 GHz band, information related to the 2.4 GHz band can be included as information related to the band to be used for Block Ack communication.

[0064] If communication device 103, operating as a STA, successfully receives the ADDBA request frame sent by communication device 102 ("Yes" in step S601), then communication device 103 sends an acknowledgment (Ack) (S403). Note that this acknowledgment can be omitted by sending an ADDBA response frame later. That is, since the ADDBA response frame is a response signal to the ADDBA request frame, the sending of the frame can implicitly indicate that the ADDBA request frame was successfully received.

[0065] Upon receiving an ADDBA request frame, communication device 103 analyzes the content (step S602), prepares an ADDBA response frame by setting the content according to the analysis results, and sends the ADDBA response frame. For example, communication device 103 obtains information related to the frequency band that communication device 102 intends to use for Block Ack communication from the multi-band elements included in the ADDBA request frame. Then, communication device 103 determines whether it can start Block Ack communication in that frequency band (step S603). For example, communication device 103 may perform this determination based on whether it supports Block Ack communication in the frequency band included in the obtained information, and whether it maintains the computational resources used for Block Ack communication.

[0066] If communication device 103 can start Block Ack communication in the notified frequency band ("Yes" in step S603), then communication device 103 generates an ADDBA response frame with the status code set to "Success" and sends the ADDBA response frame (S404, step S604). Note that in the frequency band where the ADDBA request frame was received (in... Figure 4 In the example shown, an ADDBA response frame is sent in the 2.4 GHz band. This enables communication device 103 to initiate Block Ack communication (step S605). Then, if communication device 102 receives the ADDBA response frame ("Yes" in step S504) and acknowledges that the status code is "Success" ("Yes" in step S505), communication device 102 initiates Block Ack communication (step S506). Note that in response to receiving the ADDBA response frame, communication device 102 can send an acknowledgment (Ack) (S405). Then, the communication parameters to be used for Block Ack communication between communication devices 102 and 103 are acknowledged (S406). Note that the ADDBA request frame can notify communication device 103 of communication parameters other than the band determined by communication device 102. In this case, communication device 103 can send an ADDBA response frame including a result indicating whether the communication parameters are available. In addition to the ADDBA request and response frames used to determine the frequency band to be used for Block Ack communication, other signals for determining parameters can be sent / received between communication devices 102 and 103, for example, in S406.

[0067] On the other hand, if communication device 103 cannot start Block Ack communication in the notified frequency band (No in step S603), communication device 103 generates an ADDBA response frame with a status code set to a value other than "success" and sends the ADDBA response frame (step S606). In this case, communication device 103 does not start Block Ack communication (step S607). If communication device 102 receives an ADDBA response frame (Yes in step S504) and confirms that the status code is not "success" (No in step S505), communication device 102 does not start Block Ack communication (step S507). In the same case, communication device 102 may send an acknowledgment (Ack) in response to receiving the ADDBA response frame (S405).

[0068] Note that if communication device 103 fails to receive the ADDBA request frame (No in step S601), then communication device 103 does not send an ADDBA response frame. Then, if communication device 102 cannot receive the ADDBA response frame (No in step S504), then communication device 102 does not start Block Ack communication (step S507). Note that even if communication device 103 receives the ADDBA request frame, but communication device 103 cannot obtain information due to frame decoding failure, communication device 103 can send a negative acknowledgment (Nack) to communication device 102, thereby prompting communication device 102 to resend the ADDBA request frame.

[0069] Subsequently, communication devices 102 and 103 use the confirmed communication parameters to send / receive data through the established Block Ack communication. Figure 4 Examples of communication devices 102 and 103 using a connection in the 2.4 GHz band to send / receive data (S411 to S413) and using a connection in the 5 GHz band to send / receive data (S421 to S423) are provided.

[0070] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 Let's explain the structure of the ADDBA request frame and the structure of the ADDBA response frame respectively.

[0071] like Figure 7 As shown, the ADDBA request frame includes multiple information fields storing different types of information. The ADDBA request frame is sent sequentially starting with the category field 701, which is the first information field. Note that the communication device 102 can generate all fields of the ADDBA request frame and then send the frame, or it can generate and send each field sequentially starting from the category field 701. The order of sending / receiving fields is not limited to... Figure 7The order shown. That is to say, the order of the fields can be different. Figure 7 The order shown. Additionally, any field can be deleted, and fields can be added between any two fields. Figure 7 Fields not shown in the diagram. The following will explain. Figure 7 The information stored in each field shown.

[0072] Category field 701 stores an identifier used to identify the category of the frame. In this embodiment, the identifier "3" indicating Block Ack related processing is stored in category field 701. Block Ack action field 702 stores an identifier used to identify the processing content in Block Ack. In this embodiment, the identifier "0" indicating an ADDBA request frame is stored in Block Ack action field 702. Dialogue token field 703 stores a non-zero value selected by the STA.

[0073] Block Ack parameter set field 704 stores information such as supported A-MSDUs, Block Ack policy, TID, and buffer size. Supported A-MSDUs indicate whether the STA supports A-MSDUs when sending QoS data frames in Block Ack communication. The Block Ack policy indicates whether the Block Ack communication to be used is immediate or delayed. The TID is the service identifier specified when establishing Block Ack communication. The buffer size indicates the size of the reordering buffer available for the TID.

[0074] The Block Ack Timeout value field 705 stores information indicating the time from the start of Block Ack communication until a timeout occurs and the Block Ack communication ends if no frames are sent / received within a given time. The Block Ack Start Sequence Control field 706 stores information indicating the sequence number of the MSDU to be sent next. The GCR Group Address field 707 stores the value of the multicast (GCR) group address with retry for the Block Ack communication to begin. The Multiband fields 708 and 709 each store information related to the frequency band to be used for multiband communication. The TCLAS field 710 stores the service class. The ADDBA Extension field 711 stores ADDBA capability information, etc. The ADDBA capability information includes information indicating whether the Block Ack communication to begin supports the transmission of segmented MSDUs in MPDU transmission.

[0075] Note that the GCR group address field 707, multi-band fields 708 and 709, TCLAS field 710, and ADDBA extension field 711 are optional fields. Therefore, these fields may or may not be included in the ADDBA request frame.

[0076] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an ADDBA response frame. (See diagram for example.) Figure 8 As shown, the ADDBA response frame includes multiple information fields storing different types of information. The ADDBA response frame is sent sequentially, starting with the category field 801, which is the first information field. Note that the communication device 103 can generate all fields of the ADDBA response frame and then send the frame, or it can generate and send each field sequentially starting from the category field 801. The order of sending / receiving fields is not limited to... Figure 8 The order shown. That is to say, the order of the fields can be different. Figure 8 The order shown. Additionally, any field can be deleted, and fields can be added between any two fields. Figure 8 Fields not shown in the diagram. The following will explain. Figure 8 The information stored in each field shown.

[0077] Category field 801 stores an identifier used to identify the category of the frame. In this embodiment, the identifier "3" indicating Block Ack-related processing is stored in category field 801. Block Ack action field 802 stores an identifier used to identify the processing content in Block Ack. In this embodiment, the identifier "1" indicating an ADDBA response frame is stored in Block Ack action field 802. Dialogue token field 803 stores the same value as the dialogue token field 703 of the ADDBA request frame.

[0078] Status code field 804 stores information indicating whether Block Ack communication can begin. If Block Ack communication can begin, a value of "0" indicating success is stored in status code field 804.

[0079] Block Ack parameter set field 805 stores information such as supported A-MSDUs, Block Ack policies, TIDs, and buffer sizes. Details of this information are as described above. Block Ack timeout value field 806 stores information indicating the time from the start of Block Ack communication until a timeout occurs and the Block Ack communication ends if no frames are sent / received within a given time. GCR group address field 807 stores the value of the multicast (GCR) group address with retry for the Block Ack communication to be initiated. Multiband fields 808 and 809 each store information related to the frequency band to be used for multiband communication. TCLAS field 810 stores the service class. ADDBA extension field 811 stores ADDBA capability information, etc. The ADDBA capability information includes information indicating whether the Block Ack communication to be initiated supports the transmission of segmented MSDUs in MPDU transmission.

[0080] Note that the GCR group address field 807, multi-band fields 808 and 809, TCLAS field 810, and ADDBA extension field 811 are optional fields. Therefore, these fields may or may not be included in the ADDBA response frame.

[0081] Reference Figure 9 Here's an example illustrating the structure of the information elements (multi-band elements) in the multi-band field mentioned above. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the multi-band element includes multiple information subfields storing different types of information. The multi-band element is sent sequentially starting with the element ID subfield 901, which is the first information subfield. Note that the multi-band element can be sent after all subfields are generated, or the subfields can be generated and sent sequentially starting from the element ID subfield 901. The order of sending / receiving subfields is not limited to... Figure 9 The sending / receiving order is shown. That is, the order of the subfields may differ. Figure 9 The order shown. Additionally, any subfield can be deleted, and fields can be added between any two fields. Figure 9 Subfields not shown in the diagram. Note that... Figure 9 The values ​​of the subfields shown conform to conventional standards, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted. In this embodiment, frequency band information is included in the frequency band ID subfield 904, and then transmission / reception is performed.

[0082] As described above, each of the ADDBA request frame and ADDBA response frame includes two multi-band elements to include information about the frequency bands used for two links. If Block Ack communication is performed for three or more links, then each of the ADDBA request frame and ADDBA response frame can include a number of multi-band elements equal to the number of links. This allows Block Ack communication to be set up in multiple links established using one or more frequency bands.

[0083] refer to Figure 4 After performing Block Ack communication, for example, communication devices 102 and 103 may decide to terminate Block Ack communication in response to the completion of scheduled data transmission / reception (S407). Reference will now be made to... Figure 10 and Figure 11 This will explain the handling when Block Ack communication ends.

[0084] Figure 10 An example of a process performed by communication device 102 to terminate Block Ack communication with communication device 103 is shown. Figure 11 An example of a process executed by communication device 103 to terminate Block Ack communication with communication device 102 is shown. Each of communication devices 102 and 103 performs the process (described below) by, for example, reading a computer program stored in storage unit 201 into control unit 202 and executing that computer program. Note that... Figure 10 The processing shown can be performed by communication device 103, and Figure 11 The processing shown can be performed by the communication device 102.

[0085] If communication device 102 decides to terminate the Block Ack communication ("Yes" in step S1001), then communication device 102 begins the process of terminating the Block Ack communication (step S1002). For example, if there is no data to be sent in the Block Ack communication performed between communication devices 102 and 103 (the buffer is empty), then communication device 102 decides to terminate the Block Ack communication. In the termination process, communication device 102 generates a frame to request the termination of the Block Ack communication. This frame includes information indicating that the Block Ack communication to be terminated is to be terminated. That is, for example, if multiple instances of Block Ack communication are performed, the information indicating that the Block Ack communication to be terminated is included in the frame generated in step S1002. In this embodiment, communication device 102 generates an action frame including a DELBA frame as the frame to request the termination of the Block Ack communication. Then, communication device 102 sends the generated frame (S408, step S1003). Note that in this embodiment, the communication device 102 transmits a frame requesting the termination of Block Ack communication via a connection in the 2.4 GHz band. A frame requesting the termination of Block Ack communication can be transmitted in the same frequency band (frequency channel) where an ADDBA request frame was sent to initiate Block Ack communication. Note that the invention is not limited to this, and a frame requesting the termination of Block Ack communication can be transmitted in any of the frequency bands (frequency channels) where Block Ack communication is performed.

[0086] Communication device 103 determines whether a frame related to the end of a Block Ack has been received (step S1101). For example, communication device 103 determines whether an action frame including a DELBA frame has been received. If communication device 103 receives such an action frame, it determines that a frame related to the end of a Block Ack has been received. Note that in step S1101, communication device 103 may determine whether a DELBA frame including multi-band elements has been received. In this case, if a DELBA frame including multi-band elements is received, communication device 103 determines that it has received a frame related to the end of a Block Ack. During the period when no frame related to the end of a Block Ack has been received ("No" in step S1101), communication device 103 continues to monitor whether such a frame has been received. On the other hand, if such a frame is received ("Yes" in step S1101), communication device 103 analyzes the received frame (DELBA frame) (step S1102). Note that if the received DELBA frame includes multi-band elements, communication device 103 analyzes the multi-band elements. Communication device 103 uses this analysis to specify the requested termination of Block Ack communication. Then, communication device 103 sends an Ack to communication device 102 (S409, step S1103) and terminates the Block Ack communication (step S1104). Furthermore, communication device 102 receives an Ack from communication device 103 (step S1004) and terminates the Block Ack communication (step S1005).

[0087] Reference Figure 12 This example illustrates the structure of a DELBA frame, an element of the management frame in the IEEE 802.11be standard. For example... Figure 12 As shown, a DELBA frame includes multiple information fields storing different types of information. These fields are sent sequentially, starting with the category field 1201, which is the first information field. Note that all fields of a DELBA frame can be generated and then the DELBA frame can be sent, or each field can be generated and sent sequentially starting with the category field 1201. The order in which fields are sent / received is not limited to this. Figure 12 The order shown. That is to say, the order of the fields can be different. Figure 12 The order shown. Additionally, any field can be deleted, and fields can be added between any two fields. Figure 12 Fields not shown in the diagram. The following will explain. Figure 12 The information stored in each field shown.

[0088] Category field 1201 stores an identifier used to identify the frame category. In this embodiment, the identifier "3" indicating Block Ack related processing is stored in category field 1201. Block Ack action field 1202 stores an identifier used to identify the processing content in Block Ack. In this embodiment, the identifier "2" indicating a DELBA frame is stored in Block Ack action field 1202.

[0089] DELBA parameter set field 1203 stores information subfields such as the initiator and TID subfields. The initiator subfield stores an identifier identifying whether the AP or STA sent the DELBA frame. In this embodiment, since communication device 102 is used as an AP, the value of the initiator subfield is "1" corresponding to the AP. The TID subfield stores the value of the TID specified when establishing Block Ack communication. The reason code field 1204 stores an identifier identifying the reason for sending the DELBA frame. The DELBAGCR group address field 1205 stores the value of the GCR group address indicating the end of Block Ack communication. Multiband fields 1206 and 1207 each store information related to the frequency band to be used for multiband communication. Note that the multiband elements stored in the fields are as described above. Figure 9 The TCLAS field 1208 stores information indicating the service class. Note that the multi-band fields 1206 and 1207, as well as the TCLAS field 1208, are optional fields. Therefore, these fields may or may not be included in the DELBA frame.

[0090] In this embodiment, for example, a DELBA frame is transmitted in which information related to the 2.4 GHz band is stored in a multi-band field 1206, and information related to the 5 GHz band is stored in a multi-band field 1207. This indicates the end of Block Ack communication in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This is merely an example, and other structures can be used. For example, by omitting any multi-band field, the end of Block Ack communication in all bands of the established Block Ack communication can be indicated. For example, if a DELBA frame is transmitted in the 2.4 GHz band, the use of the 2.4 GHz band for Block Ack communication can be ended even if information related to the 2.4 GHz band is not stored in the DELBA frame. That is, a DELBA frame can be used to end the use of the following bands for Block Ack communication: the band in which the frame is transmitted but no information is included in the frame, and the band indicated by the information included in the multi-band field.

[0091] The example above illustrates the start and end of Block Ack communication in multi-band communication using both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. To start Block Ack communication, an ADDBA request / ADDBA response frame, each including two multi-band elements for the specified frequency band, is sent / received. To end Block Ack communication, a DELBA frame, including two multi-band elements for the specified frequency band, is sent / received. This applies to Block Ack communication using two frequency bands. This method can be applied to multi-band communication using more frequency bands. That is, for example, if three frequency bands are used, Block Ack communication can be started / ended in those bands by using three multi-band elements corresponding to those bands. Note that the multi-band elements can be extended to specify frequency channels in addition to the specified frequency band.

[0092] In Block Ack communication using three or more frequency bands, it is possible to perform a process of removing only a portion of the frequency bands from the Block Ack communication. An example of the process will be described in the case where communication devices 102 and 103 are performing Block Ack communication using three frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands) and removing one frequency band from the Block Ack communication. Figure 13 This illustrates an example of the process. Note the differences in processing within each device at the start of Block Ack communication. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The processes shown are the same, and the triggers used to begin the processes are also as described above. The details of these processes are identical, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0093] refer to Figure 13 The communication device 102 determines the frequency band to be used for Block Ack communication (S1301, step S501). It is assumed here that the communication device 102 decides to perform Block Ack communication in the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz frequency bands. Then, the communication device 102 determines the frequency band for transmitting information related to the determined frequency band to be used for Block Ack communication (step S502), and transmits information in the determined frequency band (S1302, step S503). Note that in... Figure 13 In the example shown, communication device 102 determines the 2.4 GHz band as the band for transmitting information related to the determined band to be used for Block Ack communication. Figure 4 The situation is similar; an ADDBA request frame can be used to notify information related to the determined frequency band to be used for Block Ack communication. For example, as shown... Figure 14As shown, communication device 102 can send an ADDBA request frame to communication device 103, which contains three multi-band fields 1401 to 1403 corresponding to the three frequency bands to be used. Note that the information stored in multi-band fields 1401 to 1403 is as described in reference [reference missing]. Figure 9 The above describes the method of using a single field to notify information about a frequency band. Aside from the difference in the number of fields across multiple frequency bands, Figure 14 The structure shown is similar to Figure 7 The structures shown are identical. Therefore, the same reference numerals denote the same fields, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0094] If communication device 103 successfully receives the ADDBA request frame sent by communication device 102 ("Yes" in step S601), then communication device 103 sends an acknowledgment (Ack) (S1303). Communication device 103 analyzes the content of the ADDBA request frame (step S602), and prepares and sends the ADDBA response frame by setting the content according to the analysis result. That is, communication device 103 determines whether it can start Block Ack communication in the frequency band that communication device 102 wants to use for Block Ack communication (step S603). Then, if it can start Block Ack communication in the notified frequency band ("Yes" in step S603), communication device 103 generates and sends the ADDBA response frame by setting "Success" in the status code (S1304, step S604). Note that the ADDBA response frame is in the frequency band where the ADDBA request frame was received (in... Figure 13 The example shown is transmitted in the 2.4 GHz band. Therefore, communication device 103 can initiate Block Ack communication (step S605). Note that, as Figure 15 As shown, the ADDBA response frame includes three multi-band fields 1501 to 1503 corresponding to the three frequency bands to be used. Note that the information stored in multi-band fields 1501 to 1503 is as described in the reference. Figure 9 The above describes the method of using a single field to notify information about a frequency band. Aside from the difference in the number of fields across multiple frequency bands, Figure 15 The structure shown is similar to Figure 8The structures shown are identical. Therefore, the same reference numerals denote the same fields, and their descriptions will be omitted. If communication device 102 receives an ADDBA response frame ("Yes" in step S504) and acknowledges that the status code is "Success" ("Yes" in step S505), then communication device 102 begins Block Ack communication (step S506). Note that in response to receiving the ADDBA response frame, communication device 102 may send an acknowledgment (Ack) (S1305). Then, the communication parameters to be used for Block Ack communication between communication devices 102 and 103 are confirmed (S1306).

[0095] On the other hand, the processing in the case where communication device 103 cannot start Block Ack communication in the notified frequency band ("No" in step S603) or where communication device 102 cannot receive the ADDBA response frame ("No" in step S504) is as described above. Note that if communication device 103 can perform Block Ack communication in some of the multiple frequency bands included in the ADDBA request, then communication device 103 can include information about the frequency bands available for Block Ack communication in the ADDBA response frame and send that frame. For example, suppose that the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz frequency bands are notified to communication device 103 via an ADDBA request frame as frequency bands to be used for Block Ack communication. In this case, communication device 103 can determine that it can perform Block Ack communication using the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, but cannot use the 6GHz frequency band. In this case, communication device 103 can send an ADDBA response frame to communication device 102 that includes two multi-band fields corresponding to the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. Communication device 102 can identify, via the ADDBA response frame, that only the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands are available for Block Ack communication, and initiate Block Ack communication using these frequency bands. Note that in Figure 13 In this context, communication devices 102 and 103 can perform Block Ack communication in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz frequency bands, and initiate Block Ack communication in these frequency bands.

[0096] Subsequently, communication devices 102 and 103 use the confirmed communication parameters to send / receive data via Block Ack communication. Figure 13 Examples of communication devices 102 and 103 using connections in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz frequency bands to send / receive data are shown (S1321 to S1323, S1331 to S1333 and S1341 and S1342).

[0097] Subsequently, communication devices 102 and 103 decided to terminate Block Ack communication in the 6GHz band while maintaining Block Ack communication in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands (S1307). (See reference...) Figure 16 and Figure 17 To illustrate the handling in this situation. Note that, Figure 16 and Figure 17 In the processing shown, with Figure 10 and Figure 11 The same treatments are indicated by the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0098] If communication device 102 decides to terminate Block Ack communication in the 6GHz band (Yes in step S1001), then communication device 102 generates a frame to request the termination of Block Ack communication and sends the frame (steps S1002, S1003, S1308). Communication device 102 in the band where, for example, an ADDBA request frame was sent ( Figure 13 In the 2.4 GHz band, an action frame including a DELBA frame is sent as a frame to request the termination of Block Ack communication. Figure 18 This shows an example of a DELBA frame at this time. A DELBA frame includes a multiband field 1801 corresponding to the frequency band where Block Ack communication is to be terminated. Except for including only one multiband field, the frame structure is similar to... Figure 12 The structure is the same as in [the previous text]. [And] Figure 12 The same reference numerals in the figures indicate the same fields, and their descriptions will be omitted. Figure 18 The multi-band field 1801 shown includes information about the frequency band from which Block Ack communication is to be terminated. In this case, the multi-band field 1801 stores information related to the 6 GHz frequency band.

[0099] Based on whether, for example, an action frame including a DELBA frame is received, communication device 103 determines whether a frame related to the end of Block Ack is received (step S1101). If communication device 103 receives such a frame (yes in step S1101), communication device 103 analyzes the received frame (DELBA frame) (step S1102). Through this analysis, communication device 103 specifies a request to end Block Ack communication in the 6GHz band. Then, communication device 103 sends an Ack to communication device 102 (S1309, step S1103) and ends Block Ack communication in the 6GHz band. On the other hand, since communication device 103 continues Block Ack communication in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands (no in step S1701), communication device 103 monitors the reception of another action frame including a DELBA frame (step S1101). Communication device 102 receives Ack from communication device 103 (step S1004) and terminates Block Ack communication in the 6GHz band. On the other hand, since communication device 102 continues Block Ack communication in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands ("No" in step S1601), communication device 102 continues to monitor whether at least a portion of the Block Ack communication has terminated (step S1001).

[0100] Afterwards, communication devices 102 and 103 can continue Block Ack communication in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands (S1324 to S1326 and S1334 to S1336), and then decide to terminate Block Ack communication (S1310). The processing in this case (S1311 and S1312) is the same as... Figure 4 The processes in S408 and S409 are the same. Communication device 102 performs the process of ending Block Ack communication in all frequency bands through this process ("Yes" in step S1601), and then ends Block Ack communication (step S1005). Communication device 103 performs the process of ending Block Ack communication in all frequency bands through this process ("Yes" in step S1701), and then ends Block Ack communication (step S1104).

[0101] Note that the example above illustrates the handling of situations where Block Ack communication is stopped in a portion of the frequency band where it is already in progress. This method can also be applied to situations where communication in another frequency band is the object of Block Ack communication during its execution. In this case, a multi-band field is set in each of the ADDBA request and response frames to store information about the frequency band to be added. That is, another frequency band can be added to Block Ack communication by sending / receiving ADDBA request and response frames during its execution. Note that if the content of the ongoing Block Ack communication is changed to continue it, frames different from the ADDBA request / response frames and DELBA frames can be used.

[0102] As described above, in multi-band communication using multiple frequency bands, the start / end of Block Ack communication can be flexibly achieved by using individual frequency bands. That is, the ADDBA request frame and ADDBA response frame can be used to determine which frequency band among the multiple frequency bands to use for Block Ack communication. For example, in the ADDBA request frame, the frequency band requested for Block Ack communication is specified by two or more multi-band fields, each including information related to two or more frequency bands. Then, for example, in the ADDBA response frame, which of the specified frequency bands can be indicated by at least one multi-band field including information related to that frequency band. In the DELBA frame, in addition to ending Block Ack communication in all frequency bands, it is also possible to end Block Ack communication only in some frequency bands. For example, if Block Ack communication is performed in four frequency bands and then ends in two frequency bands, the DELBA frame includes two multi-band fields. Note that instead of individual frequency bands, the start / end of Block Ack communication can be indicated for each radio link / frequency channel. In this case, a multi-band field can be used, or another field can be used. According to this embodiment, in control communication when using multiple links for overall control communication, the links to be used can be flexibly set and changed.

[0103] Note that the above embodiments illustrate the process of starting / ending Block Ack communication, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, if control communication other than Block Ack communication in two or more frequency bands (multiple radio links) is feasible, the above process applies to the process of starting / ending that control. That is, the ADDBA and DELBA frames described above can be used to specify which frequency channel among the multiple frequency channels corresponding to the multiple radio links should be controlled and which frequency channel should not be controlled.

[0104] Note that in the above embodiments, communication devices 102 and 103 perform multi-band communication by establishing connections conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard series. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, communication devices 102 and 103 can perform multi-band communication by establishing multiple connections conforming to communication standards different from the IEEE 802.11 standard series using different frequency channels (bands). In this case, as described above, Block Ack communication in multi-band communication can be started and terminated.

[0105] Note that the processes described above to be executed by communication devices 102 and 103 can be executed, for example, when the control unit 202 of each device executes the program stored in the storage unit 201, but at least part or all of each process can be implemented in hardware. For example, each process can be implemented in hardware by generating dedicated circuits on an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) from a computer program used to implement each process step using a predetermined compiler. Similar to the case of using an FPGA, each process can be implemented in hardware by forming a gate array circuit. Each process can be implemented by an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0106] This invention can be implemented by providing a program for implementing one or more functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and causing one or more processors in the computer of the system or device to read and execute the program. This invention can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) for implementing one or more functions.

[0107] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of this invention. Therefore, the appended claims have been added to inform the public of the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A communication device, comprising a communication unit configured to establish multiple links, including a first link and a second link, with other communication devices, wherein, The first link uses a first channel included in a first frequency band, and the second link uses a second channel included in a second frequency band, wherein the second link using the second channel is established with the other communication devices by transmitting associated frames conforming to the IEEE 802.11be standard on the first channel. When the communication device performs a Block Ack process on the multiple links, binding multiple acknowledgments of data packets with a first TID specified on the multiple links, the communication unit responds to receiving a DELBA frame from the other communication device and via one of the multiple links to terminate the Block Ack process, thereby terminating the Block Ack process of the data packets specifying the first TID executed on the multiple links. The DELBA frame includes information indicating the first TID but does not include a multi-band field.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The DELBA frame conforms to the IEEE 802.11 standard series to end the Block Ack process.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, When the received DELBA frame includes two multiband fields, each storing information related to a frequency channel, the communication unit updates the operation strategy of the Block Ack procedure so that the Block Ack procedure is not applied to communication of data packets in the two links corresponding to the two frequency channels specified by the two multiband fields.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, Information relating to the frequency channel used to transmit the frame is not stored in the multiband field even if the use of that frequency channel ends during the Block Ack process.

5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, If the use of all frequency channels used in the Block Ack process has not ended, and the Block Ack process continues using the remaining frequency channels, information related to the frequency channels to be used is not stored in the field.

6. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The communication unit performs communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11be standard.

7. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The communication unit establishes the multiple links and performs multi-link communication with the other communication devices.

8. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The communication unit is capable of establishing a third link and a fourth link with the other communication devices on the same frequency band, and When the communication device performs a Block Ack process on the third and fourth links, binding data packets on the third and fourth links that specify the first TID, the communication unit controls the termination of the Block Ack process on the third and fourth links, in response to receiving a DELBA frame from the other communication device and via one of the multiple links, which includes information indicating the first TID but excluding a multi-band field, to end the Block Ack process.

9. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The Block Ack process is performed during the time period initiated by the ADDBA frame exchange and terminated by the DELBA frame exchange.

10. A control method executed by a communication device, the communication device being used to establish multiple links, including a first link and a second link, with other communication devices, wherein, The control method includes using a first channel included in a first frequency band on the first link and using a second channel included in a second frequency band on the second link, wherein the second link using the second channel is established with the other communication device by transmitting an association frame conforming to the IEEE 802.11be standard on the first channel, the control method comprising: When a Block Ack process with multiple acknowledgments binding a data packet having a first TID specified on the multiple links is performed on the multiple links, in response to receiving a DELBA frame from the other communication device and via one of the multiple links to terminate the Block Ack process, the Block Ack process with the first TID specified on the multiple links is terminated, the DELBA frame including information indicating the first TID but excluding a multi-band field.

11. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method of claim 10.

12. A computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method of claim 10.

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